Branch bus bar device

Abstract

To provide a branch busbar device which has higher safety concerning electrostatic and / or electromagnetic fields.SOLUTION: A branch busbar device (1) for high voltage arrangements is provided. The branch busbar device (1) comprises a first electric line (2) with a first electric contact area (3), and a second electric line (4) with a second electric contact area (5). The first electric contact area (3) is connected to the second electric contact area (5). A first field limiting part (6) is arranged at a first place adjacent to the contact areas (3, 5). A second field limiting part is arranged at a second place adjacent to the contact areas (3, 5). The first field limiting part (6) and the second field limiting part are electrically connected to the first electric line (2), the second electric line (4) or a third electric line of the branch busbar device (1).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a branch busbar arrangement according to the known part of claim 1. [Background technology]

[0002] Branch busbar devices are well known and are typically housed inside power switchgear, distribution panels, and busbar enclosures for localized, high-current power distribution. Such devices are typically used in three-phase electrical systems employing medium or high voltages. They are also used in electrical switchgear to connect high- or medium-voltage equipment. Typically, the voltage is greater than 1 kV, especially greater than 10 kV.

[0003] Branch busbar devices generally include uninsulated wires in a housing. The typical voltages, combined with the use of uninsulated components, cause problems with electrostatic and electromagnetic fields. It is impossible in principle to completely avoid such electrostatic and electromagnetic fields. These fields can create connections to different wires. For example, such connections can cause electric arcs and therefore different problems in the device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One of the aims of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the current state of the art by providing a branch busbar arrangement which has higher safety with regard to electrostatic and / or electromagnetic fields.

[0005] According to the present invention, the above object is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0006] As a result, a branch busbar device is realized that has fewer problems with electrostatic and / or electromagnetic fields. The electrostatic fields are limited. The expansion space of such fields is limited, and the fields are directed toward the field-limiting sections. The field-limiting sections prevent different phase wires from connecting with each other. The electric field exists only in the space between the wires and the field-limiting sections. The field-limiting sections also prevent external electric fields from affecting the wires of the branch busbar device. They create an essentially nearly neutral electric field area between the first field-limiting section and the second field-limiting section. The branch busbar device has high electrical safety, a long lifespan, a low error rate, and low space requirements.

[0007] The dependent claims describe further preferred embodiments of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a first diagram showing an inner portion of the branch busbar device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a second view showing the branch busbar device according to FIG. [Figure 3] 2 shows a larger part of the branch busbar arrangement according to FIG. 1; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view showing details of the branch busbar device according to FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 1 to 4 show a preferred embodiment of a branch busbar device 1 for a high-voltage and / or medium-voltage configuration, the branch busbar device 1 comprising a first electric wire 2 having a first electrical contact area 3 and a second electric wire 4 having a second electrical contact area 5, the first electric contact area 3 being connected to the second electric contact area 5, a first electric field limiting portion 6 being arranged at a first location 7 adjacent the contact areas 3, 5, a second electric field limiting portion 8 being arranged at a second location 9 adjacent the contact areas 3, 5, and the first electric field limiting portion 6 and the second electric field limiting portion 8 being electrically connected to the first electric wire 2, the second electric wire 4, or the third electric wire 10 of the branch busbar device 1.

[0010] As a result, the branch busbar device 1 is realized with fewer problems related to electrostatic and / or electromagnetic fields 15. The electrostatic fields 15 are limited. The expansion space of such electric fields 15 is limited, and the electric fields 15 are directed toward the electric field limiting sections 6, 8. The electric field limiting sections 6, 8 prevent different phase wires from connecting with each other. The electric field 15 exists only in the space between the electric wires 2, 4, 10 and the electric field limiting sections 6, 8. The electric field limiting sections 6, 8 further prevent external electric fields from affecting the electric wires 2, 4, 10 of the branch busbar device 1. They form an essentially nearly neutral filed area between the first electric field limiting section 6 and the second electric field limiting section 8. The branch busbar device 1 has high electrical safety, a long lifespan, a low error rate, and low space requirements.

