CN210040047U

CN210040047U - Spacer for vacuum interrupter and vacuum interrupter having the same

Info

Publication number: CN210040047U
Application number: CN201920576614.2U
Authority: CN
Inventors: D·金特施; C·罗伊贝尔
Original assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
Current assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
Priority date: 2018-04-26
Filing date: 2019-04-25
Publication date: 2020-02-07
Anticipated expiration: 2029-04-25
Also published as: EP3561844A1

Abstract

A spacer (100) for a vacuum interrupter and a vacuum interrupter (1) with a spacer (100). The spacer has a first portion (102) and a second portion (104). The first portion of the spacer is permanently connected to the second portion of the spacer. A first portion of the spacer is configured to push a cover of the vacuum interrupter on a side of the vacuum interrupter having the movable contact. The second portion of the spacer is configured to be connected to the mating portion of the movable contact. The spacer is configured such that connection of the second portion of the spacer to the mating portion of the movable contact causes the first portion of the spacer to push against a cover of the vacuum interrupter on a side of the vacuum interrupter having the movable contact to force the movable contact away from the fixed contact.

Description

Spacer for vacuum interrupter and vacuum interrupter having the same

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a spacer (spacer) for a vacuum interrupter, a vacuum interrupter having the spacer, and a method of separating a movable contact of the vacuum interrupter from a fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter.

Background

Medium Voltage (MV) Vacuum Interrupters (VI) typically have a fixed electrical contact and a movable electrical contact. In this case, VI is not yet connected to the driver, in other words it is loose (loose), and the pressure of the surrounding air pushes the movable contact onto the fixed contact, so that the two contacts are in contact with a certain force. In this case, the contacts may adhere to each other due to the cold welding effect. The cold welding effect may be amplified by vibrations, which may occur, for example, during transport of the loose VI. It is necessary to cope with such a situation.

Therefore, the movable contact is usually pressed onto the fixed contact by external pressure. To prevent this, it is known to secure the movable contact at a distance from the fixed contact by using a bolt and washer and nut. This is time consuming and expensive.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

Accordingly, an improved technique having a movable contact that mitigates loose VI adhering to a fixed contact of loose VI would be advantageous.

It should be noted that the following aspects of the present disclosure are also applicable to a spacer for a vacuum interrupter, a vacuum interrupter having the spacer, and a method of separating a movable contact of the vacuum interrupter from a fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter.

In a first aspect, there is provided a spacer for a vacuum interrupter, the spacer comprising:

-a first part; and

-a second part.

The first portion of the spacer is permanently connected to the second portion of the spacer. A first portion of the spacer is configured to push a cover of the vacuum interrupter on a side of the vacuum interrupter having the movable contact. The second portion of the spacer is configured to be connected to the mating portion of the movable contact. The spacer is configured such that connection of the second portion of the spacer to the mating portion of the movable contact causes the first portion of the spacer to push against a cover of the vacuum interrupter on a side of the vacuum interrupter having the movable contact to force the movable contact to move away from the fixed contact.

In other words, the spacer, in the form of a single piece that is simple and cost-effective to manufacture, is connected to the vacuum interrupter that is loose and not yet connected to the drive. By connecting the spacer to the vacuum interrupter, the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter is (forced) to move away from the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter, and the spacer maintains separation between these contacts of the vacuum interrupter. In this way, the contacts do not contact each other when the vacuum interrupter is loose, and therefore the contacts are not damaged or even cold welded to each other during e.g. transportation of the vacuum interrupter. In addition to being simple and easy to manufacture, the one-piece spacer means that the spacer is easy to fit to the vacuum interrupter and the different parts are not lost or misplaced.

In other words, only a single portion is required to hold the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter away from the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter.

In an example, the spacer is configured to maintain a fixed separation between the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter and the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter when the second portion of the spacer has been connected to the mating portion of the movable contact.

In this way, a proper separation between the contacts may be maintained, which mitigates damage to the contacts due to, for example, cold welding, and also means that the contacts of the vacuum interrupter are not separated by a distance that may damage the vacuum interrupter.

In an example, the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter has an end portion that is distant from a portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter that is contactable with the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter. An inner portion of the second portion of the spacer forms an end stop; and the fixed separation between the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter and the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter is maintained by contacting an end of the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter with an end stop.

In this way, when the spacer is connected to the vacuum interrupter, not only the movable contact is moved away from the fixed contact, but also the distance between the contacts is always automatically set to the correct distance when the second portion of the spacer is fastened to the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter.

In an example, an inner portion of the second portion of the spacer has internal threads configured to be threaded onto external threads of a mating portion of a movable contact of the vacuum interrupter. Connecting the second portion of the spacer to the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter includes bolting the second portion of the spacer to the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter.

In an example, the first outer surface of the spacer is substantially planar and is positioned opposite and substantially parallel to the substantially planar second outer surface of the spacer.

In an example, the first outer surface and the second outer surface form two faces of a hexagonal outer structure of the spacer.

In an example, the second portion of the spacer includes a first outer surface and a second outer surface of the spacer.

Thus, the spacer has an external configuration that facilitates tightening by, for example, a wrench or spanner.

In an example, when the second portion of the spacer is connected to the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter, an axis of the spacer is substantially parallel to an axis of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter. The width of the first portion of the spacer extending perpendicular to the axis of the spacer is greater than the width of the second portion of the spacer extending perpendicular to the axis of the spacer.

In an example, the spacer is rotationally symmetric about an axis of the spacer.

In an example, the first portion of the spacer is connected to the second portion of the spacer via a circular shoulder.

In this way, the mechanical load from the second part to the first part is distributed via the circular shoulder.

In an example, the spacer is made of plastic.

In a second aspect, there is provided a spacer for a vacuum interrupter, the spacer comprising:

-a first part; and

-a second portion;

a first portion of the spacer is configured to push against a cover of the vacuum interrupter on a side of the vacuum interrupter having the movable contact. The second portion of the spacer is configured to be connected to the mating portion of the movable contact. The spacer is configured such that connection of the second portion of the spacer to the mating portion of the movable contact causes the first portion of the spacer to push against a cover of the vacuum interrupter on a side of the vacuum interrupter having the movable contact to force the movable contact away from the fixed contact. The fitting portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter has an end portion that is shortened to a portion that is not far from the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter and that can come into contact with the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter. An inner portion of the second portion of the spacer forms an end stop. The fixed separation between the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter and the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter is maintained by contacting an end of the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter with an end stop.

Thus, a spacer that is simple and cost effective to manufacture is connected to a vacuum interrupter that is loose and not yet connected to a drive. By connecting the spacer to the vacuum interrupter, the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter is (forced) to move away from the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter, and the spacer maintains separation between these contacts of the vacuum interrupter. In this way, the contacts do not contact each other when the vacuum interrupter is loose, and therefore the contacts are not damaged or even cold welded to each other during e.g. transportation of the vacuum interrupter. Proper separation between the contacts can be maintained, which mitigates damage to the contacts, and also means that the contacts of the vacuum interrupter are not separated by distances that could damage the vacuum interrupter. Further, when the spacer is connected to the vacuum interrupter, not only the movable contact moves away from the fixed contact when the spacer is connected, but also when the second portion of the spacer is fastened on the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter, the distance between the contacts is always automatically set to the correct distance.

In an example, the inner portion of the second portion of the spacer has internal threads configured to be threaded onto external threads of a mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter, and wherein the coupling of the second portion of the spacer to the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter includes the second portion of the spacer being threaded onto the mating portion of the movable contact.

In an example, the first portion of the spacer is configured to be connected to the second portion of the spacer via a circular shoulder.

In an example, the components of the spacer are made of plastic.

In an example, the first portion of the spacer is permanently connected to the second portion of the spacer.

In a third aspect, a vacuum interrupter with a spacer is provided. The spacer includes a first portion and includes a second portion. The first portion of the spacer is permanently connected to the second portion of the spacer. The second portion of the spacer is connected to the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter such that the first portion of the spacer pushes the cover of the vacuum interrupter on a side of the vacuum interrupter having the movable contact to separate the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter from the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter.

