DEVICE FOR MOBILIZING A DISCONNECTING SWITCH OF A TRANSFORMER STATION OF A POWER NETWORK

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for immobilizing a disconnect switch in an electrical substation of an electrical transmission and / or distribution network.

[0002] A disconnect switch is an electromechanical device that mechanically separates an electrical circuit from its power supply, while physically ensuring a satisfactory electrical isolation distance. Its purpose is, in particular, to ensure the safety of personnel working on the isolated section of the electrical network when the disconnect switch is open, or to temporarily isolate a malfunctioning section of the network to allow access to the remaining sections. In practice, when the disconnect switch is in the closed position, current flows and electricity transmission is maintained; when the disconnect switch is in the open position with the agreed-upon isolation distance, safety is ensured for work on the isolated section of the network.

[0003] The disconnect switch must be able to be immobilized, particularly in the open position, to meet current safety standards.

[0004] The invention applies more particularly to a disconnector immobilization device comprising a main retaining body and means for immobilizing the disconnector.

[0005] A first device of this type is, for example, presented in patent document WO 2010 / 089781 A1. It takes the form of a complex electromechanical mechanism surrounding a rotating drive shaft of the disconnector. It cannot be easily installed or removed and affects the very structure of the disconnector.

[0006] A second device of this type is, for example, described in patent document WO 2018 / 032304 A1. It takes the form of a mechanism for the gradual opening and closing of the gear disconnector. It is much simpler than the previous one, purely mechanical, but not very safe. Furthermore, it cannot simply be installed or removed and affects the structure of the disconnector.

[0007] Furthermore, in both cases, it is clear that the disconnector's immobilizing device is located close to the disconnector, specifically at the base of the disconnector pole.

[0008] There are also pin-type locking devices, again simple but designed to be placed near and at the base of the poles of the disconnectors.

[0009] However, these immobilization points near the disconnectors are often located in high-voltage areas, sometimes also at height and accessible only by ladder. It then becomes necessary to electrically isolate a whole section of the electrical substation around the disconnector in order to be able to perform the disconnection.

[0010] Patent document EP 2 347 471 A1 further describes a device designed to ensure the grounding of electrical conductors which ensures retention by clamping clips / vises.

[0011] It may therefore be desirable to provide a disconnector immobilization device which makes it possible to overcome at least some of the aforementioned problems and constraints.

[0012] A device for immobilizing a disconnect switch in an electrical substation of an electrical network is therefore proposed, comprising a main retaining body and means for immobilizing the disconnect switch, characterized in that the immobilizing means are as defined in the claims and comprise: a first anchoring clamp of the main retaining body on a supporting frame of the disconnector, fixed to the main retaining body; and a second clamp for immobilizing a rotating drive shaft of the disconnector, fixed to the main retaining body.

[0013] Thus, by taking advantage of the fact that any rotating drive shaft of a disconnect switch, used to open or close it, can extend at a distance from the switch itself, particularly downwards and outside any sensitive area requiring the de-energization of nearby substation components, a very simple device is proposed. This device is easy to install and remove, as it operates using clamps on the supporting structure and the disconnect switch's drive shaft. It does not affect the structure of the disconnect switch or its drive shaft and allows for the immobilization point to be relocated. This allows the disconnect switch to be immobilized in the open position, to secure any work on the section of the network thus locked out, or in the closed position, to prevent any accidental power outages in the substation.

[0014] Optionally, an immobilization device according to the invention may include an intermediate attachment element for the second immobilization clamp to the main holding body, this intermediate attachment element comprising: a fixing base, in particular by bolting, against a supporting arm of the second clamp; two side walls extending in U-shaped branches from the fixing base; a cylindrical pulley mounted freely to rotate between the two side walls; and means of fixing, in particular by bolting, the main retaining body to the cylindrical pulley.

[0015] Optionally, the second immobilization clamp also includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw with adjustable clamping mounted as a slide in an arm supporting the fixed jaw.

[0016] Optionally, the sliding part of the movable jaw is mounted in a helical sliding connection around a threaded rod internal to the support arm of the fixed jaw and with a free end that can be rotated by a crank.

