CN112189300A

CN112189300A - Protection device for a switchgear assembly, switchgear assembly and switchgear

Info

Publication number: CN112189300A
Application number: CN201880093696.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 魏秀玲; 胡彩伦; 林夷彬; 吕德庚
Original assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
Current assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
Priority date: 2018-06-25
Filing date: 2018-06-25
Publication date: 2021-01-05
Also published as: EP3811510A1; WO2020000129A1; EP3811510A4

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a protection device for a switchgear assembly, a switchgear assembly and a switchgear. The protection device includes: a back plate; a front plate disposed opposite the rear plate and attached to the rear plate by a pair of connecting plates spaced apart from each other, forming a cavity between the rear plate and the front plate, the cavity being adapted to receive an electrical connection element of the switchgear assembly; and a pair of covers for enclosing the cavity, at least one cover of the pair of covers comprising a plurality of holes for venting air between the cavity and the surrounding environment.

Description

Protection device for a switchgear assembly, switchgear assembly and switchgear

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of electrical power and, in particular, to a protection device for a switchgear assembly, a switchgear assembly and a switchgear.

Background

In an electrical power system, a switchgear is a combination of electrical disconnect switches, fuses or circuit breakers used to control, protect and isolate electrical equipment. The switchgear is used to de-energize the equipment to allow work to be completed and to clear downstream faults. Electrical equipment, such as short-circuit protection devices (SCPDs), can be installed in a switchgear cabinet by means of a switchgear cabinet assembly, e.g. a plug-in module. The electrical device is connected to the power source via an electrical connection element, such as a cable or copper bar.

However, the electrical connection element or the electrical device is completely open to or completely closed from the surrounding environment. The components in the switchgear assembly are accessible by hand, fasteners or tools without any protective equipment. The likelihood of an accidental short circuit or arc fault is high. In a fully enclosed housing, air flow is blocked and heat generated by electrical connection elements (e.g., power connections) is difficult to dissipate. There is therefore a need for an improved protection device for a switchgear assembly.

Disclosure of Invention

In general, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a protection device for a switchgear assembly, a switchgear assembly and a switchgear.

In a first aspect, a protection device for a switchgear is provided. The protection device includes: a back plate; a front plate disposed opposite the rear plate and attached to the rear plate by a pair of connecting plates spaced apart from each other, forming a cavity between the rear plate and the front plate, the cavity being adapted to receive an electrical connection element of the switchgear assembly; and a pair of covers for enclosing the cavity, at least one cover of the pair of covers comprising a plurality of holes for venting air between the cavity and the surrounding environment.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, by providing a cover with an aperture, the connecting element may be protected from intrusion, dust, accidental contact, etc., and heat may be dissipated into the surrounding environment.

In some embodiments, the at least one cover comprises a mesh. In such embodiments, the mesh may be manufactured in a cost-effective manner, and the holes in the mesh may be of relatively small size to provide a high level of protection.

In some embodiments, the mesh is embedded in a rigid support. In such an embodiment, the rigid support may improve the mechanical properties of the cover such that the cover may withstand higher pressures.

In some embodiments, the rigid support comprises at least one double-folded edge. In such an embodiment, the double folded edge may improve the mechanical properties of the lid to maintain higher pressure.

In some embodiments, the mesh comprises a woven wire mesh. In such an embodiment, the woven wire mesh is cost effective and may have relatively small sized apertures.

In some embodiments, at least one cover comprises or consists of a pre-cut mesh sheet. In such embodiments, the pre-cut mesh sheet may have relatively small sized holes and may be manufactured by a cost-effective process.

In some embodiments, the at least one cover comprises a molding material, and the plurality of holes are disposed within the molding material. In such an embodiment, the cover may be manufactured in a cost-effective manner by a molding process having relatively large holes.

In some embodiments, the plurality of holes comprises stamped holes. In such an embodiment, the cover may be manufactured in a cost-effective manner by a stamping process with relatively large holes.

In some embodiments, the at least one cover further comprises at least one of: a molded material comprising a plurality of holes and disposed on a grid, or a plate comprising a plurality of punched holes and disposed on a grid. In such an embodiment, the protection device may achieve better protection by combining two protection structures.

In some embodiments, the at least one cover further comprises at least one of: a molding material comprising a plurality of holes and disposed on a pre-cut mesh plate, or a plate comprising a plurality of punched holes and disposed on the pre-cut mesh plate. In such an embodiment, the protection device may achieve better protection by combining two protection structures.

In some embodiments, the web is shaped with a corresponding retainer feature operable to be gripped by a hand, and wherein the retainer feature comprises a recess extending between a pair of the caps. In such an embodiment, the protection device or the switchgear assembly can be maintained with bare hands and without tools.

In some embodiments, at least one of the caps includes a retainer feature operable to be gripped by a hand, and wherein the retainer feature includes a recess extending between a pair of the webs. In such an embodiment, the protection device or the switchgear assembly can be maintained with bare hands and without tools.

In some embodiments, the front plate and the pair of connecting plates are integrally formed. In such an embodiment, the protection device can be assembled in a convenient manner.

In some embodiments, the pair of covers each include a plurality of holes to provide better ventilation.

In some embodiments, the electrical connection element comprises at least one of a cable and a copper row.

In some embodiments, the switchgear assembly is a plug-in module.

In a second aspect, a switchgear assembly for a switchgear is provided. The cubical switchboard subassembly includes: the protection device according to the first aspect; an electrical connection element disposed in a protection device operable to be coupled to a power source; and an electrical device disposed on the front plate and electrically coupled to the connection member.

In a third aspect, a switchgear is provided. The switchgear comprises at least one switchgear assembly according to the second aspect.

It should be understood that this summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description.

Drawings

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following more detailed description of some embodiments of the present disclosure in which:

fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a switchgear in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a protective apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B shows an exploded perspective view of the protective apparatus of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C shows a perspective view of the support in the protective apparatus of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2D shows another perspective view of the support of FIG. 2C;

fig. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a switchgear assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B shows an exploded perspective view of the switchgear assembly of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C shows a perspective view of the protection device in the switchgear assembly of FIG. 3A;

fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a protective apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a protective apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B shows an exploded perspective view of the protective apparatus of FIG. 5A;

fig. 6A illustrates a perspective view of a switchgear assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6B shows a perspective view of the protection device in the switchgear assembly of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C shows an exploded perspective view of the protective apparatus of FIG. 6B;

FIG. 6D shows a top view of the molding material in the protective apparatus of FIG. 6B;

fig. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a switchgear assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B shows a perspective view of the protection device in the switchgear assembly of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C shows another perspective view of the protective apparatus of FIG. 7B;

fig. 8A and 8B show perspective views illustrating a protection device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

fig. 9A and 9B show perspective views illustrating protective devices according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numbers refer to the same or similar elements.

Detailed Description

The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to a few exemplary embodiments. It is understood that these examples are described solely for the purpose of illustration and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and practicing the disclosure, and are not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. The disclosures described herein can be implemented in various ways in addition to those described below.

As used herein, the term "include" and its variants are to be understood as open-ended terms, which mean "including, but not limited to". The term "based on" should be understood as "based at least in part on". The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" should be understood as "at least one embodiment". The term "another embodiment" should be understood as "at least one other embodiment". Other definitions (explicit and implicit) may be included below.

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a switchgear 100, such as a low voltage switchgear, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The switchgear 100 comprises a switchgear assembly 102, which may be a functional unit or a plug-in module, as shown in fig. 1.

A functional unit, also called module, comprises all the electrical and mechanical elements, including the switching device, which contribute to the same function. The modules include a fixed module, a plug-in module and a withdrawable module, wherein the plug-in module is configured such that its electrical equipment can be safely removed from or connected to the main circuit when the main circuit is live. Typically, removal and installation of the plug-in module requires the use of tools.

The switchgear assembly 102 may include an electrical connection element or power connection that is coupled to a power source (such as a power grid or mains power supply). The electrical connection element is, for example, a cable or a strip such as a copper bar. The electrical connection element is also coupled to an electrical device 310, such as a Short Circuit Protection Device (SCPD). In operation, components (such as contacts) in the switchgear 100 generate heat that is transferred to electrical connection elements (such as copper bars) to be dissipated into the surrounding environment.

Fig. 2A and 2B illustrate perspective and perspective exploded views, respectively, of a protective apparatus 200 for a switchgear assembly 102 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The protective device 200 can protect components such as copper bars in the switchgear assembly 102 from intrusion (body parts such as hands and fingers), dust, accidental contact, and the like.

As shown in fig. 2A and 2B, the protective apparatus 200 includes a rear plate 206, and includes a front plate 212 disposed opposite the rear plate 206. In some embodiments, for example, the back plate 206 is disposed toward the interior of the switchgear cabinet 100, while the front plate 212 is disposed toward the exterior of the switchgear cabinet 100. The front plate 212 and the rear plate 206 may be attached to each other, for example, by a pair of connecting plates 213 spaced apart from each other. In this manner, a cavity 207 is formed between the back plate 206 and the front plate 212. The cavity 207 is adapted to receive electrical connection elements of the switchgear assembly 102.

In some embodiments, for example, the connecting plate 213 is attached to the back plate 206 by screws. It should be appreciated that the connecting plate 213 may be attached to the back plate 206 by any other suitable mechanism, such as a rivet. In some embodiments, the connection plate 213 and the front plate 212 may be integrally formed such that the protective apparatus 200 is relatively simple to install and/or remove. It should be appreciated that the connecting plate 213 may be attached to the front plate 212 by any other suitable mechanism, such as a screw or rivet.

In some embodiments, the back plate 206 includes openings 241 for attaching electrical connection elements. For example, the electrical connection elements pass from the exterior of the protection device 200, through the opening 241, to the interior of the protection device 200. The front plate 212 includes an opening 242 such that the electrical connection elements pass through the opening 242 from the inside of the protection device 200 to be exposed. The exposed electrical connection elements are also attached to electrical devices 310 disposed on the front plate 212.

As shown in fig. 2A and 2B, the upper cover 201 and the lower cover 209 are arranged to enclose the cavity 207, and at least one of the

covers

201 and 209 comprises a plurality of holes for ventilation between the cavity 207 and the surrounding environment. By providing the cover with an aperture, the connecting element can be protected from intrusion, dust, accidental contact, etc., and heat can be dissipated to the surroundings. In some embodiments, each of the upper cover 201 and the lower cover 209 includes a plurality of holes to enhance the ventilation and cooling effect.

In some embodiments, the cover 201 includes a mesh 202 embedded in a support 204. The mesh may be manufactured in a cost effective manner and the apertures in the mesh may be of relatively small size to provide a high level of protection. It should be appreciated that the support 204 may be eliminated to reduce the cost of the upper cover 201. The mesh 202 is a barrier made of metal or other material connected into strands. For example, the mesh 202 may be a woven wire mesh. The mesh 202 may have a number of strands attached or braided to form a plurality of pores. In this manner, the mesh 202 may protect components in the cavity 207 from intrusion, dust, accidental contact, and the like. At the same time, the holes in the mesh 202 facilitate ventilation between the cavity 207 and the surrounding environment.

In some embodiments, the apertures in the mesh 202 have various shapes, such as rectangular, triangular, etc., and the apertures in the mesh 202 have various sizes to provide various levels of protection. For example, the holes may have a size below 1mm to provide IP4X protection. Alternatively, the holes may have a size below 12.5mm to provide IPXXB protection. It should be understood that the holes may have any other suitable size. Advantageously, the mesh 202 may be manufactured in various cost-effective methods to obtain holes having relatively low dimensions.

In some embodiments, the mesh 202 is made of a metal material to improve the mechanical strength of the upper cover 201. The support 204 may be rigid to improve the mechanical properties of the cover 201. The rigid support may improve the mechanical properties of the cover so that the cover may withstand higher pressures. For example, the support 204 is made of a metal material such as steel. It should be appreciated that the support 204 may be made of any other suitable material that can improve the rigidity of the upper cover 201. As shown, the support 204 is a frame having a plurality of ribs that are staggered with respect to one another. It should be understood that the support 204 may have a different arrangement than that shown, for example, a trapezoidal arrangement as shown in fig. 3A-3C.

In some embodiments, the lower cover 209 may include a mesh 210 embedded in the support 208. The lower cover 209 is configured similarly to the upper cover 201 described above, and for the sake of brevity, a description thereof will not be repeated here.

Fig. 2C illustrates a perspective view of a support 204 including a reinforcing structure, and fig. 2D illustrates an upper cover 201 including a support 204 and a mesh embedded in the support 204, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the support 204 includes one or more double folded edges 302 to improve the mechanical properties of the lid 201. The mesh 202 may be embedded in the support 204 by the double-folded edge 302, and thus, a process for assembling the upper cover 201 and the protective device 200 may be simplified.

Returning to fig. 2A-2B, the connecting plate 213 is shaped with a retainer feature 211. Thus, the user can hold the connection plate 213 with his hand to mount and/or dismount the front plate 212 and the connection plate 213. As shown in fig. 2A-2B, the retainer feature 211 has a recess or notch extending between the pair of connection plates 213. The edge of the recess is arranged at the position where the front plate 212 meets the connection element 213 so that the user's hand can grip the edge of the recess.

Fig. 3A illustrates a perspective view of the switchgear assembly 102, and fig. 3B illustrates an exploded perspective view of the switchgear assembly 102 as illustrated in fig. 3A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The description will not be repeated here for those elements that have already been described above with reference to fig. 2A-2B.

As shown in fig. 3A-3B, the switchgear assembly 102 includes an electrical device 310, such as a Short Circuit Protection Device (SCPD). An electrical device 310 is coupled to the copper bar 304, the copper bar 304 in turn being coupled to the input contact 302. The input contact 302 may be coupled to a power source, such as a power grid or mains. In operation, the contact 302 may generate and transfer heat to the copper bar 304.

As shown in fig. 3A-3B, the switchgear assembly 102 includes a protection apparatus 200, which is shown separately in fig. 3C. The connecting plate 213 is shaped with a retainer feature 205 adjacent the back plate 206. For example, the retainer feature 205 comprises a recess or notch of the connection element 213 and extends between the upper cap 201 and the lower cap 209.

Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a protective apparatus 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the elements already described above with respect to fig. 2A-2B, the description will not be repeated here. The overcap 201 is shaped with a retainer feature 218 that is held by a user. For example, the retainer feature 218 includes a recess or notch extending between the connecting elements 213 adjacent to the back plate 206. The lower cap 209 is shaped with retainer features similar to the retainer features 218 described above, and for the sake of brevity, the description thereof will not be repeated here.

Fig. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a protective apparatus 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and fig. 5B illustrates an exploded perspective view of the protective apparatus 200 as illustrated in fig. 5A. For the elements already described above with respect to fig. 2A-2B, the description will not be repeated here.

As shown in fig. 5A, the upper cover 201 includes a pre-cut mesh plate 304 instead of a mesh embedded in the support as shown in fig. 2A-4. The pre-cut mesh panel 304 includes a plurality of holes or openings. The holes may have a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, etc. The pre-cut mesh plate 304 is a metal sheet having a plurality of holes manufactured through a cutting process before the plate 304 is mounted. The holes can be made in a variety of sizes to provide the desired level of protection. For example, a pre-cut mesh panel may have relatively small sized holes and may be manufactured by a cost-effective process.

Fig. 6A illustrates a perspective view of a switchgear assembly 102 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The switchgear assembly 102 includes an electrical device 310 and a protection device 200. Fig. 6B and 6C show a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of the protective apparatus 200, respectively. For the elements already described above with respect to fig. 2A-3C, the description will not be repeated here.

For example, the upper cover 201 includes a molding material molded with a plurality of holes. The molding material may be, for example, plastic. The upper cover 201 can be manufactured by a moulding process, which is very cost effective, especially for protection at the IPXXB level. Fig. 6D illustrates a top view of the upper cover 201, which shows a plurality of circular holes and a plurality of rectangular holes staggered with each other. It should be understood that this pattern is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not imply any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a switchgear assembly 102 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The switchgear assembly 102 includes an electrical device 310 and a protection device 200. Fig. 7B and 7C show a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of the protective apparatus 200, respectively. For the elements already described above with respect to fig. 2A-3C, the description will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the upper cover 201 of the protective device 200 is a sheet metal with punched holes. As shown, the holes are arranged in an array pattern, and each hole has a rounded rectangular shape. It should be understood that the patterns and shapes are provided for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The holes may be made in-situ or ex-situ by a stamping process on the sheet metal. The stamping process is cost effective and is particularly suitable for protection at the IPXXB level.

The protection device has been described above with reference to various embodiments. It should be understood that the covers or portions of the covers of the different embodiments may be combined to form additional covers. The combined cover structure may provide enhanced protection from the surrounding environment and better durability. For example, at least a portion of the lid 201 as shown in fig. 2A-5B may be combined with the lid 201 shown in fig. 6A-7C. Fig. 8A and 8B illustrate perspective views of a portion of such a protective apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The upper cover 201 of the protection device 200 comprises a sheet metal plate 214 with punched holes and comprises a grid 202 embedded in a support 204 arranged inside the sheet metal plate 214. The lower cover 209 comprises a metal sheet 216 with punched holes and comprises a grid 210 embedded in a support 208 arranged inside the metal sheet 214.

The sheet metal 214 and the mesh 202 may provide the same or different levels of protection. For example, sheet metal 214 provides protection at the IPXXB level, and grid 202 provides protection at the IP4X level. It should be understood that the sheet metal 214 may be replaced by other structures of molding material such as shown in fig. 6A-6D.

Fig. 9A and 9B illustrate perspective views of a portion of another protective apparatus 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The upper cover 201 of the protective device 200 comprises a sheet metal plate 214 with punched holes and comprises a grid 202 arranged inside the sheet metal plate 214. The lower cover 209 comprises a metal sheet 216 with punched holes and comprises a grid 210 arranged inside the metal sheet 214.

Although the disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A protection device (200) for a switchgear assembly (102), comprising:

a back plate (206);

a front plate (212) arranged opposite to the rear plate (206) and attached to the rear plate (206) by a pair of connection plates (213) spaced apart from each other, thereby forming a cavity (207) between the rear plate (206) and the front plate (212), the cavity (207) being adapted to accommodate electrical connection elements of the switchgear assembly (102); and

a pair of covers (201, 209) for closing the cavity (207), at least one cover of the pair of covers (201, 209) comprising a plurality of apertures for venting air between the cavity (207) and the surrounding environment.

2. The protective device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cover (201, 209) comprises a grid (202, 210).

3. The protective device (200) according to claim 2, wherein the mesh (202, 210) is embedded in a rigid support (204, 208).

4. The protective apparatus (200) according to claim 3, wherein said rigid support (204, 208) comprises at least one double folded edge (302).

5. The protective apparatus (200) according to claim 2, wherein the mesh (202, 210) comprises a woven wire mesh.

6. The protective device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cover (201, 209) comprises a pre-cut mesh plate (304).

7. The protective apparatus (200) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cover (201, 209) comprises a molding material, and wherein the plurality of holes are arranged within the molding material.

8. The protective apparatus (200) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of holes comprises punched holes.

9. The protection device (200) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the at least one cover (201, 209) further comprises at least one of:

a molding material comprising a plurality of holes and arranged on the grid (202, 210), or

A plate (214) comprising a plurality of punched holes and arranged on the grid (202, 210).

10. The protective device (200) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one cover (201, 209) further comprises at least one of:

a molding material comprising a plurality of holes and arranged on the pre-cut mesh plate (304), or

A plate (214) comprising a plurality of punched holes and disposed on the pre-cut mesh plate (304).

11. The protective apparatus (200) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting plate (213) is shaped with respective retainer features (211, 205) operable to be gripped by a hand, and wherein the retainer features (211) comprise recesses extending between the pair of covers (201, 209).

12. The protective apparatus (200) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cap (201, 209) comprises a retainer feature (218) operable to be gripped by a hand, and wherein the retainer feature (218) comprises a recess extending between the pair of connecting plates (213).

13. The protective device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection element comprises at least one of a cable and a copper bar.

14. The protective apparatus (200) according to claim 1, wherein the front plate (212) and the pair of connecting plates (213) are integrally formed.

15. The protection device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the switchgear assembly (102) is a plug-in module.

16. A switchgear assembly (102) for a switchgear (100), comprising:

the protection device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 15;

an electrical connection element arranged in the protection device (200), the protection device (200) being operable to be coupled to a power source; and

an electrical device (310) arranged on the front plate (212) and electrically coupled to the electrical connection element.

17. A switchgear panel (100) comprising at least one switchgear panel assembly (102) according to claim 16.