CN116458024A - Device for releasing arc pressure of switchgear and switchgear system - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (100) and a switchgear system for releasing the arc pressure of a switchgear. The device (100) comprises a foldable member (10) comprising a first plate (102) and a second plate (104) arranged on a planar structure (122) of the switchgear and spaced apart from each other and a plurality of plates coupled in series between the first plate and the second plate, wherein each of the plurality of plates is rotatable relative to an adjacent plate such that the foldable member (10) is switchable between a folded state and an unfolded state, wherein in the unfolded state the foldable member (10) forms a duct structure together with the planar structure (122), and wherein a thickness of the foldable member (10) in the folded state is smaller than a thickness in the unfolded state; and a plurality of fixing members (20), each of which is arranged at a joint between two adjacent panels and is configured to fix the two adjacent panels when the foldable member (10) is in the unfolded state.

Description

Device for releasing arc pressure of switchgear and switchgear system

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of switchgear and, more particularly, to an apparatus for releasing arc pressure of a switchgear and a switchgear system including the same.

Background

Arc tubes are an important device for application in Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS). The purpose of the arc tube is to ensure that the gas generated during the arc spraying of the circuit breaker in the switchgear is rapidly released, thereby releasing the arc pressure of the switchgear and enhancing the heat dissipation performance of the switchgear. Furthermore, the arc tube can prevent foreign substances from entering the cabinet of the switchgear and adversely affecting the operation of the circuit breaker.

For conventional AIS switchgear, the height of the arc tube is approximately 600mm in order to reliably achieve arc pressure relief. When the arc tube is fitted onto the top of the switchgear cabinet, the total height is about 2700mm, which exceeds the height limit of container transport. Thus, the arc tube and AIS switchgear require separate packaging and shipping. Not only does this increase the cost of packaging and shipping, but customer complaints may also be caused when some arc tubes are missing or the number of arc tubes is less than the switchgear.

Fig. 22 shows a conventional AIS switchgear equipped with arc tubes thereon. As shown, the arc tube 30 is disposed on top of the AIS switchgear 200. The height of the arc tube 30 is fixed. Typically, the overall height of the arc tube 30 and AIS switchgear 200 will exceed the height limit of container transport. That is, the arc tube is not suitable for being transported through the entire package of the switchgear due to the oversized dimensions. Furthermore, the costs for separately packaging and transporting the arc tube and the switchgear are high. Furthermore, it may be inconvenient to assemble the arc tube and the switchgear separately from each other at the site of the user.

Thus, there is a need for a method of reducing the height of the arc tube, thereby reducing the cost of individual packaging and shipping, and simplifying assembly in an efficient and user-friendly manner.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the foregoing, various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device for releasing arc pressure of a switchgear, thereby reducing the cost of individual packaging and transportation, and simplifying assembly in an efficient and user-friendly manner.

In a first aspect of the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus for releasing arc pressure of a switchgear. The device comprises a foldable member comprising a first plate and a second plate arranged on a planar structure of the switchgear and spaced apart from each other; and a plurality of plates coupled in series between the first plate and the second plate, wherein each plate of the plurality of plates is rotatable relative to an adjacent plate such that the collapsible member is switchable between a collapsed state and an expanded state, wherein in the expanded state the collapsible member forms a duct structure with the planar structure, and wherein the collapsible member has a smaller thickness in the collapsed state than in the expanded state. The device further includes a plurality of securing members, each securing member disposed at a joint between two adjacent panels and configured to secure the two adjacent panels when the collapsible member is in the expanded state.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises at least one locking mechanism, each of the at least one locking mechanism being arranged at one end of the corresponding joint and being coupled to the corresponding two adjacent plates, and each locking mechanism comprising a locking member and a guide plate, wherein the foldable member is locked when the locking member is in the first and second positions relative to the guide plate, and is foldable when the locking member is in the other position relative to the guide plate.

In some embodiments, a first adjacent plate of the two adjacent plates includes a first side portion, a second adjacent plate of the two adjacent plates includes a second side portion, and the first side portion and the second side portion each extend perpendicular to the joint from an edge of the corresponding adjacent plate, and wherein the locking member is coupled to the first side portion and configured to move with the first adjacent plate.

In some embodiments, the guide plate includes a first locking hole, a second locking hole, and a sliding groove connecting the first locking hole and the second locking hole, and a width of the sliding groove is smaller than a width of either one of the first locking hole and the second locking hole, and wherein the first locking hole corresponds to a first position of the foldable member and the second locking hole corresponds to a second position of the foldable member.

In some embodiments, each locking mechanism further comprises: a fixing bolt extending through the guide plate, the first side portion, and the second side portion, and configured to fix the guide plate to the second side portion such that the guide plate is rotatable relative to the first side portion; and a fixing nut engaged with the fixing bolt to couple the guide plate with the first side and the second side.

In some embodiments, wherein the fixing bolt comprises: a bolt head; and a bolt body provided on the bolt head, the bolt body including a prismatic portion connected to the bolt head and a cylindrical portion connected to the prismatic portion, wherein the prismatic portion passes through the guide plate and the second side portion and mates with corresponding holes in the guide plate and the second side portion, and wherein the cylindrical portion passes through the circular hole on the first side portion and mates with the circular hole on the first side portion.

