circuit interruption device

Abstract

The present invention provides a circuit breaking device capable of suppressing a power increase of a power source and easily breaking an electric circuit, while being able to cope with an increase in the number of parts (fuse elements) to be separated.A circuit breaking device (900) comprises a receiving portion (200), external connection terminals (910) on both sides, a fuse element (100) received in the receiving portion (200), and an arc extinguishing material (290), wherein the circuit breaking device comprises a drive mechanism (500) configured to apply a tensile force to an end portion (110) of the fuse element (100) to split the fuse element (100), and an electrical connection maintaining structure that maintains an electrical connection between the fuse element (100) and the external connection terminal (910) until the fuse element (100) is split.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a circuit breaking device which can be mainly used for an electrical circuit of an automobile or the like. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In the prior art, a circuit breaker has been used to protect an electrical circuit mounted in an automobile or the like and various electrical components connected to the circuit. Specifically, when an abnormality occurs in the circuit, the circuit breaker interrupts part of the circuit to physically interrupt the circuit.

[0003] There are various types of electrical circuit breakers. For example, the circuit breaker of Patent Literature 1 includes a housing, a part to be cut (fuse element) disposed in the housing and forming part of an electrical circuit, a power source disposed at a first end portion of the housing, and a movable body that moves in the housing between the first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. As the movable body is moved from the first end portion to the second end portion by the power source, a part of the movable body cuts off the part to be cut to break the electrical circuit.

[0004] Since the voltage and current applied to an electrical circuit tend to increase due to the recent improvement in the performance of automobiles and the like, a plurality of parts to be separated (fuse elements) can be used accordingly. However, since the movable body is required to separate the plurality of parts to be separated (fuse elements), the number of separation points increases, and the area to be sheared of the arc-extinguishing material accommodated therein increases. Then, it is necessary to increase the power for separating the part to be separated by the movable body, and as a result, it is necessary to further improve the strength of the housing to withstand the increased power (explosive force of gunpowder or the like). In addition, there is the problem that the housing is large, and the size and price of the electrical circuit breaker increase accordingly. LIST OF CITIONSPATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-080298 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL TASK

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a circuit breaking device capable of suppressing a power increase of a power source and easily breaking an electric circuit, while being able to cope with an increase in the number of parts (fuse elements) to be separated. SOLUTION TO THE TASK

[0007] A circuit breaking device according to the present invention comprises a receiving portion, external connection terminals on both sides, a fuse element accommodated in the receiving portion, and an arc extinguishing material, wherein the circuit breaking device comprises a driving mechanism configured to apply a pulling force to an end portion of the fuse element to split the fuse element, and an electrical connection maintaining structure that maintains electrical connection between the fuse element and the external connection terminals until the fuse element is split.

[0008] Since the fuse element is split and the circuit is interrupted by applying a tensile force to the fuse element, it is not necessary to shear off the arc extinguishing material together with the fuse element, as is conventionally the case.

[0009] Even if multiple fuse elements are present, only the force required to separate the fuse elements increases, and the area of the arc-extinguishing material to be sheared does not increase, unlike the conventional electrical circuit breaker. Therefore, the power of the drive mechanism for generating the pulling force can be reduced compared to a conventional electrical circuit breaker. As a result, with the circuit breaker according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a power increase of a power source and easily break the circuit, while simultaneously increasing the number of parts (fuse elements) to be separated.

[0010] In addition, the current flowing through the circuit can flow stably through the connection maintenance structure until the end portion of the fuse element starts to move and the arc generated by the division of the fuse element is extinguished.

[0011] A circuit breaking device according to the present invention includes a movable member connected to an end portion of the fuse element, the movable member being moved by the drive mechanism, and the movable member applying a tensile force to an end portion of the fuse element to split the fuse element.

[0012] Due to the above feature, the power can be efficiently transmitted to the end portion of the fuse element through the movable part, and the fuse element can be efficiently divided.

[0013] In the electric circuit breaking device according to the present invention, the drive mechanism includes a power source and a movable body that moves by the power generated by the power source, and the movable body moves the movable part.

[0014] Due to the above feature, the movable body can efficiently transmit the force to the movable part and efficiently divide the securing element.

[0015] In the electric circuit breaking device according to the present invention, before the movable body moves, the movable body is spaced from the movable part, and after the movable body starts moving, the movable body comes into contact with the movable part, and the movable part moves.

[0016] Due to the above feature, the moving body can be accelerated using the gap, and the moving body is sufficiently accelerated from the initial speed to near the maximum speed by the time the moving body touches the moving part. Since the sufficiently accelerated moving body can instantly move the moving part laterally, the fuse element coupled to the moving part can also be split instantly, and the circuit can be disconnected more quickly.

[0017] In the electrical circuit breaking device of the present invention, the connection maintaining structure includes opposing clamp plates, and the movable member includes a sliding portion movable between the clamp plates while being clamped and electrically connected by the clamp plates on both sides.

[0018] Due to the above feature, the current flowing through the circuit can flow reliably and stably through the connection maintaining structure via the clamping plate until the end portion of the fuse element starts to move and the arc generated by the division of the fuse element is extinguished.

[0019] In the electrical circuit breaking device according to the present invention, the sliding portion includes a conductive portion electrically connectable to the clamping plates and an insulating portion adjacent to the conductive portion, and wherein the conductive portion is located between the clamping plates before the movable part moves, and the insulating portion is located between the clamping plates after the movable part moves.

[0020] Due to the above feature, since the overcurrent (fault current) flowing from the external connection terminal and the terminal plate is interrupted by the insulating portion, the arc generated immediately after the fuse element is broken can be quickly extinguished.

[0021] In the circuit breaking device according to the present invention, the connection maintaining structure includes a plastically deformable conductor, and the conductor is coupled to the external connection terminal and the movable portion.

[0022] Due to the above feature, the current flowing through the circuit can flow reliably and stably through the connection maintaining structure with the plastically deformable conductor until the end portion of the fuse element starts to move and the arc generated by the division of the fuse element is extinguished.

[0023] In the electric circuit breaking device according to the present invention, the receiving portion receives a fixing portion for fixing and securing the arc extinguishing material, and the driving mechanism moves the fixing portion toward a periphery of a partition portion of the fuse element to fix and secure the arc extinguishing material.

[0024] Due to the above feature, when the fuse element is divided to cut off the overcurrent, the arc-extinguishing material reattached by the attachment portion can effectively extinguish the arc generated at a periphery of the dividing portion.

[0025] In the electrical circuit breaking device according to the present invention, the fuse element includes a narrow portion and a tensile force assisting portion that concentrates and divides the tensile force in the narrow portion.