In a fourth aspect, a vacuum interrupter with a spacer is provided. The spacer includes a first portion and includes a second portion. The second portion of the spacer is connected to the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter such that the first portion of the spacer pushes the cover of the vacuum interrupter on a side of the vacuum interrupter having the movable contact to separate the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter from the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter. The mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter has an end portion that is distant from a portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter that can make contact with the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter. An inner portion of the second portion of the spacer forms an end stop. The fixed interval between the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter and the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter is maintained by contacting an end of the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter with an end stop.

In a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of separating a movable contact of a vacuum interrupter from a fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter, the method comprising:

connecting a spacer to the vacuum interrupter, wherein the spacer includes a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the first portion of the spacer is permanently connected to the second portion of the spacer;

wherein connecting the spacer to the vacuum interrupter includes: the second portion of the spacer is connected to a mating portion of a movable contact of the vacuum interrupter such that the first portion of the spacer pushes a cover of the vacuum interrupter on a side of the vacuum interrupter having the movable contact to force the movable contact away from the fixed contact.

In a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of separating a movable contact of a vacuum interrupter from a fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter, the method comprising:

connecting a spacer to the vacuum interrupter, wherein the spacer includes a first portion and a second portion;

wherein connecting the spacer to the vacuum interrupter includes: connecting a second portion of the spacer to a mating portion of a movable contact of the vacuum interrupter such that the first portion of the spacer pushes a cover of the vacuum interrupter on a side of the vacuum interrupter having the movable contact to force the movable contact away from the fixed contact;

wherein the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter has an end portion that is distal from a portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter that is capable of making contact with the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter, and wherein an inner portion of the second portion of the spacer forms an end stop; and

wherein by connecting the second portion of the spacer to the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter, the fixed separation between the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter and the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter is maintained by contacting an end of the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter with the end stop.

The above aspects and examples will become apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

Drawings

Exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an example of a spacer for a vacuum interrupter;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of an example of a spacer for a vacuum interrupter;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of an example of a vacuum interrupter with spacers;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example of a vacuum interrupter with spacers;

figure 5 illustrates a method of separating a movable contact of a vacuum interrupter from a fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter;

figure 6 illustrates a method of separating a movable contact of a vacuum interrupter from a fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter; and

fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a detailed example of a vacuum interrupter with spacers.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a spacer 100 for a vacuum interrupter, with optional features shown in dashed lines. The spacer 100 includes a first portion 102 and a second portion 104. The first portion 102 of the spacer 100 is permanently connected to the second portion 104 of the spacer 100. The first portion 102 of the spacer 100 is configured to push against a cover of the vacuum interrupter on a side of the vacuum interrupter having movable contacts. The second portion 104 of the spacer 100 is configured to be connected to a mating portion of a movable contact of a vacuum interrupter. The spacer 100 is configured such that connection of the second portion 104 of the spacer 100 with the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter causes the first portion 102 of the spacer 100 to push against the cover of the vacuum interrupter on the side of the vacuum interrupter having the movable contact. Thus, the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter is forced (moved) away from the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter.

According to an example, the spacer is configured to maintain a fixed separation between the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter and the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter when the second portion of the spacer has been connected to the mating portion of the movable contact.

According to an example, the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter has an end portion that is distant from a portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter that is contactable with the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter. The inner portion of the second portion of the spacer forms an end stop 106. The fixed separation between the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter and the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter is maintained by contacting an end of the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter with the end stop 106 of the second portion of the spacer.

According to an example, the inner portion 108 of the second portion of the spacer has an internal thread configured to be screwed onto an external thread of the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter. Connecting the second portion of the spacer to the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter includes bolting the second portion of the spacer to the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter.

According to an example, the first outer surface 110 of the spacer is substantially flat and is positioned opposite and substantially parallel to the second substantially flat outer surface 110 of the spacer.

According to an example, the first outer surface and the second outer surface form two faces of the hexagonal outer structure 110 of the spacer.

