GB2576523A - Hinge with improved contact resistance and switchgear or switchboard with such a hinge - Google Patents
Hinge with improved contact resistance and switchgear or switchboard with such a hinge Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2576523A GB2576523A GB1813640.8A GB201813640A GB2576523A GB 2576523 A GB2576523 A GB 2576523A GB 201813640 A GB201813640 A GB 201813640A GB 2576523 A GB2576523 A GB 2576523A
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- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- hinge
- metal
- metal part
- mounting
- pin
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 257
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 257
- 239000004519 grease Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920003266 Leaf® Polymers 0.000 abstract 2
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 66
- 239000011241 protective layer Substances 0.000 description 27
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 19
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 19
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 11
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 description 11
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 10
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 8
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 8
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 3
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007779 soft material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004381 surface treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02B—BOARDS, SUBSTATIONS OR SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02B1/00—Frameworks, boards, panels, desks, casings; Details of substations or switching arrangements
- H02B1/26—Casings; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
- H02B1/30—Cabinet-type casings; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
- H02B1/38—Hinged covers or doors
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
- E05D11/00—Additional features or accessories of hinges
- E05D11/0081—Additional features or accessories of hinges for transmitting energy, e.g. electrical cable routing
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
- E05D5/00—Construction of single parts, e.g. the parts for attachment
- E05D5/02—Parts for attachment, e.g. flaps
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
- H01R4/58—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation characterised by the form or material of the contacting members
- H01R4/64—Connections between or with conductive parts having primarily a non-electric function, e.g. frame, casing, rail
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02B—BOARDS, SUBSTATIONS OR SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02B1/00—Frameworks, boards, panels, desks, casings; Details of substations or switching arrangements
- H02B1/16—Earthing arrangements
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
- E05D3/00—Hinges with pins
- E05D3/02—Hinges with pins with one pin
- E05D3/022—Hinges with pins with one pin allowing an additional lateral movement, e.g. for sealing
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
- E05Y2900/20—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for furniture, e.g. cabinets
- E05Y2900/208—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for furniture, e.g. cabinets for metal cabinets
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Patch Boards (AREA)
Abstract
A hinge 1a comprises first and second metal hinge leafs 2a, 3a, each with a mounting surface with one or more metal pins/small spikes. The metal hinge leafs are electrically connected, e.g. by a metal hinge pin 5 or an earthing strap. The metal pins/spikes penetrate or pierce the surface on which they are mounted, e.g. metal frame/door and provide an electrically earthed connection. The hinge may be used in a switchgear cabinet. The pins/spikes may be covered with an insulating layer (figure 6) scrapped away on contact with the mounting surface (10, fig.). conductive grease may be applied to mounting surfaces of the hinge.
Description
Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
Hinge with improved contact resistance and switchgear or switchboard with such a hinge
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to a hinge, comprising a first metal part, which has a first mounting and supporting surface, and a second metal part, which has a second mounting and supporting surface and which is pivotally connected to said first metal part. Furthermore, the invention relates to a switchgear or switchboard, comprising a metal frame and a hinged metal door as well as a hinge of the above kind, which connects said metal frame and said metal door. Finally, the invention relates to an use of a hinge of the above kind for connecting hinged elements.
BACKGROUND ART
A hinge of the above kind is generally known and used to pivotally connect elements. If a hinge is used in applications, where hazardous electrical currents may flow and/or hazardous electrical voltages exist, such a hinge may form an electrical separation between hinged conductive elements. In particular, such a hinge may form an electrical separation when it is used to mount a metal door to a metal frame of a switchgear or switchboard.
In most cases, the parts of the switchgear/switchboard (e.g. the frame and the doors) are made out of sheet metal (e.g. sheet steel, aluminum, etc.). The hinge itself usually is made of metal as well. Hence, the hinge and the door should be connected to the ground potential of the switchgear/switchboard according to national or international safety standards (e.g. IEC 61439). Very often, the door and the switchgear/switchboard sheet metal parts are coated with a protective layer to protect the parts against corrosion and/or for design reasons. This protective layer can be a permanent/irremovable layer (e.g. can be a paint layer or a powder coating) or a temporary/removable layer (e.g. a wax layer or silicone layer, which is usually applied to protect the parts of the switchgear/switchboard during transport, for example against salty and/or humid air). Unfortunately, such protective layers act as electrically insulating layers.
- 2 Second, if the parts of the switchgear/switchboard are not coated with a protective layer, said parts may be corrode if the switchgear/switchboard is arranged in or transported through an area with unfavorable environmental conditions (e.g. salty and/or humid environment). Unfortunately, such corrosion layers act as electrically insulating layers, too.
Third, uneven mounting and supporting surfaces of the hinged element and/or the hinge may deteriorate the electrical contact between the hinged element and the hinge as well.
In the above cases, the hinge causes grounding problems of the door as a desired electrical transfer resistance between said frame and said door usually cannot be guaranteed without taking additional measures. A hazardous electrical shock for personnel using and/or maintaining the switchgear or switchboard may be the consequence.
To overcome this drawback and to provide a proper connection of the door to the earthing system of the switchgear/switchboard, usually a separate cable or a flat wire braid is used to electrically connect said frame and said door. For example, the cable or flat wire braid can be screwed to the frame and the door. Of course, the mounting surfaces on the frame and the door have to be metallic for this reason. Hence, the metal surface of the frame and the door must be treated before the coating process (e.g. by covering relevant surface sections with a tape) or afterwards (e.g. by grinding and/or chemical treatment of relevant surface sections) in order to have the mounting surfaces metallic and thus low-ohmic. The latter also is true for rusty mounting surfaces, which must be ground or chemically treated as well. All these methods lead to additional labor time and thus higher production costs.
The very same counts for embodiments, where the mounting/contact surfaces on the frame and the door facing the hinge are prepared in the above ways. The same counts also for the hinge itself, in case it is coated with a protective layer or if it is corroded. Again, the mounting/contact surfaces must be made metallic so as to provide good electrical contact to the hinge and the door, but again at the expense of additional labor time and thus higher production costs.
-3DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
On the above grounds, the problem of the invention is to provide an improved hinge, an improved switchgear and switchboard as well as an improved use of a hinge. In particular, grounding of hinged elements shall be possible in shorter time and cheaper compared to prior art solutions.
The problem of the invention is solved by a hinge as disclosed in the opening paragraph, wherein the first metal part comprises at least one first metal pin (particularly a plurality of first metal pins) protruding out of the first mounting and supporting surface and/or the second metal part comprises at least one second metal pin (particularly a plurality of second metal pins) protruding out of the second mounting and supporting surface and the first metal part and the second metal part are electrically connected.
The problem of the invention is also solved by a switchgear or switchboard as disclosed in the opening paragraph, wherein a hinge of the above kind connects said metal frame and said metal door.
Finally, the problem of the invention is solved by a hinge of the above kind for conductively/electrically connecting hinged parts.
By the above measures, an additional surface treatment of the hinge and of the hinged elements of the switchgear/switchboard can be avoided. That means, that no taping of the contact surfaces during the coating process and no subsequent grinding and/or chemical treatment of the same is needed. This counts for the hinged element (in particular for the frame and the door of a switchgear or switchboard) and also for the hinge itself, in case it is coated with a protective layer. It is also true for corroded surfaces of the hinged element and/or of the hinge, which need not to be ground or treated chemically either.
Instead, the surfaces of the hinge, which touch the hinged elements (e.g. the door and the frame of a switchgear or switchboard) have pins, which penetrate or pierce through a contact area of the hinged element facing the first mounting surface and/or the second mounting surface of the hinge and as such also an insulating layer (e.g. a
-4protective layer or a corrosion layer) covering said contact area. In particular, the pins of the hinge penetrate an insulating layer of a metal frame and/or a metal door of a switchgear or switchboard. In this way, a conductive connection between metal parts is provided, and a metal door of a switchgear or switchboard can be grounded without an additional surface treatment of whatsoever part. Moreover, uneven mounting and supporting surfaces of the hinged element and/or the hinge do not deteriorate the electrical contact between the hinged element and the hinge.
In detail, a pin indents a small mark into the mounting surface of the hinged elements, and in addition the pin tip is slightly deformed by this process and gets a more rounded tip. Both of these effects result in a larger contact area between the hinge and the hinged metal parts. In turn, a very good electrical transfer resistance between hinged parts can be achieved, on the one hand, even if said surface is covered with an insulating layer, and good withstand current is provided on the other hand. If the pin itself is covered with an insulating layer, this layer is peeled off and/or scratched off during the above process, i.e. when the pin is pressed into the hinged element. Accordingly, an insulating layer on the pin does not deteriorate the electrical contact between the hinge and the hinged element either. Summarizing, grounding of hinged elements is possible in shorter time and cheaper compared to prior art solutions.
In more detail, first just the pin tips contact a mounting and supporting surface of said hinged element, when the hinge is mounted to a hinged element. Then, when the hinge is actually fixed to the hinged element (for example screwed to the hinged element), the metal pins penetrate the mounting and supporting surface of the hinged element. When the hinge is fully tightened to the hinged element, the mounting and supporting surface of the first metal part contacts the mounting and supporting surface of the hinged element, and the metal pins reach beyond the mounting and supporting surface of the hinged element. Moving the hinge closer to the hinged element is not possible in this final state. So, the mounting and supporting surface can also be seen as a stopping surface. It stops the movement of the first/second metal part closer to a element, to which the first/second metal part is fixed to.
Generally, the mounting and supporting surfaces of the hinge and of the hinged element can have any shape as long as the pins are able to bridge a gap between
-5the hinge and the hinged element. In particular this means, if the mounting and supporting surface of first metal part has a particular shape, the hinged element can have a corresponding negative shape in the region, in which the hinge is mounted to the hinged element. In particular, the mounting and supporting surfaces may be planes. So, the first mounting and supporting surface can be embodied as a first mounting and supporting plane, and the second mounting and supporting surface can be embodied as a second mounting and supporting plane.
The pins protruding out of the mounting and supporting surfaces of the hinge may have any shape, which is suitable to penetrate a mounting and supporting surface of a hinged element. Particularly, the pins may be embodied as spikes, nails or needles. Advantageously, the at least one first metal pin and/or the at least one second metal pin is shaped like a cone or like a pyramid. Conical pins and their molds are easy to manufacture as they have no sharp edges. On the other hand, a pyramidal shaped pin provides particular good penetration effect because of the slanted edges. This particularly counts for three-side pyramids as the wedge angle is comparably small then. However, four-side pyramids and pyramids with higher count of edges are applicable as well.
Advantageously, the at least one first metal pin and/or the at least one second metal pin has a base area of less than 1 mm2 and/or a height of less than 1 mm. With these parameters, on the one hand, good penetration of the mounting and supporting surface of said hinged element can be achieved, even if said surface is covered with a insulating layer, and good withstand current is provided on the other hand.
It should also be noted that the term hinged elements in the context of the invention means both elements, which are connected by a hinge and which may rotate against each other. So, in particular hinged element not only means a door, but also a frame, which the door is connected to. The reason is that the frame can be considered to rotate in relation to the door if seen from a coordinate-system fixed with the door, even if the frame usually is fixed in relation to a floor.
It should also be noted that an insulating layer is a layer having an electrical resistance, which is higher than the electrical resistance of the part, which is covered by the insulating layer. Hence, an insulating layer deteriorates the contact resistance
-6between the hinge and the hinged element. In particular the electrical resistance of the insulating layer is at least 100 times higher than the electrical resistance of the part, which is covered by the insulating layer. In particular the electrical resistance of the insulating layer is > 100 Ω. The insulating layer may be a protective layer or may be a corrosion layer.
A protective layer may consist of or comprise wax, silicone, paint or a powder coating and may (intentionally) be applied to a hinge and/or a hinged element to avoid corrosion and/or for design reasons for example. This protective layer can be a permanent/irremovable layer (e.g. a paint layer or a powder coating) or a temporary/removable layer (e.g. a wax layer or silicone layer, which is usually applied to protect the parts of the switchgear/switchboard during transport, for example against salty and/or humid air). A hinge protective layer is a protective layer on a hinge.
A corrosion layer may (unintentionally) occur if the protective layer on a hinge and/or on a hinged element is too weak or does not exist at all and if the hinge and/or the hinged element is arranged in or transported through an area with unfavorable environmental conditions (e.g. salty and/or humid environment).
Electrically connected or conductively connected in the context of the invention particularly means that there is a resistance of less than 2 Ω between electrically/conductively connected metal parts. Said resistance does not involve an insulating layer, the resistance of which is much higher than the resistance of the metal of said metal parts. So, the resistance must not be measured in the region of an insulating layer. If external surfaces of the metal parts are fully covered by an insulating layer, this insulating layer has to be removed first before a measurement can take place.
The above particularly means that there is a resistance of less than 2 Ω between the first metal part and the second metal part. In case that the first metal part comprises at least one first metal pin, the at least one first metal pin and the second metal part are electrically connected what in particular means that the resistance between the at least one first metal pin and the second metal part is less than 2 Ω. The very same counts for the second metal pin. So, if the second metal part comprises at least one
- 7second metal pin, the at least one second metal pin and the first metal part are electrically connected what in particular means that the resistance between the at least one second metal pin and the first metal part is less than 2 Ω. If both the first metal part comprises at least one first metal pin and the second metal part comprises at least one second metal pin, the at least one first metal pin is electrically connected to the at least one second metal pin what in particular means that the resistance between the at least one first metal pin and the at least one second metal pin is less than 2 Ω. Again, said resistance does not involve an insulating layer, and the resistance must not be measured in the region of an insulating layer. If external surfaces of the first metal part, the second metal part, the at least first metal pin or the at least second metal pin are fully covered by an insulating layer, this insulating layer has to be removed first before a measurement can take place. Note that the hinge necessarily comprises metallic surface sections to provide the above mentioned electrical connection between the first metal part (in particular its at least one first metal pin) and the second metal part (in particular its at least second first metal pin). However, theses metallic surface sections are not necessarily accessible from the outside, but may be internal surfaces of the first metal part and the second metal part.
A metallic surface or conductive surface in the context of the invention means that relevant surfaces of the metal parts are directly exposed to the air. In other words, no insulating layer covers said metal surface. In particular, a contact resistance between a metal probe and said metallic surface is less than 1 Ω.
Further advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the claims and in the description as well as in the figures.
Beneficially, the first metal part has a first bearing surface and the second metal part has a second bearing surface, wherein the second metal part with its second bearing surface is pivotally (and directly) connected to the first metal part at its first bearing surface. In this way, basically a two-part hinge is provided. Directly in the above context means that no additional element like a bolt is needed to connect the first and the second metal part. In this embodiment, the minimum count of metal parts is used to provide a hinge.
-8ln a further beneficial embodiment, the first metal part has a first bore forming a first bearing surface and the second metal part has a second bore forming a second bearing surface and the hinge comprises a metal bolt reaching through the first bore and the second bore pivotally (and indirectly) connecting the first metal part and the second metal part. In this way, basically a three-part hinge is provided. Indirectly in the above context means that an additional element, in detail a bolt, is used to connect the first and the second metal part. In this embodiment, the first and the second metal part are easy to manufacture.
In preferred embodiment, the whole surface of the first metal part and the whole surface of the second metal part and, if applicable, the whole surface of the metal bolt is metallic/conductive. Accordingly, the contact resistance between the first and the second metal part is comparably low.
However, the first metal part and/or the second metal part and/or, if applicable, the metal bolt may be covered with a hinge protective layer (in particular may be coated with a layer consisting of or comprising wax, silicone, paint or a powder coating and may be covered fully or partly) in a beneficial embodiment of the hinge. In doing so, corrosion of the metal parts can be avoided. However, the first metal part and/or the second metal part and/or, if applicable, the metal bolt (unintentionally) may also be covered with a corrosion layer.
It is also beneficial in the above context, if the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface and, if applicable, the surface of the metal bolt are metallic/conductive. Accordingly, corrosion of the metal parts can be avoided although the contact resistance between the first and the second metal part is kept low.
Advantageously, at least a surface of a tip of the at least first pin and/or at least a surface of a tip of the at least second pin is/are metallic/conductive. In this way, the contact resistance between the hinge and the element, which the hinge is mounted to, is particularly low. In one embodiment, the first and/or the second metal part is immersed in paint with the pin tips reaching out of the paint. The pin tips may also be stuck into a soft material when the first and/or the second metal part is covered with the protective layer so as to keep the surface of the pin tips metallic/conductive.
-9Finally, it is also possible to gently grind the pin tips after the first and/or the second metal part has been (fully) covered with the protective layer so as to remove the protective layer from the pin tips. Of course, the whole surface of the at least first pin and/or the whole surface of the at least second pin may be metallic/conductive as well.
It is also advantageous if the first mounting and supporting surface and/or the second mounting and supporting surface is/are metallic/conductive. In this way, high currents can flow between the hinge and the element, which the hinge is mounted to, as the contact area between the hinge and said element is comparably large.
It is of particular advantage, if conductive grease is put onto the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface (particularly between the metal bolt and the first bearing surface of the first bore and the second bearing surface of second bore). In this way, the contact resistance between the first and the second metal part is very low because the conductive grease bridges the gap between the first and the second metal part (and the metal bolt as the case may be). Conductive grease in the context of this invention is grease with a resistivity < 500 Ω/cm. To provide conductivity, conductive grease usually contains conductive particles, e.g. silver or carbon particles.
It is also of particular advantage, if a flexible cable conductively connects the first metal part and the second metal part. In particular, the flexible cable can be screwed to the first metal part and the second metal part. This embodiment provides a particularly low resistance between the first and the second metal part as the flexible cable directly connects the same. Typically, said resistance is < 1 Ω in this case.
Beneficially, the first metal part and the second metal part are zinc die-cast parts. In this way the first and the second metal part are easy to manufacture, even if complex shapes are needed for the first and the second metal part (e.g. in the two-part design). Moreover, this material provides excellent corrosion resistance so that usually no additional protective layer is needed for corrosion protection.
Finally it is of advantage, if the metal frame and/or the metal door of the switchgear/switchboard is/are covered with an protective layer (e.g. consisting of or comprising wax, silicone, paint or a powder coating) in a contact area facing the first
- 10 mounting surface and/or the second mounting surface of the hinge. Accordingly, corrosion of the metal frame and/or the metal door can be avoided. However, the metal frame and/or the metal door of the switchgear/switchboard (unintentionally) may also be covered with a corrosion layer in a contact area facing the first mounting surface and/or the second mounting surface of the hinge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The invention now is described in more detail hereinafter with reference to particular embodiments, which the invention however is not limited to.
Fig. 1 shows an oblique view of an exemplary embodiment of a hinge having a three-part design;
Fig. 2 shows a first state of the hinge and a hinged element during a mounting process in cross-sectional view;
Fig. 3 like Fig. 2, but in a mounted state of the hinge;
Fig. 4 shows a first state of a first metal element and a hinged element having an insulating layer during a mounting process in cross-sectional view;
Fig. 5 like Fig. 4, but in a mounted state of the first metal element;
Fig. 6 like Fig. 4, but with the first metal element covered with a hinge insulating layer;
Fig. 7 like Fig. 6, but in a mounted state of the first metal element and with a rounded pin tip;
Fig. 8 shows an example of a pin, wherein just the pin base is covered with a hinge insulating layer;
Fig. 9 shows another example of a pin, wherein the pin tip is gently ground after covering the pin with a hinge insulating layer;
Fig. 10 shows an oblique view of an example of an pyramidal pin;
- 11 Fig. 11 shows an example of a hinge in side view, wherein a flexible cable conductively connects the first and the second metal part;
Fig. 12 shows an oblique view of an exemplary embodiment of a switchgear;
Fig. 13 shows an oblique view of a section of the switchgear of Fig. 12 and
Fig. 14 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a hinge having a twopart design.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Generally, same parts or similar parts are denoted with the same/similar names and reference signs. The features disclosed in the description apply to parts with the same/similar names respectively reference signs. Indicating the orientation and relative position (up, down, sideward, etc) is related to the associated figure, and indication of the orientation and/or relative position has to be amended in different figures accordingly as the case may be.
Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a hinge 1 a. The hinge 1 a comprises a first metal part 2a, which has a first mounting and supporting surface A, and a second metal part 3a, which has a second mounting and supporting surface B.
The first metal part 2a comprises a plurality of first metal pins 4 protruding out of the first mounting and supporting surface A, and the second metal part 3a comprises a plurality of second metal pins 5 protruding out of the second mounting and supporting surface B. The first metal pins 4 and the second metal pins 5 are shaped like cones in this example. However, they may have another shape as well.
Additionally, the first metal part 2a has a first bore forming a first bearing surface 6 and the second metal part 3a has a second bore forming a second bearing surface (not visible in Fig. 1). Furthermore, the hinge 1a comprises a metal bolt 7, which reaches through the first bore and the second bore and which pivotally and indirectly connects the first metal part 2a and the second metal part 3a. So, Fig. 1 basically shows a three-part hinge 1a.
- 12 Finally, the hinge 1a comprises first mounting holes 8 and second mounting holes 9 for mounting the hinge 1a to a hinged element.
The first metal pins 4 are electrically connected to the second metal pins 5 what in particular means that the resistance between the first metal pins 4 and the second metal pins 5 is less than 2 Ω. The conductive connection between the first metal pins 4 and the second metal pins 5 can be accomplished by means of contact between the first metal part 2a and the second metal part 3a and/or via the metal bolt 7.
Fig. 2 shows a first state of the hinge 1 a and a hinged element 10 during a mounting process. In this state, just the tips of the pins 4 contact a mounting and supporting surface C of said hinged element 10. Then, when the hinge 1 a is fixed to the hinged element 10, the metal pins 4 penetrate the mounting and supporting surface C of the hinged element 10. In the end, the mounting and supporting surface A of the first metal part 2a contacts the mounting and supporting surface C of the hinged element 10. This state is shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 3 furthermore shows that the first metal part 2a is fixed to the hinged element 10 by means of screws 11, which are put through the first mounting holes 8.
In Figs. 2 and 3 just the first metal part 2a is fixed to the hinged element 10. However, it is easy to understand that the second metal part 3a can be fixed to another element in an equivalent way.
Figs. 4 and 5 show the mounting process in more detail. Fig. 4 shows a section of a first metal part 2b of a hinge 1 b and a first metal pin 4, which is shaped like a cone. Of course, the first metal part 2b may comprise more than one first metal pin 4 like this is the case in the example shown in Figs. 1 to 3. Furthermore, the hinged element 10 is covered with an insulating layer 12 in Fig. 4, which may be a protective layer and which for example can consist of or comprise wax, silicone, paint or a powder coating. Generally, such a protective layer 12 may be attached to an hinged element 10 for corrosion protection and/or because of design reasons. However, the insulating layer 12 may also be a corrosion layer, in particular if the hinged element 10 is not covered with a protective layer.
- 13 Fig. 4 shows a state before the hinge 1 b is fixed to the hinged element 10. In this state, the pin 4 has not yet touched the insulating layer 12. Fig. 5 shows a state, in which the mounting process is completed. One can see that the pin 4 has penetrated the insulating layer 12 and the hinged element 10 as such. Accordingly, there is a metal-metal contact at least in the region of the pin tip.
The pin 4 has a height h, a diameter d and a base area D in this example. As generally known, the base area D=d2 K/4 in case of a cone. Beneficially, the base area D is smaller than 1 mm2 and/or the height h is smaller than 1 mm. On the one hand, good penetration of the mounting and supporting surface C of said hinged element 10 can be achieved with these parameters, even if said surface C is covered with an insulating layer 12 as this is the case in the example shown in Figs. 4 and 5. On the other hand, good withstand current is provided based on the area of the metal-metal contact.
The mounting and supporting surface A of the hinge 1 b and the mounting and supporting surface C of the hinged element 10 are planes in this example. However, the mounting and supporting surfaces A of the hinge 1 b and of the hinged element can have alternative shapes as long as the pins 4 are large enough to bridge a gap between the hinge 1b and the hinged element 10.
