Magnetic grounding clamp for overhead line equipment structures

Abstract

A grounding clamp for an overhead line structure comprises a clamp frame having a profile having a flat contact point at each end of the profile and a middle portion at a different height from each contact point at each end of the profile, and at least one magnetic portion arranged in the clamp frame to magnetically attach the clamp frame to a surface—said to be positioned toward the middle portion of the frame profile—and the magnetic portion is arranged to move relative to the frame between the level of the contact point and toward the middle portion, away from the level defined by the contact point, thereby allowing the grounding clamp to be attached to the structure to facilitate mechanical and electrical connection with the overhead line structure through the magnetic portion and the contact point, and means for moving the grounding clamp frame and / or the magnetic portion relative to the overhead line structure to counteract the magnetic force applied to the overhead line structure by the magnetic portion to release the grounding clamp from the overhead line structure. A corresponding portable ground is provided.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] In general, the present invention relates to an electromechanical array for grounding overhead line structures. In particular, the present invention relates to a general-purpose portable earth clamp, but is not limited thereto. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional portable grounding solutions for Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) generally require the provision of structure-mounted earth attachment points with associated fixings, typically in the form of pegs. Conventional portable grounding solutions require structure-mounted earth attachment points to apply short portable grounding. These solutions are typically designed as a spring jaw type. These solutions have the disadvantage of requiring earth attachment points, which are typically installed only 400 meters apart from each other; therefore, if an earth attachment point is missing or damaged, it can affect access and cause the cancellation of work. Since earth attachment points are not provided on all structures, this limits the overhead line structures to which portable grounding can be applied.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a more universal type of grounding clamp solution that optimizes the time available for performing work within very limited railway infrastructure access windows, while avoiding the use of grounding attachment points and allowing the realization of associated safety, time, and cost benefits.

[0004] The objective of the embodiments of the present invention is to mitigate at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages evident in the arrangements of the prior art. This objective is generally achieved through the arrangements and methods according to the set of claims.

[0005] The present invention provides a grounding clamp particularly suitable for use on OLE structures that provide a suitable surface of a ferromagnetic material. One example of an application of the present invention is when a single ground or multiple grounds are required in an OLE structure that lacks a dedicated or specific ground attachment point peg for the application of conventional grounding clamps. Another example includes situations where a ground attachment point peg is damaged or missing, interfering with the application of conventional short portable grounds. Some other applications include cases where long portable grounds are typically used. Some additional applications include cases where visible grounding is required on an OLE structure at the work site.

[0006] The advantages of the present invention include providing a short portable grounding option that can be used on multiple overhead line structures having a suitable surface of a ferromagnetic material without the need to install a grounding attachment point. Additionally, the present invention provides an alternative option to the use of long portable groundings in certain cases and thus offers direct safety benefits attributable to the risks associated with long portable groundings. Furthermore, the present invention provides a short portable grounding option that can be utilized in cases of damaged or missing grounding attachment points. Additionally, the present invention enables an optimized approach to grounding and the use of a single additional grounding point on overhead line structures. Moreover, the present invention enables the application of visible grounding to OLE structures at the work site, thereby demonstrating that the equipment has ceased operation. Furthermore, the present invention is compatible with the use of existing live working poles and associated distribution / retrieval adapters.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a grounding clamp for an overhead line structure is:

[0008] - A clamp frame comprising a profile having a flat contact point at each end of the profile and a middle section having a different height from each contact point at each end of the profile,

[0009] - comprising at least one magnetic part arranged in the clamp frame to magnetically attach the clamp frame to the surface — said magnetic part is positioned toward the middle part of the frame profile — and

[0010] The magnetic part is arranged to move relative to the frame between the level of the contact point and the intermediate part, away from the level defined by the contact point, allowing the grounding clamp to be attached to the structure to facilitate mechanical and electrical connection with the overhead line structure through the magnetic part and the contact point, and

[0011] To release the ground clamp from the overhead line structure, means for moving the ground clamp frame and / or the magnetic part relative to the overhead line structure to counteract the magnetic force applied to the overhead line structure by the magnetic part are included.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the grounding clamp includes a mechanical actuation lever for moving the grounding clamp frame and / or magnetic part in a direction away from the structure when the grounding clamp is attached to the structure.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a mechanical operating lever for moving the grounding clamp frame and / or magnetic part at least away from the structure when the grounding clamp is attached to the structure can be used together with a dispensing head.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the clamp frame may include a curved profile.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the grounding clamp includes a spring connected to the magnetic part to facilitate a reaction force on the magnetic part and to move the magnetic part away from the level of the contact point.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the connection between the magnet and the spring assembly is electrically insulated from the clamp frame.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic part is electrically connected to the clamp frame through a flexible braid connection.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the grounding clamp frame includes a guide that assists in the correct positioning and application of the grounding clamp frame.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the grounding clamp includes a permanently attached protective cover applied over a magnet, which allows for storage and safe handling when not in use.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the grounding clamp includes a removable cover for the magnetic part.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it includes a grounding clamp array of claim 1 and a line end connected thereto.

[0022] As briefly reviewed above, the utility of the various embodiments of the present invention arises from a plurality of problems according to each specific embodiment.

[0023] In this specification, the expression “a number of” may refer to any positive integer starting from one (1). The expression “a plurality of” may refer to any positive integer starting from two (2).

[0024] Various embodiments of the present invention are also disclosed in the appended dependent claims. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0025] Next, some exemplary embodiments of the present invention are examined in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a grounding clamp. Figure 2 illustrates a rear view of an embodiment of a grounding clamp. FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a grounding clamp. FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a grounding clamp. Figure 5 illustrates an example of a grounding clamp attached to an overhead line structure. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a grounding clamp attached to an overhead line structure. Figure 7 illustrates a general drawing of a grounding clamp in use. FIG. 8 illustrates a general drawing of another embodiment of a grounding clamp. FIG. 9 illustrates another general drawing of another embodiment of a grounding clamp. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0026] FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate major embodiments of a grounding clamp.

[0027] A grounding clamp according to an exemplary embodiment includes subsequent features.

[0028] (1) Retrieval bracket

[0029] (2) Release mechanism arm

[0030] (3) Release mechanism hinge point

[0031] (4) Guide

[0032] (5) Release mechanism roller

[0033] (6) Magnet

[0034] (7A) Clamp frame front contact point

[0035] (7B) Clamp frame rear contact point

[0036] (8) Earth cable connection terminal

[0037] (9) Application lug

[0038] (10) insulation

[0039] (11) spring

[0040] (12) Connection bolt

[0041] (13) Magnet cap stow cup

[0042] (14) Earth cable

[0043] The grounding clamp comprises at least a clamp frame having a curved profile having flat contact points (7A, 7B) or pads at each end of the profile and a middle section at a different height from each contact point (7A, 7B) at each end of the profile. The contact points (7A, 7B) are fixed to form a horizontal plane or level, which can be connected to an OLE structure. The curved profile of the clamp frame may include a continuous profile having rounded edges between the middle section and the contact points (7A, 7B), as illustrated, or the clamp frame profile may include a profile having sharp edges between the middle section and the contact points (7A, 7B), for example, where the horizontal middle section and the horizontal contact points (7A, 7B) have vertical or angled regions between them and sharp corners divide different regions to form, for example, a "top-hat shape," etc.

[0044] The grounding clamp further comprises at least one magnetic part, such as a magnet (6) or a plurality of magnets (6), arranged in the clamp frame to magnetically attach the frame to the surface, said magnetic part positioned toward the middle of the frame profile. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, where it can be clearly seen that the contact surface of the magnet (6) is moved upward relative to the level of the contact point (7A, 7B), that is, away from the level defined by the contact point (7A, 7B) and toward the level of the middle of the clamp frame, which is also a horizontal level or plane where the magnetic part is connected to the OLE structure, the magnet (6) is arranged to move relative to the frame between the level of the contact point (7A, 7B) and above the level defined by the contact point (7A, 7B), thereby allowing the grounding clamp to be attached to the structure and facilitating mechanical and electrical connections with the overhead line structure through the magnetic part and the contact point. That is, the magnet (6) is arranged to move "inside" the ground clamp profile in a vertical direction through the spring connection (11) in the middle part of the clamp frame. The ground clamp may also include means such as a mechanical operating lever formed by a retrieval bracket (1), a release mechanism arm (2), a release mechanism hinge point (3), and a release mechanism roller (5) to move the clamp frame relative to at least the overhead line structure to offset and overcome the magnetic force applied to the overhead line structure by the magnet (6) to release the ground clamp from the overhead line structure, for example by lever operation or simply pulling the ground clamp away from the structure.For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, the grounding clamp comprises a retrieval bracket (1), a release mechanism arm (2), a release mechanism hinge point (3), and a release mechanism roller (5), wherein the release mechanism roller (5) can be pressed against the OLE structure to which the grounding clamp is connected by the operation of the retrieval bracket (1), and mechanical force can be applied through the release mechanism arm (2) and the release mechanism hinge point (3) to move the grounding clamp frame against the overhead line structure and release the grounding clamp from the OLE structure. Alternatively, the grounding clamp may include other types of mechanisms for moving the grounding clamp against the OLE structure, such as a retrieval bracket (1) directly connected to the grounding clamp frame, as illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9, so that the grounding clamp can be pulled away from the OLE structure by pulling the retrieval bracket (1). Alternatively or additionally, the grounding clamp may include means for moving the magnet (6) away from the level of at least the contact points (7A, 7B). The magnet (6) may be connected to a spring (11) through an insulating part (10) in the frame to help move the magnet away from the level of at least the contact points (7A, 7B) and to counteract the magnetic force applied by the magnet (6) when the grounding clamp is not connected to the structure. In this way, the magnet (6) may be moved and attached to the ferromagnetic structure at the same level as the contact points (7A, 7B) where the grounding clamp is attached to the structure, and the grounding clamp frame and / or magnet (6) may also be moved away from the connection due to the operation of the bracket (1) which counteracts the magnetic force applied to the structure and detaches the grounding clamp from the structure. A protective cover, such as a magnet cap storage cup (13), may be used over the magnet to allow for storage and safe handling when not in use. The protective cover may be permanently fixed or removable.The insulating part (10) is used to electrically insulate the magnet and the spring assembly from the clamp frame. As illustrated, the magnet (6) can be electrically connected to the clamp frame through a flexible braid connection.

[0045] The grounding clamp may additionally include a guide (4) for easier operation and attachment of the grounding clamp to an OLE structure. Such a guide (4) is advantageous because the grounding clamp is operated by a live work pole from a distance and from a height. Additionally, the grounding clamp may include an application lug (9) or a similar structure for hoisting the grounding clamp using a live work pole from a height.

[0046] The grounding clamp additionally includes a grounding cable connection terminal (8) connected to a magnet (6) via a grounding cable (14) to connect the grounding clamp to the line end.

[0047] Although not exemplified, the grounding clamp may include a housing or a removable cover.

[0048] The grounding clamp further includes a connecting means for connecting a line end having a line to the grounding clamp.

[0049] Grounding clamps are particularly suitable for railway applications and related environments, including 25 kV AC, 12 kA rated systems.

[0050] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a grounding clamp attached to an OLE. Here, the grounding clamp is shown attached to a flat surface of a ferromagnetic material. The grounding clamp is shown connected to a line end, which may include a conventional line end clamp that can be operated at a height by a live work pole, and the grounding clamp and the line end essentially constitute a portable ground. As illustrated, the live portion is separated by an insulator from the rest of the OLE structure, such as a mast, to which the grounding clamp can be connected. The cable connection between the line end clamp and the grounding clamp can be kept substantially short.

[0051] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a grounding clamp in use. In this application, an overhead line equipment structure for railways is depicted as the object on which an operator uses the grounding clamp. The operator can attach and detach the grounding clamp at a height and a preferred location having a surface of a ferromagnetic material using a conventional live work pole equipped with appropriate dispensing and retrieval adapters, such as a dispensing head or other operating sockets. Operation is convenient because only a sufficiently flat ferromagnetic surface is required, making it simple to place the grounding clamp in a specific area. Due to magnetic force, the grounding clamp automatically attaches to the ferromagnetic surface, and removal is also simple because the magnetic force can be easily counteracted via a mechanical operating lever that the operator can operate using the live work pole. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the grounding clamp provides a visible grounding that can be applied at the work site to demonstrate that the overhead line equipment is not in operation. Since the grounding clamp can be attached to any substantially flat ferromagnetic surface, grounding can be performed at a height that avoids the need for a long portable grounding.

[0052] The scope of the invention is determined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed embodiments are provided for exemplary purposes only, and that additional embodiments, combinations of embodiments, variations, and equivalents will be included to better suit each specific use case of the invention.

Claims

Claim 1 A grounding clamp for an overhead line structure, comprising: a clamp frame including a profile having a flat contact point at each end of the profile and a middle portion at a different height from each contact point at each end of the profile; at least one magnetic portion arranged in the clamp frame to magnetically attach the clamp frame to a surface—the magnetic portion being positioned toward the middle portion of the profile; the magnetic portion being arranged to move relative to the clamp frame between the level of the contact point and the middle portion away from the level defined by the contact point, thereby allowing the grounding clamp to be attached to the overhead line structure to facilitate mechanical and electrical connection with the overhead line structure through the magnetic portion and the contact point; and means for moving the clamp frame or the magnetic portion relative to the overhead line structure to offset the magnetic force applied to the overhead line structure by the magnetic portion in order to release the grounding clamp from the overhead line structure. Claim 2 The grounding clamp of claim 1, wherein the grounding clamp comprises a mechanical operating lever for moving the clamp frame or the magnetic part in a direction away from the overhead line structure when the grounding clamp is attached to the overhead line structure. Claim 3 A grounding clamp according to claim 2, wherein a mechanical operating lever for moving the clamp frame or the magnetic part at least away from the overhead line structure when the grounding clamp is attached to the overhead line structure can be used with a dispensing head. Claim 4 A grounding clamp according to claim 1, wherein the clamp frame includes a curved profile. Claim 5 A grounding clamp according to claim 1, wherein the grounding clamp comprises a spring connected to the magnetic part to facilitate a reaction force on the magnetic part and to move the magnetic part away from the level of the contact point. Claim 6 A grounding clamp according to claim 5, wherein the connection between the magnetic part and the spring is electrically insulated from the clamp frame. Claim 7 A grounding clamp according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic portion is electrically connected to the clamp frame through a flexible braid connection. Claim 8 A grounding clamp according to claim 1, wherein the clamp frame includes a guide that assists in the correct positioning and application of the clamp frame. Claim 9 The grounding clamp of claim 1, wherein the grounding clamp comprises a permanently attached protective cover applied over a magnet, allowing for storage and safe handling when not in use. Claim 10 A grounding clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the grounding clamp comprises a removable cover for the magnetic part. Claim 11 Portable grounding comprising the grounding clamp of claim 1 and a line end connected thereto.

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