WO2014000145A1

WO2014000145A1 - A shutter system in a switchgear assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2014000145A1
Application number: PCT/CN2012/077446
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yang Zhang; Liqun Huang; Congming YAN
Original assignee: Abb Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2012-06-25
Filing date: 2012-06-25
Publication date: 2014-01-03
Also published as: CN104380552B; EP2865057A1; CN104380552A; EP2865057A4

Abstract

There is provided a shutter system in a switchgear assembly comprising a cable compartment configured to accommodate cables; a circuit breaker compartment configured to accommodate a circuit breaker; and a busbar compartment configured to accommodate a plurality of poles, wherein the shutter system comprises: a set of shutter plates (71, 72, 73, 74) configured to divide the circuit breaker compartment into a test position in which the circuit breaker is disconnected with extended portions of both the poles and the cables and a service position in which the circuit breaker is connectable with the extended portions of both the poles and the cables. Various embodiments of the present invention may improve and guarantee the safety of operators.

Description

A SHUTTER SYSTEM IN A SWITCHGEAR ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a switchgear assembly. Particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to a shutter system in an air insulated medium voltage switchgear assembly.

BACKGROUND OF NVENTION

[002] Currently, it is imperative to developing a low end, low cost medium voltage (thereafter referred to as "MV") switchgear assembly from marketing point of view.

[003] Typically, a switchgear assembly comprises a cable compartment, a circuit breaker compartment, a busbar compartment, a low voltage compartment and a compact gas duct channel arranged for safety purpose.

[004] In the typical switchgear assembly, a circuit breaker that can be accommodated within the circuit breaker compartment is configured to connect or disconnect cables extended from the cable compartment and poles extended from the busbar compartment. When there is a need to disconnect the circuit breaker and the busbars, for example, for maintenance and/or repairing purpose of the switchgear assembly, it is normally necessary to withdraw the circuit breaker from the circuit breaker compartment. However, it will be dangerous for the operators to directly access the inner of the circuit breaker compartment if he/she is not safely isolated from the cables and/or the poles.

[005] Currently, there is not a mechanism that can facilitate the connection and disconnection between the various compartments. Also, there is not a mechanism that can improve or guarantee the safety of the operators.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[006] One or more objects of various embodiments of the present invention include facilitating the connection and disconnection between the various compartments, improving and guaranteeing the safety of the operators and so on. [007] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shutter system in a switchgear assembly comprising a cable compartment configured to accommodate cables; a circuit breaker compartment configured to accommodate a circuit breaker; and a busbar compartment configured to accommodate a plurality of poles, wherein the shutter system comprises: a set of shutter plates configured to divide the circuit breaker compartment into a test position in which the circuit breaker is disconnected with extended portions of both the poles and the cables and a service position in which the circuit breaker is connectable with the extended portions of both the poles and the cables.

[008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein each of the set of shutter plates has a first edge and a second edge, and is rotatable such that it can open or close..

[009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first edge of at least one shutter plate is fixed to a respective axis and the second edge of the at least one shutter plate is rotatable about the respective axis, such that the at least one shutter plate is rotatable.

[010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first edge of at least one shutter plate is moveable along a first path and the second edge of the at least one shutter plate is moveable along a second path orthogonal to the first path, such that the at least one shutter plate is rotatable.

[011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, further comprising a respective guiding member corresponding to the each of the at least one shutter plate to facilitate the movement of the respective shutter plate, wherein the respective guiding member extends in both the first path and the second path.

[012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, The shutter system according to Claim 2, wherein each of the set of shutter plates is rotatable in a horizontal plane or a vertical plane..

[013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein each of the set of shutter plates is rotatable in a horizontal direction, the set of shutter plates comprise three first type of shutter plates, whose first edges are moveable along a first path and second edges are moveable along a second path orthogonal to the first path; and one second type of shutter plate, whose first edge is fixed to a respective axis and second edge is rotatable about the respective axis.

[014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein each of the set of shutter plates is rotatable in a vertical direction, the set of shutter plates comprises two shutter plates whose first edges are moveable along a first path and second edges are moveable along a second path orthogonal to the first path.

[015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein each of the set of shutter plates is linearly moveable such that it can open or close.

[016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the shutter system comprises a first casing part which surrounds the extended portion of the poles and a second casing part which surrounds the extended portion of the cables, and wherein the set of shutter plates are arranged on the first and second casing parts.

[017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the number of the set of shutter plates is three.

[018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the shutter system further comprises a lever and a linking member, and wherein the lever is pivotally connected at one end to the switchgear assembly and is connected at the other end to the linking member which links the set of shutter plates.

[019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the shutter system further comprises an elastic member to automatically make the shutter plates close.

[020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the shutter system further comprises an interlock member to prevent manual opening the shutter system by personal.

[021] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a switchgear assembly comprising the any one of the shutter systems as stated above.

[022] Other features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention would also be understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0231 The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description help to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[024] Figure 1 is a diagram which shows an exemplary switchgear assembly in which the shutter system according to one embodiment of the present invention can be practiced;

[025] Figure 2 is a diagram which shows the side sectional view of the switchgear assembly as shown in Figure 1 ;

[026] Figure 3 is a diagram which illustrates the front sectional view of the circuit breaker compartment of the switchgear assembly as shown in Figure 1 when the circuit breaker is at the test position;

[027] Figure 4 is a diagram which illustrates the front sectional view of the circuit breaker compartment of the switchgear assembly as shown in Figure 1 when the circuit breaker is at the service position;

[028] Figure 5 is a diagram which shows an exemplary bushing module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[029] Figure 6 is a diagram which shows an exemplary shutter system in a closed state according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[030] Figure 7 is a diagram which shows an exemplary shutter system in an open state according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[031] Figure 8 is a diagram which illustrates the overall process for inserting the circuit breaker into the CB compartment according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[032] Figure 9 is a diagram which shows a detailed construction of an exemplary shutter system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[033] Figure 10 is a diagram which shows a detailed construction of a guiding member of an exemplary shutter system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[034] Figures l l a-l l c are diagrams which show an operation process of the exemplary shutter system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[035] Figures 12a- 12c are diagrams which show an operation process of the exemplary shutter system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[036] Figure 13 is a diagram which shows an exemplary shutter system according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[037] Figure 14 is a diagram which shows a detailed construction of an elastic member of the exemplary shutter system according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[038] Figure 15 is a diagram which shows a side view of the exemplary shutter system according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and

[039] Figure 16 is a diagram which shows an exemplary shutter system according to a yet further embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[040] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[041] Figure 1 is a diagram which shows an exemplary switchgear assembly in which the shutter system according to one embodiment of the present invention can be practiced, and Figure 2 is a diagram which shows the side sectional view of the switchgear assembly as shown in Figure 1.

[042] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an embodiment of the present invention provides a switchgear assembly, comprising: a cable (CA) compartment configured to accommodate cables 10; a circuit breaker (CB) compartment arranged on top of the cable compartment and configured to accommodate a circuit breaker 20; a low voltage (LV) compartment arranged on the front top of the circuit breaker compartment and configured to control the switchgear; and a busbar (BB) compartment arranged on the rear top of the circuit breaker compartment and configured to accommodate a plurality of poles 30 (as shown in Figure 2), For clarity and ease of explanation, in the context of the specification, the direction from the CA compartment to CB compartment and then to BB compartment is called as a vertical direction. [043] The arrangement of BB compartment behind the LV compartment will help to improve the human safety. In this arrangement, the LV compartment may be accessible by an operator (for example for maintenance and control purpose) while the BB compartment will be separated away from the operator by the LV compartment and is non-accessible by the operator. Therefore, the arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention may guarantee the safety of an operator.

[044] However, it is understandable for those skilled in the art that although the LV compartment is arranged as above, other arrangements for the LV compartment is also acceptable and covered by the present invention. In other words, how to arrange the LV compartment will not affect the arrangement of the shutter system of according to the embodiments of the present invention.

[045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of poles 30 is connected with respective one of a plurality of busbars and is connectable with respective one of the cables 10 via the circuit breaker 20; and wherein the plurality of poles 30 are arranged such that they are separated with each other by a certain distance in a first horizontal direction defined from the front to the rear of the circuit breaker compartment.

[046] As shown in Figure 2, the number of poles 30 typically is three and corresponds to each phase of a three-phase power supply. Thus, there are typically three busbars connected with the poles 30. Of course, other number of poles is also applicable if necessary.

[047] It is noted that the term "first horizontal direction" in the context of the specification refers to a direction which is perpendicular to the above "vertical direction" and extends from the LV compartment to the BB compartment (or from the BB compartment to the LV compartment), as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[048] Further as shown in Figure 2, the poles may extend to the CB compartment to form extended portions and connect with the circuit breaker 20 therein. The circuit breaker 20 normally has corresponding number of connectors (for example three connection poles) for connecting with the poles extended from the BB compartment. At the other end of the circuit breaker, there is corresponding number of cables connected and thus the current may flow from the busbars received in the BB compartment to the cables in the CA compartment through the circuit breaker in the CB compartment. It is understandable that the cables may also extend to the circuit breaker compartment to form extended portions.

[049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 2, the plurality of poles 30 are arranged in a first horizontal direction rather than a vertical plane, such that the poles 30 may go straight from the busbar compartment to the circuit breaker compartment without any bending or direction conversion, and also, the poles 30 may be directly connectable with the circuit breaker without any other intermediate components (for example tee-off bars employed in some traditional switchgears). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bars (for example copper bars) are needed only for instruments transformers and cable connection.

[050] Of course, it is understandable that the embodiment as discussed above is only preferable and exemplary, and there may be any suitable components between the poles and the circuit breaker if necessary.

[051] It is further noted that arranging the poles in the first horizontal direction is only a preferred embodiment, and other arrangements may be possible, as long as the plurality of poles are separated by a certain distance in the first horizontal direction. For example, one of the plurality of the poles may be arranged higher or lower (in the vertical direction) than other poles, etc.

[052] Next, the inner structure of the CB compartment will be described in detail by reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[053] Figure 3 is a diagram which illustrates the front sectional view of the circuit breaker compartment of the switchgear assembly as shown in Figure 1 when the circuit breaker is at the test position (PI). Figure 4 is a diagram which illustrates the front sectional view of the circuit breaker compartment of the switchgear assembly as shown in Figure 1 when the circuit breaker is at the service position (P2).

[054] Referring to Figure 3, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the circuit breaker compartment comprises a test position (PI) in which the circuit breaker is disconnected with the extended portions of both the poles and the cables, and a service position (P2) in which the circuit breaker is connectable with the extended portions of both the poles and the cables, in a second horizontal direction which is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

[055] It is noted that the term "second horizontal direction" in the context of the specification is a direction which is perpendicular to both the first horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

[056] As shown in Figure 3, the CB compartment has a service position (P2) at the left and a test position (PI) at the right. In the test position (P I), the circuit breaker is disconnected with both the poles in the BB compartment and the cables (not shown in figure 3) in the CA compartment. When the circuit breaker is driven to move from the right to the left and reaches the service position (P2), as shown in Figure 4, it will connect the poles in the BB compartment to the cables in the CA compartment. Of course, according to another embodiment, it is understandable that the test position (PI) may be at the left side, while the service position (P2) may be at the right side.

[057] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, when disconnecting the poles 30 and the cables 10, it is unnecessary to completely withdraw the circuit breaker from the CB compartment according to the embodiments of the present invention. Instead, an operator may only need to move the circuit breaker from the left side to the right side (or from the right side to the left side), then the connections between the poles and the circuit breaker and between the circuit breaker and the cables will be shut off. Obviously, this will reduce the space occupation according to the embodiment of the invention.

[058] To facilitate the movement of the circuit breaker, there may be provided two sets of rails in the CB compartment. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first set of rails (not shown) are arranged in the second horizontal direction to enable the circuit breaker to slide between the test position and the service position, and a second set of rails 50 (as shown in Figure 7) are arranged in the first horizontal direction to enable the circuit breaker to slide into or out of the circuit breaker compartment. [059] Figure 5 is a diagram which shows an exemplary bushing module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[060] The bushing module is used for the insulting and support between the compartments. For example, when the housings of the switchgear assembly are made of metal, then there is a need to arrange insulting bushing modules between for example the poles and the cases, between the circuit breaker and the cases and between the cables and the cases. Of course, if the housings are made of insulting material, then the bushing modules are not needed.

[061] The bushing module is commercially available in the market. Normally, the commercially available bushing module is in an integrated form and can be used directly for the switchgear assembly according to embodiments of the invention.

[062] For further improving the safety for operators, it is preferable to create a separation between the test position (PI) and the service position (P2), such that when the circuit breaker moves from the test position (PI) to the service position (P2), the set of shutter plates open to allow passage of the circuit breaker, and when the circuit breaker moves from the service position (P2) to the test position, the set of shutter plates close to isolate the test position (PI) and the service position (P2) to guarantee the safety of operators.

[063] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shutter system in the switchgear assembly as stated above. As explained again, the switchgear assembly may comprise a cable (CA) compartment configured to accommodate cables; a circuit breaker (CB) compartment arranged on top of the cable (CA) compartment and configured to accommodate a circuit breaker; and a busbar (BB) compartment arranged on the top of the circuit breaker (CB) compartment and configured to accommodate a plurality of poles. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shutter system may comprise: a set of shutter plates 70 configured to divide the circuit breaker compartment into a test position in which the circuit breaker is disconnected with extended portions of both the poles and the cables and a service position in which the circuit breaker is connectable with the extended portions of both the poles and the cables.

[064] Figure 6 is a diagram which shows an exemplary shutter system in a closed state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [065] As shown in Figure 6, the shutter plates 70 are closed such that the test position (PI) and the service position (P2) are well isolated. Preferably, the shutter plates may be automatically closed when the circuit breaker leaves the service position. This will guarantee the safety for operators.

[066] Figure 7 is a diagram which shows an exemplary shutter system in an open state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[067] As shown in Figure 7, the shutter plates may be driven to open when the circuit breaker moves from the test position (PI) to the service position (P2).

[068] Figure 8 is a diagram which illustrates the overall process for inserting the circuit breaker into the CB compartment according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 8, the circuit breaker is first inserted into the test position along for example the second set of rails. When reaching a certain position, the circuit breaker is then driven to move to the service position along for example the first set of rails. With the movement of the circuit from the test position to the service position, the shutter plates are opened such that the circuit breaker can connect the poles in the BB compartment to the cables in the CA compartment. When withdrawn, the circuit breaker is first moved from the service position to the test position along for example the first set of rails (preferably the shutter plates will automatically close) and then can be withdrawn from the CB compartment along for example the second set of rails.

[069] The reference goes back to Figures 1 and 2. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the switchgear assembly may further comprises an arc duct 60 arranged at the back of at least one of the cable compartment, the circuit breaker compartment, and the busbar compartment, and arranged for internal arc classified switchgear and controlgear (IAC) application.

[070] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the circuit breaker compartment may be interlocked with at least one of the CA compartment, the BB compartment and the LV compartment such that the whole switchgear assembly can maintain stable and robust. Any known or to-be developed mechanism can be used to interlock the various compartments. [071] Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the switchgear assembly may be for example an air insulating medium voltage switchgear assembly.

[072] The switchgear assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention is designed to comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 62271-20 "LSC-2B" and "Partition Metallic".

[073] The construction or arrangements of the shutter systems according to various embodiments will be described in detail.

Embodiment 1

[074] According to an embodiment, each of the set of shutter plates has a first edge and a second edge, and is rotatable such that it can open or close. The rotatable shutter plates may be implemented in various ways.

[075] Figure 9 is a diagram which shows a detailed construction of an exemplary shutter system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[076] As shown in Figure 9, the first edge (for example the right edge 71 -1 in Figure 9) of one shutter plate 71 is fixed to an axis and its second edge (for example the left edge 71-2 in Figure 9) is rotatable about the axis, such that the shutter plate is rotatable.

[077] It is understandable for those skilled in the art that the shutter system may comprise only one shutter plate 71 functioning as a door. When pushed, the shutter plate 71 will rotate to open, and when the pushing force is removed, the shutter plate 71 will close, preferably automatically close. It is understandable that the shutter system may comprise two shutter plates 71 , one is rotatable about a left axis and the other one is rotatable about a right axis. It is further understandable that the shutter system may comprise a plurality of shutter plates 71 (for example three shutter plates corresponding to the three poles). Moreover, it is also feasible that the first edge may refer to the left edge 71-2 of the shutter plate 71, and the second edge may refer to the right edge 71 -1 of the shutter plate 71.

Embodiment 2

[078] According to another embodiment, as further shown in Figure 9, the first edge (for example the right edge 72-1 of the shutter plate 72 as shown in Figure 9) of at least one shutter plate is moveable along a first path (for example as indicated by 100-1 in Figure 10) and the second edge (for example the left edge 72-2 of the shutter plate 72 as shown in Figure 9) of the at least one shutter plate is moveable along a second path (for example as indicated by 100-2 in Figure 10) orthogonal to the first path, such that the at least one shutter plate is rotatable.

[079] Here, the "first path" may be arranged along one of the first horizontal direction and the second horizontal direction, and the "second path" may be arranged along the other one of the first horizontal direction and the second horizontal direction. In other words, the first path may be indicated by 100-2, and the second path may be indicated by 100-1.

[080] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shutter system may further comprise a respective guiding member 100 corresponding to the each of the at least one shutter plate 72 to facilitate the movement of the respective shutter plate, wherein the respective guiding member extends in both the first path 100-1 and the second path 100-2.

[081] The guiding member 100 may be rails or slots and those skilled in the art may employ a suitable form according to the actual requirement. Figure 10 is a diagram which shows a detailed construction of a guiding member 100 of an exemplary shutter system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[082] As shown in Figure 10, the guiding member 100 is a slot form and is L-shaped to provide the first path 100-1 and the second path 100-2, such that two edges of the shutter plate may move along two orthogonal directions.

[083] It is understandable for those skilled in the art that the shutter system may comprise only one shutter plate 72. When the one shutter plate 72 is moved, the shutter plate will rotate to open, and when the moving force is removed, the shutter plate will close, preferably automatically close. It is further understandable that the shutter system may comprise a plurality of shutter plates 72 (for example three shutter plates corresponding to the three poles).

[084] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shutter system further comprises a lever 40 (as shown in Figures 7 and 9) and a linking member 80 (as shown in Figure 9), and the lever 40 is pivotally connected at one end to the switchgear assembly and is connected at the other end to the linking member 80 which links the set of shutter plates.

[085J As shown in Figure 9, one end of the level 40 is pivotally connected to a certain position of the casing of the circuit breaker compartment, and the other end thereof is connected to a slidable bar 80 such that rotation of the lever 40 may drive the movement of the bar 80. The bar 80 is in turn connected with one edge of each of the at least one shutter plates 72 such that the movement of the bar 80 will drive the rotation of the shutter plates 72.

[086] Although the above lever 40 and linking member 80 are described with respect to the type of shutter plates 72, those skilled in the art may also design suitable lever 40 and/or linking member 80 to drive the rotation the shutter plate 71. The detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[087] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shutter system further comprises an elastic member to automatically make the shutter plates close.

[088] Although not shown in Figure 9, there may be arranged an elastic member (for example a spring or any other suitable elastic components) to push or pull the linking member back to the original position, such that the shutter plates may close automatically once the circuit breaker returns from the service position to the test position.

Embodiment 3

[089] The embodiment 3 is a combination of Embodiments 1 and 2. In particular, the set of shutter plates comprises shutter plates as described in embodiment 2 (first type of shutter plate) and shutter plates as described in embodiment 1 (second type of shutter plates). According to the description above, the first and second edges of each of the first type of shutter plates are moveable along the first path and the second path, respectively; and first edge of each of the second type of shutter plates is fixed to an axis and the second edge of each of the second type of shutter plates is rotatable about the axis.

[090] Figures l la-l l c are diagrams which show an operation process of the exemplary shutter system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[091] As shown in Figures l l a-l lc, the numbers of the first and second types of shutter plates are three and one, respectively. When the lever 40 is forced to rotate clockwise, it drives the linking member 80 to slide, which in turn drives the three first type of shutter plates to move along the guiding members (for example slots) arranged on the upper and lower surfaces of the CB compartment. Meanwhile, the one second type of shutter plate is forced to open by the movement of the circuit breaker. Further, when the circuit breaker is moved away from the service position, all of the shutter plates can be reset to the original position by an elastic member (for example a spring).

[092] According to an embodiment of the present invention, preferably, first and second edges of the shutter plates may have a protuberance and a recess which match with each other. In particular, when the shutter plates are closed, the protuberance of one shutter plate will extend to the recess of its enamoring shutter plate. Preferably, the protuberances and recesses are arranged at middle of the edges of the shutter plates such that interferences between the shutter plates and the extended portions of cables and poles can be prevented.

[093] From the above description, it can be seen that all the shutter plates are rotatable in a horizontal plane. Here, it should be understandable that the term "horizontal plane" is a plane that is orthogonal to the vertical direction as described above. In other words, for shutter plate 71 , it rotates about the its edge 71-1 which extends in the vertical direction, and for the shutter plates 72, they rotate about their respective axis VA (as indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 10) which also extend in the vertical direction. Here, different with the edge 71-1 , the axis VA is a virtual axis as indicated in Figure 10. Embodiment 4

[094] According to another embodiment, the shutter plate may also rotate in the vertical plane and the number of the shutter plates may be two, wherein first edges of the two shutter plates are moveable along a first path and second edges of the two shutter plates are moveable along a second path orthogonal to the first path. [095] Figures 12a- 12b are diagrams which show an operation process of the exemplary shutter system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[096] As shown in Figures 12a- 12b, the two shutter plates 73 are arranged up and down. The upper edge 73-1 of the upper shutter plate and the lower edge 73-1 of the lower shutter plate may move along their respective horizontal paths 110-1 , and the lower edge 73-2 of the upper shutter plate and the upper edge 73-2 of the lower shutter plate may move along their respective vertical path 1 10-2 in opposite directions.

[097] Here, the "horizontal path" may be arranged along the second horizontal direction, and the "vertical path" may be arranged along the vertical direction as stated above.

[098] Although the horizontal path 1 10-1 as shown in Figures 12a-12b extends toward the test position, it is also feasible that the horizontal path 1 10-1 extends oppositely, i.e. towards the service position.

[099] It can be seen that the term "vertical plane" may be a plane which is orthogonal to the axis HA as shown in Figure 12c. From Figure 12c, it is clear that when edges of the upper shutter plate 73 move along their respective paths, the upper shutter plate 73 may rotate about an horizontal axis HA which extends in the first horizontal direction. Similarly, the lower shutter plate 73 may also rotate about another horizontal axis HA (not shown).

[0100] Similarly to the previous embodiment, the shutter system further comprises a respective guiding member 1 10 corresponding to the each of the set of shutter plates to facilitate the movement of the respective shutter plate, wherein the respective guiding member 110 extends in both the first path 1 10-1 and the second path 1 10-2.

[0101] The guiding member 1 10 may be rails or slots and those skilled in the art may employ suitable form according to the actual requirement.

[0102] Slightly different with the L-shaped slot as shown in Figure 10, the guiding member 1 10 as shown in Figures 12a- 12c is a U-shaped slot. Apparently, the U shaped slot may be regarded as a combination of two L shaped slots.

[0103] It is understandable for those skilled in the art that according to embodiment 4, the shutter system may comprise only one shutter plate. [0104] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shutter system further comprises a lever 40 and a linking member 80, and wherein the lever 40 is pivotally connected at one end to the switchgear assembly and is connected at the other end to the linking member 80 which links the set of shutter plates 73.

[0105] As shown in Figure 12a-12c, the linking member 80 may link the upper edge 73-1 of the upper shutter plate and the lower edge 73-1 of the lower shutter plate.

[0106] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shutter system may further comprise an elastic member (not shown) to automatically make the shutter plates close.

Embodiment 5

[0107] Embodiment 5 is similar to embodiment 1 and the only different is that, in embodiment 5, the shutter plate may be rotatable about an upper and/or lower axis.

[0108] Further, it is understandable that a shutter system in embodiment 5 may be combined with a shutter system in embodiment 4.

Embodiment 6

[0109] In the previous embodiments, all the shutter plates are rotatable. Embodiment 6 will describe a different shutter system.

[0110] Figure 13 is a diagram which shows an exemplary shutter system according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] As shown in Figure 13, the shutter plate of the shutter system is linearly moveable such that it can open or close.

[0112] The linearly moveable shutter plates may be implemented in various ways.

[0113] For example, the shutter system may comprise a plate which divides the CB compartment into the test position and the service position. The plate may comprise fixed portions and slidable portions, and in turn the slidable portions may be linearly moved to be hidden behind the fixed portions such that there are holes on the plate.

[0114] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shutter system comprises a first casing part CI which surrounds the extended portion of the poles and a second casing part C2 which surrounds the extended portion of the cables, and wherein the set of shutter plates are arranged on the first and second casing parts.

[0115] As further shown in Figure 13, the first casing part CI is arranged on top of the CB compartment and surrounds the extended portion of the poles extended from the BB compartment, and the second casing C2 is arranged on bottom of the CB compartment and surrounds the extended portion of the cables extended from the CA compartment. It is apparent that the safety of operators can be guaranteed because the poles and cables are isolated from them.

[0116] It is understandable that the first casing part CI and the second casing part C2 may be separated or connected with each other.

[0117] Figure 14 is a diagram which shows a detailed construction of the exemplary shutter system according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] As shown in Figure 14, the casing part may be any shape that is adapted for shape of the extended portion of the poles or cables. The shutter plate 74 is arranged on the casing part and is moveable such that it can be hidden behind the fixed part of the casing part.

[0119] Similar to the previous embodiments, the shutter system as shown in Figure 14 may further comprise a lever 40 and a linking member 80, and wherein the lever 40 is pivotally connected at one end to the switchgear assembly and is connected at the other end to the linking member 80 which links the shutter plates.

[0120] Figure 15 is a diagram which shows a detailed construction of an elastic member of the exemplary shutter system according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] As shown in Figure 15, there may be arranged an elastic member 90 (for example a spring or any other suitable elastic components) to push or pull the linking member 80 back to the original position, such that the shutter plates may close automatically once the circuit breaker returns from the service position to the test position.

[0122] It is noted that the shutter plates should have minimum contacts with the fixed portion of the casing part so as to reduce the friction force and improving the smoothing movement of the shutter plates.

Embodiment 7

[0123] The embodiments 1-6 are described with respect to a certain switchgear assembly as described in preceding paragraphs. However, the shutter system according to various embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in any other suitable switchgear assembly.

[0124] Figure 16 is a diagram which shows an exemplary switchgear assembly in which the shutter system according to various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented.

[0125] As shown in Figure 16, the switchgear assembly may also comprises a first casing part CI and a second casing part C2 which have the same function as those shown in Figure 13. The switchgear assembly in Figure 16 is different from the switchgear assembly as described in the preceding paragraphs in that when inserted into the circuit breaker compartment, the circuit breaker will directly connect with the extended portions of both the poles and the cables, without a further movement from the left to the right (or from the right to the left). Thus, the application of shutter plates according to various embodiments of the present invention is not limited to a certain type of switchgear assembly and is feasible to any switchgear assembly.

[0126] In the above various embodiments, the circuit breaker may have a certain portion, for example a protuberance portion, for driving the rotation of the lever. For example, when the circuit breaker moves, the protuberance portion may force the lever to have a rotation, which in turn drives the linking member to open the shutter plates, such that the circuit breaker may connect the poles and the cables. It is further understandable that the lever may be operated by operators manually or driven by motor and so on.

[0127] Preferably, the shutter systems according to various embodiments may a set of mechanical interlock (not shown) to prevent manual opening the shutter by personal. The mechanical interlock may by any known or to-be developed mechanism that can interlock the shutter.

[0128] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a switchgear assembly comprising any of the previously described shutter system.

[0129] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these embodiments of the invention pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A shutter system in a switchgear assembly comprising a cable compartment configured to accommodate cables; a circuit breaker compartment configured to accommodate a circuit breaker; and a busbar compartment configured to accommodate a plurality of poles, wherein the shutter system comprises:

a set of shutter plates (71, 72, 73, 74) configured to divide the circuit breaker compartment into a test position in which the circuit breaker is disconnected with extended portions of both the poles and the cables and a service position in which the circuit breaker is connectable with the extended portions of both the poles and the cables.

2. The shutter system according to Claim 1 , wherein each of the set of shutter plates (71, 72, 73) has a first edge (71-1 , 72-1, 73-1) and a second edge (71 -2, 72-2, 73-2), and is rotatable such that it can open or close.

3. The shutter system according to Claim 2, wherein the first edge (71-1) of at least one shutter plate (71) is fixed to a respective axis and the second edge (71-2) of the at least one shutter plate (71) is rotatable about the respective axis, such that the at least one shutter plate (71) is rotatable.

4. The shutter system according to Claim 2, wherein the first edge (72-1, 73-1) of at least one shutter plate (72, 73) is moveable along a first path (100-1, 110-1) and the second edge (72-2, 72-3) of the at least one shutter plate (72, 73) is moveable along a second path (100-2, 1 10-2) orthogonal to the first path (100-1, 1 10-1), such that the at least one shutter plate is rotatable.

5. The shutter system according to Claim 4, further comprising a respective guiding member (100, 110) corresponding to the each of the at least one shutter plate (72, 73) to facilitate the movement of the respective shutter plate (72, 73), wherein the respective guiding member (100, 1 10) extends in both the first path (100-1, 110-1) and the second path (100-2, 110-2).

6. The shutter system according to Claim 2, wherein each of the set of shutter plates (71, 72, 73) is rotatable in a horizontal plane or a vertical plane.

7. The shutter system according to Claim 6, wherein each of the set of shutter plates (71, 72) is rotatable in a horizontal direction, the set of shutter plates ( 71 , 72 ) comprise three first type of shutter plates (72), whose first edges (72-1) are moveable along a first path (100-1) and second edges (72-2) are moveable along a second path (100-2) orthogonal to the first path (100-1); and one second type of shutter plate (71), whose first edge (71-1) is fixed to a respective axis and second edge (71-2) is rotatable about the respective axis.

8. The shutter system according to Claim 6, wherein each of the set of shutter plates (73) is rotatable in a vertical plane, the set of shutter plates (73) comprises two shutter plates whose first edges (73-1) are moveable along a first path (110-1) and second edges (73-2) are moveable along a second path (1 10-2) orthogonal to the first path (110-1).

9. The shutter system according to Claim 1, wherein each of the set of shutter plates (74) is linearly moveable such that it can open or close.

10. The shutter system according to Claim 9, wherein the shutter system comprises a first casing part (CI) which surrounds the extended portion of the poles and a second casing part (C2) which surrounds the extended portion of the cables, and wherein the set of shutter plates (74) are arranged on the first (CI) and second casing parts (C2).

1 1. The shutter system according to Claim 9, wherein the number of the set of shutter plates (74) is three.

12. The shutter system according to any one of Claims 1-11 , wherein the shutter system further comprises a lever (40) and a linking member (80), and wherein the lever (40) is pivotally connected at one end to the switchgear assembly and is connected at the other end to the linking member (80) which links the set of shutter plates (71 , 72, 73, 74).

13. The shutter system according to any one of Claims 1-11, wherein the shutter system further comprises an elastic member (90) to automatically make the shutter plates ( 71, 72, 73, 74 ) close.

14. The shutter system according to any one of Claims 1-11, wherein the shutter system further comprises an interlock member to prevent manual opening the shutter system by personal.

15. A switchgear assembly comprising the shutter system according to any one of claims 1-14.