Contact device

Abstract

The housing includes a first space, a second space, a first hole, a second hole, and an arc-extinguishing component. A fixed contact and a movable contact are arranged in the first space. The second space is divided from the first space. The first hole connects the first space with the second space. The second hole connects the second space with a space outside the second space. The arc-extinguishing component releases arc-extinguishing gas into the first space. The second hole has an opening area smaller than that of the first hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a contact device. Background Art

[0002] The contact device has a fixed contact and a movable contact. The movable contact moves between a contact position in contact with the fixed contact and a disconnection position away from the fixed contact. When the movable contact leaves the fixed contact, an arc is generated between the contacts. In the past, as in the contact device of Patent Document 1, an arc extinguishing component was arranged in the storage space of the contact in order to quickly extinguish the arc. The arc extinguishing component releases arc extinguishing gas by the heat of the arc. The arc is extinguished by the arc extinguishing gas. As a result, the interruption performance of the contact device can be improved.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-24864 Summary of the invention

[0004] If an arc is generated at the contact, metal vapor is generated due to the melting of the contact. If the storage space is filled with metal vapor, the insulation of the contact will be reduced. When the energy of the current blocked by the contact (hereinafter referred to as "blocking energy") is small, the arc extinguishing gas released from the arc extinguishing component is small, and the pressure in the storage space is low. Therefore, the time until the arc is extinguished becomes longer. Therefore, it is preferred to discharge the metal vapor from the storage space to ensure the insulation of the contact. On the other hand, when the blocking energy is large, in order to extinguish the arc more quickly, it is preferred to maintain a higher pressure in the storage space. Therefore, the preferred environment in the storage space is different depending on the size of the blocking energy.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to appropriately adjust the environment in a space where contacts are accommodated in a contact device according to the magnitude of interruption energy.

[0006] A contact device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a fixed contact, a movable contact and a housing. The movable contact is configured to be movable between a contact position and a disconnection position. The movable contact contacts the fixed contact at the contact position. The movable contact leaves the fixed contact at the disconnection position. The housing comprises a first space, a second space, a first hole, a second hole and an arc extinguishing component. A fixed contact and a movable contact are arranged in the first space. The second space is divided from the first space. The first hole connects the first space with the second space. The second hole connects the second space with a space outside the second space. The arc extinguishing component releases arc extinguishing gas into the first space. The second hole has an opening area smaller than that of the first hole.

[0007] In the contact device of this method, when the blocking energy is small, the metal vapor is discharged from the first space through the first hole. Thus, the insulation between the contacts can be improved. In addition, when the blocking energy is large, since the second hole has a smaller opening area than the first hole, the metal vapor and arc-extinguishing gas discharged from the first hole fill the second space. Therefore, the pressure in the first space can be maintained at a high level. Thus, the arc can be extinguished more quickly. In this way, in the contact device of this method, the environment in the first space where the contacts are accommodated can be appropriately adjusted according to the size of the blocking energy.

[0008] The arc extinguishing member may also be provided to be able to open and close the first hole. In this case, by opening and closing the first hole using the arc extinguishing member, the environment in the first space can be appropriately adjusted.

[0009] The contact device may also include a supporting member. The supporting member may also movably support the arc extinguishing member relative to the first hole. In this case, the first hole can be opened and closed by operating the arc extinguishing member using the supporting member. The supporting member may also have elasticity. In this case, the arc extinguishing member can be movably supported by the elasticity of the supporting member.

[0010] The support member may also apply force to the arc extinguishing member from a closed position closing the first hole toward an open position opening the first hole. In this case, when the blocking energy is small, the arc extinguishing member is kept in the open position by the force of the support member. And, when the blocking energy is large, the arc extinguishing member moves to the closed position against the force of the support member by the pressure in the first space.

[0011] The contact device may further include a holding mechanism. The holding mechanism may also hold the arc extinguishing component in the closed position. In this case, when the arc extinguishing component is located in the closed position due to large interruption energy, the arc extinguishing component can be held in the closed position by the holding mechanism.

[0012] The arc extinguishing component may also change the opening of the first hole according to the pressure in the first space. In this case, the pressure in the first space can be adjusted more finely by using the arc extinguishing component. The arc extinguishing component may also include a tapered portion at least partially disposed in the first hole. In this case, the size of the gap between the tapered portion and the first hole is changed according to the position of the arc extinguishing component relative to the first hole. Thus, the opening of the first hole can be adjusted.

[0013] The arc extinguishing component can also be configured to be opposite to the space between the movable contact and the fixed contact when the movable contact is in the disconnected position. In this case, by configuring the arc extinguishing component close to the contact, arc extinguishing gas can be generated near the contact. Thus, the arc extinguishing performance can be improved. In addition, when the interruption energy is large, the space between the arc extinguishing component and the contact can be expanded by moving the arc extinguishing component. Thus, even if the arc extinguishing component is configured close to the contact, it is possible to suppress the arc from being retained between the contact and the arc extinguishing component. Thus, the arc can be quickly extinguished.

[0014] The contact device may further include a valve body. Alternatively, the valve body may be provided to be able to open and close the first hole. In this case, by opening and closing the first hole using the valve body, the environment in the first space where the contacts are stored can be appropriately adjusted.

[0015] The contact device may also include a supporting member. The supporting member may also support the valve body movably relative to the first hole. In this case, the first hole can be opened and closed by moving the valve body using the supporting member. The supporting member may also have elasticity. In this case, the valve body can be movably supported by the elasticity of the supporting member.

[0016] The support member may also apply force to the valve body from a closed position closing the first hole toward an open position opening the first hole. In this case, when the blocking energy is small, the valve body is kept in the open position by the force of the support member. And when the blocking energy is large, the valve body moves to the closed position against the force of the support member due to the pressure in the first space. The valve body may also change the opening of the first hole according to the pressure in the first space. In this case, the pressure in the first space can be adjusted more finely by using the valve body.

[0017] The housing may include a partition wall that partitions the first space. The arc-extinguishing member may constitute at least a portion of the partition wall. In this case, the arc-extinguishing gas can be discharged from the portion that constitutes the partition wall into the first space.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, in the contact device, the environment in the space where the contacts are accommodated can be appropriately adjusted according to the magnitude of the interruption energy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a side cross-sectional view of the relay in the OFF state according to the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a side cross-sectional view of the relay in the closed state.

[0022] Figure 3 It is an enlarged view of the contact device.

[0023] Figure 4 It is an enlarged view of the contact device.

[0024] Figure 5 It is a side cross-sectional view of a relay according to another embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a contact device according to a first modified example.

[0026] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing a contact device according to a second modified example.

[0027] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing a contact device according to a third modified example.

[0028] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing a contact device according to a third modified example.

[0029] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing a contact device according to a fourth modified example.

[0030] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing a contact device according to a fifth modified example.

[0031] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing a contact device according to a sixth modification.

[0032] Explanation of symbols

[0033] 3: Shell;

[0034] 14, 15: fixed contacts;

[0035] 16, 17: movable contacts;

[0036] 43: First hole;

[0037] 44: Second hole;

[0038] 51: arc extinguishing components;

[0039] 52: supporting member;

[0040] 56: tapered part;

[0041] 60: Maintaining mechanism;

[0042] 70: valve body;

[0043] S1: First space;

[0044] S2: The second space. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Hereinafter, a relay 1 a according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing a relay 1a according to an embodiment. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the relay 1a includes a contact device 2, a housing 3, and a drive device 4. In the following description, the directions of up, down, left, and right refer to Figure 1 In detail, the direction from the drive device 4 toward the contact device 2 is defined as the upper direction. In addition, the direction from the contact device 2 toward the drive device 4 is defined as the lower direction. Figure 1 In the , the direction intersecting the up-down direction is defined as the left-right direction. In addition, the direction intersecting the up-down direction and the left-right direction is defined as the front-back direction. Figure 1 However, these directions are defined for convenience of explanation and do not limit the arrangement directions of the relay 1a.

[0046] The contact device 2 includes a movable mechanism 10, a first fixed terminal 11, a second fixed terminal 12, a movable contact piece 13, a first movable contact 16, and a second movable contact 17. The first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12 are formed of a conductive material such as copper. A first fixed contact 14 is provided at the first fixed terminal 11. A second fixed contact 15 is provided at the second fixed terminal 12. The first fixed contact 14 and the second fixed contact 15 are arranged separately in the left-right direction.

[0047] The first fixed terminal 11 includes a first contact support portion 21 and a first external terminal portion 22. The first fixed contact 14 is connected to the first contact support portion 21. The first external terminal portion 22 is connected to the first contact support portion 21. The first external terminal portion 22 protrudes outward from the housing 3. The second fixed terminal 12 includes a second contact support portion 23 and a second external terminal portion 24. The second fixed contact 15 is connected to the second contact support portion 23. The second external terminal portion 24 is connected to the second contact support portion 23. The second external terminal portion 24 protrudes outward from the housing 3.

[0048] In addition, Figure 1 In the embodiment, the first external terminal portion 22 and the second external terminal portion 24 protrude upward from the housing 3. However, the first external terminal portion 22 and the second external terminal portion 24 are not limited to the up-down direction, and may protrude from the housing 3 in other directions such as the left-right direction or the front-back direction.

[0049] The movable contact piece 13 is formed of a conductive material such as copper. The movable contact piece 13 extends in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the length direction of the movable contact piece 13 coincides with the left-right direction. The movable contact piece 13 is disposed opposite to the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12 in the up-down direction.

[0050] The movable contact piece 13 is configured to be movable in a contact direction Z1 and a separation direction Z2. The contact direction Z1 is a direction in which the movable contact piece 13 approaches the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12 ( Figure 1 The separation direction Z2 is the direction in which the movable contact piece 13 moves away from the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12 ( Figure 1 ).

[0051] The first movable contact 16 and the second movable contact 17 are supported by the movable contact piece 13. The first movable contact 16 and the second movable contact 17 are arranged to be separated in the left-right direction. The first movable contact 16 is opposed to the first fixed contact 14 in the vertical direction. The second movable contact 17 is opposed to the second fixed contact 15 in the vertical direction.

[0052] The movable mechanism 10 is configured so as to be movable in the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2 together with the movable contact piece 13. The movable mechanism 10 includes a drive shaft 19, a bracket 26, and a contact spring 27. The drive shaft 19 extends in the up-down direction. The drive shaft 19 is connected to the movable contact piece 13. The drive shaft 19 extends downward from the movable contact piece 13. The drive shaft 19 is connected to the movable contact piece 13 via the bracket 26 and the contact spring 27. The bracket 26 is mounted on the movable contact piece 13 to hold the movable contact piece 13. The contact spring 27 is configured between the bracket 26 and the movable contact piece 13. When the movable contacts 16 and 17 are in contact with the fixed contacts 14 and 15, the contact spring 27 applies force to the movable contact piece 13 in the contact direction Z1.

[0053] The housing 3 accommodates the contact device 2 and the drive device 4. The housing 3 includes a first space S1, a second space S2, and a third space S3. The fixed contacts 14, 15, the movable contact piece 13, and the movable contacts 16, 17 are arranged in the first space S1. The drive device 4 is arranged in the third space S3.

[0054] The housing 3 includes a shell 40, a first partition wall 41, and a second partition wall 42. The first partition wall 41 and the second partition wall 42 are arranged in the shell 40. The first space S1 and the second space S2 are divided by the first partition wall 41. The first space S1 and the third space S3 are divided by the second partition wall 42. In addition, the second space S2 and the third space S3 are divided by the second partition wall 42. However, the second space S2 and the third space S3 may also be divided by a partition wall different from the second partition wall 42.

[0055] The driving device 4 moves the movable contact piece 13 by electromagnetic force. The driving device 4 moves the movable contact piece 13 in the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2. The driving device 4 includes a bobbin 30, a movable iron core 31, a coil 32, a fixed iron core 33, a yoke 34 and a return spring 35.

[0056] The bobbin 30 includes a hole 301 that passes through the bobbin 30 in the up-down direction. The movable iron core 31 is arranged in the hole 301 of the bobbin 30. The movable iron core 31 is separate from the fixed iron core 33. The movable iron core 31 is connected to the drive shaft 19. The movable iron core 31 is configured to be movable in the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2. The coil 32 is wound on the bobbin 30. The coil 32 generates an electromagnetic force that moves the movable iron core 31 in the contact direction Z1 by energizing.

[0057] The fixed iron core 33 is disposed in the hole 301 of the bobbin 30. The fixed iron core 33 is disposed opposite to the movable iron core 31. The return spring 35 is disposed between the movable iron core 31 and the fixed iron core 33. The return spring 35 urges the movable iron core 31 in the separation direction Z2.

[0058] The yoke 34 is arranged so as to surround the coil 32. The yoke 34 is arranged on the magnetic path formed by the coil 32. The yoke 34 is arranged above the coil 32, on the side of the coil 32, and below the coil 32.

[0059] Next, the operation of the relay 1a is described. When the coil 32 is not energized, the drive device 4 is not excited. In this case, the drive shaft 19 and the movable iron core 31 are pressed in the separation direction Z2 by the elastic force of the return spring 35. Therefore, the movable contact piece 13 is also pressed in the separation direction Z2, and the movable contacts 16 and 17 are located at Figure 1 When the movable contacts 16 and 17 are in the disconnected position, the first movable contact 16 and the second movable contact 17 are separated from the first fixed contact 14 and the second fixed contact 15 .

[0060] When the coil 32 is energized, the drive device 4 is excited. In this case, the electromagnetic force of the coil 32 causes the movable iron core 31 to overcome the elastic force of the return spring 35 and move in the contact direction Z1. As a result, the drive shaft 19 and the movable contact piece 13 move in the contact direction Z1 together, and the movable contacts 16 and 17 move in the contact direction Z1. Figure 2 When the movable contacts 16 and 17 are located at the contact positions, the first movable contact 16 and the second movable contact 17 are in contact with the first fixed contact 14 and the second fixed contact 15, respectively.

[0061] When the current to the coil 32 stops and the coil 32 is demagnetized, the movable iron core 31 is pressed in the separation direction Z2 by the elastic force of the return spring 35. As a result, the drive shaft 19 and the movable contact piece 13 move in the separation direction Z2 together, and the movable contacts 16 and 17 return to the original position. Figure 1 Disconnected position shown.

[0062] Figure 3 FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a part of the contact device 2. Figure 3 As shown, the housing 3 includes a first hole 43 and a second hole 44. The first hole 43 is provided in the first partition wall 41. The first hole 43 connects the first space S1 with the second space S2. The first hole 43 is arranged opposite to the gap G1 (hereinafter referred to as "first gap G1") between the first fixed contact 14 and the first movable contact 16. However, the first hole 43 can also be arranged at other positions. The second hole 44 is provided in the second partition wall 42. The second hole 44 connects the second space S2 with the third space S3. The second hole 44 is arranged at a position that is not opposite to the first hole 43. The second hole 44 has a smaller opening area than the first hole 43. In addition, the opening area refers to the projection area of ​​the hole in the connection direction of the hole.

[0063] The contact device 2 includes an arc-extinguishing component 51 and a supporting component 52. At least a portion of the arc-extinguishing component 51 is disposed in the first space S1. The arc-extinguishing component 51 releases arc-extinguishing gas. The arc-extinguishing component 51 is formed of a material that releases arc-extinguishing gas by the heat of the arc. The arc-extinguishing gas is, for example, a gas with hydrogen or nitrogen as a main component, which can extinguish the arc. Alternatively, the arc-extinguishing gas is not limited to a gas with hydrogen or nitrogen as a main component, and may also be a gas with other elements as a main component.

[0064] The arc extinguishing component 51 may be formed of materials such as phenolic resin, hydrogen storage metal or titanium hydride. Alternatively, the arc extinguishing component 51 may also be formed of thermosetting resins such as unsaturated polyester resin and melamine resin. Alternatively, the arc extinguishing component 51 may also be formed of thermoplastic resins such as polyolefin resin, polyamide resin, polyacetal resin, etc. Alternatively, the arc extinguishing component 51 may also be formed of other materials.

[0065] The arc extinguishing member 51 is arranged to be opposite to the first gap G1 when the movable contacts 16 and 17 are in the disconnected position. The arc extinguishing member 51 includes a shape that tapers toward the first gap G1. The arc extinguishing member 51 is connected to the housing 3 via the support member 52. The arc extinguishing member 51 protrudes from the first partition wall 41 toward the first gap G1. The arc extinguishing member 51 is arranged opposite to the first hole 43. The arc extinguishing member 51 is provided to be able to open and close the first hole 43.

[0066] The support member 52 supports the arc extinguishing member 51 movably relative to the first hole 43. The support member 52 is connected to the housing 3 and the arc extinguishing member 51. The support member 52 is a coil spring and has elasticity. The support member 52 supports the arc extinguishing member 51 so that it can move to the first hole 43. Figure 3 Open position shown and Figure 4 Move to the closed position shown. Figure 3 As shown, the arc extinguishing member 51 opens the first hole 43 in the open position. Figure 4As shown, the arc extinguishing member 51 closes the first hole 43 at the closed position. The support member 52 applies force to the arc extinguishing member 51 from the closed position toward the open position.

[0067] In detail, the arc extinguishing member 51 includes a tapered portion 53, a main body portion 54, and a flange portion 55. The tapered portion 53 is disposed opposite to the first gap G1. The tapered portion 53 has a shape with a front end tapered toward the first gap G1. The main body portion 54 is supported by the supporting member 52. A portion of the main body portion 54 is disposed in the first hole 43. The flange portion 55 protrudes from the main body portion 54. The outer shape of the flange portion 55 is larger than that of the first hole 43. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 4 , the flange portion 55 is separated from the first partition wall 41, so that the first hole 43 is opened. Figure 4 As shown, the flange portion 55 is in contact with the first partition wall 41 , so that the first hole 43 is closed.

[0068] In the contact device 2 of the present embodiment described above, when the blocking energy is small, the metal vapor is discharged from the first space S1 through the first hole 43. Thus, the insulation between the contacts can be improved. In addition, when the blocking energy is large, since the second hole 44 has a smaller opening area than the first hole 43, the metal vapor and arc-extinguishing gas discharged from the first hole 43 fill the second space S2. Therefore, the pressure in the first space S1 can be maintained at a high level. Thus, the arc can be extinguished more quickly. In this way, in the contact device 2 of the present embodiment, the environment in the first space S1 where the contacts are accommodated can be appropriately adjusted according to the size of the blocking energy.

[0069] In addition, the first hole 43 is opened and closed by the arc extinguishing member 51 according to the magnitude of the blocking energy. When the blocking energy is small, the arc extinguishing member 51 is kept in the open position by the force of the support member 52. Therefore, by opening the first hole 43, metal vapor is discharged from the first hole 43. When the blocking energy is large, the arc extinguishing member 51 moves to the closed position against the force of the support member 52 by the pressure in the first space S1. Therefore, by closing the first hole 43, the pressure in the first space S1 can be maintained at a high level.

[0070] The arc extinguishing member 51 is disposed opposite to the first gap G1 when the first movable contact 16 is in the disconnected position. Therefore, by disposing the arc extinguishing member 51 close to the first movable contact 16, arc extinguishing gas can be generated near the first movable contact 16. Thus, the arc extinguishing performance can be improved. In addition, when the interruption energy is large, the space between the arc extinguishing member 51 and the first movable contact 16 can be expanded by moving the arc extinguishing member 51. Thus, even if the arc extinguishing member 51 is disposed close to the first movable contact 16, it is possible to suppress the arc from being retained between the first movable contact 16 and the arc extinguishing member 51. Thus, the arc can be extinguished quickly.

[0071] An embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the contact device is not limited to a relay, and can also be used in a circuit breaker or a switch.

[0072] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the drive device 4 pushes the drive shaft 19 out from the drive device 4 side, thereby the movable contact piece 13 moves in the contact direction Z1. In addition, the drive shaft 19 is pulled into the drive device 4 side by the drive device 4, and the movable contact piece 13 moves in the separation direction Z2. However, the movement direction of the drive shaft 19 for connecting and disconnecting the contacts may be opposite to that in the above-mentioned embodiment. That is, the drive device 4 may pull the drive shaft 19 into the drive device 4 side, thereby the movable contact piece 13 moves in the contact direction Z1. The drive device 4 may also push the drive shaft 19 out from the drive device 4 side, thereby the movable contact piece 13 moves in the separation direction Z2. That is, the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2 may also be opposite to those in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0073] The relay 1a is a so-called plunger-type relay, but the present invention is not limited to the plunger-type relay and can also be applied to other types of relays. Figure 5 As shown, the present invention can also be applied to a hinged relay 1b. Figure 5 In the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to structures corresponding to those in the above-described embodiment.

[0074] exist Figure 5 In the hinge-type relay 1b shown, if the coil 32 is excited, the armature 36 is attracted to the iron core 39 by the magnetic force of the coil 32 and swings. The armature 36 is connected to the card 37. According to the swing of the armature 36, the card 37 presses the movable contact piece 13, thereby the movable contact piece 13 and the movable contact 16 move in the contact direction Z1. As a result, the movable contact 16 contacts the fixed contact 14. If the coil 32 is demagnetized, the armature 36 swings in the opposite direction by the elastic force of the hinge spring 38. As a result, the card 37, the movable contact piece 13 and the movable contact 16 move in the separation direction Z2, and the movable contact 16 separates from the fixed contact 14.

[0075] The interior of the housing 3 of the relay 1b is divided into a first space S1 and a second space S2 by a partition wall 41. A first hole 43 is provided in the partition wall 41. A second hole 44 is provided in the housing 40. The second hole 44 has an opening area smaller than that of the first hole 43. The arc extinguishing member 51 is arranged opposite to the gap G1 between the movable contact 16 and the fixed contact 14. The arc extinguishing member 51 is movably supported by the supporting member 52. The arc extinguishing member 51 is arranged to be able to open and close the first hole 43. In such a hinged relay 1b, the same effect as the relay 1a of the above-mentioned embodiment can also be obtained.

[0076] The shapes or configurations of the first fixed terminal 11, the second fixed terminal 12, and the movable contact piece 13 may be changed. The shapes or configurations of the coil 32, the bobbin 30, or the yoke 34 may be changed. The shapes or configurations of the first fixed contact 14, the second fixed contact 15, the first movable contact 16, and the first fixed contact 14 may be changed.

[0077] The first fixed contact 14 may be separate from the first fixed terminal 11, or may be integrated. The second fixed contact 15 may be separate from the second fixed terminal 12, or may be integrated. The first movable contact 16 may be separate from the movable contact piece 13, or may be integrated. The second movable contact 17 may be separate from the movable contact piece 13, or may be integrated.

[0078] The arrangement of the first hole 43 and / or the second hole 44 is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment and may be changed. Figure 6 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a contact device 2 according to a first modified example. Figure 6 As shown, the second hole 44 may also be provided in the housing 40. The second hole 44 may also communicate the second space S2 with a space outside the second space S2. Specifically, the second hole 44 may also communicate the second space S2 with a space outside the housing 3.

[0079] The support member 52 is not limited to a coil spring, and may be in other shapes. For example, Figure 7 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a contact device 2 according to a second modified example. Figure 7 As shown, the support member 52 may be a leaf spring. Alternatively, the support member 52 may be a structure other than a spring as long as it is a structure that movably supports the arc extinguishing member 51.

[0080] The shape and / or configuration of the arc extinguishing member 51 is not limited to the above-mentioned shape and may also be changed. Figure 8 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a contact device 2 according to a third modified example. Figure 8 As shown, the arc extinguishing component 51 may also include a tapered portion 56. A portion of the tapered portion 56 is disposed in the first hole 43. The tapered portion 56 has a shape that tapers toward the first hole 43. The portion with the smallest shape in the tapered portion 56 is smaller than the first hole 43. The portion with the largest shape in the tapered portion 56 is larger than the first hole 43.

[0081] like Fig. 9 As shown in (A), when the arc extinguishing member 51 is in the open position, the tapered portion 56 is separated from the edge of the first hole 43, and the first hole 43 is opened. Fig. 9As shown in (B), the tapered portion 56 of the arc extinguishing member 51 moves toward the first hole 43. As a result, the gap between the first hole 43 and the tapered portion 56 becomes narrower. That is, the opening of the first hole 43 becomes smaller. When the pressure in the first space S1 further increases, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown in (C), the tapered portion 56 of the arc extinguishing component 51 contacts the edge of the first hole 43. As a result, the first hole 43 is closed. On the contrary, if the pressure in the first space S1 decreases, the tapered portion 56 of the arc extinguishing component 51 moves away from the first hole 43, and the gap between the first hole 43 and the tapered portion 56 becomes larger. In other words, the opening of the first hole 43 increases. In this way, the arc extinguishing component 51 can also change the opening of the first hole 43 according to the pressure in the first space S1.

[0082] Fig.10 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a contact device 2 according to a fourth modified example. Fig.10 As shown, the contact device 2 may also include a holding mechanism 60. The holding mechanism 60 holds the arc extinguishing component 51 in the closed position. The holding mechanism 60 includes a locking portion 61 and a locked portion 62. The locking portion 61 is provided on the arc extinguishing component 51. The locking portion 61 protrudes from the surface of the arc extinguishing component 51. The locked portion 62 is provided on the first partition wall 41. The locked portion 62 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the first hole 43. When the arc extinguishing component 51 moves to the closed position, the locking portion 61 is locked to the locked portion 62. As a result, the arc extinguishing component 51 is held in the closed position.

[0083] Fig.11 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a contact device 2 according to a fifth modified example. Fig.11 As shown, the arc extinguishing member 51 may be arranged at a position different from the first hole 43. Alternatively, the first partition wall 41 may be formed by the arc extinguishing member.

[0084] Fig.12 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a contact device 2 according to a sixth modified example. Fig.12 As shown, the contact device 2 may also include a valve body 70 instead of the arc extinguishing member 51. The structure of the valve body 70 may also be the same as the arc extinguishing member 51 of the above-mentioned embodiment or modified example. For example, the valve body 70 is configured to be able to open and close the first hole 43, similarly to the above-mentioned arc extinguishing member 51. The valve body 70 may also be formed of a material that does not emit arc extinguishing gas. In addition, Fig.12 In the valve body 70, the same reference numerals are given to the structures corresponding to the structures of the arc-extinguishing component 51. In this case, the arc-extinguishing component 51 is arranged at a position different from the valve body 70. Alternatively, the first partition wall 41 may be formed of a raw material that releases arc-extinguishing gas. That is, a part of the first partition wall 41 may be the arc-extinguishing component. Alternatively, the entire first partition wall 41 may be the arc-extinguishing component.

[0085] Industrial Applicability

[0086] According to the present invention, in the contact device, the environment in the space where the contacts are accommodated can be appropriately adjusted according to the magnitude of the interruption energy.

Claims

1. A contact device, characterized in that: have: Fixed contacts; a movable contact that moves between a contact position in contact with the fixed contact and a disconnected position away from the fixed contact; and a housing including a first space in which the fixed contact and the movable contact are arranged, a second space divided from the first space, a first hole for connecting the first space with the second space, a second hole for connecting the second space with a space outside the second space, and an arc extinguishing component for releasing arc extinguishing gas into the first space, The second hole has an opening area smaller than that of the first hole, The arc extinguishing member is configured to be capable of opening and closing the first hole.

2. The contact device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The invention also includes a support member that movably supports the arc-extinguishing member relative to the first hole.

3. The contact device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The supporting member has elasticity.

4. The contact device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support member applies force to the arc extinguishing member from a closed position closing the first hole toward an open position opening the first hole.

5. The contact device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A holding mechanism is also provided for holding the arc extinguishing component in the closed position.

6. The contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The arc extinguishing member changes the opening of the first hole according to the pressure in the first space.

7. The contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The arc-extinguishing component includes a tapered portion at least a portion of which is disposed in the first hole.

8. The contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The arc extinguishing member is arranged to face the space between the movable contact and the fixed contact when the movable contact is in the open position.

9. The contact device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A valve body is further provided which is configured to open and close the first hole.

10. The contact device according to claim 9, characterized in that A support member is further provided, the support member supporting the valve body so as to be movably supported relative to the first hole.

11. The contact device according to claim 10, characterized in that The supporting member has elasticity.

12. The contact device according to claim 11, characterized in that The support member urges the valve body from a closed position closing the first hole toward an open position opening the first hole.

13. The contact device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that: The valve body changes the opening degree of the first hole according to the pressure in the first space.

14. The contact device according to any one of claims 1 or 9 to 12, characterized in that: The housing includes a partition wall that divides the first space, The arc-extinguishing member constitutes at least a portion of the partition wall.

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