In some embodiments, the locking member extends through the first and second sides and the guide plate and is adapted to move between the first and second locking holes through the sliding slot, and wherein the foldable member is locked when the locking member is in the first or second locking hole and unlocked when the locking member is in the sliding slot.

In some embodiments, the locking member comprises a pin comprising a pin body adapted to move in the sliding channel and a pin head connected to the pin body; a cylindrical clamping portion surrounding the pin body; a nut adapted to be threadably connected to the pin body; and a spring disposed on the pin body and compressed by the pin head and the first side. Wherein the diameter of the pin head is larger than the diameter of the pin body, and the diameter of the cylindrical clamping portion is larger than the width of the sliding groove and smaller than the diameter of either one of the first locking hole and the second locking hole;

in some embodiments, the first adjacent plate is rotatable with the locking member when the locking member is positioned in the sliding groove, and the clamping portion of the locking member is spring-pulled into the first locking hole or the second locking hole to prevent relative rotation of the two adjacent plates when the locking member is positioned in the first locking hole or the second locking hole.

In some embodiments, two adjacent plates are hinged at the other end of the joint between the two adjacent plates where the locking mechanism is not provided.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises a stiffening plate arranged at the joint between two adjacent plates provided with the locking mechanism and configured to fix and stiffen the two adjacent plates.

In some embodiments, each of the securing members comprises: an extension plate extending along a surface of one of the two adjacent plates and provided with a plurality of holes, the extension plate extending at least beyond the junction of the two adjacent plates to the surface of the other adjacent plate; and a bolt adapted to secure two adjacent panels through the aperture in the extension panel and the corresponding aperture in the two adjacent panels when the collapsible member is in the expanded state.

In some embodiments, wherein the extension plate is L-shaped.

In some embodiments, the foldable member comprises a first foldable member comprising at least a first panel and a third panel coupled to the first panel; a second foldable member disposed opposite the first foldable member and including at least a second panel and a fourth panel coupled to the second panel; and a third foldable member coupled to the third panel and the fourth panel, wherein the third foldable member is stacked with the third panel and the fourth panel when the foldable member is in the folded state.

In some embodiments, wherein the foldable member comprises a first foldable member comprising at least a first panel, a third panel, and a fifth panel coupled in series; a second foldable member disposed symmetrically to the first foldable member and comprising at least a second panel, a fourth panel, and a sixth panel coupled in series; and a third member coupled to the fifth plate and the sixth plate.

In a second aspect of the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a switchgear system comprising a switchgear and at least one apparatus according to the first aspect of the present disclosure arranged at the top of the switchgear.

It should be understood that the 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 apparent from the following description.

Drawings

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. Several example embodiments disclosed herein are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which:

fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus for releasing arc pressure of a switchgear according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus for releasing arc pressure of a switchgear according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 3;

fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus for releasing arc pressure of a switchgear according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 5;

fig. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus for releasing arc pressure of a switchgear according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 7;

fig. 9a is a side view illustrating a locking mechanism in a first locked state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9b is another side view showing the locking mechanism in a first locked state as shown in FIG. 9 a;

FIG. 9c is a perspective view showing the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 9a in a first locked state;

FIG. 10a is a side view illustrating a locking mechanism in an unlocked state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10b is a perspective view showing the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 10a in an unlocked state;

FIG. 10c is another perspective view showing the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 10a in an unlocked state;

FIG. 11a is a schematic diagram illustrating a locking mechanism in a second locked state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11b is a perspective view showing the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 11A in a second locked state;

FIG. 11c is a side view of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 11A in a second locked state;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a locking member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a locking member together with a guide plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the locking member shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing the locking member shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the pin shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17a is a schematic diagram illustrating a bolt according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17b is a side view of the bolt of FIG. 17 a;

fig. 18a is a schematic diagram illustrating a foldable member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18b is a side view of the foldable member shown in FIG. 18 a;

fig. 19a is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus for releasing arc pressure of a switchgear according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19b is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 19 a;

FIG. 19c is another perspective view of the device of FIG. 19 a;

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process of expanding the device shown in FIG. 19 a;

FIG. 21a is a schematic view of the device of FIG. 19a in an expanded state;

FIG. 21b is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 21 a;

fig. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional switchgear equipped with an arc tube; and

fig. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating a switchgear equipped with an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The same or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like elements.

Detailed Description

The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to several example embodiments shown in the drawings. While the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated in the figures, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely provided to facilitate a better understanding of, and thus to enable, those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

The terms "comprising" or "including" and variations thereof are to be construed as open-ended terms, which mean "including, but not limited to. The term "or" should be read as "and/or" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "based on" should be understood as "based at least in part on". The term "operably" refers to a function, action, motion or state that may be achieved through manipulation by a user or an external mechanism. 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". The terms "first," "second," and the like, may refer to different or the same object. Other explicit and implicit definitions may be included below. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the definition of terms is consistent throughout the specification.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided that includes a collapsible member to reduce the overall height of the switchgear and arc tube. The foldable member comprises a first plate and a second plate arranged on a planar structure of the switchgear and spaced apart from each other; and a plurality of plates coupled in series between the first plate and the second plate, wherein each plate of the plurality of plates is rotatable relative to an adjacent plate such that the foldable member is switchable between a folded state and an unfolded state. As will be described in detail in the following paragraphs, the above concepts may be implemented in various ways.

Hereinafter, the principle of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to fig. 1 to 23. Referring first to fig. 1 and 2, fig. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an apparatus for releasing arc pressure of a switchgear according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and fig. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in fig. 1. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the device 100 includes a collapsible member 10. The foldable member 10 comprises a first plate 102 and a second plate 104, the first plate 102 and the second plate 104 being arranged on a planar structure 122 of the switchgear and being spaced apart from each other. The foldable member 10 further comprises a plurality of panels coupled in series between the first panel 102 and the second panel 104. Each plate of the plurality of plates is rotatable relative to an adjacent plate such that the collapsible member 10 is switchable between a collapsed state and an expanded state. In the unfolded state, the foldable member 10 forms together with the planar structure 122 a duct structure for releasing the arc pressure of the switchgear. The thickness of the foldable member 10 in the folded state is less than in the unfolded state. The collapsible member 10 further comprises a plurality of securing components 20, each securing component 20 being arranged at a joint between two adjacent panels and configured to secure the two adjacent panels when the collapsible member 10 is in the expanded state.

With the arrangement of the device 100 as shown in fig. 1 and 2, the height of the arc tube is reduced such that the arc tube is suitable for transport through an integral package with a switchgear cabinet. In this way, the transport costs are reduced compared to individual packaging and transport. Furthermore, the device 100 may be installed at the top of a switchgear cabinet in a factory, thereby simplifying installation at a customer site.

In some embodiments, the foldable member 10 includes a first foldable member 60 that includes at least a first panel 102, a third panel 106 coupled to the first panel 102, and a fifth panel 110 coupled to the third panel 106. As shown, one end of the first plate 102 is secured to a planar structure 122 of the switchgear cabinet by bolts 116. The other end of the first plate 102 is coupled to a first end of the third plate 106, for example, by a hinge. The second end of the third plate 106 is coupled to the first end of the fifth plate 110.

The foldable member 10 may also include a second foldable member 70 disposed opposite the first foldable member 60. The second foldable member 70 includes at least a second panel 104, a fourth panel 108 coupled to the second panel 104, and a sixth panel 112 coupled to the fourth panel 108. Similarly, one end of the second plate 104 is secured to a planar structure 122 of the switchgear cabinet by bolts 116. The other end of the second plate 104 is coupled to a first end of the fourth plate 108, for example, by a hinge. The second end of the fourth plate 108 is coupled to the first end of the sixth plate 112.

The foldable member 10 may also include a third member 114. Both ends of the third member 114 are connected to the second end of the fifth plate 110 and the second end of the sixth plate 112, respectively. The third member 114 may be a single plate or a foldable plate consisting of more than two plates coupled in series. In the folded state, the third member is substantially parallel to the planar structure 122.

In some embodiments, the first and second collapsible members 60, 70 are symmetrical with respect to one another. However, it should be understood that the symmetrical structure is merely an example of the collapsible member 10. In other embodiments, the first and second foldable members 60, 70 may be asymmetric with the second foldable member 70.

In some embodiments, the first foldable member 60 comprises the same number of panels as the second foldable member 70. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the number of panels in the first foldable member 60 may not be equal to the number of panels in the second foldable member 70.

In some embodiments, in the unfolded state of the collapsible member 10, the first collapsible member 60 and the second collapsible member 70 form two opposite sides of the duct structure, respectively, and the third collapsible member 80 forms a top side of the duct structure.

In some embodiments, each of the securing members 20 includes: the extension plate 202 extends along the surface of one of the two adjacent plates and is provided with holes 146 (shown in fig. 6). The extension plate 202 extends at least beyond the junction of two adjacent plates to the surface of the other adjacent plate. In some embodiments, the extension plate 202 is L-shaped and includes a first portion and a second portion perpendicular to the first portion, wherein the first portion extends along a surface of one of the two adjacent plates and the aperture is disposed on the first portion and adapted to align with the aperture on the surface of the other adjacent plate. The extension plate 202 is not limited to an L shape, but may be other shapes, such as a flat plate, etc. Each securing component 20 further includes a bolt 120, the bolt 120 being adapted to pass through the aperture 146 in the extension panel 202 and corresponding apertures in two adjacent panels, thereby securing the two adjacent panels when the collapsible member 10 is in the expanded state. With this arrangement, the strength of the adjacent plates can be enhanced, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the device 100.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 1 and 2, the securing component 20 is disposed at a joint between corresponding adjacent panels, e.g., a joint between the first panel 102 and the third panel 106, a joint between the second panel 104 and the fourth panel 108, a joint between the fifth panel 110 and the third member 114, and a joint between the sixth panel 112 and the third member 114, to secure the corresponding adjacent panels when the foldable member 10 is in the unfolded state.