[0017] Optionally, an immobilization device according to the invention may also include: a crank with a free-driving sleeve cooperating with the free end of the threaded rod internal to the support arm of the fixed jaw to drive it in rotation; and a replacement crank cap provided with means to hinder access to the threaded rod to prevent it from being driven in rotation.

[0018] Optionally, the crank with free drive sleeve, or a fixing pin of the crank with free drive sleeve to the free end of the internal threaded rod to the support arm of the fixed jaw, and the replacement cap are mechanically connected, using cords, to the support arm of the fixed jaw of the second clamp or, where applicable, to the intermediate fixing member.

[0019] Also optional: The replacement cap includes a first perforated plate extending in a plane orthogonal to the axis of the internal threaded rod of the fixed jaw support arm when the cap is arranged in place of the crank with free drive sleeve; the fixed jaw support arm includes a second perforated plate extending in a plane orthogonal to its internal threaded rod axis; and the immobilizing device further includes a fastening element, in particular a padlock, cooperating with the holes in the first and second perforated plates.

[0020] Optionally, the main retaining body also includes a threaded rod fixed by screwing and using at least one nut to the second immobilizing clamp.

[0021] Optionally, the first anchor clamp also takes the form of an earth vise mounted on a cylindrical tube arranged in a sliding pivot joint around the main holding body.

[0022] Optionally, the cylindrical tube on which the earth vise is mounted can also be secured by nuts on the threaded rod.

[0023] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: there figure 1 schematically represents, in front view, the general structure of a locking device for an electrical substation disconnector, according to one embodiment of the invention, the figure 2 partially illustrates the device of the figure 1 in a first clamping configuration, the figure 3 partially illustrates the device of the figure 1 in a second immobilization configuration, the figure 4 schematically represents, in a cut-off front view, the general structure of an electrical substation disconnect switch with its supporting frame, as immobilized in the open position by the device of the figure 1 , there figure 5 schematically represents the disconnector and the load-bearing frame of the figure 4 , according to a side view A shown on the figure 4 , there figure 6 illustrates the successive steps of a process for opening and locking an electrical substation disconnect switch using the device of the figure 1 .

[0024] The immobilization device 10 is shown schematically in front view on the figure 1 includes a main retaining body 12, for example, in the form of a simple threaded rod at the ends of which are provided means for immobilizing an electrical substation disconnector (not illustrated) in the open or closed position.

[0025] These immobilization methods include: a first clamp 14 for anchoring the main retaining body 12 on a frame 16 supporting the disconnector and advantageously electrically connected to the earthly potential reference, this first clamp 14 being fixed to the main retaining body 12, for example disposed at a first end 12A of this main retaining body 12, and a second clamp 18 for immobilizing in rotation a shaft 20 for rotating the disconnector, this second clamp 18 also being fixed to the main retaining body 12, for example disposed at a second end 12B of this main retaining body 12.

[0026] The function of shaft 20 is to drive the disconnector in rotation to open or close it.

[0027] The first anchoring clamp 14 is mounted on a cylindrical tube 22 arranged in a sliding pivot joint around the main retaining body 12, particularly at its first end 12A, as indicated respectively by the two arrows F1 and F2 on the figure 1 When the main retaining body 12 is a simple threaded rod, the cylindrical tube 22 can be immobilized against rotation and translation on this rod by means of nuts 24 at its ends. This allows for the adjustment, in translation and rotation, of the positioning of the first clamp 14 on the frame 16.

[0028] In practice, the first clamp 14 can be bolted to the cylindrical tube 22. It can take the simple form of an earth clamp, i.e. an electrical earthing clamp with a U-shaped upright 26 in which a stop 28 can be moved in translation between the two arms of the U by means of a threaded rod 30 manipulated by a crank 32 and itself mounted in a helical sliding connection in one of the threaded arms of the U-shaped upright 26. The anchoring is achieved by clamping the portion of the frame 16 screwed between the stop 28 and the other of the arms of the U-shaped upright 26.

[0029] The second clamping clamp 18 is, for example, in the form of a fixed jaw 34 and a movable jaw 36 with adjustable clamping, mounted as a slide 38 in a support arm 40 of the fixed jaw 34, for clamping the drive shaft 20 between the two jaws and preventing it from rotating around its longitudinal axis. The slide 38 is mounted in a helical sliding connection around a threaded rod 42 internal to the support arm 40 of the fixed jaw 34, for example, mounted as a worm gear. This threaded rod 42 has a free end 44 extending from the base of the support arm 40 so that it can be rotated by means of a crank 46.

[0030] Optionally, but advantageously for safety reasons, the crank 46 can be attached to and detached from the threaded rod 42. It thus features a free drive sleeve 48, capable of cooperating with the free end 44 to drive it in rotation. In a particularly simple but not limiting manner, this attachment and detachment mechanism is achieved by a through hole 50 in the free end 44, a similar and corresponding through hole 52 in the base of the drive sleeve 48, and a pin 54. To attach the threaded rod 42 and the crank 46, simply insert the free end 44 into the base of the drive sleeve 48, align the through holes 50 and 52, and then slide the pin into these holes. To separate the threaded rod 42 and the crank 46, simply remove the pin 54. In the particularly simple embodiment of the figure 1 , the crank 46 further has a crank arm 56 formed of a threaded rod screwed into the sleeve 48 and fixed longitudinally with at least one nut 58.

[0031] Optionally, but advantageously for safety reasons, the locking device 10 further includes a replacement cap 60 for the crank 46, equipped with means to prevent access to the threaded rod 42 and thus prevent it from rotating. This cap 60 is shaped to completely cover the free end 44 that protrudes from the base of the support arm 40. It can even partially engage with the support arm 40.

[0032] The means for securing the cap 60 comprise a first plate 62 with a hole 64 extending in a plane orthogonal to the axis of the threaded rod 42 when the cap 60 is positioned in place of the crank 46. They cooperate with a second plate 66 with a hole 68, also extending in a plane orthogonal to the axis of the threaded rod 42 from the support arm 40 of the fixed jaw 34. By positioning the cap 60 in place of the crank 46 and placing the hole 64 of its first plate 62 opposite the hole 68 of the second plate 66, it is then possible to fix the assembly and thus prevent access to the threaded rod 42, for example by means of a padlock 70 passing through the holes 64 and 68, so that the immobilization in the open position of the disconnector is secured.

[0033] The second immobilizing clamp 18, more specifically its carrying arm 40, is fixed to the second end 12B of the main retaining body 12, for example by means of nuts when the latter is a threaded rod.

[0034] In the specific, non-limiting example of the figure 1 This fixing is achieved using an intermediate component 72 configured in a U shape and comprising: a fixing base 74, in particular by bolting 76, against the carrier arm 40 of the second immobilizing clamp 18, and two lateral walls 78, 80 extending in parallel U-shaped branches from the fixing base 74.

[0035] Furthermore, a cylindrical pulley 82 is mounted to rotate freely between the two side walls 78 and 80, and the second end 12B of the threaded rod 12 forming the main retaining body 12 is screwed to it and secured with at least one nut 84. Thus, the second clamp 18 is both fixed to the second end 12B of the main retaining body 12 and free to rotate about the axis of the pulley 82 as indicated by arrow F3 on the figure 1 .

[0036] In order to avoid losing the components of the immobilizing device 10, the crank 46, the pin 54, and the cap 60 and its plate 62 can be mechanically connected, using cords, to the support arm 40 of the second clamp 18 or to the intermediate fastening element 72. In the example of the figure 1 , it is the pin 54 and the plate 62 integral with the cap 60 which are connected by cords to the bolting 76 of the intermediate fixing member 72.

[0037] There figure 2 Figure 18 illustrates the second clamping jaw, along with its intermediate fixing member 72 to the main retaining body 12, when its two jaws are positioned around the rotating drive shaft 20 of the disconnector and before tightening. The crank handle 46 is mounted on the threaded rod 42 and held by the pin 54. The shaft 20 can then be tightened. Note that the cap 60 is not in use but remains attached to the assembly by a cord.

