High-voltage quick-release connection for manufacturing a switch device

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding device (1) for holding a switch device (2) within a manufacturing container (4), to an adapter unit (8) for securing to a switch device (2), to a system (50) comprising a holding device (1) and an adapter unit (8), and to a method for manufacturing a switch device (2). The holding device (1) comprises a holding unit (6), which is designed to hold an adapter unit (8) that can be secured to the switch device (2), and a switch rod (10), which is designed to move the holding unit (6) within the manufacturing container (4). The holding unit (6) has a locking mechanism (12), which can be moved between a locking position (P1) and a release position (P2), for locking the adapter unit (8). Furthermore, a manufacturing voltage can be applied to the holding unit (6), and the voltage resistance of the switch rod (10) is greater than the manufacturing voltage, wherein the manufacturing voltage is an electric high voltage for manufacturing the switch device (2).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] High-voltage quick-release fastener for the production of a switching device

[0003] The present invention relates to a holding device for holding a switching device within a manufacturing container, an adapter unit for fastening to a switching device, a system comprising a holding device and an adapter unit, and a method for manufacturing a switching device.

[0004] In the prior art, switching devices are known, for example, in the form of vacuum interrupters. A typical vacuum interrupter comprises a fixed contact pin at one end and a movable contact pin at the opposite end. Within the switching device, the two contact pins each have a contact disc that is located opposite one another. By moving the movable contact pin, different distances between the two contact discs can be set in order to provide different switching positions for the switching device.

[0005] In order to achieve a high dielectric strength of such a switching device, the switching device is typically subjected to a forming process after it has been assembled. To do this, a worker first positions the switching device inside a closed container. During the forming process, a high voltage is applied to the contact disks in different switching positions. The applied high voltage is used to deliberately generate flashovers whose arcs melt or evaporate defects and micro-peaks on the surfaces of the contact disks. In this way, the quality of the surfaces is gradually improved until the desired dielectric strength of the switching device is achieved. Furthermore, such switching devices can be tested for their current dielectric strength inside a closed test container by applying a high voltage.

[0006] In the known devices for carrying out the forming production process or the dielectric strength test, the various switching positions of the switching device are set manually by the operator. To set the switching position, the operator must remove the switching device from the production container between two forming sequences and re-equip the production device accordingly. Thus, the conventional devices and methods are expensive in terms of production time and personnel requirements.

[0007] Starting from the known prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved device for holding a switching device within a manufacturing container, furthermore an adapter unit for fastening to a switching device, furthermore a system comprising a holding device and an adapter unit, as well as a method for manufacturing a switching device.

[0008] The object is achieved by a holding device for holding a switching device within a production container having the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the figures.

[0009] Accordingly, a holding device for holding a switching device within a production container is proposed. The holding device comprises a holding unit, configured to hold an adapter unit which can be fastened to the switching device, and a switching rod, configured to displace the holding unit within the production container. The holding unit has a locking mechanism which can be moved between a locking position and a release position for locking the adapter unit. Furthermore, the holding unit can be subjected to a production voltage and the dielectric strength of the switching rod is higher than the production voltage, the production voltage being a high electrical voltage for manufacturing the switching device.

[0010] In particular, the manufacturing voltage can be a high electrical voltage for forming and / or testing the switching device.

[0011] Because the holding unit is configured to hold the adapter unit that can be attached to the switching device, and the switching rod is configured to displace the holding unit within the production container, the switching device can be displaced within the production container by means of the switching rod. In this way, the required various switching positions of the switching device can be provided in one forming process.

[0012] Because the dielectric strength of the shift rod is higher than the production voltage, the shift rod drive can be decoupled from the production voltage, i.e., from a high voltage. This allows the provision of the various switching positions to be automated or semi-automated, for example, using an electric motor drive for the shift rod located outside the production container. This can save production time and / or personnel.

[0013] Furthermore, since the holding unit has the locking mechanism and can be subjected to the production voltage, the insertion of the switching device into the production container, the fixing within the production container and the removal from the production container can be carried out automatically or semi-automatically.

[0014] In the present context, the term "loadable", for example that a component "can be subjected to an electrical voltage", means that the component is essentially not damaged or even destroyed when subjected to a load, in this case in particular a high electrical voltage. In the present case, the holding unit can be subjected to the production voltage, i.e. it is designed to be subjected to high electrical voltage without suffering any significant damage as a result of the production voltage. This means that the holding unit does not have any electromotive components, for example, which could be destroyed by a high voltage required for forming.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the locking mechanism can be moved into the locking position by means of spring tension, by means of magnetic force, by means of pneumatics or by means of hydraulics.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, the locking mechanism can be moved into the release position by means of spring tension, magnetic force, pneumatics or hydraulics.

[0017] Thus, the locking mechanism can be provided free of high-voltage-sensitive components. In this way, the locking mechanism can be provided so that it can be subjected to the manufacturing voltage.

[0018] For example, the locking mechanism can be moved into the locking position by spring tension and into the release position by pneumatics or hydraulics. Furthermore, the locking mechanism can be moved between the locking position and the release position, for example, by the same pneumatic or hydraulic drive.

[0019] In particular, the spring tension or magnetic force can be provided by automatic mechanisms, so no control is required. Furthermore, the pneumatic or hydraulic systems can be controlled from an area outside the production container using high-voltage-resistant cables.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the holding device can comprise a release mechanism having a pneumatic drive or a hydraulic drive. The release mechanism can be configured to move the locking mechanism into the release position. For example, the release mechanism can be configured to act against a restoring force provided by the spring tension or the magnetic force in order to move the locking mechanism into the release position. In this way, the locking mechanism can be automatically movable into the locking position and movable into the release position by means of a single control unit for the pneumatic drive or the hydraulic drive. In particular, the only required control unit can be arranged outside the production container in which the production voltage is applied.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the holding device can comprise a spring-loaded locking element which, in the locked position, can be brought into positive engagement with the adapter unit in the direction of the main axis of the adapter unit. In particular, the locking element can be included in the locking mechanism. The spring loading of the locking element can be provided by means of a tension spring, a compression spring, or even by means of an air pressure spring, wherein the pneumatic drive described above can provide the air pressure spring.

[0022] In this case, the main axis of the adapter unit is understood to be an axis that runs centrally through both ends of the adapter unit. Because the locking element can be brought into positive engagement with the adapter unit in the locked position in the direction of the main axis of the adapter unit, the holding unit can hold the adapter unit and thus the switching device in the direction of the main axis by means of a simple positive fit. In this way, the switching device can be moved along the main axis to provide the switching positions with particular positioning precision and robustness.

[0023] The above-mentioned object is further achieved by an adapter unit having the features of claim 6. Advantageous further developments emerge from the subclaims, the description and the figures. Accordingly, an adapter unit for fastening to a switching device is proposed. The adapter unit is designed for fastening to the holding device described above. The adapter unit has a contacting element for contacting with a production voltage, wherein the production voltage is an electrical high voltage for manufacturing the switching device.

[0024] The contacting element of the adapter unit can be brought into contact with a corresponding contacting element of a production container so that the production voltage can be applied to the adapter unit and thus to the switching device.

[0025] Because the adapter unit includes the contacting element, the geometry of the high-voltage contact can be decoupled from the contact pin geometry of the switching device. Thus, one and the same geometry for high-voltage contact can be used in the production container for different types of switching devices with different contact pin geometries.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the adapter unit can have a fastening element that can be fastened to a contact pin of the switching device at a first end and an adapter head for positively locking the adapter unit in the holding device at a second end opposite the first end.

[0027] According to a further development, the contacting element can be arranged between the first and second ends of the adapter unit. Thus, the geometry of the contacting element can be decoupled from the geometry of the first and second ends and thus from the contact pin geometry and the locking mechanism of the holding device.

[0028] The above-mentioned object is further achieved by a system having the features of claim 8. Advantageous further developments emerge from the description and the figures. Accordingly, a system comprising the above-described holding device and the above-described adapter unit is proposed.

[0029] In particular, a main axis of the holding device can be the same as the main axis of the adapter unit. This allows the switching device to be moved particularly easily and with precise positioning.

[0030] Furthermore, the holding unit of the holding device can have external contacting elements. In particular, the system can comprise contacting means for contacting the holding unit with the adapter unit. For example, the external contacting elements of the holding unit and the contacting element of the adapter unit can each be annular and have the same outer diameter. Furthermore, the contacting means can be provided in the form of a sleeve whose inner diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of the contacting elements. In this way, the corresponding geometries for contacting the holding unit with the adapter unit can be decoupled from the geometry of the switching device. Furthermore, the adapter head and / or the locking mechanism can thus be largely decoupled from high electrical power.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the adapter unit can have an insertion bevel and the holding device can have an insertion geometry corresponding to the insertion bevel, or vice versa. This means that the holding device can have an insertion bevel and the adapter unit can have an insertion geometry corresponding to the insertion bevel. Because the respective insertion geometry corresponds to the respective insertion bevel, the adapter unit and the holding unit touch each other during the insertion process. By means of the respective insertion bevel, the position of the insertion bevel or the insertion geometry can be changed transversely to the insertion direction as the insertion process progresses. In this way, a snap mechanism can be provided which automatically moves the locking mechanism into the locking position during the insertion of the adapter unit into the holding unit.

[0032] For example, the adapter head can have spring-loaded locking pawls that have the insertion bevel. The locking pawls can thus be compressed by the insertion geometry as the insertion movement progresses and, after passing the insertion geometry, can automatically jump into the locking position by means of the spring load, so that the adapter head is locked in the holding unit. The above-mentioned object is further achieved by a method for manufacturing a switching device with the features of claim 10. Advantageous developments of the method emerge from the dependent claims as well as the present description and the figures.

[0033] Accordingly, a method for manufacturing a switching device by means of a manufacturing voltage which is an electrical high voltage is proposed, comprising the following steps:

[0034] - Providing a holding unit within a production container, wherein the holding unit can be subjected to the production voltage and has a locking mechanism;

[0035] - Attaching an adapter unit to the

[0036] switching device;

[0037] - Insert the switching device into the production container so that the adapter unit is locked in the holding unit;

[0038] - carrying out a first manufacturing sequence in a first switching position of the switching device using the manufacturing voltage;

[0039] - Moving the holding unit within the production container by means of a switching rod in order to bring the switching device into a second switching position, wherein the dielectric strength of the switching rod is higher than the production voltage;

[0040] - Carrying out a second manufacturing sequence in the second switching position of the switching device using the manufacturing voltage.

[0041] Furthermore, the proposed method may comprise at least one of the following steps:

[0042] - Release the lock between the adapter unit and the locking unit;

[0043] - Remove the switching device equipped with the adapter unit from the production container;

[0044] - Separating the adapter unit from the switching device. In particular, the manufacturing of the switching device may involve forming the switching device, for example, forming a vacuum interrupter. Furthermore, the manufacturing may involve testing the switching device using a high electrical voltage, which is also referred to herein as the manufacturing voltage.

[0045] In particular, the holding unit provided in the method can be comprised of the holding device described above. Furthermore, the adapter unit attached to the switching device can be the adapter unit described above.

[0046] According to a further development compatible with all embodiments and examples described herein, the manufacturing voltage may be higher than 50 kV. In current applications, the manufacturing voltage may be any value in the range between 70 kV and 1200 kV.

[0047] In this case, the manufacturing voltage is understood not only as a high voltage suitable for forming, but also as a test voltage by means of which the properties of the switching device can be tested, for example, its dielectric strength. In this case, the described testing of a switching device is considered part of the manufacturing, i.e., production, of a switching device.

[0048] Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. They show schematically: Figure 1 shows a typical switching device in longitudinal section; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a production container with a holding device for holding a switching device;

[0049] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the holding device; Figure 4 is a perspective view of an adapter unit for attachment to a switching device;

[0050] Figure 5 is a perspective sectional view of a holding unit of the holding device;

[0051] Figure 6 is a perspective sectional view of a system comprising a holding device and an adapter unit in a locking position;

[0052] Figure 7 is a perspective sectional view of the system of Figure 6 in a release position; and Figure 8 is a schematic flow diagram for a method for manufacturing a switching device.

[0053] Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar, or equivalent elements in the various figures are provided with identical reference symbols, and a repeated description of these elements is partially omitted to avoid redundancies.

[0054] Figure 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a typical switching device 2 in the form of a vacuum interrupter. A first and second end flange 2a, b close off a tubular base body 2c of the switching device 2. A stationary contact pin 22a extends through the first end flange 2a into the interior of the switching device 2. A movable contact pin 22b is held on the second end flange 2b by a linear bearing 2d with an internal bellows. Inside the switching device, the two contact pins 22a, b each have a contact disk 22c, d which are located opposite one another and have a switching distance from one another. As shown in Fig. 1, the main axis of the switching device corresponds to the Z-axis of a Cartesian coordinate system.By moving the movable contact pin 22b along the main axis Z of the switching device, different switching distances between the two contact disks 22c, d can be set in order to provide different switching positions of the switching device 2. Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a production container 4, to the underside of which a holding device 1 for holding a switching device is fastened. The holding device 1 comprises a holding unit 6 arranged inside the production container 4 (not shown in Figure 2) and a switching rod 10 fastened to the holding unit 6, which extends from the inside of the production container 4 to the outside. The switching rod 10 can be moved linearly in the Z direction by means of a linear drive 10a fastened to the outside of the production container 4. The switching rod 10 is thus designed to move the holding unit 6 inside the production container 4.

[0055] Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the holding unit 6 of the holding device from Fig. 2. The holding unit 6 is designed to hold an adapter unit 8 (see Fig. 4) that can be fastened to the switching device 2 (see Fig. 1). For this purpose, the holding unit has a locking mechanism 12 that can be moved between a locking position P1 and a release position P2.

[0056] When the switching device 2 is held within the production container 4 by the holding unit 6 and clamped between the production container 4 and the holding unit 6, the switching distance between the two contact discs 22c, d can be adjusted by moving the switching rod 10. Thus, a desired switching position of the switching device 2 can be provided by means of the holding device 1 mounted on the production container.

[0057] To manufacture the switching device 2, in particular to form or test the contact disks 22c, d (see Fig. 1), a high electrical voltage is applied to the switching device 2 within the manufacturing container 4, which is referred to here as the manufacturing voltage.

[0058] The holding unit 6 can be subjected to the manufacturing voltage. In other words, neither the structural integrity nor the functionality of the holding unit 6 are impaired by the application of the manufacturing voltage.

[0059] Furthermore, the dielectric strength of the switching rod 10 is higher than the production voltage. In other words, the switching rod 10 is insulated from the production voltage. The linear drive 10a is thus insulated from the production voltage applied within the production container 4 and to the holding unit 6. Consequently, for example, an inexpensive electric linear drive 10a can be used that is not designed to withstand high voltages. By using an electric linear drive, the switching position of the switching device can be easily and automatically adjusted during the production process.

[0060] Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the adapter unit 8. The adapter unit 8 has at a first end 20 a fastening element 24 that can be fastened to one of the two contact pins 22a, b of the switching device 2. As shown in Fig. 4, the lower end flange 2b of the switching device 2 has the linear bearing 2d, which supports the movable contact pin 22b so that it can be moved in the Z direction. In the present case, the movable contact pin 22b is fastened to the fastening element 24. Alternatively, the stationary contact pin 22b can be fastened to the fastening element 24.

[0061] At a second end 26 of the switching device opposite the first end 20, an adapter head 28 is arranged, which has an insertion geometry 54a at its end. Furthermore, the adapter head 28 has, away from the insertion geometry 54a, a circumferential groove 28a which geometrically corresponds to the locking mechanism 12 of the holding device 1, i.e., can be brought into positive engagement therewith.

[0062] Between the first and second ends 20, 28, the adapter unit 8 has a contacting element 18 for contacting the production voltage. As shown in Fig. 4, the contacting element 18 can be annular, in particular in the form of a lamella contact.

[0063] Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective sectional view of the holding unit 6, wherein the locking mechanism 12 is closed, i.e. is in the locking position P1. More precisely, the locking mechanism 12 in this exemplary embodiment comprises two spring-loaded locking elements 16 in the form of spring-loaded holding plates 16 that can be moved transversely to the main axis Z. The holding plates 16 provide an opening for receiving the adapter head 28 and have an insertion bevel 52a in the form of a chamfer on the inside. By means of its insertion geometry 54a corresponding to the insertion bevel 52a, the adapter head 28 presses against the holding plates 16 during a progressive insertion movement such that these are moved counter to the spring tension in the direction of the release position P2.As soon as the insertion bevel 52 has passed the holding plates 16 towards the end of the insertion movement, the locking mechanism 12 snaps shut thanks to the spring tension, so that the spring-loaded holding plates 16 engage in the circumferential groove 28 and the adapter head 28 is held in a form-fitting manner in the Z direction by the holding unit 6, as shown in Figure 6. For example, the adapter head 28 can be made of stainless steel and the holding plates can be made of brass, so that the insertion movement can be robust and reliable.

[0064] The holding device 1 further comprises a release mechanism 14, comprising at least one pneumatic drive 14a and a wedge element 14b arranged thereon. The wedge element 14b has a bevel that can be brought into engagement with a corresponding bevel 14c of the holding plates 16 by displacement by means of the pneumatic drive 14a. In this way, the pneumatic drive 14a can move the holding plates 16 and thus the locking mechanism 12 into the release position P2 against the spring load. As an alternative to the wedge element 14b, a cone element with a corresponding bevel can be provided.

[0065] If the spring-loaded locking elements 16 are in the form of two annularly arranged retaining plates 16, as shown in Fig. 5, the release mechanism 14 can, in particular, have two wedge elements 14b, each with two bevels, which correspond to a bevel 14c of the two different retaining plates 16. Thus, the two wedge elements 14b can displace the two retaining plates 16 transversely to the Z direction against their spring loading in order to move the locking mechanism 12 into the release position P2.

[0066] Figures 6 and 7 schematically show a perspective sectional view of a system 50 comprising the holding device 1 described above and the adapter unit 8 described above, wherein the locking mechanism is in the locking position P1 in Fig. 6 and in the release position P2 in Fig. 7.

[0067] Figure 8 shows a schematic flow diagram for a method for manufacturing a switching device. The method comprises the following steps: which is a high-voltage electrical device, comprising the following steps:

[0068] - Providing S10 a holding unit 6 within a production container 4, wherein the holding unit 6 can be subjected to the production voltage and has a locking mechanism 12; - Fastening S20 an adapter unit 8 to the switching device 2;

[0069] - Inserting S30 the switching device 2 into the production container 4 so that the adapter unit 8 is locked in the holding unit 6;

[0070] - carrying out S40 a first manufacturing sequence in a first switching position of the switching device 2 using the manufacturing voltage;

[0071] - Moving S50 the holding unit 6 within the production container 4 by means of a switching rod 10 in order to bring the switching device 2 into a second switching position, wherein the dielectric strength of the switching rod 10 is higher than the production voltage;

[0072] - Carrying out S 60 a second manufacturing sequence in the second switching position of the switching device 2 using the manufacturing voltage.

[0073] Where applicable, all individual features shown in the embodiments can be combined and / or exchanged without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0074] Reference symbol list

[0075] 1 holding device

[0076] 2 switching device, switching tube

[0077] 2a, b end flanges

[0078] 2c tube

[0079] 2d warehouse

[0080] 2nd bellows

[0081] 4 production containers

[0082] 6 Holding unit

[0083] 8 Adapter unit

[0084] 10 shift rod

[0085] 10a Linear actuator

[0086] 12 Locking mechanism

[0087] 14 Release mechanism

[0088] 14a Pneumatic drive

[0089] 14b Wedge element

[0090] 14c slope

[0091] 16 Locking element

[0092] 18 Contacting element

[0093] 20 first end of the adapter unit

[0094] 22a, b Contact bolts of the switching device

[0095] 24 Fastening element

[0096] 26 second end of the adapter unit

[0097] 28 adapter head

[0098] 28a circumferential groove

[0099] 50 systems

[0100] 52a, b insertion bevel

[0101] 54a, b insertion geometry

[0102] PI locking position of the adapter unit

[0103] P2 Release position of the adapter unit

Claims

Patent claims 1. Holding device (1) for holding a switching device (2) within a production container (4), comprising a holding unit (6) configured to hold an adapter unit (8) that can be fastened to the switching device (2), and a switching rod (10) configured to move the holding unit (6) within the production container (4), wherein the holding unit (6) has a locking mechanism (12) that can be moved between a locking position (P1) and a release position (P2) for locking the adapter unit (8), wherein the holding unit (6) can be subjected to a production voltage and the dielectric strength of the switching rod (10) is higher than the production voltage, and wherein the production voltage is a high electrical voltage for manufacturing the switching device (2).

2. Holding device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism (12) can be moved into the locking position (PI) by means of spring tension, by means of magnetic force, by means of pneumatics or by means of hydraulics.

3. Holding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking mechanism (12) can be moved into the release position (P2) by means of spring tension, by means of magnetic force, by means of pneumatics or by means of hydraulics.

4. Holding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a release mechanism (14) having a pneumatic drive or a hydraulic drive and configured to move the locking mechanism (12) into the release position (P2).

5. Holding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a spring-loaded locking element (16) which, in the locking position (PI), is movable in the direction of the main axis (Z) of the adapter unit (8) can be brought into positive engagement with the adapter unit (8).

6. Adapter unit (8) for fastening to a switching device (2), designed for fastening to a holding device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5 and comprising a contacting element (18) for contacting with a manufacturing voltage, wherein the manufacturing voltage is an electrical high voltage for manufacturing the switching device (2).

7. Adapter unit (8) according to claim 6, wherein the adapter unit (8) has at a first end (20) a fastening element (24) which can be fastened to a contact pin (22a, b) of the switching device (2) and at a second end (26) opposite the first end has an adapter head (28) for positively locking the adapter unit (8) in the holding device (1).

8. System (50) comprising a holding device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5 and an adapter unit (8) according to claim 6 or 7.

9. System (50) according to claim 8, wherein the adapter unit (8) has an insertion bevel (52a) and the holding device (1) has an insertion geometry corresponding to the insertion bevel (54a) or wherein the holding device (1) has an insertion bevel (52b) and the adapter unit has an insertion geometry (54b) corresponding to the insertion bevel.

10. A method for manufacturing a switching device (2) using a manufacturing voltage which is an electrical high voltage, comprising the following steps: - Providing (S10) a holding unit (6) within a production container (4), wherein the holding unit (6) can be subjected to the production voltage and has a locking mechanism (12); - fastening (S20) an adapter unit (8) to the switching device (2); - Inserting (S30) the switching device (2) into the production container (4) so ​​that the adapter unit (8) is locked in the holding unit (6); - carrying out (S40) a first manufacturing sequence in a first switching position of the switching device (2) using the manufacturing voltage; - moving (S50) the holding unit (6) within the production container (4) by means of a switching rod (10) in order to bring the switching device (2) into a second switching position, wherein the dielectric strength of the switching rod (10) is higher than the production voltage; - Carrying out (S60) a second manufacturing sequence in the second switching position of the switching device (2) using the manufacturing voltage.

11. Holding device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, adapter unit (8) according to claim 6 or 7, system (50) according to claim 8 and / or method according to claim 10, wherein the manufacturing voltage is higher than 50,000 volts.

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