[0026] Due to the above feature, the traction assisting portion can define an arbitrarily narrow portion as the splitting portion, and the arc generated at the time of splitting can be extinguished efficiently. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0027] As described above, with the circuit breaking device of the present invention, it is possible to suppress a power increase of a power source and easily break the circuit, while at the same time increasing the number of parts (fuse elements) to be separated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is an overall perspective view of a circuit breaking device of the present invention according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the circuit interrupting device. Fig. 3(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Fig. 2, and Fig. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a plan view showing a state in which the movable body is separated from the Fig. 2 has moved away from the state shown. Fig. 5(a) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the securing element is opposite to the Fig. 3(a) shown state, and Fig. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the movable body is separated from the Fig. 3(b) has moved away. Fig. 6 is an overall perspective view showing a drive mechanism and an electrical connection maintaining structure of a circuit breaking device of the present invention according to the second embodiment in an exploded view. Fig. 7 is a plan view of the circuit interrupting device. Fig. 8(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 7, and Fig. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a plan view showing a state in which the movable body is separated from the Fig. 7 has moved away from the state shown. Fig. 10(a) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the securing element is opposite to the Fig. 8(a) shown state, and Fig. 10(b) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the movable body is separated from the Fig. 8(b) has moved away. Fig. 11 is an overall perspective view showing an electric circuit breaking device of the present invention according to the third embodiment in an exploded view. Fig. 12 is a plan view of the circuit interrupting device in the assembled state. Fig. 13(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE of Fig. 12, and Fig. 13(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF of Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a plan view showing a state in which the movable body is opposite to the one shown in Fig. 12 has moved away. Fig. 15(a) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the securing element is opposite to the Fig. 13(a) shown state, and Fig. 15(b) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the movable body is separated from the Fig. 13(b) has moved away. Fig. 16 is a plan view of a circuit breaking device of the present invention according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 17 is an overall perspective view of the electromagnetic coil tripping device of the drive mechanism. Fig. 18 is an enlarged plan view showing a driving mechanism and a movable body of the circuit breaking device. Fig. 19 is a plan view showing the movable body opposite the one shown in Fig. 16 has moved away. Fig. 20 is an overall perspective view of a circuit breaking device of the present invention according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line GG in Fig. 20. Fig. 22 is a plan view showing a state in which the movable body is separated from the Fig. 21 has moved away from the state shown. Fig. 23 is a plan view showing a state in which the movable body is opposite to the one shown in Fig. 22 shown state moved further away. Fig. 24(a) is a side view of the fuse element of the present invention according to the sixth embodiment, Fig. 24(b) is a side view of the fuse element of the present invention according to the seventh embodiment, and Fig. 24(c) is a side view of the fuse element of the present invention according to the eighth embodiment. Fig. 25 is a plan view of a circuit breaking device of the present invention according to the ninth embodiment. Fig. 26 is a plan view showing a state in which the movable body is separated from the Fig. 25 has moved away from the state shown. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 100 securing elements 110 final section 200 recording section 290 arc extinguishing material 300 moving parts 900 circuit breaker device 910 external connection port F tensile force DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The shape, material, and the like of the individual elements of the electrical circuit breaker according to the embodiment described below are merely examples and are not limited thereto. <Erstes Ausführungsbeispiel>

[0029] First, a circuit interrupting device 900 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 1 to 3, where Fig. 1 is a perspective overall view of the electrical circuit interrupting device 900, Fig. 2 a plan view of the circuit interrupting device 900, Fig. 3(a) is a cross-sectional view along the line AA of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view along the line BB of Fig. 2 is.

[0030] As in the Fig. 1 to 3, the circuit interrupting device 900 includes external connection terminals 910 on both sides for electrical connection to an external circuit. A plurality of fuse elements 100 are provided, which are electrically connected to the external connection terminals 910 on both sides. Each fuse element 100 comprises a single thin, plate-shaped metal plate made of a metallic conductor, such as copper, and includes end portions 110 on both sides and a melting portion 120 located between the end portions 110. As shown in Fig. 3(a), the fusible portion 120 has a plurality of small openings 121 in a part of the fuse element 100 having a reduced width to generate heat and burn out when an inadvertent overcurrent flows in a circuit or the like to cut off the overcurrent.

[0031] Each receiving section 200 houses two fuse elements 100. The receiving section 200 has a tubular shape with openings 210 at each end and can be made of various materials such as ceramic and synthetic resin. Each fuse element 100 is housed in the receiving section 200, and the receiving section 200 is filled with a granular arc-extinguishing material 290. Although the receiving section 200 is filled with the granular arc-extinguishing material 290 without any gaps, only a portion of the arc-extinguishing material 290 is shown in the drawing for reasons of visibility.

[0032] One opening 210 (left in the drawing) of the receiving portion 200 is closed by a cap 920, which is part of the external connection terminal 910. The cap 920 and the end portion 110 of the fuse element 100 are connected and fixed to each other. Furthermore, the end portion 110 of the fuse element 100 and the cap 920 of the external connection terminal 910 are electrically connected to each other. On the other hand, the other opening 210 (right in the drawing) of the receiving portion 200 is closed by an inner cap 930, which is part of the external connection terminal 910. The end portion 110 of the fuse element 100 passes through an insertion hole 931 provided in the inner cap 930 and protrudes from the inner cap 930.The end portion 110 of the securing element 100 is not connected and fixed to the insertion opening 931 of the inner cap 930, and the end portion 110 of the securing element 100 can slide with respect to the insertion opening 931, as described later.

[0033] A metal outer cap 940 is attached to the outside of the inner cap 930. The outer cap 940 is configured to slide sideways while attached to the outside of the inner cap 930, and the outer cap 940 and the inner cap 930 are electrically connected to each other at the contact surface even during sliding. The inner cap 930 and the outer cap 940 form an electrical connection maintaining structure that maintains electrical connection between the fuse element 100 and the external connection terminal 910. The end portion 110 of the fuse element 100 passes through an insertion hole 941 provided in the outer cap 940 and protrudes from the outer cap 940. The end portion 110 of the fuse element 100 is connected and fixed to the insertion hole 941 of the outer cap 940 and is also electrically connected.

[0034] The end portion 110 of the fuse element 100, which protrudes from the outer cap 940, is connected to and fixed to a movable part 300. The movable part 300 is an elongated metal plate member and is electrically connected to the end portion 110 of each fuse element 100. The movable part 300 and the outer cap 940 are also connected to and fixed thereto and electrically connected to each other. When the movable part 300 moves laterally, the end portion 110 and the outer cap 940 of each fuse element 100 also move integrally laterally.

