Ring main unit with observation window for visualizing knife switch

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a ring network cabinet with an observation window for visualizing knife switches, and belongs to the field of power grid equipment.The ring network cabinet with the observation window for visualizing knife switches comprises a gas tank, and the ring network cabinet with the observation window for visualizing knife switches comprises: the gas tank, the gas tank comprising a tank body, the inside of the tank body comprising knife switches; an observation window assembly, the observation window assembly comprising a support assembly and a lens assembly, the lens assembly being installed inside the support assembly, the lens of the lens assembly facing the knife switches, and the support assembly being in sealed connection with the tank body through a high-dielectric sealing ring.The support assembly can be in sealed connection with the tank body through the high-dielectric sealing ring, the state of the knife switches in the ring network cabinet can be directly observed through the lens assembly installed in the support assembly under the condition that the tank body is sealed, and the probability of safety accidents caused by misjudgment of the state of the knife switches due to indirect observation of the state of the knife switches is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of power grid equipment, and in particular relates to ring main units with observation windows that allow visibility of disconnect switches. Background Technology

[0002] Existing ring main units (RNBs) are mainly used for controlling the switching of circuits. A RNB consists of a gas chamber, circuit breakers (shunt switches), and disconnectors. The circuit breakers (shunt switches) have arc-extinguishing capabilities, safely disconnecting or connecting load current. Disconnectors are primarily used for power isolation and do not have arc-extinguishing functions. During normal operation, and during maintenance or repair of the RNB, the current is cut off by the circuit breaker, and then the disconnectors are used to isolate the power supply. However, if the disconnectors (shunt switches) are used for load operation without the circuit breaker cutting off the current, a large number of electric arcs will be generated, damaging the disconnectors themselves and affecting the control of the RNB circuit's on / off state. Therefore, to reduce the occurrence of arc damage to disconnectors, existing technology typically adds SF6 gas to the gas chamber of the RNB. The main function of SF6 gas is to provide reliable insulation and arc-extinguishing performance.

[0003] However, due to the presence of SF6 gas in the gas chamber, long-term inhalation of SF6 can lead to brain hypoxia and harm human health. Existing ring main units (RNBs) employ a completely enclosed design to minimize SF6 leakage, making it impossible to directly observe the disconnectors inside. When operators perform RNB maintenance or repairs without direct observation of the disconnectors, they cannot accurately determine their open or closed status, posing a safety hazard by performing maintenance or repairs while the disconnectors are closed. In summary, operators cannot accurately determine the open or closed status of the disconnectors, increasing the risk of misjudgment and potential safety accidents. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a ring main unit with an observation window for viewing the disconnect switch. It can be sealed to the enclosure through a high-dielectric sealing ring. With the enclosure sealed, the status of the disconnect switch inside the ring main unit can be directly observed through a lens assembly installed on the support assembly, thereby reducing the probability of safety accidents caused by misjudgment of the disconnect switch status due to indirect observation.

[0005] Firstly, this application proposes a ring main unit with an observation window for viewing the knife switch, comprising: The air box includes a box body, and the box body contains a knife switch; An observation window assembly includes a support assembly and a lens assembly. The lens assembly is installed inside the support assembly, with its lens facing the knife switch. The support assembly is sealed to the housing via a high-dielectric sealing ring.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the first aspect of this utility model, the support assembly is provided with a mounting hole, the mounting hole is provided with a first mounting groove, the outer wall of the lens assembly is provided with a snap-fit ​​ring, the radius of the snap-fit ​​ring is larger than the radius of the mounting hole, the snap-fit ​​ring matches the first mounting groove, and the lens assembly is connected to the support assembly through the snap-fit ​​between the snap-fit ​​ring and the first mounting groove.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the lens assembly further includes a locking block, and the mounting hole of the support assembly has a second mounting groove at one end away from the first mounting groove. The second mounting groove matches the locking block, and the lens assembly is connected to the support assembly through the locking block and the second mounting groove. The support assembly has a third mounting groove on the side near the housing that matches the high dielectric sealing ring.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the first aspect of this utility model, the support assembly is connected to the housing via a threaded connector.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the first aspect of this utility model, the lens of the observation window assembly is made of a light-transmitting insulating material with a light transmittance greater than 97%, and the support assembly is made of a dielectric insulating material.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the first aspect of this utility model, the lens surface is provided with an anti-fog coating.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the observation window assembly is provided with at least a first expansion interface and a second expansion interface, the first expansion interface being connected to an infrared thermometer and the second expansion interface being connected to a camera device.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the first aspect of this utility model, the surface of the observation window assembly is provided with a normally open micro switch with power failure protection function, and the ring main unit with the knife switch observation window further includes: A protective plate is provided on the side of the housing where the observation window assembly is installed. The protective plate covers the observation window assembly. A trigger rod is fixedly connected to the bottom of the protective plate. The trigger rod and the normally open micro switch can abut against each other or move away from each other. When the trigger rod abuts against the normally open micro switch, the protective plate covers the surface of the observation window assembly. When the trigger rod moves away from the normally open micro switch, the protective plate moves away from the surface of the observation window assembly.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the first aspect of this utility model, the ring main unit with the observation window visible to the knife switch further includes: The lighting assembly includes a photosensitive device and a lighting device, the lighting device being disposed in the housing, and the lighting device and the photosensitive device being electrically connected.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the first aspect of this utility model, the knife switch includes an operating link and a locking mechanism, and the operating link and the locking mechanism are provided with fluorescent markings.

