Visual indicators for electrical assemblies

Abstract

Provides visual indicators for electrical assemblies. [Solution] A visual indicator (110) for an electrical assembly, wherein the electrical assembly (100) comprises a housing (120) and a discharge mechanism (130) disposed within the housing, the discharge mechanism being configured such that the electrical components (140) of the electrical assembly can be discharged by the movement of the discharge mechanism from a first position to a second position. The visual indicator comprises a display component (112) disposed to display a visual indication outside the housing and a mechanical coupling means (114) configured to mechanically couple the display component to the discharge mechanism such that the movement of the discharge mechanism causes the visual indication of the display component to move. When the discharge mechanism is in the first position, the display component displays a first visual indication, and when the discharge mechanism is in the second position, the display component displays a second visual indication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a visual indicator, and more particularly to a visual indicator for an electrical assembly.

Background Art

[0002] An electrical assembly may include a discharge mechanism located within the housing of the electrical assembly. The discharge mechanism may be configured to selectively discharge components of the electrical assembly by moving from a first position to a second position. By discharging the components of the electrical assembly, a user or operator can safely approach or handle the electrical assembly.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a visual indicator for an electrical assembly, the electrical assembly comprising a housing and a discharge mechanism disposed within the housing, the discharge mechanism being configured such that the electrical components of the electrical assembly can be discharged by movement of the discharge mechanism from a first position to a second position. The visual indicator comprises a display component arranged to display a visual indication outside the housing, and mechanical coupling means configured to mechanically couple the display component to the discharge mechanism such that movement of the discharge mechanism causes movement of the visual indication of the display component. When the discharge mechanism is in the first position, the display component displays a first visual indication, and when the discharge mechanism is in the second position, the display component displays a second visual indication.

[0004] The inventors have recognized that visual indicators visible from the outside of an electrical assembly tend to provide a safe means of determining whether the discharge mechanism located within the electrical assembly has engaged properly, and therefore whether the components of the electrical assembly have discharged properly. Thus, visual indicators can inform users or operators who may be away from the electrical assembly whether it is safe to approach the electrical assembly. This tends to provide enhanced safety for users and operators who need to approach and handle such electrical assemblies.

[0005] The display component may include a primary display window configured to show a first visual indication, a second visual indication, or a combination thereof. A display component configured in this way tends to allow at least three different states (e.g., the position of the discharge mechanism) to be displayed.

[0006] The primary indicator window may show only a first visual indication when the discharge mechanism is in the first position. A primary indicator window showing only a first visual indication tends to be an effective way to indicate that the discharge mechanism is substantially and completely in the first position.

[0007] The primary indicator window may show only the second visual indication when the discharge mechanism is in the second position. A primary indicator window showing only the second visual indication tends to be an effective way to indicate that the discharge mechanism is substantially and completely in the second position.

[0008] The primary indicator window may show part of the first visual indicator and part of the second visual indicator when the discharge mechanism is moving from a first position to a second position. A primary indicator window showing part of the first visual indicator and part of the second visual indicator tends to be an effective way to indicate that the discharge mechanism is neither entirely in the first position nor entirely in the second position.

[0009] The primary display window may be oriented perpendicular to the planar side of the electrical assembly housing so that the primary display window faces vertically when the electrical assembly is in its normal operating position. Because the primary display window is oriented vertically, it can be viewed from below the electrical assembly. This tends to improve the visibility of the display components, as an operator who may be, for example, below the electrical assembly can see the display components.

[0010] The display component may further include a peripheral display window configured to show a first visual instruction and / or a second visual instruction.

[0011] The peripheral display window may be positioned perpendicular to the primary display window and parallel to the planar side of the electrical assembly housing, so that the peripheral display window faces horizontally when the electrical assembly is in its normal operating position. Peripheral display windows positioned perpendicular to the primary display window tend to improve the visibility of the display components, as they can be seen, for example, by an operator who may be at eye level with the electrical assembly.

[0012] The primary display window may be larger than the peripheral display window. This tends to allow the primary display window to be viewed from a greater distance compared to the peripheral display window.

[0013] The display component may comprise a cylindrical housing, and the primary display window may be an opening within the cylindrical housing.

[0014] The display component may further comprise a cylindrical member configured to rotate within a cylindrical housing. The rotation of the cylindrical member may cause the primary display window to show a first visual indication, a second visual indication, or a combination thereof, such that a first portion of the cylindrical member may include a first visual indication and a second portion of the cylindrical member may include a second visual indication.