[0035] Next, a configuration of a drive mechanism 500 will be described. The drive mechanism 500 is a substantially cylindrical body formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin, and includes a receiving portion 510 capable of receiving a movable body 600 therein, and a power source 501 is provided at a first end portion 511 of the receiving portion 510. Furthermore, an insertion hole 502 into which a projection 610 of the movable body 600 is inserted is provided at a second end portion 512 of the receiving portion 510. The movable body 600 is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin, and includes a sliding portion 620 that slides while contacting the inner surface of the receiving portion 510, and the projection 610 that laterally protrudes from the sliding portion 620.The sliding portion 620 is provided with a recess 621 so that it faces the power source 501. As described in detail later, energy, such as air pressure generated by the power source 501, is transmitted to the movable body 600, and the movable body 600 moves from the first end portion 511 toward the second end portion 512 in the receiving portion 510.

[0036] Then, the circuit breaker 900 is mounted and used in a circuit to be protected. Specifically, the external connection terminals 910 on both sides of the circuit breaker 900 are connected to a part of the circuit. In the normal state, the current I originating from the circuit flows from the inner cap 930 to the outer cap 940 of the external connection terminals 910. Since the inner cap 930 and the outer cap 940 are electrically firmly connected, the current I reliably flows from the external connection terminal 910 to the outer cap 940. Since the outer cap 940 and the end portion 110 of the fuse element 100 are firmly connected, a current I flows from the outer cap 940 to the end portion 110 of the fuse element 100.Furthermore, the current I flows from one end portion 110 (right in the drawing) to the other end portion 110 (left in the drawing) of the fuse element 100 and flows from the other end portion 110 via the cap 920 to the external connection terminal 910.

[0037] In this way, in the normal state, the current I flows in the circuit via the circuit interrupting device 900. In the normal state, the drive mechanism 500 is not operating, and the movable body 600 does not move. Therefore, a distal end 611 of the projection 610 of the movable body 600 is not in contact with the movable part 300 and is in a separated state. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a total of four securing elements 100 are connected and fixed to the movable part 300, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Only one securing element 100 may be connected and fixed to the movable part 300, or any number (two or more) of securing elements 100 may be connected and fixed to the movable part 300.

[0038] For example, when a relatively high abnormal current flows in the circuit, the fusible portion 120 of the fuse element 100 of the circuit breaking device 900 generates heat and burns out quickly, so that the circuit can be cut off immediately. On the other hand, when a relatively low abnormal current flows in the circuit, for example, it takes a while for the fusible portion 120 of the fuse element 100 of the circuit breaking device 900 to generate heat and burn out, and there is a possibility that the circuit cannot be cut off immediately, or the circuit cannot be cut off because the fusible portion 120 does not burn out.

[0039] In this case, an external monitoring device detects that a relatively small abnormal current is flowing and transmits an abnormality signal to the power source 501 of the drive mechanism 500 of the circuit breaking device 900. When an abnormality signal is transmitted from an external monitoring device, the power source 501 detonates, for example, powder inside the power source 501 and instantly ejects the movable body 600 by the air pressure due to the explosion and moves it in the receiving section 510. Note that the power source 501 is not limited to a gunpowder power source as long as it generates energy for moving the movable body 600, and other known power sources can be used.Furthermore, an external monitoring device detects that a relatively low abnormal current is flowing and transmits an abnormality signal to the power source 501 of the drive mechanism 500 of the electrical circuit breaking device 900, but the present invention is not limited to this. Even if a relatively high abnormal current flows in the circuit, an external monitoring device may transmit an abnormality signal to the drive mechanism 500 of the electrical circuit breaking device 900. In this case, the fuse element 100 is further divided after the fusible portion 120 of the fuse element 100 of the electrical circuit breaking device 900 generates heat and burns out, so that the electrical circuit can be cut off more reliably and quickly.The external monitoring device is not limited to the case where a relatively low abnormal current is detected, but may transmit an abnormality signal to the drive mechanism 500 of the circuit breaking device 900 to divide the fuse element 100 when a predetermined abnormal current to be cut off flows.

[0040] Then the powder in the energy source 501 explodes, and the air pressure resulting from the explosion is transferred to the recess 621 of the movable body 600. Then the movable body 600 is, as shown in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, is forcefully blown from the first end portion 511 to the second end portion 512 by the air pressure and moves instantaneously in the receiving portion 510 to the second end portion 512. Fig. 4 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the movable body 600 is opposite to the one shown in Fig. 2 shown state, Fig. 5(a) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the fuse element 100 is opposite to the one shown in Fig. 3(a) shown state, and Fig. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the movable body 600 is opposite to the one shown in Fig. 3(b) shown state.

[0041] As in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5(b), the distal end 611 of the projection 610 of the movable body 600 contacts the movable part 300 when the movable body 600 moves toward the second end portion 512. Then, the movable part 300 is pushed by the movable body 600, and the entire movable part 300 moves laterally. Since the end portion 110 of the fuse element 100 is connected and fixed to the movable part 300 on both sides of the movable part 300, the fuse element 100 coupled to the movable part 300 is pulled laterally when the movable part 300 moves laterally. Then, the fuse element 100 is physically divided into left and right parts by the tensile force F to interrupt the overcurrent I. As a result, the circuit can be interrupted immediately even if a relatively small abnormal current flows, regardless of whether the fusible portion 120 is burned out or not.Since the tensile force F is concentrated on the melting portion 120 where the width of the fuse element 100 is locally narrowed, the circumference of the melting portion 120 is divided. The arc generated after the division of the fuse element 100 is effectively extinguished by the arc-extinguishing material 290.

[0042] As described above, in the circuit breaking device 900 of the present invention, since the fuse element 100 is divided by applying a tensile force to the fuse element to break the circuit, it is not necessary to shear the arc-extinguishing material 290 together with the fuse element 100. Therefore, compared with the case where the part to be separated and the arc-extinguishing material are separated by the movable body as in the conventional circuit, the force for separating the fuse element 100 can be small, and the power of the driving mechanism for generating the tensile force can also be small.Specifically, according to the electric circuit breaking device 900 of the present invention, even when a plurality of fuse elements 100 are provided, only the force for separating the fuse elements 100 is increased, and the area of the arc-extinguishing material to be sheared is not increased, unlike the conventional electric circuit breaking device. Therefore, the power of the driving mechanism for generating the pulling force can be reduced compared to a conventional electric circuit breaking device. As a result, with the electric circuit breaking device 900 of the present invention, it is possible to suppress a power increase of a power source and easily break the circuit, making it possible to cope with an increase in the number of parts (fuse elements) to be separated.

[0043] When the fuse element 100 is pulled out, the end portion 110 of the fuse element 100 slides into the insertion hole 931 of the inner cap 930 of the external connection terminal 910, so that the electrical connection between the fuse element 100 and the external connection terminal 910 is unstable. Since the end portion 110 of the fuse element 100 is configured to slide into the insertion hole 931 of the inner cap 930 of the external connection terminal 910, the electrical connection between the end portion 110 of the fuse element 100 and the inner cap 930 of the external connection terminal 910 may be unstable even in a state before the fuse element 100 is pulled out.

[0044] However, as in Fig. 3(a), in a state before the fuse element 100 is pulled, the outer cap 940 fits tightly around the outside of the inner cap 930 to maintain a state of electrical and physical contact. As shown in Fig. As shown in Fig. 5(b), even when the movable part 300 moves and the end portion 110 of the fuse element 100 slides, the outer cap 940 moves laterally together with the movable part 300, but the outer cap 940 and the inner cap 930, which constitute the connection maintenance structure, are firmly connected to each other to maintain a state of electrical and physical contact with each other. Therefore, the current I flows from the inner cap 930 to the outer cap 940 of the external connection terminal 910 until the end portion 110 of the fuse element 100 starts to move and the arc generated by the division of the fuse element 100 is extinguished, and then flows to the fuse element 100 connected and fixed to the outer cap 940, so that the current can flow stably in the circuit.

[0045] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3(b), in a state before the abnormal current flows and the drive mechanism 500 operates, a gap X exists between the distal end 611 of the movable body 600 and the movable part 300, and they are spaced apart from each other. After the movable body 600 is set in motion by the energy generated by the power source 501, the distal end 611 of the movable body 600 comes into contact with the movable part 300 to move the movable part 300, as shown in Fig. 5(b). Therefore, the movable body 600 can be accelerated across the gap X, and at the moment the movable body 600 contacts the movable part 300, the movable body 600 is sufficiently accelerated from the initial speed to near the maximum speed. Since the movable body 600, which has been sufficiently accelerated, can immediately move the movable part 300 laterally, the fuse element 100 coupled to the movable part 300 can be split instantly, and the circuit can be broken more quickly. In the state before the drive mechanism 500 operates, the gap X exists between the distal end 611 of the movable body 600 and the movable part 300, and they are spaced apart from each other, but the present invention is not limited to this.For example, even in a state before the drive mechanism 500 operates, there may be no gap X between the distal end 611 of the movable body 600 and the movable part 300, and the distal end 611 of the movable body 600 and the movable part 300 may be in contact with each other. By using the movable body 600, the energy generated by the power source 501 can be efficiently transmitted to the movable part 300, so that the fuse element 100 coupled to the movable part 300 can be effectively and quickly split. <Zweites Ausführungsbeispiel>

[0046] Next, a circuit breaking device 900A of the present invention according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 6 to 8 described. Fig. 6 is an overall perspective view showing a drive mechanism 500A and the connection maintenance structure of the circuit breaker 900A, Fig. 7 is a plan view of the circuit interrupting device 900A, Fig. 8(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of Fig. 7, and Fig. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of Fig. 7. Moreover, the configuration of the electric circuit breaking device 900A according to the second embodiment differs from the configuration of the electric circuit breaking device 900 according to the first embodiment in that the configuration of the connection maintaining structure and a movable part 300A include a sliding portion 310A, but the other configurations are substantially the same as the configuration of the electric circuit breaking device 900 according to the first embodiment, and therefore, the description of the same configurations is omitted.

[0047] The movable part 300A includes the plate-like sliding portion 310A, and a projection 311A of the sliding portion 310A is fitted into a mounting hole 301A of the movable part 300A, so that the sliding portion 310A is firmly connected and fixed to the movable part 300A. Further, the sliding portion 310A includes a metallic conductive portion 312A and an insulating portion 313A, and the conductive portion 312A and the insulating portion 313A are coupled in an adjacent state. Although the movable part 300A and the conductive portion 312A of the sliding portion 310A are electrically connected to each other, the movable part 300A and the insulating portion 313A are electrically insulated from each other.

[0048] A pair of clamping plates 950A are attached to an external connection terminal 910A. The clamping plate 950A is made of metal and slidably clamps the sliding portion 310A. The clamping plate 950A is electrically connected to the conductive portion 312A of the sliding portion 310A and the external connection terminal 910A. The clamping plate 950A forms a connection maintenance structure that maintains an electrical connection between a fuse element 100A and the external connection terminal 910A.

[0049] An outer cap 940A is attached to the outside of an inner cap 930A, and the outer cap 940A is configured to be laterally slidable while being attached to the outside of the inner cap 930. Since the outer cap 940A is made of an insulating material, the inner cap 930A and the outer cap 940A are not electrically connected. However, an end portion 110A of the fuse element 100A protruding from the outer cap 940A is connected and fixed to the movable part 300A, and the fuse element 100A and the movable part 300A are electrically connected.

[0050] The circuit breaker 900A is connected to and used in a circuit to be protected. Specifically, the external connection terminals 910A of the circuit breaker 900A are connected to a part of the circuit on both sides. In the normal state, a current IA flows from the circuit from the external connection terminal 910A to the terminal plate 950A, as shown in Fig. 8(b). Since the clamping plate 950A and the conductive portion 312A of the sliding portion 310A are electrically connected, and the conductive portion 312A and the movable part 300A are also electrically connected, the current IA reliably flows from the clamping plate 950A via the conductive portion 312A to the movable part 300A. As shown in Fig. As shown in Fig. 8(a), since the movable part 300A and the end portion 110A of the fuse element 100A are fixedly connected, the current IA flows from the movable part 300A to the end portion 110A of the fuse element 100A. Further, the current IA flows from one end portion 110A to the other end portion 110A of the fuse element 100A, and flows from the other end portion 110A to the external connection terminal 910A via a cap 920A.

[0051] In this way, the current IA flows in the circuit via the circuit interrupting device 900A. In the normal state, the drive mechanism 500A is not operating, and a movable body 600A does not move. Therefore, a distal end 611A of a projection 610A of the movable body 600A is not in contact with the insulating part 313A of the sliding portion 310A of the movable part 300A and is in a disconnected state.

[0052] Next, with reference to the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 describes a case where an external monitoring device detects that an abnormal current has flowed and transmits an abnormality signal to a power source 501A of the drive mechanism 500A of the circuit breaking device 900A.

[0053] Fig. 9 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the movable body 600A is opposite to the Fig. 7 has moved away from the state shown, Fig. 10(a) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the fuse element 100A is opposite to the one shown in Fig. 8(a) shown state, and Fig. 10(b) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the movable body 600A is opposite to the one shown in Fig. 8(b) has moved away.

[0054] As in the Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 10(b), when the movable body 600A moves toward the second end portion 512A by the power of the power source 501A, the distal end 611A of the projection 610A of the movable body 600A comes into contact with the sliding portion 310A of the movable part 300A. Then, the movable part 300A is pushed by the movable body 600A, and the entire movable part 300A moves laterally. When the movable part 300A moves laterally, the end portion 110A of the fuse element 100A connected to the movable part 300A is pulled laterally. Then, the fuse element 100A is physically divided into left and right parts by the tensile force FA to interrupt the overcurrent IA.

[0055] As in Fig. 8, in a state before the fuse element 100A is pulled out, the clamping plate 950A firmly clamps the conductive portion 312A of the sliding portion 310A of the movable part 300A to firmly maintain the state in which the fuse element 100A and the external connection terminal 910A are electrically connected. As shown in the Fig. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the clamping plate 950A constituting the connection maintenance structure firmly clamps the conductive portion 312A of the sliding portion 310A of the movable part 300A and firmly maintains the state in which the fuse element 100A and the external connection terminal 910A are electrically connected, even when the movable part 300A moves and the end portion 110A of the fuse element 100A slides. Therefore, the current IA flows from the external connection terminal 910A to the fuse element 100A via the clamping plate 950A and the movable part 300A, and can flow reliably and stably in the circuit until the end portion 110A of the fuse element 100A starts to move and the arc generated by the division of the fuse element 100A is extinguished.

[0056] In addition, as in Fig. As shown in Fig. 10(b), after the fuse element 100 is split, the insulating portion 313A of the sliding portion 310A is replaced with the conductive portion 312A and positioned and clamped between the clamping plates 950A. Since the overcurrent IA (leakage current) flowing from the external connection terminal 910A and the clamping plate 950A is interrupted by the insulating portion 313A, the arc generated immediately after the fuse element 100 is broken can be quickly extinguished. Note that the sliding portion 310A includes the conductive portion 312A and the insulating portion 313A, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sliding portion 310A may not include the insulating portion 313A and may be formed entirely of the conductive portion 312A. <Drittes Ausführungsbeispiel>

[0057] Next, a circuit breaking device 900B of the present invention according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 11 to 13. Note that Fig. 11 is an overall perspective view showing the circuit breaking device 900B in an exploded view, Fig. 12 is a plan view of the circuit interrupting device 900B in an assembled state, Fig. 13(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE of Fig. 12 is and Fig. 13(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF of Fig. 12. Furthermore, the configuration of the electrical circuit breaking device 900B according to the third embodiment differs from the configuration of the electrical circuit breaking device 900 according to the first embodiment in that the configuration of the connection maintenance structure is different and a receiving portion 200B and a drive mechanism 500B are integrated. However, the other configurations are substantially the same as the configuration of the electrical circuit breaking device 900 according to the first embodiment, and therefore, the description of the same configurations is omitted.

[0058] As in Fig. 11, the circuit breaker 900B includes a lower housing 980B and an upper housing 990B, and can be assembled in a state where a fuse element 100B and a movable body 600B are housed therein by vertically overlapping and fixing the lower housing 980B and the upper housing 990B. Specifically, the fuse element 100B is housed in the accommodating portion 200B vertically surrounded by the lower housing 980B and the upper housing 990B. Furthermore, in the drive mechanism 500B, a power source 501B is fixed to the first end portion 511B, and the movable body 600B is housed in a accommodating portion 510B vertically surrounded by the lower housing 980B and the upper housing 990B.As described above, in the electrical circuit breaking device 900B, the lower housing 980B and the upper housing 990B are arranged vertically one above the other, so that the receiving portion 200B and the driving mechanism 500B can be assembled in an integrated state and thus the electrical circuit breaking device 900B can be easily assembled.

[0059] An external connection terminal 910B (left side in the drawing) includes a terminal plate 911B extending upward from the external connection terminal 910B, and the external connection terminal 910B is electrically connected to the terminal plate 911B. The terminal plate 911B of the one external connection terminal 910B is electrically and physically connected and fixed to the one end portion 110B of the fuse element 100B.

[0060] The other external connection terminal 910B (right side in the drawing) includes a metallic conductor portion 970B. The conductor portion 970B includes a proximal end portion 971B fixed to the external connection terminal 910B, a curved, plastically deformable portion 972B, and a distal end portion 973B connected and fixed to a movable part 300B. The external connection terminal 910B and the conductor portion 970B are electrically connected, and the conductor portion 970B and the movable part 300B are also electrically connected. Further, the movable part 300B is electrically and physically connected and fixed to the other end portion 110B of the fuse element 100B.

[0061] As described later, the plastically deformable part 972B of the conductor part 970B is a part that is plastically deformed when the movable part 300B slides laterally. Therefore, the conductor portion 970B constitutes an electrical connection maintaining structure that maintains electrical connection between the fuse element 100B and the external connection terminal 910B. Since the conductor portion 970B does not return to the original shape after plastic deformation, the movable part 300B connected to the conductor portion 970B does not return to the original position before sliding.

[0062] The circuit interrupting device 900B is connected to and used with a circuit to be protected. In particular, the external connection terminals 910B of the circuit interrupting device 900B are connected to a part of the circuit on both sides. In the normal state, a current IB flows from the circuit from the external connection terminal 910B to the conductor portion 970B, as shown in Fig. 13(b). Since the conductor portion 970B and the movable part 300B are electrically connected, the current IB reliably flows from the external connection terminal 910B to the movable part 300B via the conductor portion 970B. As shown in Fig. As shown in Fig. 13(a), since the movable part 300B and the end portion 110B of the fuse element 100B are fixedly connected, the current IB flows from the movable part 300B to the end portion 110B of the fuse element 100B. Then, the current IB flows from one end portion 110B to the other end portion 110B of the fuse element 100B, and flows from the other end portion 110B to the external connection terminal 910B via the terminal plate 911B.

[0063] In this way, the current IB flows in the circuit via the circuit interrupting device 900B. In the normal state, the drive mechanism 500B is not operating, and a movable body 600B does not move. Therefore, a distal end 611B of a projection 610B of the movable body 600B is not in contact with the movable part 300B and is in a disconnected state.

[0064] Next, with reference to the Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 describes a case where an external monitoring device detects that an abnormal current has flowed and transmits an abnormality signal to the power source 501B of the drive mechanism 500B of the circuit breaking device 900B.

[0065] Fig. 14 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the movable body 600B is opposite to the one shown in Fig. 12 shown state, Fig. 15(a) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the fuse element 100B is opposite to the one shown in Fig. 13(a) shown state, and Fig. 15(b) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the movable body 600B is opposite to the Fig. 13(b) has moved away.

[0066] As in Fig. 14 and Fig. As shown in Figure 15(b), when the movable body 600B moves to a second end portion 512B, the distal end 611B of the projection 610B of the movable body 600B contacts the movable part 300B. Then, the movable part 300B is pushed by the movable body 600B, and the entire movable part 300B moves laterally. When the movable part 300B moves laterally, the end portion 110B of the fuse element 100B coupled to the movable part 300B is pulled laterally. Then, the fuse element 100B is physically divided into left and right parts by the tensile force FB to cut off the overcurrent IB.

[0067] As in the Fig. As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the conductor portion 970B constituting the connection maintenance structure is plastically deformed as the movable part 300B moves and the end portion 110B of the fuse element 100B slides, and the conductor portion 970B maintains a state of being electrically and physically connected to the movable part 300B and the external connection terminal 910B. Therefore, the current IB flows from the external connection terminal 910B to the fuse element 100B via the conductor portion 970B and the movable part 300B, and can stably flow in the circuit until the end portion 110B of the fuse element 100B starts to move and the arc generated by the division of the fuse element 100B is extinguished. Note that the conductor portion 970B is plastically deformable, but the present invention is not limited thereto.For example, the conductor portion 970B may be made of any material as long as the conductor portion 970B can be deformed so that the electrical connection between the external connection terminal 910B and the movable part 300B can be maintained while the movable part 300B moves. <Viertes Ausführungsbeispiel>

[0068] Next, a circuit breaking device 900C of the present invention according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 described. Fig. 16 is a plan view of the circuit interrupting device 900C, Fig. 17 is an overall perspective view of an electromagnetic coil tripping device 800C of a drive mechanism 500C, and Fig. 18 is an enlarged plan view of the drive mechanism 500C and a movable body 600C of the electric circuit breaking device 900C. Moreover, the configuration of the electric circuit breaking device 900C according to the fourth embodiment differs from the configuration of the electric circuit breaking device 900B according to the third embodiment in the configurations of the drive mechanism 500C and the movable body 600C, but the other configurations are substantially the same as the configuration of the electric circuit breaking device 900B according to the third embodiment, and therefore, the description of the same configurations is omitted.

[0069] The drive mechanism 500C according to the fourth embodiment includes the electromagnetic coil triggering device 800C and a compression spring 540C instead of the power source 501B of the drive mechanism 500B described in the third embodiment. The electromagnetic coil triggering device 800C uses an existing principle used in the known art, and the configuration of the electromagnetic coil triggering device 800C will be described in detail. As in Fig. 17, the electromagnetic coil tripping device 800C includes a fixed iron core 810C, a coil 820C wound around the fixed iron core 810C, and an actuating iron part 830C. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 16, one end portion 821C of the coil 820C is electrically connected to an external connection terminal 910C. The other end portion 822C of the coil 820C is electrically connected to a movable part 300C via a connector 960C.

[0070] As in the Fig. 17 and Fig. 18, the actuating iron member 830C is pivotally supported on a base 801C via a rotary shaft 831C, and the actuating iron member 830C can rotate about the rotary shaft 831C. Since one end 832C of the actuating iron member 830C is pulled by a tension spring 802C attached to the base 801C, a distal end 833C opposite the end 832C is spaced from a head 461C of a shaft 460C.

[0071] The shaft 460C is connected to a head 660C of the movable body 600C, and the shaft 460C is inserted through a through hole 551C of a first partition wall 550C and a through hole 561C of a second partition wall 560C of a receiving portion 510C. The compression spring 540C is attached to an outer periphery of the shaft 460C, and the compression spring 540C is clamped and compressed between the first partition wall 550C and the head 660C of the movable body 600C. Therefore, a biasing force acts on the movable body 600C toward a second end portion 512C by the compression spring 540C.

[0072] The head 461C of the shaft 460C is locked to a fixing plate 480C fixed to the second partition wall 560C of the receiving portion 510C. Specifically, the fixing plate 480C has a locking hole 481C that is narrower than the head 461C and an insertion hole 482C that is wider than the head 461C. The locking hole 481C and the insertion hole 482C are continuous, and as described later, the state can be changed from a state in which the head 461C is locked around the locking hole 481C to a state in which the head 461C moves toward the insertion hole 482C and the head 461C comes out downward from the insertion hole 482C.

[0073] In the normal state, the electromagnetic coil trigger device 800C of the drive mechanism 500C is not operated. Therefore, the biasing force toward the second end portion 512C acts on the movable body 600C through the compression spring 540C, but the head 461C of the shaft 460C fixed to the movable body 600C is engaged with the fixing plate 480C, so that the movable body 600C does not move toward the second end portion 512C. Note that a distal end 611C of a projection 610C of the movable body 600C is not in contact with the movable part 300C and is in a separated state.

[0074] Next, a state in which the circuit breaking device 900C breaks the electric circuit when an abnormality such as an overcurrent flowing through the electric circuit occurs will be described with reference to the Fig. 18 and Fig. 19. It should be noted that Fig. 19 is a plan view in which the movable body 600C is opposite to that shown in Fig. 16 shown state was moved away.

[0075] The overcurrent flowing from the circuit to the external connection terminal 910C flows from a conductor part 970C to the movable part 300C. Then, a part of the overcurrent flows from the movable part 300C to the coil 820C via the connector 960C. When the overcurrent flowing through the coil 820C exceeds a predetermined threshold, the actuating iron part 830C is attracted to the fixed iron core 810C by the magnetic field generated in the fixed iron core 810C. Since the adsorption force at this time is stronger than the tensile force of the tension spring 802C, the actuating iron part 830C rotates around the rotary shaft 831C toward the fixed iron core 810C. Then, the distal end 833C of the actuating iron part 830C comes into contact with the head 461C of the shaft 460C and moves the head 461C from the locking opening 481C to the insertion opening 482C.

[0076] When the head 461C of the shaft 460C comes out of the insertion hole 482C in the direction of the through hole 561C, the engagement between the shaft 460C and the fixing plate 480C is released. Then, as in Fig. 19, the force of the preload in the direction of the second end portion 512C by the compression spring 540C on the movable body 600C, so that the movable body 600C moves in the direction of the second end portion 512C.

[0077] When the movable body 600C moves toward the second end portion 512C, the distal end 611C of the protrusion 610C of the movable body 600C contacts the movable part 300C. Then, the movable part 300C is pushed by the movable body 600C, and the entire movable part 300C moves laterally. When the movable part 300C moves laterally, an end portion 110C of a fuse element 100C connected to the movable part 300C is pulled laterally. Then, the fuse element 100C is physically divided into left and right parts by the tensile force FC to interrupt the overcurrent. When the movable part 300C moves laterally, the connector 960C connected to the coil 820C is detached from the movable part 300C, and the coil 820C and the movable part 300C are not electrically connected.

[0078] As described above, in the circuit breaking device 900C of the present invention, since the fuse element 100C is separated by applying a tensile force to break the circuit, it is not necessary to shear the arc-extinguishing material 290C together with the fuse element 100C. Therefore, compared with the case where the part to be separated and the arc-extinguishing material are separated by the movable body as in the conventional circuit, the force for separating the fuse element 100C can be small, and the power of the driving mechanism for generating the tensile force can also be small.Specifically, in the circuit breaking device 900C of the present invention, even if a plurality of fuse elements 100C are provided, only the force for separating the fuse element 100C increases, and the area of the arc-extinguishing material to be sheared is not increased, unlike the conventional electric circuit breaking device. Therefore, the power of the driving mechanism for generating the pulling force can be reduced compared to a conventional electric circuit breaking device. As a result, with the circuit breaking device 900C of the present invention, it is possible to suppress an increase in the power of a power source and easily disconnect the circuit, while being able to cope with an increase in the number of parts (fuse elements) to be disconnected. <Fünftes Ausführungsbeispiel>

[0079] Next, a circuit breaking device 900D of the present invention according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 described. Fig. 20 is an overall perspective view of the electrical circuit interrupting device 900D, and Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view along the line GG of Fig. 20. Moreover, the configuration of the electric circuit breaking device 900D according to the fifth embodiment differs from the configuration of the electric circuit breaking device 900 according to the first embodiment in that a fixing portion 700D is provided and the shapes of a driving mechanism 500D and a movable body 600D are different, but the other configurations are substantially the same as those of the electric circuit breaking device 900 according to the first embodiment, and therefore, the description of the same configurations is omitted.

[0080] The drive mechanism 500D has the same basic configuration as the drive mechanism 500 of the electrical circuit breaker 900 according to the first embodiment, but differs in shape from the drive mechanism 500 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, the drive mechanism 500D is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin, and includes a receiving portion 510D capable of receiving the movable body 600D therein. A power source 501D is provided at a first end portion 511D of the receiving portion 510D. Furthermore, an insertion hole 502D into which a projection 610D of the movable body 600D is inserted is provided at a second end portion 512D of the receiving portion 510D.Furthermore, an insertion hole 503D is provided at the second end portion 512D of the receiving portion 510D, and the fixing portion 700D is inserted therethrough. A sliding portion 620D of the movable body 600D has a large lateral width, and when the movable body 600D moves toward the second end portion 512D, the sliding portion 620D can come into contact with the fixing portion 700D to move the fixing portion 700D.

[0081] The fixing portion 700D is a long rod-shaped body formed of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin, housed in a receiving portion 200D, and disposed adjacent to a securing element 100D. As shown in Fig. 21, a proximal end portion 710D of the fixing portion 700D passes through an insertion opening 921D of the cap 920 and extends to the drive mechanism 500D. The proximal end portion 710D passes through the insertion opening 503D of the drive mechanism 500D and projects into the receiving portion 510D. On the other hand, a distal end portion 720D of the fixing portion 700D is adjacent to the periphery of a fusible portion 120D of the fuse element 100D. Since the fuse element 100D has a narrow width around the fusible portion 120D, the fuse element 100D is split there when the fuse element 100D is pulled as described later.

[0082] In a normal state, the drive mechanism 500D does not operate, and a movable body 600D does not move. Therefore, a distal end 611D of the projection 610D of the movable body 600D is not in contact with a movable part 300D and is spaced apart by a distance L1. Further, the sliding portion 620D of the movable body 600D is not in contact with the proximal end portion 710D of the fixing portion 700D and is spaced apart by a distance L2.

[0083] Next, with reference to the Fig. 22 and Fig. 23 describes a case in which an external monitoring device detects that an abnormal current has flowed and transmits an abnormality signal to the power source 501D of the drive mechanism 500D of the circuit breaker 900D. Note that Fig. 22 is a plan view showing a state in which the movable body 600D is opposite to the one shown in Fig. 21 shown state, and Fig. 23 is a plan view showing a state in which the movable body 600D is further moved from the Fig. 22 has moved away from the state shown.

[0084] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 22, when the movable body 600D moves toward the second end portion 512D, the distal end 611D of the protrusion 610D of the movable body 600D contacts the movable part 300D. Then, the movable part 300D is pushed by the movable body 600D, and the entire movable part 300D moves laterally. When the movable part 300D moves laterally, an end portion 110D of the fuse element 100D connected to the movable part 300D is pulled laterally. Then, the fuse element 100D is physically divided into left and right parts by the tensile force FD to interrupt the overcurrent. The fuse element 100D has a locally narrow width near the fusible portion 120D and is a dividing portion 190D divided by the tensile force FD.

[0085] As in Fig. 21, the receiving portion 200D is filled with an arc extinguishing material 290D, and the periphery of the melting portion 120D is firmly filled with the arc extinguishing material 290D before the division. As shown in Fig. 22, however, when the periphery of the melting portion 120D is divided, a cavity not filled with arc-extinguishing material 290D is formed in the periphery of the dividing portion 190D. In the Fig. 22, the sliding portion 620D of the movable body 600D is not in contact with the proximal end portion 710D of the fixing portion 700D, and the fixing portion 700D is not moved.

[0086] When the movable body 600D moves further toward the second end portion 512D, the sliding portion 620D of the movable body 600D contacts the proximal end portion 710D of the fixing portion 700D, as shown in Fig. 23. Then, the fixing portion 700D is pushed and moved by the sliding portion 620D, and the distal end portion 720D of the fixing portion 700D moves to be pushed toward the periphery of the partition portion 190D. Therefore, the arc-extinguishing material 290D around the distal end portion 720D of the fixing portion 700D is pushed out to fill the void around the partition portion 190D, and the arc-extinguishing material 190D is again fixed and secured around the partition portion 290D. When the fuse element 100D is split to cut off the overcurrent, the arc generated around the partition portion 190D can be effectively extinguished by the arc-extinguishing material 290D being fixed and secured again.

[0087] By setting the Fig. 21, the movement timing and distance of the fixing portion 700D can be appropriately changed. As a result, the timing, force, and amount for fixing and securing the arc extinguishing material 290D around the partition portion 190D can be adjusted, so that the arc can be extinguished more efficiently. Furthermore, although the power source 501D is used as the power for moving the movable body 600D, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the drive mechanism 500D may include the electromagnetic coil trigger device 800C and the compression spring 540C described in the fourth embodiment instead of the power source 501D. <Sechstes Ausführungsbeispiel>

[0088] Next, a fuse element 100E of an electrical circuit breaking device 900E of the present invention according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 24(a). Fig. 24(a) is a side view of the fuse element 100E. Further, the configuration of the electrical circuit breaking device 900E according to the sixth embodiment differs from the configuration of the electrical circuit breaking device 900 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the fuse element 100E, but the other configurations are substantially the same as the configuration of the electrical circuit breaking device 900 according to the first embodiment, and therefore, the description of the same configurations is omitted.