[0015] The ring main unit with an observation window for viewing the disconnect switch according to the first aspect of this application has at least the following beneficial effects: A gas box, comprising a housing, the housing containing a disconnect switch; and an observation window assembly, comprising a support assembly and a lens assembly, the lens assembly being installed inside the support assembly with its lens facing the disconnect switch, and the support assembly being sealed to the housing via a high-dielectric sealing ring. The support assembly according to this application can be sealed to the housing via the high-dielectric sealing ring, allowing operators to directly observe the status of the disconnect switch inside the ring main unit through the lens assembly installed on the support assembly while the housing is sealed, reducing the probability of safety accidents caused by misjudgment of the disconnect switch status due to indirect observation.

[0016] Other features and advantages of this application will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the application. The objectives and other advantages of this application may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a ring main unit structure with an observation window that allows visibility of the knife switch is provided for this application. Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of the observation window component structure according to an embodiment; Figure 3 A front view of an embodiment of the observation window component is provided for this application; Figure 4 A side view of an observation window component according to an embodiment of this application is provided; Figure 5 An oblique view of an observation window component according to an embodiment of this application is provided.

[0018] Figure label: The observation window assembly 100, the support assembly 110, the first mounting slot 111, the second mounting slot 112, the lens assembly 120, the lens 121, the snap ring 122, and the locking block 123 are included. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0020] It should be noted that the terms "length", "width", "height", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "head", and "tail" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0021] It should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "installation," "connection," "attachment," "fixing," and "setting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0022] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. Additionally, "multiple" and "several" mean two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0023] Existing ring main units (RNBs) are mainly used for controlling the switching of circuits. A RNB consists of a gas chamber, circuit breakers (shunt switches), and disconnectors. The circuit breakers (shunt switches) have arc-extinguishing capabilities, safely disconnecting or connecting load current. Disconnectors are primarily used for power isolation and do not have arc-extinguishing functions. During normal operation, and during maintenance or repair of the RNB, the current is cut off by the circuit breaker, and then the disconnectors are used to isolate the power supply. However, if the disconnectors (shunt switches) are used for load operation without the circuit breaker cutting off the current, a large number of electric arcs will be generated, damaging the disconnectors themselves and affecting the control of the RNB circuit's on / off state. Therefore, to reduce the occurrence of arc damage to disconnectors, existing technology typically adds SF6 gas to the gas chamber of the RNB. The main function of SF6 gas is to provide reliable insulation and arc-extinguishing performance.

[0024] However, due to the presence of SF6 gas in the gas chamber, long-term inhalation of SF6 can lead to brain hypoxia and harm human health. Existing ring main units (RNBs) employ a completely enclosed design to minimize SF6 leakage, making it impossible to directly observe the disconnectors inside. When operators perform RNB maintenance or repairs without direct observation of the disconnectors, they cannot accurately determine their open or closed status, posing a safety hazard by performing maintenance or repairs while the disconnectors are closed. In summary, operators cannot accurately determine the open or closed status of the disconnectors, increasing the risk of misjudgment and potential safety accidents.