[0015] The cylindrical housing, opening, and cylindrical member allow the primary display window to show different displays as a result of the rotation of the cylindrical member within the cylindrical housing. Thus, the display component can be actuated (i.e., its display can be altered) as a result of rotational motion or rotational force.

[0016] The mechanical coupling means may include an elongated member mechanically coupled to the rotating member of the discharge mechanism. The rotation of the rotating member may cause the rotation of the elongated member. Since the elongated member is coupled to the rotating member and the indicator component, it is possible to transmit rotational motion or rotational force from the rotating member to the indicator component. Thus, the indicator component can be modified (i.e., change its indication) as a result of rotational motion or rotational force from the rotating member. The elongated member tends to be an effective way to transmit force or motion from within the electrical assembly to outside the housing of the electrical assembly.

[0017] According to a second aspect, an electrical assembly is provided, comprising a housing, electrical components, a discharge mechanism, and a visual indicator according to the first aspect. The discharge mechanism is configured such that the electrical components of the electrical assembly can be discharged by moving the discharge mechanism from a first position to a second position.

[0018] Since electrical assemblies contain electrical components, there is a risk that these components may become charged. Therefore, for example, if an operator approaches or comes into contact with an electrical assembly, there is a risk to human life. Visual indicators placed on electrical assemblies tend to be an effective way to provide operators outside the electrical assembly with some form of identification of the state (e.g., location) of the electrical components of the electrical assembly.

[0019] The electrical components may include one or more energy storage devices. The movement of the discharge mechanism from a first position to a second position may cause one or more energy storage devices to short-circuit. Energy storage devices are particularly dangerous electrical components because, if not completely discharged, they can cause a significant electric shock to the operator. Short-circuiting an energy storage device is an effective way to discharge it. Thus, a short-circuited energy storage device tends to be safe to approach. Therefore, a visual indication that an energy storage device has been properly short-circuited tends to be a reliable means of determining whether an electrical assembly is safe to approach.

[0020] The discharge mechanism may include a discharge plate configured to move in a sliding motion as the discharge mechanism moves from a first position to a second position. A discharge plate moving in a sliding motion can provide multiple connections simultaneously and therefore tends to be an effective way to short-circuit one, or even more, energy storage devices.

[0021] The discharge mechanism may include a belt configured to be pulled as the discharge mechanism moves from a first position to a second position. Since the pulled belt can provide multiple connections simultaneously, it tends to be an effective way to short-circuit one, or even more, energy storage devices.

[0022] Electrical assemblies can be configured to operate at voltages ranging from 1kV to 30kV. Electric shocks of this magnitude are particularly dangerous to life. Generally, the higher the voltage, the more dangerous the electric shock. Therefore, the benefits of visual indicators tend to be even more useful at higher voltages.

[0023] The electrical assembly may be configured to operate at or above one of the following voltages: 1kV, 2kV, 3kV, 4kV, 5kV, 6kV, 7kV, 8kV, 9kV, 10kV, 11kV, 12kV, 13kV, 14kV, 15kV, 16kV, 17kV, 18kV, 19kV, or 20kV.

[0024] According to a third embodiment, a power plant is provided that includes an electrical assembly according to a second embodiment. The power plant is connected to a high-voltage power transmission network. The power plant may typically require the presence of an operator to manage its operation. Electrical assemblies within a power plant pose a risk to life due to the possibility of electric shock. The severity of this risk is higher for power plants connected to a high-voltage power transmission network. Thus, power plants with electrical assemblies equipped with visual indicators are particularly advantageous in improving the safety of operators within the power plant.

[0025] According to a fourth aspect, a power transmission network is provided comprising an AC network, a power transmission medium, and a power plant according to a third aspect. The power plant is generally located between the AC network and the power transmission medium.

[0026] It will be understood that certain features of different embodiments of the present invention share the technical effects and benefits of corresponding features of other embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] It should be understood that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" is intended solely to help distinguish similar features, and, unless otherwise specified, is not intended to indicate the relative importance of one feature to another.