[0038] There figure 3 Figure 18 illustrates the second locking clamp, as well as its intermediate fixing member 72 to the main retaining body 12, when its two jaws sufficiently grip the shaft 20 to immobilize the disconnector in the open or closed position. The crank handle 46 has been removed by extracting the pin 54 and replaced by the cap 60. The latter is held in place to prevent access to the threaded rod 42 by means of the padlock 70 inserted into the holes 64 and 68 of the plates 62 and 66. Note that the pin 54 is not used but remains attached to the assembly by a cord.

[0039] The installation is shown schematically on the figure 4 illustrates an example of a disconnector 86 of an electrical substation, in the upper part, mounted on a frame 16 itself mounted on a stabilizing base 88.

[0040] The frame 16 supporting the disconnector 86 is electrically connected to earth and has, for example, a general quadrilateral shape formed of corner posts 90, transverse retaining plates 92 and an upper structure 94 with beams (not detailed as it is well known) on which the disconnector 86 is mounted.

[0041] The disconnector 86 consists of two symmetrical branches, each with a conductive side flap 96, designed to be in contact with the conductive side flap of the other branch when the disconnector 86 is closed. These flaps 96 are locked together in the open and closed positions by a mechanism 97 (not detailed as it is well known) that supports and actuates the disconnector 86. This mechanism 97 is mounted more precisely on the upper beam structure 94 and on a common shaft 20 that drives the rotation of the flaps 96 to control the opening or closing of the disconnector 86. A series of insulators 98 is, for example, arranged between the conductive side flap 96 of each branch of the disconnector 86 and the mechanism 97. The drive shaft 20 also extends widely under the upper beam structure 94 to the lower part of the frame 16, notably at head height.

[0042] On this figure 4 The disconnector 86 is shown in the open position, achieved by the joint pivoting of its two conductive side panels 96, which are rotated by the drive shaft 20. The open position is securely held by the locking device 10 located at the bottom of the frame 16. This device is anchored by tightening its first clamp 14 (not visible in this figure) onto one of the transverse retaining plates 92 of the frame 16, and the disconnector 86 is held in the locked position by tightening the drive shaft 20 with its second clamp 18. The clamp 18 is held securely in this position according to the configuration of the figure 3 that is to say with the help of the cap 60, the plates 62, 66 (not visible in this figure) and the padlock 70.

[0043] There figure 5 is a side view, along direction A indicated on the figure 4 , of the disconnector 86 and its supporting frame 16. It allows better visualization of the immobilization device 10 anchored by tightening its first clamp 14 on one of the transverse retaining plates 92 of the frame 16 and in immobilization position of the disconnector 86 by tightening the drive shaft 20 with the help of its second clamp 18, the cap 60, the plates 62, 66 and the padlock 70.

[0044] A procedure for opening, closing, and immobilizing the disconnector 86 will now be detailed with reference to the sequence of steps in the figure 6 .

[0045] During a first step 100, the disconnector 86 is opened, or closed, by rotational actuation of the drive shaft 20. This action is done at a height of man in the lower part of the frame 16 and of the shaft 20, in particular at a good distance from the disconnector 86 itself.

[0046] In a subsequent step 102, the immobilization device 10 is approached and placed in the lower part of the framework 16, still at man height.

[0047] In a subsequent step 104, it is fixed to the frame 16 by tightening its first anchoring clamp 14, as illustrated in the figure 5 .

[0048] In a subsequent step 106, it is fixed to the lower end of the drive shaft 20 stressed in step 100 by tightening its second locking clamp 18 using the crank 46, as illustrated in the figure 2 .

[0049] Finally, in a final step 108, the disconnector 86 is immobilized in the open or closed position, securely locked by the cap 60, as illustrated in the figures 3 , 4 And 5 .

[0050] It is clear that a disconnector locking device such as the one described above allows for very simple operation, without impacting the disconnector's structure, while remaining away from any sensitive area thanks to the offset locking point. It is easy to install and remove on an existing structure.

[0051] It should also be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.

[0052] In particular, only one type of disconnector was considered in the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, the invention is compatible with a large number of disconnector types, such as pantograph disconnectors, for example. It is sufficient that the disconnector be of the type that can be opened or closed by rotation remotely controlled on a drive shaft.

[0053] Similarly, simple embodiments have been described for the main body of the immobilizing device, its first and second clamps, where the first clamp allows anchoring on a structural element supporting the disconnector and where the second clamp allows clamping of the drive shaft stressed in opening.

Claims

1. A device (10) for locking a disconnector (86) in an electrical substation of an electrical network, said disconnector (86) being of the type that can be opened or closed by rotating, remotely from the disconnector (86), a drive shaft (20) for driving a rotation of said disconnector (86), the locking device (10) comprising a main support body (12) and means for locking the disconnector (86), characterised in that the locking means comprise: - a first clamp (14) for anchoring the main support body (12) to a support frame (16) carrying the disconnector (86) by clamping this support frame (16) using this first clamp (14), which is attached to the main support body (12); and - a second clamp (18) for locking any rotation of the drive shaft (20) by clamping it remotely from the disconnector (86) using this second clamp (18), which is attached to the main support body (12).

2. The device (10) for locking a disconnector (86) according to claim 1, comprising an intermediate securing member (72) for securing the second locking clamp (18) to the main support body (12), said intermediate securing member (72) comprising: - a securing base (74), in particular by bolting (76), for securing to a support arm (40) of the second clamp (18); - two side walls (78, 80) extending in U-shape arms from the securing base (74); - a cylindrical pulley (82) mounted so as to rotate freely between the two side walls (78, 80); and - securing means, in particular by bolting (84), for securing the main support body (12) to the cylindrical pulley (82).

3. The device (10) for locking a disconnector (86) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second locking clamp (18) comprises a fixed jaw (34) and a movable jaw (36) with adjustable clamping force, mounted as a sliding element (38) in a support arm (40) of the fixed jaw (34).

4. The device (10) for locking a disconnector (86) according to claim 3, wherein the sliding element (38) of the movable jaw (36) is mounted in a helical sliding connection around a threaded rod (42) located inside the support arm (40) of the fixed jaw (34) and having a free end (44) that can be rotated by a crank handle (46).

5. The device (10) for locking a disconnector (86) according to claim 4, comprising: - a crank handle (46) with a free-running drive sleeve (48) that cooperates with the free end (44) of the threaded rod (42) inside the support arm (40) of the fixed jaw (34) to rotate it; and - a replacement cap (60) for replacing the crank handle (46), equipped with means (62, 64) to restrict access to the threaded rod (42) in order to prevent it from being rotated.

6. The device (10) for locking a disconnector (86) according to claim 5, wherein the crank handle (46) with the free-running drive sleeve (48), or a pin (54) securing the crank handle (46) with the free-running sleeve (48) to the free end (44) of the threaded rod (42) inside the support arm (40) of the fixed jaw (34), and the replacement cap (60) are mechanically connected, by means of cords, to the support arm (40) of the fixed jaw (34) of the second clamp (18) or, where applicable, to the intermediate securing member (72).

7. The device (10) for locking a disconnector (86) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: - the replacement cap (60) includes a first plate (62) with a hole (64) extending in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the threaded rod (42) inside the support arm (40) of the fixed jaw (34) when the cap (60) is positioned to replace the crank handle (46) with the free-running drive sleeve (48); - the support arm (40) of the fixed jaw (34) includes a second plate (66) with a hole (68) extending in a plane perpendicular to its axis of internal threaded rod (44); and - the locking device (10) further comprises a fastening element, in particular a padlock (70), which engages with the holes (64, 68) in the first and second plates (62, 66) with holes.

8. The device (10) for locking a disconnector (86) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the main support body (12) includes a threaded rod secured by screwing and by means of at least one nut (84) to the second locking clamp (18).

9. The device (10) for locking a disconnector (86) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first anchoring clamp (14) takes the form of a ground clamp mounted on a cylindrical tube (22) arranged to pivot and slide around the main support body (12).

10. The device (10) for locking a disconnector (86) according to claims 8 and 9, wherein the cylindrical tube (22) on which the grounding clamp is mounted can be secured by nuts (24) on the threaded rod.