The present subject matter relates to an electric circuit breaker that can be used mainly for electric circuits of automobiles and the like.
Conventionally, an electric circuit breaker has been used to protect an electric circuit mounted on an automobile or the like and various electric components connected to the electric circuit. More specifically, when an abnormality occurs in the electric circuit, the electric circuit breaker physically cuts off the electric circuit by cutting a part of the electric circuit.
There are various types of the electric circuit breaker, and for example, in an electric circuit breaker 700 of Patent Literature 1 shown in
Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present disclosure provides an electric circuit breaker capable of effectively extinguishing an arc generated immediately after an electric circuit is cut off.
According to the present disclosure, there is provided an electric circuit breaker, including a housing, a cut portion that is arranged in the housing and forms a part of an electric circuit, a cutting member that cuts the cut portion, and a power source arranged on a first end portion side of the housing, the electric circuit breaker including a moving body that allows the cut portion to be inserted and accommodated therein and includes the cutting member and a first arc extinguishing space adjacent to the cutting member, in which the housing includes a cylindrical portion capable of moving the moving body between the first end portion and a second end portion on a side opposite to the first end portion, in which the moving body is configured such that the cutting member provided in the moving body cuts the cut portion while the moving body moves from the first end portion toward the second end portion by the power source, and in which the first arc extinguishing space of the moving body is configured to be located between a separation piece of the cut portion that is cut and separated and a main body portion of the cut portion that remains in the housing without being separated when the moving body moves.
According to the above feature, the moving body itself includes the cutting member that cuts the cut portion and the first arc extinguishing space, and the first arc extinguishing space is configured to be located between the separation piece that is cut and separated and the main body portion that remains in the housing without being separated immediately after the cutting member cuts the separation piece and cuts off the electric circuit. Therefore, immediately after the electric circuit is cut off, the arc generated from the main body portion can be released into the first arc extinguishing space and extinguished.
According to the present disclosure, there is provided an electric circuit breaker, including a housing, a cut portion that is arranged in the housing, forms a part of an electric circuit, and is constituted by a fuse, and a power source arranged on a first end portion side of the housing, the electric circuit breaker including a moving body that allows the cut portion to be inserted and accommodated therein and includes a first arc extinguishing space filled with an arc extinguishing material, in which the housing includes a cylindrical portion capable of moving the moving body between the first end portion and a second end portion on a side opposite to the first end portion, in which the moving body is configured to cut the cut portion accommodated in the arc extinguishing space of the moving body while moving from the first end portion toward the second end portion by the power source, and in which the first arc extinguishing space of the moving body is configured to be located between a separation piece of the cut portion that is cut and separated and a main body portion of the cut portion that remains in the housing without being separated when the moving body moves.
According to the above feature, the moving body itself includes the first arc extinguishing space that accommodates the cut portion and in which the cut portion is cut, and the first arc extinguishing space is configured to be located between the separation piece that is cut and separated and the main body portion that remains in the housing without being separated immediately after the separation piece is cut and the electric circuit is cut off. Therefore, immediately after the electric circuit is cut off, the arc generated from the main body portion can be released into the first arc extinguishing space and effectively extinguished by the arc extinguishing material in the first arc extinguishing space.
In the electric circuit breaker according to the present disclosure, the moving body includes insulating spaces that are insulated from each other, and the insulating spaces are configured to face the main body portion of the cut portion when the moving body further moves toward the second end portion.
According to the above feature, the insulating spaces are configured to face the main body portion of the cut portion that remains in the housing after the moving body further moves. Thus, even if a high voltage is applied to the main body portions on both sides and arcs are generated from the main body portions, the arcs are confined in the insulating spaces and insulated from each other, so that it is possible to prevent the arcs from connecting between the main body portions and causing a current to flow in the electric circuit.
In the electric circuit breaker according to the present disclosure, the moving body includes a second arc extinguishing space on a side opposite to the first arc extinguishing space across the cutting member.
According to the above feature, since the second arc extinguishing space is provided on the side opposite to the first arc extinguishing space with the cutting member interposed therebetween, the arc that advances from the separation piece toward the second end is the second extinguishing space. It is released into the arc space and extinguished.
In the electric circuit breaker according to the present disclosure, the housing includes a third arc extinguishing space that accommodates an arc extinguishing material outside the cylindrical portion, and the third arc extinguishing space allows the main body portion to be accommodated and inserted therein.
According to the above feature, since the main body portion of the cut portion is inserted and accommodated in the third arc extinguishing space, the arc generated from the main body portion can be extinguished by the arc extinguishing material in the third arc extinguishing space.
In the electric circuit breaker according to the present disclosure, a part of the main body portion of the cut portion includes a bent portion that is bent in the third arc extinguishing space.
According to the above feature, since the bent portion of the main body portion of the cut portion is bent in the third arc extinguishing space, the contact area between the bent portion and the arc extinguishing material in the third arc extinguishing space is increased. As a result, the arc extinguishing performance of extinguishing the arc generated from the main body portion is improved.
As described above, according to the electric circuit breaker of the present disclosure, it is possible to effectively extinguish the arc generated immediately after the electric circuit is cut off.
The subject matter presented herein will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Each of embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The shape, material, etc. of each member of an electric circuit breaker according to the embodiments described below are examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to these.
First,
The third arc extinguishing space X3 has the shape of a groove extending from the upper surface 120 of the lower housing 100 toward the lower surface 130, and surrounds the outer side of the lower cylindrical portion 110 in an annular shape. The third arc extinguishing space X3 is configured to be able to accommodate an arc extinguishing material described later. The third arc extinguishing space X3 is formed in an annular shape so as to surround the periphery of the lower cylindrical portion 110, but is not limited to this, and, for example, the outer arc extinguishing space X3 may be partially formed in only portions adjacent to the mounting portions 113 of the lower cylindrical portion 110. As will be described later, an arc is generated from the end portion 431 of the main body portion 430, which is a boundary with a separation piece 420 of the cut portion 400 as a starting point. Thus, if the third arc extinguishing space X3 is provided in the portions adjacent to the mounting portions 113 in which the maim body portions 430 are accommodated, arc extinguishing materials in the third arc extinguishing space X3 can extinguish the arc.
Further, at the upper surface 120 of the lower housing 100, mounting portions 121 that are recessed according to the shapes of the main body portions 430 are provided so that the main body portions 430 of the cut portion 400 described later can be mounted. The mounting portions 121 are arranged so as to face each other on both sides of the upper surface 120, and are linearly aligned with the mounting portions 113. Therefore, the mounting portions 121 can support the linearly extending cut portion 400 on both sides. Further, connecting holes B1 are formed at four corners of the upper surface 120 of the lower housing 100, and the connecting holes B1 are arranged so as to vertically match connecting holes B2 of an upper housing 200 described later.
Next,
The upper housing 200 is a substantially quadrangular prism body made of synthetic resin and forms a pair with the lower housing 100 shown in
Further, at a part of the end portion of the upper cylindrical portion 210, mounting portions 213 that are recessed according to the shapes of the main body portions 430 of the cut portion 400 described later are provided. The mounting portions 213 are arranged so as to face each other on both sides of the upper cylindrical portion 210, and are arranged at positions corresponding to the mounting portions 113 of the lower housing 100. Therefore, the mounting portions 213 are fitted from above onto the main body portions 430 of the cut portion 400 placed on the mounting portions 113 of the lower housing 100.
The third arc extinguishing space X3 has the shape of a groove extending from the lower surface 230 of the upper housing 200 toward the upper surface 220, and surrounds the outer side of the upper cylindrical portion 210 in an annular shape. The third arc extinguishing space X3 is configured to be able to accommodate the arc extinguishing material. The third arc extinguishing space X3 of the upper housing 200 is arranged at a position corresponding to the third arc extinguishing space X3 of the lower housing 100. When the lower housing 100 and the upper housing 200 are connected and fixed, the third arc extinguishing space X3 of the lower housing 100 and the third arc extinguishing space X3 of the upper housing 200 communicate with each other.
In addition, the lower surface 230 of the upper housing 200 includes mounting portions 231 that are recessed according to the shapes of the main body portions 430 of the cut portion 400 described later. The mounting portions 231 are arranged so as to face each other on both sides of the lower surface 230, and are linearly aligned with the mounting portions 213. Further, the mounting portions 231 are arranged at positions corresponding to the mounting portions 121 of the lower housing 100. Therefore, the mounting portions 231 are fitted from above onto the main body portions 430 of the cut portion 400 placed on the mounting portions 121 of the lower housing 100.
Further, at a part of the upper surface 220 of the upper housing 200, a power source accommodating portion 221 for accommodating a power source P is formed. A communication hole 222 that communicates with the upper surface of the upper cylindrical portion 210 is formed on the bottom surface side of the power source accommodating portion 221. As will be described later in detail, power such as air pressure generated from the power source P accommodated in the power source accommodating portion 221 is transmitted to the inside of the upper cylindrical portion 210 through the communication hole 222, and moves the moving body 500 inside the upper cylindrical portion 210. Furthermore, through holes B3 are formed in the upper surface 220, and these through holes B3 communicate with the third arc extinguishing space X3 inside the upper housing 200. Therefore, after the housing 300 is assembled, the arc extinguishing material can be flowed into the third arc extinguishing spaces X3 from the outside through the through holes B3. The lower housing 100 and the upper housing 200 are substantially rectangular prism bodies made of synthetic resin, but are not limited to this, and other materials may be used to form any shape as long as they have high insulation and strength that can withstand use.
Next,
Further, on the lower surface 520 side of the moving body 500, there is provided a penetrating portion 540 which penetrates the moving body 500 from one part of the outer surface 530 to another part of the outer surface 530 on the opposite side, that is, from the front surface to the back surface of the moving body 500, and the penetrating portion 540 is surrounded by a lower wall 541, a side wall 542, a side wall 543, and an upper wall 544. Furthermore, inside the penetrating portion 540, protruding portions 510 protrude from the upper wall 544 toward the lower wall 541. First arc extinguishing spaces X1 that are recessed inward from the outer surface 530 are formed on the root sides of the protruding portions 510. A space between a cutting member 511 of the penetrating portion 540 and the lower wall 541 is larger than the cut portion 400 so that the separation piece 420 and the main body portions 430 of the cut portion 400 can be inserted, as will be described later.
Further, the cutting member 511 is formed on the tip sides of the protruding portion 510. As shown in
Further, the first arc extinguishing spaces X1 are arranged so as to be adjacent to the cutting member 511 on the side opposite to the separation piece 420 across the cutting members 511, and have a shape recessed inward from the outer surface 530 of the moving body 500. An arc extinguishing material can be optionally accommodated in the first arc extinguishing spaces X1. Further, an arc extinguishing material can be optionally accommodated in a second arc extinguishing space X2 between the cutting member 511 and the lower wall 541. Similarly, an arc extinguishing material can be optionally accommodated in a fourth arc extinguishing space X4 between the protruding portion 510 and each of the side wall 542 and the side wall 543. Therefore, the periphery of the separation piece 420 of the cut portion 400 arranged so as to come into abutment against the cutting member 511 can be surrounded by the arc extinguishing material.
Further, insulating spaces 550 that are recessed inward from the outer surface 530 are formed on the upper surface 560 side of the moving body 500. The insulating spaces 550 are formed at opposite positions on the outer surface 530. The insulating spaces 550 are each surrounded by a lower wall 551, a side wall 552, a side wall 553, an upper wall 554, and a rear wall 555. As shown in
Note that the moving body 500 has a columnar shape made of synthetic resin, but is not limited to this, and other materials may be used to form any shape as long as it has high insulation and strength that can withstand use.
Next,
Next, how to assemble the electric circuit breaker 600 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to
First, in the penetrating portion 540 of the moving body 500, the main body portions 430 of the cut portion 400 are inserted between the cutting member 511 and the lower wall 541, and the cut portion 400 is inserted up to a position at which the separation piece 420 of the cut portion 400 faces the cutting member 511 of the moving body 500. Then, as shown in
Next, the moving body 500 is inserted from the lower surface 520 side into the lower cylindrical portion 110 of the lower housing 100. Then, the main body portions 430 of the cut portion 400 are placed so as to be fitted into the mounting portions 113 and the mounting portions 121 of the lower housing 100, and the moving body 500 is fixed inside the lower cylindrical portion 110. Next, the upper housing 200 is fitted from above the lower housing 100 so that the upper surface 560 of the moving body 500 is inserted into the upper cylindrical portion 210 of the upper housing 200. Then, by pushing the upper housing 200 toward the lower housing 100, the mounting portions 213 and the mounting portions 231 of the upper housing 200 are fitted to the main body portions 430 of the cut portion 400. The connecting holes B1 and the connecting holes B2 arranged vertically are connected and fixed by a connecting member or the like, so that the housing 300 including the lower housing 100 and the upper housing 200 is assembled under a state of accommodating the cut portion 400 and the moving body 500 therein.
Further, the power source P is mounted to the power source accommodating portion 221 of the upper housing 200. When an abnormality signal is input from the outside when an abnormal current flowing in the electric circuit is detected, the power source P explodes, for example, explosive powder inside the power source P, and the air pressure resulting from the explosion causes the moving body 500 to be instantly pushed out inside the cylindrical portion 310 so as to be moved. The power source P is not limited to a power source using explosive powder as long as it generates power to move the moving body 500, and other known power sources may be used.
Next, the internal structure of the electric circuit breaker 600 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to
As shown in
Further, the separation piece 420 of the cut portion 400 is accommodated by being inserted through the inside of the moving body 500, and the main body portions 430 of the cut portion 400 are inserted and accommodated inside the third arc extinguishing spaces X3. The second arc extinguishing space X2 is arranged on the side opposite to the first arc extinguishing spaces X1 across the cutting member 511. As shown in
Although the arc extinguishing material M is accommodated in the first arc extinguishing spaces X1, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the arc extinguishing material M may not be accommodated. The first arc extinguishing spaces X1 are spaces that are recessed inward, and arcs generated from the end portions 431 of the main body portions 430 are released into the first arc extinguishing spaces X1 as will be described later. Then, the arcs consume energy as they travel through the air in the first arc extinguishing spaces X1, and are eventually extinguished. Therefore, even if the arc extinguishing material M is not accommodated in the first arc extinguishing spaces X1, the first arc extinguishing spaces X1 can sufficiently extinguish the arcs. Similarly, although the arc extinguishing material M is accommodated in the second arc extinguishing space X2 and the fourth arc extinguishing spaces X4, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the arc extinguishing material M may not be accommodated.
Furthermore, when the arc extinguishing material M is accommodated in the first arc extinguishing spaces X1, the second arc extinguishing space X2, the third arc extinguishing spaces X3, or the fourth arc extinguishing spaces X4, the arc extinguishing material M is not limited to a granular solid arc extinguishing material such as silica sand, and a gaseous arc extinguishing material that can effectively extinguish an arc such as nitrogen gas may be filled in each space.
Next, a usage mode of the electric circuit breaker 600 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to
Then, the cutting member 511 of the moving body 500 cuts the separation piece 420 and separate it from the main body portions 430 by the force of pushing out the moving body 500 toward the second end portion 330. Then, the separation piece 420 moves toward the second end portion 330 together with the moving body 500, and separates from the main body portions 430. Further, as shown in
Next, a state where the moving body 500 further moves toward the second end portion 330 will be described with reference to
It is desirable that the arc extinguishing material M be not accommodated in the insulating spaces 550. If the arc extinguishing material M is accommodated in the insulating spaces 550, the arc extinguishing material M may be exposed to high temperature and carbonized by the arcs generated from the main body portion 430. Then, the carbonized portion becomes a path through which an electric current can flow, and the arc easily leaks from the insulating space 550. Then, the arc leaking from the insulating space 550 may travel along the outer surface 530 of the moving body 500 and may be connected to the arc generated from the main body portion 430 on the opposite side. Therefore, it is desirable not to accommodate the arc extinguishing material M in the insulating spaces 550. Further, the insulating spaces 550 may contain a material that is not carbonized by an arc.
As described above, according to the electric circuit breaker 600 of the present disclosure, the moving body 500 itself includes the cutting member 511 that cuts the cut portion 400 and the first arc extinguishing spaces X1, and the first arc extinguishing spaces X1 are each configured to be located between the separation piece 420 that is cut and separated and the main body portion 430 that remains in the housing 300 without being separated immediately after the cutting member 511 cuts the separation piece 420 and cut off the electric circuit. Therefore, immediately after the electric circuit is cut off, the arcs generated from the main body portions 430 can be released into the first arc extinguishing spaces X1 and extinguished.
Furthermore, when the arc extinguishing material M is accommodated in the first arc extinguishing spaces X1, the arcs generated from the main body portions 430 can be extinguished more effectively.
In the prior art shown in
Further, according to the electric circuit breaker 600 of the present disclosure, the insulating spaces 550 are configured to face the main body portions 430 of the cut portion 400 that remain in the housing 300 after the moving body 500 further moves. Thus, even if a high voltage is applied to the main body portions 430 on both sides and arcs are generated from the main body portions 430, the arcs are confined in the insulating spaces 550 and insulated from each other, so that it is possible to prevent the arcs from connecting between the main body portions 430 and causing a current to flow in the electric circuit.
Further, according to the electric circuit breaker 600 of the present disclosure, since the second arc extinguishing space X2 are provided on the side opposite to the first arc extinguishing spaces X1 across the cutting member 511, the arcs traveling from the separation piece 420 toward the second end portion 330 are released into the second arc extinguishing space X2 and extinguished. Furthermore, when the arc extinguishing material M is accommodated in the second arc extinguishing space X2, the arcs can be extinguished more effectively. Further, since the second arc extinguishing space X2 is located on the lower surface side of the separation piece 420, the arc generated in the separation piece 420 is extinguished over a wide range by the arc extinguishing material M in the second arc extinguishing space X2.
Furthermore, according to the electric circuit breaker 600 of the present disclosure, since the main body portions 430 of the cut portion 400 are inserted and accommodated in the third arc extinguishing spaces X3, the arcs generated from the main body portions 430 can be extinguished by the arc extinguishing material M in the third arc extinguishing spaces X3. In particular, the arcs generated between the separation piece 420 and the main body portions 430 can be extinguished by the first arc extinguishing spaces X1, but in the case of enhancing the arc extinguishing performance, it is required to expand the first arc extinguishing spaces X1 to increase the arc extinguishing areas. However, if the first arc extinguishing spaces X1 are expanded, the moving body 500 including the first arc extinguishing spaces X1 and the structure around the cylindrical portion 310 that moves the moving body 500 also become large. However, it is desirable that the drive parts such as the cylindrical portion 310 and the moving body 500 be made as small as possible in view of the performance and safety of the electric circuit breaker 600. Therefore, by providing the third arc extinguishing spaces X3 that accommodate the main body portions 430 of the cut portion 400 outside the cylindrical portion 310 that moves the moving body 500, the extinguishing performance of the arcs generated from the main body portions 430 is improved without increasing the sizes of the cylindrical portion 310 and the moving body 500.
In the first embodiment shown in
Next, an electric circuit breaker 600A according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to
As shown in
In addition, in
Next, an electric circuit breaker 600B according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to
As shown in
Furthermore, inside the penetrating portion 540B, a protruding portion 510B protrudes from the upper wall 544B toward the lower wall 541B. A cutting member 511B are formed on the tip side of the protruding portion 510B, and the lower surface of the cutting member 511B is a flat abutment surface 512B that comes into abutment against a surface of a separation piece 420B of a cut portion 400B. Further, first arc extinguishing spaces X1B that are recessed inward from the outer surface 530B are formed on the root side of the protruding portion 510B.
The first arc extinguishing spaces X1B is a long space extending from the cutting member 511B toward the upper surface 560B, and an arc extinguishing material can be optionally accommodated inside the space. Further, the arc extinguishing material can be accommodated in a second arc extinguishing space X2B between the cutting member 511B and the lower wall 541B. Similarly, an arc extinguishing material can be accommodated in a fourth arc extinguishing space X4B between the protruding portion 510B and each of the side wall 542B and the side wall 543B. Therefore, the periphery of the separation piece 420B of the cut portion 400B arranged so as to come into abutment against the cutting members 511 can be surrounded by the arc extinguishing material. Although an arc extinguishing material MB is accommodated in the first arc extinguishing spaces X1B, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the arc extinguishing material MB may not be accommodated. Similarly, although the arc extinguishing material MB is accommodated in the second arc extinguishing space X2B and the fourth arc extinguishing spaces X4B, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the arc extinguishing material MB may not be accommodated.
Next, how to assemble the electric circuit breaker 600B of the present disclosure will be described with reference to
First, in the penetrating portion 540E of the moving body 500B, main body portions 430B of the cut portion 400B are inserted between the cutting member 511 and the lower wall 541B, and the cut portion 400B is inserted up to a position where the separation piece 420B of the cut portion 400B faces the cutting member 511B of the moving body 500B. Then, as shown in
Next, the moving body 500B is inserted from the lower surface 520B side into a lower cylindrical portion 110B of a lower housing 100B. Then, the main body portions 430B of the cut portion 400B are placed so as to be fitted into mounting portions 121B of the lower housing 100B, and the moving body 500B is fixed inside the lower cylindrical portion 110B. Next, an upper housing 200B is fitted from above the lower housing 100B so that the upper surface 560B of the moving body 500B is inserted into the upper cylindrical portion 210B of the upper housing 200B. Then, by connecting and fixing the upper housing 200B and the lower housing 100B to each other, the housing 300B including the lower housing 100B and the upper housing 200B is assembled under a state of accommodating the cut portion 400B and the moving body 500B therein,
Further, a power source PB is mounted to a power source accommodating portion 221B of the upper housing 200B. The lower cylindrical portion 110B of the lower housing 100B and the upper cylindrical portion 210B of the upper housing 200B have a substantially quadrangular cylindrical shape in cross section according to the shape of the moving body 500B so that the moving body 500B can be accommodated and slid therein. Further, a third arc extinguishing space is not formed around the lower cylindrical portion 110B and the upper cylindrical portion 210B, but may be formed as needed.
Next, the internal structure of the electric circuit breaker 600B according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to
As shown in
Further, as shown in
Next, a usage mode of the electric circuit breaker 600B according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to
Then, the cutting member 511B of the moving body 500B cuts the separation piece 420B and separate it from the main body portions 430B by the force of pushing out the moving body 500B toward the second end portion 330B. Then, the separation piece 420B moves toward the second end portion 330B together with the moving body 500B, and separates from the main body portions 430B. Further, as shown in
As described above, according to the electric circuit breaker 600B of the present disclosure, the moving body 500B itself includes the cutting member 511B that cuts the cut portion 400B and the first arc extinguishing spaces X1B, and the first arc extinguishing spaces X1B are each configured to be located between the separation piece 420B that is cut and separated and the main body portion 430B that remains in the housing 300B without being separated immediately after the cutting member 511B cuts the separation piece 420B and cut off the electric circuit. Therefore, immediately after the electric circuit is cut off, the arcs generated from the main body portions 430B can be released into the first arc extinguishing spaces X1B and extinguished.
Furthermore, when the arc extinguishing material M is accommodated in the first arc extinguishing spaces X1B, the arcs generated from the main body portions 430E can be extinguished more effectively.
In the prior art shown in
Further, since the first arc extinguishing spaces X1B extend in a long shape upward from the cutting member 511B, a large amount of the arc extinguishing material MB can be accommodated therein. Further, even in the process in which the moving body 500B moves toward the second end portion 330B on the lower side, the first arc extinguishing spaces X1B extending vertically in a long shape can be reliably positioned between the separation piece 420B and the main body portions 430B.
Next, an electric circuit breaker 600C according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to
First, in the electric circuit breaker 600 according to the first embodiment, as shown in
However, in order to deal with each of the predetermined abnormal currents, if the cut portion 400 to be cut by the electric circuit breaker 600 according to the first embodiment and the fuse which is fused by the predetermined abnormal current are connected in series to the electric circuit, a space for arranging both the electric circuit breaker 600 and the fuse in series is required in the electric circuit, which causes a problem that the manufacturing cost of the electric circuit and peripheral members increases and the installation space becomes bulky.
Therefore, as will be described later in detail, the electric circuit breaker 600C according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure can solve the above problem. The electric circuit breaker 600C according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure also solves the problem solved by the disclosure of the first to third embodiments “effectively extinguishing the arc generated immediately after the electric circuit is cut off” at the same time.
Now, in
First, as shown in
Further, at substantially the center of the moving body 500C, there is provided a penetrating portion 540C which penetrates the moving body 500C from one part of the outer surface 530C to another part of the outer surface 530C on the opposite side, that is, from the front surface to the back surface of the moving body 500C, and the penetrating portion 540C is surrounded by a lower wall 541C, a side wall 542C, a side wall 543C, and an upper wall 544C. A space surrounded by the lower wall 541C, the side wall 542C, the side wall 543C, and the upper wall 544C and recessed inward from the outer surface 530C is a first arc extinguishing space X1C. Then, in the first arc extinguishing space X1C, a separation piece 420C of the cut portion 400C described later can be inserted and accommodated. Further, in the first arc extinguishing space X1C, since an arc extinguishing material described later is filled, the periphery of the separation piece 420C of the cut portion 400C accommodated in the first arc extinguishing space X1C can be completely surrounded by the arc extinguishing material.
The moving body 500C is not provided with a cutting member for cutting the separation piece 420C of the cut portion 400C. Further, the moving body 500C has a columnar shape made of synthetic resin, but is not limited to this, and other materials may be used to form any shape as long as it has high insulation and strength that can withstand use.
Next,
The cut portion 400C having the fuse function shown in
Next, how to assemble the electric circuit breaker 600C according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to
First, the main body portions 430C of the cut portion 400C are inserted into the first arc extinguishing space X1C of the moving body 500C, and the cut portion 400C is insert up to a position where the separation piece 420C of the cut portion 400C is accommodated in the first arc extinguishing space X1C of the moving body 500.
Next, the moving body 500C is inserted from the lower surface 520C side into the lower cylindrical portion 110 of the lower housing 100. Then, the main body portions 430C of the cut portion 400C are placed so as to be fitted into the mounting portions 113 and the mounting portions 121 of the lower housing 100, and the moving body 500C is fixed inside the lower cylindrical portion 110. Next, the upper housing 200 is fitted from above the lower housing 100 so that the upper surface 560C of the moving body 500C is inserted into the upper cylindrical portion 210 of the upper housing 200. Then, by pushing the upper housing 200 toward the lower housing 100, the mounting portions 213 and the mounting portions 231 of the upper housing 200 are fitted to the main body portions 430C of the cut portion 400C. The connecting holes B1 and the connecting holes B2 arranged vertically are connected and fixed by a connecting member or the like, so that the housing 300 including the lower housing 100 and the upper housing 200 is assembled under a state of accommodating the cut portion 400C and the moving body 500C therein.
Further, the power source P is mounted to the power source accommodating portion 221 of the upper housing 200. When an abnormality signal is input from the outside when an abnormal current flowing in the electric circuit is detected, the power source P explodes, for example, explosive powder inside the power source P, and the air pressure resulting from the explosion causes the moving body 500C to be instantly pushed out inside the cylindrical portion 310 so as to be moved. The power source P is not limited to a power source using explosive powder as long as it generates power to move the moving body 500C, and other known power sources may be used.
Next, the internal structure and the usage mode of the electric circuit breaker 600C according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to
As shown in
As shown in
Then, when a relatively high abnormal current flows in the electric circuit, the fusing portions 425C of the cut portion 400C connected to the electric circuit generate heat and are fused. Therefore, the electric circuit is cut off and protected from an overcurrent. Further, even when arcs are generated from the peripheries of the remaining fusing portions 425C during or after the fusing portions 425C of the cut portion 400C are fused, the arcs are effectively extinguished by the arc extinguishing material M in the peripheries of the fusing portions 425C. Further, the cut portion 400C is accommodated in the first arc extinguishing space X1C filled with the arc extinguishing material M, and the cut portion 400C is not held in direct contact with the moving body 500C in the first arc extinguishing space X1C. Therefore, even when an arc is generated from the cut portion 400C, it is possible to prevent the moving body 500C made of synthetic resin from being carbonized.
Further, as shown in
In this way, when a relatively high abnormal overcurrent flows in the electric circuit, the cut portion 400C constituted by the fuse is fused to cut off the electric circuit. On the other hand, when an overcurrent below the rating of the fuse flows in the electric circuit, for example, when a relatively low abnormal overcurrent flows in the electric circuit, the cut portion 400C constituted by the fuse is not fused. Therefore, as will be described with reference to
As shown in
Then, the moving body 500C cuts the separation piece 420C and separates it from the main body portions 430C by the force of pushing out the moving body 500C toward the second end portion 330. Specifically, since the arc extinguishing material M is filled inside the first arc extinguishing space X1C, when the moving body 500C moves, the separation piece 420C is also instantly pushed out with a strong force toward the second end portion 330 together with the arc extinguishing material M in the vicinity and is cut from the main body portions 430C. Then, the separation piece 420C moves toward the second end portion 330 together with the moving body 500C, and separates from the main body portions 430C. The cut portion 400C constituted by the fuse is relatively thinly formed because it is fused when an overcurrent flows. Therefore, the separation piece 420C can be sufficiently cut without the cutting member 511 as shown in
Further, as shown in
Further, the first arc extinguishing space X1C which extends vertically is located at a position facing the main body portions 430C even when the moving body 500C further moves inside the cylindrical portion 310 toward the second end portion 330. Therefore, even if a voltage is applied between the main body portions 430C on both sides, and arcs are generated from the end portions 431C of the main body portions 430C, the arcs are extinguished by the arc extinguishing material M in the first arc extinguishing space X1C, and it is possible to prevent the arcs from connecting between the main body portions 430C and causing a current to flow in the electric circuit. If a high voltage is applied between the main body portions 430C on both sides and the arcs cannot be effectively extinguished with the arc extinguishing material M, a mode in which the arcs are effectively confined by insulating spaces 550D as described later with reference to
As described above, according to the electric circuit breaker 600C according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the moving body 500C itself cuts the cut portion 400 and includes the first arc extinguishing space X1 filled with the arc extinguishing material M, and the first arc extinguishing space X1 is configured to be located between the separation piece 420C that is cut and separated and the main body portions 430C that remain in the housing 300 without being separated immediately after the separation piece 420 is cut and the electric circuit is cut off. Therefore, the arcs generated from the main body portions 430C can be effectively extinguished by the arc extinguishing material M in the first arc extinguishing space X1 immediately after the cut portion 400 is cut and the electric circuit is cut off.
Further, according to the electric circuit breaker 600C of the present disclosure, when the predetermined first overcurrent flows, the cut portion 400C constituted by the fuse can be fused to cut off the electric circuit, and when the predetermined second overcurrent flows, the cut portion 400C itself can be physically cut by the electric circuit breaker 600C to cut off the electric circuit. Since the cut portion 400C having the fuse function is accommodated in the electric circuit breaker 600C, a space for arranging and connecting both the fuse and the electric circuit breaker in series is unnecessary,
Further, since the cut portion 400C is accommodated in the first arc extinguishing space X1C filled with the arc extinguishing material M, when the cut portion 400C constituted by the fuse is fused by the predetermined first overcurrent, even if an arc is generated from the cut portion 400C, the arc extinguishing material M in the first arc extinguishing space X1C effectively extinguishes the arc.
In the mode of the electric circuit breaker 600C according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the cut portion 400C having the fuse function is accommodated in the electric circuit breaker 600C, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. A mode in which the electric circuit breaker 600 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure and the fuse are connected in series may be adopted, and any mode can be appropriately adopted.
In the prior art shown in
Next, an electric circuit breaker 600D according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to
First, the moving body 500D is a substantially columnar body made of synthetic resin and having an upper surface 560D and a lower surface 520D. Further, on the lower surface 520D side of the moving body 500D, there is provided a penetrating portion 540D which penetrates the moving body 500D from one part of the outer surface 530D to another part of the outer surface 530D on the opposite side, that is, from the front surface to the back surface of the moving body 500D, and the penetrating portion 540D is surrounded by a lower wall 541D, a side wall 542D, a side wall 543D, and an upper wall 544D. A space surrounded by the lower wall 541D, the side wall 542D, the side wall 543D, and the upper wall 544D and recessed inward from the outer surface 530D is a first arc extinguishing space X1D. Then, in the first arc extinguishing space X1D, the separation piece 420C of the cut portion 400C described later can be inserted and accommodated. Further, in the first arc extinguishing space X1D, since an arc extinguishing material described later is filled, the periphery of the separation piece 420C of the cut portion 400C accommodated in the first arc extinguishing space X1D can be completely surrounded by the arc extinguishing material
Further, insulating spaces 550D that are recessed inward from the outer surface 530D are formed on the upper surface 560D side of the moving body 500D. The insulating spaces 550D are formed at opposite positions on the outer surface 530D. The insulating spaces 550D are each surrounded by a lower wall 551D, a side wall 552D, a side wall 553D, an upper wall 554D, and a rear wall 555D. As shown in
Next, the internal structure and the usage mode of the electric circuit breaker 600D according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to
As shown in
Then, when the predetermined first overcurrent (for example, a relatively high abnormal overcurrent) flows in the electric circuit, the fusing portion 425C of the cut portion 400C connected to the electric circuit heats and is fused, and the electrical circuit is cut off and protected from an overcurrent. Further, even when an arc is generated from the periphery of the fusing portion 425C during or after the fusing portion 425C of the cut portion 400C is fused, the arc is effectively extinguished by the arc extinguishing material M in the periphery of the fusing portion 425C. Further, the cut portion 400C is accommodated in the first arc extinguishing space X1D filled with the arc extinguishing material M, and the cut portion 400C is not held in direct contact with the moving body 500D. Therefore, even when an arc is generated from the cut portion 400C, it is possible to prevent the moving body 500D made of synthetic resin from being carbonized,
On the other hand, as shown in
Then, the moving body 500D cuts the separation piece 420C and separates it from the main body portions 430C by the force of pushing out the moving body 500C toward the second end portion 330. Specifically, since the arc extinguishing material M is filled inside the first arc extinguishing space X1D, when the moving body 500D moves, the separation piece 420C is also instantly pushed out with a strong force toward the second end portion 330 together with the arc extinguishing material M in the vicinity and is cut from the main body portions 430C. Then, the separation piece 420C moves toward the second end portion 330 together with the moving body 500D, and separates from the main body portions 430C.
Further, as shown in
Next, a state where the moving body 500D further moves toward the second end portion 330 will be described with reference to
It is desirable that the arc extinguishing material M be not accommodated in the insulating spaces 550D. When the arc extinguishing material M is accommodated in the insulating spaces 550D, the arc extinguishing material M may be exposed to high temperature and carbonized by the arcs generated from the main body portions 430C, and the carbonized portion becomes a path through which an electric current can flow, so that the arcs easily leak from the insulating spaces 550D. Further, in the insulating spaces 550D, instead of the arc extinguishing material M, an insulating material that is not carbonized by an arc may be accommodated,
Further, the electric circuit breaker of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described examples, various modifications and combinations are possible within the scope described in the claims and the scope of the embodiments, and the these modifications and combinations are included in the scope of right.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2018-106641 | Jun 2018 | JP | national |
The present application is a National Stage Application of PCT Application serial No. PCT/JP2019/016751, filed Apr. 19, 2019, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-106641 Jun. 4, 2018, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/JP2019/016751 | 4/19/2019 | WO | 00 |