[0025] Based on this, a ring main unit with an observation window for viewing the knife switch, according to an embodiment of this application, includes: The air box includes a box body, and the box body contains a knife switch; The observation window assembly includes a support assembly and a lens assembly. The lens assembly is installed inside the support assembly, and the lens of the lens assembly faces the switch. The support assembly is sealed to the housing through a high-dielectric sealing ring.

[0026] Therefore, refer to Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the ring main unit with a viewing window for the disconnect switch in this embodiment includes an air box, which includes a housing, and the housing contains a disconnect switch. The viewing window assembly 100 includes a support assembly 110 and a lens assembly 120. The lens assembly 120 is installed inside the support assembly 110, with its lens 121 facing the disconnect switch. The support assembly 110 is sealed to the housing via a high-dielectric sealing ring. According to the technical solution of this application, the support assembly 110 can be sealed to the housing via the high-dielectric sealing ring. With the housing sealed, operators can directly observe the status of the disconnect switch inside the ring main unit through the lens assembly 120 installed on the support assembly 110, reducing the probability of safety accidents caused by misjudgment of the disconnect switch status due to indirect observation.

[0027] It is understood that the disconnect switch in this embodiment is an isolating switch inside the gas box of the ring main unit, used to isolate the power supply of the ring main unit during maintenance and inspection, ensuring that the ring main unit is not energized during maintenance and inspection. Specifically, the disconnect switch may include stationary contacts and moving contacts, which are the main conductive components of the disconnect switch. When the disconnect switch is closed, the moving contact is in close contact with the stationary contact, forming a conductive path; when the disconnect switch is open, the moving contact separates from the stationary contact, cutting off the circuit to isolate the power supply of the ring main unit.

[0028] Because the gas chamber contains SF6 gas, inhalation of SF6 gas can cause brain hypoxia and harm human health. Existing ring main units employ a completely sealed design. The ring main unit primarily relies on external mechanical indicators, feedback from the operating handle, or auxiliary switch signals to indirectly determine the open / closed status of the disconnectors. However, mechanical indicators can become inaccurate over time, the resistance of the operating handle is easily affected by factors such as disconnector wear and lubrication, and auxiliary switch signals may cause misjudgments due to poor contact or signal transmission delays. Therefore, in this embodiment, the support assembly 110 is sealed to the chamber via a high-dielectric sealing ring. Utilizing the high sealing performance and excellent insulation properties of the high-dielectric sealing ring, while ensuring the airtightness and insulation of the gas chamber, operators can directly observe the disconnector status inside the ring main unit through the lens assembly 120 installed on the support assembly 110. This reduces the probability of safety accidents caused by misjudgments of the disconnector status due to indirect observation.

[0029] In other embodiments, during long-term use, the stationary and moving contacts of the disconnect switch may experience wear and oxidation. This wear and oxidation can lead to poor contact, affecting the disconnect switch's power isolation function. Existing ring main units determine the disconnect switch's open / closed status indirectly, and cannot directly obtain information such as the wear and oxidation status of the stationary and moving contacts. This poses a risk of safety accidents such as arcing, short circuits, and equipment damage due to operator misjudgment. This embodiment of the application directly observes the wear and oxidation status of the stationary and moving contacts of the disconnect switch inside the ring main unit through a lens assembly 120 installed in the support assembly 110. This reduces the probability of safety accidents caused by misjudgment of the disconnect switch's status due to indirect observation.

[0030] In some embodiments, the support assembly is provided with a mounting hole, the mounting hole has a first mounting groove, and the outer wall of the lens assembly is provided with a snap-fit ​​ring. The radius of the snap-fit ​​ring is larger than the radius of the mounting hole, and the snap-fit ​​ring matches the first mounting groove. The lens assembly is connected to the support assembly through the snap-fit ​​between the snap-fit ​​ring and the first mounting groove.

[0031] Therefore, refer to Figure 2As shown, the edge shape of the snap ring 122 of the lens assembly 120 is consistent with the shape of the first mounting groove 111 inside the mounting hole of the support assembly 110 (for example, the edge shape of the snap ring 122 and the shape matching the first mounting groove 111 are rounded rectangles, right rectangles, circles, ellipses, squares, etc.), and the thickness of the first mounting groove 111 is equal to the thickness of the snap ring 122. When the snap ring 122 of the lens assembly 120 is fitted into the first mounting groove 111 of the mounting hole of the support assembly 110, the lens assembly 120 is fixedly and securely placed in the first mounting groove 111 of the mounting hole of the support assembly 110. This embodiment of the application enables the lens assembly 120 to be connected to the support assembly 110 through the snap-fit ​​between the snap ring 122 and the first mounting groove 111, thereby achieving a tight connection between the lens assembly 120 and the support assembly 110.

[0032] In some embodiments, the lens assembly further includes a locking block, and the mounting hole of the support assembly has a second mounting groove at the end away from the first mounting groove. The second mounting groove matches the locking block, and the lens assembly is connected to the support assembly through the locking block and the second mounting groove. The support assembly has a third mounting groove on the side near the housing that matches the high dielectric sealing ring.

[0033] In some embodiments, the support assembly is connected to the housing via a threaded connection.

[0034] Understandably, multiple studs are welded to the opposite positions of the housing and the support assembly, and the support assembly is provided with through holes that match the number of studs. The support assembly is fixed to the housing by threaded connection.

[0035] The lens of the observation window assembly is made of a light-transmitting insulating material with a light transmittance greater than 97%, and the support assembly is made of a dielectric insulating material.

[0036] Understandably, the lens can be made of insulating materials such as optical glass with a light transmittance of more than 97%, polymethyl methacrylate board, or polycarbonate composite board, so that the status of the switch can be clearly observed while ensuring the insulation performance of the enclosure.

[0037] Understandably, when a disconnector (isolating switch) is used under load without interrupting the current, it will generate a large amount of electric arc, causing the enclosure to become energized. In some embodiments, the lens can be made of an insulating material with a transmittance greater than 97%, allowing the status of the disconnector to be clearly observed while ensuring the insulation performance of the enclosure. Specifically, the lens can be made of insulating materials such as optical glass with a transmittance greater than 97%, polymethyl methacrylate board, or polycarbonate composite board. In other embodiments, the support assembly is made of a dielectric insulating material, utilizing the good insulation properties of the dielectric insulating material to improve the insulation of the enclosure. Specifically, the support assembly can be made of materials such as silicone rubber, alumina ceramic, or polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0038] In some embodiments, the lens surface is provided with an anti-fog coating.

[0039] Understandably, when temperatures change abruptly, water vapor in the air will condense on the lens surface, forming fog and affecting the lens's light transmittance, thus reducing the accuracy of observing the switch status through the lens. This embodiment of the application reduces the probability of fogging by providing an anti-fog coating on the lens surface, thereby improving the accuracy of observing the switch status through the lens. Specifically, the anti-fog coating on the lens surface can be a hydrophilic polyurethane acrylate anti-fog coating, a nano-silica anti-fog coating, a titanium dioxide anti-fog coating, or other similar anti-fog coatings.

[0040] In some embodiments, the observation window assembly is provided with at least a first expansion interface and a second expansion interface, the first expansion interface being connected to an infrared thermometer and the second expansion interface being connected to a camera device.

[0041] This application embodiment sets up an expansion interface, which is connected to a smart device. The smart device collects the operating data of the ring main unit and uses data analysis algorithms to process and analyze the data in real time, thereby meeting the needs for real-time monitoring of the ring main unit status and early warning of faults, so as to improve operational safety and the convenience of intelligent operation and maintenance.

[0042] In some embodiments, the temperature rise of the switch contacts is monitored in real time by an infrared thermometer and a camera device, or the images are transmitted to the monitoring system. The sensor data and the visualization through the observation window form a dual verification, realizing intelligent operation and maintenance.

[0043] In some embodiments, the surface of the observation window assembly is provided with a normally open micro switch with power failure protection function, and the ring main unit with the knife switch observation window further includes: A protective plate is located on the side of the housing where the observation window assembly is installed. The protective plate covers the observation window assembly. A trigger rod is fixedly connected to the bottom of the protective plate. The trigger rod and the normally open micro switch can abut against each other or move away from each other. When the trigger rod abuts against the normally open micro switch, the protective plate covers the surface of the observation window assembly. When the trigger rod moves away from the normally open micro switch, the protective plate moves away from the surface of the observation window assembly.

[0044] In some embodiments, the normally open micro switch is in an open circuit state when no external force is applied, meaning that the switch contacts remain separated and do not make contact without external force. The normally open micro switch only closes its contacts when external force is applied, thus activating the power-off protection of the circuit.

[0045] It is understood that in this embodiment of the application, the protective plate and the normally open micro switch are connected by a trigger rod. When the protective plate is opened, the trigger rod is pushed against the normally open micro switch, so that the contacts of the normally open micro switch are in a closed state, thereby realizing the power-off protection when the protective plate of the ring main unit is opened; when the protective plate is closed, the trigger rod moves away from the normally open micro switch, so that the contacts of the normally open micro switch are in an open state, thereby realizing the normal power supply and operation of the ring main unit when the protective plate is closed.

[0046] In some embodiments, the ring main unit with a viewing window visible from the switch further includes: The lighting assembly includes a photosensitive device and a lighting device, which is housed in a housing and electrically connected to the photosensitive device.

[0047] Understandably, when the photosensitive device detects that the ambient light is below a preset visibility threshold, it triggers the lighting device inside the enclosure to emit visible light, which shines on objects such as knife switches. The light reflected from the objects inside the enclosure passes through the lens of the lens assembly and forms a clear image outside the lens. The operator can then directly observe the status of the knife switch through the lens.

[0048] In some embodiments, the knife switch includes an operating link and a locking mechanism, and the operating link and the locking mechanism are provided with fluorescent markings.

[0049] It is understood that the embodiments of this application provide fluorescent markings on the structure of the operating link and locking link of the knife switch. The fluorescent markings can emit light in low light conditions, so that the operator can observe the status of the operating link and locking structure in low light conditions.

[0050] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit any improvement of the method, and the functions that the device or apparatus can achieve are only based on the hardware architecture of the device or apparatus itself.

[0051] It should also be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A ring main unit with an observation window visible through a knife switch, characterized in that, include: The air box includes a box body, and the box body contains a knife switch; An observation window assembly includes a support assembly and a lens assembly. The lens assembly is installed inside the support assembly, with its lens facing the knife switch. The support assembly is sealed to the housing via a high-dielectric sealing ring.

2. The ring main unit with an observation window visible to the knife switch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The support assembly is provided with a mounting hole, and a first mounting groove is provided inside the mounting hole. A snap-fit ​​ring is provided on the outer wall of the lens assembly. The radius of the snap-fit ​​ring is larger than the radius of the mounting hole. The snap-fit ​​ring matches the first mounting groove. The lens assembly is connected to the support assembly through the snap-fit ​​between the snap-fit ​​ring and the first mounting groove.

3. The ring main unit with an observation window for viewing the knife switch as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The lens assembly further includes a locking block. Inside the mounting hole of the support assembly, a second mounting groove is provided at the end away from the first mounting groove. The second mounting groove matches the locking block. The lens assembly is connected to the support assembly through the locking block and the second mounting groove. The support assembly has a third mounting groove on the side near the housing that matches the high dielectric sealing ring.

4. The ring main unit with an observation window for viewing the knife switch as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The support assembly is connected to the housing via a threaded connector.

5. The ring main unit with an observation window for viewing the knife switch as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The lens of the observation window assembly is made of a light-transmitting insulating material with a light transmittance greater than 97%, and the support assembly is made of a dielectric insulating material.

6. The ring main unit with an observation window for viewing the knife switch as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The lens surface is provided with an anti-fog coating.

7. The ring main unit with an observation window for viewing the knife switch as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The observation window assembly is provided with at least a first expansion interface and a second expansion interface. The first expansion interface is connected to an infrared thermometer, and the second expansion interface is connected to a camera device.

8. The ring main unit with an observation window visible to the knife switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the observation window assembly is provided with a normally open micro switch with power failure protection function, and the ring main unit with the knife switch observation window also includes: A protective plate is provided on the side of the housing where the observation window assembly is installed. The protective plate covers the observation window assembly. A trigger rod is fixedly connected to the bottom of the protective plate. The trigger rod and the normally open micro switch can abut against each other or move away from each other. When the trigger rod abuts against the normally open micro switch, the protective plate covers the surface of the observation window assembly. When the trigger rod moves away from the normally open micro switch, the protective plate moves away from the surface of the observation window assembly.

9. The ring main unit with an observation window visible to the knife switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The lighting assembly includes a photosensitive device and a lighting device, the lighting device being disposed in the housing, and the lighting device and the photosensitive device being electrically connected.

10. The ring main unit with an observation window visible to the knife switch according to claim 9, characterized in that, The knife switch includes an operating linkage and a locking mechanism, and the operating linkage and the locking mechanism are equipped with fluorescent markings.

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