WO2023212919A1

WO2023212919A1 - Disconnector and disconnector system

Info

Publication number: WO2023212919A1
Application number: PCT/CN2022/091175
Authority: WO
Inventors: Xueliang Wang; Chengzhen XIE
Original assignee: Abb Schweiz Ag
Priority date: 2022-05-06
Filing date: 2022-05-06
Publication date: 2023-11-09

Abstract

Embodiments of present disclosure relates to a disconnector (110). The disconnector comprises a first contact assembly comprising a first contact (20); a second contact assembly comprising a second contact (30), wherein the first contact (20) and the second contact (30) are arranged in an opposite manner and are separated from each other by a gap (50), and a connecting conductor (40) arranged across the gap (50) to connect the first contact (20) with the second contact (30) to form a power supply path, wherein the first contact (20) and the second contact (30) at least partially overlap in a connection direction along which the conductor connects the first contact (20) with the second contact (30).

Description

DISCONNECTOR AND DISCONNECTOR SYSTEM

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a field of a power supply, and more particularly to a disconnector.

BACKGROUND

A disconnector, such as a disconnect switch or an isolator, is widely used in a power network, and is used to ensure that an electrical equipment is completely de-energized and isolated for service or maintenance. There are various forms of disconnectors to meet different requirements. In some cases, the disconnectors needs to operate normally at a current of from hundreds to thousands of Amps at ambient temperature and it can withstand up to tens of hundreds of Amps within a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) without breaking.

In order to meet these operation requirements, structures of the conventional disconnector are very complex. An conventional disconnector typically includes two or more solid links which are arranged in parallel so as to meet the above operation requirements, which increases complexity of the product and hence its cost. On the other hand, due to increased industrial applications, the short current that the disconnector can withstand also increases. The conventional disconnector cannot meet these requirements. There is a need to improve the conventional disconnector.

SUMMARY

Example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a disconnector which can enhance operation performances with simplified structures.

In a first aspect of the present disclosure, it is provided a disconnector. The disconnector comprises a first contact assembly comprising a first contact; a second contact assembly comprising a second contact, wherein the first contact and the second contact are arranged in an opposite manner and are separated from each other by a gap, and a connecting conductor arranged across the gap to connect the first contact with the second contact to form a power supply path, wherein the first contact and the second contact at least partially overlap in a connection direction along which the conductor connects the first contact with the second contact.

According to the present disclosure, with the arrangement of the gap between the first and second contact and the overlap region formed by the first and second contact, an electromagnetic force that the connecting conductor is subject to during a short circuit is significantly reduced. Accordingly, the disconnector’s ability to withstand a large short current is improved with simplified structure.

In some embodiments, each of the first contact and the second contact comprises a base portion for supporting and a pair of opposite clamping arms, extending from the base portion along the connection direction, wherein the pair of clamping arms, define a receiving space for holding the connecting conductor. With this arrangement, the connecting conductor can be reliably held by the first contact and the second contact.

In some embodiments, each of the first contact assembly and the second contact assembly may further comprise a spring configured to hold the pair of clamping arms towards each other. With this arrangement, the connecting conductor can be further securely and reliably held by the first contact and the second contact.

In some embodiments, the pair of clamping arms may comprise a material reduction part, and the material reduction part has a part with reduced material with respect to other parts of the contact and is configured to at least partially overlap the corresponding contact along the connection direction. With this arrangement, the overlap region between the first and second contacts can be easily formed in a cost effective manner.

In some embodiments, each of the first contact assembly and the second contact assembly may further comprise a base, each contact assembly is mounted to the housing via the base, and the base portion of each contact is fixed to the base. With this arrangement, mechanical strengths of the first and second contacts can be ensured.

In some embodiments, at least one of the pair of clamping arms may comprise at least one protrusion on an inner surface facing the connecting conductor, and the clamping arm and the connecting conductor form electrical paths through the at least one protrusion. With this arrangement, the electromagnetic force that the pair of clamping arms is subject to during a short circuit is further reduced.

In some embodiments, the protrusion may have a flat surface for contacting the connecting conductor.

In some embodiments, pattern of the at least one protrusions may be arranged in association with a contour shape of the gap so that an electromagnetic force caused by an instantaneous change of a current is reduced when the power supply path is short circuited. With this arrangement, the electromagnetic force that the pair of clamping arms is subject to during a short circuit is further reduced.

In some embodiments, an overlap amount of the first contact and the second contact may be determined in association with a reduction of an electromagnetic (for example Lorentz) force caused by an instantaneous change of a current when the power supply path is short circuited. With this arrangement, the electromagnetic force that the connecting conductor is subject to during a short circuit is further reduced.

In some embodiments, the overlap amount of the first contact and the second contact in the connection direction may be in a range of 9mm-27mm. Simulation tests show that when the overlap amount is the above range the electromagnetic force that the connecting conductor-is subject to during a short circuit is significantly reduced.

In some embodiments, the disconnect further comprises a housing for supporting the first and second contact assemblies, wherein the housing comprises a contact cavity for receiving the first contact assembly and the second contact assembly and a partition wall to isolate the contact cavity from the surrounding, and wherein the housing further comprises an elongate through hole which penetrates a bottom wall of the housing, extends parallel to the partition wall, and defines a fluid communication path between the partition wall and a sidewall of the housing. With this arrangement, the heat dissipation performances of the disconnector can be improved.

In some embodiments, the disconnector may be configured to tolerate a short circuit current of 40kA or more within one second without breaking. Also, the disconnector may be configured to operate at a current 1600A or more in ambient temperature up to 55 degrees Celsius. In many cases, the disconnector may be configured to operate at a current more than 2000A.

In a second aspect of the present disclosure, it is provided a disconnector system. The disconnector system comprises at least two disconnectors according to any of the first aspect. The at least two disconnectors are along a line and operating independently.

In some embodiments, each of the at least two disconnectors may comprise an elongate through hole penetrating a housing of the disconnector and extending along the connection direction, and the at least two disconnectors are vertically arranged during use such that the respective elongate through hole vertically communicate with each other to increase heat dissipation. With this arrangement, the heat dissipation performances of the disconnector can be further improved.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Through the following detailed descriptions with reference to the accompanying drawings, the above and other objectives, features and advantages of the example embodiments disclosed herein will become more comprehensible. In the drawings, several example embodiments disclosed herein will be illustrated in an example and in a non-limiting manner, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a disconnector system including three disconnectors according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure, the disconnectors being in an operation state.

Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a disconnector system including three disconnectors according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure, the disconnectors being in a maintenance state;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the disconnector according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 4 is a front view of the disconnector according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a contact system of the disconnector according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a contact system of the disconnector according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a contact system of the disconnector according to further another example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a housing of the disconnector system according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference symbols are used to indicate the same or similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to several example embodiments shown in the drawings. Though example embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated in the drawings, it is to be understood that the embodiments are described only to facilitate those skilled in the art in better understanding and thereby achieving the present disclosure, rather than to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner.

The term “comprises” or “includes” and its variants are to be read as open terms that mean “includes, but is not limited to. ” The term “or” is to be read as “and/or” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “based on” is to be read as “based at least in part on. ” The term “being operable to” is to mean a function, an action, a motion or a state that can be achieved by an operation induced by a user or an external mechanism. The term “one embodiment” and “an embodiment” are to be read as “at least one embodiment. ” The term “another embodiment” is to be read as “at least one other embodiment. ” The terms “first, ” “second, ” and the like may refer to different or same objects. Other definitions, explicit and implicit, may be included below. A definition of a term is consistent throughout the description unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In many industrial applications, a disconnector, for example, a disconnect switch or an isolator, needs to operate at a current of 1600A or more at an ambient temperature of 55 degrees Celsius. A conventional disconnector includes two or more solid links which are arranged in parallel so as to meet this requirement. The two solid links are combined to function as a conductor so as to form an electrical path from an incoming terminal to an outgoing terminal.

One disadvantage of this type of disconnector is that it occupies large precious space in a power distribution system, which is not desired. In many cases, the space within the power distribution system is limited and there is a need to reduce a size of the disconnector. Another disadvantage of this type of disconnector is related to an ability of withstanding a short current. With increasing performances of electrical devices, the short current that the disconnector can withstand is required to be increased. For example, in many cases, the disconnector needs to withstand a short current of a 40kA or more within a second without breaking. However, this type of the disconnector including two solid links does not withstand such a high short current.

After keen and continuous study, a novel disconnector is proposed by the inventor of the present disclosure which can withstand a much higher short current with a simplified structure. The inventor of the present disclosure finds that a main problem with respect to the typical disconnector is related to an electromagnetic force that the solid links is subject to during a short circuit. When the short circuit occurs in a power supply line, an instant change of the current can produce a very large electromagnetic force. This electromagnetic force can destroy the solid links, and the disconnector thus fails. This electromagnetic force is too large such that the typical disconnector cannot withstand this force.

The inventive concept of this invention is to reduce this electromagnetic force by improving the structure of the disconnector. In one example embodiment of the invention, the disconnector comprises a first contact extending in a first direction and a second contact extending in a direction opposite to the first direction. The first contact and the second contact are separated by a gap and there is an overlap between the first contact and the second contact in the first direction. The disconnector further comprises a conductor arranged across the gap for electrically connecting the first contact and the second contact. Due to the overlap formed by the first contact and the second contact, the electromagnetic force produced by the short circuit current is significantly reduced. Accordingly, the disconnector can withstand a much larger short circuit current without breaking within a predetermined time duration.

Through the following detailed descriptions with reference to the accompanying drawings, the above features and advantages of the example embodiments disclosed herein will become more comprehensible.

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a disconnector system 100 including three disconnectors 110 according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure, the disconnectors being in an operation state. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a disconnector system including three disconnectors according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure, the disconnectors being in a maintenance state.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the disconnector system 100 includes three disconnectors 110 which are arranged along a line. The three disconnectors 110 are arranged in a power supply line respectively and operate independently so as to protect the loads in each power supply line. Each disconnector 110 of the disconnector system 100 comprises a housing 10, a first contact assembly mounted in the housing 10; a second contact assembly mounted in the housing 10, and a connecting conductor 40 configured to connect the first contact 20 with the second contact 30. The first contact assembly comprises an incoming terminal 29 for connecting a power supply side of the power line. The second contact assembly comprises an outgoing terminal 39 for connecting a load side of the power supply line.

The disconnector system 100 further includes an operation handle 120 for converting the disconnector system 100 from an operation state to a maintenance state, or vice versa. As shown in Fig. 1, when the disconnector system 100 is at the operation state, the disconnector system 100 is connected in a power line and can supply power from the power source to electrical loads, i.e., the incoming terminal 29 is electrically connected to the outgoing terminal 29 by the connecting conductor 40. In this case, electrical loads, such as electrical devices, in the power line can be protected by the disconnector system 100.

As shown in Fig. 2, when the disconnector system 100 is at the maintenance state, the connecting conductor 40 disconnects the second contact assembly from the first contact assembly and the incoming terminal 29 thus is electrically disconnected from the outgoing terminal 29. In this case, the disconnector system 100 isolates the electrical loads from the power line, and the electrical loads thus can be repaired or maintained.

It is to be understood that in the shown example, there are three disconnectors 110 which are arranged in the housing. This is just illustrative rather than limited. In other example embodiments, there may any other number of disconnectors. For example, in some examples, there is only one disconnector. Alternatively, there may be two or more disconnectors in one system.

It is to be understood that in the shown example, the three disconnectors 110 has one common operation handle 120. When the disconnectors 110 need to be converted to the maintenance state form the operation state, a user can rotate the common operation handle 12 so as to disconnect the connecting conductor 40 of each disconnector 110 from the respective contact assemblies. This is just illustrative rather than limited. In other example embodiments, each of the three disconnectors 110 can provided with a respective operation handle and thus can be operated independently.

Fig. 3 is a closed up view of one disconnector 110 according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure. In the shown example, for sake of clarity and better illustration, an upper part of the housing and components associated with the operation handle 120 are removed to better show the contact system of the disconnector. Fig. 4 is a front view of the contact system of the disconnector 110 and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the contact system of the disconnector 110.

As shown in Figs. 3-5, the disconnector 110 comprises a housing 10, a first contact assembly, a second contact assembly, and a connecting conductor 40 for electrically connecting the first contact assembly to the second contact assembly. The first contact assembly comprises a first contact 20 and an incoming terminal 29 for coupling the first contact 20 with a power line. Likewise, the second contact assembly comprises a second contact 30 and an outgoing terminal 39 for coupling the second contact 30 with a power line.

The first contact 20 extends in a first direction (i.e., in a direction from the left to the right in Fig. 4) and the second contact 30 extends in a second direction opposite to the first direction (in a direction from the right to the left in Fig. 4) . The first contact 20 and the second contact 30 are separated from each other by a gap 50. The connecting conductor 40 is arranged across the gap 50 so as to connect the first contact 20 with the second contact 30. During normal operation of the disconnector, the first contact 20 is connected to the second contact 30 to form a power supply path. Accordingly, the disconnector can function properly to protect the electrical loads, such as electrical devices from damage. During maintenance mode of the disconnector, the first contact 20 is disconnected to the second contact 30 to break the power supply path.

As shown in Figs. 3-5, the first contact 20 and the second contact 30 at least partially overlap in a connection direction along which the connecting conductor 40 connects the first contact 20 with the second contact 30. In Fig. 4, the connection direction is along the horizontal direction which is also an extending direction of the connecting conductor 40. It is to be understood that this is merely illustrative rather than limited and the extending direction of the connecting conductor 40 may be any proper direction according to a layout of the disconnector.

With the arrangement of this overlapping region, an electromagnetic force generated by a short circuit current is dramatically reduced. The reason is as follows. When a short circuit occurs in the power line, the current in the power line temporarily increases dramatically. The dramatically increased current can produce a large electromagnetic force that act on the physical components of the disconnector, such as the first contact assembly, the second assembly and the connecting conductors. Due to the provision of the overlapping region between the first contact and the second contact, a magnetic field direction produced by the first contact is opposite to an magnetic field direction produced by the second contact, which makes it possible to reduce the electromagnetic force. In this case, the first contact assembly, the second assembly and the connecting conductors is subject to a significantly reduced electromagnetic force compared with a case that there is no provision of the overlapping region. Due to the reduced electromagnetic force, the structure strength requirements of the disconnector are lowered. Accordingly, performances of the disconnector are significantly improved. Also, since provision of a single connecting conductor can meet the strength requirements, space occupied by of the disconnector can be reduced.

Simulation tests conducted by the inventor also shows that the overlap amount of the first contact 20 and the second contact 30 in the connection direction has influences on electromagnetic force reduction. In some embodiments, an overlap amount of the first contact 20 and the second contact 30 is determined in association with a reduction of Lorentz force caused by an instantaneous change of a current when the power supply path is short circuited. In some embodiments, when the overlap amount of the first contact 20 and the second contact 30 in the connection direction is more than 9mm, the electromagnetic force can be significantly reduced. In particular, the disconnector can withstand a short current of 40kA within a second without breaking.

In some embodiments, the overlap amount of the first contact 20 and the second contact 30 in the connection direction is in a range of 10mm to 27.5mm. Simulation results shows that this overlap range demonstrates good performances of the disconnector. It is to be understood that the above range is merely illustrative and a skilled person in the art can envisage other ranges given the teaching of the present disclosure.

Considering the fact that the first contact assembly and the second contact assembly and the connecting conductor are subject to a large electromagnetic force, the first contact and the second contact has to be fixed in a robust way.

In some embodiments, the first contact and the second contact are properly shaped. As shown in Figs. 3-5, the first contact 20 comprises a base portion 24 and a pair of opposite clamping arms 22 extending from the base portion 24 along the connection direction. The base portion 24 is configured to support the clamping arms 22. The base portion 24 can be fixed to the housing 10 via fasteners. The pair of clamping arms 22 define a receiving space for holding the connecting conductor 40. In this way, the connecting conductor 40 can be held in a reliable manner.

Likewise, as shown in Figs. 3-5, the second contact 30 comprises a base portion 34 and a pair of opposite clamping arms 32 extending from the base portion 34 along the connection direction. The base portion 34 is configured to support the clamping arms 32. The base portion 34 can be fixed to the housing 10 via fasteners. The pair of clamping arms 32 defines a receiving space for holding the connecting conductor 40. In this way, the connecting conductor can be reliably held between the pair of the clamping arms 32.

In some embodiments, as shown in Figs. 3-5, the first contact assembly may comprise a base 27 and the base portion 24 is fixed to the base 27. The base can improve the rigidity of the first contact. Likewise, the second contact assembly may comprise a base 37 and the base portion 34 is fixed to the base 37. Also, the provision of the base can improve heat dissipation of the disconnector since the base can provide an enlarged surface. The first contact assembly and the second contact assembly can be fixed to the respective connection terminals via the base. The base may take any proper shapes to facilitate fixation and connection.

In some embodiments, as shown in Figs. 3-5, each of the first contact assembly and the second contact assembly may further comprise a

spring

26, 36. The

springs

26 and 36 are configured to elastically hold the pair of clamping arms 22 towards each other. By the springs, the clamping effects for holding the connecting conductor 40 can be improved. The spring may take various proper forms, for example, torsion spring, leaf spring, and the like and can be arranged in any proper way as long as the pair of clamping arms 22 can be reliably held.

The inventor of the present disclosure also finds that contact area between the connecting conductor 40 and the first and

second contacts

22, 32 has influences on the performance of the disconnector.

In some embodiments, only portions of an inner surface of the clamping arms 22 are configured to form electrical path between the first contact 20 and the connecting conductor 40. As shown in Figs. 3-5, at least one of the pair of clamping arms 22 comprises at least one protrusion 28 on an inner surface facing the connecting conductor 40. The clamping arm 22 and the connecting conductor 40 thus form electrical paths through the at least one protrusion 28. Likewise, at least one of the pair of clamping arms 32 comprises at least one protrusion 38 on an inner surface facing the connecting conductor 40, and the clamping arm 32 and the connecting conductor 40 form electrical paths through the at least one protrusion 38. With reduced contact area, the electromagnetic force that the contact assemblies and the connecting conductor 40 can also be reduced.

In the shown examples, both the pair of clamping arms 22 and the pair of clamping arms 32 are provided with

protrusion

28, 38. It is to be understood that this is merely illustrative rather than limited. In the shown examples, the

protrusions

28, 38 are circular. It is to be understood that this is merely illustrative and the shape of the protrusion may be any other proper forms.

In some embodiments, the

protrusion

28, 38 has a flat surface for contacting the connecting conductor 40. The flat surface can ensure the reliable electrical contact between the first, second contacts and the connecting conductor 40.

The inventor of the present disclosure also finds that the number and the pattern of the protrusion also have influences on performances of the disconnector. In some embodiments, the pattern of the at least one

protrusions

28, 38 is arranged in association with a contour shape of the gap 50 so that an electromagnetic (for example, the Holm) force caused by an instantaneous change of a short current is reduced when the power supply path is short circuited. In shown example, for each contact assembly, there are three

protrusions

28, 38. It is to be understood that this is merely illustrative rather than limited. In some example embodiments, the number of the

protrusions

28, 38 may be 1, 2, or 4 or more. In some embodiments, the

protrusions

28, 38 are arranged adjacent to each other. Simulation tests show that when the

protrusions

28, 38 are arranged adjacent to each other, the Holm force caused by an instantaneous change of a short current can be reduced.

The contour of gap may take various shapes. In some embodiments, the clamping arms 22 may include an inclination edge. It is to be understood that this is merely illustrative, any other shapes can be used as long as an overlap area is formed along the connection direction between the first contact and the second contact.

In some embodiments, the pair of clamping arms 22 comprises a material reduction part 25, and the material reduction part 25 has a part with reduced material with respect to other parts of the contact and is configured to at least partially overlap the corresponding contact along the connection direction. Likewise, the pair of clamping arms 32 comprises a material reduction part 35, and the material reduction part 35 has a part with reduced material with respect to other parts of the contact and is configured to at least partially overlap the corresponding contact along the connection direction. With this material reduction part, the overlap area between the first contact and the second contact can be easily formed. Also, materials can be saved. It is to be understood that a shape of the material reduction part 25 may be of any proper forms as long as the material reduction part 25 can overlap with the corresponding material reduction part 35.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the contact system 600 of the disconnector according to the present disclosure respectively. As shown in Fig. 6, the contact system 600 comprises a first contact assembly including a first contact 620 and a second contact assembly including a second contact 630. The first contact 620 is located lower than the second contact 630. The first contact 620 and the second contact 630 are vertically separated from each other by a gap 650.

The first contact 620 and the second contact 630 each comprises a pair of clamping

arms

622, 632 which define a space for receiving a connecting conductor 640. The connecting conductor 640 is arranged across the gap 650 so as to connect the first contact 620 with the second contact 630. With this arrangement, the vertical space occupied by the disconnector can be used for electrical connection meanwhile the horizontal space used by the disconnection is reduced. With this arrangement, the disconnector can be properly used in a situation that the horizontal space of the disconnector is limited.

As show in Fig. 6, each of the first contact assembly and the second contact assembly each may comprise a

spring

626, 636. The

springs

626 and 636 are configured to elastically hold the pair of clamping arms 622 towards each other. In the shown example, one end of the spring is attached to a recess provided on an outer surface of one of the pair of the clamping arms of the respective contact. The spring extends through the through hole penetrating through the pair of the clamping arms and the other end is attached to a recess provided on an outer surface of the other one of the pair of the clamping arms of the respective contact. In this way, the spring can be attached to the contact easily.

As shown in Fig. 6, the first contact 620 may further comprise a base portion 624 from which the clamping arms 622 extends. The base portion 624 can be directly connected to the incoming terminal 629. Likewise, the second contact 630 may further comprise a base portion 634 from which the clamping arms 632 extends. The base portion 634 can be directly connected to the incoming terminal 629. The base portion 624 may take any proper forms. In some embodiments, the base portion 624 can be directly connected to an incoming terminal 629 of the disconnector. Likewise, the base portion 634 can be directly connected to an outgoing terminal 639 of the disconnector. With the arrangement, the structure of the disconnector can be further simplified and thus the cost of the disconnector is reduced.

As shown in Fig. 6, the clamping arms 622 may comprise one protrusion (not shown) on an inner surface facing the connecting conductor 640. The clamping arm 622 and the connecting conductor 640 form electrical paths through the at least one protrusion. It is in particular advantageous when the disconnector is used in a situation that the disconnector requires a lower short current withstand-ability.

As shown in Fig. 6, the pair of clamping

arms

622, 632 also comprises a

material reduction part

625, 635. The

material reduction parts

625, 635 form the overlapping region. It is to be understood that the

material reduction part

625, 635 may take any proper forms.

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the contact system 700 of the disconnector according to the present disclosure respectively. As shown in Fig. 7, the contact system 700 comprises a first contact assembly including a first contact 720 and a second contact assembly including a second contact 730. The first contact 720 is located higher than the second contact 730. The first contact 720 and the second contact 730 are vertically separated from each other by a gap 750.

The first contact 720 and the second contact 730 each comprises a pair of clamping

arms

722, 732 which define a space for receiving a connecting conductor 740. The connecting conductor 740 is arranged across the gap 750 so as to connect the first contact 720 with the second contact 730. With this arrangement, the vertical space occupied by the disconnector can be used for electrical connection meanwhile the horizontal space used by the disconnection is reduced.

As shown in Fig. 7, the

contact

720, 730 may further comprise a

base portion

724, 734 from which the clamping

arms

722, 732 extends. The

base portion

724, 734 can be directly connected to the

connection terminal

729, 739.

In the shown example embodiment of Fig. 7, the

contact

720, 730 do not comprise a spring for holding the pair of clamping

arms

722, 732. Rather, the clamping

arms

722, 732 may be arranged close to each other such that the connecting conductor 740 can be reliable received between the pair of clamping arms. In this event, the flexibility of the clamping arms can provide the elastic force for holding the connecting conductor 740. In this event, the structure of the disconnector can be further reduced.

In the shown example embodiment of Fig. 7, the clamping arms 722 do not comprise a protrusion on an inner surface facing the connecting conductor 740. The inner surface of the clamping arms 722 can contact the connecting conductor 740 to form the electrical conductive path.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a housing 10 of the disconnector system according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure. The disconnector system may comprise one or more disconnectors.

As shown in Fig. 8, the housing 10 comprises a plural of contact cavities 18 for receiving the first contact assembly and the second contact assembly of each disconnector. For each disconnector, the housing 10 further comprises a partition wall 22 configured to isolate the contact cavity from the surroundings. Due to the partition wall 22, foreign matters, such as human’s fingers, are prevented from entering the contact cavity. Accordingly, generate electrical shock hazards can be prevented and safety can be improved.

As shown in Fig. 8, the housing 10 comprises an elongate through hole 16. The elongate through hole 16 penetrates, for example, a bottom wall of the housing 10 to communicate with the surroundings. The elongate through hole 16 extends parallel to the partition wall 22 and forms a fluid communication path between the partition wall 22 and a side wall 14 of the housing 10. Since the elongate through hole 16 communicates the contact cavity 18 with the surroundings, heat generated by the contact assemblies and the conductor can be dissipated away by the fluid communication path.

When the disconnector is vertically used, the arrangement of the elongate through hole 16 can bring about additional advantages. This is because that the elongate through hole 16 can increase the chimney effects of fluid. When the disconnector system 100 comprises at least two disconnectors 110 being arranged along a line, the above advantages can be further improved. When the at least two disconnectors are vertically arranged during use, the respective elongate through hole vertically communicate with each other. Accordingly, the chimney effects of fluid is further improved, with further improved heat dissipation performances.

Through the teachings provided herein in the above description and relevant drawings, many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure given herein will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to the specific embodiments of the disclosure, and the modifications and other embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of the disclosure. In addition, while exemplary embodiments have been described in the above description and relevant drawings in the context of some illustrative combinations of components and/or functions, it should be realized that different combinations of components and/or functions can be provided in alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In this regard, for example, it is anticipated that other combinations of components and/or functions that are different from the above definitely described will also fall within the scope of the disclosure. While specific terms are used herein, they are only used in a general and descriptive sense rather than limiting.

Claims

A disconnector (110) , comprising

a first contact assembly comprising a first contact (20) ;

a second contact assembly comprising a second contact (30) , wherein the first contact (20) and the second contact (30) are arranged in an opposite manner and are separated from each other by a gap (50) , and

a connecting conductor (40) arranged across the gap (50) to connect the first contact (20) with the second contact (30) to form a power supply path, wherein the first contact (20) and the second contact (30) at least partially overlap in a connection direction along which the conductor connects the first contact (20) with the second contact (30) .
The disconnector (110) according to claim 1, wherein each of the first contact (20) and the second contact (30) comprises a base portion (24, 34) for supporting and a pair of opposite clamping arms (22, 32) extending from the base portion along the connection direction, wherein the pair of clamping arms (22, 32) define a receiving space for holding the connecting conductor (40) .
The disconnector (110) according to claim 2, wherein each of the first contact assembly and the second contact assembly further comprises a spring (26, 36) configured to hold the pair of clamping arms (22, 32) towards each other.
The disconnector (110) according to claim 1, wherein the pair of clamping arms (22, 32) comprises a material reduction part (25, 35) , and the material reduction part (25, 35) has a part with reduced material with respect to other parts of the contact and is configured to at least partially overlap the corresponding contact along the connection direction.
The disconnector (110) according to claim 2, wherein each of the first contact assembly and the second contact assembly further comprises a base (27) , and the base portion (24, 34) of each contact is fixed to the base (27) .
The disconnector (110) according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein at least one of the pair of clamping arms (22, 32) comprises at least one protrusion (28, 38) on an inner surface facing the connecting conductor (40) , and the clamping arm and the connecting conductor (40) form electrical paths through the at least one protrusion (28, 38) .
The disconnector (110) according to claim 6, wherein the protrusion (28, 38) has a flat surface for contacting the connecting conductor (40) .
The disconnector (110) according to claim 6, wherein pattern of the at least one protrusions (28, 38) are arranged in association with a contour shape of the gap (50) so that an electromagnetic force caused by an instantaneous change of a short current is reduced when the power supply path is short circuited.
The disconnector (110) according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein an overlap amount of the first contact (20) and the second contact (30) is determined in association with a reduction of an electromagnetic force caused by an instantaneous change of a current when the power supply path is short circuited.
The disconnector (110) according to claim 9, wherein the overlap amount of the first contact (20) and the second contact (30) in the connection direction is in a range of 9mm-27mm.
The disconnector (110) according to any one of claims 1-8 and 10, further comprising a housing (10) for supporting the first and second contact assemblies, wherein the housing comprises a contact cavity (18) for receiving the first contact assembly and the second contact assembly and a partition wall (12) to isolate the contact cavity from the surrounding, and

wherein the housing (10) further comprises an elongate through hole (16) which penetrates a bottom wall of the housing (10) , extends parallel to the partition wall (22, 32) and defines a fluid communication path between the partition wall and a sidewall of the housing.
The disconnector (110) according to any one of claims 1-8 and 10, wherein the disconnector (110) is configured to tolerate a short circuit current of 40kA or more within one second without breaking.
A disconnector system (100) , comprising at least two disconnectors (110) according to any of claims 1-12 being arranged along a line and operating independently.
The disconnector system of claim 13, wherein each of the at least two disconnectors (110) comprises an elongate through hole (16) penetrating a wall of the disconnector and extending along the connection direction, and the at least two disconnectors are vertically arranged during use such that the respective elongate through hole vertically communicate with each other to increase heat dissipation.