WO2011112104A1

WO2011112104A1 - Improvements in electrical connectors and methods therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2011112104A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2011/000034
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Charles Renton; Gregory John Barclay; Murray Carl Tremain
Original assignee: Electropar Limited
Priority date: 2010-03-11
Filing date: 2011-03-11
Publication date: 2011-09-15
Also published as: ZA201207598B; ZA201400589B; MX339389B; MX2012010494A; BR112012022770A2; US9083092B2; EP2545615A1; US20130095705A1; AU2011224931A1; EP2545615A4; ZA201400590B; CA2790987A1

Abstract

The application discloses apparatus and methods for a high-voltage electrical connector. The connector connects a first electrical conductor to a second electrical conductor. The connector has a body portion and a securing portion, from either of which the first electrical conductor is adapted to connect to. The body portion and the securing portion at least in part define an engaging aperture into an interior of the connector. A tensioning means is also present to constrict and un-constrict the engaging aperture. The second electrical conductor is received into or out of the engaging aperture in a direction lateral to the connector. When it is received therein the engaging aperture substantially surrounds the second electrical conductor, and when so surrounded an electrical and physical connection, or disconnection, of the connector to the second electrical conductor is affected by the constriction or un-constriction.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS AND METHODS THEREFOR

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to connection systems for high voltage electrical distribution or reticulation. The invention has a particular, but not sole, application to the provision of a quick disconnect system to provide an effective means of creating physical disconnect points for maintenance. One example is creating physical disconnect points in substations for maintenance. Background

The present invention relates to an electrical connection / disconnection system.

Electrical substations are part of an electricity generation, transmission and distribution system. Substations switch generators, equipment, and circuits or lines in and out of a system as well as transforming the voltage, stepping it up or down depending on the type of substation.

An important part of substations is the busbars. All electricity going through the substation is passed through these busbars to be distributed to the individual "bays" within the substation. Power lines from the different substation bays are then connected to the busbars to draw or supply power.

Often isolation of a substation bay is required to perform maintenance or fault repair, which requires the power line to the bay be disconnected from the busbar to cut the electricity to the bay to ensure a safe working environment for the technicians - in other words, the bay needs to be in a de- energised, or non-live state for maintenance or works.

There are the serious health and safety risks because of electricity entering the bay during manual operation such as maintenance or works. Therefore regulations for substation operation require creating a visible "physical break" in the power line connection to the bay from the busbars before work on the bay can begin. This means there needs to be a visible disconnection or break in the power line connecting the bay to the busbar to ensure no electricity can possibly enter the bay from the busbars.

Currently expensive technologies exist to provide off load visible and physical electrical disconnection between the busbar and the bays. These devices are commonly called "high voltage isolators" or "high voltage disconnectors" and are generally three phase gang operated, although they may also be single phase.

In recent years a new technology called Disconnecting Circuit Breakers (DCB) has been introduced by the major equipment manufacturers ABB, Siemens and Areva. These devices provide on load electrical disconnection between the busbar and the bays and include an integral earth switch. DCB's do not include the facility to provide a electrical disconnection with a visible physical break. To achieve a visible physical break current technology high voltage / high current connectors must be removed from the DCB's to affect the disconnection.

Should a bay need to be disconnected using current technology connectors, a significant number of man hours are required to perform this task. Power companies wish to minimise the downtime (i.e. the period of time during which electricity is cut off) and cost for maintenance or repair works.

In the past various connectors have been proposed for connecting earthing wires or taps to elongate conductors. These connectors typically comprise a hook portion which cooperates with a jaw portion to secure the connector to the conductor. The jaw portion is typically tightened against the conductor by means of a threaded member such as a bolt. Removal of the connector from the conductor requires the bolt to be undone, usually with an insulated tool known as a "hot stick". This procedure can be difficult, as the conductor is typically at a substantial height, and the head of the bolt may be in an unfavourable orientation for engagement with the hot stick, which may be difficult to manoeuvre due to its length and weight. In addition, the connector may be free to rotate relative to the conductor, particularly once the clamp has been partially loosened. This may make the disconnection operation time consuming and potentially hazardous.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art. Summary

It is an object of the present invention to provide a connection or disconnection system, method or apparatus which will at least go some way toward overcoming the foregoing disadvantages, or which alternatively will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Other objects of the present invention may become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only.

In a first aspect the present invention may be said to consist in a high voltage electrical connector adapted in use to connect a first electrical conductor to a second electrical conductor, said high voltage electrical connector comprising or including,

a body portion and a securing portion, from either of which said first electrical conductor is adapted to connect to, said body portion and said securing portion at least in part define an engaging aperture into an interior of said connector, and

a tensioning means to constrict and un-constrict said engaging aperture, wherein said elongate second electrical conductor is received into or out of said engaging aperture in a direction lateral to said connector and when received therein said engaging aperture substantially surrounds said second electrical conductor, and when so surrounded an electrical and physical connection, or disconnection, of said connector to said elongate second electrical conductor is affected by said constriction or un-constriction.

Preferably said tensioning means at least in part also defines said engaging aperture. Preferably said elongate second electrical connector can only be received into (or removed from) said engaging aperture from said lateral direction whether or not said engaging aperture has a whole or only partially closed periphery.

Preferably said engaging aperture has a closed said periphery at least when constricted.

Preferably said engaging aperture is substantially complimentary in shape to a cross- sectional shape of said second electrical conductor to be received therein, at least when constricted. Preferably said engaging aperture has an internal contour as a keying means adapted to engage a complimentary portion of said second electrical conductor, to thereby substantially prevent rotation of said connector relative to said second electrical conductor. Preferably said keying means and said complimentary portion co-operate to thereby substantially prevent rotation of said connector relative to said second electrical conductor.

Preferably said engaging aperture is at least in part unconstricted said connector can rotate at least in part relative to said second electrical conductor, such that said keying means and said complimentary portion co-operate upon said rotation to maintain an electrical engagement of the remainder of said engaging aperture and said complimentary portion.

Preferably said keying means is on said securing portion. Preferably said keying means is on a lower portion of said connector.

Preferably said keying means is a flat surface.

Preferably said keying means is at an angle to the horizontal when in use.

Preferably, save for said keying means, a remainder of said engaging aperture is complimentary to a remainder of said second electrical conductor.

Preferably said first electrical conductor connects to said connector at an angle to the vertical in use.

Preferably said tensioning means is a threaded member running between said body and said securing portion. Preferably said tensioning means is accessible and actuable from a position beneath said connector in use.

Preferably said securing portion is a securing member which is pivotally connected to the, body.

Preferably said second electrical connector is electrically connected to a busbar. Preferably said body portion is hook shaped, and said securing portion substantially closes off said hook shape to form said engaging aperture. Preferably said constriction and un-constriction is from relative movement of said securing portion to said body portion via said tensioning means.

Preferably said body includes a hooked portion which comprises a mouth or recess for receiving said second electrical conductor.

In a further aspect the present invention consists in a high voltage electrical conductor adapted to engage a connector to form a connection to a second electrical conductor, said high voltage electrical conductor comprising or including,

At least one elongate bar portion adapted to engage said connector to form an electrical and physical connection thereto, said at least one elongate bar portion having a first contoured surface and a second contoured surface to engage with said connector, and said at least one elongate bar increases in thickness toward a free end thereof to aid retention of said connector, and A connecting portion to connect said electrical conductor to a busbar, wherein said first and second contoured surfaces interact with said connector to

substantially prevent relative rotation thereof and increase electrical and physical contact between said connector and said electrical conductor to the extent there is relative rotation.

Preferably said increase in thickness produces a lip which faces away from said free end.

Preferably said second contoured surface is a flat surface.

Preferably said flat surface is on a lower part of said electrical conductor. Preferably there are two said elongate bar portions, parallel to one another each extending away from said connecting portion.

Preferably said first contoured surface is a curved surface of substantially constant radius in cross-section through said at least one elongate bar portion. In yet a further aspect the present invention consists in a high voltage earthing trolley to provide an earth connection for a removable connector connected to an electrical conductor, said earthing trolley comprising or including,

A body,

At least one elongate bar portion adapted to connect to said connector, said at least one elongate bar depending from said body

At least one deployable ground engaging portion to earth said earthing trolley to a ground surface it is resting on when deployed therefrom, said at least one deployable ground engaging portion depending from said body,

At least one ground engaging portion to support said earthing trolley from said ground at least for when said at least one deployable ground engaging portion is not deployed,

wherein said earthing trolley can receive and attach to said connector to provide and earth said connector and to provide a visible physical disconnection of said connector from a live component.

Preferably said at least one deployable ground engaging portion stabilises said trolley when deployed therefrom. Preferably said at least one ground engaging portion allows said earthing trolley to move over said ground.

Preferably there is a plurality of said ground engaging portions. Preferably there is a plurality of said deployable ground engaging portions. Preferably there is a plurality of said elongate bar portions. Preferably said at least one ground engaging portion is a wheel.

In yet a further aspect still the present invention consists in a disconnectable high voltage electrical connection adapted in use to connect and disconnect a first electrical conductor to busbar, said high voltage electrical connection comprising or including,

A high voltage electrical connector having,

a tensioning means to constrict and un-constrict said engaging aperture,

A high voltage second electrical conductor having,

at least one elongate bar portion for said connector to engage to (or disengage from), said at least one elongate bar portion having a first contoured surface and a second contoured surface to engage with said engaging aperture, and said at least one elongate bar increases in thickness toward a free end thereof to aid retention of said connector, and

a connecting portion to connect said electrical conductor to a busbar, wherein said elongate bar portion is received into or out of said engaging aperture in a direction lateral to said connector and when received therein said engaging aperture substantially surrounds said elongate bar portion, and when so surrounded an electrical and physical connection, or disconnection, of said connector to said elongate bar portion is affected by said constriction or un-constriction.

Preferably said high voltage second electrical conductor may be present on any one or more of,

A busbar to conduct electricity to and from a bay of a substation, and

An earthing trolley to earth said bay and to provide a visible physical disconnection of said connector from a live component.

In yet another aspect the present invention consist in a method of providing a

disconnectable high voltage electrical connection between a first electrical conductor and a busbar, comprising or including the steps of

a. Providing a high voltage electrical connector having,

a tensioning means to constrict and un-constrict said engaging aperture,

b. Providing a high voltage second electrical conductor having, at least one elongate bar portion for said connector to engage to (or disengage from), said at least one elongate bar portion having a first contoured surface and a second contoured surface to engage with said engaging aperture, and said at least one elongate bar increases in thickness toward a free end thereof to aid retention of said connector,

c. Connecting (or disconnecting) said connector from said second electrical conductor by said elongate bar portion being received into or out of said engaging aperture in a direction lateral to said connector and when received therein said engaging aperture substantially surrounds said elongate bar portion, and when so surrounded an electrical and physical connection, or disconnection, of said connector to said elongate bar portion is affected by said constriction or un-constriction. Preferably said high voltage second electrical conductor is provided on or connected to a busbar for transmission of electricity to or from a bay in a substation.

Preferably a second said high voltage second electrical conductor may also be present on an earthing trolley.

Preferably said high voltage electrical connector, when disconnected from said first high voltage second electrical conductor is connected to said second high voltage second electrical conductor on said earthing trolley to provide a an earthing and to provide visible physical disconnection of said connector from said busbar.

In yet another aspect still the present invention consists in a kit of parts to provide disconnectable high voltage electrical connection adapted in use to connect and disconnect a first electrical conductor between a busbar and an earthing, said kit of parts comprising or including,

A high voltage electrical connector having,

a tensioning means to constrict and un-constrict said engaging aperture, A high voltage second electrical conductor having for connection to a busbar and or an earthing point,

at least one elongate bar portion for said connector to engage to (or disengage from), said at least one elongate bar portion having a first contoured surface and a second contoured surface to engage with said engaging aperture, and said at least one elongate bar increases in thickness toward a free end thereof to aid retention of said connector, and a connecting portion to connect said electrical conductor to a busbar, wherein said elongate bar portion is received into or out of said engaging aperture in a direction lateral to said connector and when received therein said engaging aperture substantially surrounds said elongate bar portion, and when so surrounded an electrical and physical connection, or disconnection, of said connector to said elongate bar portion is affected by said constriction or un-constriction. Preferably said earthing point is provided by an earthing trolley.

In yet a further aspect the present invention consists in a high voltage electrical connector as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

In yet a further aspect the present invention consists in a high voltage electrical conductor as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. In yet a further aspect the present invention consists in a high voltage earthing trolley as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

In yet a further aspect the present invention consists in a disconnectable high voltage electrical connection as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

In yet a further aspect the present invention consists in an electrical connection system as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. In yet a further aspect the present invention consists in a method of providing a disconnectable high voltage electrical connection as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. In yet a further aspect the present invention consists in an kit of parts as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

Accordingly, in a second aspect the present invention may be said to consist in a high voltage electrical connector including

a body having a hooked portion and being adapted for connection to an electrical conductor, and

a locking portion adapted to co-operate with said hooking portion of said body to secure said electrical connector about a further conductor. Preferably the hooking portion comprises a mouth or recess for receiving the further conductor.

Preferably the mouth or recess is contoured to make a close surface contact with the conductor.

Preferably the locking portion co-operates with the hook portion to receive the further conductor.

Preferably the locking portion includes a tensioning means. In one embodiment the tensioning means comprises a threaded member.

Preferably the tensioning means is accessible from a position beneath the connector in use.

In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a high voltage electrical connector comprising a body adapted for connection to an electrical conductor, the body having an engaging portion for engaging a further electrical conductor and a securing portion for securing the further electrical conductor to the engaging portion, wherein the securing portion is provided with keying means adapted to engage a complimentary portion of the further electrical conductor in use, to thereby substantially prevent rotation of the connector relative to the further electrical conductor.

Preferably the keying means is a land portion of the securing portion.

Preferably the securing portion is a securing member which is connected to the body. According to a fourth aspect the invention provides a high voltage electrical connector comprising a body adapted for connection with an electrical conductor, the body having a hooked portion provided with a concave engaging portion for connection with a further conductor, the connector further comprising a securing member connected to the body, the securing member provided with tensioning means for tensioning the securing member against the further conductor, wherein the securing member in combination with the tensioning means completely encloses the concave engaging portion. Preferably, the securing member is provided with keying means adapted to engage a complimentary portion of the further electrical conductor in use, to thereby substantially prevent rotation of the connector relative to the further electrical conductor.

In a fifth aspect the invention provides a high voltage electrical connector element

comprising a fastening portion to fasten the element to a conductor, and a receiving portion adapted to be located substantially horizontally in use, the receiving portion being contoured for engagement with a further electrical connector.

Preferably the conductor is a busbar.

Preferably the further electrical connector comprises the connector of the preceding statement.

Preferably the contour comprises a curved upper surface and a keyed lower surface. Preferably the keyed lower surface is adapted for engagement with a clamping portion of the further connector member.

In a further aspect the invention broadly consists in the electrical connection system

substantially comprising the connector of the second third and/or fourth aspects in combination with the connector of the fifth aspect.

Preferably the connection system further includes an earthing means comprising a connector to which the connector of the first statement of invention may engage and which is adapted to be provided on an appropriate earthing surface. The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to". When interpreting statements in this specification which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present, but other features can also be present.

It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1 , 1.1 , 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7).

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements and features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

One or more embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Figure 1: is a side perspective view of a high voltage electrical connector according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1a shows rear view of the connector of Figure 1 showing the use of two electrical connectors connected (permanently or otherwise) to the connector, Figure 2: is a front elevation of a further connector element according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3: is a top view of the connector of Figure 1 connected to the further connector element of Figure 2 (partially shown);

Figure 3a: is a cross section through cutting plane A-A of Figure 3a;

Figure 4a: is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an earthing trolley according to the invention in an expanded in use configuration;

Figure 4b: is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an earthing trolley according to the invention in a collapsed mobile configuration;

Figure 5: is a perspective view of an installation including the connector of Figures 1 and 2 in a first configuration;

Figure 5a: is an enlarged view of detail "B" from Figure 5;

Figure 6: is a perspective view of an installation including the connector of Figures 1 and 2 in a second configuration;

Figure 6a: is an enlarged view of detail "C" from Figure 6;

Figure 7: is a side elevation of a further installation including a connector according to

Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 7a: is an enlargement of detail "D" of Figure 7, with the connector element shown in partial cross section;

Figure 8: is a side elevation of a still further installation including a connector according to

Figures 1 and 2; and

Figure 8a: is an enlargement of detail Έ" of Figure 8, with the connector element shown in partial cross section. Detailed Description of One or More Embodiments of the Invention

Preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to Figures 1 through 8a.

Referring first to Figures 1 , 3 and 3a, a high voltage electrical connector is shown generally referenced 1 , having a body 2 which includes a hooked portion 3 and a securing portion 6. The body 2 at least made of an electrically conducting material such as metal or steel and is adapted for engagement with a first electrical conductor 4 such as power line 4a and thus may optionally include crimpable sleeve 5 which is connected to or is a unitary part of the body 2 (preferably) or securing portion 6. For example the crimpable sleeve may be formed as part of the body 2 for example by forging. Alternatively it may be attached after or as part of the forming process, for example by crimping to the body 2, threaded or bolted attachment, welding or similar. Shown in Figure 1a is a further embodiment of the connector 1 where there are two electrical conductors 4 engaged with the connector, such as powerlines 4a. This may be required when the current of voltage load is such that additional first electrical conductor connections are required. There may of course be three or even more conductors 4 as required. Alternatively, first electrical conductor 4 may be attached by other means to the body 2. It is understood the connector 1 , body 2 and the first electrical connector 4 (and preferably the securing portion 6) have a low resistance electrically conductive connection in addition to or as part of any physical connections. In the preferred embodiment the first electrical conductor 4 or other electrical conductor equivalent is flexible, such as a power line 4a would be. However, in other, less preferred forms it is rigid or semi-rigid.

Shown in Figure 1 and 3a the body 2 and securing portion 6 and to some extent a tensioning means 8 form an engaging aperture 7 in the interior of the connector 1, to substantially enclose and engage on a second electrical conductor 20 (shown in Figure 2 and 3a). Preferred forms of this will now be discussed, where this engaging aperture is defined by a hooked portion 3 and securing portion 6 of the body 2. In less preferred forms of the present invention a spring or biasing element may be present to aid opening of the engaging aperture 7. In the preferred form the connector 1 is connected to a flexible first electrical conductor 4 and the second electrical conductor 20 is rigidly connected to an element such as a live busbar. In this configuration the connector is moved on and off and to and away from the second electrical conductor 20. However, in less preferred forms the opposite may occur, namely the connector 1 is rigidly connected to an element such as a live bus bar and the second electrical conductor 20 is attached to the (preferably) flexible first electrical conductor 4 and it is the second electrical conductor 20 that is moved on and off and to and away from the connector 1.

The engaging aperture 7 may either be fully closed, that is there is not gap in the periphery it encloses or forms, or may be partially closed, that is there is a partial gap in its periphery.

However it is understood that any gap that is present (for example if tensioning means 8 were not present as shown in Figure 3a) in the periphery of engaging aperture 7 then such gap is of sufficient dimension that the second electrical conductor 20 cannot pass out such gap under normal operating conditions of the invention. Instead the second electrical conductor 20 can only pass in and out of the engaging aperture 7 by movement lateral to the connector 1 , that is, in and out of the page in Figure 3A, and only when the engaging aperture 7 is un-constricted by tension means 8.

The tensioning means 8 when activated can constrict the engaging aperture 7 (preferably by relative movement of the securing portion 6 to the body 2) such that it connects to the bar portion 24 and relative rotation of the two is largely prevented. In the opposite way the tensioning means when loosened can un-constrict the engaging aperture 7 such that the connector 1 is loose on the bar portion 24, and may be able to rotate at least a little. The body 2 of the connector 1 includes a securing portion 6, which, in the embodiment shown is a separate member which is pivotally dependent from the body 2. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the securing portion 6 may be attached to the body 2 by other means, for example a slidable arrangement. Furthermore in other embodiments, the securing portion 6 may be disengageable from the body 2 or fixedly (yet movably) attached to, or unitary with the body 2, for example relaying on the elastic nature of the material of the body 2 to allow relative flexure between the securing portion 6 and the hooked portion 3. The engagement of the securing portion 6 to the body 2 is both a physical and electrically conductive one if the securing portion 6 is of an electrically conductive material. In the preferred embodiment the securing portion 6 is engaged with the body 2 such that even when the tensioning means 8 is un-tensioned and thus the engaging aperture 7 is un- constricted about the bar portion 24, to allow disengagement from the second electrical conductor 20 (described later on), it still remains connected both physically and electrically to the body 2. Physical and electrical connection is only broken when the connector 1 is slide laterally off the bar portion 24 of the second electrical conductor 20.

In the preferred embodiment the connector 1 , preferably from the securing portion 6, has a connecting portion 25 for a hot stick connector. A hot stick is an insulated pole that allows an operator to engage and manipulate the connector 1 while it is live. The hot stick can be used to manoeuvre the connector 1 on and off the bar portion 24 (whether on a busbar 36 or earthing trolley 31). The hot stick can also be used to steady the connector 1 while the tensioning means 8 is activated (for example the bolt 8a is tightened) or deactivated (for example bolt 8a is loosened) to thus constrict or un-constrict the engaging aperture 7 about the bar portion 24. The hot stick may be the same tool used to first undo or release the tensioning means 8 and then used to move the connector 1 off the bar portion 24 (or vice versa) or there may be two separate tools, a first hot stick to undo the tensioning means 8 and a second to them move the connector.

The connector 1 may be disconnected when energised using a hotstick, or when de-energised hand tools may be used directly.

The connecting portion 25 as shown has a downwardly depending tongue with an aperture there through to allow the hot stick to engage therewith. Being on the lower portion of the securing portion 6, the hot stick can be used to break any physical contact between the connector 1 and the bar portion 24 that undoing the tensioning means does not, for example due to corrosion or welding or other fouling. Other hot stick engagement methods known in the art may also be used.

Referring to Figure 3a the hooked portion 3 has an internal contour 3a which in the preferred form is a concave engaging portion as shown which is preferably contoured so as to match and make a substantially continuous contact with a second electrical conductor or connector component 20, as will be described further below with reference to Figure 2.

The securing portion 6 also has an internal contour 6a which is adapted to locate against the second electrical conductor 20 (as discussed with reference to Figure 2). The internal contour 6a has a is preferably a keying means, for example a land as shown as a flat surface, which is adapted to engage and in part clamp a complimentary portion (as a second contoured surface 26 shown as a flat surface) of the second electrical conductor 20, as is described further below. In other embodiments the internal contour 6a could be of other forms again substantially complimentary to the second electrical conductor. The remainder of the engaging portion 7 is complimentary to the remainder of the contour of the bar portion 24, thus defining a first contoured surface 26 of the bar portion 24.

Shown in Figures 1 and 3a the body 2 further includes a tensioning means 8. In the

embodiment illustrated the tensioning means 8 takes the form of a threaded connector such as a bolt 8a which co-operates with a nut 9. In the preferred embodiment the nut 9 is captive to the body 2 to prevent relative rotation. Preferably the nut 9 is separate to the body so that if it is damaged or worn it can be easily replaced. In other less preferred embodiments the threaded portion of the nut 9 is provided within the body 2. It is to be understood that second contoured surface 28 as a flat surface largely prevents free swinging or rotation of the connector 1 relative to the bar portion 24. IN the preferred embodiment when the engaging aperture is constricted the engagement of the connector 1 on the bar portion 24 is such that the two do not under normal operation move relative to each other, and thus a secure electrical and physical connection between the two occurs. When the engaging aperture 7 is loose (either through wear, failure or the tensioning means being loosened) then some relative rotation between the connector 1 and the bar portion 24 may occur. Such rotation preferably is excerbated by the first electrical conductor 4 engaging the connector 1 at an angle to the vertical, such that it exerts a torque on the connector 1 about the bar portion 24. Thus in turn will cause engagement of the keying means 6a (or its equivalent on the connector 1) with its complimentary portion for example the second contoured surface 28 on the bar portion. The result is a level point is set up that will drive the first contoured surface 26 of the bar portion 24 deeper into complimentary internal contour 3a of the body 2. This will result in a good physical and electrical contact between the connector 1 and the bar portion 24 even when the engaging aperture 7 is otherwise loose on the bar portion 24.

The bolt 8a has a head or other manipulatable portion 8b which is accessible from beneath the connector 1. Turning the head 8b of the bolt 8a in use allows the securing portion 6 to be selectively moved relative to the body 2. This allows the connector 1 to be moved into engagement with a conductor, such as a second electrical conductor 20 (as will be described further below), and then locked in place as required, or vice versa to allow release from the conductor. Significantly, the ability to manipulate the securement or otherwise of securing portion 6 from a location below the connector 1 advantageously allows a user to connect or disconnect the connector 1 in use. Notably, the bolt 8a is preferably provided on an opposite side of the securing member 6 to the connection (preferably pivotal) with the body 2. This means that the securing portion 6 and bolt 8a substantially complete the engaging aperture 7, at least in normal use when engaging and disengaging a conductor such as the second electrical conductor 20.

In other forms of the invention the engaging aperture 7 may be substantially defined only by the hooked portion 3 and the securing portion 6, and the tensioning means 8 may not necessarily define the engaging aperture 7. For example, when the tensioning means 8 is on the opposite side of the engaging aperture 7 to that shown in Figure 3a and the hooked portion 3 and securing portion 6 for example overlap each other to substantially complete the engaging aperture 7. Referring now to Figure 2, a second electrical conductor 20 is shown, which is in use adapted to co-operate with the high voltage electrical connector 1 of Figure 1. In Figure 2, the second electrical conductor 20 is adapted for location in a generally horizontal disposition, such as shown in vertical cross-section in Figure 3a. However other orientations may also be used, but are less desirable. The second electrical connector 20 includes an attachment portion 21 which is in the form of a flange in the preferred embodiment. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of different forms of attachment may be provided. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the attachment portion 21 is attached for example by bolting via apertures 22 onto the required conductor such as a busbar 36 for example, or an earthing apparatus, such as the busbars earthing trolley 31 described further below with reference to Figure 4.

The attachment portion 21 is located relative to a bar portion 24, such that the bar portion 24 is disposed in a generally horizontal disposition and in the preferred embodiment extends either side of and away from the attachment portion 21. The bar portion 24 includes two contoured surfaces. Shown in Figure 3a the first contoured surface 26 is generally provided on an upper part of the bar portion 24 and the second contoured surface 28 is generally located on a lower surface of the bar portion 24. First contoured surface 26 is contoured to provide a substantially continuous contact engagement with an inner contour 3a of the mouth of hooked portion 3 of the connector 1 of Figure 1. Lower second contoured surface 28 comprises a complimentary portion to the internal contour keying means 6a of the securing portion 6 and is adapted to allow the securing portion 6 to make a secure engagement therewith. The engagement between the internal contour keying means 6a and the second contoured surface 28 as a complimentary portion substantially prevents rotation of the connector 1 relative to the bar portion 24.

Shown in Figure 2 disposed towards the end 30 of each bar portion 24 there is an angled entry surface 27 which then internal of the end 30 leads to a lip 29. The lip 29 is formed by an increase in thickness in the bar portion 24 towards the free end 30. There are several purposes to this. The first of these is for the angled entry surface 27 to act as a guide and to aid in the opening of the engaging aperture 7 when engaging the connector 1 onto the bar portion 24. If the securing portion 6 for example is not sufficiently open then provided the tensioning means 10 is sufficiently tensioned off, the angled entry surface 27 will guide and open the engaging aperture 7 further. This is of benefit because engaging is often done at substantial overhead distance from an operator and multiple attempts can be dangerous (for example missing and hitting other live areas) and tiring for an operator. A further purpose of the lip 29 is to retain the connector once on the bar portion 24 once past the lip 29. If the tensioning means 8 is not tensioned (either through failure or it has not been tightened yet) the lip 29 provides a return which must be passed before the connector 1 can be removed. The lip 29 also acts a positive engagement so an operator can tell when the connector 1 is properly located on the bar portion 24.

The second contoured surface 28 when the second electrical connector 20 is mounted is preferably not the lowest most surface of the connector 20. As shown in Figure 3a it is preferably when mounted at an angle to the horizontal. If for any reason there is not sufficient tension to engage the connector 1 with the bar portion 24 (for example the connector 1 has only just been placed on the bar portion 24, or the tensioning means has failed or is loose for any other reason) then the self weight of the connector 1 and for example power line 4a, will cause a partial rotation of the connector 1 relative to the bar portion 24. This in turn will cause a levering action of the internal contour 6a on the second contoured surface 28 which then causes the first contoured surface to remain in good electrical and physical contact with the internal contour 3a. This action coupled with the lip 29 will maintain good electrical contact and physical contact (that is largely prevent falling off) of the connector 1 with the second electrical conductor 20. Thus while the internal contour 6a aims to prevent relative rotation of the connector 1 when correctly tensioned on to the bar portion 24 by the tensioning means 8, if there is incorrect or no tension and therefore relative rotation the angle of the internal contour 6a, second contoured surface 28 and self weight of the connector will maintain a greater physical and electrical contact between the connector 1 and bar portion 24.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other keying formations and complimentary portions are possible which will also create positive engagement between the body 2 and the bar portion(s) 24 to prevent relative rotation thereof. Such other forms may reside on the securing portion 6, or hooked portion 3 and the bar portion 24 and which will substantially prevent relative rotation between the connector 1 and second electrical connector 20. The securing portion 6 and tensioning means 8 (for example as a bolt 8a) in conjunction with the internal contour 3a of the hooked portion 3 and internal contour 6a of the securing portion 6 completely enclose the engaging aperture 7. Therefore the connector 1 is engaged with the bar portion 24 by sliding the connector axially in the longitudinal direction of the bar portion 24 onto the end 30 selected and over the lip 29.. Thus the connector 1 is not "hooked" over the second conductor 20 or its bar portion(s) 24, as is common with the connectors of the prior art. This means that the connector 1 is unlikely to fall off the conductor 1 before the securing portion 6 is tightened against the bar portion 24, or if for any reason the connector 1 becomes loose. Thus if loose and even in high winds or other adverse conditions the substantial enclosure of the bar portion 24 by the connector 1 together with the lip 29 provides a more secure connection and therefore the connector 1 is less likely to fall off the second electrical conductor 20. It will be understood that with such high currents (sometimes up to 60,000Amps) and voltages in substations that these connectors must carry security of connection is very important. The falling off of a stray connector if live, or falling onto other live components, is highly dangerous (to both equipment and personal) and can also take the bay or substation out and thus surrounding electrical users may loose power.

It will also be seen at the ends 30 of bar portion 24 are tapered or chamfered to facilitate the connector 1 being slid over either of the ends 30. Even with the tensioning means 8 released so that the connector 1 can be slid over the bar 24, the keying means 6a is in at least partial engagement with the complimentary second contoured surface 28 of the bar portion 24. This means that connector 1 is held in a relatively stable position, with the bolt head 8b facing downward in a convenient location for engagement by a hot stick. This makes tightening of the bolt 8a much easier than if the connector 1 were free to rotate about the bar portion 24. Once the tensioning means 8 is fully tensioned the securing portion 6 locks the connector 1 in position relative to the bar portion 24.

Therefore, the apparatus allows a quick and simple connection and disconnection of high voltage conductors from each other, for example when a bay in a substation requires isolation. This is very useful in high voltage electrical distribution or reticulation systems such as substations, in order to overcome the problems referred to in the background art. The connector 1 once disconnected can then be connected to an earthing trolley 31 to earth the bay and provide the necessary visible physical break in connection. When the connectors 1 of Figure 1 and Figure 2 are in the disconnected state, it is important that the connector 1 of Figure 1 is properly earthed. This also provides the visual physical break from the busbars 36. To facilitate that step, an earthing trolley 31 in accordance with the apparatus shown in Figure 4a and b may be provided. As can be seen from Figure 4a and b, the bar portion 24 of the connector of Figure 2 is replicated in that apparatus to allow the connector 1 of Figure 1 to be easily attached thereto. The earthing trolley 31 is provided with deployable ground engaging portions as stabilising legs 32 which are rotatably attached to the trolley body 33. In this way the stabilising legs 32 can be rotated from a substantially horizontal stabilising and ground engaging and earthing position (Figure 4a) when the earthing trolley 31 is in use, to a substantially vertical position (Figure 4b), which allows the earthing trolley 31 to be moved by means of the provided ground engaging portion which are preferably wheels 34. If necessary a further earthing connection (not shown) connects the earthing trolley 31 to an earthing point. Referring next to Figures 5 and 5a, the connector system of the present invention can be seen in use in a first configuration, connecting a bay 38 and droppers 35 via power lines 4a to connectors 1 to busbars 36. In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 5a the connectors 1 on a first bar portion 24a are facing in the opposite direction to the connectors 1 on an adjacent bar 24b. An earthing trolley 31 or trolleys (not shown) may be located at convenient positions to connect the disconnected connectors 1 to. This will provide the needed visual physical break and also earth the bay 38.

Referring next to Figures 6 and 6a, a second configuration similar is shown to that of Figures 5 and 5a with connectors 1 on first bar portion 24a, and second bar portion 24b facing in the same direction. Again an earthing trolley 31 or trolleys (not shown) may be located at convenient positions to connect the disconnected connectors 1 to. This will provide the needed visual physical break and also earth the bay 38.

Referring next to Figures 7 and 7a, the connector 1 of the present invention is shown in use with the second electrical conductor 20 connected to an overhead line 37, although as is described above, in other embodiments the second electrical conductor 20 may be connected to a rigid busbar 36. As can be seen particularly in Figure 7a, the connector 1 is being held in position which provides easy access to the tensioning means 8 (for example the bolt head 8b shown) from the ground. Once un-tensioned by a hot stick, the power line 4a and connector 1 can be moved by the same or different hot stick to another connection. For example an earthing trolley 31 or trolleys (not shown) located at convenient positions on the ground to connect the disconnected connectors 1 to. This will provide the needed visual physical break and also earth the bay 38. Referring next to Figures 8 and 8a, the connector 1 is shown in a configuration which is suitable for use with a disconnecting circuit breaker (DCB). Again cnce un-tensioned by a hot stick, the power line 4a and connector 1 can be moved by the same or different hot stick to another connection. For example an earthing trolley 31 or trolleys (not shown) located at convenient positions on the ground to connect the disconnected connectors 1 to. This will provide the needed visual physical break and also earth the bay 38.

The present invention can also be supplied as a kit of parts to put the invention into effect either in the construction of new substations, or in the aftermarket fitment of the invention as a kit to existing substations.

Although this invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that modifications or improvements may be made thereto without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A high voltage electrical connector adapted in use to connect a first electrical

conductor to a second electrical conductor, said high voltage electrical connector comprising or including,

2. A connector as claimed in claim 1 wherein said tensioning means at least in part also defines said engaging aperture.

A connector as claimed in claim 1 or 2 where in said elongate second electrical connector can only be received into (or removed from) said engaging aperture from said lateral direction whether or not said engaging aperture has a whole or only partially closed periphery.

A connector as claimed in claim 3 wherein said engaging aperture has a closed said periphery at least when constricted.

A connector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said engaging aperture is substantially complimentary in shape to a cross-sectional shape of said second electrical conductor to be received therein, at least when constricted.

A connector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said engaging aperture has an internal contour as a keying means adapted to engage a complimentary portion of said second electrical conductor, to thereby substantially prevent rotation of said connector relative to said second electrical conductor.

7. A connector as claimed in claim 6 wherein said keying means and said complimentary portion co-operate to thereby substantially prevent rotation of said connector relative to said second electrical conductor.

A connector as claimed in either of claims 6 or 7 wherein when said engaging aperture is at least in part unconstricted said connector can rotate at least in part relative to said second electrical conductor, such that said keying means arid said complimentary portion co-operate upon said rotation to maintain an electrical engagement of the remainder of said engaging aperture and said complimentary portion.

A connector as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein said keying means is on said securing portion.

10. A connector as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9 where in said keying means is on a lower portion of said connector.

11. A connector as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 10 where in said keying means is a flat surface. 12. A connector as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 11 where in said keying means is at an angle to the horizontal when in use.

A connector as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 12 wherein, save for said keying means, a remainder of said engaging aperture is complimentary to a remainder of said second electrical conductor.

A connector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein said first electrical conductor connects to said connector at an angle to the vertical in use. 15. A connector as claimed in any one of claimed 1 to 14 wherein said tensioning means is a threaded member running between said body and said securing portion.

16. A connector as claimed in any one of claimed 1 to 15 wherein said tensioning means is accessible and actuable from a position beneath said connector in use.

17. A connector as claimed in any one of claimed 1 to 16 wherein said securing portion is a securing member which is pivotally connected to the body.

18. A connector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein said second electrical connector is electrically connected to a busbar.

19. A connector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein said body portion is hook shaped, and said securing portion substantially closes off said hook shape to form said engaging aperture.

20. A connector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 wherein said constriction and un- constriction is from relative movement of said securing portion to said body portion via said tensioning means.

A connector as claimed in any one of claimed 1 to 20 wherein said body includes a hooked portion which comprises a mouth or recess for receiving said second electrical conductor.

22. A high voltage electrical conductor adapted to engage a connector to form a

connection to a second electrical conductor, said high voltage electrical conductor comprising or including,

At least one elongate bar portion adapted to engage said connector to form an electrical and physical connection thereto, said at least one elongate bar portion having a first contoured surface and a second contoured surface to engage with said connector, and said at least one elongate bar increases in thickness toward a free end thereof to aid retention of said connector, and

A connecting portion to connect said electrical conductor to a busbar, wherein said first and second contoured surfaces interact with said connector to substantially prevent relative rotation thereof and increase electrical and physical contact between said connector and said electrical conductor to the extent there is relative rotation.

A conductor as claimed in claim 22 wherein said increase in thickness produces a lip which faces away from said free end.

A conductor as claimed in either of claims 22 or 23 where in said second contoured surface is a flat surface.

25. A connector as claimed in claim 24 where in said flat surface is on a lower part of said electrical conductor. 26. A connector as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 25 wherein there are two said

elongate bar portions, parallel to one another each extending away from said connecting portion.

27. A connector as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 26 wherein said first contoured

surface is a curved surface of substantially constant radius in cross-section through said at least one elongate bar portion.

28. A high voltage earthing trolley to provide an earth connection for a removable

connector connected to an electrical conductor, said earthing trolley comprising or including,

A body,

29. An earthing trolley as claimed in claim 28 wherein said at least one deployable ground engaging portion stabilises said trolley when deployed therefrom.

30. An earthing trolley as claimed in either of claims 28 or 29 wherein said at least one

ground engaging portion allows said earthing trolley to move over said ground.

31. An earthing trolley as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 30 wherein there is a plurality of said ground engaging portions.

32. An earthing trolley as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 31 wherein there is a plurality of said deployable ground engaging portions.

33. An earthing trolley as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 32 wherein there is a plurality of said elongate bar portions.

34. An earthing trolley as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 33 wherein said at least one ground engaging portion is a wheel. 35. A disconnectable high voltage electrical connection adapted in use to connect and disconnect a first electrical conductor to busbar, said high voltage electrical connection comprising or including,

A high voltage electrical connector having,

a tensioning means to constrict and un-constrict said engaging aperture, A high voltage second electrical conductor having,

a connecting portion to connect said electrical conductor to a busbar, wherein said elongate bar portion is received into or out of said engaging aperture in a direction lateral to said connector and when received therein said engaging aperture

substantially surrounds said elongate bar portion, and when so surrounded an electrical and physical connection, or disconnection, of said connector to said elongate bar portion is affected by said constriction or un-constriction.

36. A connection as claimed in claim 35 wherein said high voltage second electrical conductor may be present on any one or more of,

a. A busbar to conduct electricity to and from a bay of a substation, and b. An earthing trolley to earth said bay and to provide a visible physical disconnection of said connector from a live component.

37. A method of providing a disconnectable high voltage electrical connection between a first electrical conductor and a busbar, comprising or including the steps of

a. Providing a high voltage electrical connector having,

a tensioning means to constrict and un-constrict said engaging aperture, b. Providing a high voltage second electrical conductor having,

at least one elongate bar portion for said connector to engage to (or disengage from), said at least one elongate bar portion having a first contoured surface and a second contoured surface to engage with said engaging aperture, and said at least one elongate bar increases in thickness toward a free end thereof to aid retention of said connector, c. Connecting (or disconnecting) said connector from said second electrical

conductor by said elongate bar portion being received into or out of said engaging aperture in a direction lateral to said connector and when received therein said engaging aperture substantially surrounds said elongate bar portion, and when so surrounded an electrical and physical connection, or disconnection, of said connector to said elongate bar portion is affected by said constriction or un-constriction.

38. A method as claimed in claim 37 wherein a first said high voltage second electrical

conductor is provided on or connected to a busbar for transmission of electricity to or from a bay in a substation.

39. A method as claimed in claim 37 wherein said a second said high voltage second

electrical conductor may also be present on an earthing trolley.

40. A method as claimed in claim 39 wherein said high voltage electrical connector, when disconnected from said first high voltage second electrical conductor is connected to said second high voltage second electrical conductor on said earthing trolley to provide a an earthing and to provide visible physical disconnection of said connector from said busbar.

41. A kit of parts to provide disconnectable high voltage electrical connection adapted in use to connect and disconnect a first electrical conductor between a busbar and an earthing, said kit of parts comprising or including,

A high voltage electrical connector having,

42. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 41 wherein said earthing point is provided by an earthing trolley.

43. A high voltage electrical connector as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

44. A high voltage electrical conductor as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

45. A high voltage earthing trolley as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

46. A disconnectable high voltage electrical connection as herein described with

reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. An electrical connection system as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

A method of providing a disconnectable high voltage electrical connection as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

A kit of parts as herein described with reference to any one or more of the

accompanying drawings.