阅读说明：本技术 联接设备、支撑结构和方法 (Coupling device, support structure and method ) 是由 A·约翰逊 P·奥腾马克 D·巴克斯特罗姆 于 2017-05-31 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种联接设备(10),其包括两个支撑构件(12)；接头(14),其将两个支撑构件(12)连接,并且允许在支撑构件(12)之间围绕至少一个旋转轴线(20、22)的相对旋转；以及至少一个阻尼元件(24),其将两个支撑构件(12)与接头(14)平行地连接；其中至少一个阻尼元件(24)被配置为通过在支撑构件(12)之间围绕至少一个旋转轴线(20、22)的相对旋转而塑性变形。还提供了用于支撑质量块的支撑结构(36)、用于调节联接设备(10)的刚度的方法和用于向联接设备(10)提供刚度的方法。(A coupling device (10) comprising two support members (12); a joint (14) connecting the two support members (12) and allowing relative rotation between the support members (12) about at least one axis of rotation (20, 22); and at least one damping element (24) connecting the two support members (12) in parallel with the joint (14); wherein the at least one damping element (24) is configured to be plastically deformed by relative rotation between the support members (12) about at least one axis of rotation (20, 22). A support structure (36) for supporting a mass, a method for adjusting the stiffness of the coupling device (10) and a method for providing stiffness to the coupling device (10) are also provided.)

1. A coupling device (10) comprising:

-two support members (12);

-a joint (14) connecting the two support members (12) and allowing relative rotation between the two support members (12) about at least one rotation axis (20, 22); and

-at least one damping element (24) connecting the two support members (12) in parallel with the joint (14);

wherein the at least one damping element (24) is configured to be plastically deformed by relative rotation between the support members (12) about the at least one axis of rotation (20, 22).

2. The coupling device (10) of claim 1, wherein the joint (14) is comprised of a universal joint (14).

3. The coupling device (10) of claim 2, wherein the universal joint (14) defines two rotational axes (20, 22) to allow relative rotation between the support members (12) about the at least one rotational axis (20, 22).

4. The coupling device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one damping element (24) comprises two damping elements (24) arranged on opposite sides of the joint (14).

5. The coupling device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one damping element (24) comprises four damping elements (24) arranged on four sides of the joint (14).

6. The coupling device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one damping element (24) is substantially C-shaped.

7. The coupling device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one damping element (24) is substantially planar.

8. The coupling device (10) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one damping element (24) is arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to one of the at least one rotational axis (20, 22).

9. The coupling device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one damping element (24) is composed of a single piece of material.

10. The coupling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one damping element (24) is constituted by a stack of plates.

11. The coupling device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one damping element (24) has a thickness of 2mm to 25mm, such as 5mm to 20mm, such as 10mm to 15 mm.

12. A support structure (36) for supporting a mass, the support structure (36) comprising:

-a plurality of posts for supporting the mass on a support surface (38); and

-at least one coupling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11;

wherein at least one of the columns is connected to one of the at least one coupling device (10) to dampen rotation of the at least one of the columns about the at least one axis of rotation (20, 22).

13. The support structure (36) of claim 12, wherein the mass is comprised of a high voltage cell (34), and wherein the post is comprised of a post insulator (30).

14. A method for adjusting the stiffness of a coupling device (10), the method comprising:

-providing a coupling device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 11;

-adjusting the stiffness of the coupling device (10) by adding at least one damping element (24) connecting the two support members (12) to the coupling device (10) or removing at least one damping element (24) connecting the two support members (12) from the coupling device (10), or by changing the configuration of at least one damping element (24) connecting the two support members (12);

wherein the at least one damping element (24) is configured to be plastically deformed by relative rotation between the support members (12) about the at least one axis of rotation (20, 22).

15. A method for providing stiffness to a coupling device (10), the method comprising:

-providing a coupling device (10) comprising two support members (12) and a joint (14) connecting the two support members (12), wherein the joint (14) allows relative rotation between the support members (12) about at least one rotation axis (20, 22);

-adding at least one damping element (24) connecting the two support members (12) to the coupling device (10) in order to provide stiffness to the coupling device (10);

wherein the at least one damping element (24) is configured to be plastically deformed by relative rotation between the support members (12) about the at least one axis of rotation (20, 22).

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to coupling devices. In particular, a coupling device is provided, comprising a joint and at least one damping element parallel to the joint, a support structure for supporting a mass, wherein the support structure comprises at least one coupling device, a method for adjusting the stiffness of the coupling device and a method for providing stiffness to the coupling device.

Background

High voltage equipment requires a large insulation distance to ground. When the equipment is positioned standing on the ground (such as on a floor), a long column insulator is required between the equipment and the ground. The equipment may be heavy, e.g. 20 to 30 metric tons, and the bending moment in the column insulation may be very high, especially during seismic events. Post insulators have a tendency to be unable to handle these bending loads. For mechanical reasons, it may not be appropriate to transfer these large bending moments to the attachment point of the column insulator. An alternative is therefore to use fully flexible joints between the column insulator and the high voltage equipment and/or between the column insulator and ground.

It is also known to handle these loads by using rigid cross-bracing. This may be accomplished by attaching a rigid insulator to be in a cross configuration between the (typically four) post insulators, and may absorb seismic loads by tension and/or compression of the cross-support insulator, rather than bending moments in the post insulators.

CN 104852603 a describes a multilevel voltage source current converter valve tower. The tower is supported by a support structure comprising a plurality of vertical insulators. The cross-braces are disposed between the vertical insulators.

Disclosure of Invention

By coupling the post insulator to a fully flexible joint, the load carrying capacity of the post insulator may not be fully utilized. Given that the coupling device comprises a joint and one or more hydraulic dampers to damp the movement of the joint, problems with leakage may occur and the hydraulic dampers will require maintenance. Hydraulic dampers are also expensive.

By using cross-bracing insulators arranged between the column insulators, very high loads can be introduced to the cross-bracing insulators and to their attachment points. For high seismic levels, this scheme is not applicable.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a simple coupling device with a damping function.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an inexpensive coupling device with a damping function.

It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a reliable coupling device with a damping function with a long service life.

It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a coupling device having an easily adjustable damping characteristic.

It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a coupling apparatus that is capable of better utilizing the load carrying capacity of the column of the support structure without introducing excessively high bending moments in the column.

It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a support structure for a mass, such as a mass of a high voltage cell, which can withstand high levels of seismic forces.

It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a method for adjusting the stiffness of a coupling device that addresses one or more of the aforementioned objects.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is a method for providing stiffness to a coupling device that addresses one or more of the foregoing objects.

According to one aspect, a coupling device is provided, comprising two support members; a joint connecting the two support members and allowing relative rotation between the support members about at least one axis of rotation; and at least one damping element connecting the two support members in parallel with the joint; wherein the at least one damping element is configured to be plastically deformed by relative rotation between the support members about at least one axis of rotation.

By allowing the at least one damping element to plastically deform, a damping function is introduced to the coupling device. When the at least one damping element is plastically deformed, a relative movement between the two support members about at least one rotational axis (e.g. a tilting movement) may be damped.

Thus, kinetic energy from the relative movement of the support member may be converted into plastic work of the at least one damping element. The elastic (i.e. reversible) deformation phase of the at least one damping element reflects the stiffness of the coupling device, and the plastic (i.e. irreversible) deformation phase of the at least one damping element reflects the damping properties of the coupling device.

Where the coupling device is attached to a post (such as a post insulator), then the at least one damping element may be readily sized for a particular torque transmitted to the mounting point (e.g., the post or the mounting point to which the coupling device is mounted). Furthermore, if the coupling device is used in a support structure for supporting a mass, such as a high voltage unit, the at least one damping element can easily be dimensioned to achieve a desired stiffness (e.g. eigenfrequency) of the system comprising the mass and the support structure. One or more damping elements of the coupling device may be replaced after plastic deformation.

Although the coupling device is primarily described in connection with post insulators for supporting high voltage units, the coupling device according to the present disclosure may be used in other applications. The coupling device can thus constitute a separate machine element.

Each of the at least one rotational axis may be substantially perpendicular to a direction (e.g., a separation direction) between the two support members. Each support member may be substantially planar, for example consisting of or comprising a plate. In case the support member is planar, each of the at least one rotational axis may be substantially parallel to the extension plane of the support member when the coupling device is in the intermediate position. The two support members may be aligned in a direction between the support members. For example, in the case where the support member is constituted by rectangular or square plates, the plates may be aligned in parallel and rotationally in the direction between the plates.

Each of the at least one damping element may be arranged at a periphery of the support member. For example, each damping element may be substantially flush with an outer edge of each support member, or each damping element may be attached to an outer side of a respective support member. Each damping element may be connected to each support member by one or more fastening elements, such as screws. According to one variant, each damping element is connected to the support member with only one fastening element associated with each support member.

The joint of the coupling device may constitute the primary load carrying part of the coupling device. The joint may be constituted by a flexible joint having one or more degrees of angular freedom. A coupling device according to the present disclosure may alternatively be referred to as a mechanical damping joint. The joint may be centered relative to the support member.

The coupling device according to the present disclosure has a simple design which enables inexpensive production and a long service life. According to a variant, the entire coupling device is made of metal. The coupling device may still fulfill functionality if it will rust over time. The at least one damping element may be made of metal, such as steel, or of an alternative material, such as fiberglass or another composite material. For electrical applications, at least the joint and at least one damping element may be made of an insulating material as an alternative material to metal.

The joint of the coupling device may be constituted by a universal joint. While universal joints are most commonly associated with universal joints, universal joints according to the present disclosure may be any type of joint that includes at least two angular degrees of freedom. Accordingly, a universal joint as used herein may alternatively be referred to as a pivot member comprising at least two angular degrees of freedom. As another example other than the universal joint, the universal joint may be constituted by a ball joint.

The universal joint may define two axes of rotation to allow relative rotation between the support members about at least one axis of rotation. Thus, at least one axis of rotation may be constituted by two axes of rotation defined by a universal joint. The universal joint may be constituted by a universal joint. The universal joint may comprise two shafts, which may be perpendicular to each other.

The coupling device may further comprise two ears connected to, or integrally formed with, a first of the two support members (e.g., the upper support member); and the two ears are connected to, or integrally formed with, a second one of the two support members (e.g., the lower support member). The coupling device may further include a bearing in each ear that may receive the pivot therein. Such pivots may be formed, for example, on the universal joint cross or on the center block of the joint.

The coupling device may further comprise one or two yokes comprising two of the ears. For example, two ears may be connected to a first support member via a first yoke, and two ears may be connected to a second support member via a second yoke.

Throughout this disclosure, the damping element of the coupling device may be constituted by a bracket. By varying the geometry (such as shape and/or size) of the damping element, the elastic and plastic characteristics of at least one damping element can be optimized.

The at least one damping element may comprise two damping elements arranged on opposite sides of the joint. That is, the joint may be arranged between at least two damping elements.

The at least one damping element may comprise four damping elements arranged on four sides of the joint. For example, the coupling device may comprise at least one damping element on each side of the joint along a first of the at least one rotational axis and at least one damping element on each side of the joint along a second of the at least one rotational axis. According to one variant, the coupling device comprises eight damping elements, two on each of the four sides of the joint.

The at least one damping element may be substantially C-shaped. The C-shaped damping element may alternatively be referred to as a C-shaped carrier. The substantially C-shaped damping element may for example be constituted by a damping element having a semi-circular shape, by a damping element comprising three substantially straight portions angled with respect to each other, or by a damping element comprising three substantially straight portions and two intermediate curved portions. With at least one substantially C-shaped damping element, the coupling device tends to be self-centering.

In case the coupling device comprises two or more substantially C-shaped damping elements, the damping elements may be arranged in the same direction with respect to the circumference of the coupling device. For example, the damping elements of each C-shape may be arranged to face (e.g., through the opening of the C-shape) clockwise (or counterclockwise) as viewed from above. In this regard, the plane of the circumference of the coupling device may be perpendicular to the direction between the two support members.

According to another variant, a pair of two substantially C-shaped damping elements may be arranged on each of the four sides of the coupling device. In this case, each pair of damping elements may be arranged facing each other, for example, through a C-shaped opening.

The at least one damping element may be substantially planar. In this case, the at least one damping element may be arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to one of the axes of rotation of the at least one rotary shaft.

The at least one damping element may be constructed from a single piece of material. The damping element may be cut out of the steel sheet, for example, by a laser or water cutting process. In this way, the size and shape of the damping element can be easily controlled to achieve the desired damping characteristics of the coupling device.

The at least one damping element may be constituted by a stack of plates. The geometry of the at least one damping element and thus the damping characteristics can be adjusted by adding or removing one or more plates to or from the stack. Also in this variant, each plate of the stack of damping elements may be cut out of the steel sheet by a laser or water cutting process. Further, the stacked plates may have the same or different dimensions. Whether or not the at least one damping element is comprised of stacked plates, the at least one damping element may have a thickness of 2mm to 25mm (such as 5mm to 20mm, or such as 10mm to 15 mm).

According to another aspect, there is provided a support structure for supporting a mass, the support structure comprising a plurality of posts for supporting the mass on a support surface; and at least one coupling device according to the present disclosure; wherein at least one of the columns is connected to one of the at least one coupling device to dampen rotation of the at least one of the columns about the at least one axis of rotation. The at least one coupling device may be connected directly or indirectly (e.g. by means of one or more intermediate components) to the associated column. For example, the support structure may be used to carry vertical loads of the mass. According to one variant, each post is arranged to support a mass via at least one coupling device.

The angular displacement of the coupling device may be limited due to plastic deformation of the at least one damping element of the coupling device when the support member reaches a certain relative angular position about the at least one rotational axis. As a result, the column to which the coupling device is connected is allowed to rotate to some extent (about at least one axis of rotation) before rotation is limited by the damping of the associated coupling device. Thus, lateral sway of the support structure, for example, caused by seismic events, may be reduced.

The support structure according to this aspect is relatively flexible due to energy absorption by one of the at least one coupling device or the plurality of damping elements during a seismic event. The support structure can absorb higher seismic forces without mechanical failure compared to prior art solutions for high voltage units.

The at least one coupling device may be arranged in the support structure in various ways in order to damp the movement of the structure. The at least one coupling device may for example be arranged between the mass and one of the at least one column and/or between the support surface and one of the at least one column. An intermediate member may be provided between the at least one coupling device and the mass and/or the support surface.

The support structure according to this aspect may be used in various embodiments. According to a variant, the mass is constituted by a high-voltage cell and the column is constituted by a column insulator. For example, the plurality of post insulators may include four post insulators, the at least one coupling device may include four coupling devices, and each coupling device may be connected to one of the post insulators. The initial rotation of the post insulator (i.e. when the at least one damping element of the at least one coupling device is elastically deformed but not yet plastically deformed) is beneficial, since the high voltage unit and the post insulator may be sensitive to large bending moments.

The post insulator may be oriented substantially vertically or obliquely with respect to a vertical axis, such as at least 5 °, or such as at least 10 °. The post insulator according to the present disclosure may alternatively be referred to as an insulating rod, an insulating column, or an insulating pillar. The post insulator has an elongated appearance and may be substantially flat. The post insulator serves to electrically insulate the high voltage unit from electrical ground (i.e., from the support surface). For example, the post insulator may be made of porcelain or epoxy. High voltage cells comprising light valves and epoxy are sensitive to large bending moments.

The support structure according to the present disclosure may be constituted by an upright support structure. The support structure and the high voltage unit may be comprised by a high voltage system. The high voltage system may comprise a plurality of support structures and a high voltage unit associated with each support structure. The system may form, or form part of, a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) power transmission installation.

In the event that the high voltage system (or other similar system using a support structure) is subjected to a seismic event, some of the energy from the seismic pulse wave will be converted into plastic work of the damping element and damp the support structure. A reduction of lateral swing of such a support structure is useful in order to protect the high voltage unit from stresses that may damage the high voltage unit and to protect the high voltage unit if the high voltage system comprises a plurality of high voltage units arranged adjacent to each other.

The behaviour of the support structure may be optimized by adjusting the geometry (e.g. shape and/or size) of the damping element of the at least one coupling device. In this way, the deflection of the structure and/or the torque transmitted by the column insulation can be optimized. Providing at least one coupling apparatus according to the present disclosure to the support structure may eliminate or reduce the need for rigid cross-supports to handle bending moments in the column insulator.

At least one coupling device may be connected to the lower and/or upper end of the associated column. According to one variant, the support structure comprises four columns and one or two (e.g. upper and/or lower) coupling devices associated with each column.

In case the pillars are constituted by pillar insulators to support the mass in the form of a high voltage unit, and a coupling device is provided on top of each pillar insulator, then another insulating element, such as a shorter pillar insulator, may be provided between the coupling device and the high voltage unit in order to avoid electrical phenomena.

For example, a high voltage unit according to the present disclosure may be constituted by an HVDC semiconductor valve structure. Other examples of high voltage units are capacitor and circuit breaker applications. The high voltage in the present disclosure may be a voltage of at least 100 kV. Thus, a high voltage system according to the present disclosure may have a system voltage of at least 100 kV.

In case the support structure is used for a high voltage system, the support surface may then be constituted by a valve hall floor. However, in case the high voltage system is arranged in a valve hall, then the support surface may or may not be constituted by the valve hall floor. For example, the support surface may be constituted by a portion of the valve carrier bracket. The support surface may be planar. Furthermore, the support surface may be horizontal or substantially horizontal.

In addition to the at least one coupling device, the support structure may further comprise at least one resilient element configured to bias or urge the support structure into an intermediate position (e.g. an upright position). In this way, a mechanical spring effect may be generated. During the lateral oscillation of the support structure, the at least one elastic element is elastically deformed and provides a restoring reaction force (proportional to the deformation of the elastic element) forcing the support structure towards the intermediate position.

The characteristics of the at least one resilient element and the characteristics of each of the at least one coupling devices may be adjusted to optimize the structural response of the support structure. Without providing such a resilient element, then higher mechanical requirements are placed on the post insulator.

According to one variant, the support structure comprises one elastic element associated with each post insulator. According to another variant, the support structure comprises one elastic element associated with several or all of the post insulators. In any case, at least one resilient element may be disposed below each post insulator, such as at the bottom of each post insulator.

The at least one resilient element may be arranged functionally in series with the at least one coupling device. For example, if the post insulator is connected to the high voltage unit via the coupling device and to the support surface via the resilient element (or vice versa), the resilient element is arranged functionally in series with the at least one coupling device.

The at least one resilient element may be constituted by a plate arranged between the support surface and the associated post insulator and connected to the support surface and the associated post insulator. One plate may be associated with each post insulator of the support structure (e.g., the support structure may include four post insulators and four plates). Each plate may be made of steel. As an alternative to the plate, each of the at least one resilient element may be constituted by a matrix of mechanical coil springs.

According to another aspect, a method for adjusting the stiffness of a coupling device is provided. The method includes providing a coupling apparatus according to the present disclosure; adjusting the stiffness of the coupling device by adding or removing at least one damping element connecting the two support members to or from the coupling device, or by changing the configuration of at least one damping element connecting the two support members; wherein the at least one damping element is configured to be plastically deformed by relative rotation between the support members about at least one axis of rotation. Thus, by adding a damping element to the coupling device, the coupling device can be made stiffer. By removing the damping element from the coupling device, the coupling device can be made softer. One example of changing the configuration of the at least one damping element is adding or removing plates to or from the damping element consisting of a stack of plates.

According to another aspect, a method for providing stiffness to a coupling device is provided. The method includes providing a coupling apparatus comprising two support members and a joint connecting the two support members, wherein the joint allows relative rotation between the support members about at least one axis of rotation; adding at least one damping element connecting the two support members to the coupling device so as to provide stiffness to the coupling device; wherein the at least one damping element is configured to be plastically deformed by relative rotation between the support members about at least one axis of rotation. The method according to this aspect thus provides an easy and reliable improvement of the damping function on the coupling device (e.g. comprising a fully flexible joint).

As used herein, a substantially perpendicular/parallel relationship includes a perfect perpendicular/parallel relationship and a deviation from the perfect perpendicular/parallel relationship of up to 5% (such as up to 2%). Further, a vertical direction as used herein refers to a direction aligned with a direction of gravity, and a horizontal direction refers to a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

Drawings

Other details, advantages and aspects of the disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1: schematically depicting a perspective view of one example of a coupling device;

FIG. 2: schematically depicting a perspective view of the coupling device in fig. 1 connecting two post insulators;

FIG. 3: schematically depicts a side view of yet another example of a coupling apparatus; and

FIG. 4: a side view of one example of a support structure is schematically depicted.

Detailed Description

In the following, a coupling device is described, comprising a joint and at least one damping element parallel to the joint, a support structure for supporting a mass, wherein the support structure comprises at least one coupling device, a method for adjusting the stiffness of the coupling device and a method for providing stiffness to the coupling device. The same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or similar structural features.

Fig. 1 schematically depicts a perspective view of one example of a coupling apparatus 10. In fig. 1, the coupling device 10 is in an intermediate position. The coupling device 10 includes two support members 12 and a joint 14 connecting the two support members 12. Fig. 1 shows a vertical axis Z, a first horizontal axis X and a second horizontal axis Y perpendicular to the first horizontal axis X.

Fig. 2 also shows that the joint 14 is constituted by a universal joint 14. The joint 14 of this example includes a center block 16 having four pivots (not shown). The coupling device 10 also includes four ears 18. Two upper ears 18 are connected to the upper support member 12 and two lower ears 18 are connected to the lower support member 12. Two of the pivots of the center block 16 are received in the two upper ears 18, and two of the pivots of the center block 16 are received in the lower ears 18. Each ear 18 is mounted with a bearing (e.g., a ball bearing or needle bearing) for rotatably receiving a respective pivot shaft. The joint 14 thus defines two axes of rotation 20, 22. However, the universal joint 14 of FIG. 1 is merely one example, and many alternative joints, including joints having only one axis of rotation, may alternatively be employed.

The joints 14 allow the support members 12 to rotate relative to each other about an axis of rotation 20 parallel to the X-axis and about an axis of rotation 22 parallel to the Y-axis. As a result, the support member 12 may be tilted about any axis in the X-Y plane.

The example support members 12 in fig. 1 are parallel, substantially planar, and square. Thus, the main extension plane of each support member 12 is arranged in the X-Y plane. The support members 12 are also aligned along the Z-axis.

The coupling device 10 also includes a plurality of damping elements 24. In the example of FIG. 1, the coupling apparatus 10 includes four damping elements 24, but fewer or more damping elements 24 may alternatively be employed.

As can be seen in fig. 1, two of the damping elements 24 are arranged on opposite sides of the joint 14 along the rotation axis 20, and two of the damping elements 24 are arranged on opposite sides of the joint 14 along the rotation axis 22. Thus, one damping element 24 is arranged on each side of the coupling device 10.

The damping element 24 of the example in fig. 1 is made of metal and is cut from a single piece, for example by a laser or water cutting process. Each damping element 24 is substantially "C-shaped" by including three substantially straight portions angled with respect to each other.

Each damping element 24 is connected to two support members 12. In the example of fig. 1, each damping element 24 is connected to the respective support member 12 by means of one screw 26. Screws 26 are attached through holes at each end of the "C" shape of damping element 24. Each support member 12 includes a corresponding projection (not shown) for receiving a screw 26. As can be seen in fig. 1, the damping elements 24 are guided in the same direction along the circumference (i.e. the X-Y plane) around the coupling device 10, as seen for example from above. This provides self-centering of the coupling device 10 and absorption of symmetric forces by the damping element 24.

Depending on the configuration, the damping element 24 may be compressed, stretched, and/or unloaded when the coupling device 10 is in the neutral position. As can be seen in fig. 1, the damping element 24 is substantially planar. In this example, the thickness of the damping element 24 is approximately 12mm, but may vary. Two damping elements 24 are arranged in the X-Z plane and two damping elements 24 are arranged in the Y-Z plane.

By allowing the damping element 24 to plastically deform, a damping function is introduced into the coupling device 10. The plastic deformation of the damping element 24 gives damping of the relative movement between the support members 12.

For example, if the upper support member 12 is tilted clockwise about the axis of rotation 20 (as indicated by arrow 28), the front damping element 24 along the axis of rotation 20 is compressed, the rear damping element 24 along the axis of rotation 20 is expanded, the front damping element 24 along the axis of rotation 22 is expanded, and the rear damping element 24 along the axis of rotation 22 is compressed. Initially, the damping element 24 is elastically deformed. However, at some degree of rotation, the damping element 24 begins to plastically deform. Thus, the damping element 24 is arranged to damp relative rotation between the support members 12 about at least one substantially parallel axis (in this example the rotational axis 20).

The damping element 24 is very easy to produce. By controlling the geometry (e.g., thickness) of the damping element 24, the elastic and plastic characteristics of the damping element 24 can be optimized. Thus, when producing the coupling apparatus 10, the particular geometry of the damping elements 24 and the number of damping elements 24 may be selected to achieve certain damping characteristics for the coupling apparatus 10 of a particular embodiment. It is also very easy to replace one or more damping elements 24. The damping element 24 according to the present disclosure may also be connected to a similar coupling device without any damping function.

Fig. 2 schematically depicts a perspective view of the coupling apparatus 10 of fig. 1 in one exemplary embodiment. In fig. 2, the coupling device 10 connects two posts, exemplified as post insulators 30. The upper post insulator 30 is connected to the upper support member 12 of the coupling device 10, and the lower post insulator 30 is connected to the lower support member 12 of the coupling device 10. The two post insulators 30 are allowed to rotate relative to each other to some extent about any axis of rotation in the X-Y plane until the rotation is damped by plastic deformation of the damping element 24.

Fig. 3 schematically depicts a side view of yet another example of the coupling apparatus 10. The main differences with respect to fig. 1 will be described.

The coupling device 10 of fig. 3 includes eight damping elements 24, two damping elements 24 on each side of the coupling device 10. Also in this example, each damping element 24 is substantially "C-shaped". In each pair of damping elements 24, the damping elements 24 are arranged facing each other. As can be seen in fig. 3, the damping elements 24 are substantially flush with the outer edge of each support member 12.

Fig. 4 schematically shows a side view of one example of the support structure 36. The support structure 36 of this example is comprised by the high voltage system 32, the high voltage system 32 comprising the high voltage unit 34 and the support structure 36.

In fig. 4, the support structure 36 is in an intermediate position. The high voltage system 32 of this example is arranged in a hall with a support surface 38, which is constituted by a horizontal and planar hall floor.

The support structure 36 includes four legs (only two legs are visible in fig. 4). Each leg includes a lower portion (a relatively long post insulator 30), an upper portion (a relatively short post insulator 30), and an intermediate coupling device 10, the intermediate coupling device 10 being connected to both the upper post insulator 30 and the lower post insulator 30.

The support structure 36 is arranged to support the high voltage unit 34 on a support surface 38. The support structure 36 in fig. 4 is an upright support structure, so that the entire gravitational load of the high voltage unit 34 is transferred to the support surface 38 through the four legs when no lateral forces are present.

The high voltage unit 34 may be an HVDC semiconductor valve structure. A typical length of the high voltage unit 34 is 7000 mm. The high voltage unit 34 of this example includes a plurality of valve layers, each valve layer including two valve modules 40. An electrical shielding structure comprising a plurality of electrical shields, such as corona shields, may be arranged around the valve layer of the high voltage unit 34 in order to reduce the electrical field to minimize the risk of partial discharges and/or flashovers.

The high voltage unit 34 of this example also includes a plurality of module supports 42, columns 44, and column supports 46. Each module support 42 supports two valve modules 40. The module supports 42 are stacked on top of each other by means of columns 44. The module supports 42 are supported on the columns 44 via column supports 46.

The high voltage cells 34 have a rectangular cross-section and one leg of the post insulator 30 is associated with each corner of the high voltage cells 34. However, the high voltage unit 34 may have an alternative shape. The high voltage unit 34 may withstand several hundred kilovolts.

Each lower post insulator 30 of this example is approximately five meters long. Post insulator 30 is made of an electrically insulating material such as porcelain or epoxy. Both porcelain or epoxy are brittle and therefore sensitive to bending moments. The post insulator 30 establishes an insulating distance for the high voltage cell 34 to ground (i.e., to the support surface 38). For example, the post insulator 30 may be of the model 16SM510471 of the mare power (shemr).

In the case of a seismic event, a lateral oscillation of the high voltage system 32 is caused, as indicated by arrow 48. If any post insulator 30 is rotated such that the damping element 24 of the associated coupling apparatus 10 is plastically deformed, the rotation will be damped. In the example in fig. 4, tilting of the post insulator 30 around any axis perpendicular to the direction of extension of the post insulator 30 may be damped by the associated coupling device 10. Thus, the high voltage unit 34 may be maintained in a substantially vertical orientation. Furthermore, small relative tilting movements between the lower column insulator 30 and the high voltage unit 34 (i.e. during elastic deformation of the damping element 24) are not transmitted via the coupling device 10. This provides flexibility to the support structure 36.

The support structure 36 in fig. 4 further comprises a plurality of resilient elements, here realized as plates 50, which are configured to bias the support structure 36 back to the intermediate position shown. A plurality of bolts are provided to connect the plate 50 to the support surface 38. The plate 50 is raised from the support surface 38, for example about 30mm, by means of bolts 52.

The plate 50 may be made of metal (e.g., steel). One type of steel suitable for use in the plate 50 is a high tensile steel having a tensile strength of at least 800 MPa. In this example, the plate 50 has a square profile of 1 × 1 meter and is approximately 20mm thick. Applicant's simulations have demonstrated that the plate 50 can be designed to deform only elastically.

The plate 50 with the post insulator 30 mounted thereon acts as a mechanical spring, elastically deforming and urging the support structure 36 back to the neutral, upright position. By choosing a thicker plate 50 (e.g., having a thickness of 25 mm), the support structure 36 can be made stiffer. By choosing a thinner plate 50 (e.g. having a thickness of 15mm), the support structure 36 can be made softer. Each plate 50 may be substantially flat in the intermediate state of the support structure 36. As the downward force from one post insulator 30 increases, the associated plate 50 becomes concave, or more concave.

The properties of the plate 50 and the characteristics of the one or more damping elements 24 of the coupling device 10 may be adjusted to optimize the structural response of the support structure 36. For example, the geometry, thickness and material of the plate 50 and/or the damping element 24 may be adjusted for this adjustment purpose.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to what has been described above. For example, it will be appreciated that the dimensions of the components may be varied as desired. Accordingly, the invention is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.