According to an example, the second portion of the spacer comprises a first outer surface and a second outer surface of the spacer.

According to an example, when the second portion of the spacer is connected to the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter, the axis of the spacer is substantially parallel to the axis of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter. The width of the first portion of the spacer extending perpendicular to the axis of the spacer is greater than the width of the second portion of the spacer extending perpendicular to the axis of the spacer.

According to an example, the spacer is rotationally symmetric about an axis of the spacer.

According to an example, the first portion of the spacer is connected to the second portion of the spacer via a circular shoulder 112.

According to an example, the spacer is made of plastic.

Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a spacer 100a for a vacuum interrupter, with optional features shown in dashed lines. The spacer 100a includes a first portion 102a and a second portion 104 a. The first portion 102a of the spacer 100a is configured to push against a cover of the vacuum interrupter on a side of the vacuum interrupter having movable contacts. The second portion 104a of the spacer 100a is configured to be connected to a mating portion of a movable contact of a vacuum interrupter. The spacer 100a is configured such that connection of the second portion 104a of the spacer 100a with the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter causes the first portion 102a of the spacer 100a to push against the cover of the vacuum interrupter on the side of the vacuum interrupter having the movable contacts to force the movable contacts of the vacuum interrupter away from the fixed contacts of the vacuum interrupter. The mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter has an end portion that is distant from a portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter that can make contact with the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter. The interior of the second portion 104a of the spacer 100a forms an end stop 106 a. The fixed separation between the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter and the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter is maintained by contacting an end of the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter with an end stop 106a of the second portion 104a of the spacer 100 a.

According to an example, the inner portion 108a of the second portion 104a of the spacer 100a has internal threads configured to be threaded onto external threads of a mating portion of a movable contact of a vacuum interrupter. The connecting of the second portion 104a of the spacer 100a with the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter includes threading the second portion 104a of the spacer 100a onto the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter.

According to an example, the first outer surface 110a of the spacer is substantially flat and is positioned opposite and substantially parallel to the substantially flat second outer surface 110a of the spacer.

According to an example, the first outer surface and the second outer surface form two faces of the hexagonal outer structure 110a of the spacer.

According to an example, the first portion of the spacer is configured to be connected to the second portion of the spacer via a circular shoulder 112 a.

According to an example, the components of the spacer are made of plastic.

According to an example, the first portion of the spacer is permanently connected to the second portion of the spacer.

Fig. 3 shows an example of a vacuum interrupter 1 with spacers 100. The spacer 100 includes a first portion 102 and a second portion 104. The first portion 102 of the spacer 100 is permanently connected to the second portion 104 of the spacer 100. The second portion 104 of the spacer 100 is connected to the mating portion 21 of the movable contact 20 of the vacuum interrupter 1. This connection has pushed the first portion 102 of the spacer 100 against the cover 50 of the vacuum interrupter 1 at the side of the vacuum interrupter 1 having the movable contact 20 to separate the movable contact 20 of the vacuum interrupter 1 from the fixed contact 10 of the vacuum interrupter 1.

In an example, the spacer is configured to maintain a fixed separation between a movable contact of the vacuum interrupter and a fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter.

In an example, the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter has an end portion that is distant from a portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter that is contactable with the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter. The inner portion of the second portion of the spacer forms an end stop 106. The fixed separation between the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter and the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter is maintained by contacting an end of the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter with an end stop of the second portion of the spacer.

In an example, the inner portion 108 of the second portion of the spacer has internal threads configured to be threaded onto external threads of a mating portion of a movable contact of a vacuum interrupter. Connecting the second portion of the spacer to the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter includes bolting the second portion of the spacer to the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter.

In an example, the first outer surface 110 of the spacer is substantially flat and is positioned opposite and substantially parallel to the second substantially flat outer surface 110 of the spacer.

In an example, the first outer surface and the second outer surface form two faces of the hexagonal outer structure 110 of the spacer.

In an example, an axis of the spacer is substantially parallel to an axis of a movable contact of the vacuum interrupter. The width of the first portion of the spacer extending perpendicular to the axis of the spacer is greater than the width of the second portion of the spacer extending perpendicular to the axis of the spacer.

In an example, the first portion of the spacer is connected to the second portion of the spacer via a circular shoulder 112.

In an example, the spacer is made of plastic.

Fig. 4 shows an example of a vacuum interrupter 1 with spacers 100 a. The spacer 100a includes a first portion 102a and a second portion 104 a. The second portion 104a of the spacer 100a is connected to the mating portion 21 of the movable contact 20 of the vacuum interrupter 1. This connection has pushed the first portion 102a of the spacer 100a against the cover 50 of the vacuum interrupter 1 at the side of the vacuum interrupter 1 having the movable contact 20 to separate the movable contact 20 of the vacuum interrupter 1 from the fixed contact 10 of the vacuum interrupter 1. The mating portion 21 of the movable contact 20 of the vacuum interrupter 1 has an end portion that is distant from a portion of the movable contact 20 of the vacuum interrupter 1 that can make contact with the fixed contact 10 of the vacuum interrupter 1. The interior of the second portion 104a of the spacer 100a forms an end stop 106 a. The fixed separation between the movable contact 20 of the vacuum interrupter 1 and the fixed contact 10 of the vacuum interrupter 1 is maintained by contacting the end of the fitting portion 21 of the movable contact 20 of the vacuum interrupter 1 with the end stopper 106a of the second portion 104a of the spacer 100 a.

In an example, the inner portion 108a of the second portion of the spacer has internal threads configured to be threaded onto external threads of a mating portion of a movable contact of a vacuum interrupter. Connecting the second portion of the spacer to the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter includes bolting the second portion of the spacer to the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter.

In an example, the first outer surface 110a of the spacer is substantially flat and is positioned opposite and substantially parallel to the substantially flat second outer surface 110a of the spacer.

In an example, the first outer surface and the second outer surface form two faces of the hexagonal outer structure 110a of the spacer.

In an example, the first portion of the spacer is configured to be connected to the second portion of the spacer via a rounded shoulder 112 a.

In an example, the components of the spacer are made of plastic.

Fig. 5 shows in basic steps a method 200 of separating a movable contact of a vacuum interrupter from a fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter. The method 200 includes connecting 300 a spacer to a vacuum interrupter. The spacer includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the spacer is permanently connected to the second portion of the spacer. The connecting 300 of the spacer to the vacuum interrupter includes connecting 310 the second portion of the spacer to a mating portion of a movable contact of the vacuum interrupter such that the first portion of the spacer pushes 320 a cover of the vacuum interrupter on a side of the vacuum interrupter having the movable contact to force 330 the movable contact away from the fixed contact.

In an example, the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter has an end portion that is distant from a portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter that is contactable with the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter. An inner portion of the second portion of the spacer forms an end stop. The fixed separation between the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter and the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter is maintained by contacting an end of the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter with an end stop.

In an example, the spacer is made of plastic.

Fig. 6 shows in basic steps a method 400 of separating a movable contact of a vacuum interrupter from a fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter. The method 400 includes connecting 500 a spacer to a vacuum interrupter. The spacer includes a first portion and a second portion. Connecting 500 the spacer to the vacuum interrupter includes connecting 510 a second portion of the spacer to a mating portion of a movable contact of the vacuum interrupter such that the first portion of the spacer pushes 520 a cover of the vacuum interrupter on a side of the vacuum interrupter having the movable contact to force 530 the movable contact away from the fixed contact. The mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter has an end portion that is distant from a portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter that can make contact with the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter. An inner portion of the second portion of the spacer forms an end stop. By connecting the second portion of the spacer to the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter, the fixed separation between the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter and the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter is maintained by contacting an end of the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter with the end stop.

In an example, the spacer is made of plastic.

Fig. 7 shows a detailed example of the vacuum interrupter 1, the vacuum interrupter 1 having the

spacers

100, 110a connected thereto. The vacuum interrupter has a fixed contact 10 and a movable contact 20. The movable contact 20 has a threaded section 21 at its outer end. The vacuum interrupter 1 has an insulator 30, a cover 40 on the fixed contact 10 side, and a cover 50 on the movable contact 20 side. The vacuum interrupter has a bellows 60. When the vacuum interrupter is loose and not connected to the driver and not yet connected to the

spacer

100, 100a of the vacuum interrupter, the surrounding air pushes the movable contact 20 onto the fixed contact 10. However, the connection of the

spacer

100, 100a to the vacuum interrupter 1 has moved the movable contact 20 away from the fixed contact 10 by a sustained set distance, as discussed in more detail. The

spacer

100, 100a has a

first portion

102, 102a and a

second portion

104, 104 a. The

first portion

102, 102a of the

spacer

100, 100a is joined to the

second portion

104, 104a of the

spacer

100, 100a by a

rounded shoulder

112, 112 a. The

first portion

102, 102a, the

second portion

104, 104a, and the

rounded shoulder

112, 112a are all permanently secured together to form a single part. However, these portions need not be permanently secured together. The

inner portion

108, 108a of the

second portion

104, 104a of the

spacer

100, 100a is threaded, and the

inner portion

108, 108a may be threaded onto the threaded portion 21 of the movable contact 20 of the vacuum interrupter 1. The

second portion

104, 104a of the

spacer

100, 100a also has an

end stop

106, 106 a. In fig. 7, the

spacer

100, 100a has been placed around the end of the movable contact 20, and the internal threaded

portion

108, 108a of the

second portion

104, 104a of the

spacer

100, 100a has been screwed onto the threaded portion 21 of the movable contact 20. The

first portion

102, 102a pushes the cover 50 of the vacuum interrupter 1 upwards on the side of the vacuum interrupter 1 having the movable contact, when the spacer is screwed onto the movable contact. Then, the movable contact 20 of the vacuum interrupter 1 is forced away from the fixed contact 10 of the vacuum interrupter 1 until the end of the movable contact 20 of the vacuum interrupter 1 reaches the

end stop

106, 106 a. The spacer may be suitably designed to separate the movable contact 10 of the vacuum interrupter from the fixed contact 10 by a set design amount, and the connection of the

spacer

100, 100a to the vacuum interrupter automatically moves the movable contact 20 away from the fixed contact until a design interval is provided, and then maintains the interval until the spacer is unscrewed from the vacuum interrupter 1.

The spacer is therefore screwed onto the rod of the movable contact until the first portion 102 is pressed onto the cover in the end position. The defined space will then be maintained during the transport process.

It has to be noted that embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to different subject matters. In particular, some embodiments are described with reference to method type claims, whereas other embodiments are described with reference to apparatus type claims. However, a person skilled in the art will gather from the above and the following description that, unless other notified, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of subject-matter also any combination between features relating to different subject-matters is considered to be disclosed with this application. However, all of the features may be combined together to provide a synergistic effect not just a simple summary of the features.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A spacer (100) for a vacuum interrupter, the spacer (100) for transporting the vacuum interrupter, the spacer comprising:

a first portion; and

a second portion;

wherein the first portion of the spacer is permanently connected to the second portion of the spacer;

wherein the first portion of the spacer is configured to push a cover of the vacuum interrupter on a side of the vacuum interrupter having a movable contact;

wherein the second portion of the spacer is configured to connect to a mating portion of the movable contact;

wherein the spacer is configured such that connection of the second portion of the spacer with the mating portion of the movable contact causes the first portion of the spacer to push against the cover of the vacuum interrupter on the side of the vacuum interrupter having the movable contact to force the movable contact away from a fixed contact.

2. The spacer of claim 1, wherein the spacer is configured to: maintaining a fixed separation between the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter and the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter when the second portion of the spacer has been connected to the mating portion of the movable contact.

3. The spacer of claim 2, wherein the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter has an end portion distal from a portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter contactable with the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter; wherein an inner portion of the second portion of the spacer forms an end stop; and wherein the fixed separation between the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter and the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter is maintained by contacting the end of the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter with the end stop.

4. The spacer of any of claims 1-3, wherein an inner portion of the second portion of the spacer has an internal thread configured to thread onto an external thread of the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter, and wherein the connection of the second portion of the spacer to the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter comprises: the second portion of the spacer is threaded onto the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter.

5. The spacer of claim 4, wherein the first outer surface of the spacer is flat and is positioned opposite and parallel to the flat second outer surface of the spacer.

6. The spacer of claim 5, wherein the first outer surface and the second outer surface form two faces of a hexagonal outer structure of the spacer.

7. The spacer of any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the second portion of the spacer comprises the first outer surface and the second outer surface of the spacer.

8. The spacer of any of claims 1-3 and 5-6, wherein an axis of the spacer is parallel to an axis of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter when the second portion of the spacer is connected to the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter; and wherein a width of the first portion of the spacer extending perpendicular to the axis of the spacer is greater than a width of the second portion of the spacer extending perpendicular to the axis of the spacer.

9. The spacer of claim 8, wherein the spacer is rotationally symmetric about the axis of the spacer.

10. The spacer of any of claims 1-3, 5-6 and 9, wherein the first portion of the spacer is connected to the second portion of the spacer via a rounded shoulder.

11. The spacer of any of claims 1-3, 5-6 and 9, wherein the spacer is made of plastic.

12. A spacer (100a) for a vacuum interrupter, the spacer comprising:

a first portion; and

a second portion;

wherein the spacer is configured such that connection of the second portion of the spacer with the mating portion of the movable contact causes the first portion of the spacer to push against the cover of the vacuum interrupter on the side of the vacuum interrupter having the movable contact to force the movable contact away from the fixed contact;

wherein the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter has an end portion that is distal from a portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter that is contactable with the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter;

wherein an inner portion of the second portion of the spacer forms an end stop; and

wherein a fixed separation between the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter and the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter is maintained by contacting the end of the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter with the end stop.

13. The spacer of claim 12, wherein an inner portion of the second portion of the spacer has an internal thread configured to be threaded onto an external thread of the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter, and wherein the connection of the second portion of the spacer to the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter comprises: the second portion of the spacer is threaded onto the mating portion of the movable contact.

14. The spacer of claim 13, wherein the first outer surface of the spacer is flat and is positioned opposite and parallel to the flat second outer surface of the spacer.

15. The spacer of claim 14, wherein the first outer surface and the second outer surface form two faces of a hexagonal outer structure of the spacer.

16. The spacer of any one of claims 14 to 15, wherein the second portion of the spacer comprises the first outer surface and the second outer surface of the spacer.

17. The spacer of any of claims 12 to 15, wherein an axis of the spacer is parallel to an axis of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter when the second portion of the spacer is connected to the mating portion of the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter; and wherein a width of the first portion of the spacer extending perpendicular to the axis of the spacer is greater than a width of the second portion of the spacer extending perpendicular to the axis of the spacer.

18. The spacer of claim 17, wherein the spacer is rotationally symmetric about the axis of the spacer.

19. The spacer of any of claims 12-15 and 18, wherein the first portion of the spacer is configured to connect to the second portion of the spacer via a rounded shoulder.

20. A spacer as claimed in any of claims 12 to 15 and 18 wherein the portion of the spacer is made of plastic.

21. The spacer of any of claims 12-15 and 18, wherein the first portion of the spacer is permanently connected to the second portion of the spacer.

22. Vacuum interrupter (1) with a spacer (100), characterized in that,

wherein the spacer comprises a first portion and comprises a second portion;

wherein the first portion of the spacer is permanently connected to the second portion of the spacer; and

wherein the second portion of the spacer is connected to a mating portion of a movable contact of the vacuum interrupter such that the first portion of the spacer pushes a cover of the vacuum interrupter on a side of the vacuum interrupter having the movable contact to separate the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter from a fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter.

23. Vacuum interrupter (1a) with a spacer (100a), characterized in that,

wherein the spacer comprises a first portion and comprises a second portion;

wherein the second portion of the spacer is connected to a mating portion of a movable contact of the vacuum interrupter such that the first portion of the spacer pushes a cover of the vacuum interrupter on a side of the vacuum interrupter having the movable contact to separate the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter from a fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter;