EP3123565A1 - Plug contact - Google Patents

Plug contact

Info

Publication number
EP3123565A1
EP3123565A1 EP15711695.5A EP15711695A EP3123565A1 EP 3123565 A1 EP3123565 A1 EP 3123565A1 EP 15711695 A EP15711695 A EP 15711695A EP 3123565 A1 EP3123565 A1 EP 3123565A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
contact
finger
plug
load
supply
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP15711695.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jacobus Everink
Sebastianus BOUMAN
Arend Lammers
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Eaton Intelligent Power Ltd
Original Assignee
Eaton Industries Netherlands BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Eaton Industries Netherlands BV filed Critical Eaton Industries Netherlands BV
Publication of EP3123565A1 publication Critical patent/EP3123565A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/193—Means for increasing contact pressure at the end of engagement of coupling part, e.g. zero insertion force or no friction
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R11/00—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts
    • H01R11/01—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts characterised by the form or arrangement of the conductive interconnection between the connecting locations
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/12—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage
    • H01H1/36—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by sliding
    • H01H1/42—Knife-and-clip contacts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/10—Sockets for co-operation with pins or blades
    • H01R13/11—Resilient sockets
    • H01R13/113—Resilient sockets co-operating with pins or blades having a rectangular transverse section
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/15—Pins, blades or sockets having separate spring member for producing or increasing contact pressure
    • H01R13/18—Pins, blades or sockets having separate spring member for producing or increasing contact pressure with the spring member surrounding the socket
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02B—BOARDS, SUBSTATIONS OR SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02B1/00—Frameworks, boards, panels, desks, casings; Details of substations or switching arrangements
    • H02B1/26—Casings; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
    • H02B1/30—Cabinet-type casings; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
    • H02B1/32—Mounting of devices therein
    • H02B1/34—Racks
    • H02B1/36—Racks with withdrawable units

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a plug contact.
  • a plug contact is used to connect a movable contact and a stationary contact.
  • a first contact finger has a first surface and a second contact finger has a second surface. The first surface and the second surface are curved and face each other along a longitudinal direction.
  • the plug contact can longitudinally receive the movable contact between a convex first end of the first surface and a convex first further end the second surface.
  • the plug contact can also longitudinally receive a stationary contact between a convex second end of the second surface and a convex second further end of the second surface.
  • the moveable contact is clamped between the first surface and the second surface.
  • a retainer is placed around the first contact finger and the second contact finger.
  • a spring between the retainer and the first contact and a spring between the retainer and the second contact clamp the first contact finger and the second contact finger on the moveable and the stationary contact.
  • the distance between the first surface and the second surface is smallest. In between those positions, the distance is larger.
  • the moveable contact has an end plate that falls into recesses in the first and second surface and which prevents the moveable contact to be retracted from between the first end and the first further end.
  • the moveable contact is mounted on the moveable contact with a bolt, the head of which protrudes between the first surface and the second surface.
  • a plug contact for connecting a first contact to a second contact, comprising a first contact finger comprising a first surface, a second contact finger comprising a second surface, the second surface facing the first surface;
  • the plug contact arranged to receive the first contact between a first supply end of the first surface and a second supply end of the second surface and arranged to receive the second contact between a first load end of the first surface and a second load end of the second surface, wherein the first contact finger and the second contact finger are arranged to connect the first contact to the second contact characterized by
  • the distance between the first surface and the second surface being smaller at a middle area between the first supply end and the first load end than at the first supply end and the first load end.
  • the plug contact is arranged to receive the first contact between a first supply end of the first surface and the first supply end of the second surface, the first surface and the second surface facing each other, the first contact can be plugged in between the first surface and the second surface.
  • the plug contact is arranged to receive the second contact between a first load end of the first surface and the second load end of the second surface, the first surface and the second surface facing each other, the second contact can be plugged in between the first surface and the second surface as well.
  • this plug contact can be used for making contact with a single bus bar on one end and a contact pin of a removable switchgear drawer on another end.
  • the inventors realised that with a current flowing through the first contact finger and the second contact finger in the same direction, the first contact finger and the second contact finger attract each other and that the smaller the distance between the first contact finger and the second contact finger, the larger the attraction. At the ends the distance obviously needs to be large enough to clamp the first contact and the second contact between them. Because the distance in the area between the first supply end and the first load end is smaller than at the first supply end and the first load end, the attractive force between the first contact finger and the second contact finger is larger than if it would have had the same distance at the first supply end and the first load end or a larger distance, such as in the prior art. Therefore, as the attractive force is larger, the chances that the plug contact will explode are smaller.
  • the plug contact is suitable for use in a low voltage distribution system, such as for connecting a bus bar to main contacts of a switch.
  • a plug contact according to the first embodiment comprising a resilient member arranged to force the first surface and the second surface against each other at the middle area in absence of the first contact and the second contact.
  • the resilient member forces the first surface and the second surface towards each other and thereby also forces the first surface and the second surface towards the first contact if received and the second contact if received.
  • the resilient member is additionally arranged to force the first surface onto the second surface at the middle area, the distance between the first surface and the second surface is minimized when in use the first contact and the second contact have been inserted.
  • a plug contact according to the first or second embodiment, arranged to retractably receive the first contact and the second contact.
  • the plug contact is compatible with existing withdrawable switchgear drawers having contact pins without the need for a perpendicular end plate.
  • Existing switchgear drawers do not have end plates on the contact pins.
  • a plug contact according to the second and third embodiment, comprising a housing for housing the first contact finger, the second contact finger and the resilient member.
  • the housing is arranged to house the first contact finger and the second contact finger, the first contact finger and the second contact finger can be handled without having to handle the first contact or the second contact themselves.
  • the housing is secured to a panel, the space in which the first contact is located, is separated from the space in which the second contact is located. This is advantageous to increase safety, for instance if the first contact is a bus bar without insulation in a cabinet for switchgear of a low voltage distribution system.
  • the plug contact being arranged such that the first contact and the second contact may be received and retracted in any order.
  • the first contact and the second contact can be received and retracted in any order, the contact plug does not have to be clamped on the first or the second contact before the other contact is received.
  • This is advantageous, for instance when used in a switchgear cabinet where the plug contact may be brought into contact with a bus bar (say the first contact) first and with a drawer (with say the second contact) later.
  • the plug contact is welded on the contact of the drawer, the other contact may be retracted first.
  • a plug contact according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first contact finger and the second contact finger are arranged to in use be laterally displaced with respect to each other when in use both the first contact and the second contact are received.
  • the contact force exerted on the first contact by the first contact finger and the second contact finger is in opposite directions. Therefore the contact force is in balance, which is advantageous for predictable contact quality and predictable contact pressure.
  • the first supply end comprises a first supply contact area for making contact to the first contact
  • the first load end comprises a first load contact area for making contact to the second contact
  • the resilient member having a centre of the resilient force and wherein the distance from the first supply contact area to the centre of the resilient force is shorter than the distance from the first load contact area to the centre of the resilient force.
  • the resilient member will exert a pressure.
  • the center of the resilient force is formed by the position where the resilient member would be if it would deliver a force from a single point.
  • contact welding may take place. With regard to the first contact finger being connected to the first contact and the second contact, this will occur at the position where the contact force is smaller and that is where the distance to the resilient member is larger. Therefore, in case a short circuit occurs in the plug contact of this embodiment, the second contact will be welded to the plug contact.
  • Figure 1 depicts a cabinet of a low voltage distribution system comprising drawers with contact pins
  • Figure 2 depicts a plug contact according to the invention in with a first contact and a second contact are plugged
  • Figure 3 depicts the first contact finger, the second contact finger and the resilient member in a state wherein no contacts are received in the plug contact.
  • the positive z-direction is a vertical upward direction, i.e. the negative z-direction is the direction of the force of gravity.
  • the housing comprising switchgear for a low voltage distribution system.
  • the housing comprises a number of cabinets (1) placed side by side against each other (figure 1). Each cabinet has a front side (parallel to the x-direction) that is accessible for personnel.
  • the cabinets (1) each comprise a main bus bar compartment (2).
  • main bus bars (4) are housed in a main bus bar compartment.
  • the four main bus bars run parallel to the x-direction and are connected to four distribution bus bars per cabinet.
  • the four distribution bus bars are vertically placed (i.e. they run parallel to the z-direction) in an insulated bus bar chamber at the backside of the cabinets.
  • Each of the four distribution bus bars is housed in a separate glass-fibre reinforced polyester bus bar duct running parallel to the z-direction.
  • the four distribution bus bars are each connected to one of the horizontal main bus bars by connection bars.
  • the cabinets (1) comprise multiple switchgear and control gear compartments aligned to the left walls of the compartments. On the right side of the cabinets (1) is a cable connection
  • the cabinets (1) comprise a panel separating the insulated bus bar chamber from the
  • the panel is made from insulating material.
  • the panel comprises through holes aligned with the distribution bus bars (7) (figure 2).
  • a distribution bus bar (7) is herein also referred to as a first contact.
  • a plug contact (10) is present in the hole.
  • the plug contact (10) is mirror symmetric with respect to a plane perpendicular to the x-direction.
  • the plug contact (10) comprises a housing (11), a spring (12), a first contact finger (13) and a second contact finger (14).
  • the first contact finger (13) and the second contact finger (14) are mirror symmetric with respect to each other, but otherwise equal, for instance with respect to the material from which they are made. They are also symmetrically positioned in the housing (11) wherein the plane of symmetry is perpendicular to the x-direction.
  • the first contact finger (13) comprises a first surface (15) facing towards a corresponding second surface (16) on the second contact finger (14) facing the first surface (15).
  • the first contact finger (13) is made from Silver plated Copper and is substantially elongated in the y-direction.
  • the Silver plating is treated with a contact paste.
  • the cross section perpendicular to the y-direction is rectangular.
  • the first contact finger (13) however is curved along the direction in which it extends, i.e. the y-direction. Because of the curvature, the distance between the first surface (15) and the second surface (16) varies for different y-coordinates.
  • a first supply end (17) of the first surface (15) and a second supply end (18) of the second surface (16) form a fork that is aligned with the distribution bus bar (7).
  • the distribution bus bar (7) is received in the space between the first supply end (17) and the second supply end (18).
  • the first supply end (17) and the second supply end (18) are biased against the distribution bus bar (7) by a resilient member (12), here a spring (12), to make an electrically conducting contact and thereby clamping the distribution bus bar (7).
  • the first surface (15) has a first supply contact area (24) at the first supply end (17) that it is forced against the distribution bus bar (7).
  • the second surface (16) similarly has a second supply contact area (25) at the second supply end (18) that is forced against the distribution bus bar (7).
  • the first supply contact area (24) and the second supply contact area (25) both are convex such that the pressure is maximised.
  • the spring (12) is basically U-shaped and comprises two legs (30) spaced apart in the x- direction and a connecting part (31) between the legs (30).
  • the spring (12) is mirror symmetrical in a plane that is perpendicular to the x-direction.
  • the spring (12) is also mirror symmetrical in a plane that is perpendicular to the y-direction.
  • the legs (30) extend in the z-direction and clamp around the first contact finger (13) and the second contact finger (14).
  • the legs (30) have equal width in the y-direction.
  • the legs (30) are curved such that the contact surface with the first contact finger (13) and the second contact finger (14) is small, corresponding to a high local pressure.
  • the curvature is such that one of the legs (30) makes contact to the first contact finger (13) along a line in the y-direction, i.e. parallel to the direction in which the first contact finger (13) is elongated.
  • the point where the line intersects the plane of symmetry perpendicular to the y-direction is the centre of the resilient force (32).
  • the first contact finger (13) and the second contact finger (14) protrude out of the housing (11) where the fork is formed.
  • the plug contact is plugged onto the distribution bus bar (7).
  • the skilled person will appreciate that for plugging the distribution bus (7) or the plug contact (10) are moved with respect to each other. Hence, either the distribution bus bar (7) or the plug contact (10) or both are moved.
  • the first surface (15) also has a first load end (19) that is at the other side of the elongated first contact finger (13).
  • the second surface (16) also has a second load end (20) that is at the other side of the elongated second contact finger (14).
  • the first load end (19) and the second load end (20) are curved and form a further fork.
  • a second contact (21) is formed by a contact pin (21) of a withdrawable switchgear unit.
  • the second contact (21) is cylindrical or has a rectangular cross section (in the direction perpendicular to the y-axis) such as a square cross section.
  • the second contact (21) is aligned with the fork and received in the space between the first load end (19) and the second load end (20).
  • the first load end (19) and the second load end (20) are biased against the second contact (21) by the resilient member (12).
  • the first surface (15) has a first load contact area (26) at the first load end (19) that it is forced against the second contact (21).
  • the second surface (16) similarly has a second load contact area (27) at the second load end (20) that is forced against the second contact (21).
  • the first load contact area (26) and the second load contact area (27) both are convex such that the pressure is maximised.
  • the first surface (15) comprises a middle area (22).
  • the first contact finger (13) and the second contact finger (14) are mirror symmetric
  • the second surface (16) comprises a further middle area (23).
  • the middle area (22) and the further middle area (23) are parallel and preferably less than 1.5, 1.2, 1.0 or 0.8 mm apart.
  • the resilient member (12) is placed at the middle area (22) and the further middle area (23).
  • the distance between the first supply contact area (24) and the centre of the resilient force (32) is smaller than the distance between the first load contact area (26) and the centre of the resilient force (32) by a factor f.
  • the factor f for instance is smaller than 1/3 or 1/4.
  • the middle area (22) and the further middle area (23) area abutting i.e. the distance between the first surface (15) and the second surface (16) at the middle area (22) is zero.
  • the first contact finger (13) and the second contact finger (14) still form a fork.
  • the distance between the first supply end (17) and the second supply end (18) therefore is larger than at the middle area (22).
  • the first contact finger (13) and the second contact finger (14) also still form a fork.
  • the distance between the first load end (19) and the second load end (20) therefore is larger than at the middle area (22).
  • the first contact finger (13) and the second contact finger (14) move laterally away from each other.
  • the first contact finger (13) and the second contact finger (14) may be tilted with respect to the state in which both the distribution bus bar (7) and the second contact (21) are absent.
  • the first contact finger (13) and the second contact finger (14) abut at a single location along the y-axis. The distance between the first surface (15) and the second surface (16) at the further fork in this state is less than in the state wherein both the distribution bus bar (7) and the second contact (21) are absent.
  • the second contact can be inserted.
  • the tip of the second contact (21) is tapered. As the second contact (21) is only clamped by the resilient member, the second contact (21) can be unplugged from the plug contact (10) against by withdrawing it.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a plug contact (10) for connecting a first contact (7) to a second contact (21) comprising a first contact finger (13) comprising a first surface (15), a second contact finger (14) comprising a second surface (16), the second surface facing the first surface (15); the plug contact (10) arranged to receive the first contact (7) between a first supply end (17) of the first surface (15) and a second supply end (18) of the second surface (16) and arranged to receive the second contact (21) between a first load end (19) of the first surface (15) and a second load end (20) of the second surface (16), wherein the first contact finger (13) and the second contact finger (14) are arranged to connect the first contact (7) to the second contact (21) characterized by the distance between the first surface (15) and the second surface (16) being smaller at a middle area (22) between the first supply end (17) and the first load end (19) than at the first supply end (17) and the first load end (19).

Description

Plug contact
The invention relates to a plug contact. In US2, 303,425 a plug contact is used to connect a movable contact and a stationary contact. A first contact finger has a first surface and a second contact finger has a second surface. The first surface and the second surface are curved and face each other along a longitudinal direction. The plug contact can longitudinally receive the movable contact between a convex first end of the first surface and a convex first further end the second surface. The plug contact can also longitudinally receive a stationary contact between a convex second end of the second surface and a convex second further end of the second surface. The moveable contact is clamped between the first surface and the second surface. A retainer is placed around the first contact finger and the second contact finger. A spring between the retainer and the first contact and a spring between the retainer and the second contact clamp the first contact finger and the second contact finger on the moveable and the stationary contact. At the positions where the first surface and the second surface make contact to the moveable contact and the stationary contact, the distance between the first surface and the second surface is smallest. In between those positions, the distance is larger.
The moveable contact has an end plate that falls into recesses in the first and second surface and which prevents the moveable contact to be retracted from between the first end and the first further end. The moveable contact is mounted on the moveable contact with a bolt, the head of which protrudes between the first surface and the second surface.
In absence of the stationary contact, the distance between the first surface and the second surface is maintained by a bar between the first surface and the second surface falling in recesses of the first surface and the second surface. Although the retainer, in case of a short cut, retains the first contact finger and the second contact finger the strength of the retainer may not be sufficient to prevent the plug contact to explode. Other plug contact is known from US 4,686,334.
It is an object of the invention, to provide a plug contact that at least partially solves this problem. According to a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided a plug contact for connecting a first contact to a second contact, comprising a first contact finger comprising a first surface, a second contact finger comprising a second surface, the second surface facing the first surface;
the plug contact arranged to receive the first contact between a first supply end of the first surface and a second supply end of the second surface and arranged to receive the second contact between a first load end of the first surface and a second load end of the second surface, wherein the first contact finger and the second contact finger are arranged to connect the first contact to the second contact characterized by
the distance between the first surface and the second surface being smaller at a middle area between the first supply end and the first load end than at the first supply end and the first load end.
Because the plug contact is arranged to receive the first contact between a first supply end of the first surface and the first supply end of the second surface, the first surface and the second surface facing each other, the first contact can be plugged in between the first surface and the second surface.
Because the plug contact is arranged to receive the second contact between a first load end of the first surface and the second load end of the second surface, the first surface and the second surface facing each other, the second contact can be plugged in between the first surface and the second surface as well. As additionally the contact fingers are arranged to connect the first contact to the second contact, this plug contact can be used for making contact with a single bus bar on one end and a contact pin of a removable switchgear drawer on another end.
The inventors realised that with a current flowing through the first contact finger and the second contact finger in the same direction, the first contact finger and the second contact finger attract each other and that the smaller the distance between the first contact finger and the second contact finger, the larger the attraction. At the ends the distance obviously needs to be large enough to clamp the first contact and the second contact between them. Because the distance in the area between the first supply end and the first load end is smaller than at the first supply end and the first load end, the attractive force between the first contact finger and the second contact finger is larger than if it would have had the same distance at the first supply end and the first load end or a larger distance, such as in the prior art. Therefore, as the attractive force is larger, the chances that the plug contact will explode are smaller.
Advantageously, the plug contact is suitable for use in a low voltage distribution system, such as for connecting a bus bar to main contacts of a switch.
According to a second embodiment of the invention, there is provided a plug contact according to the first embodiment, comprising a resilient member arranged to force the first surface and the second surface against each other at the middle area in absence of the first contact and the second contact.
The resilient member forces the first surface and the second surface towards each other and thereby also forces the first surface and the second surface towards the first contact if received and the second contact if received. As the resilient member is additionally arranged to force the first surface onto the second surface at the middle area, the distance between the first surface and the second surface is minimized when in use the first contact and the second contact have been inserted.
According to a third embodiment of the invention, there is provided a plug contact according to the first or second embodiment, arranged to retractably receive the first contact and the second contact.
Because the first contact and the second contact are retractable from the plug contact, the plug contact is compatible with existing withdrawable switchgear drawers having contact pins without the need for a perpendicular end plate. Existing switchgear drawers do not have end plates on the contact pins.
According to a fourth embodiment of the invention, there is provided a plug contact according to the second and third embodiment, comprising a housing for housing the first contact finger, the second contact finger and the resilient member.
Because the housing is arranged to house the first contact finger and the second contact finger, the first contact finger and the second contact finger can be handled without having to handle the first contact or the second contact themselves. When in use the housing is secured to a panel, the space in which the first contact is located, is separated from the space in which the second contact is located. This is advantageous to increase safety, for instance if the first contact is a bus bar without insulation in a cabinet for switchgear of a low voltage distribution system.
In an advantageous example of the embodiment, the plug contact being arranged such that the first contact and the second contact may be received and retracted in any order.
As additionally, the first contact and the second contact can be received and retracted in any order, the contact plug does not have to be clamped on the first or the second contact before the other contact is received. This is advantageous, for instance when used in a switchgear cabinet where the plug contact may be brought into contact with a bus bar (say the first contact) first and with a drawer (with say the second contact) later. However, when the plug contact is welded on the contact of the drawer, the other contact may be retracted first.
According to a fifth embodiment of the invention, there is provided a plug contact according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first contact finger and the second contact finger are arranged to in use be laterally displaced with respect to each other when in use both the first contact and the second contact are received.
Because the first contact finger and the second contact finger are laterally displaced, the contact force exerted on the first contact by the first contact finger and the second contact finger is in opposite directions. Therefore the contact force is in balance, which is advantageous for predictable contact quality and predictable contact pressure.
According to a sixth embodiment of the invention, there is provided a plug contact according to the second, third and fifth embodiments, wherein
- the first supply end comprises a first supply contact area for making contact to the first contact;
- the first load end comprises a first load contact area for making contact to the second contact;
- the resilient member having a centre of the resilient force and wherein the distance from the first supply contact area to the centre of the resilient force is shorter than the distance from the first load contact area to the centre of the resilient force. The skilled person will appreciate that in most practical cases the resilient member will exert a pressure. Herein, the center of the resilient force is formed by the position where the resilient member would be if it would deliver a force from a single point. In case a short circuit occurs, contact welding may take place. With regard to the first contact finger being connected to the first contact and the second contact, this will occur at the position where the contact force is smaller and that is where the distance to the resilient member is larger. Therefore, in case a short circuit occurs in the plug contact of this embodiment, the second contact will be welded to the plug contact. Being able to determine where contact welding takes place in case of a short circuit is advantageous for instance in case the plug contact is used in a switchgear cabinet to connect a bus bar as a first contact and a contact pin of a withdrawable switch forming the second contact. After a short circuit, it is advantageous to be able to have the bus bar connected to a power source as soon as possible. By arranging that the plug contact does not weld to the bus bar, but to the second contact, this is made possible.
Examples of embodiments the invention will now be described with reference to the
accompanying schematic drawings. Corresponding reference symbols in the schematic drawings indicate corresponding parts. The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain the present invention. Further, the examples are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limit or restrict the invention to the precise configurations shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description.
Figure 1 depicts a cabinet of a low voltage distribution system comprising drawers with contact pins
Figure 2 depicts a plug contact according to the invention in with a first contact and a second contact are plugged
Figure 3 depicts the first contact finger, the second contact finger and the resilient member in a state wherein no contacts are received in the plug contact.
For the purpose of explaining the invention, use is made of an x-direction, a y-direction and a z- direction, which are all perpendicular and chosen in right-handed orientation. A corresponding Cartesian coordinate system is used as well. In the following examples of the invention, the positive z-direction is a vertical upward direction, i.e. the negative z-direction is the direction of the force of gravity. In an example of the invention, there is a housing comprising switchgear for a low voltage distribution system. The housing comprises a number of cabinets (1) placed side by side against each other (figure 1). Each cabinet has a front side (parallel to the x-direction) that is accessible for personnel. The cabinets (1) each comprise a main bus bar compartment (2). The main bus bar
compartments of neighbouring cabinets are connected by openings (3). Four main bus bars (4) are housed in a main bus bar compartment. The four main bus bars run parallel to the x-direction and are connected to four distribution bus bars per cabinet. The four distribution bus bars are vertically placed (i.e. they run parallel to the z-direction) in an insulated bus bar chamber at the backside of the cabinets. Each of the four distribution bus bars is housed in a separate glass-fibre reinforced polyester bus bar duct running parallel to the z-direction. The four distribution bus bars are each connected to one of the horizontal main bus bars by connection bars.
The cabinets (1) comprise multiple switchgear and control gear compartments aligned to the left walls of the compartments. On the right side of the cabinets (1) is a cable connection
compartment (5).
The cabinets (1) comprise a panel separating the insulated bus bar chamber from the
compartment wherein drawers with switches are placed. The panel is made from insulating material.
The panel comprises through holes aligned with the distribution bus bars (7) (figure 2). A distribution bus bar (7) is herein also referred to as a first contact. In an example, a plug contact (10) is present in the hole. The plug contact (10) is mirror symmetric with respect to a plane perpendicular to the x-direction. The plug contact (10) comprises a housing (11), a spring (12), a first contact finger (13) and a second contact finger (14).
The first contact finger (13) and the second contact finger (14) are mirror symmetric with respect to each other, but otherwise equal, for instance with respect to the material from which they are made. They are also symmetrically positioned in the housing (11) wherein the plane of symmetry is perpendicular to the x-direction. The first contact finger (13) comprises a first surface (15) facing towards a corresponding second surface (16) on the second contact finger (14) facing the first surface (15).
The first contact finger (13) is made from Silver plated Copper and is substantially elongated in the y-direction. The Silver plating is treated with a contact paste. The cross section perpendicular to the y-direction is rectangular. The first contact finger (13) however is curved along the direction in which it extends, i.e. the y-direction. Because of the curvature, the distance between the first surface (15) and the second surface (16) varies for different y-coordinates.
At the distribution bus bar (7) a first supply end (17) of the first surface (15) and a second supply end (18) of the second surface (16) form a fork that is aligned with the distribution bus bar (7). The distribution bus bar (7) is received in the space between the first supply end (17) and the second supply end (18). The first supply end (17) and the second supply end (18) are biased against the distribution bus bar (7) by a resilient member (12), here a spring (12), to make an electrically conducting contact and thereby clamping the distribution bus bar (7).
The first surface (15) has a first supply contact area (24) at the first supply end (17) that it is forced against the distribution bus bar (7). The second surface (16) similarly has a second supply contact area (25) at the second supply end (18) that is forced against the distribution bus bar (7). The first supply contact area (24) and the second supply contact area (25) both are convex such that the pressure is maximised. The spring (12) is basically U-shaped and comprises two legs (30) spaced apart in the x- direction and a connecting part (31) between the legs (30). The spring (12) is mirror symmetrical in a plane that is perpendicular to the x-direction. The spring (12) is also mirror symmetrical in a plane that is perpendicular to the y-direction. The legs (30) extend in the z-direction and clamp around the first contact finger (13) and the second contact finger (14). The legs (30) have equal width in the y-direction. The legs (30) are curved such that the contact surface with the first contact finger (13) and the second contact finger (14) is small, corresponding to a high local pressure. The curvature is such that one of the legs (30) makes contact to the first contact finger (13) along a line in the y-direction, i.e. parallel to the direction in which the first contact finger (13) is elongated. The point where the line intersects the plane of symmetry perpendicular to the y-direction is the centre of the resilient force (32).
The first contact finger (13) and the second contact finger (14) protrude out of the housing (11) where the fork is formed.
In practise the plug contact is plugged onto the distribution bus bar (7). The skilled person will appreciate that for plugging the distribution bus (7) or the plug contact (10) are moved with respect to each other. Hence, either the distribution bus bar (7) or the plug contact (10) or both are moved.
Besides the first supply end (17), the first surface (15) also has a first load end (19) that is at the other side of the elongated first contact finger (13). Similarly, besides the second supply end (18), the second surface (16) also has a second load end (20) that is at the other side of the elongated second contact finger (14).
The first load end (19) and the second load end (20) are curved and form a further fork. A second contact (21) is formed by a contact pin (21) of a withdrawable switchgear unit. The second contact (21) is cylindrical or has a rectangular cross section (in the direction perpendicular to the y-axis) such as a square cross section. The second contact (21) is aligned with the fork and received in the space between the first load end (19) and the second load end (20). The first load end (19) and the second load end (20) are biased against the second contact (21) by the resilient member (12).
The first surface (15) has a first load contact area (26) at the first load end (19) that it is forced against the second contact (21). The second surface (16) similarly has a second load contact area (27) at the second load end (20) that is forced against the second contact (21). The first load contact area (26) and the second load contact area (27) both are convex such that the pressure is maximised. In between the first supply end (17) and the first load end (19) the first surface (15) comprises a middle area (22). As the first contact finger (13) and the second contact finger (14) are mirror symmetric, in between the second supply end (18) and the second load end (20) the second surface (16) comprises a further middle area (23). The middle area (22) and the further middle area (23) are parallel and preferably less than 1.5, 1.2, 1.0 or 0.8 mm apart. The resilient member (12) is placed at the middle area (22) and the further middle area (23).
The distance between the first supply contact area (24) and the centre of the resilient force (32) however is smaller than the distance between the first load contact area (26) and the centre of the resilient force (32) by a factor f. The factor f for instance is smaller than 1/3 or 1/4.
The plug contact (10) described above will now be described in a state wherein both the first contact (7) and the second contact (21) are absent (figure 3).
In this state, the middle area (22) and the further middle area (23) area abutting, i.e. the distance between the first surface (15) and the second surface (16) at the middle area (22) is zero.
At the first supply end (17) and the second supply end (18) the first contact finger (13) and the second contact finger (14) still form a fork. The distance between the first supply end (17) and the second supply end (18) therefore is larger than at the middle area (22).
At the first load end (19) and the second load end (20) the first contact finger (13) and the second contact finger (14) also still form a fork. The distance between the first load end (19) and the second load end (20) therefore is larger than at the middle area (22).
Upon insertion of the distribution bus bar (7) and the second contact (21) the first contact finger (13) and the second contact finger (14) move laterally away from each other. When in use only the distribution bus bar (7) is inserted and the second contact (21) is absent, the first contact finger (13) and the second contact finger (14) may be tilted with respect to the state in which both the distribution bus bar (7) and the second contact (21) are absent. The first contact finger (13) and the second contact finger (14) abut at a single location along the y-axis. The distance between the first surface (15) and the second surface (16) at the further fork in this state is less than in the state wherein both the distribution bus bar (7) and the second contact (21) are absent. Because the first surface (15) and the second surface (16) at the further fork are still at a distance larger than zero, the second contact can be inserted. To accommodate for the decreased distance, the tip of the second contact (21) is tapered. As the second contact (21) is only clamped by the resilient member, the second contact (21) can be unplugged from the plug contact (10) against by withdrawing it.

Claims

Claims
1. Plug contact (10) for connecting a first contact (7) to a second contact (21), comprising a first contact finger (13) comprising a first surface (15), a second contact finger (14) comprising a second surface (16), a resilient member (12) arranged to force the first surface (15) and the second surface (16) against each other at a middle area (22), the second surface (16) facing the first surface (15);
the plug contact (10) arranged to receive the first contact (7) between a first supply end (17) of the first surface (15) and a second supply end (18) of the second surface (16) and arranged to receive the second contact (21) between a first load end (19) of the first surface (15) and a second load end (20) of the second surface (16), wherein the first supply end (17) comprises a first supply contact area (24) for making contact to the first contact (7) and the first load end (19) comprises a first load contact area (26) for making contact to the second contact (21), the first contact finger (13) and the second contact finger (14) are arranged to connect the first contact (7) to the second contact (21), the distance between the first surface (15) and the second surface (16) being smaller at the middle area (22) between the first supply end (17) and the first load end (19) than at the first supply end (17) and the first load end (19) characterized by the resilient member
(12) having a centre of the resilient force (32) and wherein the distance from the first supply contact area (24) to the centre of the resilient force (32) is shorter than the distance from the first load contact area (26) to the centre of the resilient force (32).
2. Plug contact (10) according to claim 1, wherein the resilient member (12) is arranged to force the first surface (15) and the second surface (16) against each other at the middle area (22) in absence of the first contact (7) and the second contact (21).
3. Plug contact (10) according to claim 1 or 2, arranged to retractably receive the first contact (7) and the second contact (21).
4. Plug contact (10) according to claim 2 and 3, comprising a housing (11) for housing the first contact finger (13), the second contact finger (14) and the resilient member (12).
5. Plug contact (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first contact finger
(13) and the second contact finger (14) are arranged to be laterally displaced with respect to each other when both the first contact (7) and the second contact (21) are received.
EP15711695.5A 2014-03-24 2015-03-13 Plug contact Withdrawn EP3123565A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1405242.7A GB2524502A (en) 2014-03-24 2014-03-24 Plug contact
PCT/EP2015/055367 WO2015144466A1 (en) 2014-03-24 2015-03-13 Plug contact

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3123565A1 true EP3123565A1 (en) 2017-02-01

Family

ID=50686807

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP15711695.5A Withdrawn EP3123565A1 (en) 2014-03-24 2015-03-13 Plug contact

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3123565A1 (en)
CN (1) CN106134006A (en)
AU (1) AU2015238652B2 (en)
GB (1) GB2524502A (en)
WO (1) WO2015144466A1 (en)

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GB2541367B (en) * 2015-07-16 2017-09-27 Schneider Electric Ltd Electrical plug and socket assembly

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN106134006A (en) 2016-11-16
AU2015238652A1 (en) 2016-09-22
GB2524502A (en) 2015-09-30
AU2015238652B2 (en) 2019-03-28
GB201405242D0 (en) 2014-05-07
WO2015144466A1 (en) 2015-10-01

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