[0028] Within the scope of the present application, it is clearly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternative forms described in the previous paragraphs, as well as in the claims and / or the following description and drawings, particularly their individual features, can be interpreted independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and all features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, provided that such features are not incompatible with each other.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] An isometric front top view (not to scale) of an exemplary electrical assembly. [Figure 2] An isometric front top view (not to scale) of a part of an exemplary visual indicator and a discharge mechanism. [Figure 3A] An isometric front bottom view (not to scale) of a visual indicator in a first configuration. [Figure 3B] An isometric rear top view (not to scale) of a visual indicator in a first configuration. [Figure 4] An isometric front bottom view (not to scale) of a visual indicator in a second configuration.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] FIG. 1 is an isometric front top view (not to scale) of an exemplary electrical assembly 100 according to a first embodiment.

[0031] The electrical assembly 100 includes a visual indicator 110, a housing 120, a discharge mechanism 130, and a plurality of energy storage devices 140.

[0032] The visual indicator 110 includes a display component 112 and mechanical coupling means 114. The display component 112 is configured to display a visual indication.

[0033] The discharge mechanism 130 comprises a rotating member 132, a discharge plate 134, and an actuator 136. The actuator 136 is mechanically coupled to the rotating member 132. The rotating member 132 is mechanically coupled to the discharge plate 134, and therefore, movement of the actuator causes movement of the rotating member 132, which in turn causes movement of the discharge plate 134.

[0034] The mechanical coupling means 114 is mechanically coupled to the rotating member 132, and therefore, the movement of the rotating member 132 also causes the movement of the mechanical coupling means 114.

[0035] The housing 120 is a rigid frame that provides structural support to the electrical assembly 100. The housing 120 is configured to provide structural support for the safe and secure housing of the components of the electrical assembly 100.

[0036] The housing 120 is generally constructed of a metallic material, such as steel and / or aluminum, or a combination of other known metals, or a rigid material, to provide rigid and solid structural support. The housing 120 may also be constructed of a material such as plastic or rubber to provide insulating properties within the housing 120.

[0037] The housing 120 can be used to protect the electrical assembly 100 from external elements such as dust, moisture, chemicals, and physical shocks, ensuring reliable operation and preventing damage. The housing 120 also protects the operator from electric shock and other hazards by insulating the energized components inside the housing 120. Furthermore, the housing 120 provides a structured space for organizing and securing the components of the electrical assembly 100, facilitating maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrades.

[0038] The multiple energy storage devices 140 are examples of electrical components of the electrical assembly 100. The housing 120 is configured to structurally house the multiple energy storage devices 140.

[0039] The rating of the electrical assembly 100 may be between 1kV and 30kV. Preferably, the rating of the electrical assembly 100 may be between 4.6kV and 18.4kV. In this way, the electrical assembly 100 may be a medium-voltage device.

[0040] Multiple electrical assemblies 100 may be connected in series, which may be called a valve. Multiple electrical assemblies 100, or a valve, may be part of a power converter. The power converter may be rated for voltages between 30kV and 525kV, for example, 200kV. In some examples, the power converter may be rated above 525kV. In this way, the power converter is a high-voltage device configured to perform a power conversion function for use in high-voltage applications.

[0041] The power converter may be connected to a power transmission network. A power transmission network is an example of a high-voltage application. In this way, the electrical assembly 100 is a medium-voltage device configured for use in high-voltage applications, such as a power transmission network.

[0042] The multiple energy storage devices 140 are capacitors with relatively high capacitor voltages. For example, the ratings of the capacitors may be between 1kV and 5kV.

[0043] The overall size of the electrical assembly 100 may depend substantially on the spatial requirements of the capacitors (e.g., capacitor size, minimum electrical clearance between capacitors, capacitor insulation requirements, etc.).

[0044] The electrical assembly 100 is configured to be mounted on a support structure (or, as it may be called, a rack, frame, stack, tower, etc.). Therefore, the housing 120 further includes configurable mounting portions that enable the electrical assembly 100 to be securely mounted on the support structure.

[0045] The electrical assembly 100 may also be a modular unit configured to be mechanically coupled to itself. Therefore, the mounting portion may be further configured to allow the electrical assembly 100 to be securely stacked or mounted to itself.

[0046] Other components (not shown) used in the installation or operation of the electrical assembly 100 are also included in the electrical assembly 100. These may include, for example, wires, connectors, terminals, circuit boards, control equipment, additional housings, access points, mounting points, bolts, and other electrical components.

