INSULATOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of high-voltage power transmission. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to an insulator for a gas-insulated device, a gas-insulated device comprising the insulator, and a method for manufacturing the insulator.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Gas-insulated devices, such as Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) and Gas-Insulated Transmission Lines (GIL), are widely used in the field of high-voltage power transmission technology. Specifically, Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) is a compact metal-encapsulated switchgear consisting of a plurality of high-voltage functional modules such as a disconnector module and a circuit-breaker module, wherein adjacent functional modules are electrically connected to each other generally through at least one conductive insert arranged in an insulator.

[0003] For the layout design of a three-phase GIS product, it is often necessary to perform transformation of phase-position distribution according to different inner conductor structures of adjacent functional modules. For example, some of three-phase functional modules (such as a disconnector module) comprise an inner conductor structure with linear phase-position distribution, while other three-phase functional modules comprise an inner conductor structure with various types of triangular phase-position distribution.

[0004] Thereby, in the prior art, twisting conductors are commonly used as connecting media to realize phase-position transformation function, so as to ensure that the inner conductor structure of one functional module is adapted to that of another functional module connected thereto. The use of twisting conductors leads to very complicated design types of the inner conductor structure occupying more internal space of respective functional module, resulting in a larger/longer enclosure of the functional module, which is not conducive to ensure compactness of the functional module. Further, more contact points caused by conductor connections are not conducive to temperature rise.

[0005] In addition, from the perspective of cost, a twisting conductor has a complicated 3D geometry and needs to be manufactured by a casting or forging process, thus the cost of a twisting conductor is relatively higher than that of a general machining part due to design of special geometric feature and related investment of mold. Further, many kinds of variants are needed, which brings inconvenience to production and stock maintenance. Moreover, assembly jigs are required to ensure assembly positions, which is not conducive to ensure production efficiency.

SUMMARY

[0006] In view of the above, the present disclosure aims to provide an insulator with phase-position transformation function that overcomes the defects of the prior art.

[0007] To this end, a first aspect of the present disclosure provides an insulator adapted to be arranged between functional modules of a gas-insulated device and comprising: an outer fixing member; an insulating body surrounded by the outer fixing member and having a first surface and a second surface; and a plurality of conductive inserts, each of the conductive inserts embedded in the insulating body and comprising a first terminal interface and a second terminal interface arranged respectively on the first surface and the second surface, wherein at least one of the plurality of conductive inserts has a non-revolved geometry, such that distribution of the first terminal interfaces of the plurality of conductive inserts on the first surface is different from that of the second terminal interfaces of the plurality of conductive inserts on the second surface.

[0008] The technical effect obtainable by the present disclosure lies in that, the phase-position transformation function is integrated into the insulator by arranging at least one non-revolved conductive insert in the insulating body, which can simplify the design of the inner conductor structure of respective functional module of the gas-insulated device and avoid dependence on twisting conductors, thereby simplifying the inner conductor system of the functional module, realizing compactness thereof, optimizing production efficiency and stock management, and effectively reducing the cost of the gas-insulated device.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the first terminal interfaces form a triangular or hexagonal distribution on the first surface, and the second terminal interfaces form a linear distribution on the second surface.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the first terminal interfaces form a first triangular distribution on the first surface, and the second terminal interfaces form a second triangular distribution on the second surface, and wherein the first triangular distribution is different from the second triangular distribution with respect to the outer fixing member.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the conductive inserts further comprises a third terminal interface arranged on the first surface, and wherein the third terminal interfaces form a hexagonal distribution on the first surface together with the first terminal interfaces.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the conductive inserts further comprises a fourth terminal interface arranged on the second surface, and wherein the fourth terminal interfaces form a hexagonal distribution on the second surface together with the second terminal interfaces.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer fixing member is a metal flange independent of the insulating body, or the outer fixing member is integrally formed with the insulating body.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulator is a barrier insulator without any gas passage, or the insulator is a support insulator comprising at least one gas passage formed in the insulating body and/or formed between the insulating body and the outer fixing member.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulator further comprises at least one grounding electrode embedded in the insulating body.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the conductive inserts is combined with a shield embedded in the insulating body.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the first terminal interfaces and/or the second terminal interfaces comprises six conductor-connecting holes evenly distributed in a circumferential direction.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulating body comprises a groove arranged on the first connection surface and/or the second connection surface and adjacent to the outer fixing member for placement of a sealing ring.

[0019] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a gas-insulated device comprising the insulator according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0020] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing an insulator adapted to be arranged between functional modules of a gas-insulated device, comprising: providing an outer fixing member; providing an insulating body surrounded by the outer fixing member and having a first surface and a second surface; and providing a plurality of conductive inserts, each of the conductive inserts embedded in the insulating body and comprising a first terminal interface and a second terminal interface arranged respectively on the first surface and the second surface, wherein at least one of the plurality of conductive inserts has a non-revolved geometry, such that distribution of the first terminal interfaces of the plurality of conductive inserts on the first surface is different from that of the second terminal interfaces of the plurality of conductive inserts on the second surface.

[0021] The insulator according to the present disclosure has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture, thus can be widely used in various types of gas-insulated device.

[0022] Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc." are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood through the following preferred embodiments described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals indicate the same or similar components.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of the insulator according to the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows a sectional view taken along the section Zl-Zl shown in Fig.1.

[0026] Fig. 3 shows another perspective view of the insulator shown in Fig.l.

[0027] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a conductive insert of the insulator shown in Fig.l. [0028] Fig. 5 shows one of the side surfaces of the insulator shown in Fig.l. [0029] Fig. 6 shows the other of the side surfaces of the insulator shown in Fig.l.

[0030] Fig. 7 shows an application of the insulator shown in Fig.l.

[0031] Fig. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the insulator according to the present disclosure. [0032] Fig. 9 shows a lateral view of the insulator shown in Fig.8.

[0033] Fig. 10 shows one of the side surfaces of the insulator shown in Fig.8.

[0034] Fig. 11 shows the other of the side surfaces of the insulator shown in Fig.8.

[0035] Fig. 12 shows a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of the insulator according to the present disclosure. [0036] Fig. 13 shows another perspective view of the insulator shown in Fig.12.

[0037] Fig. 14 shows one of the side surfaces of the insulator shown in Fig.12.

[0038] Fig. 15 shows a sectional view taken along the section Z2-Z2 shown in Fig.14.

[0039] Fig. 16 shows the other of the side surfaces of the insulator shown in Fig.12.

[0040] Fig. 17 shows a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the insulator according to the present disclosure.

[0041] Fig. 18 shows another perspective view of the insulator shown in Fig.17.

[0042] Fig. 19 shows one of the side surfaces of the insulator shown in Fig.17.

[0043] Fig. 20 shows a lateral view of the insulator shown in Fig.17.

[0044] Fig. 21 shows the other of the side surfaces of the insulator shown in Fig.17. [0045] Fig. 22 shows a first application of the insulator shown in Fig.17.

[0046] Fig. 23 shows a second application of the insulator shown in Fig.17.

[0047] Fig. 24 shows a third application of the insulator shown in Fig.17.

[0048] Fig. 25 shows a fourth application of the insulator shown in Fig.17.

[0049] Fig. 26 shows a fifth application of the insulator shown in Fig.17. [0050] Fig. 27 shows a sixth application of the insulator shown in Fig.17.

[0051] Fig. 28 shows a schematic perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the insulator according to the present disclosure. [0052] Fig. 29 shows a sectional view taken along the section Z3-Z3 shown in Fig.28.

[0053] Fig. 30 shows another perspective view of the insulator shown in Fig.28.

[0054] Fig. 31 shows a perspective view of a conductive insert of the insulator shown in Fig.28.

[0055] Fig. 32 shows one of the side surfaces of the insulator shown in Fig.28.

[0056] Fig. 33 shows the other of the side surfaces of the insulator shown in Fig.28.

[0057] It should be noted that the drawings not only are used for the explanation and description of the present disclosure, but also are helpful for the definition of the present disclosure when necessary.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The implementation and usage of the embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely intended to illustrate specific ways of implementing and using the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0059] It should be noted that in the description, an “insulator” refers to a basin insulator arranged between two functional modules of a gas-insulated device, such as Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) and Gas-Insulated Transmission Lines (GIL), and comprising at least one conductive insert, for example three conductive inserts for a three-phase gas-insulated device described in the embodiments of the present disclosure, for providing electrical connection between respective inner conductor systems of the two functional modules.

Embodiment 1

[0060] Figs. 1-6 show a first embodiment of the insulator according to the present disclosure. As shown in Figs. 1-6, the insulator according to the present disclosure mainly comprises: an outer fixing member 1, an insulating body 2 surrounded by the outer fixing member 1 and having a first surface 21 and a second surface 22; and a plurality of conductive inserts 3, each of which is embedded in the insulating body 2 and comprises a first terminal interface 31 and a second terminal interface 32 arranged respectively on the first surface 21 and the second surface 22. It should be noted that in the description, “a terminal interface arranged on a surface” refers to a terminal interface substantially flush with, or slightly protruded or recessed from the surface for being adapted to connect a conductor.

[0061] According to the first embodiment, the insulator is a barrier insulator without any gas passage configured to provide fluidic communication between two adjacent functional modules of a gas-insulated device. Specifically, the outer fixing member 1 is generally a round-shaped metal flange independent of the insulating body 2, and is provided with a plurality of screwing holes 11, preferably evenly distributed in a circumferential direction, for fixing the insulator to an enclosure of a functional module. The insulating body 2, such as an epoxy resin body, is an entire solid member casted inside the metal flange without any gas hole.

[0062] Alternatively, according to a variant not shown, the outer fixing member 1 is integrally formed with the insulating body 2. That is to say, the outer fixing member 1 is radially extended from the material of the insulating body 2 so as to form an outer-contour flange structure with screwing holes.

[0063] It should be noted that the outer fixing member 1 as well as the insulating body 2 are not limited to be round-shaped. Alternatively, the outer fixing member 1 and the insulating body 2 may have other geometric shapes, such as triangle, rectangle, hexagon, etc.

[0064] According to the present disclosure, at least one of the plurality of conductive inserts 3 has a non-revolved geometry as shown in Fig. 4, such that the distribution of the first terminal interfaces 31 of the plurality of conductive inserts 3 on the first surface 21 is different from that of the second terminal interfaces 32 of the plurality of conductive inserts 3 on the second surface 22 with respect to the outer fixing member 1 or the geometric central axis of the insulator. In the description, a conductive insert with a “non-revolved” geometry refers to a conductive insert in which the central axis of its first interface terminal deviates from that of its second interface terminal.

[0065] Specifically, according to the first embodiment, regarding the insulator with three conductive inserts for a three-phase gas-insulated device, each of the three conductive inserts

3 embedded in the insulating body 2 has a non-revolved geometry, such that the three first terminal interfaces 31 form a equilateral triangular distribution on the first surface 21, and the three second terminal interfaces 32 form a linear distribution on the second surface 22. As shown in the figures, one of the second terminal interfaces 32 is arranged substantially in the center of the second surface 22. For each of the three conductive inserts 3, the first terminal interface 31 is electrically connected to the second terminal interface 32 so as to provide electrical connection between the inner conductor system of one functional module and that of another.

[0066] Fig. 7 shows an application of the insulator shown in Fig.l. As shown in Fig.7, a first functional module Ml and a second functional module M2, each of which has an inner conductor system with a linear phase-position (P-A, P-B, P-C) distribution, are respectively connected to a third functional module M3, which has an inner conductor system with a triangular phase-position distribution, from two opposite sides. Based on the insulator I according to the first embodiment, phase-position transformation is expediently achieved between the functional modules Ml and M3 as well as between the functional modules M2 and M3, which can avoid dependence on twisting conductors, thereby significantly simplifying the inner conductor system of each of the modules and realizing compactness thereof.

[0067] Preferably, the insulator further comprises at least one grounding electrode embedded in the insulating body 2, such as at least one spring electrodes electrically connected to the metal flange of the insulator, so as to reduce electric field intensity of local area, thereby optimizing dielectric performance of the insulator. Alternatively, each of the conductive inserts 3 is combined with a shield embedded in the insulating body 2 for playing a similar role, that is to say, three shields embedded in the insulating body 2 are configured to be respectively electrically connected to the three conductive inserts 3 so as to reduce electric field intensity of local area.

[0068] Preferably, as shown in Fig. 3, the insulator further comprises a plurality of marks 12 formed on the outer peripheral edge of the outer fixing member 1 to indicate the positions of the first terminal interfaces 31 and/or the second terminal interfaces 32 for users from outside.

[0069] Preferably, each of the first terminal interfaces 31 and/or the second terminal interfaces 32 comprises six conductor-connecting holes 34 evenly distributed in a circumferential direction so as to improve flexibility for connecting various types of conductors or to be adapted to various types of conductor orientations.

[0070] Preferably, as shown in Fig.2, the insulating body 2 comprises a groove 24 arranged on the first connection surface 21 and/or the second connection surface 22 and adjacent to the outer fixing member 1 for placement of a sealing ring, so as to ensure gas tightness between the enclosures of adjacent functional modules. Embodiment 2

[0071] Figs. 8-11 show a second embodiment of the insulator according to the present disclosure. The insulator according to the second embodiment has a similar overall structure as that of the insulator according to the first embodiment, thus the features identical to those in the first embodiment will not be repeated here. The distinguishing feature lies in that, according to the second embodiment, the insulator is a support insulator comprising at least one gas passage formed in the insulating body 2 and/or formed between the insulating body 2 and the outer fixing member 1.

[0072] Specifically, as shown in the figures, the insulator according to the second embodiment comprises a plurality of gas holes 23 provided in the insulating body 2 and adjacent to the outer fixing member 1, and preferably evenly distributed in a circumferential direction, so as to provide fluidic communication between two adjacent functional modules of a gas-insulated device.

[0073] Alternatively, according to a variant not shown, in case that the insulating body 2 is spaced from the outer fixing member 1 and is connected to the outer fixing member 1 through a fixing component, the gap between the insulating body 2 and the outer fixing member 1 forms the gas passage to provide the above-mentioned fluidic communication.

Embodiment 3

[0074] Figs. 12-16 show a third embodiment of the insulator according to the present disclosure. The insulator according to the third embodiment has a similar overall structure as that of the insulator according to the first embodiment, thus the features identical to those in the first embodiment will not be repeated here. The distinguishing feature lies in that, according to the third embodiment, each of the three conductive inserts 3 embedded in the insulating body 2 has a non-revolved geometry, such that the three first terminal interfaces 31 form a first equilateral triangular distribution on the first surface 21, and the three second terminal interfaces 32 form a second equilateral triangular distribution on the second surface 22, wherein the first triangular distribution is different from the second triangular distribution with respect to the outer fixing member 1 or the geometric central axis of the insulator. Embodiment 4

[0075] Figs. 17-21 show a fourth embodiment of the insulator according to the present disclosure. The insulator according to the fourth embodiment has a similar overall structure as that of the insulator according to the third embodiment, thus the features identical to those in the third embodiment will not be repeated here. The distinguishing feature lies in that, according to the fourth embodiment, the insulator is a support insulator comprising at least one gas passage formed in the insulating body 2 and/or formed between the insulating body 2 and the outer fixing member 1. Specifically, as shown in the figures, the insulator according to the fourth embodiment comprises a plurality of gas holes 23 provided in the insulating body 2 and adjacent to the outer fixing member 1, and preferably evenly distributed in a circumferential direction, so as to provide fluidic communication between two adjacent functional modules of a gas-insulated device.

[0076] Figs. 22-27 show six applications of the insulator according to the fourth embodiment. According to the applications shown in Figs 22-24, the first terminal interfaces of the three conductive inserts form an equilateral triangular distribution on the first surface of the insulating body 2, wherein the first terminal interface 31A of the A-phase insert forms the upper vertex of the equilateral triangle. According to the applications shown in Figs 25-27, the first terminal interfaces of the three conductive inserts form a equilateral triangular distribution on the first surface of the insulating body 2, wherein the first terminal interface 3 IB of the B-phase insert forms the left vertex of the equilateral triangle.

[0077] Based on the insulator shown in Figs. 22 and 27, with respect to the outer fixing member 1 or the geometric central axis of the insulator, the second terminal interface 32A of the A-phase insert arranged on the second surface of the insulating body 2 is rotated by 180° compared with the first terminal interface 31A of the A-phase insert arranged on the first surface of the insulating body 2, the second terminal interface 32B of the B-phase insert arranged on the second surface of the insulating body 2 is rotated by -60° compared with the first terminal interface 3 IB of the B-phase insert arranged on the first surface of the insulating body 2, and the second terminal interface 32C of the C-phase insert arranged on the second surface of the insulating body 2 is rotated by 60° compared with the first terminal interface 31C of the C-phase insert arranged on the first surface of the insulating body 2.

[0078] Based on the insulator shown in Figs. 23 and 26, with respect to the outer fixing member 1 or the geometric central axis of the insulator, the second terminal interface 32A of the A-phase insert arranged on the second surface of the insulating body 2 is rotated by -60° compared with the first terminal interface 31A of the A-phase insert arranged on the first surface of the insulating body 2, the second terminal interface 32B of the B-phase insert arranged on the second surface of the insulating body 2 is rotated by 60° compared with the first terminal interface 3 IB of the B-phase insert arranged on the first surface of the insulating body 2, and the second terminal interface 32C of the C-phase insert arranged on the second surface of the insulating body 2 is rotated by 180° compared with the first terminal interface 31C of the C-phase insert arranged on the first surface of the insulating body 2.

[0079] Based on the insulator shown in Figs. 24 and 25, with respect to the outer fixing member 1 or the geometric central axis of the insulator, the second terminal interface 32A of the A-phase insert arranged on the second surface of the insulating body 2 is rotated by 60° compared with the first terminal interface 31A of the A-phase insert arranged on the first surface of the insulating body 2, the second terminal interface 32B of the B-phase insert arranged on the second surface of the insulating body 2 is rotated by 180° compared with the first terminal interface 3 IB of the B-phase insert arranged on the first surface of the insulating body 2, and the second terminal interface 32C of the C-phase insert arranged on the second surface of the insulating body 2 is rotated by -60° compared with the first terminal interface 31C of the C-phase insert arranged on the first surface of the insulating body 2.

Embodiment 5

[0080] Figs. 28-33 show a fifth embodiment of the insulator according to the present disclosure. The insulator according to the fifth embodiment has a similar overall structure as that of the insulator according to the first embodiment, thus the features identical to those in the first embodiment will not be repeated here. The distinguishing feature lies in that, according to the fifth embodiment, each of the conductive inserts 3 further comprises a third terminal interface 33 arranged on the first surface 21 and electrically connected to the first terminal interface 31 and the second terminal interface 32, such that the third terminal interfaces 33 form a equilateral hexagonal distribution on the first surface 21 together with the first terminal interfaces 31, which improves adaptability of the insulator to various types of functional modules.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 31, for such a conductive insert 3, the second terminal interface 32 is aligned with the third terminal interface 33, such that the third terminal interfaces 33 can be used for connecting conductors when phase-position transformation is not necessary.

[0082] Further, it should be understood that such a conductive insert 3 with three terminal interfaces may be configured to transform the phase positions into a linear distribution, wherein the first terminal interfaces form an hexagonal distribution on the first surface of the insulating body 2 together with the third terminal interfaces, and the second terminal interfaces form a linear distribution on the second surface of the insulating body 2.

[0083] According to a variant not shown, each of the conductive inserts 3 further comprises a fourth terminal interface arranged on the second surface 22, such that the fourth terminal interfaces form a hexagonal distribution on the second surface 22 together with the second terminal interfaces 32, which further improves adaptability of the insulator to various types of functional modules.

[0084] The present disclosure further relates to a method for manufacturing an insulator adapted to be arranged between functional modules of a gas-insulated device, comprising the steps of: providing said outer fixing member 1; providing said insulating body 2; and providing said plurality of conductive inserts 3.

[0085] According to an embodiment of the method for manufacturing the insulator of the present disclosure, an outer fixing member 1 made of metal and a plurality of conductive inserts 3 are firstly provided and placed into a mould, then liquid of epoxy resin is injected into the mould to form an insulating body 2, and finally the insulator is obtained after being cured and demoulded.

[0086] The technical content and technical features of the present disclosure have been disclosed above. However, it is conceivable that, under the creative ideas of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art can make various changes and improvements to the concepts disclosed above, but these changes and improvements all belong to the protection scope of the present disclosure. The description of the above embodiments is exemplary rather than limiting, and the protection scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims.