Description:FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of electrical connectors. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a connector for a distribution transformer.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Presently available connectors for terminals of a distribution transformer when installed remain exposed to the surrounding and permit water ingress. Further, terminals of different transformers come in various designs and configurations. Therefore, existing connectors are not compatible with all types and models of transformers.
While maintenance and repairs, existing connectors have a drawback of current leakage and repeated hot spots due to local heating causing burning of cables. Further, available connectors have complex designs which lead to more challenging maintenance procedures, potentially resulting in longer downtime in case of faults. The existing connectors do not withstand various environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, humidity, and exposure to the external elements. Thus, long-term durability and reliability is also not guaranteed by the existing connectors.
Further, the existing connectors when installed are exposed to the environment, therefore, it is crucial for a service personnel to know the safety guidelines, else fatal situations may arise due to negligence.
There is, therefore, felt a need to develop a connector for a distribution transformer to alleviate the aforementioned disadvantages.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector for a distribution transformer.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector for a distribution transformer, which ensures safety during its operation and maintenance work.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector for a distribution transformer, which is compatible with the existing transformers.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector for a distribution transformer, which is easy to install and can work without effect of weather conditions.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device, which is economical to use.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a connector for a distribution transformer. The connector is configured to electrically couple at least one low-tension cable with a low-voltage terminal of the distribution transformer.
The connector comprises a structural body and a coupler.
The structural body includes a top end, a first surface, at least one second surface and a bottom surface. The top end is configured to receive a first insulation cap to prevent water seepage inside the connector. The first surface, along the length of the structural body, is configured with an at least one first punched-hole to receive an end of the at least one low-tension cable. The at least one second surface, lateral to the first surface, is configured with an at least one second punched-hole to receive a bolt to restrict the end of the low-tension cable within the connector. The coupler is configured to extend from an operative bottom surface of the structural body and is further configured to be internally threaded to mate with an externally threaded portion of a bushing rod of the low-voltage terminal of the distribution transformer.
In an embodiment, the structural body and the coupler form a monolithic connector. The structural body has one of a rectangular cross-section or a square cross-section. The coupler is a cylindrical coupler. In an embodiment, the connector is a metal connector.
In an embodiment, the structural body and the coupler includes an insulating sleeve. The insulating sleeve is a heat shrink polyamide sleeve. The insulating sleeve has 2mm-4mm thickness.
In an embodiment, the at least one first punched-hole of the first surface is provided with a gland through which the end of the at least one low-tension cable is received by the connector. The gland 15 is an Ingress Protection-68 (IP-68) gland.
In an embodiment, the first insulation cap is a Nylon 66 material cap.
In an embodiment, the bolt is an Allen headed bolt, wherein grooves of the Allen headed bolt are covered with a second insulation cap having rubber washer and silicone grease, and the second insulation cap is a Nylon 66 material cap.
In an embodiment, the structural body has 70-74 mm width and 150-165 mm length. The coupler has 30-38 mm internal diameter and 55-65 mm length. The first insulation cap is square shaped having 80-84 mm width and 2-3 mm thickness.
The present invention further envisages a connector for a distribution transformer. The connector is configured to electrically couple at least one low-tension cable with a low-voltage terminal of the distribution transformer. The connector comprises an operative front surface, at least one second surface and a coupling portion.
The operative front surface is configured with an at least one first punched-hole to receive an end of the at least one low-tension cable. The at least one second surface is lateral to the operative front surface, and is configured with an at least one second punched-hole to receive a bolt to restrict the end of the low-tension cable within the connector. The coupling portion is configured to extend internally from an operative bottom surface of the connector and is further configured to be internally threaded to mate with an externally threaded portion of a bushing rod of the low-voltage terminal of the distribution transformer.
In an embodiment, the coupling portion is configured to extend internally from the operative bottom surface, that is rear to the operative front surface of the connector. The internal threads of the coupling portion are configured to mate with the externally threaded portion of a bushing rod of the low-voltage terminal of the distribution transformer through a bushing insulation cover. The bushing insulation cover has 4mm-6mm thickness.
In an embodiment, the connector has one of a circular cross-section, rounded rectangular cross-section, rectangular cross-section, or a square cross-section, longitudinally to the front surface of the connector. The coupling portion has a circular cross-section.
In an embodiment, the connector is a metal connector.
In an embodiment, the connector is configured to be covered with an insulation casing. The insulation casing includes one of an opening or a plug arrangement, for introducing a hydrophobic insulating jelly between the insulation casing and external surface of the connector. The insulation casing is a polycarbonate insulating casing.
In an embodiment, at least one first punched-hole of the operative front surface is provided with a gland through which the end of the at least one low-tension cable is received by the connector. The gland is an Ingress Protection-68 (IP-68) gland. The bolt is a shear bolt.
In an embodiment, the connector has 45-47 width, 85-90 mm height and 110-114 mm length. The coupling portion has 30-34 mm diameter and 75-85 mm height. The insulation casing has 70-75 width, 110-115 mm height, 120-130 mm length and 2-4 mm thickness.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A connector for a distribution transformer of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1A illustrates a front view of a connector for a distribution transformer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 1B illustrates a side view of the connector of FIGURE 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 1C illustrates a top view of the connector of FIGURE 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2A illustrates a front view of a connector for a distribution transformer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2B illustrates a side view of the connector of FIGURE 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2C illustrates a top view of the connector of FIGURE 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 2D illustrates a side view of an insulation casing of the connector of FIGURE 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DESCRIPTION AND DRAWING:
100 Connector
5 End of low-tension cable
10 Structural body
10a Top end
10b First surface
10c Second surface
12 First insulation cap
14 First punched-hole
15 Gland
16 Second punched hole
18 Bolt
19 Second insulation cap
20 Coupler
22 Insulating sleeve
200 Connector
30 Front surface
32 First punched-hole
34 End of low-tension cable
36 Second surface
38 Second punched-hole
40 Bolt
42 Coupling portion
44 Bottom surface
46 Insulation cover
48 Insulation casing
48a Opening or Plug arrangement
50 Gland
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
When an element is referred to as being “mounted on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
The present disclosure envisages a connector (hereinafter referred to as connector 100) for a distribution transformer and is now described with reference to FIGURE 1A – 1C. Figure 1A illustrates a front view of a connector for a distribution transformer, Figure 1B illustrates a side view of the connector of FIGURE 1A, and Figure 1C illustrates a top view of the connector of FIGURE 1A.
Generally, the distribution transformer has low-voltage terminals. The connector 100 is configured to operate at 433V rated secondary voltages. The connector 100 is provided to make the low-voltage terminals touch proof and waterproof such that it can carry voltage and current without leakage even after submerged under water.
The connector 100 is configured to electrically couple at least one low-tension cable with a low-voltage terminal of the distribution transformer. The connector 100 comprises a structural body 10 and a coupler 20.
The structural body 10 includes a top end 10a, a first surface 10b, at least one second surface (10c, 10d) and an operative bottom surface.
The top end 10a is configured to receive a first insulation cap 12 to prevent water seepage inside the connector 100. In an embodiment, the first insulation cap 12 is a Nylon 66 material cap.
The first surface 10b, along the length of the structural body 10, is configured with an at least one first punched-hole 14 to receive an end 5 of the at least one low-tension cable. The at least one first punched-hole 14 of the first surface 10a is provided with a gland 15 through which the end 5 of the at least one low-tension cable is received by the connector 100. The gland 15 is an Ingress Protection-68 (IP-68) gland. The gland is a plastic gland of PG42 size and silicone grease is used while inserting cable for making the connector 100 water ingress proof. In an embodiment, the structural body 10 is having one of a rectangular cross-section or a square cross-section. In a preferred embodiment, the structural body 10 has a square cross-section.
The second surface (10c) is lateral to the first surface 10b. The second surface (10c) is configured with an at least one second punched-hole 16 to receive a bolt 18 to restrict the end 5 of the low-tension cable within the connector 100. In an embodiment, the bolt 18 is an Allen headed bolt. Grooves of the Allen headed bolt 18 are covered with a second insulation cap 19 having rubber washer and silicone grease, for ensuring no water seepage inside connector 100. The second insulation cap 19 is a Nylon 66 material cap. In an embodiment, for tightening the end 5 of the cable two number Allen headed bolts 18 are used and grooves are used for fixing the bolts 18.
The coupler 20 is configured to extend from the operative bottom surface of the structural body 10. In an embodiment, the coupler 20 is a cylindrical coupler. The coupler 20 is further configured to be internally threaded to mate with an externally threaded portion of a bushing rod of the low-voltage terminal of the distribution transformer.
In an embodiment, the structural body 10 and the coupler 20 form a monolithic connector.
In an embodiment, the connector 100 is a metal connector. In a preferred embodiment, the connector 100 is a copper connector.
The structural body 10 and the coupler 20 includes an insulating sleeve 22. The insulating sleeve 22 is a heat shrink polyamide sleeve. The insulating sleeve 22 has 2mm-4mm thickness. In a preferred embodiment, the insulating sleeve 22 has 3mm thickness.
In an embodiment, the structural body 10 has 70-74 mm width and 150-165 mm length, the coupler 20 has 30-38 mm internal diameter and 55-65 mm length, and the first insulation cap 12 is square shaped having 80-84 mm width and 2-3 mm thickness. In a preferred embodiment, the connector has 160 mm length and 72 mm width, the coupler 20 has 32 mm internal diameter, and the first insulation cap 12 is square shaped having 82 mm width and 2.5 mm thickness.
In an embodiment, the connector 100 is configured to connect two numbers 630 sq.mm. single core aluminum low-tension cables to the transformer bushings. The connector 100 is configured to be compatible with a 630kVA rated transformer.
Advantageously, that connector 100 is water ingress free. This is significant because water ingress can lead to electrical short circuits or corrosion of metal connector 100, causing malfunctions or electrical hazards. Thus, by ensuring no water ingress, the connector 100 remain reliable and safe, even during rainy seasons or floods. Further, connector 100 has no exposed live parts, therefore, no leakage current. This is important for safety because leakage current could potentially cause electric shock hazards. Due to water ingress protection, the connectors provide improved safety during installation and use. This makes them a preferable choice for electrical installations, particularly in environments where there might be a higher risk of exposure to moisture or water.
The present disclosure, further envisages a connector 200 for a distribution transformer, and is now described with reference to FIGURE 2A-2D. FIGURE 2A illustrates a front view of a connector for a distribution transformer, Figure 2B illustrates a side view of the connector of FIGURE 2A, Figure 2C illustrates a top view of the connector of FIGURE 2A, and Figure 2D illustrates a side view of an insulation casing of the connector of FIGURE 2A.
The connector 200 is configured to electrically couple at least one low-tension cable with a low-voltage terminal of the distribution transformer. The connector 100 is configured to operate at 433V rated secondary voltages.
The connector 200 comprises an operative front surface 30, at least one second surface 36 and a coupling portion 42.
The operative front surface 30 is configured with an at least one first punched-hole 32 to receive an end 34 of the at least one low-tension cable.
The at least one second surface 36 lateral to the operative front surface 30 is configured with an at least one second punched-hole 38 to receive a bolt 40 to restrict the end 34 of the low-tension cable within the connector 200.
The coupling portion 42 is configured to extend internally from an operative bottom surface 44 of the connector 200. In an embodiment, the coupling portion 42 is configured to extend internally from the operative bottom surface 44, that is rear to operative front surface 30 of the connector 200. The coupling portion 42 is further configured to be internally threaded to mate with an externally threaded portion of a bushing rod of the low-voltage terminal of the distribution transformer.
In an embodiment, the internal threads of the coupling portion 42 are configured to mate with the externally threaded portion of a bushing rod of the low-voltage terminal of the distribution transformer through a bushing insulation cover 46, to make terminal leakage proof and touch proof. In an embodiment, the bushing insulation cover has 4 mm - 6 mm thickness. In a preferred embodiment, the bushing insulation cover has 5 mm thickness.
In an embodiment, the connector 200 has one of a circular cross-section, rounded rectangular cross-section, rectangular cross-section, or a square cross-section, longitudinally to the front surface of the connector.
In an embodiment, the coupling portion 42 is a cylindrical coupler.
In an embodiment, the connector 200 is a metal connector.
In an embodiment, the connector 200 is configured to be covered with an insulation casing 48. The insulation casing 48 includes one of an opening 48a or a plug arrangement 48a, for introducing a hydrophobic insulating jelly between the insulation casing 48 and external surface of the connector 200. The opening 48a or a plug arrangement 48a facilitates removal or refilling of the insulating jelly during maintenance work of the connector 200.
In an embodiment, the insulation casing 48 is a polycarbonate insulating casing.
In an embodiment, the at least one first punched-hole 32 of the operative front surface 30 is provided with a gland 50 through which the end 34 of the at least one low-tension cable is received by the connector 200. In an embodiment, the gland 50 is an Ingress Protection-68 (IP-68) gland.
In an embodiment, the bolt 40 is a shear bolt.
In an embodiment, the connector 200 has 45-47 width, 85-90 mm height and 110-114 mm length, the coupling portion 42 has 30-34 mm diameter and 75-85 mm height, and the insulation casing 48 has 70-75 mm width, 110-115 mm height, 120-130 mm length and 2-4 mm thickness and a curb width of 8-10mm for bolting with bolt of M 2.5. In a preferred embodiment, the connector 200 has 45.5 mm width, 87.5 mm height and 112 mm length, the coupling portion 42 has 32 mm diameter and 81.5 mm height, and the insulation casing 48 has 71.5mm width, 113 mm height, 125 mm length and 3 mm thickness with 9 mm curb on both sides for bolting. It has 7 bolts of M 2.5 size.
Advantageously, the connector 200 prevents current leakage and therefore, safe to perform maintenance tasks.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a connector for a distribution transformer, which:
• ensures safety during its operation and maintenance work;
• is compatible with the existing transformers;
• is easy to install; and
• is economical to use.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions, or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A connector (100) for a distribution transformer, said connector (100) configured to electrically couple at least one low-tension cable with a low-voltage terminal of the distribution transformer, said connector (100) comprising:
• a structural body (10); and
• a coupler (20),
wherein,
said structural body (10) comprising:
• a top end (10a) configured to receive a first insulation cap (12) to prevent water seepage inside said connector (100);
• a first surface (10b), along the length of the structural body (10), configured with an at least one first punched-hole (14) to receive an end (5) of the at least one low-tension cable; and
• at least one second surface (10c) lateral to said first surface (10b) configured with an at least one second punched-hole (16) to receive a bolt (18) to restrict the end (5) of the low-tension cable within said connector (100); and
said coupler (20) configured to extend from an operative bottom surface of said structural body (10) and is further configured to be internally threaded to mate with an externally threaded portion of a bushing rod of the low-voltage terminal of the distribution transformer.
2. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said structural body (10) and said coupler (20) form a monolithic connector.
3. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said structural body (10) is having one of a rectangular cross-section or a square cross-section.
4. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said coupler (20) is a cylindrical coupler.
5. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1 is a metal connector.
6. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said structural body (10) and said coupler (20) includes an insulating sleeve.
7. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said insulating sleeve is a heat shrink polyamide sleeve.
8. The connector as claimed in claim 6, wherein said insulating sleeve (22) has 2mm-4mm thickness.
9. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one first punched-hole (14) of said first surface (10b) is provided with a gland (15) through which the end (5) of the at least one low-tension cable is received by the connector (100).
10. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gland (15) is an Ingress Protection-68 (IP-68) gland.
11. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first insulation cap (12) is a Nylon 66 material cap.
12. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bolt (18) is an Allen headed bolt.
13. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein grooves of the Allen headed bolt (18) are covered with a second insulation cap (19) having rubber washer and silicone grease, and said second insulation cap (19) is a Nylon 66 material cap.
14. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
• said structural body (10) has 70-74 mm width and 150-165 mm length;
• said coupler (20) has 30-38 mm internal diameter and 55-65 mm length; and
• said first insulation cap (12) is square shaped having 80-84 mm width and 2-3 mm thickness.
15. A connector (200) for a distribution transformer, said connector (200) configured to electrically couple at least one low-tension cable with a low-voltage terminal of the distribution transformer, said connector (200) comprising:
• an operative front surface (30) configured with an at least one first punched-hole (32) to receive an end (34) of the at least one low-tension cable;
• at least one second surface (36) lateral to said operative front surface (30) configured with an at least one second punched-hole (38) to receive a bolt (40) to restrict the end (34) of the low-tension cable within said connector (200); and
• a coupling portion (42) configured to extend internally from an operative bottom surface (44) of said connector (200) and is further configured to be internally threaded to mate with an externally threaded portion of a bushing rod of the low-voltage terminal of the distribution transformer.
16. The connector (200) as claimed in claim 15, wherein said coupling portion (42) is configured to extend internally from said operative bottom surface (44), that is rear to the operative front surface (30) of said connector (200).
17. The connector (200) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the internal threads of said coupling portion (42) configured to mate with the externally threaded portion of a bushing rod of the low-voltage terminal of the distribution transformer through a bushing insulation cover (46).
18. The connector (200) as claimed in claim 17, wherein said bushing insulation cover has 4mm-6mm thickness.
19. The connector (200) as claimed in claim 15 is having one of a circular cross-section, rounded rectangular cross-section, rectangular cross-section, or a square cross-section, longitudinally to the front surface of said connector.
20. The connector (200) as claimed in claim 15, wherein said coupling portion (42) have circular cross-section.
21. The connector (200) as claimed in claim 15 is a metal connector.
22. The connector (200) as claimed in claim 15 is configured to be covered with an insulation casing (48).
23. The connector (200) as claimed in claim 22, wherein said insulation casing (48) includes one of an opening (48a) or a plug arrangement (48a), for introducing a hydrophobic insulating jelly between said insulation casing (48) and external surface of said connector (200).
24. The connector (200) as claimed in claim 22, wherein said insulation casing (48) is a polycarbonate insulating casing.
25. The connector (200) as claimed in claim 15, wherein said at least one first punched-hole (32) of said operative front surface (30) is provided with a gland (50) through which the end (34) of the at least one low-tension cable is received by the connector (200).
26. The connector (200) as claimed in claim 25, wherein said gland (50) is an Ingress Protection-68 (IP-68) gland.
27. The connector (200) as claimed in claim 15, wherein said bolt (40) is a shear bolt.
28. The connector (200) as claimed in claim 15, wherein
• said connector (200) has 45-47mm width, 85-90 mm height and 110-114 mm length;
• said coupling portion (42) has 30-34 mm diameter and 75-85 mm height; and
• said insulation casing (48) has 70-75mm width, 110-115 mm height, 120-130 mm length and 2-4 mm thickness.

Dated this 28th day of July, 2023

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
of R.K.DEWAN & CO.
Authorized Agent of Applicant

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT MUMBAI