[0047] The electrical assembly 100 is typically located inside a building, for example, in a power plant. In particular, since the electrical assembly 100 operates with voltages that can be life-threatening, the safety of operators around or near the electrical assembly 100 during its operation and maintenance is of considerable importance.

[0048] In some configurations, the electrical assembly 100 may be physically located at a minimum height above the floor of the power plant. For example, the minimum height may be 3 meters or 5 meters from the floor. The minimum height for the electrical assembly 100 can be calculated based on the voltage of the electrical assembly 100. Therefore, a higher voltage electrical assembly 100 may require a larger minimum height compared to a lower voltage electrical assembly 100.

[0049] The power plant includes a plurality of electrical assemblies 100. The electrical assemblies 100 may be connected in series and may be called a valve. The electrical assemblies 100 within a valve are mounted on a support structure, vertically above each other. Thus, the power plant or valve may comprise, for example, five electrical assemblies 100 stacked vertically above each other. The lowest electrical assembly 100 may be, for example, 3 meters above the ground. The highest electrical assembly 100 may be 10 meters above the ground.

[0050] The shape of the housing 120 is approximately a rectangular parallelepiped. This tends to facilitate the manufacture and assembly of the electrical assembly 100. The housing 120 has a plane 122 that generally faces outward when the electrical assembly 100 is mounted on a support structure, so that the plane 122 is visible to operators in the power plant even when the electrical assembly 100 is mounted on the support structure.

[0051] Figure 2 is an isometric front and top view (not to scale) of the visual indicator 110 and the rotating member 132.

[0052] The rotating member 132 is a planar component comprising a disc portion 232, a first arm 234, and a second arm 236. The disc portion 232 extends across the first plane 250 and has a pivot point 230 at its center. The rotating member 132 is configured to rotate about the pivot point 230 in the first plane 250. The first arm 234 extends tangentially outward from a first point on the circumference of the disc portion 232 in the first plane 250. The second arm 236 extends tangentially outward from a second point on the circumference of the disc portion 232 in the first plane 250. The extension direction of the first arm 234 is obtuse to the extension direction of the second arm 236. As the rotating member 132 rotates clockwise around the pivot point 230, the first arm 234 and the second arm 236 also move clockwise. As the rotating member 132 rotates counterclockwise around the pivot point 230, the first arm 234 and the second arm 236 also move counterclockwise.

[0053] The end of the first arm 234 is mechanically coupled to the actuator 136. The end of the second arm 236 is mechanically coupled to the discharge plate 134.

[0054] In this embodiment, the mechanical coupling means 114 is a rod 114. The rod 114 is an example of an elongated member. The rod 114 is mechanically coupled to the rotating member 132 at the pivot point 230, and therefore, as the rotating member 132 rotates around the pivot point 230, the rod 114 also rotates around the pivot point 230 along axis A.

[0055] The display component 112 of the visual indicator 110 comprises a cylindrical housing 240 having longitudinal sides extending along axis A. A bracket 124 attaches the display component 112 to the housing 120. In particular, the bracket 124 attaches the display component 112 to a plane 122 of the housing 120, and such a flat surface of the cylindrical housing 240, the bracket 124, and the plane 122 all lie within a first plane 250. Axis A is substantially perpendicular to the first plane 250. As a result, the curved surface of the cylindrical housing 240 is substantially perpendicular to the plane 122.

[0056] The pivot point 230, the rod 114, and the center of the flat surface of the cylindrical housing 240 are each aligned longitudinally along axis A.

[0057] As shown in Figure 3A, the display component 112 also includes a cylindrical member 310, a primary display window 320, and peripheral display windows 330 and 340.

[0058] The primary display window 320 is a rectangular opening within the cylindrical housing 240. The primary display window 320 is oriented perpendicular to the bracket 124 (and therefore to the plane 122 of the housing 120). Furthermore, the primary display window 320 is oriented vertically downward when the electrical assembly 100 is in its normal operating position (i.e., when the electrical assembly 100 is upright and can be located above the floor), so that the primary display window 320 is visible from below the electrical assembly 100.

[0059] The cylindrical member 310 is configured to rotate within the cylindrical housing 240. The cylindrical member 310 is mechanically coupled to the rod 114, and therefore the rotation of the rod 114 causes the rotation of the cylindrical member 310 within the cylindrical housing 240.

[0060] A first portion of the cylindrical member 310 includes a first visual indicator 350. A second portion of the cylindrical member 310 includes a second visual indicator 450 (shown in Figure 4). Rotation of the cylindrical member 310 within the cylindrical housing 240 causes the primary display window 320 to show the first visual indicator 350, the second visual indicator 450, or a combination thereof.

[0061] The peripheral display windows 330 and 340 include a first peripheral display window 330 and a second peripheral display window 340. The first peripheral display window 330 is an opening in the bracket 124 at a first radial distance from where the rod 114 intersects the bracket 124. The second peripheral display window 340 is an opening in the bracket 124 at a second radial distance from where the rod 114 intersects the bracket 124. The first radial distance is different from the second radial distance.

[0062] Referring to Figure 3B, the display component 112 further comprises a tab 350. The tab 350 is positioned at the end of the rod 114, i.e., where the rod 114 intersects with the bracket 124. In other words, the tab 350 is directly behind the bracket 124. The tab 350 extends across the same plane as the bracket 124. The tab 350 is mechanically coupled to the rod 114, and therefore, rotation of the rod 114 causes rotation of the tab 350 behind the bracket 124 across a first plane 250 centered on the rod 114 (i.e., centered on axis A). The tab 350 is mechanically coupled to the rod 114 so that the tab 350 can rotate from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the tab 350 is positioned directly behind the first peripheral display window 330 (as shown in Figure 3B). In the second position, the tab 350 is positioned directly behind the second peripheral display window 340.

[0063] Tab 350 is an elongated, flat portion extending radially outward from rod 114. A first mark exists on the surface of tab 350 between tab 350 and bracket 124 over a first radial length along tab 350. A second mark exists on the surface of tab 350 between tab 350 and bracket 124 over a second radial length along tab 350.

[0064] The first mark is located along the tab 350 and has substantially the same radial length as the first peripheral display window 330. As a result, when the tab 350 is in the first position, the first peripheral display window 330 displays the first mark (as shown in Figure 3A).

[0065] The second visual indicator is located along the tab 350 and has substantially the same radial length as the second peripheral display window 340. As a result, when the tab 350 is in the second position, the second peripheral display window 340 displays the second mark (as shown in Figure 4).

[0066] Tab 350 is configured such that when the first visual indicator 350 is displayed in the primary display window 320, the first mark is displayed in the first peripheral display window 330. Similarly, the second mark is displayed in the second peripheral display window 340 when the second visual indicator 450 is displayed in the primary display window 320.

[0067] As a result, the first visual indicator 350 may consist of a display in the primary display window 320 and a display in the first peripheral display window 330 (or only the display in the first peripheral display window 330), and the second visual indicator 450 may consist of a display in the primary display window 320 and a display in the second peripheral display window 340 (or only the display in the second peripheral display window 340).

[0068] In this way, the display component 112 includes peripheral display windows 330, 340 configured to show a first visual indicator 350 and / or a second visual indicator 450.

[0069] The peripheral display windows 330 and 340 extend across the same plane as plane 122 (i.e., in the first plane 250). As a result, the peripheral display windows 330 and 340 are oriented approximately perpendicular to the primary display window 320 and in the direction that is horizontal when the electrical assembly 100 is in its normal operating position.

[0070] The primary display window 320 is larger than either one of the peripheral display windows 330 or 340.

[0071] The first visual instruction 350 is visually different from the second visual instruction 450. The visual difference may be a difference in color and / or pattern.

[0072] As described above, the electrical assembly 100 is a medium-voltage device. Therefore, the electrical assembly 100 operates at voltages that could be life-threatening. However, it may be necessary to perform maintenance on the electrical assembly 100 at periodic intervals, and therefore, it may be necessary for an operator to access the electrical assembly 100.

[0073] In such a situation, the discharge mechanism 130 is engaged to discharge the capacitors of the electrical assembly 100 in order to make the electrical assembly 100 safe. However, there is a risk that the discharge mechanism 130 may not engage properly.

[0074] In the operational example of the present invention, the first visual indicator 350 is a solid green (no pattern) in the primary display window 320 and a solid green mark in the first peripheral display window 330. The first visual indicator 350 corresponds to the discharge mechanism 130 being fully engaged. The second visual indicator 450 is a red stripe pattern on a white background in the primary display window 320 and a solid red mark in the second peripheral display window 340. The second visual indicator 450 corresponds to the discharge mechanism 130 being disengaged. Thus, the first visual indicator 350 is referred to herein as the safety indicator 350, and the second visual indicator 450 is referred to herein as the danger indicator 450.

[0075] This example of operation begins with a visual indicator 110 in a second configuration (shown in Figure 4), where a hazard indication 450 is displayed in the primary display window 320 and the second peripheral display window 340. An operator at floor level near the electrical assembly 100 can easily see the primary display window 320 of the visual indicator 110 and conclude that the discharge mechanism 130 is not engaged. In particular, the primary display window 320 is relatively large and is easily visible from up to 10 meters or more away. This allows operators who are far away from the electrical assembly 100, and especially at a safe distance from the electrical assembly 100, to visually check the status of the discharge mechanism 130 without having to approach the electrical assembly 100. This tends to improve the safety of operators near the electrical assembly 100.

[0076] Next, the discharge mechanism 130 receives an engagement signal. In response to receiving the engagement signal, the actuator 136 provides an actuation force. This actuation force causes the first arm 234 of the rotating member 132 to move in the first direction 210. As the first arm 234 moves in this way, the main body portion 232 of the rotating member 132 rotates around the pivot point 230, which in turn causes the second arm 236 to move further in the second direction 220.

[0077] As the second arm 236 moves in the second direction 220, the discharge plate 134 moves in a sliding motion due to the coupling between the discharge plate 134 and the second arm 236.

[0078] The movement of the discharge plate 134 electrically connects the first terminal of the capacitor to the second terminal. In this example, the second terminal is the opposite terminal of the capacitor. For example, the first terminal may be the positive terminal of the capacitor, and the second terminal may be the negative terminal of the capacitor. By connecting the first terminal to the second terminal in this way, the capacitor is short-circuited, and the charge stored in the capacitor is discharged.

[0079] The inventors have recognized that in certain circumstances, it may be difficult to determine whether the discharge mechanism 130 is fully engaged. Therefore, if an operator approaches the electrical assembly 100 when the discharge mechanism 130 is not fully engaged and therefore some of the capacitors are not discharged, there is a risk that the operator may suffer an electric shock.

[0080] In this invention, the movement of the discharge plate 134 is caused, and at the same time, the rotational motion of the rotating member 132 also causes the rotational motion of the mechanical coupling means 114 around axis A.

[0081] The rotational motion of the mechanical coupling means 114 around axis A causes the rotational motion of the cylindrical member 310 inside the cylindrical housing 240 and the rotational motion of the tab 350 around the mechanical coupling means 114. As a result, the content displayed in the primary display window 320 and the peripheral display windows 330 and 340 changes from a danger indication 450 to a safety indication 350.

[0082] In the first scenario, the rotating member 132 moves normally from the first position to the second position, thereby allowing the discharge plate 134 to connect the first and second terminals, and thereby discharge the capacitor of the electrical assembly. Since the rotating member 132 has moved normally from the first position to the second position, the mechanical coupling means 114 and the cylindrical member 310 also move completely from the first position to the second position. Therefore, at the end of the first scenario, the primary display window 320 displays substantially only the safety indicator 350.

[0083] In the first scenario, an operator at floor level below the electrical assembly 100 can easily see the state of the discharge mechanism 130 by looking at the display component 112, and can conclude that it is safe to approach the electrical assembly 100.

[0084] In the continuation of the first scenario, it may be difficult for the operator to re-check the status of the primary indicator window 320 after approaching the electrical assembly 100 and being at eye level or working height relative to the electrical assembly 100. This is because the primary indicator window 320 is generally oriented vertically downward. In this scenario, according to the present invention, the operator who is at eye level or working height relative to the electrical assembly 100 can check the status of the discharge mechanism 130 by looking at the peripheral indicator windows 330, 340. Since the peripheral indicator windows 330, 340 are oriented horizontally, they are more easily visible to the operator who is at eye level or working height relative to the electrical assembly 100. In this case, the operator sees that the first peripheral indicator window 330 shows a filled-in green mark and concludes that the electrical assembly 100 has discharged successfully. This tends to further improve the safety of the operator who is required to approach and handle the electrical assembly 100.

[0085] In the second scenario, the rotating member 132 does not move from the first position to the second position, and therefore the discharge plate 134 does not connect the first terminal and the second terminal, and therefore the capacitor of the electrical assembly does not discharge. This may be the result of a failure related to the actuator 136 (e.g., a signaling error or a mechanical failure).

[0086] In the second scenario, since the rotating member 132 does not move, the mechanical coupling means 114, the cylindrical member 310, and the tab 350 also do not move. Therefore, at the end of the second scenario, the primary display window 320 and the peripheral display windows 330, 340 continue to display the danger indicator 450. In the second scenario, an operator at floor level below the electrical assembly 100 can easily see the state of the discharge mechanism 130 by looking at the display component 112 and conclude that the discharge mechanism 130 is not engaged. The operator can then take appropriate action. Thus, operator safety tends to be improved.

[0087] In the third scenario, the rotating member 132 partially moves from the first position to the second position, which may or may not cause the discharge plate 134 to connect the first and second terminals. Therefore, the capacitor of the electrical assembly 100 may or may not be discharged. Partial movement may occur, for example, because the rotating member 132 becomes immobile when moving from the first position to the second position.

[0088] The partial movement of the rotating member 132 from the first position to the second position causes the mechanical coupling means 114 and the cylindrical member 310 to move partially. Thus, at the end of the third scenario, the primary display window 320 displays a combination of both the safety indicator 350 and the danger indicator 450. Because the tab 350 is not positioned behind either of the peripheral display windows 330, 340, the peripheral display windows 330, 340 display nothing.

[0089] In the third scenario, an operator at floor level below the electrical assembly 100 can easily observe the status of the discharge mechanism 130 by looking at the indicator on the indicator component 112 and conclude that there may be an error or problem with the discharge mechanism 130. The operator can then take appropriate action. Thus, operator safety tends to improve.

[0090] As seen in the scenario described above, it is a general principle of the present invention that the indicator component 112 is positioned outside the housing 120 of the electrical assembly 100 so that the visual indication of the location of the discharge plate can be seen from outside the electrical assembly 100, in particular from floor height below the electrical assembly 100.

[0091] Therefore, since the indicator component 112 is visible from the outside of the housing 120 of the electrical assembly 100, the present invention tends to provide a safe means of determining whether the discharge mechanism 130 located inside the housing 120 has properly and completely engaged. Thus, the indicator component 112 helps inform the operator whether the components of the electrical assembly 100 have been properly discharged. Based on the indication of the indicator component 112, the operator can make a more informed decision about whether it is safe to approach the electrical assembly 100 or what other measures may need to be taken. This is safer for operators who are required to approach and handle the electrical assembly 100, for example, during maintenance of the electrical assembly 100.

[0092] Furthermore, the elongated mechanical coupling means 114 allows movement that might be visually blocked by the housing 120 to be transmitted to the outside of the housing 120. In this way, even if the electrical assembly 100 is particularly large, the elongated mechanical coupling means 114 can still be used to transmit movement or motion of the electrical assembly 100 from inside the housing 120 to the outside of the housing 120 so that it can be seen from the outside.

[0093] In the example above, the second terminal is the opposing terminal of the capacitor, but the disclosure should not be limited thereto. In other embodiments, the second terminal is a ground terminal, or a neutral terminal, or any other type of terminal configured to short-circuit an electrical component of the electrical assembly 100.

[0094] In the example above, the discharge mechanism 130 comprises a discharge plate 134, but the disclosure should not be limited thereto. In other embodiments, the discharge mechanism 130 may instead comprise a belt mechanism. The belt mechanism may be configured to be pulled, for example, by a rotating member or by a cam, pulley, or gear system. The belt mechanism may comprise contacts that allow a first terminal and a second terminal to connect, thereby allowing the capacitor to discharge. The belt mechanism still comprises a pivot point around which rotation is performed to engage the discharge mechanism with the mechanical coupling means.

[0095] Therefore, in general, any discharge mechanism can be used for the discharge of the capacitors of the electrical assembly 100, which involves movement around a pivot point, and the movement is from a first position to a second position, causing the components within the electrical assembly 100 to discharge. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 100 Electrical Assembly 110 Visual Indicators 112 Display components 114 Mechanical coupling means, rod 120 Housing 122 plane 124 brackets 130 Discharge mechanism 132 Rotating member 134 Discharge Plate 136 Actuator 140 Multiple energy storage devices, electrical components 210 First direction 220 Second direction 230 Turning Point 232 Disc section, main body section 234 First Arm 236 Second Arm 240 Cylindrical Housing 250 First Plane 310 Cylindrical member 320 Primary display window 330 First peripheral display window 340 Second peripheral display window 350 First visual instructions, tabs, and safety instructions 450 Second visual warning, danger warning A-axis

Claims

1. A visual indicator (110) for an electrical assembly (100), wherein the electrical assembly (100) comprises a housing (120) and a discharge mechanism (130) disposed within the housing (120), the discharge mechanism (130) is configured such that the electrical components (140) of the electrical assembly (100) can be discharged by the movement of the discharge mechanism (130) from a first position to a second position, and the visual indicator (110) is, A display component (112) is positioned outside the housing (120) to display visual instructions (350, 450), Mechanical coupling means (114) configured to mechanically couple the display component (112) to the discharge mechanism (130) such that the movement of the discharge mechanism (130) causes the movement of the visual indicators (350, 450) of the display component (112), and A visual indicator (110) comprising the following: when the discharge mechanism (130) is in the first position, the display component (112) displays a first visual indication (350); when the discharge mechanism (130) is in the second position, the display component (112) displays a second visual indication (450).

2. The visual indicator (110) according to claim 1, wherein the display component (112) comprises a primary display window (320) configured to show the first visual instruction (350), the second visual instruction (450), or a combination thereof.

3. The primary display window (320) shows substantially only the first visual indication (350) when the discharge mechanism (130) is in the first position. The primary display window (320) substantially shows only the second visual indicator (450) when the discharge mechanism (130) is in the second position. The primary display window (320) shows a portion of the first visual indicator (350) and a portion of the second visual indicator (450) when the discharge mechanism (130) is moving from the first position to the second position. The visual indicator (110) according to claim 1.

4. The visual indicator (110) according to claim 2, wherein the primary display window (320) is oriented perpendicular to the planar side of the electrical assembly housing (120) such that the primary display window (320) faces vertically when the electrical assembly (100) is in the normal operating position.

5. The visual indicator (110) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the display component (112) further comprises peripheral display windows (330, 340) configured to show the first visual indication (350) and / or the second visual indication (450).

6. The visual indicator (110) according to claim 5, wherein the peripheral display windows (330, 340) are positioned perpendicular to the primary display window (320) and parallel to the planar side of the electrical assembly housing (120) such that the peripheral display windows (330, 340) face horizontally when the electrical assembly (100) is in its normal operating position.

7. The visual indicator (110) according to claim 5, wherein the primary display window (320) is larger than the peripheral display windows (330, 340).

8. The visual indicator (110) according to claim 2, wherein the display component (112) comprises a cylindrical housing (240), and the primary display window (320) is an opening within the cylindrical housing.

9. The visual indicator (110) according to claim 8, wherein the display component (112) further comprises a cylindrical member (310) configured to rotate within the cylindrical housing (240), and the rotation of the cylindrical member (310) causes the primary display window (320) to show the first visual indicator (350), the second visual indicator (450), or a combination thereof, such that a first portion of the cylindrical member (310) includes the first visual indicator (350) and a second portion of the cylindrical member (310) includes the second visual indicator (450).

10. The mechanical coupling means (114) comprises an elongated member mechanically coupled to the rotating member (132) of the discharge mechanism (130), The rotation of the rotating member (132) causes the rotation of the elongated member. A visual indicator (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Housing (120) and Electrical components (140) and, Discharge mechanism (130), A visual indicator (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and An electrical assembly (100) comprising, The electrical assembly (100) is configured such that the electrical components (140) of the electrical assembly (100) can be discharged by moving the discharge mechanism (130) from a first position to a second position.

12. The aforementioned electrical component (140) is one or more energy storage devices (140), The electrical assembly (100) according to claim 11, wherein the movement of the discharge mechanism (130) from the first position to the second position causes one or more energy storage devices (140) to be short-circuited.

13. The discharge mechanism (130) is A discharge plate (134) configured to move in a sliding motion as the discharge mechanism (130) moves from the first position to the second position, or The belt is configured to be pulled as the discharge mechanism (130) moves from the first position to the second position. The electrical assembly (100) according to claim 11, comprising:

14. The electrical assembly (100) according to claim 11, wherein the electrical assembly (100) is configured to operate at a voltage in the range of 1 kV to 30 kV.

15. A power plant comprising an electrical assembly (100) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the power plant is connected to a high-voltage power transmission network.

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