Cutout mounted recloser with hot stick engagement interface

Abstract

A distribution system fuse device includes an insulator body having a weathershed. A support bracket extends from the insulator body. A hood is connected to the insulator body, the hood having a hood contact. A hinge member extends from the insulator body. A recloser is pivotally connected to the insulator body by engagement of a pivot with the hinge member, the recloser having a pivot engagement interface and a support engagement interface. The pivot engagement interface is configured to receive a first portion of a hot stick and the support engagement interface is configured to receive a second portion of a hot stick.

Description

CUTOUT MOUNTED RECLOSER WITH HOT STICK ENGAGEMENT INTERFACEFIELD

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments relate to fuse devices for power distribution systems.BACKGROUND

[0002] Circuit interrupting devices, such as circuit breakers, sectionalizers, cutouts, and reclosers provide protection for power distribution systems and the various apparatus on those power distribution systems such as transformers and capacitor banks by isolating a faulted section from the main part of the system. A fault current in the system can occur under various conditions, including but not limited to lightning, an animal or tree shorting the power lines or different power lines contacting each other. Conventional circuit interrupting devices sense a fault and interrupt the current path. Conventional reclosers also re-close the current path and monitor continued fault conditions, thereby re-energizing the utility line upon termination of the fault. This provides maximum continuity of electrical service. If a fault is permanent, the recloser remains open after a certain number of reclosing operations that can be pre-set.

[0003] A fuse cutout is a combination of a fuse and a switch that is actuated by an overcurrent event. An overcurrent caused by a fault in the transformer or customer circuit will cause the fuse to melt, disconnecting the transformer from the line. To facilitate disconnection, cutouts are typically mounted about 20 degrees off vertical so that the center of gravity of the fuse holder is displaced and the fuse holder will rotateand fall open under its own weight when the fuse blows. Mechanical tension on the fuse link normally holds an ejector spring in a stable position. When the fuse blows, the released spring pulls the stub of the fuse link out of the fuse holder tube to reduce surge duration and damage to the transformer and fuse holder to quench any arc in the fuse holder. The cutout can also be opened manually by utility linemen standing on the ground and using a long insulating stick called a “hot stick”.

[0004] A cutout can include three major components. The first component is the cutout insulator body, a generally open C-shaped frame that includes a conductive top hood piece and a conductive bottom hinge pieces which cooperate to accept a fuse holder as well as a ribbed porcelain or polymer insulator main portion that electrically isolates the conductive portions from the support bracket to which the insulator is fastened via a centrally extending mounting flange.

[0005] The second component is the fuse holder itself, also called the “fuse tube”, that is an insulating tube which contains the replaceable fuse element. When the fuse element operates (“melts”), the fuse holder subsequently drops out of the upper contact of the top hood of the insulator body, breaking the circuit, and hangs from a hinge on its lower end that cooperates with the bottom hinge of the insulator body via a pinion. The hanging fuse holder provides a visible indication that the fuse has operated and assurance that the circuit is open. The circuit can also be opened manually by pulling out the fuse holder using a hot stick with approved load break device.

[0006] The third component is the fuse element, or “fuse link”, which is the replaceable portion of the cutout assembly that operates when the electrical current isgreat enough. In operation, after the fuse link has blown and the fuse holder drops, a lineman replaces the fuse link and re-deploys the fuse tube in its operating condition between the conductive top hood and bottom hinge pieces of the fuse cutout insulator body. The fuse holder can be equipped with a pull ring that can be engaged by a hook at the end of the fiberglass hot stick operated by a lineworker standing on the ground or from a bucket truck, to manually close / open the switch.

[0007] If equipped with appropriate mechanisms, cutouts can act as sectionalizers, used on each distribution line downstream from autoreclosing circuit breakers. Autoreclosers sense and briefly interrupt fault currents, and then automatically reclose to restore service. Meanwhile, downstream sectionalizers automatically count current interruptions by the recloser. When a sectionalizer detects a preset number of interruptions of fault current (typically 2, 3, or 4) the sectionalizer opens (while unenergized) and remains open, and the recloser restores supply to the other non-fault sections.

[0008] Fuse cutouts can also be utilized as a dropout recloser. A dropout recloser can determine the number of fault current interruptions and drop from a cutout once the set number of faults is reached. A dropout recloser can therefore include reclosing components and fault interrupting components. These components can include the dropout mechanism of a standard fuse cutout, along with a controller housed, for example, with the fuse tube, and configured to determine an overcurrent condition, count the overcurrent cycles over a given time, and activate the dropout mechanism as needed.SUMMARY

[0009] In certain configurations, a distribution system fuse device includes more than one connection point to receive a hot stick.

[0010] In certain configurations, a distribution system fuse device includes a first connection point to receive a hot stick and a second connection point to receive a hot stick.

[0011] In certain configurations, a distribution system fuse device includes a clamp to receive the shaft of a hot stick.

[0012] In certain configurations, a distribution system fuse device includes an insulator body having a weathershed. A support bracket extends from the insulator body. A hood is connected to the insulator body, the hood having a hood contact. A hinge member extends from the insulator body. A recloser is pivotally connected to the insulator body by engagement of a pivot with the hinge member, the recloser having a pivot engagement interface and a support engagement interface. The pivot engagement interface is configured to receive a first portion of a hot stick and the support engagement interface is configured to receive a second portion of a hot stick.

[0013] In certain configurations, a distribution system fuse device includes an insulator body having a weathershed. A support bracket extends from the insulator body. A hood is connected to the insulator body, the hood having a hood contact. A hinge member extends from the insulator body. A recloser is pivotally connected to the insulator body by engagement of a pivot with the hinge member, the recloser having an upper engagement interface, a pivot engagement interface, and a supportengagement interface. The pivot engagement interface is configured to receive a first portion of a hot stick and the support engagement interface is configured to receive a second portion of a hot stick.

[0014] Certain implementations include a method of installing a fuse device in a distribution system. A hot stick is connected to a pivot engagement interface of a recloser. The hot stick is connected to a support engagement interface of the recloser. The hot stick and the recloser are extended proximate to an insulator body having a hinge member. A pivot of the recloser is engaged with the hinge member to pivotally connect the recloser to the insulator body.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The aspects and features of various exemplary embodiments will be more apparent from the description of those exemplary embodiments taken with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a dropout recloser.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a partial view of the hinge and pivot of the dropout recloser of FIG.1.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the recloser internal components.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the dropout recloser of FIG. 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Certain exemplary embodiments are directed to a fuse device used in a power distribution system. The fuse device can be connected to an overhead powerline system, for example being connected to a utility pole, either directly or through one or more mounting brackets. The fuse device can be configured to disconnect from the power distribution system when a certain condition occurs, for example one or more overcurrent fault conditions. The fuse device can be reconnected to the power distribution system by a lineman or other technician.

[0021] In certain operations, the lineman will engage the fuse device with a hot stick. Hot sticks typically include a pole made from an insulated material such as fiberglass. Hot sticks can have different lengths, ranging from about 6 feet to about 40 feet, and can be telescopic to provide for an adjustable length. This allows lineman to stay a sufficient distance from potentially live voltage components. The end of a hot stick can be equipped with different components on the far end to perform different operations. For example, moveable or stationary hooks can be provided on the far end of the hot stick to allow a lineman to manipulate components at a distance.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary circuit interrupting device too having a cutout insulator 102. As depicted, the cutout insulator 102 includes an insulator body 104 having a plurality of watersheds 106. The insulator body 104 can be made from a suitable dielectric material. For example, the insulator can include thermal plastic, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or PPE resin. Certain configurations can include thermal set material, such as epoxy or vinyl ester. The insulator body 104 can be molded, for example, injection molded, and the molding can include reinforcing fillers to enhance properties of the insulator body 104, such as, but not limited to, hydrophobic properties, UV stability, and track resistance.

[0023] A support bracket 108 extends from the insulator body 104. The support bracket 108 can be connected to a central region of the insulator body 104 and can include an opening to receive a mounting fastener. The support bracket 108 can connect the insulator body 104 to a support, such as a utility pole or crossarm, either directly or connected through one or more mounting brackets. The support bracket 108 or other mounting structure can be configured to mount the insulator body 104 at an angle so that a longitudinal axis of the insulator 102 extends at an oblique angle relative to a vertical axis as determined relative to the ground.

[0024] An upper bracket 110 extends from an upper portion of the insulator body 104. The upper bracket 110 can be connected to a hood 112 having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximate portion can include an upper terminal 114 that is configured to receive a supply connection. The distal portion can include a hood contact 116 extending from the hood 112. The hood contact 116 can be biased away from the hood 112 by, for example, a spring.

[0025] A lower bracket 118 extends from a lower portion of the insulator body 104. The lower bracket 118 connects to a hinge member 120. The hinge member 120 has a lower terminal 122 that receives a load connection. The hinge member 120 also has a pivot connection. The pivot connection can include a pair of arms 124 having an outer hook defining a cradle. The support bracket 108, upper bracket 110, and lower bracket 118 can be electrically isolated form one another by the insulator body 104.

[0026] A recloser 130 is connected to the cutout insulator 102. The recloser 130 includes a recloser body 132. A recloser contact 134 extends from a first portion of the recloser body 132. The recloser contact 134 is configured to releasably engage the hoodcontact 116. The recloser contact 134 can be configured to extend into engagement with the hood contact 116 so that the hood contact 116 is biased against the spring. This engagement can provide a retaining force to hold the hood contact 116 and the recloser contact 134 in engagement.

[0027] An upper engagement interface can also extend from the first portion of the recloser body 132. The upper engagement interface provides a contact point for a user to manipulate the recloser 130. In certain configurations, the upper engagement interface is configured to interact with a hot stick. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper engagement interface can include a ring 136 that extends outwardly from the recloser body 132.

[0028] As best shown in FIG. 2, a pivot 138 extends from a second portion of the recloser body 132 spaced from the first portion along a vertical axis. The pivot 138 is positioned and configured to be received in the hinge member 120 of the insulator body 102. The pivot 138 can include a trunnion member 140 which is received in the cradle of the insulator body 102 hinge. The trunnion member 140 can include a pair of opposing projections 142 seated in the cradle to provide a rotatable connection between the recloser 130 and the cutout insulator 102.

[0029] A pivot engagement interface can extend from the pivot 138. The pivot engagement interface provides a contact point for a user to manipulate the recloser 130. In certain configurations, the pivot engagement interface is configured to interact with a hot stick. In an exemplary embodiment, the pivot engagement interface can include a second ring 144 that extends outwardly from the pivot 138. The second ring 144 can positioned at a different orientation from the first ring 136. The second ring144 can be positioned on a different side of the recloser body 132 from the first ring 136. For example, the second ring 144 can be positioned on an opposite side of the recloser body 132 from the first ring 136. In configurations using a cylindrical body, the second ring 144 can be positioned at a different degree along the circumference of the cylindrical body. When other shapes are used, the second ring 144 can be positioned at a different angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the recloser body 132.

[0030] The recloser 130 can contain various internal components depending on the recloser’s 130 operational requirements. FIG. 3 shows an exemplary schematic of a recloser 130 and an exemplary configuration of the internal components. These components will vary depending on if the circuit interrupting device 100 is being used as a cutout, sectionailzer, or a dropout recloser. In an example of a configuration as a dropout recloser, the recloser 130 can include a controller 210, a current sensor 220, a circuit interrupter / recloser 230, and a dropout mechanism 240. The circuit interrupter / recloser 230 can be a vacuum interrupter, although other types of interrupters may also be used. The circuit interrupter / recloser 230 can be activated by the controller to open when a fault is detected and to reclose after a certain amount of time. If the fault is not cleared after a certain amount of attempts, a dropout mechanism 240 can be activated to cause the recloser 130 to rotate in the hinge, separating the recloser contact 134 and the hood contact 116. The dropout mechanism 240 can include an actuator, for example a solenoid, that causes movement of the recloser 130 relative to the insulator 102.

[0031] The controller 210 can be configured to control the necessary functions and components of the recloser 130. The controller 210 can include one or more PCBs,microprocessors, microcontrollers, volatile and / or non-volatile memory, circuitry components (capacitors, transistors, etc.), and firmware that can be adjusted or updated by a user as necessary. One or more power harvesting components 250 can be included to provide power to various components. The power harvesting components 250 can include one or more power storage devices such as one or more capacitors or batteries. Any type of direct and indirect electrical connection can be used to supply power from the power harvesting components 250 to the other internal components. The types, number, and architecture of these components can be varied depending on the requirements of the recloser 130 as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0032] During an exemplary operation, the recloser 130 will initially be set so that the pivot 138 is seated in the hinge member 120 and the recloser contact 134 is engaged with the hood contact 116. If a fault condition is detected, the interrupter / recloser 230 can open for a set amount of time and then close to see if the fault is cleared. If the fault is not cleared after a certain number of openings (e.g., two, three, or four), the dropout mechanism 240 is activated and the recloser 130 is pivoted so the recloser contact 134 is out of engagement with the hood contact 116, opening that portion of the distribution system. The recloser 130 pivots about the hinge member 120 so that the recloser body 132 is hanging in a downward orientation. A user, such as a lineman or other technician, will then need to go and reset the device by manually pivoting the recloser 130 back into engagement with the hood 112. The recloser 130 can also be removed from the hinge member 120 before being reset to replace or adjust components as needed.

[0033] When a user is resetting the recloser 130, a hot stick is typically used to engage and manipulate the recloser body 132. For example, a lineman can engage the first ring 136 with a hook of the hot stick and push the recloser body 132 up into engagement with the hood 112. The lineman can also engage the second ring 144 with the hot stick when installing or removing the recloser 130 from the hinge member 120.

[0034] Engagement of the hot stick with the first or second ring 136, 144 can be troublesome at longer distances. For example, cutouts are typically positioned on utility pole crossarms that can be positioned 20-40 feet above the ground. If a bucket truck is unavailable, a lineman may use a telescopic hot stick from the ground to perform any required removal, installation, or resetting operation. The greater the distance, the harder it is for a lineman to control the position of the end of the hot stick, as small movements can be amplified over greater distances, and the weight of the recloser 130 can create significant torque over such a great distance.

[0035] To compensate for these problems, the recloser 130 can have an improved engagement interface that includes a support engagement interface extending from the recloser body 132 as best shown in FIG. 4. The support engagement interface can be positioned so that it provides a second point of contact with the hot stick when the hot stick is engaged with one of the other interfaces. For example, the support engagement interface can provide a second point of contact when a hot stick is engaged with the pivot interface to provide more stability to a user when installing the recloser body 132 into the hinge 120 over a large distance.

[0036] FIG. 4 best shows an exemplary implementation of a support engagement interface having a clamping member 150. In one configuration, the clamping member150 includes a pair of opposing tines. The tines can each have a diverging outer portion that helps facilitate engagement and entry of the hot stick pole or shaft. The tines can be resiliently biased toward each other, for example using a resilient metal, so that the hot stick can deflect the tines and then be held in place between the tines during operation. In other examples, the width of the tines may be greater than a width of the hot stick, allowing the hot stick to fit within the tines without the tines clamping on the hot stick.

[0037] In some forms, the clamping member 150 may be generally aligned with the second ring 144 (e.g., disposed on a same side of the recloser 130) to enable the hot stick to engage the clamping member 150 and the second ring 144 at the same time. In certain forms, the clamping member 150 may be spaced apart from the second ring 144 and may be disposed proximate to the recloser contact 134. This may create a greater distance between the clamping member 150 and the second ring 144 so that a greater length of the hot stick is supported against the recloser 130.

[0038] During installation of the recloser 130, a lineman can engage the hot stick with the second ring 144 and the clamping member 150 (in any order) so that the recloser 130 has two discrete points of contact with the hot stick. The two points of contact can help prevent the recloser 130 from becoming dislodged from the hot stick over long distances and help the lineman accurately place the recloser 130. The lineman can then extend the recloser 130 so that the pivot 138 is seated in the hinge member 120. The lineman can then disengage the hot stick from the clamp 150 and the second ring 144 and engage the first ring 136 to pivot the recloser body 132 so thatthe recloser contact 134 is seated in the hood 112 and engaged with the hood contact 116.

[0039] While an exemplary embodiment of the recloser is described in connection with a fuse cutout insulator and related components for a power distribution system, it will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art armed with the present specification that the components described herein can be applied to a multiplicity of fields and uses. In particular, the recloser can be used in connection with a power fuse or a sectionalizer. Likewise, the exemplary embodiments may be advantageous when coupling with a conductive blade to form an airbreak switch or used to hold other circuit make / break and sensing devices. The engagement interfaces can also be incorporated into other devices such as a fuse tube or other power distribution fuse components. Finally, one of ordinary skill in the art armed with the present specification will also understand that the present system may be easily modified to include different configurations, mechanisms, methods, and kits, which achieve some or all of the purposes of the present disclosure.

[0040] The foregoing detailed description of the certain exemplary embodiments has been provided for the purpose of explaining the general principles and practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. This description is not necessarily intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the exemplary embodiments disclosed. Any of the embodiments and / or elements disclosed herein may be combined with one another to form various additional embodiments not specifically disclosed. Accordingly, additionalembodiments are possible and are intended to be encompassed within this specification and the scope of the appended claims. The specification describes specific examples to accomplish a more general goal that may be accomplished in another way.

[0041] As used in this application, the terms “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and other orientational descriptors are intended to facilitate the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the structure of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure to any particular position or orientation. Terms of degree, such as “substantially” or “approximately” are understood by those of ordinary skill to refer to reasonable ranges outside of the given value, for example, general tolerances associated with manufacturing, assembly, and use of the described embodiments. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings.

Claims

What is Claimed:

1. A distribution system fuse device comprising: an insulator body having a weathershed; a support bracket extending from the insulator body; a hood connected to the insulator body, the hood having a hood contact; a hinge member extending from the insulator body; a recloser pivotally connected to the insulator body by engagement of a pivot with the hinge member, the recloser having a pivot engagement interface and a support engagement interface, wherein the pivot engagement interface is configured to receive a first portion of a hot stick and the support engagement interface is configured to receive a second portion of the hot stick.

2. The distribution system fuse device of claim 1, wherein the pivot engagement interface is configured to receive a hook member of the hot stick and the support engagement interface is configured to receive a shaft of the hot stick.

3. The distribution system fuse device of claim 1, wherein the pivot engagement interface and the support engagement interface are configured to simultaneously engage a hot stick.

4. The distribution system fuse device of claim 1, wherein the support engagement interface includes a clamp member.

5. The distribution system fuse device of claim 4, wherein the clamp member includes a pair of opposing tines.

6. The distribution system fuse device of claim 5, wherein the tines are resilient.

7. The distribution system fuse device of claim 1, wherein the pivot engagement interface includes a ring.

8. The distribution system fuse device of claim 1, wherein the recloser includes an upper engagement interface.

9. The distribution system fuse device of claim 8, wherein the upper engagement interface includes a ring.

10. A distribution system fuse device comprising: an insulator body having a weathershed; a support bracket extending from the insulator body; a hood connected to the insulator body, the hood having a hood contact; a hinge member extending from the insulator body; a recloser pivotally connected to the insulator body by engagement of a pivot with the hinge member, the recloser having an upper engagement interface, a pivot engagement interface, a support engagement interface, wherein the pivot engagement interface is configured to receive a first portion of a hot stick and the support engagement interface is configured to receive a second portion of the hot stick. n. The distribution system fuse device of claim io, wherein the support engagement interface is positioned between the upper engagement interface and the pivot engagement interface.

12. The distribution system fuse device of claim io, wherein the pivot engagement interface is configured to receive a hook member of the hot stick and the support engagement interface is configured to receive a shaft of the hot stick.

13. The distribution system fuse device of claim 10, wherein the recloser includes a circuit interrupting mechanism and a dropout mechanism.

14. The distribution system fuse device of claim 10, wherein the support engagement interface includes a clamp member.15- The distribution system fuse device of claim 14, wherein the clamp member includes a pair of opposing tines.

16. The distribution system fuse device of claim 15, wherein the tines are resilient.

17. The distribution system fuse device of claim 15, wherein each of the tines includes an outer diverging portion.

18. The distribution system fuse device of claim 10, wherein the pivot engagement interface includes a first ring and the upper engagement interface includes a second ring.

19. A method of installing a fuse device in a distribution system comprising: connecting a hot stick to a pivot engagement interface of a recloser; connecting the hot stick to a support engagement interface of the recloser; extending the hot stick and the recloser proximate to an insulator body having a hinge member; and engaging a pivot of the recloser with the hinge member to pivotally connect the recloser to the insulator body.2O.The method of claim 19, further comprising pivoting the recloser to engage a recloser contact with a hood contact connected to the insulator body.

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