Pipe connector as high-voltage conductor

Abstract

The pipe connector encloses two parts (1, 1') which are pivotable by 180° to 90° with respect to each other. Said parts can each be braced against the adjoining rectilinear pipe sections (19, 19') by means of an internal pipe connector (2, 2'). The pivotable parts (1, 1') each form a longitudinal half of an externally round solid material rod and, beyond their rounded portion (3, 3'), they form a plane (4, 4') and a spherical quarter segment (5, 5') of a sphere on the outside of the front end region to be connected to the second part (2). The plane (4, 4') has a blind hole (6, 6') made in it, in which a bolt (7) is inserted as a pivot axis, the bolt fitting into the blind holes (6, 6') on both parts (1, 1') such that the two planes (4, 4') of the parts (1, 1') that come to rest on each other are pivotable sliding on each other around the bolt (7). The mechanical contact of the two planes (4, 4') and of the outside of the bolt (7) with the inner walls of the blind holes (6, 6') ensures the electrical connection within the pipe connector.

Description

Pipe connectors as high-voltage conductors

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe connector suitable for use as a high-voltage conductor. In substations and outdoor switchgear, the high voltage – typically 110 kV – is transformed down to lower voltages and then passed on to the local electrical grids. With larger dimensions, pipes can also be connected at higher voltages using this pipe connector. High-voltage lines reach between 50 kV and 800 kV, sometimes even higher. Large aluminum pipes, among other things, serve as voltage conductors, and these must be assembled from several sections, either straight or sometimes around a corner. Straight connections have previously been made using inner-pipe connectors, which offer low electrical resistance. If the resistance is too high, a humming noise occurs. This is caused by the edges on conventional connectors and leads to so-called peak discharges.These peak discharges are caused by voltage fields around the pipe and connector when alternating voltage or current is applied. The smoother the surface of the connecting surfaces of the pipe connector, the fewer and more uniform these peak discharges will be. Humming should be avoided if possible.

[0002] While straight connections using internal pipe connectors have proven successful, the challenge of routing straight aluminum pipe sections around a corner remains. Until now, solid corner elements with pipe clamps have been used for this purpose. These clamps enclose the pipe sections on all sides at the two ends to be connected, thus creating an electrical connection. They must However, they are manufactured specifically for each angle of a connection to be created, are complex to assemble, and the electrical resistance achieved with such a pipe clamp connection is not very convincing. Finally, the visual appearance of angle connections created in this way is also unconvincing, as the pipe clamps appear bulky and misshapen. Combinations of inner pipe connectors and pre-bent pipes have already been used experimentally. While this works well, it requires prefabricated bend elements, and these are complex to manufacture.

[0003] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a connection of straight pipe sections for creating an electrical connection which is adaptable to different angles, can be installed easily and quickly, and which, after applying an electrical voltage across this connection, offers the lowest possible electrical resistance, avoids humming as far as possible and is also aesthetically pleasing.

[0004] This object is achieved by a pipe connector as a high-voltage conductor for connecting two straight pipe sections, including angles between 180° and 90°, characterized in that the pipe connector includes two parts which can be pivoted relative to one another from 180° to 90° and which can each be connected to the adjoining straight pipe sections by means of an inner pipe connector.

[0005] This pipe connector is described in detail below using the figures as an example design and its function is explained. It shows: Figure 1 One of the two identical parts of the pipe connector seen diagonally from the front of its front part; Figure 2 This one part of the pipe connector according to Figure 1 seen diagonally from behind on its rear part; Figure 3 The front part of the part according to Figure 1 with the clamping piece detached and the bolt for pivoting removed; Figure 4 The rear part of the part according to Figure 2 with the adjoining inner tube connector shown in an exploded view of the same; Figure 5 The two identical parts of the pipe connector are coupled together via the common bolt and tightly clamped together at a 45° angle to each other; Figure 6 The two identical parts of the pipe connector are coupled together in a straight connection via the common bolt and tightly clamped together and with the inner pipe connectors connected at the rear for the precise fitting of pipes; Figure 7 The two identical parts of the pipe connector in a straight connection according to Figure 6, in a transparent representation that allows a view of the interior; Figure 8 The two identical parts of the pipe connector in a straight connection according to Figure 6, shown in a longitudinal section cut along the longitudinal axis through the entire connection; Figure 9 An inner pipe connector for a straight connection of pipes to be plugged onto it on both sides in perspective view; Figure 10 The inner pipe connector according to Figure 9 in a vertical plan view; Figure 1 1 The inner pipe connector according to Figure 9 in a transparent representation that allows a view of the interior; Figure 12 The inner pipe connector according to Figure 10 shown in a longitudinal section along the longitudinal axis of the inner pipe connector; Figure 13 The inner pipe connector for a straight connection according to Figure 10 in a longitudinal section along the longitudinal axis of the inner pipe connector, with pipes slipped or plugged on from both sides and thus electrically connected.

[0006] Figure 1 shows one of the two identical parts 1, T of the pipe connector, viewed diagonally from the front. It is made of solid material, preferably steel or aluminum, and forms one longitudinal half of a round bar. In the image on the lower side, this longitudinal half is circular in cross-section. This curve 3, 3' of the longitudinal half extends forward and then ends in a spherical quarter segment 5, 5' of a sphere. At the top, this part 1, T forms a plane 4, 4'. At its At its rear end, part 1, T terminates in a flange 10, 10' which is integrally connected to part 1, T. In the center of rotation of the front quarter spherical segment 5, 5', a bore 6, 6' is drilled vertically into plane 4, 4', and a cylindrical pivot pin 7 is inserted into this bore 6, 6', one half of which is inserted into this bore 6, 6', while its upper half protrudes from the bore 6, 6'. Behind the pin 7, a clamping piece 8, 8' with a flat underside can be seen, which is placed on plane 4, 4' of part 1, T. It forms over a short section the upper longitudinal half of the lower part 1, T and is hollowed out on its front side so that a spherical clamping surface 9, 9' is formed inside, which fits the surface of the quarter spherical segment 5' of the second part 1'.This clamping piece, here the clamping piece 8, is placed on the level of part 1 and then ends flush with the flange 10 at the rear and can be clamped to the lower longitudinal half with a screw 20, 20'.

[0007] A second, identically shaped part T can be placed upside down on this part 1, so that the two parts 1, T are then connected to one another by the pivot pin 7 and can be pivoted relative to one another about this pivot pin 7, namely at an angle of 180° for a straight connection up to the formation of a 90° angle. Any angle in between can be continuously adjusted, and once the desired angle of the connection has been set, the clamping piece 8 can be clamped onto the upside-down part T, thus securing the angle setting. Similarly, an identical clamping piece 8' is clamped from below on the second part T onto the spherical surface of the quarter-spherical segment 5 of the first part 1.

[0008] Figure 2 shows part 1, as described above, viewed diagonally from behind, looking at its rear section. This rear section forms an internal pipe connector. From the flange 10, 10', which is integral with part 1, T, part 1, T is guided further backwards from the solid material and forms a thick threaded rod section that projects axially backwards from part 1, T, although this section is not visible here. As shown in further figures, a nut 14, 14' is first screwed onto this threaded rod section and clamped to the flange 10 with a torque of 120 Nm. Then, a pipe section 2, 2' with an inner cone, provided with a slot 23, 23' along its length, is pushed onto the threaded rod section, and then a matching outer cone with an internal thread and end flange 14, 14' is pushed onto the threaded rod section. section, thus creating a tight screw connection. The more this outer cone is screwed in, the more the 2.2" pipe section expands, and its expansion can be adjusted so that a pipe with a perfect fit can just barely be pushed onto the 2.2" pipe section. Finally, a cover 17, 17' is clamped onto the rear end of this screw connection using a central axial screw 18, 18'.

[0009] Figure 3 shows the front part of part 1, T according to Figure 1 with the clamping piece 8, 8' detached and the bolt 7 for pivoting removed. The bolt 7 is shown floating here so that it is visible in its entirety. This gives a clear view of the bore 6, 6' in this part 1, T, which is inserted vertically into the plane 4, 4" on the longitudinal half of the round rod. Behind the bore 6, 6" one can see another smaller bore, namely the threaded bore 21, 21", which accommodates the screw 20, 20' with which the clamping piece 8, 8' is clamped to the lower part. Behind the flange 14, 14' a threaded rod section 11, 1T integrally connected to part 1, T extends backwards.

[0010] Figure 4 shows the rear part of part 1, T according to Figure 2 with the adjoining inner tube connector in an exploded view of the same. First, the nut 14, 14" is screwed onto the threaded rod section 11, 1 1" and tightened to a torque of 120 Nm on the flange 10, 10". Then, a pipe section 12, 12" with an inner cone is pushed onto the threaded rod section 11, 1 1". The inner cone of this pipe section 12, 12" tapers towards the front to just over the diameter of the threaded rod section 11, 1 1". From the rear, an outer cone 15, 15" with an internal thread that matches this inner cone is screwed onto the threaded rod section 11, 1 1", thus creating a tight screw connection.Depending on how far the outer cone 15, 15" is screwed in, the pipe section 12, 12", which has a slot 23, 23", expands and its expansion is adjusted so that the pipe to be pushed on can just about be pushed onto it with a snug fit. Finally, a disc is used as a cover 17, 17", with which the outer cone 15, 15" is closed at the rear. This cover is clamped to the threaded rod section 1 1, 1 1" with the axial central screw 18, 18". This inner pipe connector is then ready for a pipe to be pushed onto it.

[0011] Figure 5 shows the two identical parts 1 , T of the pipe connector as previously described, when they are coupled together via the common bolt and, in the example shown, are tightly clamped together at a 135° angle to each other.

[0012] Bracing is achieved by clamping the clamping pieces 8, 8' to both parts 1, T by tightening the screws 20, 20' to parts 1, T. In Figure 5, however, only one clamping piece 8 and the associated screw 20 are visible, while the other clamping piece 8' is located beyond in Figure 5 and cannot be seen. The clamping pieces 8, 8' nestle against the respective spherical front sides of the quarter-spherical segments 5, 5' at the front ends of the two parts 1, T and ensure a tight and stable mechanical and electrical connection.

[0013] Figure 6 provides further insight and shows the pipe connector in a configuration for a straight connection. Here, part T rests on top of an identical part 1. And the clamping pieces 8, 8' clamp the connection. The spherical clamping surfaces 9, 9' on the clamping pieces 8, 8' fit precisely onto the spherical surfaces of the front ends of parts 1, T, forming smooth transitions there. Towards the rear, the straight pipe connectors 2, 2' connect with their pipe sections 12, 12' with internal cones, and the entire pipe connector for an angle connection is closed at both ends with a cover 17, 17' with screws 18, 18'.

[0014] Figure 7 provides a view of the interior of this straight connection. Here you can see the central pivot pin 7, around which the two parts 1, T can be pivoted relative to each other, from the 180° position here up to an angle of 90° between the parts 1, T. You can also see the clamping screws 20, 20' for tightening the clamping pieces 8, 8' on the respective parts 1, T. This Figure 7 also shows the straight inner pipe connectors 2, 2' at the two outer ends of the angle connector shown. Flanges 14, 14' are screwed onto the threaded rod sections 11, 1T projecting rearward from parts 1, T, until the nuts 14, 14' fit snugly against the flanges 10, 10' formed at the rear of parts 1, T.Then the pipe sections 12, 12' are pushed onto the threaded rod sections 11, 1 T, after which the outer cones 15, 15' with internal thread are screwed onto the threaded rod sections 11, 1 T until their outer cones align with the inner cones of the pipe sections. sections 12, 12" are precisely clamped. If the outer cones 15, 15" are screwed in further, the pipe sections 12, 12" begin to spread apart, widening their slots 23, 23". The spreading is adjusted so that the pipes to be pushed on fit snugly onto these pipe sections 12, 12". These entire rear end areas of the pipe connector are connected to one another so tightly that they virtually act like a single piece of solid material. Finally, an end cover 17, 17" is clamped to the rear end of the threaded rod section 11, 11' with an axial central screw 18, 18", and then the pipe connector is ready for the pipes to be pushed on.

[0015] Figure 8 provides further insight into this straight connection according to Figure 6, as the connection is shown here in a longitudinal section through the entire connection along the longitudinal axis. This shows how the parts 1, 1" are made in one piece from solid material, - from steel or aluminum. Each of the two parts 1, 1" extends from the rear end of the threaded rod sections 11, 1T to the front to the quarter segments 5, 5" of a sphere formed there. In the center you can see the pivot pin 7, which pivotally couples the two parts 1, 1" of the pipe connector together and thus extends into both parts 1, 1". On both sides next to it you can see the screws 20, 20" with which the clamping pieces 8, 8" are clamped onto the parts 1, 1" and which conform to the spherical surfaces of the quarter segments 5, 5" of a sphere.The nuts 14, 14" fit snugly against the flanges 10, 10" formed integrally with the parts 1, 1", followed by the pipe sections 12, 12" with their internal cones. The external cones 15, 15" with their internal threads are screwed onto the threaded rod sections 11, 11", creating a pipe section that appears almost like a single piece.

[0016] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of an inner pipe connector constructed in the form just described, for a straight connection of pipes that fit snugly onto it on both sides. The two inner pipe connectors 2, 2" are visible, formed by the pipe sections 12, 12" with an inner cone and provided with a longitudinal slot 23, 23", and the cover 17 with the clamping screw 18 on the side facing the viewer.

[0017] Figure 10 shows this inner pipe connector for a straight connection of pipes that can be plugged onto it on both sides in a vertical plan view. The nuts 14, 14" in front of the two pipe sections 12, 12" with their inner cones close directly to the central flange 22, from which axially projecting threaded rod sections 1 1 , 1 1 ' extend on both sides, onto which the pipe sections 12, 12' are pushed and are screwed onto the threaded rod sections with matching external cones 15, 15' with internal thread 16, 16', thus forming the inner pipe connectors.

[0018] This structure is clearly shown in Figure 11. It shows this inner pipe connector for a straight connection according to Figure 10 in a transparent representation that allows a view of the interior. One can see the pipe sections 12, 12' with their inner cones, as well as the threaded rod sections 11, 11' and the outer cones 15, 15' with internal thread screwed onto these threaded sections, and the end covers 17, 17', each of which is screwed into the threaded rod sections 11, 11' with a screw 18, 18'.

[0019] Figure 12 shows this inner pipe connector for a straight connection according to Figure 10 in a longitudinal section along the longitudinal axis of the inner pipe connector. Here, it can be seen that the central flange 22 is integrally connected to the two threaded rod sections 11, 11' and is part of them. The nuts 14, 14' are connected to this central flange 22, followed by the pushed-on pipe sections 12, 12'.

[0020] Finally, Figure 13 shows the inner tube connector for a straight connection according to Figure 10 in a longitudinal section along the longitudinal axis of the inner tube connector, but now with tubes 19, 19' slipped on from both sides or fitted with a snug fit. These are thus connected in a force-locking manner, creating an electrical connection between these tubes 19, 19'.

[0021] This pipe connector allows you to join straight aluminum or steel pipes together to create an elegant, attractive, and functionally convincing connection. Such straight pipes can be joined at an angle of 180°, i.e., in a straight line, and at the other end of the section at an angle of 90° to each other. Any angle in between can also be created, and at any selected angle, the clamping pieces 8, 8' of the pipe connectors are clamped to the front part of the connected pipe connector part 1, 1' below, creating a stable and secure electrical and mechanical connection. The connection is made by simply plugging the pipes together and clamping the clamping pieces 8, 8" and can therefore be created quickly. The connection can also be disconnected quickly. Index 1 , 1 ' The two parts that can be pivoted towards each other 2, 2“ The inner pipe connectors connected to the two parts 1, T 3, 3' Rounding of the longitudinal halves of the two parts 1 , T 4, 4" levels on the longitudinal halves 5, 5' spherical quarter segments on parts 1 , T 6, 6' blind holes on the two parts 1 , T 7 Bolts for pivoting parts 1 , T 8, 8' clamps 9, 9' hollow spherical surface on the clamping pieces 8, 8' 10, 10' flanges at the rear end of parts 1, T 11 , 1 T Threaded rod at the rear of the parts 1 , T 12, 12' pipe sections with inner cone on the threaded rods 11 , 1 T 13, 13' inner cones narrowing towards the front 14, 14" nuts, adjacent to the flanges 10, 10' 15, 15' cones with conical outside 16, 16' internal thread of the cones 17, 17" lid 18, 18" screws for tightening the lids 19, 19" push-on straight pipe sections 20, 20" screws for clamping the clamping pieces 8, 8" with countersunk head and Allen key 21 , 21“ threaded hole in parts 1 , 1“ 22 Central flange of the straight pipe connector 23, 23" slot in the inner tube

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 28 February 2025 (28.02.2025) 1. Pipe connector as a high-voltage conductor for connecting two straight pipe sections, including angles between 180° and 90°, wherein the pipe connector includes two parts (1, 1') which can be pivoted relative to one another from 180° to 90°, which can each be connected to the adjoining straight pipe sections (19, 19') by means of an inner pipe connector (2, 2') and can be clamped together and can each be connected to the adjoining straight pipe section (19, 19') by means of an inner pipe connector (2, 2') by plugging on, characterized in that the pivotable parts (1, 1') each form a longitudinal half of an externally round solid material rod, and beyond their rounding (3, 3') form a plane (4, 4') and at the front end region to be connected to the second part (2) outside into a spherical quarter segment (5, 5') of a sphere, and that a blind hole (6, 6') is recessed in the plane (4, 4'),in which a bolt (7) is inserted as a pivot axis, which fits into the blind holes (6, 6') on both parts (1, 1'), so that the two mutually adjacent planes (4, 4') of the parts (1, 1') can be pivoted slidingly around the bolt (7) and the mechanical contact of the two planes (4, 4') and the outside of the bolt (7) with the inner walls of the blind holes (6, 6') creates the electrical connection of the pipe connector, and that behind the bolt (7) projecting from the plane (4, 4') of each part (1, 1') there is a clamping piece (8, 8') with a hollow spherical, precisely fitting surface (9, 9') at the front for the spherical quarter segment (5, 5') of the second part (1') of the pipe connector, which can be pivoted on the bolt (7), with the first part (1) can be tensioned., 2. Pipe connector according to claim 1, characterized in that for connecting the two parts (1, 1 ') with the straight pipe sections to be connected, each part (1, 1 ') forms a flange (10, 10') at its rear end, from which a threaded rod (1 1, 1 1 ') projects backwards, over which a nut (14, 14') is screwed and AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) is clamped to the flange (10, 10'), followed by a pushed-on pipe section (12, 12') with a longitudinal slot (23, 23') and with an inner cone (13, 13') that narrows towards the front, followed by an outer cone (15, 15') that matches the inner cone (13, 13') and has a conical outer surface and an internal thread (16, 16'), which can be screwed onto the threaded rod (11, 11'), so that the pipe section (12, 12') can be spread open thanks to its longitudinal slot (23, 23'), so that the threaded rod (11, 11') together with the pipe section (12, 12') and the screwed-in cone (15, 15') form a tightly joined solid material part, and the open end of the cone (15, 15') can be closed with a cover (17, 17') with a central screw (18, 18') which can be tightened into the end face of the threaded rod (11, 11'). AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) Declaration under Article 19 PCT In order to distinguish it from US 3 599 164 A and CH 116 191 as the closest prior art documents, amended patent claim 1 is limited to the features of original patent claims 2 and 3. Original patent claim 4 became claim 2, which refers back to amended patent claim 1. US 3 599 164 A shows an articulated conductor connection with a rotation axis. Two circuit boards are arranged perpendicular to the axis and form mutually facing surfaces. This conductor connection includes two straight pipe sections with two parts that can be pivoted from 180° to 90° to each other, each of which can be connected to the adjoining straight pipe sections by means of an inner pipe connector. CH 1 16 191 shows a connection arrangement at the ends of two rigid electrical conductors with a pair of end pieces that are articulated and electrically connectable.For the connection, hemispheres can be placed on top of each other with their equatorial planes and clamped together using clamping devices. In contrast to these solutions, the pivotable parts (1, 1') of the present connection each form a longitudinal half of a solid rod with a round exterior, and beyond their curve (3, 3') they each form a plane (4, 4'). At the front end region, which is to be connected to the second part (2), they each form a spherical quarter segment (5, 5') of a sphere on the outside. In each of the planes (4, 4'), a blind hole (6, 6') is recessed, into which a bolt (7) is inserted as a pivot axis, so that the two planes (4, 4') of the parts (1, 1') lying towards each other can be pivoted around the bolt (7) in a sliding manner. The mechanical contact of the two planes (4, 4') and the outside of the bolt (7) with the inner walls of the blind holes (6, 6') creates the electrical connection of the pipe connector.Behind the bolt (7) of each part (1, 1') projecting from the plane (4, 4') there is arranged a clamping piece (8, 8') with a hollow spherical, precisely fitting surface (9, 9') at the front for the spherical quarter segment (5, 5') of the second part (1') of the pipe connector which can be pivoted on the bolt (7), and this clamping piece (8, 8') can be clamped to the first part (1).

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