ALIGNMENT DEVICE FOR MODULAR ENERGY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to devices used while energy distribution modules are coupled to each other while energy distribution lines are installed in facilities.

The present invention more particularly relates to a method ensuring the alignment of modules as they are coupled to each other and to a device whereby this method is implemented.

Prior Art

Compact and modular energy distribution systems known as the bus-bar, bus-ay, etc. are frequently used in electricity distribution systems nowadays. The compactness is provided by maintaining the insulated phase conductors in the distribution line as close to each other as to provide a contact there between and by avoiding any occurrence of air gap in the joint points.

While said modular energy distribution systems are installed, two or more distribution modules are coupled end to end and an alignment operation is performed.

The flawless performance of said alignment operation is quite crucial in allowing the modular distribution systems to conduct energy distribution, the principle task thereof indeed, with the lowest loss possible.

While energy lines of modular energy distribution systems are assembled in buildings, they are installed by coupling together the modules end-to-end. Modules which are coupled end-to-end are fastened to each other by means of bolts and nuts. During this operation, all modules must be on the same direction with the modules to which they are to be coupled along the line.

The fact that the modules are of heavy weight avoids the ideal alignment thereof in the alignment methods according to the prior art.

Another fact that the location wherein the assembly operations are made is relatively constricted, i.e. narrow, brings about difficulties to the workers as they try to perform a smooth alignment operation.

In said systems, the correct performance of alignment depends on the knowledge and skill of the ^' respective worker, and even a misalignment of several em's as a result of personal carelessness avoids the smooth performance of assembly.

Similarly, reflecting the wall obliqueness to modules in suspension systems further prevents the achievement of an ideal alignment.

The worst influence of alignment problem is the increase of transition resistance of superimposed bus-bars as they conduct electricity to each other. It is a requirement that electricity-conducting rectangular cross-sectioned bus-bars lean against each other through a certain surface area, so that one module conducts electricity to the next one via this mutually-resting surface area. This area is reduced if it is failed to provide a satisfactory alignment, leading to an increase in the resistance of system.

Increasing resistance brings about heat formation, this fact causing short-circuit events to occur which emerge in the form of explosions.

Similarly, after the fastening is completed of modules of which the alignment is not made adequately, the coupling points must be sealed against external factors, but since the side covers of misaligned modules can not be fit properly into their places, sealing- related problems are faced.

The causes pointed out above lead to extra labour for the assembly operation and the assembly period is prolonged.

In the US patent application US4705480 according to the prior art, a conductive pin is fixed on the bus-bar and is plugged to a pluggable connector provided on the next busbar so as to result in the coupling of two modules.

In the European patent application EP1465292, the coupling at the ends of bus-bars is achieved by means of a hollow clamping means.

Because of the drawbacks specified above, a novelty is sought for in alignment methods for modular energy distribution systems.

Description of Invention

According to the state of art as disclosed above, the objective of the present invention is to provide a structure eliminating said disadvantages.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a structure, which allows to succeed the alignment operation ideally even in the worst condition.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide much more reliable compact energy distribution systems.

Yet a further objective of the present invention is to provide a structure, which allows to make the assembly operation faster as compared to the methods of the prior art.

Still a further objective of the present invention is to avoid the occurrence of any unwanted increase in resistance thanks to smoothly performing the alignment operation.

Still another objective of the present invention is to ensure maximum efficiency for the energy distribution operation due to the lack of resistance increase.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a structure, which allows to fit the side covers of modules in a complete sealing manner thanks to the correct alignment of modules, and thus to prevent any sealing problem.

Yet a further objective of the present invention is to prevent the occurrence of overheating resulting from increasing resistance, and to avoid the occurrence of any subsequent associated short circuits.

Still a further objective of the present invention is to provide a structure, which does not render the accuracy of the crucial alignment operation during assembly dependant to the initiative of worker and eliminates any extra labour cost.

In order to achieve said objectives, an alignment protrusion is provided on the structure, as well as an alignment tunnel is disposed to house said alignment protrusion.

Description of Figures

Figure 1 is an illustration of the alignment device according to the present invention for use in energy distribution systems.

Figure 2 is an illustration of the subject alignment device in disassembled form for use in energy distribution systems.

Figure 3 is an illustration of the subject alignment device in assembled form in energy distribution systems.

Figure 4 is a top illustration of the subject alignment device for use in energy distribution systems.

Reference Numbers

1. Energy distribution module

2. Intermediary coupling module 2.1 Alignment protrusion

3. Second intermediary coupling module 3.1 Alignment slot

Detailed Description of invention

The present invention relates to a device which provides the alignment of energy distribution modules while they are coupled to each other during the installation of energy distribution lines in facilities.

Figure 1 illustrates the alignment device according to the present invention for use in energy distribution systems.

The device according to the present invention is composed of the following main components: energy distribution module (1) used in distributing energy, at least one intermediary coupling module (2) which connects two successive energy distribution modules (1) together both mechanically and electrically, at least one alignment protrusion (2.1) in contact with said intermediary coupling module, at least one second intermediary coupling module (3) in contact with the energy distribution module (1) at the opposite side of said intermediary coupling module (2), and at least one alignment slot (3.1) disposed on the second intermediary coupling module (3) into which said alignment protrusion (2.1) is seated.

An alignment slot (3.1) is formed in the form of a female recess on the second intermediary coupling module (3), which is used for the relative alignment of said energy distribution modules (1) as they are coupled to each other. Said alignment slot (3.1) is disposed on the second intermediary coupling module (3) and preferably on the tip central part thereof. Said second intermediary coupling module (3) is in contact with the energy distribution module (1).

Correspondingly, an alignment protrusion (2.1) is formed on the intermediary coupling module (2) which is in contact with the next energy distribution module (1) to be coupled. Said alignment protrusion (2.1) is disposed on the intermediary coupling module (2.2) and preferably on the tip central part thereof.

Said alignment protrusion (2.1) and alignment slot (3.1) have identical diameters.

The tip of the intermediary coupling module (2) of said energy distribution module (1) is pushed to the tip of the second intermediary coupling module (3) of the next energy distribution module, thereafter said alignment protrusion (2.1) is fit into said alignment slot (3.1) and secured by means of a bolt.

The alignment protrusion (2.1) and the alignment slot (3.1) of the same diameter and of the same horizontal axis are coupled to each other so that the alignment is provided in an accurate manner. In this manner, the successive modules (2,3) coupled to each other are avoided from dislocating to the left/right and are situated at where they should be.

The protection scope of this application is set forth in the following claims and should not be restricted to the disclosures given above for illustrative purposes only. It is obvious that a person skilled in the relevant art can produce the currently-disclosed novelty by making use of similar embodiments and/or can apply the disclosure to other fields with similar purposes in the relevant technique. Therefore such embodiments shall obviously lack the novelty criterion.