At numerous points in switchgears, transformers, circuit breakers, isolator switches and feedthroughs, there are detachable connections and connectors in which contact elements are used. These contact elements must transfer extremely high currents, particularly in the event of short-circuits. In the process, they should not only offer flexibility for compensation of dimensional tolerances, but also guarantee a reliable connection even after countless mating cycles. Multilam, the contact louver technology from Stäubli, offers confidence and reliability for solving this problem. The new ML-CUX from the Multilam flexo line is of great interest, especially for manufacturers in the area of energy supply and distribution.
The latest Multilam flexo line with the ML-CUX is the result of consistent development of the two-component principle. The separation between the electrical and mechanical properties results in a constant low contact resistance and minimal contact heating, even with constant high load. Furthermore, the ML-CUX is able to withstand extreme current peaks and has a short-circuit current-carrying capacity of up to 4.4kA/cm. This allows a more compact design, so the connectors can be implemented more easily even in smaller systems. The users therefore profit from lower costs for material use while still enjoying the excellent performance of the solution.
A simple, low-depth rectangular groove is sufficient for the installation; this allows slimmer designs than coil spring contacts but still guarantees a reliable hold in the plug and socket. Installation only involves placing the Multilam in the groove by hand. In the area of energy supply and distribution, components from different origins are installed together. Those responsible are often faced with mechanical problems and have to reckon with large dimensional tolerances, offsets and angular deviations, for example. The new ML-CUX meets these challenges: thanks to its large operating range it is highly flexible and able to compensate significant angular and axial offsets. The mechanically optimised carrier band enables the compensation of dimension tolerances of max. 2.5mm and angle misalignments of more than 4°. That gives technicians more freedom to design a great variety of applications and allows simpler, cost-effective production.