Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum switch unit constituting an essential part
of switchgear (for example, enclosed type switchboard) applied to reception and distribution
facilities and to the switchgear in which such a vacuum switch unit is used. More
particularly, the invention relates to a construction of vacuum switch unit capable
of improving structural reliability, improving assembling efficiency and achieving
downsizing, and to a construction of switchgear in which the vacuum switch unit is
used.
Background Art
[0002] Generally in a switchgear, circuit apparatus such as circuit breaker, disconnecting
switch, a transformer, and bus bars, etc. are arranged for each functional unit in
accordance with a receiving system or a connecting system, and in such a construction,
a vacuum switch unit forms an essential part thereof. Such a vacuum switch is disclosed
in
US-A-3 527 911.
[0003] Fig. 32 is a schematic view showing a construction of a conventional vacuum switch
unit disclosed in, for example, the Japanese Patent Publication (unexamined) No.
18528/1989.
[0004] In the drawing, reference numeral 1 is a cylindrical vacuum switch (vacuum circuit
breaker) forming a main body of the vacuum switch unit, numeral 1a is a stationary
electrode of the vacuum switch 1, and numeral 1b is a movable electrode of the vacuum
switch 1.
[0005] In this regard, a vacuum vessel charged with any gas is sometimes used as the vacuum
switch 1, and this type of vacuum switch is also included in the vacuum switch hereinafter.
[0006] Numeral 200 is a stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal of which one
end side is fixedly arranged on the stationary electrode 1a of the vacuum switch 1.
Numeral 300 is a movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal of which one end
side is fixedly arranged on the movable electrode 1b of the vacuum switch 1 through
a shunt 300a. The mentioned stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal
200 and the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 300 both extending
in a direction crossing a central axis (indicated by S in the drawing) of the vacuum
switch 1 at right angles are formed in parallel to each other.
[0007] In the other ends of the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 200
and the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 300, one is connected to
a power supply circuit conductor and the other is connected to a load circuit conductor.
[0008] The vacuum switch 1, the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 200,
and the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 300 constitute a vacuum
switch unit 400.
[0009] In addition, either the vacuum switch 1 itself or the vacuum switch unit 400 comprised
of the vacuum switch 1, the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal
200 and the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 300 is frequently referred
to as "vacuum valve" in the field of art.
[0010] Numerals 140 and 150 are insulators each for insulating and supporting the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 200 and the movable-electrode-side connection contact
terminal 300. Numeral 160 is a mold frame that fixedly supports the other end sides
of the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 200 and the movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 300 and is arranged so as to lighten a load on the vacuum
switch unit 400.
[0011] Fig. 33 is an example showing a construction of switchgear (for example, enclosed
type switchboard) in which the conventional vacuum switch unit shown in Fig. 32 is
used.
[0012] As shown in the drawing, the vacuum switch 1, the stationary-electrode-side connection
contact terminal 200, and the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 300
constitute one vacuum switch unit covering one phase (i.e., the conventional vacuum
switch unit 400 shown in Fig. 32) . A group or plural groups of vacuum switch units
each covering three phases are arranged in the switchgear (for example, enclosed type
switchboard) used in reception and distribution facilities.
[0013] In the example of Fig. 33, a group of vacuum switch units each covering three phases
are arranged vertically in the switchboard.
[0014] For example, in a case where a main bus conductor 80 is used as a conductor on the
power supply side, the main bus conductor 80 is connected to the movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 300 of the upper vacuum switch unit 400 through a power
supply side conductor 60.
[0015] Further, the main bus conductor 80 is connected to the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 200 of the lower vacuum switch unit 400 through the power
supply side conductor 60.
[0016] A load side cable 190 is connected to the stationary-electrode-side connection contact
terminal 200 of the upper vacuum switch unit 400 through a load side conductor 70.
[0017] A load side cable 110 is connected to the movable-electrode-side connection contact
terminal 300 of the lower vacuum switch unit 400 through the load side conductor 70.
[0018] The load side cables 110 and 190 are connected to a load apparatus. They are sometimes
connected to another enclosed type switchboard.
[0019] Numeral 11 is a sensor such as current sensor or voltage sensor.
[0020] Numeral 500 is a housing for the switchgear (for example, enclosed type switchboard)
with an opening/closing door 500a on the front thereof.
[0021] Fig. 34 is a schematic view showing another example of the construction of the switchgear
(for example, enclosed type switchboard) in which the conventional vacuum switch unit
400 shown in Fig. 33 is used.
[0022] In the switchgear (the enclosed type switchboard) shown in Fig. 34, the main bus
conductor 80 is connected to the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal
200 arranged on the stationary electrode 1a (not shown in the drawing) of the vacuum
switch 1 through the power supply side conductor 60.
[0023] The load side cable 190 is connected to the movable-electrode-side connection contact
terminal 300 arranged on the movable electrode 1b (not shown) of the vacuum switch
1 through the load side conductor 70 and a long conductor 180.
[0024] Numeral 12 is an auxiliary machine composed of, for example, an instrument transformer,
a switch control mechanism, and others. The auxiliary machine 12 is arranged in an
upper portion or a lower portion in the switchboard conforming to the position of
the vacuum switch 1 (i.e., the position of the vacuum switch unit 400) in the switchgear
(enclosed type switchboard) 500.
[0025] The auxiliary machine 12 is connected to the movable-electrode-side connection contact
terminal 300 of the vacuum switch unit 400 through the long conductor 180 (there is
a case of using a part of the load side cable 190 as the long conductor 180) or a
cable 170.
[0026] In addition, numeral 130 is a support member for supporting the load side cable 190
and others.
[0027] A switch mechanism for driving the movable electrode 1b of the vacuum switch 1, a
mechanism for opening the vacuum switch unit 400 from the main bus conductor 80, and
so on are omitted in the switchgear (enclosed type switchboard) shown in Figs. 33
and 34.
[0028] As described above, in the conventional vacuum switch unit 400 shown in Fig. 32,
the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 200 and the movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 300 forming a pair in order to form a current path to
another circuit apparatus is arranged extending in a direction crossing the central
axis (indicated by S in the drawing) of the vacuum switch 1 at right angles.
[0029] Therefore, at the time of connecting the vacuum switch unit to another circuit apparatus,
any force in the direction indicated by the arrows A in Fig. 32 acts thereon. Accordingly,
a heavy burden due to bending load generated at portions indicated with B and C in
the drawing is imposed on the stationary electrode 1a and the movable electrode 1b
arranged in the direction of the central axis of the vacuum switch 1. This results
in lowering reliability on mechanical strength.
[0030] In other words, there is a disadvantage of producing a bending force on the stationary
electrode 1a or the movable electrode 1b, whereby end plate part of the vacuum switch
1 connected to the stationary electrode 1a or the movable electrode 1b is deformed
or damaged.
[0031] It is therefore necessary for the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal
200 and the movable side connection contact terminal 300 to be supported by means
of the insulators 140 and 150, or to be fixed by means of the mold frame 160 in order
to relieve the load. This brings about problems such as increase in number of the
parts, much labor required in assembling work, and increase in cost.
[0032] Fig. 35 is a schematic view showing a condition that the conventional vacuum switch
unit is arranged in the housing 500 of the enclosed type switchboard.
[0033] As shown in the drawing, the vacuum switches 1 and the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminals 200 or the movable-electrode-side connection contact
terminals 300 require a space insulation distance L
1 and an earth insulation distance L
2 in the housing 500 of the switchgear (enclosed type switchboard). Therefore, the
housing 500 cannot be smaller than a certain size; hence a problem exists in that
it is difficult to downsize the switchgear (enclosed type switchboard).
[0034] In the conventional switchgear (enclosed type switchboard) of the construction as
shown in Fig. 33 or Fig. 34, the main bus conductor 80 is generally arranged at the
rear portion of the vacuum switch unit 400. Moreover, a conductor connected to a power
supply side or load side cable or another switchboard is arranged at the further rear
portion of the main bus conductor 80.
[0035] In other words, in the conventional switchgear (enclosed type switchboard) having
the construction as shown in Fig. 33 or Fig. 34, the main bus conductor 80 arranged
at the rear portion of the vacuum switch 1 (i.e., at the rear portion of the vacuum
switch unit 400) requires a long power supply side conductor 60 between the main bus
conductor 80 and the vacuum switch 1. Furthermore, since the load side/power supply
side cables 170, 190 and 110 or other cables connected to another switchboard are
arranged at the rear portion of the main bus conductor 80, it is necessary to use
a long conductor as those cables.
[0036] Moreover, it is necessary to use the support member 130 for supporting these long
conductors 170, 190, 110, etc.
[0037] In the arrangement and the construction in which long conductors are required as
described above, a problem exists in that it is difficult to downsize the switchboard
and unnecessary cost (material, processing, assembling, and so on) is required.
[0038] Further, in general, the stationary electrode 1a and the movable electrode 1b of
the vacuum switch 1 have less mechanical strength against transversal external force
as compared with their mechanical strength against longitudinal external force.
[0039] Notwithstanding, the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 200 and
the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminals 300 are both arranged in a
direction crossing the central axis S of the vacuum switch 1 at right angles. Therefore
the stationary electrode 1a and the movable electrode 1b are liable to receive transversal
external force. A further problem exists in that structural reliability of the vacuum
switch 1 is lowered.
[0040] The present invention was made to solve the above-discussed problems and has an object
of providing a vacuum switch capable of improving structural reliability of the vacuum
switch in mounting the vacuum switch on the switchgear (for example, enclosed type
switchboard) and downsizing the switchgear (for example, enclosed type switchboard).
[0041] Another object of the invention is to provide a switchgear capable of reducing the
amount of material, number of parts, and assembling cost and so on, in addition to
the advantage of miniaturization and lightening.
Disclosure of Invention
[0042] A vacuum switch unit according to the invention includes the features of claim 1.
[0043] According to the construction described above, any force that acts at the time of
connecting the vacuum switch unit to another circuit apparatus applies in a direction
parallel to the central axis of the vacuum switch.
[0044] As a result, it is possible to obtain a vacuum tube switch unit capable of relieving
greatly the bending stress on the stationary electrode and the movable electrode and
improving reliability on its mechanical strength.
[0045] Furthermore, it is not necessary to support the stationary-side connection contact
terminal and the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal by means of glass
or mold frame, and therefore it is possible to reduce number of parts and reduce the
cost.
[0046] In the mentioned vacuum switch unit according to the invention, the other end side
having the contact connection part of either the stationary-electrode-side connection
contact terminal or the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal is formed
on the central axis of the vacuum switch.
[0047] According to the construction described above, bending stress is scarcely applied
on either the stationary electrode or the movable electrode formed on the central
axis of the vacuum switch, and reliability is improved all the more.
[0048] In the mentioned vacuum switch unit according to the invention, the other end side
of the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal having the contact connection
part is formed on the central axis of the vacuum switch, and the other end side of
the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal having the contact connection
part is formed so that the other end side extends substantially in parallel to the
central axis of the vacuum switch toward the stationary-electrode-side connection
contact terminal.
[0049] According to the construction described above, since the vacuum switch is further
downsized in the direction of central axis, it is possible to achieve a reliable and
compact vacuum tube switch unit.
[0050] Further, in the vacuum switch unit according to the invention, the vacuum switch,
the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal and the movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal are preferably formed integrally into one body of an organic
insulating material.
[0051] According to the construction described above, since insulating property is improved
and leakage distance is shortened, it is possible to downsize the vacuum tube switch
unit itself and downsize the switchgear.
[0052] In the vacuum switch unit according to the invention, switch unit members each covering
three phases are preferably formed integrally into one body of an organic insulating
material.
[0053] According to the construction as described above, insulating property is improved
and leakage distance is shortened. Therefore it is possible to downsize the vacuum
tube switch unit covering three phases and downsize the switchgear, and furthermore,
it is possible to improve efficiency in assembling switchgear in which the vacuum
switch unit is used.
[0054] A switchgear according to the invention includes the features of claim 1
[0055] According to the construction described above, since the vacuum tube switch unit,
in which reliability is improved and cost is reduced, is used, it is possible to obtain
switchgear improved in reliability of the switchgear and reduced in cost.
[0056] In the mentioned switchgear according to the invention, the vacuum switch unit is
preferably comprised of a vacuum switch including a substantially cylindrical vacuum
switch, a stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal of which one end is
fixed to a stationary electrode of the vacuum switch and the other end side is provided
with a contact connection part that comes in contact with and is connected to the
first circuit conductor, the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal
being formed on a central axis of the vacuum switch, and a movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal of which one end is fixed to a movable electrode of the
vacuum switch and the other end side is provided with a contact connection part that
comes in contact with and is connected to the second circuit conductor, the movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal being formed in parallel to the central axis of the vacuum
switch.
[0057] According to the construction described above, since the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal is formed on the central axis of the vacuum switch, any
bending stress is scarcely applied to the stationary electrode at the time of assembling
the vacuum switch unit. Furthermore, reliability of the vacuum switch unit is improved
and the vacuum switch unit is downsized in the direction of central axis and, as a
result, the switchgear is further improved in reliability and downsized.
[0058] In the switchgear according to the invention, the first circuit conductor is preferably
disposed horizontally, the vacuum switch unit be arranged so that the central axis
of the vacuum switch thereof extends vertically crossing the first circuit conductor
at right angles, and the second circuit conductor is formed so that an end thereof
extends toward the bottom side.
[0059] According to the construction described above, since the vacuum switch unit is arranged
vertically, reliability is improved and the cost is reduced, it is possible to obtain
downsized switchgear diminished in depth. Furthermore, the cable connected to the
second circuit conductor is easily led in from the bottom side of the switchgear.
[0060] In the mentioned switchgear according to the invention, the first circuit conductor
is preferably disposed perpendicularly, the vacuum switch unit be arranged so that
the central axis of the vacuum switch thereof extends horizontally crossing the first
circuit conductor at right angles, and the second circuit conductor is formed so that
an end thereof extends toward the bottom side.
[0061] According to the construction described above, not only reliability is improved and
the cost is reduced, and further since the vacuum switch unit is arranged horizontally,
it is possible to obtain downsized switchgear diminished in height. Furthermore, the
cable connected to the second circuit conductor is easily led in from the bottom side
of the switchgear.
[0062] In the mentioned switchgear according to the invention, the first circuit conductor
is preferably disposed horizontally, the vacuum switch unit be arranged so that the
central axis of the vacuum switch thereof is arranged in parallel to the first circuit
conductor, and the second circuit conductor is formed so that an end thereof extends
toward the bottom side.
[0063] According to the construction described above, since the first circuit conductor
is also arranged horizontally, the switchgear is further downsized in height.
[0064] In the mentioned switchgear according to the invention, the first circuit conductor
is preferably disposed horizontally, the vacuum switch unit is arranged so that the
central axis of the vacuum switch thereof extends vertically crossing the first circuit
conductor at right angles, and the second circuit conductor is formed so that an end
thereof extends toward the top side crossing the first circuit conductor with a predetermined
distance therefrom.
[0065] According to the construction described above, reliability is improved and the const
is reduced, and since the vacuum switch unit is arranged vertically, it is possible
to obtain downsized switchgear diminished in depth. Furthermore, the cable connected
to the second circuit conductor is easily led in from the topside of the switchgear.
[0066] In the mentioned switchgear according to the invention, the first circuit conductor
is preferably disposed perpendicularly, the vacuum switch unit is arranged so that
the central axis of the vacuum switch thereof extends horizontally crossing the first
circuit conductor at right angles, and the second circuit conductor is formed so that
an end thereof extends toward the backside crossing the first circuit conductor with
a predetermined distance therefrom.
[0067] According to the construction described above, reliability is improved and the const
is reduced, and since the vacuum switch unit is arranged horizontally, it is possible
to obtain downsized switchgear diminished in height. Furthermore, the cable connected
to the second circuit conductor is easily led in from the backside of the switchgear.
[0068] In the mentioned switchgear according to the invention, the vacuum switch unit is
preferably constructed so that either a combination of the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal and the first circuit conductor or a combination of the
movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal and the second circuit conductor
is formed into a U-shape at a portion proximate to the mentioned vacuum switch.
[0069] According to the construction described above, reliability is improved and the const
is reduced, and since it is possible to shorten the distance between the vacuum tube
switch unit and the first circuit conductor or the second circuit conductor, it is
possible to further downsize the switchgear.
[0070] In the mentioned switchgear according to the invention, a sensor or an auxiliary
machine is preferably arranged in the vicinity of the stationary-electrode-side connection
contact terminal or the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal.
[0071] According to the construction described above, reliability is improved and the const
is reduced, and since the sensor or the auxiliary machine is arranged making use of
the space efficiently in the vicinity of the stationary-electrode-side connection
contact terminal or the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal, it is
possible to further downsize the switchgear.
[0072] In the mentioned switchgear according to the invention, the switchgear preferably
includes a plurality of vacuum switch units, and the plural vacuum switch units are
arranged and mounted side by side forming a straight line.
[0073] According to the construction described above, reliability is improved and the const
is reduced, and since the space for mounting the plural vacuum switch units is reduced,
it is possible to further downsize the switchgear.
[0074] In the mentioned switchgear according to the invention, the switchgear preferably
includes three vacuum switch units, and the three vacuum switch units are arranged
and mounted so that the central axes of the vacuum switches of the three vacuum switch
units are respectively located on the vertexes of a triangle. .
[0075] According to the construction described above, reliability is improved and the const
is reduced, and since the space for mounting the three vacuum switch units covering
three phases is further reduced, it is possible to further downsize the switchgear.
[0076] In the mentioned switchgear according to the invention, among parts of the vacuum
switch unit and various parts arranged in the vicinity of the vacuum switch unit,
adjacent parts or parts connected to each other are integrally formed into one or
plural components of an organic insulating material.
[0077] According to the construction described above, reliability is improved and the const
is reduced, and since the various parts are formed into one or plural components,
not only it is easy to manage the parts but also it is easy to assemble the parts
inside the switchgear. Furthermore, the parts are integrally composed of an organic
insulating material, it possible to improve the insulating property and downsize the
switchgear.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0078]
Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing a construction of a vacuum switch unit according
to Embodiment 1.
Fig. 2 is a schematic view showing a construction example of vacuum switch unit different
from Fig. 1 according to Embodiment 1.
Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing a construction example of vacuum switch unit still
different from Fig. 1 according to Embodiment 1.
Fig. 4 is a side view showing the construction of the vacuum switch unit shown in
Fig. 3.
Fig. 5 is a side view showing a construction of a modification of the vacuum switch
unit shown in Fig. 3.
Fig. 6 is a front view showing a construction of a vacuum switch unit according to
Embodiment 2, which is in accordance with the invention.
Fig. 7 is a sectional view showing a construction of a vacuum switch unit according
to Embodiment 3.
Fig. 8 is a sectional view showing a construction of vacuum switch unit different
from Fig. 7.
Fig. 9 is a partially sectional perspective view showing a construction of a vacuum
switch unit covering three phases according to Embodiment 4.
Fig. 10 is a partially sectional perspective view showing a construction of vacuum
switch unit different from Fig. 9 covering three phases according to Embodiment 4.
Figs. 11 (a) and (b) are schematic views each showing a construction of an essential
part of switchgear according to Embodiment 5 of the invention.
Figs. 12 (a) and (b) are schematic views each showing a modification of the switchgear
according to Embodiment 5 of the invention.
Fig. 13 is a schematic view showing a construction of an essential part of switchgear
according to Embodiment 6 of the invention.
Fig. 14 is a schematic view showing a construction of an essential part of switchgear
according to Embodiment 7 of the invention.
Fig. 15 is a view showing a construction of an essential part of switchgear according
to Embodiment 8 of the invention.
Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a construction of an essential part of switchgear
according to Embodiment 9 of the invention.
Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a construction of an essential part of switchgear
according to Embodiment 10 of the invention.
Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing a construction of an essential part of switchgear
according to Embodiment 11 of the invention.
Figs. 19 (a) and (b) are schematic views each showing a construction of an essential
part of switchgear according to Embodiment 12 of the invention.
Fig. 20 is a schematic view showing a construction of an essential part of switchgear
according to Embodiment 13 of the invention.
Fig. 21 is a schematic view showing a construction of an essential part of switchgear
according to Embodiment 14.
Fig. 22 is a schematic view showing a construction of an essential part of switchgear
according to Embodiment 15.
Fig. 23 is a perspective view showing a construction of an essential part of switchgear
according to Embodiment 16.
Fig. 24 is a perspective view showing a construction of an essential part of switchgear
according to Embodiment 17.
Fig. 25 is a schematic view showing a construction of an essential part of switchgear
according to Embodiment 18 of the invention.
Fig. 26 is a schematic view showing a construction of an essential part of switchgear
according to Embodiment 19 of the invention.
Figs. 27 (a) and (b) are schematic views each showing a construction of the essential
part of the switchgear according to Embodiment 19 of the invention.
Fig. 28 is a view showing a construction of an essential part of switchgear according
to Embodiment 20 of the invention.
Fig. 29 is a perspective view showing a construction of an essential part of switchgear
according to Embodiment 21 of the invention.
Fig. 30 is a perspective view showing a construction of an essential part of switchgear
according to Embodiment 22 of the invention.
Figs. 31 (a) and (b) are schematic views each showing a construction of an essential
part of switchgear according to Embodiment 23 of the invention.
Fig. 32 is a schematic view showing a construction of a vacuum switch unit according
to a prior art.
Fig. 33 is a schematic view showing an internal construction of the switchgear according
to the prior art.
Fig. 34 is a schematic view showing an internal construction of switchgear according
to another prior art.
Fig. 35 is a schematic view showing a relation between a space insulation distance
and an earth insulation distance when the vacuum witch unit is arranged in the switchgear
according to the prior art.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0079] Best mode for carrying out the invention is hereinafter described with reference
to the accompanying drawings to explain the invention in detail.
[0080] In the drawings, the same referenced numerals indicate the same or like parts.
Embodiment 1.
[0081] Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing a construction of a vacuum switch unit according
to Embodiment 1; Fig. 2 is a schematic view showing a construction example different
from Fig. 1 of the vacuum switch unit according to Embodiment 1; and Fig. 3 is a schematic
view showing a construction example of vacuum switch unit still different from Figs.
1 and 2 according to Embodiment 1.
[0082] Fig. 4 is a side view showing the construction of the vacuum switch unit shown in
Fig. 3 (i.e., a view of the vacuum switch unit shown in Fig. 3 taken from the rear
portion (right side in Fig. 3) on the central axis), and Fig. 5 is a view showing
a construction of a modification of the vacuum switch unit shown in Figs. 3 and 4.
[0083] Referring to Fig. 1, numeral 1 is a vacuum switch where a stationary electrode 1a
and a movable electrode 1b are arranged on the central axis opposite to each other,
and numerals 21 and 31 are a stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal
and a movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal forming a pair, and which
are respectively formed of L-shaped plates of which one end sides are connected and
fixed to respectively the stationary electrode 1a and the movable electrode 1b of
the vacuum switch 1.
[0084] As shown in the drawing, a connection contact part 21a on the other end side of the
stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 21 and a connection contact
part 31a on the other end side of the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal
31 are arranged in parallel to the central axis (indicated by S) of the cylindrical
vacuum switch 1 and come near to each other.
[0085] In other words, the connection contact part 21a on the other end side of the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 21, of which one end is connected to the stationary electrode
1a, is parallel to the central axis S of the cylindrical vacuum switch 1 and is formed
into an L-shape extending toward the movable electrode 1b, and the connection contact
part 31a on the other end side of the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal
31, of which one end is connected to the movable electrode 1b, is parallel to the
central axis S of the cylindrical vacuum switch 1 and is formed into an L-shape extending
toward the stationary electrode 1a.
[0086] It is preferable that the space distance between the connection contact part 21a
and the connection contact part 31a is as large as possible, and the connection contact
part 21a and the connection contact part 31a are arranged symmetrical putting the
central axis of the vacuum switch 1 between them.
[0087] Numeral 41 is a vacuum switch unit comprised of the vacuum switch 1, the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 21, and the movable-electrode-side connection contact
terminal 31.
[0088] In the vacuum switch unit 41 constructed as shown in Fig. 1, since the connection
contact parts 21a and 31a formed on the other end sides of the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 21 and the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal
31 are arranged in parallel to the central axis S of the vacuum switch 1, any force
that acts at the time of connecting the vacuum switch unit to another circuit apparatus
is applied in a direction parallel to the central axis S of the vacuum switch 1.
[0089] As a result, it is possible to greatly relieve the bending stress on the portion
where the stationary electrode 1a and the stationary-electrode-side connection contact
terminal 21 are connected and on the portion where the movable electrode 1b and the
movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 31 are connected. Thus reliability
on mechanical strength is greatly improved.
[0090] Furthermore, unlike the conventional vacuum switch unit, it is not necessary to support
the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal and the movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal with any insulator and a mold frame, and it is therefore
possible to reduce number of parts resulting in reduction in cost.
[0091] In the construction in Fig. 1, although the connection contact parts 21a and 31a
formed on the other end sides of the stationary-electrode-side connection contact
terminal 21 and the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 31 are arranged
in parallel to the central axis of the vacuum switch 1 and adjacent to each other,
it is also preferable that a vacuum switch unit 42 is constructed so that the connection
contact parts 12a and 31a are arranged in parallel to the central axis S of the vacuum
switch 1 extending away from each other as shown in Fig. 2. In this construction also
the same advantages as described above are obtained.
[0092] Further, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, it is also preferable that a vacuum switch unit
43 is constructed so that the connection contact part 22a on the other end side of
the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 22 connected to the stationary
electrode 1a is arranged in parallel to the central axis S in a manner of extending
away (i.e., a direction extending away from the movable electrode 1b) and the connection
contact part 31a on the other end side of the movable side connection contact terminal
31 connected to the movable electrode 1b is arranged in parallel to the central axis
S and in a direction coming near the stationary electrode 1a in the same manner as
the case of Fig. 2. In this construction also the same advantages as described above
are obtained.
[0093] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 5, it is also preferable that a vacuum switch unit
44 constructed so that the stationary side connection contact part 22 and the movable
side connection contact part 31 are arranged with a tilt of a predetermined angle
between them putting the central axis of the vacuum switch 1 between them. In this
construction also the same advantages as described above are obtained as a matter
of course.
[0094] As described above, according to this embodiment, in the vacuum switch unit comprising
an essential part of the switchgear (enclosed type switchboard) and in which a pair
of connection contact terminals forming a current path to another circuit apparatus
are arranged at the ends on the stationary-electrode-side and the movable-electrode-side
respectively, since both of the connection contact terminals are arranged so that
their connection contact parts are substantially parallel to the central axis of the
vacuum valve, it is possible to provide a vacuum switch unit that makes it possible
to improve reliability on mechanical strength and reduce the cost.
Embodiment 2.
[0095] Fig. 6 is a schematic view showing a construction of a vacuum switch unit according
to Embodiment 2 of the invention.
[0096] In the drawing, numeral 1 is a vacuum switch in which a stationary electrode 1a (not
shown in the drawing) and a movable electrode 1b are arranged on the central axis
S and face each other.
[0097] Numeral 23 is a cylindrical stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal
of which one end side is connected and fixed to the stationary electrode 1a of the
vacuum switch 1, and a connection contact part 23a on the other end side is arranged
on the central axis S of the vacuum switch 1.
[0098] Numeral 33 is a movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal composed of a
plate part 33a of which one end side is connected and fixed to the movable electrode
1b and a cylindrical connection contact part 33b connected and fixed to this plate
part 33a and arranged in parallel to the central axis S of the vacuum switch 1.
[0099] The vacuum switch 1, the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 23,
and the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 33 described above, form
a vacuum switch unit 45.
[0100] As described above, according to Embodiment 2, the connection contact part 33b of
the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 33 connected and fixed to the
movable electrode 1b side is arranged in parallel to the central axis S of the vacuum
switch 1 and, furthermore, the connection contact part 23a of the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 23 connected and fixed to the stationary electrode 1a
is arranged on the central axis S of the vacuum switch 1. Therefore bending stress
is scarcely applied to the portion where the stationary electrode 1a and the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 23 are connected, and reliability on mechanical strength
is further improved.
Embodiment 3
[0101] Fig. 7 is a sectional view showing a construction of a vacuum switch unit according
to Embodiment 3.
[0102] Fig. 8 is a sectional view showing a construction of the vacuum switch unit different
from Fig. 7 according to embodiment 3.
[0103] In Fig. 7, numeral 51 is an injection-molded member composed an organic insulating
material such as resin and formed into one body so as to cover or coat the vacuum
switch unit 41 of the construction shown in Fig. 1 (Embodiment 1), and the connection
contact part 21a formed on the other end side of the stationary-electrode-side connection
contact terminal 21 and the connection contact part 31a formed on the other end side
of the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 31 are exposed on the surface.
[0104] As described above, according to Embodiment 3, since the injection-molded member
51 composed of an organic insulating material such as resin is formed into one body
so as to cover the vacuum switch unit 41, it is possible to shorten the space insulation
distance L
1 shown in Fig. 35 to a great extent and downsize the enclosed type switchboard, and
the injection-molded member 51 tightly fits on the surface of the vacuum switch unit
41. As a result, it is possible to shorten the leakage distance and downsize the vacuum
switch unit 41 itself.
[0105] Although the above description shows a construction in which the injection-molded
member 51 is formed into one body so as to cover the vacuum switch unit 41 of Embodiment
1, the same advantages are obtained by a construction in which an injection-molded
member 52 composed of an organic insulating material such as resin is formed into
one body so as to cover the vacuum switch unit 45 of Fig. 6 (Embodiment 2) as shown
in Fig. 8.
[0106] As described above, according to this embodiment, since both connection contact terminals
are formed into one body composed of an organic insulating material so as to cover
the vacuum switch unit according to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, it is possible to
provide a vacuum switch unit that makes it possible to shorten the space insulation
distance to a great degree and downsize the switchgear (enclosed type switchboard)
in which the vacuum switch unit is accommodated.
Embodiment 4.
[0107] Fig. 9 is a partially sectional perspective view showing a construction of a vacuum
switch unit integrally covering three phases according to Embodiment 4.
[0108] Fig. 10 is partially sectional perspective view showing a construction of the vacuum
switch unit different from Fig. 9 integrally covering three phases according to embodiment
4.
[0109] In Fig. 9, numeral 53 is an injection-molded member composed of an organic insulating
material such as resin or the like, and the injection-molded member 53 is formed into
one body so as to integrally cover the three vacuum switch units 41 (i.e., the vacuum
switch shown in Fig. 1) disposed side by side for integrally covering three phases,
and the connection contact part 21a of the stationary-electrode-side connection contact
terminal 21 and the connection contact part 31a of the movable-electrode-side connection
contact terminal 31 are exposed on the surface.
[0110] As described above, according to Embodiment 4, since the injection-molded member
53 composed of an organic insulating material such as resin is formed into one body
so as to cover the three vacuum switch units 41 thereby integrally covering three
phases, the vacuum switch units 41 and the switchgear (for example, enclosed type
switchgear), in which the vacuum switch units 41 are accommodated, are downsized and,
furthermore, it is possible to improve efficiency in assembling in the same manner
as in the foregoing Embodiment 3.
[0111] Although the foregoing description shows a construction explained in which the injection-molded
member 53 is formed into one body so as to cover the three vacuum switch units 41
of Fig. 1 according to Embodiment 1 put side by side thereby integrally covering three
phases, the same advantages as described above are obtained in a construction in which
an injection-molded member 54 composed of an organic insulating material such as resin
is formed into one body so as to cover three vacuum switch units 45 of Embodiment
2 put side by side thereby integrally covering three phases as shown in Fig. 10.
[0112] Although, in the foregoing embodiments, each connection contact part of the stationary
side or movable side connection contact terminal of the vacuum switch unit is arranged
on the central axis of the vacuum switch 1 or in parallel to the central axis, it
is a matter of course that arranging each connection contact part at a very small
angle with the central axis is applicable, provided that the generated bending stress
does not affect the mechanical strength.
[0113] Although atmosphere in the switchgear (for example, enclosed type switchgear), in
which the vacuum switch unit is accommodated, is not mentioned in the foregoing embodiments,
it is preferable to adopt any air atmosphere or any gaseous atmosphere, provided that
the organic insulating material is not deteriorated in performance.
[0114] As described above, according to this embodiment, since the vacuum switch units for
integrally covering three phases are formed into one body composed of an organic insulating
material such as resin, it is possible to provide a vacuum switch unit integrally
covering three phases that makes it possible to improve efficiency in assembling.
Embodiment 5.
[0115] Figs. 11 (a) and (b) are schematic views each showing an essential part (i.e., portion
on which a vacuum switch unit is mounted) of switchgear (for example, enclosed type
switchboard) according to Embodiment 5.
[0116] In Figs. 11 () and (b), numeral 1 is a cylindrical vacuum switch. This vacuum switch
1 is provided with a stationary electrode 1a fixed to an internal stationary contact
(i.e., stationary electrode) at one end thereof on the central axis S of this vacuum
switch 1 and a movable electrode 1b fixed to a movable contact (i.e., a movable electrode)
at the other end thereof.
[0117] Numeral 24 is a stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal of which one
end is fixed to the stationary electrode 1a, and numeral 34 is a movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal of which one end is fixed to the movable electrode 1b
through a shunt 34a of a flexible copper strand.
[0118] This cylindrical vacuum switch 1 is mounted so that the stationary electrode 1a and
the movable electrode 1b extend vertically (i.e., in the direction perpendicular to
the plane where the switchgear is mounted) and the cylindrical vacuum switch 1 can
move to a predetermined position in the foregoing vertical direction by an opening
mechanism not shown.
[0119] The movable electrode 1b is driven vertically by a switch mechanism (not shown),
thereby opening or closing the contact (electrode) in the cylindrical vacuum switch
1.
[0120] The movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 34 is fixed to the movable
electrode 1b through the shunt 34a, and therefore the movable electrode 1b can move
vertically regardless of the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 34
at the time of opening and closing the contact (electrode).
[0121] The stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 24 is composed of a conductive
material such as copper plate, and the other end thereof extends in the same direction
as the central axis S of the vacuum switch 1 passing through the stationary electrode
1a and the movable electrode 1b and slides coming in contact with a first circuit
conductor 61 (for example, power supply side conductor).
[0122] The movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 34 is also composed of a conductive
material such as copper plate, and the other end thereof is bent upward so as to be
substantially parallel to the central axis S at a portion proximate to the cylindrical
vacuum switch 1.
[0123] A top end thereof is disposed to slide coming in contact with a second circuit conductor
71 (for example, load side conductor).
[0124] In this construction, an elastic contact member 34b is arranged at the end of the
movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 34 in some cases.
[0125] The vacuum switch 1, the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 24,
and the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 34, form a vacuum switch
unit 46.
[0126] Fig. 11 (a) shows a state that the vacuum switch unit 46 is separated from the first
circuit conductor (for example, power supply side conductor) 61 and the second circuit
conductor 71 (for example, load side conductor), and Fig. 11(b) shows state that the
vacuum switch unit 46 moves to a predetermined position by the opening mechanism not
shown, whereby the connection contact terminals 24 and 34 of the vacuum switch unit
46 slide coming in contact with the first circuit conductor 61 and the second circuit
conductor 71 respectively.
[0127] Either the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 24 or the movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 34 is connected to a power supply circuit, and the remaining
terminal is connected to a load circuit.
[0128] That is, the power supply side and the load side are reversed in some cases.
[0129] As shown in Fig. 11, although the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal
34 is bent upward with a round portion R so as to be substantially parallel to the
central axis S at a portion proximate to the cylindrical vacuum switch 1, it is also
preferable that the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 34 is simply
bent into an L-shape without the round portion R as a matter of course.
[0130] This round portion R makes it possible to relieve stress on the portion in which
the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 34 is mounted on the movable
electrode 1b
[0131] Figs. 12 (a) and (b) shows a case that a current transformer 13 is disposed near
the bent portion of the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 34 in the
vacuum switch unit portion of the switchgear shown in Fig. 11.
[0132] The current transformer 13 is arranged effectively utilizing a space in the bent
portion of the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 34, and this contributes
to downsizing of the switchgear.
[0133] As described above, according to this embodiment, since sliding contact between the
stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal fixed to the stationary electrode
of the vacuum switch, of which central axis is arranged vertically, and the first
circuit conductor, as well as sliding contact between the movable-electrode-side connection
contact terminal fixed to the movable electrode and the second circuit conductor,
is arranged so as to slide in the direction extending the central axis of the vacuum
switch, it is possible to greatly relieve the bending stress on the stationary electrode
and the movable electrode of the vacuum switch.
[0134] As a result, it is possible to improve reliability on mechanical strength of the
vacuum switch unit put into practical use, and achieve a switchgear in which structural
reliability is improved in vertically ascending and descending the vacuum switch unit.
Embodiment 6.
[0135] Fig. 13 is a schematic view showing a construction of an essential part (portion
on which a vacuum switch unit is mounted) of switchgear according to Embodiment 6.
[0136] In the drawing, numeral 1 is a cylindrical vacuum switch, numeral 1a is a stationary
electrode, numeral 1b is a movable electrode, numeral 24 is a stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal, numeral 34 is a movable-electrode-side connection contact
terminal, numeral 34a is a shunt, and numeral 34b is a contact member.
[0137] This embodiment differs from the switchgear according to the foregoing Embodiment
5 in the aspect that disposing the power supply side conductor 61 shown in Fig. 11
is omitted and the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 24 directly
slides coming in contact with a main bus conductor 80.
[0138] Referring to Fig. 13, the main bus conductor 80 is U-shaped in section, and is arranged
so that the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 24 of the vacuum
switch unit 46 slides coming in contact with an substantially U-shaped groove of the
main bus conductor 80 when the vacuum switch unit 46 moves to a predetermined position
by an opening mechanism not shown.
[0139] In other words, the main bus conductor 80 is arranged at a portion proximate to the
vacuum switch unit 46 without any other mechanism (for example, the power supply side
conductor 61 in Fig. 12) between the main bus conductor 80 and the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 24 extending in the same direction as the central axis
S passing through the stationary electrode 1a and the movable electrode 1b, whereby
the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 24 slides vertically coming
in contact with the main bus conductor 80 arranged horizontally (i.e., in the direction
parallel to the plane on which the switchgear is mounted).
[0140] This construction makes it possible to obtain switchgear in which a current path
is formed with an extremely short distance in addition to the advantages of the switchgear
obtained by the foregoing Embodiment 5.
Embodiment 7.
[0141] Fig. 14 is a schematic view showing a construction of an essential part (portion
on which a vacuum switch unit is mounted) of switchgear according to Embodiment 7.
[0142] As shown in Fig. 14, in the switchgear according to this embodiment, the movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 34 is bent upward forming an L-shape to be substantially
parallel to the central axis S at a portion proximate to the cylindrical vacuum switch
1, and an end thereof is arranged to slide coming in contact with a junction 71a of
the second circuit conductor (for example, load side conductor) 71.
[0143] The second circuit conductor 71 is bent downward from the sliding contact portion
(i.e., the junction 71a) in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis
S of the cylindrical vacuum switch 1.
[0144] That is, the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 34 and the second
circuit conductor 71 are formed into a U-shape (inverted U-shaped configuration) at
a portion proximate to the vacuum switch 1.
[0145] According to this construction, it is possible to obtain switchgear constructed so
that the cylindrical vacuum switch 1 is connected to and comes in contact with another
conductor (for example, the load side cable 110 or the like) on the power supply side
or on the load side with an extremely short distance from the cylindrical vacuum switch
1.
[0146] As described above, in this embodiment, the vacuum switch unit is arranged so that
the central axis of the vacuum switch extends vertically. Thus, the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal fixed to the stationary electrode of the vacuum switch
comes in contact with and is connected to the power supply side circuit conductor
(for example, the main bus conductor) arranged horizontally, and the movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal, of which one end is fixed to the movable electrode of
the vacuum switch, is bent into an L-shape at a portion proximate to the cylindrical
switch so as to be parallel to the central axis of the vacuum switch, whereby the
end thereof comes in contact with and is connected to the U-shaped junction of the
load side circuit conductor, and this load side circuit conductor is arranged in a
direction parallel to the central axis of the vacuum switch (i.e., vertically). Therefore,
it is possible to greatly relieve the bending stress on the stationary electrode and
the movable electrode of the vacuum switch and downsize the switchgear in depth. As
a result, it is possible to achieve structurally reliable and downsized switchgear.
[0147] Furthermore, in this construction, since the load side circuit conductor is arranged
downward, and this makes it easy to lead in the cable located on the load side from
the bottom of the switchgear.
[0148] In the foregoing example shown in Fig. 14, although the movable-electrode-side connection
contact terminal 34 and the second circuit conductor (for example, load side conductor)
71 are formed into a U-shape (inverted U-shaped configuration) at a portion proximate
to the vacuum switch 1, it is also preferable that the stationary-electrode-side connection
contact terminal 24 and the first circuit conductor (for example, power supply side
conductor) 61 are formed into a U-shape (inverted U-shaped configuration) at a portion
proximate to the vacuum switch 1. In this construction also the same advantages are
obtained.
Embodiment 8.
[0149] Fig. 15 is a schematic view showing a construction of an essential part (portion
on which a vacuum switch unit is mounted) of switchgear according to Embodiment 8.
[0150] This embodiment differs from the foregoing Embodiment 6 (Fig. 13) or Embodiment 7
(Fig. 14) in the aspect that a sensor 11 or an auxiliary machine 12 is arranged in
the vicinity of the second circuit conductor (load side conductor) 71.
[0151] As shown in the drawing, in the switchgear according to this embodiment, the switchgear
is provided with the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 33 fixed to
the cylindrical vacuum switch 1 and the second circuit conductor 71 that comes in
contact with and is connected to the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal
33, and in which the sensor 11 such as current sensor or voltage sensor or the auxiliary
machine 12 such as zero-phase current transformer is arranged in the vicinity of the
second circuit conductor 71.
[0152] It is also preferable that the sensor 11 or the auxiliary machine 12 is arranged
in the vicinity of the main bus conductor 80 or the stationary-electrode-side connection
contact terminal 24.
[0153] It is also preferable that an auxiliary machine (not shown) such as instrument voltage
transformer or instrument current transformer is arranged likewise.
[0154] Although the vacuum switch unit shown in the foregoing Embodiment 2 (Fig. 6) (i.e.,
the vacuum switch unit 45) is used as the vacuum switch unit in the switchgear shown
in Fig. 15, the invention is not limited to thereto, and it is also preferable to
use the vacuum switch unit 46 constructed as shown in the foregoing Embodiment 6 (Fig.
13) or Embodiment 7 (Fig. 14) as a matter of course.
[0155] According to this embodiment, in addition to the advantages of the switchgear according
to the foregoing Embodiment 7, since the sensor or the auxiliary machine is arranged
in the vicinity of the second circuit conductor (load side conductor), it is possible
to further downsize the switchgear.
Embodiment 9.
[0156] Fig. 16 is a schematic view showing a construction of an essential part (portion
on which vacuum switch units are mounted) of switchgear according to Embodiment 9.
[0157] In the switchgear according to this embodiment, plural vacuum switch units are arranged
forming a straight line as shown in Fig. 16.
[0158] Fig. 16 shows a construction in which the vacuum switch unit 46 constructed as shown
in the foregoing Embodiment 6 (Fig. 13) or Embodiment 7 (Fig. 14) is used as the vacuum
switch unit.
[0159] As shown in the drawing, each of the three vacuum switch units 46 covering three
phases is arranged so that the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal
24 arranged on the top side slides coming in contact with the main bus conductor 80,
and the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 34 arranged on the bottom
side slides coming in contact with the second circuit conductor 71 when the vacuum
switch unit 46 is mounted on a predetermined position by an opening mechanism not
shown.
[0160] The three vacuum switch units 46 are arranged and mounted close to each other forming
a horizontal straight line as shown in Fig. 16.
[0161] According to this construction, in addition to the advantages of the foregoing Embodiment
8, it is possible to reduce the space for mounting the three vacuum switch units (for
three phases) and easily arrange various sensors and auxiliary machines.
[0162] Furthermore, in this construction, since the second circuit conductor (load side
circuit conductor) is arranged downward, it is easy to lead in the cable located on
the load side from the bottom of the switchgear.
[0163] The vacuum switch units used in this embodiment are not limited to the vacuum switch
unit 46 constructed as shown in the foregoing Embodiment 6 (Fig. 13) or Embodiment
7 (Fig. 14), and it is also preferable to use, for example, the vacuum switch unit
45 shown in the foregoing Embodiment 2 (Fig. 6) as a matter of course.
Embodiment 10.
[0164] Fig. 17 is a schematic view showing a construction of an essential part (portion
where vacuum switch units are mounted) of switchgear according to Embodiment 10.
[0165] In the switchgear according to this embodiment, plural (three) vacuum switch units
are arranged so that the central axes of the vacuum switches are positioned on the
vertexes of a triangle respectively when taken from above as shown in Fig. 17.
[0166] Fig. 17 shows a construction in which the vacuum switch unit 46 shown in the foregoing
Embodiment 6 (Fig. 13) or Embodiment 7 (Fig. 14) is used as the vacuum switch units.
[0167] As shown in the drawing, the vacuum switch units 46 are arranged so that the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 24 arranged on the top side of each vacuum switch unit
46 slides coming in contact with the main bus conductor 80, and the movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 34 arranged on the bottom side slides coming in contact
with the second circuit conductor 71.
[0168] Each of the vacuum switch units 46 has the same construction as shown in Fig. 14.
[0169] As shown in Fig. 17, the three vacuum switch units 46 are arranged covering three
phases with their central axes positioned on the vertexes of a triangle respectively.
[0170] According to this construction, in addition to the advantages of the switchgear according
to the foregoing Embodiment 7, it is possible to further reduce the space for mounting
the vacuum switch units for covering three phases and easily arrange various sensors
and auxiliary machines.
[0171] Furthermore, since the second circuit conductor (the load side circuit conductor)
is arranged downward in the same manner as in the foregoing Embodiment 9, it is easy
to lead in the cable located on the load side from the bottom of the switchgear.
[0172] In addition, the vacuum switch units used in this embodiment are not limited to the
vacuum switch unit 46 constructed as shown in the foregoing Embodiment 6 (Fig. 13)
or Embodiment 7 (Fig. 14), and it is also preferable to use, for example, the vacuum
switch unit 45 shown in the foregoing Embodiment 2 (Fig. 6) as a matter of course.
Embodiment 11.
[0173] Fig. 18 is a schematic view showing a construction of an essential part (portion
on which a vacuum switch unit is mounted) of switchgear according to Embodiment 11.
[0174] In the switchgear according to this embodiment, various parts arranged in the vicinity
of the cylindrical vacuum switch vertically mounted are combined into several components
as shown in Fig. 18.
[0175] More specifically, referring to Fig. 18, numeral 19a is a component that includes
the vacuum switch 1, stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal (23 or
24) and the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal (33 or 34) and is formed
integrally into one unit composed of an organic insulating material (not shown) by
injection molding.
[0176] Numeral 19b is a component that includes the sliding contact portion, where the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal (23 or 24) slides coming in contact with the main bus
conductor 80, and is formed integrally into one unit composed of an organic insulating
material by injection molding.
[0177] Numeral 19c is a component that includes the U-shaped portion (inverted U-shaped
portion) of the second circuit conductor 71 shown in Fig. 14 and is formed integrally
into one unit of an organic insulating material by injection molding.
[0178] Numerals 19d and 19e are components that include the second circuit conductor 71
and the sensor 11 or the auxiliary machine 12 and are respectively formed integrally
into one unit by injection molding.
[0179] Numeral 19f is a component that includes the remaining portion of the second circuit
conductor 71 and a part of another conductor 110 and is formed integrally into one
unit by injection molding.
[0180] As described above, according to this embodiment, in addition to the advantages of
the vacuum switch unit according to the foregoing Embodiment 7, combining the various
parts into several components further makes it easy to manage the parts, and this
performs the advantage of making it easy to assemble the parts inside the switchgear.
[0181] Furthermore, insulating property between the adjacent vacuum switch units is improved.
[0182] In the foregoing description, constructions of the vacuum switch 1 capable of interrupting
an electric current, the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal (23
or 24), the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal (33 or 34), the main
bus conductor 80, the second circuit conductor 71, etc. are described. The invention
is likewise applicable to any other vacuum switch unit having other function such
as disconnection and grounding as a matter of course.
[0183] Although the vacuum switches of an organic insulating material disposed in the air
is described in the foregoing constructions, the invention is also applicable to a
construction used in gas atmosphere, provided that there is no possibility that the
organic insulating material is not deteriorated in the gas.
Embodiment 12.
[0184] Figs. 19 (a) and (b) are schematic views each showing a construction of an essential
part (portion on which a vacuum switch unit is mounted) of switchgear according to
Embodiment 12.
[0185] In the drawing, numeral 1 is a cylindrical vacuum. This vacuum switch 1 is provided
with a stationary electrode 1a connected to an internal stationary contact (i.e.,
stationary electrode) at an end of the central axis S of this vacuum switch 1 and
a movable electrode 1b connected to a movable contact point (i.e., movable electrode)
at the other end thereof.
[0186] Numeral 24 is a stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal of which one
end is fixed to the stationary electrode bar 1a, and numeral 34 is a movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal of which one end is fixed to the movable electrode 1b
through a shunt 34a of a flexible copper strand.
[0187] Numeral 61 is a first circuit conductor (for example, power supply side conductor),
and numeral 71 is a second circuit conductor (for example, load side conductor).
[0188] In this embodiment, the cylindrical vacuum switch 1 is mounted so that the stationary
electrode 1a and the movable electrode 1b extends horizontally, for example, in the
back and forth direction when the switchgear is viewed from the front, and the vacuum
switch 1 can move horizontally to a predetermined position by a opening mechanism
not shown.
[0189] The movable electrode 1b is driven horizontally (i.e., on a plane parallel to the
plane on which the switchgear is mounted and in the back and forth direction when
the switchgear is viewed from the front) by a switch mechanism (not shown), thereby
opening or closing the internal contact (electrode) of the cylindrical vacuum switch
1.
[0190] Since the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 34 is fixed to the movable
electrode 1b through the shunt 34a, the movable electrode 1b can move horizontally
regardless of the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 34 at the time
of opening and closing the contact (electrode).
[0191] The stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 24 is composed of a conductive
material such as copper plate, and the other end thereof extends in the same direction
as the central axis S of the vacuum switch 1 passing through the stationary electrode
1a and the movable electrode 1b and slides coming in contact with the first circuit
conductor 61 (for example, power supply side conductor).
[0192] The movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 34 is also composed of a conductive
material such as copper plate, and the other end thereof is bent transversally so
as to be substantially parallel to the central axis S at a portion proximate to the
cylindrical valve 1.
[0193] An end (i.e., end opposite to the end fixed to the movable electrode 1b) of the movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 34 is arranged to slide coming in contact with the second
circuit conductor 71 (for example, load side conductor).
[0194] In this case, an elastic contact member 34b is disposed at the end of the movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 34 in some cases.
[0195] The vacuum switch 1, the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 24,
and the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 34, form the vacuum switch
unit 46.
[0196] Fig. 19 (a) shows a state that the vacuum switch unit 46 is separated from the first
circuit conductor (for example, power supply side conductor) 61 and the second circuit
conductor 71 (for example, load side conductor), and Fig. 19(b) shows a state that
the vacuum switch unit 46 moves to a predetermined position by the opening mechanism
not shown and slides coming in contact with the first circuit conductor 61 and the
second circuit conductor 71.
[0197] In addition, either the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 24
or the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 34 is connected to a power
supply circuit, and the other is connected to a load circuit. That is, the power supply
side and the load side are reversed in some cases.
[0198] As described above, according to this embodiment, the vacuum switch unit is arranged
so that the central axis of the vacuum switch extends horizontally, and the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal fixed to the stationary electrode of the vacuum switch
comes in contact with and is connected to the power supply side circuit conductor
(for example, main bus conductor) disposed vertically. Further, the movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal of which one end is fixed to the movable electrode of
the vacuum switch is bent into an L-shape in proximity to the vacuum switch so as
to be parallel to the central axis of the vacuum switch, an end thereof comes in contact
with and is connected to the U-shaped joint of the load side circuit conductor, and
this load side circuit conductor is disposed in the direction parallel to the central
axis of the vacuum switch (i.e., horizontally) . Therefore, it is possible to greatly
relieve the bending stress on the stationary electrode and the movable electrode of
the vacuum switch and downsize the switchgear in height (i.e., the vertical size)
and, as a result, it is possible to obtain structurally reliable and downsized switchgear.
Embodiment 13.
[0199] Fig. 20 is a schematic view showing a construction of an essential part (portion
on which a vacuum switch unit is mounted) of switchgear according to Embodiment 13.
[0200] In the drawing, numeral 1 is a cylindrical vacuum switch, numeral 1a is a stationary
electrode, numeral 1b is a movable electrode, numeral 24 is a stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal, numeral 34 is a movable-electrode-side connection contact
terminal, numeral 34a is a shunt, and numeral 34b is a contact member.
[0201] This embodiment differs from the switchgear according to the foregoing Embodiment
12 in the aspect that disposing the first circuit conductor (the power supply side
conductor) 61 shown in Fig. 19 is omitted and the stationary-electrode-side connection
contact terminal 24 directly slides coming in contact with the main bus conductor
80.
[0202] Referring to Fig. 20, numeral 80 is a main bus conductor of substantially U-shape
in section and is disposed vertically. This main bus conductor 80 is arranged so that
the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 24 of the vacuum switch
unit 46 slides coming in contact with an substantially U-shaped groove of the main
bus conductor 80 when the vacuum switch unit 46 has moved to a predetermined position
by any opening mechanism not shown.
[0203] In other words, the main bus conductor 80 is disposed in proximity to the vacuum
switch unit 46 without interposing any other mechanism (for example, the power supply
side conductor 61 in Fig. 19) between the main bus conductor 80 and the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 24 extending in the same direction as the central axis
S passing through the stationary electrode 1a and the movable electrode 1b, and the
stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 24 slides horizontally and comes
in contact with the main bus conductor 80 disposed vertically.
[0204] This construction makes it possible to obtain switchgear in which a current path
can be formed with an extremely short distance in addition to the advantages of the
switchgear according to the foregoing Embodiment 12.
Embodiment 14.
[0205] Fig. 21 is a schematic view showing a construction of an essential part (portion
on which a vacuum switch unit is mounted) of switchgear according to Embodiment 14.
[0206] As shown in Fig. 21, in the switchgear according to this embodiment, the movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 32 of which one end is fixed to the movable electrode
1b is bent horizontally into an L-shape so as to be substantially parallel to the
central axis S of the vacuum switch 1 at a portion proximate to the cylindrical vacuum
switch 1.
[0207] The other end of the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 32 is disposed
to slide and come in contact with the junction 71a of the second circuit conductor
71.
[0208] Furthermore, the second circuit conductor 71 is bent from the sliding contact portion
(i.e., the junction 71a) substantially in parallel to the central axis S of the vacuum
switch 1 and in a direction opposite to the direction where the movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 32 is bent (i.e., in the direction of the movable electrode
1b).
[0209] That is, the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 32 and the second
circuit conductor 71 are formed into a U-shape at a portion proximate to the vacuum
switch 1.
[0210] The other end of the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 22 of
which one end is fixed to the stationary electrode 1a is disposed to slide coming
in contact with a junction 61a formed at an end of the first circuit conductor 61.
[0211] The first circuit conductor 61 is bent from the sliding contact portion (i.e., the
junction 61a) substantially in parallel to the central axis S of the vacuum switch
1 and in a direction opposite to the direction of the stationary-electrode-side connection
contact terminal 22 (i.e., in the direction of the movable electrode 1b)
[0212] That is, the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 22 and the first
circuit conductor 61 are formed into a U-shape at a portion proximate to the vacuum
switch 1.
[0213] A junction 61b is formed at the other end of the first circuit conductor 61 and slides
coming in contact with another circuit conductor (for example, the main bus conductor
80) disposed horizontally.
[0214] According to this construction, in addition to the advantages of the switchgear according
to the foregoing Embodiment 12, it is possible to obtain switchgear having a construction
in which the vacuum switch 1 is connected to and is in contact with another conductor
(for example, the main bus conductor 80 or the like) on the power supply side or on
the load side with an extremely short distance from the vacuum switch 1.
[0215] Further, since the other end of the second circuit conductor 71 opposite to the junction
71a is bent downward, it is easy to lead in the cable located on the load side from
the bottom of the switchgear.
[0216] In the foregoing example shown in Fig. 21, although both combination of the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 22 and the first circuit conductor 61 and combination
of the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 32 and the second circuit
conductor 71 are formed into U-shape at apportion proximate to the vacuum switch 1,
it is also preferable that only either the combination of the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 22 and the first circuit conductor 61 or the combination
of the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 32 and the second circuit
conductor 71 is formed into a U-shape at a portion proximate to the vacuum switch
1. In this construction also the same advantages are obtained.
[0217] Further, although the foregoing description shows an example in which the second
circuit conductor 71 is formed into a U-shape at a portion proximate to the vacuum
switch 1, it is also preferable to form the second circuit conductor 71 not into a
U-shape but into a straight line.
[0218] In this case (i.e., in the case where the second circuit conductor 71 is constructed
forming a straight line), it is easy to lead in the cable located on the load side
from the back of the switchgear to the second circuit conductor.
Embodiment 15.
[0219] Fig. 22 is a schematic view showing a construction of an essential part (portion
on which a vacuum switch unit is mounted) of switchgear according to Embodiment 15.
[0220] The switchgear according to this embodiment is characterized by arranging a sensor
11 or an auxiliary machine 12 in the vicinity of the first circuit conductor 61 or
the second circuit conductor 71 in addition to the feature of the switchgear according
to the foregoing Embodiment 14.
[0221] That is, as shown in the drawing, in the switchgear according to this embodiment,
the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 22 and the first circuit
conductor 61 are formed into a U-shape at a portion proximate to the vacuum switch
1 and, furthermore, this first circuit conductor 61 is provided with the sensor 11
such as current sensor or voltage sensor.
[0222] Likewise, the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 32 and the second
circuit conductor 71 are formed into a U-shape at a portion proximate to the vacuum
switch 1 and, furthermore, this second circuit conductor 71 is provided with the auxiliary
machine 12 such as zero-phase current transformer.
[0223] According to this construction, in addition to the advantages of the switchgear according
to the foregoing Embodiment 12, it is relatively easy to arrange the sensor 11 or
the auxiliary machine 12 even in the case of a switchgear in which the vacuum switch
1 is connected to and is in contact with another conductor on the power supply side
or on the load side with an extremely short distance from the vacuum switch 1.
Embodiment 16.
[0224] Fig. 23 is a schematic view showing ae construction of an essential part (portion
on which vacuum switch units are mounted) of switchgear according to Embodiment 16.
[0225] As shown in the drawing, in the switchgear according to this embodiment, plural (for
example, three units covering three phases) vacuum switch units as shown in the foregoing
Embodiment 15 (Fig. 22) are arranged horizontally forming a straight line.
[0226] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 23, three vacuum switch units (for covering three
phases), in each of which the first circuit conductor 61 joined (comes in contact
with and is connected to) to the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal
22 is provided with the sensor 11 and the second circuit conductor 71 jointed to the
movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 32 is provided with the auxiliary
machine (for example, a zero-phase current transformer) 12, are arranged horizontally
forming a straight line.
[0227] According to this construction, in addition to the advantages of the switchgear according
to the foregoing Embodiment 12, it is possible to reduce the space for mounting the
vacuum switch units and arrange easily various sensors and auxiliary machines.
[0228] Furthermore, since the other end of the second circuit conductor 71 opposite to the
junction 71a is bent downward, it is easy to lead in the cable located on the load
side from the bottom of the switchgear.
Embodiment 17.
[0229] Fig. 24 is a schematic view showing a construction of an essential part (portion
on which vacuum switch units are mounted) of switchgear according to Embodiment 17.
[0230] As shown in the drawing, in the switchgear according to this embodiment, the vacuum
switch units as shown in the foregoing Embodiment 15 (Fig. 22) are arranged horizontally
and mounted so that central axis S of each vacuum switch 1 of the vacuum switch units
is positioned on each vertex of a triangle respectively.
[0231] That is, as shown in Fig. 24, three vacuum switch units (for covering three phases),
in each of which the first circuit conductor 61 joined to the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 22 is provided with the sensor 11 and the second circuit
conductor 71 jointed to the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 32
is provided with the auxiliary machine 12 such as zero-phase current transformer,
are arranged so that they are positioned on the vertexes of a triangle respectively.
[0232] According to this construction, in addition to the advantages of the switchgear according
to the foregoing Embodiment 12, it is possible to further reduce the space for mounting
the three vacuum switch units (for covering three phases) and easily arrange various
sensors and auxiliary machines.
[0233] Furthermore, since the other end of the second circuit conductor 71 opposite to the
junction 71a is bent downward, it is easy to lead in the cable located on the load
side from the bottom of the switchgear.
Embodiment 18.
[0234] Fig. 25 is a schematic view showing a construction of an essential part (portion
on which a vacuum switch unit is mounted) of switchgear according to Embodiment 18.
[0235] In the switchgear according to this embodiment, various parts disposed in the vicinity
of the cylindrical vacuum switch arranged horizontally are combined into several components
as shown in Fig. 25.
[0236] That is, referring to Fig. 25, numeral 19a is a component that includes the cylindrical
valve 1, the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 22 and the movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 32 formed integrally into one unit composed an organic
insulating material (not shown) by injection molding.
[0237] Numeral 19b is a component that includes the sliding contact portion of the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 22 and the main bus conductor 80 formed integrally into
one unit composed of an organic insulating material by injection molding.
[0238] Numeral 19c is a component that includes the inverted U-shaped portion of the second
circuit conductor 71 shown in Fig. 21 formed into one unit by injection molding.
[0239] Numerals 19d and 19e are components including the second circuit conductor 71 and
the sensor 11 or the auxiliary machine 12 such as zero-phase current transformer formed
integrally into one unit by injection molding.
[0240] Numeral 19f is a component including the remaining portion of the second circuit
conductor 71 and a part of the other conductor 110 formed integrally into one unit
by injection molding.
[0241] As described above, in the switchgear according to this embodiment, in addition to
the advantages of the vacuum switch unit according to the foregoing Embodiment 12,
combining the various parts into several components further makes it easy to manage
the parts, and this performs the advantage of making it easy to assemble the parts
inside the switchgear. Furthermore, insulating property between the adjacent vacuum
switch units is improved.
[0242] In the foregoing description, constructions of the vacuum switch 1 capable of interrupting
an electric current, the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 22,
the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 32, the main bus conductor
80, the second circuit conductor 71, etc. are described. The invention is likewise
applicable to any other cylindrical valve having other function such as disconnection
and grounding as a matter of course.
[0243] Although the vacuum switches of an organic insulating material disposed in the air
is described in the foregoing constructions, the invention is also applicable to a
construction used in gas atmosphere, provided that there is no possibility that the
organic insulating material is not deteriorated in the gas.
Embodiment 19.
[0244] Figs. 26 and 27 (a) and (b) are schematic views each showing a construction of an
essential part (portion on which a vacuum switch unit is mounted) of switchgear according
to Embodiment 19.
[0245] In the drawing, numeral 1 is a cylindrical vacuum switch.
[0246] This vacuum switch 1 is provided with a stationary electrode 1a (not shown) connected
to an internal stationary contact (stationary electrode) at the center (central portion
of the upper end in the drawings) of an end of the vacuum switch 1 and a movable electrode
1b connected to a movable contact (movable electrode) at the other end thereof.
[0247] Numeral 23 is a stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal of which one
end is fixed to the stationary electrode 1a (not shown), and numeral 33 is a movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal of which one end is fixed to the movable electrode 1b
through a shunt (not shown) of a flexible copper strand.
[0248] The vacuum switch 1, the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 23
and the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 33, form a vacuum switch
unit.
[0249] This vacuum switch unit is mounted so that the stationary electrode 1a (not shown)
and the movable electrode 1b are arranged vertically and the vacuum switch unit can
move vertically to a predetermined position by an opening mechanism (not shown).
[0250] The movable electrode 1b is driven vertically by a switch mechanism (not shown),
thereby opening or closing the contact (electrode) in the vacuum switch 1.
[0251] The movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 33 is fixed to the movable
electrode 1b through the shunt, and therefore the movable electrode 1b can move vertically
regardless of the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 33 at the time
of opening and closing the contact (electrode).
[0252] Numeral 1c is an insulating member interposed between the cylindrical vacuum switch
1 and the parting mechanism (not shown).
[0253] The stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 23 is formed of a conductive
material such as copper plate or copper bar, and the other end thereof extends in
the same direction as the central axis S of the vacuum switch 1 passing through the
stationary electrode 1a (not shown) and the movable electrode 1b and slides coming
in contact with the main bus conductor 80.
[0254] Likewise the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 33 is formed of a
conductive material such as copper plate, and the other end thereof is provided with
a circuit conductor 72a (corresponding the connection contact part 33b in Fig. 6)
that extends upward substantially in parallel to the central axis S at a portion proximate
to the cylindrical vacuum switch 1.
[0255] A circuit conductor 72b slides coming in contact with this circuit conductor 72a
and is connected to the circuit conductor 72a, whereby the circuit conductor 72b extends
upward crossing a side face of the main bus conductor 80 close to each other.
[0256] In a case where plural main bus conductors 80 are disposed, the circuit conductor
72b is arranged to extend through between the main bus conductors 80.
[0257] Furthermore, a circuit conductor 72c is connected to the circuit conductor 72b crossing
the side face of the main bus conductor 80 close to each other.
[0258] Fig. 26 shows a state that the vacuum switch unit is separated from the main bus
conductor 80 and the circuit conductor 72b.
[0259] Fig. 27 (a) shows a state that the vacuum switch unit moves to a predetermined position
by the opening mechanism not shown and is mounted on the main bus conductor 80 and
the circuit conductor 72b.
[0260] That is, Fig. 27 (a) shows a state that the end of the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 23 of the vacuum switch 1 slides coming in contact with
the main bus conductor 80, and the end of the movable-electrode-side connection contact
terminal 33 slides coming in contact with the circuit conductor 72b through the circuit
conductor 72a.
[0261] In addition, Fig. 27 (b) is a side view of Fig. 27 (a).
[0262] Either the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 23 or the movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 33 is connected to a power supply circuit, and the other
is connected to a load circuit.
[0263] In short, the power supply side and the load side are reversed in some cases.
[0264] In addition, the vacuum switch unit used in this embodiment is not limited to the
vacuum switch unit (i.e., the vacuum switch unit 45) constructed as shown in the foregoing
Embodiment 2 (Fig. 6). It is also preferable to use the vacuum switch unit (i.e.,
the vacuum switch unit 46) of the construction as shown in the foregoing Embodiment
6 (Fig. 13) or Embodiment 7 (Fig. 14) as a matter of course.
[0265] As described above, according to this embodiment, the vacuum switch unit is arranged
so that the central axis of the vacuum switch extends vertically. The stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal fixed to the stationary electrode of the vacuum switch
comes in contact with and is connected to the power supply side circuit conductor
(for example, the main bus conductor) arranged horizontally. The movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal of which one end is fixed to the movable electrode of
the vacuum switch is formed into an L-shape in proximity to the vacuum switch so as
to be parallel to the central axis of the vacuum switch. One end thereof crosses the
power supply side circuit conductor and comes in contact with and is connected to
the junction of the load side circuit conductor arranged upward in a vertical direction.
Consequently, it is possible to greatly relieve the bending stress on the stationary
electrode and the movable electrode of the vacuum switch and downsize the switchgear
in depth and, as a result, it is possible to achieve structurally reliable and downsized
switchgear.
[0266] Furthermore, according to this construction, the load side circuit conductor is disposed
upward, and this makes it easy to lead in the cable located on the load side from
the top of the switchgear.
Embodiment 20.
[0267] Fig. 28 is a schematic view showing a construction of an essential part (portion
on which a vacuum switch unit is mounted) of switchgear according to Embodiment 20.
[0268] This embodiment differs from the switchgear (Fig. 26) according to the foregoing
Embodiment 19 in the aspect that the sensor 11 or the auxiliary machine 12 such as
zero-phase current transformer is arranged in the vicinity of the circuit conductor
72b.
[0269] That is, as shown in the drawing, the switchgear according to this embodiment includes
the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 33 fixed to the movable electrode
1b of the cylindrical vacuum switch 1, the circuit conductor 72a (corresponding to
the connection contact part 33b in Fig. 6) joined thereto, and the circuit conductor
72b. This switchgear is characterized by arranging the sensor 11 or the auxiliary
machine 12 such as zero-phase current transformer in the vicinity of the circuit conductor
72b.
[0270] It is also preferable that the sensor 11 or the auxiliary machine 12 is arranged
in the vicinity of the main bus conductor 80 or the stationary-electrode-side connection
contact terminal 23.
[0271] The vacuum switch unit used in this embodiment is not limited to the vacuum switch
unit 45 constructed as shown in the foregoing Embodiment 2 (Fig. 6), and it is also
preferable to use the vacuum switch unit (i.e., the vacuum switch unit 46) constructed
as shown in the foregoing Embodiment 6 (Fig. 13) or Embodiment 7 (Fig. 14) as a matter
of course.
[0272] According to this embodiment, in addition to the advantages of the switchgear according
to the foregoing Embodiment 19, it is possible to arrange various sensors and auxiliary
machines making efficient use of the space, and this makes it possible to further
downsize the switchgear.
Embodiment 21.
[0273] Fig. 29 is a schematic view showing a construction of an essential part (portion
on which vacuum switch units are mounted) of switchgear according to Embodiment 21.
[0274] As shown in the drawing, in the switchgear according to this embodiment, plural (for
example, three units corresponding to three phases) vacuum switch units are arranged
vertically forming a straight line.
[0275] That is, the vacuum switch 1 is arranged so that the stationary electrode 1a (not
shown) of the vacuum switch 1 is located at the top and the movable electrode 1b at
the bottom.
[0276] The stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 23 disposed on the stationary
electrode 1a (not shown) side is formed on upper side extending upward, and an end
of the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 23 is disposed so as
to slide coming in contact with the main bus conductor 80 and slide coming in contact
with the circuit conductor 72a (corresponding to the connection contact part 33b in
Fig. 6) formed at an end of the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal
33 disposed on lower side and with the circuit conductor 72b.
[0277] The mentioned construction is the same as that shown in Fig. 28. The three vacuum
switch units are mounted vertically forming a straight line as shown in Fig. 29.
[0278] According to this construction, in addition to the advantages of the switchgear according
to the foregoing Embodiment 19, it is possible to reduce the space for mounting the
vacuum switch units and arrange easily various sensors and auxiliary machines.
Embodiment 22.
[0279] Fig. 30 is a schematic view showing a construction of an essential part (portion
on which a vacuum switch unit is mounted) of switchgear according to Embodiment 22.
[0280] As shown in the drawing, in the switchgear according to this embodiment, various
parts arranged in the vicinity of the cylindrical vacuum switch are combined into
several components.
[0281] That is, in Fig. 30, numeral 19a is a component that includes the cylindrical vacuum
switch 1 for covering three phases, the stationary-electrode-side connection contact
terminal 22, and the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 32 formed
integrally into one unit composed of an organic insulating material 20a by injection
molding.
[0282] Numeral 19b is a component that includes the portions where the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 22 slides coming in contact with the main bus conductor
80 for covering three phases formed into one unit composed of an organic insulating
material 20b by injection molding.
[0283] Numeral 19c is a component including the circuit conductor 72b shown in Fig. 28,
the sensor 11, and the auxiliary machine 12 such as zero-phase current transformer
formed integrally into one unit by injection molding.
[0284] As described above, in the switchgear according to this embodiment, in addition to
the advantages of the switchgear according to the foregoing Embodiment 19, forming
the various parts to be arranged integrally into one unit of an organic insulating
material by injection molding, i.e., combining them into one or plural components
makes it possible to largely shorten the required space insulating distance.
[0285] As a result, it is possible to downsize the enclosed type switchboard and reduce
the manufacturing cost owing to reduction in raw materials.
[0286] Furthermore, not only it is easy to manage the parts, but also it is also easy to
assemble the parts inside the switchgear.
[0287] Although the foregoing description mentions to the construction of the cylindrical
vacuum switch 1 capable of interrupting an electric current, the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 22, the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal
32, the main bus conductor 80, the circuit conductors 7a and 7b, and so on, the invention
is also applicable to a cylindrical valve having any other function such as disconnecting
and grounding in the same manner as a matter of course.
[0288] Although the vacuum switches of an organic insulating material disposed in the air
is described in the foregoing constructions, the invention is also applicable to a
construction used in gas atmosphere, provided that there is no possibility that the
organic insulating material is not deteriorated in the gas.
Embodiment 23.
[0289] Figs. 31 (a) and (b) are schematic views each showing a construction of an essential
part (portion on which a vacuum switch unit is mounted) of switchgear according to
Embodiment 23.
[0290] In the switchgear according to the foregoing Embodiments 19 to 22, the vacuum switch
unit is arranged so that the central axis of the vacuum switch unit crosses the main
bus conductor 80 arranged horizontally in the switchgear at right angles (i.e., in
vertical direction).
[0291] On the other hand, the switchgear according to this embodiment is characterized by
arranging the vacuum switch unit so that the central axis of the vacuum switch unit
crosses the main bus conductor 80 arranged perpendicularly (i.e., vertically) in the
switchgear at right angles (i.e., in horizontal direction).
[0292] Referring to Figs. 31 (a) and (b), numeral 1 is a cylindrical vacuum switch arranged
horizontally.
[0293] This vacuum switch 1 is provided with a stationary electrode 1a (not shown), which
is connected to an internal stationary contact (stationary electrode), at the center
of an end of the vacuum switch 1 and with a movable electrode 1b connected to a movable
contact (a movable electrode) at the other end thereof.
[0294] Numeral 23 is a stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal of which one
end is fixed to the stationary electrode 1a (not shown), and numeral 33 is a movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal of which one end is fixed to the movable electrode 1b
through a shunt (not shown) of a flexible copper strand.
[0295] The vacuum switch 1, the stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 23,
and the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 33, form a vacuum switch
unit.
[0296] This vacuum switch unit is mounted so that the stationary electrode 1a (not shown)
and the movable electrode 1b extend horizontally and the vacuum switch unit can move
horizontally to a predetermined position by an opening mechanism (not shown).
[0297] The movable electrode 1b is driven horizontally by a switch mechanism (not shown),
thereby opening or closing the contact (electrode) in the vacuum switch 1.
[0298] Since the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 33 is fixed to the movable
electrode 1b through the shunt, it is possible to move the movable electrode 1b horizontally
regardless of the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 33 at the time
of opening and closing the contact (electrode).
[0299] Numeral 1c is an insulating member interposed between the cylindrical vacuum switch
1 and the opening mechanism (not shown).
[0300] The stationary-electrode-side connection contact terminal 23 is formed of a conductive
material such as copper plate or copper bar, and the other end thereof extends in
the same direction as the central axis S of the vacuum switch 1 passing through the
stationary electrode 1a (not shown) and the movable electrode 1b and slides coming
in contact with the main bus conductor 80 arranged perpendicularly (i.e., vertically).
[0301] The movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal 33 is likewise formed of a
conductive material such as copper plate, and the other end thereof is provided with
a circuit conductor 72a that extends toward the backside of the switchgear so as to
be substantially parallel to the central axis S at a portion proximate to the cylindrical
vacuum switch 1.
[0302] A circuit conductor 72b slides coming in contact with the circuit conductor 72a and
is connected to the circuit conductor 72a, and the circuit conductor 72b extends toward
the backside of the switchgear and crosses a side face of the main bus conductor 80
close to each other.
[0303] In a case where plural main bus conductors 80 are disposed, the circuit conductor
72b is arranged to extend through between the main bus conductors 80.
[0304] Furthermore, a circuit conductor 72c is connected to the circuit conductor 72b crossing
the side face of the main bus conductor 80 close to each other.
[0305] Fig. 31(a) shows a state that the vacuum switch unit has moved to a predetermined
position by the opening mechanism not shown and is mounted on the main bus conductor
80 and the circuit conductor 72b.
[0306] More specifically, Fig. 31(a) shows a state that the end of the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal 23 of the vacuum switch 1 slides coming in contact with
the main bus conductor 80, and the end of the movable-electrode-side connection contact
terminal 33 slides coming in contact with the circuit conductor 72b through the circuit
conductor 72a.
[0307] In addition, Fig. 31(b) is a side view of Fig. 31(a).
[0308] Thus, According to this embodiment, the vacuum switch unit is arranged so that the
central axis of the vacuum switch extends horizontally, and the stationary-electrode-side
connection contact terminal fixed to the stationary electrode of the vacuum switch
comes in contact with and is connected to the power supply side circuit conductor
(for example, the main bus conductor) disposed vertically. Further, the movable-electrode-side
connection contact terminal of which one end is fixed to the movable electrode of
the vacuum switch is formed into an L-shape in proximity to the vacuum switch so as
to be parallel to the central axis of the vacuum switch, and the end thereof comes
in contact with and is connected to the junction of the load side circuit conductor
crossing the power supply side circuit conductor and horizontally extending toward
the backside of the switchgear. As a result, it is possible to greatly relieve the
bending stress on the stationary electrode and the movable electrode of the vacuum
switch and downsize the switchgear in height, and consequently it is possible to achieve
structurally reliable and downsized switchgear.
[0309] Furthermore, according to this construction, since the load side circuit conductor
extends toward the backside of the switchgear, it is easy to lead in the cable located
on the load side horizontally from the back of the switchgear. Industrial Applicability
[0310] As described above, in the vacuum switch unit according to the present invention,
it is possible to greatly relieve the bending stress on the stationary electrode and
the movable electrode in assembling, and therefore the invention is suited for accomplishing
a vacuum switch unit highly reliable on mechanical strength.
[0311] Furthermore, it is not necessary to support the stationary-electrode-side connection
contact terminal and the movable-electrode-side connection contact terminal of the
vacuum switch unit by means of any support member such as insulators or mold frame,
and therefore the invention is suited for accomplishing reliable switchgear in which
number of parts is reduced and efficiency in assembling is improved.