In some embodiments, at least two securing members 20 are disposed at the joints between the third plate 106 and the fifth plate 110 and the joints between the fourth plate 108 and the sixth plate 112, respectively.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 1 and 2, the device 100 further includes at least one locking mechanism 50. Each locking mechanism 50 is disposed at one end of a corresponding joint and is coupled to a corresponding two adjacent plates. Each locking mechanism 50 is adapted to lock or unlock the foldable member 10 depending on the position where the locking member of the locking mechanism 50 is positioned, as will be described in detail below. The foldable member 10 is non-foldable when the locking mechanism 50 is in the locked state and foldable when the locking mechanism 50 is in the unlocked state.

In some embodiments, at least two locking mechanisms 50 are disposed near one end of the joint between the third plate 106 and the fifth plate 110 and near one end of the joint between the fourth plate 108 and the sixth plate 112, respectively.

The locking mechanism 50 may be implemented in various configurations according to embodiments of the present disclosure. An exemplary configuration of the lock mechanism 50 will be described in detail below with reference to fig. 9A-17B.

With such an arrangement of the locking mechanism 50 as shown in fig. 1 and 2, the foldable member 10 can be reliably maintained in the folded state or the unfolded state, avoiding unnecessary relative rotation between the corresponding adjacent plates. Further, when the locking mechanism 50 is provided at one end of the corresponding joint and coupled to the corresponding two adjacent plates, a hinge may be omitted at the joint of the two adjacent plates because the locking mechanism 50 includes a portion for hinging the corresponding two adjacent plates, which will be described in detail below.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the foldable member 10 is secured to a planar structure 122 of the switchgear by bolts 116. The plate 122 is provided with a gap 144 through which gap 144 gas generated by an arc in the switchgear can pass. The plurality of plates may include sides, such as sides 142, which are portions that are bent from and perpendicular to the body of the plate. In some embodiments, the side 142 may be provided with holes 146 through which bolts can pass to secure the corresponding plate with a corresponding plate of another device for releasing arc pressure. That is, the apparatus 100 may be combined with one or more additional apparatus 100 to operate as desired. The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited in this regard.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus for releasing arc pressure of a switchgear according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; fig. 4 is a perspective view of the device shown in fig. 3. As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the securing component 20 is disposed at the junction between the first plate 102 and the third plate 106, the junction between the second plate 104 and the fourth plate 108, the junction between the fifth plate 110 and the third member 114, and the junction between the sixth plate 112 and the third member 114 to secure the corresponding adjacent plates when the foldable member 10 is in the unfolded state.

As described above, the fixing means 20 are arranged at these joints to fix adjacent panels after the foldable member 10 is unfolded, thereby preventing the panels of the foldable member 10 from rotating.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the fixing members 20 are provided at the joints between the third plate 106 and the fifth plate 110 and the joints between the fourth plate 108 and the sixth plate 112 to enhance the strength of the adjacent plates, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the device 100. In some embodiments, the securing component 20 may be omitted. That is, the fixing members 20 are not provided at the joints between the third plate 106 and the fifth plate 110 and the joints between the fourth plate 108 and the sixth plate 112. Because at these joints the third plate 106 and the fifth plate 110 are connected by the fixing bolts of the locking mechanism 50 and the moving pins of the locking mechanism 50. In the first and second locking positions, the third and fifth panels 106, 110 are not foldable because they are connected and locked by two fixed shafts (i.e., the fixed bolt and the moving pin of the locking mechanism 50) so that they are not rotatable under such conditions. Therefore, in this case, it is not necessary to fix the two plates with the fixing member 20. In the same manner, the fourth plate 108 is coupled to the sixth plate 112 by the fixing bolt of the locking mechanism 50 and the moving pin of the locking mechanism 50, and the fourth plate 108 and the sixth plate 112 are rotatable. The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited in this regard.

Fig. 5 is a schematic view illustrating an apparatus for releasing arc pressure of a switchgear according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and fig. 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus as shown in fig. 5. As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the device 100 is in an expanded state. The fixing members 20 disposed at the joints between the corresponding two adjacent plates fix the corresponding adjacent plates to prevent the corresponding plates from rotating relative to each other. The locking mechanism 50 is arranged at the end of the respective joint and is coupled to the corresponding two adjacent plates. As shown in fig. 6, each locking mechanism 50 locks the foldable member 10. A hinge 124 is provided at the joint between the second plate 104 and the fourth plate 108 to connect the second plate 104 and the fourth plate 108. The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited in this regard.

With this arrangement, the fixing member 20 can enhance the strength of the adjacent plates in addition to preventing the relative rotation of the adjacent plates, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the apparatus 100.

Fig. 7 is a schematic view illustrating an apparatus for releasing arc pressure of a switchgear according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and fig. 8 is a perspective view of the apparatus as shown in fig. 7. The structure of the device 100 shown in fig. 7 and 8 is similar to the structure of the device 100 shown in fig. 5 and 6, with the difference that the device 100 shown in fig. 7 and 8 further comprises a stiffening plate 136. The reinforcement plate 136 is arranged at the joint between two adjacent plates provided with the locking mechanism 50. The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited in this regard. With such an arrangement, the strength of two adjacent plates can be increased, and the stability and reliability of the device can be further improved.

An example configuration and operation of the locking mechanism 50 will be described with reference to fig. 9a to 17 b.

Fig. 9a is a side view showing a locking mechanism in a first locked state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, fig. 9b is another side view showing the locking mechanism in the first locked state as shown in fig. 9a, and fig. 9c is a perspective view of the locking mechanism as shown in fig. 9 a. As shown in fig. 9a, 9b and 9c, the locking mechanism 50 is arranged at the end of the corresponding joint and connected to the corresponding two adjacent plates. Each locking mechanism 50 includes a locking member 504 and a guide plate 502. When the locking member 504 is in the first and second positions relative to the guide plate 502, the collapsible member 10 as shown in fig. 1 is locked, and when the locking member 504 is in other positions relative to the guide plate 502, the collapsible member 10 is collapsible.

In some embodiments, a first adjacent plate of the two adjacent plates includes a first side 514, a second adjacent plate of the two adjacent plates includes a second side 516, and the first side 514 and the second side 516 each extend perpendicular to the joint from an edge of the corresponding adjacent plate.

In some embodiments, the guide plate 502 includes a first locking hole 508, a second locking hole 510, and a sliding groove 512 connecting the first locking hole 508 and the second locking hole 510. The width of the sliding groove 512 is smaller than the width of either one of the first locking hole 508 and the second locking hole 510. The first locking aperture 508 corresponds to a first position of the collapsible member 10 and the second locking aperture 510 corresponds to a second position of the collapsible member 10.

The locking mechanism 50 also includes a set bolt 506 extending through the guide plate 502, the first side 514, and the second side 516. The fixing bolt 506 secures the guide plate 502 to the second side 516 such that the guide plate 502 is rotatable relative to the first side 514 and the guide plate 502 is non-rotatable relative to the first side 514. The locking mechanism 50 also includes a set nut 540 engaged with the set bolt 506 to couple the guide plate 502 with the first side 514 and the second side 516.

Fig. 10a is a side view illustrating a locking mechanism in an unlocked state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, fig. 10b is a perspective view illustrating the locking mechanism in the unlocked state as illustrated in fig. 10a, and fig. 10c is another perspective view illustrating the locking mechanism in the unlocked state as illustrated in fig. 10 a. As shown in fig. 10a, 10b and 10c, the locking member 504 is positioned in the recess 512. In this case, the first side 514 is rotatable relative to the first and second portions 516 and the guide plate 502.

Fig. 11a is a side view showing a locking mechanism in a second locked state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, fig. 11b is a perspective view showing the locking mechanism in the second locked state as shown in fig. 11a, and fig. 11c is a perspective view showing the locking mechanism in the second locked state as shown in fig. 11 a. As shown in fig. 11a, 11b and 11c, the set nut 540 engages with the set bolt 506 to couple the guide plate 502 with the first side 514 and the second side 516. The pin 505 extends through the guide plate 502 and the first side 514 and couples the guide plate 502 with the first side 516 such that the guide plate 502 is rotatable relative to the first side 514.

As shown in fig. 12, a spring 528 is disposed on the pin body 518 and is compressed by the pin head 526 and the first side 514.

With this arrangement, the foldable member 10 can be conveniently locked or unlocked as needed.

Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a locking member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 12, the locking mechanism 50 is disposed near one end of the joint of two adjacent plates and is coupled to the first side 514 and the second side 516. The side portions are perpendicular to the joint and extend from the edges of the body portions of two adjacent panels.

As shown in fig. 12, the lower boundary 148 of the body portion of the upper adjacent plate is adjacent to the upper boundary of the lower adjacent plate. The holes 118 are disposed on the body portion of the upper adjacent plate. Reference numeral 150 denotes a bending line near the upper boundary of the lower adjacent plate. Bolts 120 are disposed on the lower adjacent plates, which may be used to secure the reinforcing plates to enhance the strength of the two adjacent plates.

As described above, the fixing bolt 506 passes through the guide plate 502, the first side 514 and the second side 516, and cooperates with the nut 540 to fix and connect the guide plate 502 and the first side 514. In addition, a washer may be provided between the fixing nut 540 and the first side 514 to prevent the screw from loosening.

Fig. 13 is a schematic view showing a locking member together with a guide plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, fig. 14 is a side view of the locking member shown in fig. 13, fig. 15 is a schematic view showing the locking member shown in fig. 13, and fig. 16 is a schematic view showing a pin shown in fig. 15. As shown in fig. 13 and 15, the locking member 504 includes a pin 505, the pin 505 including a pin body 518 adapted to move in a sliding slot 512 and a pin head 526 connected to the pin body 518. The pin head 526 has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the pin body 518. The locking member 504 may further include a barrel clamp portion 520 surrounding the pin body 518. The diameter of the cylindrical clamping portion 520 is larger than the width of the sliding groove 512 and smaller than the diameter of either one of the first locking hole 508 and the second locking hole 510. The locking member 504 also includes a nut 522. The nut 522 is adapted to be threadably coupled to the pin body 518. The locking member 504 may also include a spring 528. The spring 528 is disposed on the pin body 518 and is compressed by the pin head 526 and the first side 514.

With this arrangement, the lock mechanism 50 can couple the guide plate 502, the first side 514, and the second side 516 with a simple structure, and the lock member 504 can be switched between the lock position and the unlock position in a simple manner.

As shown in fig. 14, the guide plate 502 is provided with a first locking hole 508 and a second locking hole 510. The sliding groove 512 communicates with the first locking hole 508 and the second locking hole 510. A rectangular hole 524 is provided between the first locking hole 508 and the second locking hole 510. Rectangular hole 524 is for mating with a corresponding rectangular bolt body of fixing bolt 506 such that fixing bolt 506 is coupled to guide plate 502 and has no relative rotation therebetween.

It should be appreciated that the aperture 524 is not limited to the shape described above, but may be any polygon, such as a triangle, pentagon, hexagon, etc.

Fig. 17a is a schematic diagram illustrating a bolt according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and fig. 17b is a side view of the bolt as shown in fig. 17 a. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 17a and 17b, the fixing bolt 506 includes a bolt head 532 and a bolt body 535 disposed on the bolt head 532. The bolt body 535 includes a prismatic portion 536 connected to the bolt head 532 and a cylindrical portion 538 connected to the prismatic portion 536. The prismatic portion 536 passes through the guide plate 502 and the second side 516 and mates with corresponding holes in the guide plate 502 and the second side 516 such that the set bolt 506 and the guide plate 502 and the second side 516 cannot rotate relative to each other. The cylindrical portion 538 passes through and mates with a circular aperture on the first side 514 such that the guide plate 502 is rotatable relative to the first side 514.

It should be appreciated that the fixing bolt 506 is not limited to the configuration described above, but may be any other configuration. In particular, the fixing bolt 506 is not limited to a rectangle, but may be any polygon, such as a triangle, pentagon, hexagon, etc.

Further, in some embodiments, engagement pins may be disposed on the bolt body 535 and corresponding grooves may be provided on the guide plate 502 and the second side 516 such that the engagement pins may be clamped in the corresponding grooves, thereby preventing the fixing bolt 506, the guide plate 502, and the second side 516 from rotating relative to one another.

The locking member 504 extends through the first and second sides 516 and the guide plate 502 and is adapted to move between the first and second locking holes 508, 510 through the sliding channel 512. When the locking member 504 is in the first locking hole 508 or the second locking hole 510, the foldable member 10 is locked, and when the locking member 504 is in the sliding groove 512, the foldable member 10 is unlocked.

In some embodiments, when the locking member 504 is positioned in the sliding slot 512, the first adjacent plate is able to rotate with the locking member 504, and when the locking member 504 is positioned in the first locking hole 508 or the second locking hole 510, the clamping portion 520 of the locking member 504 is pulled into the first locking hole 508 or the second locking hole 510 by the spring 528 to prevent relative rotation of the two adjacent plates. In addition, when the clamping portion 520 of the locking member 504 is positioned in the first locking hole 508 or the second locking hole 510, if it is desired to unfold the foldable member 10, the locking member 504 may be pulled out a distance such that the clamping portion 520 is outside of the first locking hole 508 and the second locking hole 510. The foldable member 10 can then be unfolded. The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited in this regard.

With this arrangement, the locking mechanism 50 can be coupled to two adjacent plates and conveniently lock or unlock the adjacent plates.

Fig. 18a is a schematic diagram illustrating a foldable member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and fig. 18b is a side view of the foldable member as shown in fig. 18 a. As shown in fig. 18a and 18b, the lower end of the first plate 102 is fixed to the planar structure 122, and the lower end of the third plate 106 is coupled to the upper end of the first plate 102, and the lower end of the fifth plate 110 is coupled to the upper end of the third plate 106. The locking mechanism 50 is provided at the end of the joint between the third plate 106 and the fifth plate 110 to lock the third plate 106 and the fifth plate 110. The fixing member 20 is disposed at a joint between the first plate 102 and the third plate 106 to fix the first plate 102 and the third plate 106.

As shown in fig. 18b, two hinges 124 are provided at the joint between the first plate 102 and the third plate 106 to connect the first plate 102 and the third plate 106.

It should be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to providing two hinges at the joint between two adjacent panels, but more hinges may be used as desired. In some embodiments, one end of the joint between the third plate 106 and the fifth plate 110 is provided with a fixed member, while the other end is hinged.

In some embodiments, locking members 504 may be disposed at both ends of the joint between the third plate 106 and the fifth plate 110.

In some embodiments, the reinforcement plate 136 is disposed on an inner or outer wall of the third and fifth plates 106, 110 to enhance the strength and stability of the connection between the third and fifth plates 106, 110.

Fig. 19a is a schematic view showing an apparatus for releasing arc pressure of a switchgear according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, fig. 19b is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in fig. 19a, and fig. 19c is another perspective view of the apparatus shown in fig. 19 a. As shown in fig. 19a, 19b and 19c, the foldable member 10 includes a first foldable member 60, a second foldable member 70 and a third foldable member 80. The first foldable member 60 includes a first panel 102 and a third panel 106 coupled to the first panel 102. The second foldable member 70 is disposed opposite the first foldable member 60 and includes a second panel 104 and a fourth panel 108 coupled to the second panel 104. The third foldable member 80 is coupled to the third panel 106 and the fourth panel 108. The third foldable member 80 comprises a seventh panel 115 and an eighth panel 117. When the foldable member 10 is in the folded state, the third foldable member 80 is stacked with the third plate 106 and the fourth plate 108.

In some embodiments, the extension plate 202 extends from the surface of the third plate 106 beyond the joint between the first plate 102 and the third plate 106. The extension plate 202 is provided with holes through which bolts pass in order to fix and connect the extension plate 202 and the first plate 102.

In some embodiments, the first plate 102 and the third plate 106 are hinged. Other adjacent panels may be connected in a similar manner.

In some embodiments, at least two securing members 20 are disposed at the joints between two adjacent panels, respectively, and are configured to secure the first and second folding members 60, 70, respectively, when the first and second folding members 60, 70 are in the unfolded state.

In some embodiments, at least one locking mechanism may be disposed at one end of a corresponding joint and coupled to corresponding two adjacent plates. Thus, some hinges may be omitted. The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited in this regard.

Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process of expanding the device shown in fig. 19 a.

As shown in part (a) of fig. 20, the foldable member 10 is in a folded state. As shown in part (b) of fig. 20, the third plate 106 is unfolded. As shown in part (c) of fig. 20, the fourth plate 108 is unfolded at an angle. As shown in part (d) of fig. 20, the fourth plate 108 is fully unfolded. As shown in part (e) of fig. 20, the panels 115 and 117 of the third foldable member 80 are unfolded together at an angle. As shown in part (f) of fig. 20, the panel 117 of the third foldable member 80 is further unfolded at an angle. As shown in part (g) of fig. 20, the foldable member 10 is in a fully unfolded state. The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited in this regard.

Fig. 21a is a schematic view of the device of fig. 19a in an expanded state, and fig. 21b is a perspective view of the device of fig. 21 a. As shown in fig. 21a and 21b, the device 100 is in an expanded state. The fixing member 20 is disposed at a joint between two adjacent plates and fixes the two adjacent plates. The reinforcement plate 136 is arranged at the joint between two adjacent plates. A hinge 124 is provided at the joint between the second plate 104 and the fourth plate 108 to connect the second plate 104 and the fourth plate 108. The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited in this regard.

Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating a switchgear equipped with an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 23, the device 100 is arranged on top of the switchgear 200 and in a deployed state. A pair of opposing plates 150 are removable with respect to the other plates. When packaging the device 100 and the switchgear 200, the opposing plate 150 can be separated from the other plates of the device 100 and hung on both sides of the switchgear. Thereafter, the device 100 can be folded to reduce its height.

A pair of opposed plates 150 is shown in fig. 23. However, if a plurality of devices 100 are combined in series to form a longer pipe, only the devices 100 positioned at both ends of the longer pipe need be equipped with the plates 150. The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited in this regard.

In this way, the overall height of the device 100 and the switch cabinet 200 is reduced when the device 100 is in the folded state.

It should be appreciated that the collapsible structure 10 is not limited to the above-described configuration, but may be any other configuration. The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited in this regard.

Although a few inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the functions and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the disclosed embodiments as described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application for which the teachings of the present invention is used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific invention embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, embodiments of the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure relate to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. Furthermore, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles of manufacture, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles of manufacture, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims (16)

1. An apparatus (100) for releasing arc pressure of a switchgear, comprising:

a foldable member (10) comprising: -a first plate (102) and a second plate (104), the first plate (102) and the second plate (104) being arranged on a planar structure (122) of the switchgear and being spaced apart from each other; and a plurality of plates coupled in series between the first plate (102) and the second plate (104), wherein each plate of the plurality of plates is rotatable relative to an adjacent plate such that the collapsible member (10) is switchable between a collapsed state and an expanded state, wherein in the expanded state the collapsible member (10) forms a duct structure with the planar structure (122), and wherein a thickness of the collapsible member (10) in the collapsed state is smaller than a thickness in the expanded state; and

-a plurality of fixing means (20), each of the fixing means (20) being arranged at a joint between two adjacent panels and configured to fix the two adjacent panels when the foldable member (10) is in the unfolded state.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one locking mechanism (50), each of the at least one locking mechanism (50) being arranged at one end of the corresponding joint and being coupled to the corresponding two adjacent plates, and each locking mechanism (50) comprising a locking member (504) and a guiding plate (502),

Wherein the foldable member (10) is locked when the locking member (504) is in a first position and a second position relative to the guide plate (502), and the foldable member (10) is foldable when the locking member (504) is in other positions relative to the guide plate (502).

3. The device of claim 2, wherein a first adjacent plate of the two adjacent plates comprises a first side (514), a second adjacent plate of the two adjacent plates comprises a second side (516), and the first side (514) and the second side (516) extend perpendicular to the joint from edges of the corresponding adjacent plates, respectively, and

wherein the locking member (504) is coupled to the first side (514) and configured to move with the first adjacent plate.

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the guide plate (502) comprises a first locking hole (508), a second locking hole (510), and a sliding groove (512) connecting the first locking hole (508) and the second locking hole (510), and the sliding groove (512) has a width smaller than that of any one of the first locking hole (508) and the second locking hole (510), and

Wherein the first locking hole (508) corresponds to the first position of the foldable member (10) and the second locking hole (510) corresponds to the second position of the foldable member (10).

5. A device according to claim 3, wherein each locking mechanism (50) further comprises:

-a fixing bolt (506) extending through the guide plate (502), the first side (514) and the second side (516) and configured to fix the guide plate (502) to the second side (516) such that the guide plate (502) is rotatable relative to the first side (514); and

-a fixation nut (540) engaging with the fixation bolt (506) to couple the guide plate (502) with the first side (514) and the second side (516).

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the fixing bolt (506) comprises:

a bolt head (532); and

a bolt body (535) arranged on the bolt head (532), the bolt body (535) comprising a prismatic portion (536) connected to the bolt head (532) and a cylindrical portion (538) connected to the prismatic portion (536),

wherein the prismatic portion (536) passes through the guide plate (502) and the second side (516) and mates with corresponding holes in the guide plate (502) and the second side (516), and

Wherein the cylindrical portion (538) passes through and mates with a circular aperture on the first side (514).

7. The device of claim 4, wherein the locking member (504) extends through the first and second sides (516) and the guide plate (502) and is adapted to move between the first and second locking holes (508, 510) through the sliding slot (512), and

wherein the foldable member (10) is locked when the locking member (504) is in the first locking hole (508) or the second locking hole (510), and the foldable member (10) is unlocked when the locking member (504) is in the sliding groove (512).

8. The device of claim 4, wherein the locking member (504) comprises:

-a pin (505) comprising a pin body (518) adapted to move in the sliding groove (512) and a pin head (526) connected to the pin body (518), the pin head (526) having a diameter larger than the pin body (518);

a cylindrical clamping portion (520) surrounding the pin body (518), the diameter of the cylindrical clamping portion (520) being greater than the width of the sliding groove (512) and less than the diameter of either of the first locking hole (508) and the second locking hole (510);

-a nut (522) adapted to be connected to the pin body (518) by threads; and

a spring (528) disposed on the pin body (518) and compressed by the pin head (526) and the first side (514).

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the first adjacent plate is rotatable with the locking member (504) when the locking member (504) is positioned in the sliding channel (512), and

wherein when the locking member (504) is positioned in the first locking hole (508) or the second locking hole (510), the clamping portion (520) of the locking member (504) is pulled into the first locking hole (508) or the second locking hole (510) by the spring (528) to prevent relative rotation of the two adjacent plates.

10. The device according to any of claims 3-9, wherein the two adjacent plates are hinged at the other end of the joint between two adjacent plates where no locking mechanism (50) is provided.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

-a reinforcing plate (136) arranged at the joint between the two adjacent plates provided with the locking mechanism (50) and configured to fix and reinforce the two adjacent plates.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein each of the fixing members (20) comprises:

an extension plate (202) extending along a surface of one of the two adjacent plates and provided with a hole (146), the extension plate (202) extending at least beyond the joint of the two adjacent plates to the surface of the other adjacent plate; and

-a bolt (120), said bolt (120) being adapted to fix said two adjacent plates through said hole (146) in said extension plate (202) and corresponding holes in said two adjacent plates when said foldable member (10) is in said unfolded state.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the extension plate (202) is L-shaped.

14. The device according to any one of claims 2-9, wherein the foldable member (10) comprises:

a first foldable member (60) comprising at least the first panel (102) and a third panel (106) coupled to the first panel (102);

a second foldable member (70) arranged opposite the first foldable member (60) and comprising at least the second plate (104) and a fourth plate (108) coupled to the second plate (104); and

-a third foldable member (80) coupled to the third plate (106) and the fourth plate (108), wherein the third foldable member (80) is stacked with the third plate (106) and the fourth plate (108) when the foldable member (10) is in the folded state.

15. The device according to any one of claims 2-9, wherein the foldable member (10) comprises:

a first foldable member (60) comprising at least a first panel (102), a third panel (106) and a fifth panel (110) coupled in series;

a second foldable member (70) symmetrically arranged with the first foldable member (60) and comprising at least the second plate (104), fourth plate (108) and sixth plate (112) coupled in series;

-a third member coupled to the fifth plate (110) and the sixth plate (112).

16. A switchgear system comprising:

a switch cabinet; and

at least one device according to any one of claims 1-15 arranged at the top of the switchgear cabinet.