Protection system for current transformer terminals

Abstract

The present invention relates to a protection system (1) for current transformer terminals comprising a protective cover (2) that in turn comprises at least one hole (5) that allows an input cable to pass therethrough to a current transformer, at least one hole (7) that allows a fixing screw (8) of the current transformer to pass therethrough, and at least one hole (6) that allows securing means to pass therethrough; an insulating insert (4) for each terminal (3) of the current transformer, configured to limit the connections to the terminals (3) by restricting the space of the at least one hole (5) that allows an input cable to pass therethrough to the current transformer; and securing means to fix the protective cover (2) to the current transformer and prevent removal of same. The invention further relates to a method for installing same.

Description

PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR CURRENT TRANSFORMER TERMINALS Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to protection devices for electrical elements, particularly protection systems for current transformer terminals. Background of the invention

[0002] Energy theft is a growing problem in Mexico in recent years, where various devices and methods are used to steal electricity from businesses or directly from transformers. Techniques employed include the illegal manipulation of electricity meters, illegal direct connections to the power grid, and tampering with metering systems, seriously impacting the victims.

[0003] The economic impact of these types of incidents primarily results in partial billing by electricity companies, or in increased energy consumption by a third party, raising the price they must pay. It is estimated that economic losses due to energy theft from the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) in 2022 amounted to more than 17 billion pesos, representing a 138.58% increase compared to 2018.

[0004] In this regard, strategies have been implemented to reduce or try to stop these types of incidents, for example, awareness campaigns, inspections of the condition of electrical installations, and fines for anyone caught committing these acts, as well as providing protection to these types of installations in order to restrict the manipulation of transformers and thus reduce accidents, damage to the transformer or the theft of energy itself.

[0005] In the prior art, various locking devices for current transformers are known that attempt to solve the aforementioned problem. Patent application CN115902333A describes an anti-theft system for low-voltage current transformers, comprising a low-voltage current transformer, an anti-theft cover installed on top of the low-voltage current transformer, and a control system. The anti-theft cover is installed on the low-voltage current transformer, one side of which is connected to the bottom of the transformer, and a lock hole is provided on the other side, inside the bottom of the transformer.An anti-theft cover lock is installed on the inner wall of the protective cover in the position corresponding to the keyhole. The anti-theft cover lock uses an electronic locking assembly and is equipped with a signal input terminal, which is connected to the control system via a connection line. However, the document does not describe how the cover is configured to block access to the transformer's input and output cables, in addition to preventing unauthorized tampering. Electronic locks are also employed.

[0006] Furthermore, patent document CN112798838B provides an anti-theft device for a low-voltage current transformer, comprising a low-voltage current transformer and an anti-theft cover that covers the top of the transformer. The anti-theft cover has two cable entry holes, positioned opposite each other and above the two pressure pieces; these two cable entry holes are connected by a cable pass-through tube. Additionally, an alarm is integrated into the anti-theft cover lock, which is activated when a legal smart key or a smart key that has been emptied from the unlocking key is used to perform an unlocking action.Although it meets the objectives of preventing unauthorized manipulation of transformers, as well as blocking access to the transformer's input cables, the device described in said document requires the use of a smart key and electronic devices.

[0007] On the other hand, document CN204719110U describes an anti-theft cover that covers the top of the main body of a current transformer. The cover has a locking mechanism installed in the center of the top edge, where a padlock is installed that requires a professional key to open. However, this document does not disclose how cable access to the transformer is permitted and how unauthorized cables are prevented from entering.

[0008] Finally, patent document CN2864688Y describes an electricity theft prevention device for an output end of an electrical supply transformer comprising a cable outlet plate and a lead seal that acts as a security seal; however, the document does not describe the configuration of the security seal or any type of restriction to complement the cover and adjust the passage of input cables to the transformer.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to provide a device or system that allows proper cable access to the terminals of a current transformer while simultaneously preventing unauthorized tampering, without the need for electronic devices, in order to reduce and / or prevent electricity theft, as well as to detect any attempt to tamper with a current transformer, at a considerably competitive cost. Objects of the invention

[0010] Taking into account the defects of the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a protection system for current transformer terminals that completely prevents unauthorized manipulation by a user, thus preventing the theft of electrical energy, without the need to use electronic devices, which considerably increase manufacturing costs, require complex control systems, and do not allow for the easy identification of unauthorized manipulation.

[0011] This and other objectives are achieved through a protection system for current transformer terminals. Brief description of the invention

[0012] To this end, a protection system for low-voltage current transformer terminals has been invented comprising: a protective cover comprising at least one perforation allowing the passage of an input cable to a current transformer, at least one perforation allowing the passage of a fixing screw of the current transformer, and at least one perforation allowing the passage of fastening means; an insulating insert for each terminal of the current transformer, configured to limit the connections to the terminals by restricting the space of the at least one perforation allowing the passage of an input cable to the current transformer; and fastening means for fixing the protective cover to the current transformer and preventing its removal.

[0013] Furthermore, another object of the present invention relates to a method for installing a protection system for current transformer terminals as described above. Brief description of the figures

[0014] The novel aspects that are considered characteristic of the present invention will be set forth in detail in the appended claims. However, some embodiments, features, and some objects and advantages thereof will be better understood in the detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] [Fig.1] Figure 1 illustrates a top isometric view of a protective cover of a protection system for current transformer terminals according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] [Fig.2] Figure 2 illustrates a bottom symmetrical view of a protective cover of a protection system for current transformer terminals according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] [Fig.3A] Figure 3A illustrates a front view of a protective cover of a protection system for current transformer terminals according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] [Fig.3B] Figure 3B illustrates a rear view of a protective cover of a protection system for current transformer terminals according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] [Fig.4A] Figure 4A illustrates a bottom view of a protective cover of a protection system for current transformer terminals according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] [Fig.4B] Figure 4B illustrates a top view of a protective cover of a protection system for current transformer terminals according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] [Fig.5] Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of an insulating insert of a protection system for current transformer terminals according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] [Fig.6] Figure 6 illustrates a top symmetrical view of a perforated wing nut of a protection system for current transformer terminals according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] [Fig.7] Figure 7 illustrates a bottom symmetrical view of a perforated wing nut of a protection system for current transformer terminals according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] [Fig.8] Figure 8 illustrates an symmetrical view of an installation of insulating inserts, a protective cover, and a perforated wing nut of a protection system for current transformer terminals according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] [Fig.9] Figure 9 illustrates an exploded symmetrical view of an installation of insulating inserts, a protective cover, and a perforated wing nut of a protection system for current transformer terminals in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] [Fig.10] Figure 10 illustrates an isometric view of an installation of insulating inserts of a protection system for current transformer terminals in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with current transformer input cables installed.

[0027] [Fig.11] Figure 11 illustrates a front symmetrical view of an installation of insulating inserts, a protective cover and a perforated wing nut of a protection system for current transformer terminals according to an embodiment of the present invention with current transformer input cables installed.

[0028] [Fig.12] Figure 12 illustrates an symmetrical view of a protection system for current transformer terminals according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] [Fig.13] Figure 13 illustrates an symmetrical view of a protection system for current transformer terminals according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0030] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the methodologies, protocols, and elements provided in the detailed description, as these may vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is merely to describe particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, which is limited only by the appended claims. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by a person skilled in the art.

[0031] It has been found that protection against energy theft can be provided from low-voltage current transformers by preventing any attempts. of user manipulation by means of a protection system for current transformer terminals comprising: a protective cover comprising at least one perforation allowing the passage of an input cable to a current transformer, at least one perforation allowing the passage of a fixing screw of the current transformer and at least one perforation allowing the passage of fastening means; an insulating insert for each terminal of the current transformer, configured to limit the connections to the terminals by restricting the space of the at least one perforation of the cover allowing the passage of an input cable to the current transformer; and fastening means for fixing the protective cover to the current transformer and preventing its removal.

[0032] According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the protective cover (2) consists of an essentially rectangular geometry with walls of considerable thickness to provide resistance in case of falls or impacts, and is particularly preferably made of materials selected from polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylic and polypropylene.

[0033] Additionally, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover (2) comprises at least one internal support (11) consisting of a barrier that runs the entire thickness of the cover (2) and isolates at least one terminal of the current transformer.

[0034] As shown in Figures 2 and 4A, the protective cover (2) comprises two internal supports (11). This protective cover (2) is designed to be installed on a current transformer with two terminals (3), such that the internal supports (11) separate the terminals (3) from each other and isolate them from the other elements of the protection system (1), for example, from the fixing screw (8) of the current transformer or from the fastening means.

[0035] In this respect, the dimensions of the protective cover (2) are not particularly limited, as long as the objective of adequately protecting the low-voltage current transformer installation is met.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, and as illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and 3A, the at least one perforation (5) of the protective cover (2) that allows the passage of an input cable to the current transformer is located on its front face and preferably consists of an inverted U-shaped hole for each terminal (3) of the transformer, extending from the base of the protective cover (2) to the height of the corresponding terminal (3). In said Figures 1, 2, and 3A, the cover (2) is designed to be installed on a current transformer with two terminals, such that its front face comprises two U-shaped holes.

[0037] Likewise, as illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3A-B, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one perforation (6) of the protective cover (2) that allows the passage of the fastening means consists of a hole, preferably circular, that passes through the entire thickness of the cover (2), from its front face to its rear face.

[0038] Additionally, and according to a modality of the present invention illustrated in Figures 1 and 4A-B, the at least one perforation (7) of the protective cover (2) that allows the passage of the fixing screw (8) of the current transformer consists of a perforation, preferably circular, in the central part of the upper face of the cover (2).

[0039] In connection with the above, the dimensions and geometry of the perforations in the protective cover (2) are not particularly limited, and these can be made depending on the gauges of the input cables to the current transformer, as well as the means of fastening to be used.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the insulating insert (4) consists of a piece of a specific geometry with a hole extending along its height, in which the terminal (3) of the current transformer is housed. The geometry of the insulating insert is not particularly limited; for example, it can be selected from a cylindrical or cubic geometry.

[0041] Referring to Figure 5, an insulating insert (4) is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, which comprises an essentially cubic geometry with a circular hole that runs the entire length of its height.

[0042] According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the insulating insert is made of polycarbonate, ABS, acrylic, or polypropylene.

[0043] In connection with the above, the insulating insert (4) is placed over the terminal (3) of the current transformer, completely surrounding it on its periphery, thus preventing contact with any other element of the protection system (1) and inside the protective cover (2), so that it restricts the space of at least one corresponding perforation (5) of the cover (2) that allows the passage of an input cable to the current transformer, thus preventing the entry of an additional unauthorized element.

[0044] Now, one objective of the present invention is to prevent manipulation of the system and / or to clearly and simply reveal any attempt to do so, so the protective cover (2) needs to be fixed to the current transformer in such a way as to comply with the above.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fastening means consist of a perforated wing nut (9) and a fixed or adjustable cable-type sealing mechanism (10).

[0046] In this regard and in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the cable-type sealing mechanism (10) is made of a metallic or plastic material, which is selected without limitation from galvanized steel, stainless steel, nylon, high-density polypropylene or high-density copolymer.

[0047] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cable-type sealing mechanism (10) is made of metallic materials with a plastic coating.

[0048] In the context of the present invention, a wing nut refers to a nut comprising two wing-like or tab-like elements that allow the adjustment or removal of the nut to be carried out easily without the need for an additional tool.

[0049] Now, according to one embodiment of the present invention, and as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the perforated butterfly nut (9) comprises a hole, preferably circular, in each of its wings or tabs.

[0050] In particular, but not limited to, the holes in the perforated butterfly nut (9) comprise a diameter between 1 and 3.5 mm to allow the insertion of different gauges of cable-type sealing mechanisms (10).

[0051] According to an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the perforated wing nut (9) is made of stainless steel, hardened steel, carbon steel, aluminum, or plastic.

[0052] Additionally, and in accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the perforated wing nut (9) comprises a threaded portion with a specific length to ensure the attachment of the protective cover (2) to the current transformer; preferably between 5 and 15 mm.

[0053] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover (2), the insulating inserts (4) and the fastening means comprise identification means, thereby allowing control over the distribution and use of the protection system while ensuring the uniqueness of each of its components.

[0054] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for installing a protection system (1) for current transformer terminals as described above, comprising the following steps: placing an insulating insert (4) on each terminal (3) of the current transformer and connecting an input cable to each terminal (3) of the current transformer.

[0055] Referring to Figure 10, the insulating insert (4) is placed over the corresponding terminals (3) of the current transformer, completely surrounding its periphery, and then the input cables are connected to each terminal through the top part that is not covered by the insulating insert (4).

[0056] Subsequently, the protective cover (2) is placed over the terminals (3) of the current transformer, so that the perforations (5) of the protective cover (2) surround the input cables to the current transformer, as shown in Figure 11, and passing the fixing screw (8) of the current transformer through the perforation (7) located on the face upper part of the protective cover (2), so that a portion of the fixing screw (8) protrudes from the protective cover (2).

[0057] Referring to Figure 9, an exploded view of some elements of the protection system according to the present invention is illustrated, where the order in which the insulating inserts (4) are placed on the terminals (3) of the current transformer and subsequently the protective cover can be clearly seen.

[0058] The perforated wing nut (9) is screwed onto the portion of the fixing screw (8) that protrudes from the protective cover (2), as can be seen in Figures 8 and 11 of the present invention.

[0059] The perforated wing nut (9) prevents the protective cover from being removed or lifted to access the terminals (3) of the current transformer. However, this nut (9) could be removed from the fixing screw (8) if it is not further secured.

[0060] Therefore, a cable-type sealing mechanism (10) is additionally placed, passing one of its ends through at least one perforation (6) that goes through the thickness of the protective cover (2) from its front face to its back face and, subsequently, through at least one of the perforations of the perforated wing nut (9) before sealing it, thus restricting the possibility of removing the perforated wing nut (9) and therefore the removal or lifting of the protective cover (2), as can be seen in Figures 12 and 13.

[0061] In connection with the above, the system prevents tampering once installed, thus avoiding any alterations to the current transformer for various purposes. Furthermore, the only way to access the current transformer terminals is by removing the cable-type sealing mechanism, which requires cutting the cable with a special tool, making any tampering or attempted tampering obvious.

[0062] The present invention will be better understood from the following example, which is presented solely for illustrative purposes to allow a full understanding of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, without thereby implying implies that there are no other unillustrated modalities that can be put into practice based on the detailed description above. Examples

[0063] A protection system was made and installed for a two-terminal current transformer, for which: an insulating insert was placed on each terminal of the current transformer, which comprises a cubic geometry with a circular hole located in its central part that extends along its height and made of polycarbonate.

[0064] Once the two insulating inserts were in place, the input cables were connected to the corresponding terminal of the current transformer using a screw.

[0065] A protective cover made of polycarbonate was provided, comprising a rectangular geometry, two internal supports that prevent the two terminals from contacting other elements of the system, two inverted U-shaped perforations on its front face, so that they were directly opposite the terminals of the current transformer, two circular perforations that pass through the entire thickness of the cover, from its front face to its back face, located between the two internal supports, and a circular perforation located in the center of its upper face.

[0066] The protective cover was placed over the terminals of the current transformer, so that the U-shaped perforations on the front face of the protective cover surrounded the input cables to the current transformer, and passing the fixing screw of the current transformer through the perforation located on the top face of the protective cover, so that a 10 mm portion of the fixing screw protruded from the protective cover.

[0067] A perforated wing nut was screwed onto the portion of the fixing screw that protrudes from the protective cover, which is perforated in the part of its tabs to allow the passage of the cable-type sealing mechanism and is made of stainless steel.

[0068] Once the perforated wing nut was screwed onto the fixing screw, a fixed cable-type sealing mechanism, made of galvanized steel with a plastic coating, was placed through the perforation that goes through the thickness of the protective cover from its front face to its back face and through one of the perforations of the perforated wing nut before being sealed.

[0069] In accordance with the foregoing, it can be observed that the protection system for current transformer terminals according to the present invention is designed to provide greater security to this type of device by completely preventing their manipulation and thus the theft of electrical energy, through a system that does not require electronic devices or elements, so that its installation is easily carried out and it will be evident to any expert in the field that the modalities of the protection system for current transformers as described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are only illustrative and not limiting to the present invention, since numerous significant changes in its details are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0070] Therefore, the present invention shall not be considered restricted except as required by prior art and within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims

1. A protection system (1) for current transformer terminals characterized in that it comprises: a protective cover (2) comprising at least one perforation (5) allowing the passage of an input cable to a current transformer, at least one perforation (7) allowing the passage of a fixing screw (8) of the current transformer, and at least one perforation (6) allowing the passage of fastening means; an insulating insert (4) for each terminal (3) of the current transformer, configured to limit the connections to the terminals (3) by restricting the space of the at least one perforation (5) allowing the passage of an input cable to the current transformer; and fastening means for fixing the protective cover (2) to the current transformer and preventing its removal.

2. The protection system (1) for current transformer terminals according to claim 1, further characterized in that the protective cover (2) comprises a rectangular geometry and is made of materials selected from polycarbonate, ABS, acrylic and polypropylene.

3. The protection system (1) for current transformer terminals according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the protective cover (2) additionally comprises at least one internal support (11) consisting of a barrier that runs the entire thickness of the cover (2) and isolates at least one terminal of the current transformer.

4. The protection system (1) for current transformer terminals according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the at least one perforation (5) of the protective cover (2) that allows the passage of an input cable to the current transformer is located on the front face thereof and consists of an inverted U-shaped hole for each terminal (3) of the transformer, which extends from the base of the protective cover (2) to the height of the corresponding terminal (3).

5. The protection system (1) for current transformer terminals according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the at least one perforation (6) of the protective cover (2) that allows the passage of the fastening means consists of a circular hole that passes through the entire thickness of the cover (2), from its front face to its rear face.

6. The protection system (1) for current transformer terminals according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the at least one perforation (7) of the protective cover (2) that allows the passage of the fixing screw (8) of the current transformer consists of a circular perforation in the central part of the upper face of the cover (2).

7. The protection system (1) for current transformer terminals according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the insulating insert (4) consists of a piece of cubic or cylindrical geometry with a hole extending along its height, preferably made of polycarbonate, ABS, acrylic or polypropylene.

8. The protection system (1) for current transformer terminals according to claim 7, further characterized in that each insulating insert (4) is arranged inside the protective cover (2), surrounding the periphery of a terminal (2) of the current transformer and restricting the space of at least one corresponding perforation (5) of the cover (2) that allows the passage of an input cable to the current transformer.

9. The protection system (1) for current transformers according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the fastening means consist of a nut perforated butterfly (9) and a fixed or adjustable cable-type sealing mechanism (10).

10. The protection system (1) for current transformer terminals according to claim 9, further characterized in that the cable-type sealing mechanism (10) is made of a metallic or plastic material.

11. The protection system (1) for current transformer terminals according to claim 10, further characterized in that the cable-type sealing mechanism (10) is made of galvanized steel, stainless steel, nylon, high-density polypropylene or high-density copolymer.

12. The protection system (1) for current transformer terminals according to claim 10 or 11, further characterized in that the cable-type sealing mechanism (10) is made of metallic materials with a plastic coating.

13. The protection system (1) for current transformer terminals according to any of claims 9 to 12, further characterized in that the perforations of the perforated butterfly nut (9) are located in the corresponding tabs.

14. The protection system (1) for current transformer terminals according to any of claims 9 to 13, further characterized in that the perforated wing nut (9) is made of stainless steel, hardened steel, carbon steel, aluminum or plastic.

15. The protection system (1) for current transformer terminals according to any of claims 9 to 14, further characterized in that the perforated wing nut comprises a threaded portion with a length to ensure the attachment of the protection cover to the current transformer between 5 and 15 mm.

16. The protection system (1) for current transformer terminals in accordance with any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the protective cover (2), the insulating inserts (4) and the fastening means comprise identification means.

17. A method for installing a protection system (1) for current transformer terminals as claimed in any of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: placing an insulating insert (4) on each terminal (3) of the current transformer, connecting an input cable to each terminal (3) of the current transformer, placing the protective cover (2) over the terminals (3) of the current transformer, such that the perforations (5) of the protective cover (2) surround the input cables and passing the fixing screw (8) of the current transformer through the perforation (7) located in the upper face of the protective cover (2), such that a portion of the fixing screw (8) protrudes from the protective cover (2), screwing the perforated wing nut (9) onto the portion of the fixing screw (8) that protrudes from the protective cover (2),position the cable-type sealing mechanism (10) by passing one of its ends through at least one perforation (6) that passes through the thickness of the protective cover (2) from its front face to its rear face and subsequently through at least one of the perforations of the perforated wing nut (9) before sealing it to restrict manipulation of the system, i,

Images