In the example shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the whole surface of the first metal part 2a, 2b and of the second metal part 3a of the hinges 1a, 1 b is metallic/conductive what implies that the pins 4, the mounting and supporting surface A of the first metal part 2a, 2b and the mounting and supporting surface B of the second metal part 3a is metallic/conductive, too.
Hence, it is of advantage if the first metal part 2a, 2b and the second metal part 3a are zinc die cast parts. This material provides excellent corrosion resistance so that usually no additional protective layer is needed for corrosion protection. Because of the metallic/conductive first mounting and supporting surface A and the metallic/conductive second mounting and supporting surface B, very high currents can flow between the hinge 1a, 1b and the hinged element 10.
However, Figs. 6 and 7 show an alternative embodiment of a hinge 1c, which is similar to the hinges 1 a and 1 b shown in Figs. 1 to 5. In detail, the first metal part 2c
- 14 is covered with a hinge insulating layer 13, which may be a hinge protective layer and which for example can consist of or comprise wax, silicone, paint or a powder coating, or may be a hinge corrosion layer. The second metal part may be covered with a hinge insulating layer 13 as well.
Fig. 6 again shows a state before the hinge 1c is fixed to the hinged element 10. In this state, the pin 4 has not yet touched the insulating layer 12. Fig. 7 shows a state, in which the mounting process is completed. One can see that the pin 4 has penetrated the insulating layer 12 and the hinged element 10 as such. In addition, the hinge insulating layer 13 is peeled off and/or scratched off during the above process. Accordingly, again there is a metal-metal contact at least in the region of the pin tip. Again low contact resistance and good withstand current is provided based on the area of the metal-metal contact.
Fig. 7 also shows another effect. In detail, the pin tip is slightly deformed by the mounting process and gets rounded. This effect, which can also occur in the examples shown in Figs. 1 to 5, provides particular good withstand current.
To further improve electrical contact between a hinge 1a..1c and a hinged element 10, the surface of the pin 4 or the surface of at least its tip can be metallic/conductive. In a first embodiment of a hinge 1d, which is shown in Fig. 8, the surface of the tip of the pin 4 is kept metallic/conductive. For this reason, the pin tips may reach out of paint when the first metal part 1d is immersed in the same. The pin tips may also be stuck into a soft material when the first metal part 1d is covered with the protective layer 13 so as to keep the surface of the pin tips metallic/conductive. In a second embodiment of a hinge 1e, which is shown in Fig. 9, the pin tips are gently ground after the first metal part 1e has been covered with the protective layer 13 so as to remove the protective layer 13 from the pin tips.
Fig. 10 shows an alternative shape of a pin 4', which may be applied to the examples shown in Figs. 1 to 9. In detail, the metal pin 4' is shaped like a pyramid. This pyramidal shape provides particular good penetration effect because of the slanted edges. This particularly counts for three-side pyramids as the wedge angle is comparably small then as this is the case for the pin 4'. However, four-side pyramids and pyramids with higher count of edges are applicable as well.
- 15 Independent of whether the first metal part 2a..2e and/or the second metal part 3 are fully or partly covered with a hinge insulating layer 13, it is of advantage if the first bearing surface 6, the second bearing surface and the surface of the metal bolt 7 are metallic. In this way, the contact resistance between the first metal part 2a, 2b and the second metal part 3a is comparably low.
To improve the contact resistance, conductive grease can be put onto the first bearing surface 6 and the second bearing surface, particularly between the metal bolt 7 and the first bearing surface 6 of the first bore and the second bearing surface of the second bore. In this way, the conductive grease bridges the gap between the first metal part 2a, 2b, the bolt 7 and the second metal part 3a.
If it is not possible to achieve a desired contact resistance and/or a desired withstand current with the above measures, the first metal part 2f and the second metal part 3f may be conductively connected by a flexible cable 14 as this is shown in Fig. 11. In detail, the flexible cable 14 is screwed to the first metal part 2f and the second metal part 3f by means of screws 15 and 16. In this way, a very low resistance (typically < 1 Ω) between the first metal part 2f and the second metal part 3f is provided. It should be noted that the flexible cable 14 must not mixed up with the flexible cable electrically connecting a door and a frame of a switchgear/switchboard in prior art. Actually, such a cable can be omitted because the pins 4, 4' achieve low contact resistance between the hinge 1a..1f and the hinged element 10 anyway.
Fig. 12 shows a concrete application of a hinge 1a..1g with improved contact resistance. In detail, Fig. 12 shows a switchgear 17 with a frame 18 and a door 19 pivotally connected to the frame 18 by means of hinges 1g and 1 g'.
Fig. 13 shows a section of the switchgear 17 and thus a more detailed view on the hinges 1g and 1 g' connecting the door 19 to the frame 18. One can see that the first metal part 2g is fixed to the door 19 by the use of screws 11 g, and the second metal part 3g is fixed to the frame 18 by the use of screws 20. It should be noted that the screws 11g are put through mounting holes in the door 19 and screwed into threads in the first metal part 2g which is the other way around shown in Fig. 3.
The metal frame 18 and/or the metal door 19 may be covered with an insulating layer 12 in a contact area facing the first mounting surface A and/or the second
- 16 mounting surface B of the hinge 1g. The insulating layer 12 may be a protective layer and for example consist of or comprise wax, silicone, paint or a powder coating, or may be a hinge corrosion layer. No special treatment of said contact areas is necessary when the hinges 1g and 1 g' are mounted because the pins 4, 4' provide low transfer resistance between the metal frame 18 and the metal door 19 anyway.
Fig. 14 shows the hinge 1 g, which has a two-part design in the above example, in more detail. The first metal part 2g has a first bearing surface, and the second metal part 3g has a second bearing surface, wherein the second metal part 3g with its second bearing surface is pivotally (and directly) connected to the first metal part 2g at its first bearing surface. No additional element like a bolt is needed to connect the first metal part 2g and the second metal part 3g. In this embodiment, the minimum count of metal parts 2g, 3g is used to provide a hinge 1g.
It is noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed hereinbefore, but combinations of the different variants are possible. In particular, the embodiments of the hinges 1a..1f shown in Figs. 1 to 11 having a three-part design are equally applicable to the hinge 1g shown in Fig. 14 having a two-part design. Accordingly, the hinges 1a..1f shown in Figs. 1 to 11 can be used to connect the door 19 to the frame 18 of the switchgear 17 without restrictions.
Summarizing, the invention is applicable for all hinges 1a..1g made out of conductive material, independent of whether the hinge 1a..1g consists of just two parts or more parts, and the hinge 1a..1g is applicable for pivotally and electrically connecting whatsoever parts. Naturally, the proposed hinge 1a..1g is particularly useful to connect doors 19 and frames 18 of switchgears 17 and also of switchboards, which may be seen as small switchgears 17. This counts for both sectional doors 19 (like in the Figs.) or full height doors. Nevertheless, the hinge 1a..1g may also be used to ground metal doors and metal window frames of buildings, vehicles, vessels, submarines and planes, in particular if substantial parts of the buildings, vehicles, vessels, submarines and planes are made of metal.
In the above applications (i.e. when grounding hinged elements 10), a current flows over the hinge 1a..1g just in case of fault and more or less unintentionally. However, the conductive hinge may also be used for intentionally used currents over the
- 17hinge 1a..1g, for example to power an electric actuator on a hinged element 10 or to receive electric signals from sensor on a hinged element 10. For example, a first hinge 1a..1g can have a first voltage level, and a second hinge 1a..1g can have a second voltage level in these cases.
In reality, the hinges 1a..1g and the switchgears 17 may have more or less parts than shown in the figures. The hinges 1a..1g and the switchgears 17 and parts thereof may also be shown in different scales and may be bigger or smaller than depicted. Finally, the description may comprise subject matter of further independent inventions.
io It should also be noted that the term comprising does not exclude other elements and the use of articles a or an does not exclude a plurality. Also elements described in association with different embodiments may be combined. It should also be noted that reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
- 18 LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
1a..1g hinge
2a..2g first metal part
3a, 3g second metal part
4, 4' first metal pin second metal pin first bearing surface metal bolt first mounting hole second mounting hole hinged element screw insulating layer of hinged element hinge insulating layer flexible cable screw screw switchgear frame (hinged element) door (hinged element) screw
A first mounting and supporting surface
B second mounting and supporting surface
C mounting and supporting surface of hinged element h height d diameter
D base area
Claims (13)
1. Hinge (1a..1g), comprising a first metal part (2a..2g), which has a first mounting and supporting surface (A), and a second metal part (3a, 3g), which has a second mounting and supporting surface (B) and which is pivotally connected to said first metal part (2a..2g), characterized in that the first metal part (2a..2g) comprises at least one first metal pin (4, 4') protruding out of the first mounting and supporting surface (A) and/or the second metal part (3a, 3g) comprises at least one second metal pin (5) protruding out of the second mounting and supporting surface (B) and the first metal part (2a..2g) and the second metal part (3a, 3g) are electrically connected.
2. Hinge (1a..1g) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the first metal part (2a..2g) has a first bearing surface (6) and the second metal part (3a, 3g) has a second bearing surface, wherein the second metal part (3a, 3g) with its second bearing surface is pivotally connected to the first metal part (2a..2g) at its first bearing surface (6).
3. Hinge (1a..1g) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the first metal part (2a..2g) has a first bore forming a first bearing surface (6) and the second metal part (3a, 3g) has a second bore forming a second bearing surface and the hinge (1a..1g) comprises a metal bolt (7) reaching through the first bore and the second bore pivotally connecting the first metal part (2a..2g) and the second metal part (3a, 3g).
4. Hinge (1a..1g) as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the whole surface of the first metal part (2a..2g) and the second metal part (3a, 3g) is metallic.
5. Hinge (1a..1g) as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first metal part (2a..2g) and/or the second metal part (3a, 3g) are covered with a hinge insulating layer (13).
6. Hinge (1a..1g) as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that conductive grease is put onto the first bearing surface (6) and the second bearing surface.
7. Hinge (1a..1g) as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a flexible cable (14) conductively connects the first metal part (2a..2g) and the second metal part (3a, 3g).
8. Hinge (1a..1g) as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the flexible cable (14) is screwed to the first metal part (2a..2g) and the second metal part (3a, 3g).
9. Hinge (1a..1g) as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first metal part (2a..2g) and the second metal part (3a, 3g) are zinc die cast parts.
10. Hinge (1a..1g) as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the at least one first metal pin (4, 4') and/or the at least one second metal pin (5) has a base area (D) of less than 1 mm2 and/or a height (h) of less than 1 mm.
11. Switchgear/switchboard (17) comprising a metal frame (18) and a hinged metal door (19), characterized in a hinge (1a..1g) as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 10, which connects said metal frame (18) and said metal door (19).
12. Switchgear/switchboard (17) as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the metal frame (18) and/or the metal door (19) is/are covered with an insulating layer (12) in a contact area facing the first mounting surface (A) and/or the second mounting surface (B) of the hinge (1a..1g).
13. Use of a hinge (1a..1g) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 for conductively connecting hinged elements (10).
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1813640.8A GB2576523A (en) | 2018-08-22 | 2018-08-22 | Hinge with improved contact resistance and switchgear or switchboard with such a hinge |
| PCT/EP2019/066722 WO2020038628A1 (en) | 2018-08-22 | 2019-06-24 | Electrical cabinet with grounding hinge |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1813640.8A GB2576523A (en) | 2018-08-22 | 2018-08-22 | Hinge with improved contact resistance and switchgear or switchboard with such a hinge |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201813640D0 GB201813640D0 (en) | 2018-10-03 |
| GB2576523A true GB2576523A (en) | 2020-02-26 |
Family
ID=63668230
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1813640.8A Withdrawn GB2576523A (en) | 2018-08-22 | 2018-08-22 | Hinge with improved contact resistance and switchgear or switchboard with such a hinge |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2576523A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2020038628A1 (en) |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB191514140A (en) * | 1915-10-06 | 1916-06-29 | Herbert Lewis Ford | Improvements in Attachment Clips and Hinges for use with Boxes. |
| GB643082A (en) * | 1947-08-08 | 1950-09-15 | William Gerard Thomas | Improvements in or relating to butt hinges |
| JPS55145084A (en) * | 1979-05-01 | 1980-11-12 | Kondo Hiroatsu | Automatic transmission for bicycle |
| KR20010093933A (en) * | 2000-04-03 | 2001-10-31 | 박창수 | Hinge |
| FR2908808A1 (en) * | 2006-11-16 | 2008-05-23 | Plastigond | Leaf e.g. door, positioning method for e.g. wall, involves maintaining location of monoblock hinge in place by fixation device, placing threaded sealing rod across hinge, and screwing sealing rod in expansion dowel |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE29607244U1 (en) * | 1996-04-23 | 1997-08-21 | Ramsauer, Dieter, 42555 Velbert | Screw-on hinge for earthed control cabinet doors, equipment cladding or the like. |
-
2018
- 2018-08-22 GB GB1813640.8A patent/GB2576523A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2019
- 2019-06-24 WO PCT/EP2019/066722 patent/WO2020038628A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB191514140A (en) * | 1915-10-06 | 1916-06-29 | Herbert Lewis Ford | Improvements in Attachment Clips and Hinges for use with Boxes. |
| GB643082A (en) * | 1947-08-08 | 1950-09-15 | William Gerard Thomas | Improvements in or relating to butt hinges |
| JPS55145084A (en) * | 1979-05-01 | 1980-11-12 | Kondo Hiroatsu | Automatic transmission for bicycle |
| KR20010093933A (en) * | 2000-04-03 | 2001-10-31 | 박창수 | Hinge |
| FR2908808A1 (en) * | 2006-11-16 | 2008-05-23 | Plastigond | Leaf e.g. door, positioning method for e.g. wall, involves maintaining location of monoblock hinge in place by fixation device, placing threaded sealing rod across hinge, and screwing sealing rod in expansion dowel |
Non-Patent Citations (2)
| Title |
|---|
| Electronic Specifier, "Hinges eliminate the need for earthing straps", electronicspecifier.com, Available from: https://www.electronicspecifier.com/cabinets-and-enclosures/hinges-eliminate-the-need-for-earthing-straps [Accessed 5th Feb 2018] * |
| Stäubli, Electrical grounding hinge (powerline industrial connectors), Staubli.com, Available from: http://ec.staubli.com/AcroFiles/Catalogues/IS_PL-EGH-11013984_(en)_hi.pdf [Accessed 5th Feb 2018] * |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2020038628A1 (en) | 2020-02-27 |
| GB201813640D0 (en) | 2018-10-03 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |