AU2018250435A1 - Electrical switch disconnector - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an electrical switch disconnector. The electrical switch disconnector includes a pair of electrical contacts, including a first electrical contact and a second electrical 5 contact separated by a gap. The electrical switch disconnector further includes a resilient element, and a bridge element mounted onto the resilient element in the gap between the first and second electrical contacts. The electrical switch disconnector further includes an actuating element operatively engaging the bridge element. In a first state of the actuating element, the resilient element is adapted to force the bridge element to abut the first and 10 second electrical contacts, thereby forming an electrical path between the first and second electrical contacts. In a second state of the actuating element, the actuating element is adapted to operatively compress the resilient element, to separate the bridge element from the first and second electrical contacts, thereby breaking the electrical path between the first and second electrical contacts. Also disclosed is an electrical switch system.

Description

ELECTRICAL SWITCH DISCONNECTOR

Technical Field [001] The present invention relates to electrical switches and, in particular, to electrical 5 switch disconnectors.

Background [002] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from the prior publication), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from the prior publication) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[003] Electrical switch disconnectors, also known as isolator switches, are used to cut off the supply of electrical energy from all or a discrete section of an electrical installation. Such switches may be found, for example, in electrical distribution and industrial applications, where machinery must have its source of driving power removed for adjustment or repair.

[004] When in the closed, or “ON”, state, electrical switch disconnectors should allow current to flow through with minimal interference. Because of the high currents that these devices must handle, even small defects in the internal switch contacts can cause significant power losses and generate additional heat, and therefore interfere with the normal operation of electrical loads connected to the switch.

[005] For example, switch actuation mechanisms may apply uneven mechanical pressures to the internal electrical contacts of the switch disconnectors. Such uneven mechanical pressures can affect the flow of current in the device and, over time, deform the internal components of the switch disconnector.

[006] There is a need for new or improved electrical switches, and for new or improved electrical switch disconnectors.

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Summary [007] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Preferred Embodiments. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[008] According to one example aspect, there is provided an electrical switch disconnector including: a pair of electrical contacts, including a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact separated by a gap; a resilient element; a bridge element mounted onto the resilient element in the gap between the first and second electrical contacts; and an actuating element operatively engaging the bridge element; wherein, in a first state of the actuating element, the resilient element is adapted to force the bridge element to abut the first and second electrical contacts, thereby forming an electrical path between the first and second electrical contacts; wherein, in a second state of the actuating element, the actuating element is adapted to operatively compress the resilient element, to separate the bridge element from the first and second electrical contacts, thereby breaking the electrical path between the first and second electrical contacts.

[009] In one form, the actuating element operatively engages the bridge element through a linking element fitted onto the bridge element.

[010] In one form, the bridge element is a strip having a first bent end and a second bent end.

[Oil] In one form, the first electrical contact is a strip having a bent end adapted to mate the first bent end of the bridge element, and wherein the second electrical contact is a strip having a bent end adapted to mate the second bent end of the bridge element.

[012] In one form, each of the first bent end and the second bent end of the bridge element includes a raised contact point.

-32018250435 18 Oct 2018 [013] In one form, the bent end of the first electrical contact includes a raised contact point aligned with the raised contact point on the first end of the bridge element, and wherein the bent end of the second electrical contact includes a raised contact point aligned with the raised contact point of the second end of the bridge element.

[014] In one form, in the first state, the bridge element is adapted to abut with the first and second electrical contacts via their respective raised contact points.

[015] In one form, the actuating element is a lever switch.

[016] In one form, the first electrical contact, the bridge element, and the second electrical contacts are collinear, lying along a common first straight line.

[017] In one form, the lever switch is adapted to pivot between the first state and the second state along a second straight line that is orthogonal to the first straight line.

[018] In one form, the actuating element is a rotary switch.

[019] In one form, the electrical switch disconnector further includes a housing enclosing the pair of electrical contacts, the resilient element, and the bridge element.

[020] In one form, the housing includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the switch disconnector to a DIN rail.

[021] In one form, the attachment mechanism is a clip.

[022] According to another example aspect, there is provided an electrical switch system including: a rail extending along a longitudinal direction; the electrical switch disconnector described above; wherein the pair of electrical contacts is oriented along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction; wherein the actuating element is adapted to be switched between the first state and the second state along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction.

-42018250435 18 Oct 2018 [023] In one form, the rail is a DIN rail.

[024] According to another example aspect, there is provided an electrical switch disconnector including: a plurality of switch modules, wherein each switch module includes: a pair of electrical contacts, including a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact separated by a gap; a resilient element; and a bridge element mounted onto the resilient element in the gap between the first and second electrical contacts; a linking element fitted onto the bridge elements of the plurality of switch modules; and an actuating element engaging the linking element; wherein, in a first state of the actuating element, for each switch module, the resilient element is adapted to force the bridge element to abut the first and second electrical contacts, thereby forming an electrical path between the first and second electrical contacts; wherein, in a second state of the actuating element, for each switch module, the actuating element is adapted to operatively compress the resilient element, to separate the bridge element from the first and second electrical contacts, thereby breaking the electrical path between the first and second electrical contacts.

[025] In one form, at least one switch module includes two or more resilient elements, and wherein the bridge element of the at least one switch module is mounted onto the two or more resilient elements.

[026] In one form, for each switch module, the bridge element is a strip having a first bent end and a second bent end.

[027] In one form, for each switch module, the first electrical contact is a strip having a bent end adapted to mate the first bent end of the bridge element, and wherein the second electrical contact is a strip having a bent end adapted to mate the second bent end of the bridge element.

[028] In one form, for each switch module, each of the first bent end and the second bent end of the bridge element includes a raised contact point.

-52018250435 18 Oct 2018 [029] In one form, for each switch module, the bent end of the first electrical contact includes a raised contact point aligned with the raised contact point on the first end of the bridge element, and wherein the bent end of the second electrical contact includes a raised contact point aligned with the raised contact point of the second end of the bridge element.

[030] In one form, for each switch module, in the first state, the bridge element is adapted to abut with the first and second electrical contacts via their respective raised contact points.

[031] In one form, the actuating element is a lever switch.

[032] In one form, for each switch module, the first electrical contact, the bridge element, and the second electrical contacts are collinear, lying along a common first straight line.

[033] In one form, the lever switch is adapted to pivot between the first state and the second state along a second straight line that is orthogonal to the first straight line.

[034] In one form, the actuating element is a rotary switch.

[035] In one form, the electrical switch disconnector further includes a housing enclosing each switch module and the linking element.

[036] In one form, the housing includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the switch disconnector to a DIN rail.

[037] In one form, the attachment mechanism is a clip.

[038] According to another example aspect, there is provided an electrical switch system including: a rail extending along a longitudinal direction; and the electrical switch disconnector described above; wherein, for each switch module, the pair of electrical contacts is oriented along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction; wherein the actuating element is adapted to be switched between the first state and the second state along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction.

-62018250435 18 Oct 2018 [039] In one form, the rail is a DIN rail.

Brief Description of Figures [040] Example embodiments are apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, of at least one preferred but non-limiting embodiment, described in connection with the accompanying figures, wherein:

[041] Figure 1 illustrates a three-dimensional view of an example switch disconnector;

[042] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of the example switch disconnector of Figure 1;

[043] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the example switch disconnector of Figure 1;

[044] Figure 4 illustrates a rear view of the example switch disconnector of Figure 1;

[045] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the example switch disconnector of Figure i;

[046] Figure 6 illustrates an end view of the example switch disconnector of Figure 1;

[047] Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the example switch disconnector of Figure 1 in a closed state;

[048] Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the example switch disconnector of Figure 1 in an open state;

[049] Figure 9 illustrates an example switch disconnector system;

[050] Figure 10 illustrates a three-dimensional view of another example switch disconnector; and [051 ] Figure 11 illustrates a front view of the example switch disconnector of Figure 10.

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Preferred Embodiments [052] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments. In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the figures.

[053] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word comprise, and variations such as comprises or comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[054] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, there is illustrated an example switch disconnector 100.

Switch disconnector 100 includes a housing 110 including a switch body, or lid, 112, terminal front covers 114, terminal rear covers 116, and case, or support, 118. Switch body 112 and case 118 house the moving elements of switch disconnector 100, whilst terminal front covers 114 and rear covers 116 protect the fixed electrical contacts of switch disconnector 100.

[055] Switch disconnector 100 further includes an actuating element, or operating toggle, 120 projecting from an opening in housing 110. Housing 110 is provided with markings indicating two states of actuating element 120. In a first state, or “ON” state, switch disconnector 100 allows electrical current to flow across its electrical contacts. In a second state, or “OFF” state, switch disconnector 100 does not allow electrical current to flow across its electrical contacts.

[056] Actuating element 120 overlays or straddles a toggle lock 122, which includes a hole. A pin, bolt, rod, or any other such device may be inserted into the hole of toggle lock

122 to prevent actuating element 120 from being switched to its ON state from its OFF state. Furthermore, an optional knock-out hole may be provided in toggle lock 122 to provide an alternate lock position for locking the actuating element into its ON state, for

-82018250435 18 Oct 2018 example, for safety systems applications. Toggle lock 122 is an optional safety feature of switch disconnector 100.

[057] Terminal front covers 114 include terminal cover screw fixing holes 124 and break5 out relief holes 126 to reduce the terminal cover's length. Terminal front covers 114 and rear covers 116 are provided with three levels of cut-outs that allow shortening the terminal covers on both front and rear sides of housing 110. A rear side of housing 110 (illustrated in Figure 4) is provided with fixed contact screw fixings 128. Furthermore, the rear side of housing 110 is configured for attachment to a DIN rail. To this end, the rear side of housing 110 includes DIN rail compression clamps 130 and DIN rail anti-slip retainers 132.

[058] In other examples, the housing may be configured to be fitted or attached to any type of rail, DIN rail, or support. In some examples, the housing includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the switch disconnector to a DIN rail. In some examples, the attachment mechanism is a clip, a clamp, a brace, a bracket, or other fastening mechanism.

[059] Referring to Figure 5, there is illustrated an exploded view of example switch disconnector 100. Switch disconnector 100 includes three pairs of electrical contacts 140, and three sets of bridge elements 150, each bridge element 150 being associated with one pair of electrical contacts 140.

[060] Each pair of electrical contacts 140, together with its associated bridge element 150, is configured to conduct a single phase of alternating current or direct current.

Therefore, switch disconnector 100 is a 3-pole device. Nevertheless, the skilled person would readily understand that the design of switch disconnector 100 may be adapted to include a single pair of electrical contacts and one bridge element, or two pairs of electrical contacts and two bridge elements (i.e. a 2-pole device), or four pairs of electrical contacts and four bridge elements (i.e. a 4-pole device), or any number of pairs of electrical contacts and one bridge element for each pair of electrical contacts.

[061] Each electrical contact 140 has a lower surface including two contact points 142 on one end of electrical contact 140. Similarly, each bridge element 150 has an upper surface

-92018250435 18 Oct 2018 including two contact points 152 on each end of bridge element 150. Contact points 142 of electrical contact 140 are arranged so as to align with contact points 152 on one end of corresponding bridge element 150.

[062] Switch disconnector 100 further includes six resilient elements 160, with each bridge element 150 being mounted onto two resilient elements 160, and a linking element, or contact carrier, 170 configured to be fitted onto the three bridge elements 150. Linking element 170 may simultaneously fit across each of the three bridge elements 150. Actuating element 120 may operatively couple to each bridge element 150 through linking element 170.

[063] Bridge elements 150 are configured to move, or to shift position, as actuating element 120 is switched between its first state and its second state (further described below). Therefore, bridge elements 150 may be referred to as moving contacts.

Conversely, electrical contacts 140 are not configured to move, or to shift position, under normal operation. Therefore, electrical contacts 140 may be referred to as fixed contacts.

[064] Referring to Figure 7, there is illustrated a cross-sectional view of switch disconnector 100 along line AA of Figure 6. Figure 7 illustrates a single pair of electrical contacts 140 and their corresponding bridge element 150, with switch disconnector 100 being in the first state, closed state, or ON state.

[065] The pair of electrical contacts 140 includes a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. Each electrical contact 140 is a strip or fillet of a conductive material, such as a metal, having a bent end. The bent end of each electrical contact 140 is bent at a set angle relative to the rest of the body of electrical contact 140. The electrical contacts 140 in each pair of electrical contacts are oppositely-placed, with their bent ends facing each other, and are spaced apart, being separated by a gap.

[066] Electrical contacts 140 are adapted to connect to electrical devices external to switch disconnector 100. For example, first electrical contact 140 may be adapted to connect to an electrical power supply, and second electrical contact 140 may be adapted to connect to an electrical load. These connections may be established through electrical

-102018250435 18 Oct 2018 wires or cables. Therefore, each electrical contact 140 may be provided with a hole for tying or fastening an electrical wire thereto.

[067] Each bridge element 150 is a strip or fillet of a conductive material, such as a 5 metal, having a first bent end and a second bent end. The bent ends of each bridge element

150 are bent at a set angle relative to the rest of the body of bridge element 150. The bent end of first electrical contact 140 is adapted to mate, fit, or pair with the first bent end of bridge element 150. Similarly, the bent end of second electrical contact 140 is adapted to mate, fit, or pair with the second bent end of bridge element 150.

[068] As illustrated in Figure 7, the bent ends of bridge element 150 are symmetrical. In other examples, the bridge element may not be symmetrical, having bent ends with different lengths or inclination angles. In such examples, the bent ends of the first and second electrical contacts would be correspondingly adapted to mate or pair with their respective ends on the bridge element.

[069] Each bridge element 150 is mounted onto two resilient elements 160 in the gap between each pair of electrical contacts 140. Each resilient element 160 is a helical, or coil, compression spring wound around a column 162 for structural support. In other examples, each bridge element may be mounted onto one resilient element, or two or more resilient elements. Furthermore, in other examples, the resilient elements may be any type of spring or any element having a resilient or elastic structure or composition. Resilient elements 160 may bias each bridge element 150 towards its corresponding pair of electrical contacts 140.

[070] Bridge element 150 may selectively span or extend across the gap between first and second electrical contacts 140. For example, when actuating element 120 is in the first state, bridge element 150 spans the gap between first and second electrical contacts 140, bridging the gap between them. When actuating element 120 is in the second state, bridge element 150 does not span the gap between first and second electrical contacts 140, and the gap between them is not bridged. In one example, bridge element 150 selectively connects the first electrical contact 140 to the second electrical contact 140, depending on the state of actuating element 120.

-11 2018250435 18 Oct 2018 [071] The lower surface of the bent end of first and second electrical contacts 140 is provided with two raised contact points 142. Contact points 142 are embossed, or protrude from the lower surface of first and second electrical contacts 140. Similarly, the upper surface of first and second ends of bridge element 150 is provided with two raised contact points 152. Contact points 152 are embossed, or protrude from the upper surface of bridge element 150.

[072] In some examples, electrical contacts 140, bridge elements 150, contact points 142, 10 and contact points 152 are formed of the same electrically conductive material. In other examples, electrical contacts 140, bridge elements 150, contact points 142, and contact points 152 are formed of different electrically conductive materials. Preferably, though not necessarily, switch disconnector 100 is rated to operate at up to 250 amps. Therefore, in some examples, electrical contacts 140, bridge elements 150, contact points 142, and contact points 152 are formed of electrically conductive materials that are capable of withstanding currents of 250 amps.

[073] Contact points 142 of the first electrical contact 140 are aligned with contact points 152 on the first end of bridge element 150. Similarly, contact points 142 of the second electrical contact 140 are aligned with the contact points 152 of the second end of bridge element 152.

[074] In the first state of actuating element 120, resilient elements 160 tend from a compressed state towards their relaxed, neutral, or resting, state. Resilient elements 160 therefore extend, releasing stored mechanical energy, and exerting pressure to force bridge element 150 to abut, or contact, first and second electrical contacts 140, thereby forming an electrical path between first and second electrical contacts 140, through bridge element 150.

[075] Bridge element 150 abuts with first and second electrical contacts 140 by way of, or via, their respective contact points. That is, contact points 152 on the first end of bridge element 150 abut with contact points 142 on first electrical contact 140, and contact points

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152 on the second end of bridge element 150 abut with contact points 152 on second electrical contact 140.

[076] In the first position, bridge element 150 and first and second electrical contacts 140 5 may abut or contact at an angle, due to their bent profiles. Therefore, a contact area between bridge element 150 and first and second electrical contacts 140 may be an angled contact area, angled relative to a plane defined by the body (or unbent portion) of electrical contacts 140.

[077] Referring to Figure 8, there is illustrated a cross-sectional view of switch disconnector 100 along line AA of Figure 6. Figure 8 illustrates a single pair of electrical contacts 140 and their corresponding bridge element 150, with switch disconnector 100 being in the second state, open state, or OFF state.

[078] In the second state of actuating element 120, actuating element 120 operatively compresses resilient elements 160, to separate bridge element 150 from the first and second electrical contacts 140, thereby breaking the electrical path between the first and second electrical contacts.

[079] Actuating element 120 operatively compresses resilient elements 160 by applying pressure on bridge element 150 through linking element 170. Actuating element 120 may include an arm or projection that engages linking element 170. Operation of actuating element 120 causes linking element to move up or down (depending on the direction of the actuating force) to compress or decompress resilient elements 160. The force exerted by actuating element 120 reaches resilient elements 160 through linking element 170 and bridge element 150.

[080] In other examples, the actuating element may operatively engage the bridge elements. That is, the actuating element may engage the bridge elements directly or, alternatively, the actuating element may operatively engage the bridge elements through a linking element fitted onto the bridge elements.

- 13 2018250435 18 Oct 2018 [081] The amount of distance separating bridge element 150 from first and second contacts 140 in the second state of actuating element must be sufficient so as to guarantee electrical isolation for a given current and/or voltage rating of switch connector 100. In some examples, the switch connector complies with Australian standard AS60947.3.

[082] The arrangement whereby bridge element 150 and electrical contacts 140 abut at their bent ends is advantageous compared to alternative arrangements. Firstly, in some examples, the fact that the abutment occurs at an angle allows an even pressure (or a substantially even pressure) across the first electrical contact, the bridge element, and the second electrical contact, i.e. from line to load of contact. Secondly, in some examples, abutment at an angle is self-levelling based on the shape of the contact points, so that the contact points are able to contact cleanly, avoiding the possibility of the electrical contacts and the bridge element twisting. Thirdly, in some examples, angled contact allows an amount of wiping action which provides a cleaning or polishing effect on the contact surface, prolonging the life of the contacts. Fourthly, the angle of contact in conjunction with the straight body portion (i.e. the middle portion) of the bridge element allows maximum spring height and pressure to be maintained in the closed position. This contact shape also allows maximum throw or movement of the contacts in a limited DIN profile assembly.

[083] The inclusion of two contact points on each bent end of bridge element 150, and the corresponding two contact points on the bent end of each electrical contact 140, is advantageous because it increases the amount of abutment, or contact, surface between bridge element 150 and electrical contacts 140. However, in other examples, each bent end of bridge element 150 is provided with any number of contact points 152, such as one, two, three, or more. Similarly, the bent end of each electrical contact 140 may be provided with any number of contact points 142, such as one, two, three, or more raised contact points.

[084] In yet other examples, bridge element 150 and electrical contacts 140 are not provided with raised contact points 142 and 152. In such examples, bridge element 150 and electrical contacts 140 may abut or contact directly through their bent ends. For example, the lower surface of the bent end of the first electrical contact abuts the upper surface of the first bent end of the bridge element, and the lower surface of the bent end of

- 142018250435 18 Oct 2018 the second electrical contact abuts the upper surface of the second bent end of the bridge element.

[085] Referring to Figure 9, there is illustrated an example electrical switch system 5 including a rail 180 extending along a longitudinal direction, and switch disconnector 100.

In some examples, rail 180 is a DIN rail. An electrical energy source 182 is connected, via electrical leads 186, to electrical contacts 140. An electrical load 184 is connected is connected, via electrical leads 186, to electrical contacts 140.

[086] Each pair of electrical contacts is oriented along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of rail 180. Furthermore, actuating element 120 is adapted to be switched between the first state and the second state along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[087] For each pair of electrical contacts 140, the first electrical contact, the second electrical contact, and their corresponding bridge element 150 are collinear (or substantially collinear) lying along a common first straight line when viewed from the top surface of switch disconnector 100 (i.e. when viewed from the side of actuating element 120). In other examples, each pair of electrical contacts 140 need not be collinear with its corresponding bridge element 150.

[088] Actuating element 120 is a lever switch including a flap and a pivot. Switching, or toggling, actuating element 120 between its first state and its second state is done by applying a force on the flap to make the lever switch rotate relative to its pivot. The lever switch is adapted to pivot between the first state and the second state along a straight line that is orthogonal, or perpendicular, to the first straight line common to electrical contacts 140 and bridge element 150.

[089] This particular arrangement means that, once switch disconnector 100 is mounted to a support such as a DIN rail, the force applied to actuating element 120 to switch between its two states is parallel (or has a major component that is parallel) to the direction of longitudinal extent of the DIN rail. That is, the force is parallel, or substantially parallel,

- 15 2018250435 18 Oct 2018 to the main dimension of the DIN rail. This has the effect of reducing or, in some examples, minimising the stress to the DIN rail mounting.

[090] DIN rails are typically oriented such that their main dimension (i.e. their direction 5 of longitudinal extent) lies in a horizontal plane. Once switch disconnector 100 is mounted to the DIN rail, toggling of actuating element 120 is also provided along a horizontal plane.

The horizontal movement of the toggle from side to side avoids twisting of the mounting rail. Such twisting of the mounting rail presents a significant problem on vertically mounted toggles when cables are connected to both line and load side connections, since there are no fixed bars to stabilise the rail. The arrangement of switch disconnector 100 overcomes or ameliorates this problem.

[091] Sideways operation of the actuating element, or operating toggle, allows for greater mechanical leverage while still allowing the toggle to sit low when in an open or closed position. This allows for a shallow dimension between the escutcheon, or switch body or lid, and the door. In some examples, the switch disconnector includes a set of captive screws that clamp to the DIN rail and push against a set of sharp steel parts that cut into the rail. This mechanism holds the switch disconnector in place during the operation of the sideways action on the actuating element.

[092] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, there is illustrated another example switch disconnector 200. Switch disconnector 200 includes a housing 210 including a switch body, or lid, 212, terminal front covers 214, terminal rear covers 216, and case, or support, 218. Switch body 212 and case 218 house the moving elements of switch disconnector

200, whilst terminal front covers 214 and rear covers 216 protect the fixed electrical contacts of switch disconnector 200.

[093] Switch disconnector 200 further includes an actuating element 220 projecting from an opening in housing 210. Actuating element 220 is a rotary switch including a rotary operating mechanism. The operation of switch disconnector 200 is as described above in relation to switch disconnector 100. In other examples, the actuating element may be any other type of switch, or may include any type of actuating mechanism.

- 162018250435 18 Oct 2018 [094] Optional embodiments may also be said to broadly include the parts, elements, steps and/or features referred to or indicated herein, individually or in any combination of two or more of the parts, elements, steps and/or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[095] Although a preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that many modifications, changes, substitutions or alterations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

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Claims (32)

1. An electrical switch disconnector including:

a pair of electrical contacts, including a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact separated by a gap;

a resilient element;

a bridge element mounted onto the resilient element in the gap between the first and second electrical contacts; and an actuating element operatively engaging the bridge element;

wherein, in a first state of the actuating element, the resilient element is adapted to force the bridge element to abut the first and second electrical contacts, thereby forming an electrical path between the first and second electrical contacts;

wherein, in a second state of the actuating element, the actuating element is adapted to operatively compress the resilient element, to separate the bridge element from the first and second electrical contacts, thereby breaking the electrical path between the first and second electrical contacts.

2. The electrical switch disconnector of claim 1, wherein the actuating element operatively engages the bridge element through a linking element fitted onto the bridge element.

3. The electrical switch disconnector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the bridge element is a strip having a first bent end and a second bent end.

4. The electrical switch disconnector of claim 3, wherein the first electrical contact is a strip having a bent end adapted to mate the first bent end of the bridge element, and wherein the second electrical contact is a strip having a bent end adapted to mate the second bent end of the bridge element.

5. The electrical switch disconnector of claim 4, wherein each of the first bent end and the second bent end of the bridge element includes a raised contact point.

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6. The electrical switch disconnector of claim 5, wherein the bent end of the first electrical contact includes a raised contact point aligned with the raised contact point on the first end of the bridge element, and wherein the bent end of the second electrical contact includes a raised contact point aligned with the raised contact point of the second end of the bridge element.

7. The electrical switch disconnector of claim 6, wherein, in the first state, the bridge element is adapted to abut with the first and second electrical contacts via their respective raised contact points.

8. The electrical switch disconnector of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the actuating element is a lever switch.

9. The electrical switch disconnector of claim 8, wherein the first electrical contact, the bridge element, and the second electrical contacts are collinear, lying along a common first straight line.

10. The electrical switch disconnector of claim 9, wherein the lever switch is adapted to pivot between the first state and the second state along a second straight line that is orthogonal to the first straight line.

11. The electrical switch disconnector of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the actuating element is a rotary switch.

12. The electrical switch disconnector of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the electrical switch disconnector further includes a housing enclosing the pair of electrical contacts, the resilient element, and the bridge element.

13. The electrical switch disconnector of claim 12, wherein the housing includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the switch disconnector to a DIN rail.

14. The electrical switch disconnector of claim 13, wherein the attachment mechanism is a clip.

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15. An electrical switch system including:

a rail extending along a longitudinal direction; and the electrical switch disconnector of any one of claims 1 to 14;

wherein the pair of electrical contacts is oriented along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction;

wherein the actuating element is adapted to be switched between the first state and the second state along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction.

16. The electrical switch disconnector of claim 15, wherein the rail is a DIN rail.

17. An electrical switch disconnector including:

a plurality of switch modules, wherein each switch module includes:

a pair of electrical contacts, including a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact separated by a gap; a resilient element; and a bridge element mounted onto the resilient element in the gap between the first and second electrical contacts;

a linking element fitted onto the bridge elements of the plurality of switch modules; and an actuating element engaging the linking element;

wherein, in a first state of the actuating element, for each switch module, the resilient element is adapted to force the bridge element to abut the first and second electrical contacts, thereby forming an electrical path between the first and second electrical contacts;

wherein, in a second state of the actuating element, for each switch module, the actuating element is adapted to operatively compress the resilient element, to separate the bridge element from the first and second electrical contacts, thereby breaking the electrical path between the first and second electrical contacts.

18. The electrical switch disconnector of claim 17, wherein at least one switch module includes two or more resilient elements, and wherein the bridge element of the at least one switch module is mounted onto the two or more resilient elements.

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19. The electrical switch disconnector of claim 17 or 18, wherein, for each switch module, the bridge element is a strip having a first bent end and a second bent end.

20. The electrical switch disconnector of claim 19, wherein, for each switch module, the first electrical contact is a strip having a bent end adapted to mate the first bent end of the bridge element, and wherein the second electrical contact is a strip having a bent end adapted to mate the second bent end of the bridge element.

21. The electrical switch disconnector of claim 20, wherein, for each switch module, each of the first bent end and the second bent end of the bridge element includes a raised contact point.

22. The electrical switch disconnector of claim 21, wherein, for each switch module, the bent end of the first electrical contact includes a raised contact point aligned with the raised contact point on the first end of the bridge element, and wherein the bent end of the second electrical contact includes a raised contact point aligned with the raised contact point of the second end of the bridge element.

23. The electrical switch disconnector of claim 22, wherein, for each switch module, in the first state, the bridge element is adapted to abut with the first and second electrical contacts via their respective raised contact points.

24. The electrical switch disconnector of any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the actuating element is a lever switch.

25. The electrical switch disconnector of claim 24, wherein, for each switch module, the first electrical contact, the bridge element, and the second electrical contacts are collinear, lying along a common first straight line.

26. The electrical switch disconnector of claim 25, wherein the lever switch is adapted to pivot between the first state and the second state along a second straight line that is orthogonal to the first straight line.

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27. The electrical switch disconnector of any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the actuating element is a rotary switch.

28. The electrical switch disconnector of any one of claims 17 to 27, wherein the electrical switch disconnector further includes a housing enclosing each switch module and the linking element.

29. The electrical switch disconnector of claim 28, wherein the housing includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the switch disconnector to a DIN rail.

30. The electrical switch disconnector of claim 29, wherein the attachment mechanism is a clip.

31. An electrical switch system including:

a rail extending along a longitudinal direction; and the electrical switch disconnector of any one of claims 17 to 30;

wherein, for each switch module, the pair of electrical contacts is oriented along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction;

wherein the actuating element is adapted to be switched between the first state and the second state along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction.

32. The electrical switch disconnector of claim 31, wherein the rail is a DIN rail.