Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mechanism developed for performing the tasks of opening and closing switches at high voltage and high amperage ratings and grounding for use in products known as disconnectors employed in mains power lines.

Prior Art

In high-voltage systems, there are three main states required for switching the circuit on and off: loaded state, open circuit (idling) and short circuit (fault). The most important of them is switching the circuit on in case of fault. High-voltage power switches used for switching the circuit on and off are divided into two as disconnectors and circuit breakers. Disconnectors disconnect the current in the line and switch on the circuit in no-load state. They cannot perform switch on/off maneuvering when there is a current in the transmission line, which means they cannot break the current. Disconnectors switch on the circuit in no-load state in order to isolate the circuit and ensure safe operation. Disconnectors are also used for system maintenance, renewal and current routing, as necessary. Disconnectors are typically used together with circuit breakers. In order to perform maintenance in a faulty system, the circuit breaker is opened first to break the current. Some switch equipment may still be under load when the circuit breaker is opened. For this reason, disconnectors on both ends of the circuit breaker need to be opened to fully isolate the circuit and safely perform maintenance. Regular disconnectors do not open under load. If opened under load, the arc generated between contacts damages the contacts. In medium and high-voltage systems, disconnector is a switching device which can switch the circuit on and off in no-load state and provide a visual isolating distance in the open position. Disconnectors separate the different sections of the facility to ensure safe maintenance and control. Moreover, they are used for preparing the switch on/off maneuvers of systems with multiple main busbars and connecting such systems. Disconnectors cannot be used to switch the circuit on or off when current is flowing, or in a loaded state. A disconnector is typically composed of a frame, post insulators, fixed contacts, moving contacts, a mechanical assembly, a locking mechanism and springs. Frame is the profile section to which insulators and the switch on/off mechanism is assembled. Post insulators are used to couple fixed and moving contacts and are insulated from the live section and ground. There are six of them, whereby outdoor disconnectors are made of porcelain, while indoor disconnector are made of porcelain or epoxy resin. There are three fixed contacts, one for each phase. They do not move during switch on/off. These contacts are made of electrolytic copper with a cross-section suitable for rated current and short circuit current ratings. Moving contacts are moved by the motion mechanism during switch on/off. They couple with fixed contact during switch off to close the circuit. Moving contacts are also made of electrolytic copper.

Today, various mechanisms are used in products employed as disconnectors in the mains power lines. Depending on the type of disconnector, these mechanisms typically perform the switching on, switching off and grounding operations over a single shaft or two shafts. Mechanisms, especially those performing these three tasks with a single shaft are designed by the manufacturer so that the angle of motion of the mechanism is based on the contact positions inside the disconnector. This makes the mechanism specifically aligned with the angle of the disconnectors and contacts in question. Due to the limitations of the mechanism, it is difficult to employ the structure inside the disconnector or the mechanism in different types of disconnectors. The mechanism needs to be redesigned when contact positions and angles change. Moreover, switch on/off spring of mechanisms is installed concurrently during the set-up. If no sequential operation is performed by accident, the release of both loaded springs at the same time leads to damage and reduced operating life of mechanism.

Various studies have been conducted to improve the performance and structure of disconnectors. One such study is the patent application no. TR 2019/15175, titled “Epoxy Disconnector”. Said invention relates to an epoxy disconnector which switches high voltage in electric distribution network, breaks high voltage in electrical faults for safety of life and materials and prevents potential accidents caused by faults, and ensures protection and switching in the high-voltage electric distribution network, comprising an epoxy bottom tube and epoxy top tube, which house disconnector materials and perform, after engagement, electrical disconnection and breaking operations by way of the SF6 gas they contain; a joint motion shaft, which operates in connection with the mechanism attached to the epoxy disconnector and engages and disengages electricity by way of the attached in-tube motion shaft; an in-tube contact motion joint, which guides the moving contact group and performs electrical on/off movement by turning the rotary motion transmitted by the mechanism to the joint motion shaft into linear motion; a fixed contact group, which guides the moving contact group and ensures that the moving contact group moves along the fixed contact group to perform the on/off operation; a bottom fixed contact copper, which the moving contact group joins to be put into closed position and moves along to encapsulate and complete the circuit; a disconnector ground bottom copper, which contains the section of the circuit transmitted over the ground line and grounds the non-energized section of the line after the circuit is switched on; a moving contact group, which blows the pressurized SF6 gas inside that is kept inside the epoxy bottom tube and epoxy top tube while engaging and disengaging the high-voltage power system to the contacts during contact opening and closing to put out a potential arc; a fixed ground copper, which constitutes the ground line section inside the disconnector tube and couples with grounding switch to ground the circuit; a ground motion shaft, which transmits the ground on/off motion from the mechanism to grounding components; a link collection copper, which serves as a bridge between the existing and future transmission contacts; contact link 1 and contact link 2, which are formed by contact coppers’ clustering together on the link collection copper, enable intertwining and separation motion and ensure perfect and continuous transmission without electrical resistance in every motion; and a moving ground copper, which grounds the open system with the rotary motion transmitted by the ground motion shaft.

Another study is the patent application no. EP2242891 B1 , titled “Electromechanical Device for Locking/Releasing a Mechanism for the Manual Operation of an Actuation Shaft, Particularly of an Electrical Disconnector”. The invention relates to an electromechanical device for locking/releasing a mechanism for the manual operation of an actuation shaft, particularly of an electric disconnector, which comprises a detent for locking the rotation of the actuation shaft, which can perform a translational motion with respect to it in order to engage therein, so as to lock its rotation, and disengage from it, in contrast with elastic means for return, so as to free its rotation. The device comprises an electrical contactor with a movable element, which is coupled in a cam-like arrangement to the detent and is adapted to be arranged, with respect to said detent, in two alternative configurations, respectively a configuration for preventing and a configuration for enabling the disengagement of the detent from the actuation shaft, in order to prevent or release its rotation. In conclusion, the need for a mechanism that will eliminate the drawbacks experienced in prior art and the shortcomings in existing solutions to the problems have necessitated improvement in the related technical field.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mechanism developed for performing the tasks of opening and closing switches at high voltage and high amperage ratings and grounding for use in products known as disconnectors employed in mains power lines, which satisfies the requirements listed above, eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art while bringing new benefits to the technical field.

Based on the findings of the prior art, the object of the invention is to ensure customizable positioning of all internal parts of every mechanism around the hub, due to the structure and design of the hub of the mechanism.

Another object of the invention is to ensure horizontal and vertical operation of the mechanism due to customizable positioning of all internal parts of every mechanism around the hub.

Another object of the invention is to ensure avoidance of damage to parts even if a faulty operation is performed on the mechanism due to a failure to drop the load on opening spring before dropping the load on closing spring when the mechanism is assembled.

Another object of the invention is to prevent reduction in the operating life of the mechanism due to sequential release of assembled and loaded springs.

The below drawings and the detailed description set out with reference to the accompanying drawings provide for a clearer understanding of the structural and characteristic properties and all benefits of the present invention; therefore, the evaluation needs to take these drawings and the detailed description into account.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The description needs to be read in conjunction with the below drawings for a better understanding of the configuration of the present invention and the benefits it provides together with additional elements. Figure 1 is a schematic overview of the disconnector, door and mechanism in assembled form.

Figure 2 is a schematic overview of the mechanism.

Figure 3 is a schematic overview of the mechanism from a different angle.

Figure 4 is a schematic side overview of the mechanism.

Figure 5 is a schematic overview of the mechanism output shaft.

Figure 6 is a schematic top overview of the mechanism.

Figure 7 is a schematic overview of the hub of the mechanism in assembled form.

Figure 8 is a schematic overview of the interior of the mechanism.

Figure 9 is a schematic overview of the exterior of the disassembled inner hub.

Figure 10 is a schematic overview of the interior of the disassembled inner hub.

List of Reference Numerals

100. Mechanism

101. Mimic

102. Motor

103. Coil trip lever

104. Cam switch

105. Closing trip shaft

106. Opening trip shaft

107. Mechanism engagement shaft

108. Mechanism ground shaft

109. Mechanism output shaft

110. Motor engagement gear

111. Manual engagement safety gear

112. Mechanism lock hub

113. Closing spring

114. Mechanism hub

115. Motor engagement nose

116. Mechanism engagement cam

117. Hub motion link

118. Mechanism safety link

119. Opening spring 120. Ground spring

121. Ground hub

122. Door lock

123. Mimic motion link

124. Mechanism stopper assembly

125. Ground hub motion link

126. Inner hub lock

127. Inner hub

128. Mechanism hub stopper

129. Engagement barrier plate

200. Door

300. Disconnector

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order to facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, this detailed description demonstrates the mechanism (100) according to the invention in a non-limiting manner as an illustrative example, wherein said mechanism (100) is developed for performing the tasks of opening and closing switches at high voltage and high amperage ratings and grounding for use in products known as disconnectors (300) employed in mains power lines.

As shown in Figure 1 , the mechanism (100) according to the invention is characterized by both horizontal and vertical use. When the mechanism (100) is assembled, the load on opening spring (119) cannot be dropped before dropping the load on closing spring (113), which ensures avoidance of damage to parts even if a faulty operation is performed on the mechanism (100). Sequential energy release of assembled and loaded springs ensures avoidance of reduced operating life of the mechanism (100). As shown in Figure 2, the position of the mechanism (100) can be visually inspected thanks to the mimic (100) placed to receive position information of said mechanism (100). Motor (102), which engages the mechanism (100) is placed above said mimic (101 ). As shown in Figure 3, a cam switch (104) connected to mechanism hub (114) by a link electrically transmits the closed position of the mechanism (100). The mechanism (100) can be electrically switched to open position by means of the coil trip lever (103). The closing trip shaft (105) shown in Figure 4 locks the mechanism hub (114). An opening trip shaft (106) is positioned to lock the inner hub (127). A mechanism engagement shaft (107) is provided to perform the engagement operation, while a mechanism ground shaft (108) is provided to put the mechanism (100) into ground position. The mechanism output shaft (109) shown in Figure 5 transmits the motion at the output of the mechanism (100). The motor engagement gear (100) shown in Figure 6, which is required by the motor (102) to engage the mechanism (100), stops the rotation of the mechanism engagement shaft (107) by its geometric design even if the motor (102) continues to operate after the engagement operation and ensures there is no mechanical difficulties with the mechanism (100). A manual engagement safety gear (111 ) is provided to both prevent potential accidents during manual engagement and ensure easy motor (102) engagement. The mechanism hub lock (112) shown in Figure 7 locks the mechanism hub (114) positioned for locking the mechanism (100). A motor engagement nose (115) is provided to ensure said motor (102) performs the engagement operation. A mechanism engagement cam (116) is provided so that both manual and motor (102) moves the mechanism hub (114) for engagement to take place. The motion of said mechanism engagement cam (116) is transmitted to the mechanism hub (114) by means of a hub motion link (117) and reengagement is avoided after engagement of the mechanism (100). The ground hub (121 ) shown in Figure 8 moves by the motion transmitted by the ground shaft to put the mechanism (100) into ground position, thereby opening or closing the door lock (122). A mechanism stopper assembly (124) is provided to keep the mechanism output shaft (109) in correct position. An engagement barrier plate (129) blocks reengagement when the mechanism (100) is in closed position. The mechanism (100) shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10 comprises an inner hub (127) to open the mechanism (100), and an inner hub lock (126) to lock the inner hub (127). Moreover, a mechanism hub stopper (128) is provided to hold the mechanism hub (114) free from impact.

The said mechanism output shaft (109) is a single shaft that can take three different positions, namely closed, open and ground positions. The mechanism (30) is engaged by way of the mechanism engagement shaft (107). While the mechanism engagement shaft (107) is used for actuation, the mechanism engagement cam (116) on the mechanism output shaft (109) rotates by its geometric design and thrusts the hub motion link (117). The hub motion link (117) is attached to the mechanism hub (114). The mechanism hub (114) moves to engage both the closing spring (114) and the opening spring (119). Even if engagement is interrupted by manual engagement safety gear (111 ) and mechanism safety link (118), springs remain in semi-loaded condition so that the manual engagement operator can easily resume the operation. The manual engagement safety gear (111 ) prevents the sudden release of springs and transmission of reverse motion to the operator. After the engagement is completed, the mechanism hub lock (112) and inner hub lock (126) moves to lock the inner hub (127) and the mechanism hub (114). This ensures engagement of both the closing spring (113) and the opening spring (119). If the mechanism engagement shaft (107) is continued to be rotated, the mechanism engagement cam (116) will lean on the shaft on the hub motion link (117) and stop moving any further. The mechanism (100) also offers the option to engage by way of motor (102). The mechanism engagement cam (116) is moved by motor engagement nose (115) thanks to the motor engagement gear (110) on the mechanism engagement shaft (107). The mechanism engagement cam (116) thrusts the hub motion link (123). The mechanism hub (114) moves to engage the closing spring (113) and opening spring (119). When the mechanism (130) is in engaged state thanks to the geometrical design of the motor engagement gear (110), the motor engagement nose (115) moves in idle position. The closing trip shaft (105) is moved, and the mechanism hub lock (112) is released in order to put the mechanism (100) into closed position. The closing trip shaft (105) can also be electrically actuated by coil. The closing spring (113) is released when the mechanism (100) is entering closed position. The mechanism hub (114) rotates to put the mechanism (100) into closed position. The mimic (101 ) is connected to the mechanism output shaft (109) by a mimic motion link (123). The position of the mechanism (100) can be visually inspected thanks to the mimic (100) placed to receive position information of said mechanism (100). The cam switch (104) electrically transmits the position of the mechanism (100). The cam switch (104) is connected to mechanism hub (114) by a link and electrically transmits the closed position of the mechanism (100). The mechanism hub (114) hits the mechanism hub stopper (128) and stops. The mechanism hub stopper (128) stops the motion of the mechanism hub (114) in correct position, while the mechanism output shaft (109) keeps the inner contacts in correct position by way of the mechanism stopper assembly (124). At this stage, inner hub lock (126) is still locked, and opening spring (119) still engaged. An engagement barrier plate (129) blocks reengagement when the mechanism (100) is in closed position. Engagement operation cannot be performed when the mechanism (100) is in closed position thanks to said engagement barrier plate (129). This is mechanically prevented as, by the very nature of the mechanism (100), engagement creates a risk when the mechanism (100) is in closed position. The opening trip shaft (106) is moved, and the inner hub lock (126) is released in order to put the mechanism (100) into open position. The opening trip shaft (106) can also be electrically actuated by coil. Additionally, a coil trip lever (103) is provided since the opening trip shaft (106) of the mechanism (100) is moving unlike the closing trip shaft (105). The opening spring (119) is then released. The inner hub (127) moves to put the mechanism (100) into open position. During the closing operation, the mechanism hub (114) and inner hub (127) move together to put the mechanism (100) into closed position. But in the opening operation, only the inner hub (127) moves to put the mechanism (100) into open position. Again, the mechanism (100) position can be controlled by the mimic (101 ). When the mechanism (100) is in open position, the mechanism output shaft (100) rotates to move the mimic motion link (123) and the mimic (101 ) shows that the mechanism (100) is in open position. Then, the door (200) of the cell to which the mechanism (100) is connected needs to be opened and the mechanism (100) put into ground position. The disconnector (300) poses a risk of death as it operates under high voltage and high amperage ratings, therefore the disconnector (300) needs to be grounded for the door (200) to be opened. The mechanism ground shaft (108) is used to ground the mechanism (100). The mechanism ground shaft (108) and the ground hub (121 ) are moved. During this motion, loading begins in the ground spring (120). When the ground spring (120) is compressed enough, it automatically completes its motion to move the mechanism output shaft (109) by way of the ground hub motion link (125) and the mechanism (100) is put into ground position. When the mechanism (100) completes its motion, the door lock (122) moves and enables the door (200) to be opened. When the mechanism (100) is in ground position, the mechanism output shaft (109) rotates to move the mimic motion link (123) and the mimic (101 ) shows that the mechanism (100) is in ground position.