[0011] Branch busbar arrangements are known and used in many applications. These arrangements include connections between electrical wires that are not insulated, at least where they are connected to one another. In many cases, the electrical wires are not fully insulated throughout the branch busbar arrangement.

[0012] The branch busbar device 1 is used in particular in medium or high voltage configurations with voltages higher than 1 kV (1000 V).

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the actual branch busbar device 1 may be part of a circuit breaker.

[0014] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the branch busbar device 1 preferably includes three electrical phases 18, 19, and 20. Figures 1 and 2 show only one of these phases. The number of phases 18, 19, and 20 may be greater or less than three. In fact, only one of these phases 18, 19, and 20 will be described in detail. Preferably, all phases 18, 19, and 20 are embodied as the described electrical phases, perhaps as shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 shows a section for the first phase 18, a section for the second phase 19, and the beginning of the third phase 20. As also shown in Figure 4, limiting walls 17 are disposed between the sections for each of the phases 18, 19, and 20.

[0015] Each electrical phase comprises a first electrical wire 2 and a second electrical wire 4. Preferably, the first electrical wire 2 and the second electrical wire 4 comprise an electrically insulating portion over the majority of their length. Figures 1 to 4 each show such an insulating portion. In particular, the second wire 4 comprises an insulator 16 having a large outer surface.

[0016] The first wire 2 comprises a first electrical contact area 3. In fact, this first electrical contact area 3 is located at one end of the first wire 2. The second wire 4 comprises a second electrical contact area 5. In fact, this second electrical contact area 5 is located at one end of the second wire 4. It is possible to say that the first electrical contact area 3 and the second electrical contact area 5 are located at different parts of the first wire 2 and the second wire 4. The first electrical contact area 3 and the second electrical contact area 5 are not insulated. The first wire 2 and the second wire 4 typically comprise copper and / or aluminum.

[0017] The first electrical contact area 3 is connected to the second electrical contact area 5. Preferably, the second electrical wire 4 is arranged perpendicular to the first electrical wire 2, as exemplarily shown in Figure 2. The front surface of the second electrical contact area 5 is therefore connected to or in contact with the side surface of the first electrical contact area 3. In effect, the first contact area 3 and the second contact area 5 are arranged at one connection position, which can also be designated as the combination of the contact areas 3, 5.

[0018] Preferably, one of the two electrical wires 2 , 4 is provided with a mechanism or another device for pressing the second electrical contact area 5 against the first electrical contact area 3 .

[0019] It is provided that the branch busbar device 1 comprises at least one electric field limiting portion 6, 8. According to a preferred embodiment, the branch busbar device 1 comprises at least two electric field limiting portions 6, 8. The first electric field limiting portion 6 is arranged at a first location 7 adjacent to the contact areas 3, 5, at the connection position of the first contact area 3 and the second contact area 5, respectively. The second electric field limiting portion 8 is arranged at a second location 9 adjacent to the contact areas 3, 5, at the connection position of the first contact area 3 and the second contact area 5, respectively.

[0020] The first and second electric field-limiting portions 6 and 8 are preferably embodied essentially identically. This includes mechanical structure, dimensions, and materials. While it is not necessary for the electric field-limiting portions 6 and 8 to be constructed or formed essentially identically, doing so allows for easier placement of the electric field-limiting portions 6 and 8. The first and second electric field-limiting portions 6 and 8 are electrically connected to the electric wires 2, 4, and 10 of the branch busbar device 1. The first and second electric field-limiting portions 6 and 8 can be electrically connected to the first electric wire 2, the second electric wire 4, or the third electric wire 10 of the branch busbar device 1. A defined and / or approximately constant potential at the first and second electric field-limiting portions 6 and 8 is necessary for the positive effect of this placement.

[0021] We now describe a preferred embodiment of the first field-limiting part 6. All the features described are also preferred for the second field-limiting part 8.

[0022] Preferably, the first electric field limiting portion 6 comprises a first thin plate 11. The first thin plate 11 may also be referred to as a first thin plate. Preferably, the first thin plate 11 is thinner than 1 mm. Preferably, the first thin plate 11 has a substantially flat shape and / or a flat surface. The first thin plate 11 may have different forms. Preferably, the first thin plate 11 has a round shape.

[0023] The first thin plate 11 has a sufficiently high electrical conductivity. The first thin plate 11 includes a conductive material. Typically, the first thin plate 11 includes or is made of a metal. Most metals are electrically conductive and also have the mechanical strength necessary to safely maintain their shape and position in the event of a higher electric field effect. This structure is easy to construct and has a positive reaction to the electric field 15, particularly a high attractive force.

[0024] Preferably, the second electric field-limiting portion 8 also includes a second thin plate 13. The second thin plate 13 may also be referred to as a second thin plate. This second thin plate 13 has a sufficiently high electrical conductivity. Preferably, the second thin plate 13 has a substantially flat form and / or a flat surface. Typically, the second thin plate 13 includes or is made of a metal, as will be further described with respect to the first thin plate 11. This structure is easy to construct and has a positive response to the electric field 15.

[0025] Preferably, the first thin plate 11 of the first field-limiting part 6 is connected to one of the electric wires 2, 4, 10 of the branch busbar device 1. For this connection, the first thin plate 11 is preferably provided with at least one contact element. This facilitates the electrical connection of the field-limiting parts 6, 8 and allows them to be replaced in a short time. Preferably, the second thin plate 13 is also connected in accordance with these preferred features.

[0026] Even if the first thin plate 11 primarily benefits the electric field 15, the edges of the first thin plate 11 may cause undesirable electric field effects. It is particularly preferred that the boundary or edge portions of the first thin plate 11 be covered with a first insulating coating 12 or casing. The first insulating coating 12 preferably comprises plastic and has mechanical flexibility. Such an insulating coating 12 prevents or limits the electric field 15 from one side of the first thin plate 11 to the other side of the first thin plate 11. If the first thin plate 11 is round, the diameter of the first thin plate 11 is greater than the width of the first insulating coating 12. If the first thin plate 11 is not round, the length of the first thin plate 11 is greater than the width of the first insulating coating 12. Preferably, the second thin plate 13 also has a second insulating coating 14 according to these preferred features. The first insulating coating 12 and the second insulating coating 14 enhance the favorable effect of the first field-limiting portion 6 and the second field-limiting portion 8 with respect to the contact areas 3 , 5 of the first wire 2 and the second wire 4 .

[0027] The first thin plate 11 is preferably thinner than the first insulating coating 12. The thickness of the first thin plate 11 is preferably less than 30%, and more preferably less than 20%, of the thickness of the first insulating coating 12. The second thin plate 13 is preferably thinner than the thickness of the second insulating coating 14. The thickness of the second thin plate 13 is preferably less than 30%, and more preferably less than 20% of the thickness of the second insulating coating 14.

[0028] Preferably, the first and second electric field-limiting portions 6 and 8 are arranged to include or at least substantially enclose the major portions of the contact areas 3 and 5 of the first and second electric wires 2 and 4. It is particularly preferred that the first and second electric field-limiting portions 6 and 8 be arranged parallel to each other. It may be even more preferred that the first and second electric field-limiting portions 6 and 8 be arranged opposite each other, with the contact areas 3 and 5 located between them. This is exemplarily shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. This configuration is very easy to construct and has a positive electric field effect because the electric field 15 has the same distance from each point. FIG. 1 shows the electric field 15 diagrammatically. Furthermore, the first and second electric field-limiting portions 6 and 8 are preferably connected to each other by at least one retaining member. Such a retaining member helps to preserve the position of the first and second thin plates 11 and 13 against vibrations or other electrical or mechanical influences. This causes the first electric field limiting portion 6 and the second electric field limiting portion 8 to be at the same potential relative to each other. Therefore, no potential difference occurs between the first electric field limiting portion 6 and the second electric field limiting portion 8. Particularly preferably, the first thin plate 11 and / or the second thin plate 13 has at least one opening to reduce pressure due to the surrounding gas, in particular due to mechanical vibration of the thin plates 11, 13.

[0029] As described above, the first electric field-limiting portion 6 and the second electric field-limiting portion 8 are electrically connected to one of the electric wires 2, 4, 10 of the branch busbar device 1. Preferably, the first electric field-limiting portion 6 and the second electric field-limiting portion 8 are electrically connected to the first electric wire 2 or the second electric wire 4. This connection generates a defined electric field and is easy to establish.

[0030] It may also be preferred that the first electric field-limiting portion 6 and the second electric field-limiting portion 8 are electrically connected to a third electric wire 10 of the branch busbar device 1. In this embodiment, it is possible to connect the electric field-limiting portions 6, 8 to a potential that can be selected or planned for the main sense without setting up the first electric wire 2. It is particularly preferred that the third electric wire 10 is not in electrical contact with the first electric wire 2 and the second electric wire 4. Preferably, the third electric wire 10 is connected to a contact element of the branch busbar device 1 that is connected to a potential that can be predetermined.

[0031] While the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present invention encompasses further embodiments having any combination of features from the different embodiments described above and below. In addition, statements herein that recite features of the present invention refer to one embodiment of the present invention and not necessarily to all embodiments.

[0032] Below are some principles for understanding and interpreting the disclosures in practice.

[0033] Features are usually introduced using the indefinite article "one, a, an." Therefore, unless the context dictates otherwise, "one, a, an" should not be understood as a number.

[0034] The conjunction "or" is to be construed as inclusive rather than exclusive, unless the context requires otherwise. "A or B" also includes "A and B," where "A" and "B" represent random features.

[0035] Ordinal numeral terms, such as "first," "second," or "third," specifically distinguish feature X or object Y in some embodiments, unless otherwise defined by the present disclosure. In particular, in a claim, a feature X or object Y having an ordinal numeral term does not imply that an embodiment of the invention encompassed by this claim must also have one more feature X or another object Y.

[0036] "Essentially" in reference to a numerical value includes a tolerance of ±10% of the given numerical value, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0037] For ranges of values, the endpoints are inclusive unless the context indicates otherwise.

Claims

1. A branch busbar device (1) for a high voltage and / or medium voltage configuration, the branch busbar device (1) comprising a first electric wire (2) having a first electrical contact area (3), a second electric wire (4) having a second electrical contact area (5), and a third electric wire (10), the first electric contact area (3) being connected to the second electric contact area (5), a first electric field limiting portion (6) being arranged at a first location (7) adjacent to the contact areas (3, 5), a second electric field limiting portion (8) being arranged at a second location (9) adjacent to the contact areas (3, 5), the first electric field limiting portion (6) and the second electric field limiting portion (8) being electrically connected to the first electric wire (2), the second electric wire (4), or the third electric wire (10) of the branch busbar device (1), The third electric wire (10) is in contact with the first electric wire (2) near the first electric contact area (3) and the second electric contact area (5) so that the first electric field limiting portion (6) and the second electric field limiting portion (8) are adjacent to the first electric contact area (3), the second electric contact area (5), and an area where the third electric wire (10) is in contact with the first electric wire (2). Branch busbar device (1).

2. The branch busbar device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first thin plate (11) comprises at least one opening.

3. 2. The branch busbar device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first electric field-limiting portion (6) and the second electric field-limiting portion (8) are embodied essentially identically.

4. The branch busbar device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first electric field limiting portion (6) is arranged parallel to the second electric field limiting portion (8).

5. The branch busbar device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first electric field limiting portion (6) and the second electric field limiting portion (8) have the same potential.

6. The branch busbar device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first electric field limiting portion (6) and the second electric field limiting portion (8) are connected to each other by at least one holding portion.

7. A circuit breaker comprising the branch busbar device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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