[0089] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 24(a), the fuse element 100E does not include the fusible portion 120 of the fuse element 100 according to the first embodiment. By omitting the fusible portion 120, the resistance of the fuse element 100E can be reduced and power loss can be suppressed to be small. Specifically, the fuse element 100E includes a single thin, plate-shaped metal plate made of a metallic conductor such as copper and includes end portions 110E on both sides. Unlike the fuse element 100 according to the first embodiment, the fuse element 100E does not have a function of interrupting an overcurrent by burning through the fusible portion 120 when an overcurrent flows.However, when an abnormal current flows, the movable part 300E moves laterally, and the end portion 110E connected to a movable part 300E is pulled laterally, so that the fuse element 100E can be split at any position to interrupt the overcurrent. In addition, a notch 101E can be provided at any location on the fuse element 100E to form a narrow portion 102E that is more sensitive to the external force than other portions. By providing the narrow portion 102E, the force when the end portion 110E is pulled laterally can be concentrated and split in the narrow portion 102E, so that the split portion can be limited to a specific location as intended. This enables efficient extinguishing of the arc generated at the time of splitting. <Siebtes Ausführungsbeispiel>

[0090] Hereinafter, a fuse element 100F of a circuit interrupting device 900F of the present invention according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 24(b). Fig. 24(b) is a side view of the fuse element 100F. Further, the configuration of the electric circuit breaking device 900F according to the seventh embodiment differs from the configuration of the electric circuit breaking device 900 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the fuse element 100F, but the other configurations are substantially the same as the configuration of the electric circuit breaking device 900 according to the first embodiment, and therefore, the description of the same configurations is omitted.

[0091] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 24(b), the fuse element 100F includes a single thin, plate-shaped metal plate made of a metallic conductor such as copper, and includes end portions 110F on both sides, a plurality of narrow portions (fusible portions) 120F located between the end portions 110F, and traction-assisting portions 150F on both sides of the central narrow portion 120F. The narrow portion 120F has a plurality of small openings 121F in a part of the fuse element 100F with a narrowed width to generate heat and burn out when an inadvertent overcurrent flows in an electrical circuit or the like to cut off the overcurrent. Further, a distal end 151F of the traction-assisting portion 150F is coupled to be adjacent to the central narrow portion 120F.One end 152F of one traction-assisting portion 150F is fixed to a part of a receiving portion 200F in which the securing element 100F is housed, and one end 152F of the other traction-assisting portion 150F is fixed to a movable part 300F.

[0092] Then, when an abnormal current flows, the movable part 300F moves laterally, and the end portion 110F coupled to the movable part 300F is pulled laterally, so that the vicinity of the narrow portion 122F in the center of the fuse element 100F is divided, and an overcurrent can be cut off. At this time, since the central narrow portion 120F on both sides is pulled by the pulling force assisting portions 150F on both sides, the pulling force can be concentrated on the central narrow portion 120F rather than the other narrow portions 120F, and the central narrow portion 120F can be preferentially divided. As a result, the central narrow portion 120F can be confined as a division portion as intended, and the arc generated at the time of division can be efficiently extinguished.Note that although the central narrow portion 120F is defined as the partition portion, the present invention is not limited thereto, and if the traction assisting portions 150F are provided on both sides of the narrow portion 120F at an arbitrary position, the narrow portion 120F can be defined at the arbitrary position as the partition portion. <Achtes Ausführungsbeispiel>

[0093] Hereinafter, a fuse element 100G of a circuit interrupting device 900G of the present invention according to the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 24(c). Fig. 24(c) is a side view of the fuse element 100G. Further, the configuration of the electrical circuit breaking device 900G according to the eighth embodiment differs from the configuration of the electrical circuit breaking device 900 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the fuse element 100G, but the other configurations are substantially the same as the configuration of the electrical circuit breaking device 900 according to the first embodiment, and therefore, the description of the same configurations is omitted.

[0094] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 24(c), the fuse element 100G includes a single thin, plate-shaped metal plate made of a metallic conductor such as copper, and includes end portions 110G on both sides and a plurality of narrow portions (fusible portions) 120G located between the end portions 110G. The narrow portion 120G has a plurality of small openings 121G in a part of the fuse element 100G with a narrowed width to generate heat and blow out when an inadvertent overcurrent flows in a circuit or the like to cut off the overcurrent. Further, traction assisting portions 150G are attached to both sides of the central narrow portion 120G. The traction assisting portion 150G is an inorganic thread-like body, and a distal end 151G of the traction assisting portion 150G is connected to be adjacent to the central narrow portion 120G.One end 152G of one tension-assisting portion 150G is fixed to a part of the receiving portion 200G in which the securing element 100G is housed, and one end 152G of the other tension-assisting portion 150G is fixed to a movable part 300G. The tension-assisting portion 150G is in a stretched state so that it cannot be bent, and the tension-assisting portion 150G is made of a material that does not stretch when the securing element 100G is pulled.

[0095] Then, when an abnormal current flows, the movable part 300G moves laterally, and the end portion 110G coupled to the movable part 300G is pulled laterally, so that the vicinity of the central narrow portion 120G of the fuse element 100G is divided, and an overcurrent can be cut off. At this time, since the central narrow portion 120G is pulled on both sides by the pulling force assisting portions 150G on both sides, the pulling force can be concentrated and preferentially divided in the central narrow portion 120G rather than in the other narrow portions 120G. As a result, the central narrow portion 120G can be confined as a division portion as intended, and the arc generated at the time of division can be efficiently extinguished.Note that although the central narrow portion 120G is defined as the partition portion, the present invention is not limited thereto. If the tensile force assisting portions 150G are provided at any position on both sides of the narrow portion 120G, the narrow portion 120G can be defined at any position as the partition portion. Furthermore, the tensile force assisting portion 150G is not limited to the inorganic thread-like body and can have any shape made of any material, as long as both sides of the narrow portion 120G can be tensile at any location. <Neuntes Ausführungsbeispiel>

[0096] Next, a circuit breaking device 900H of the present invention according to the ninth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 25 and Fig. 26 described. Fig. 25 is a plan view of the circuit interrupting device 900H, and Fig. 26 is a plan view showing a state in which a movable body 600H is opposite to the one shown in Fig. 25. Moreover, the configuration of the electric circuit breaking device 900H according to the ninth embodiment differs from the configuration of the electric circuit breaking device 900B according to the third embodiment in the configuration of a conductor portion 970H constituting the connection maintaining structure and the configuration of a movable part 300H. However, the other configurations are substantially the same as the configuration of the electric circuit breaking device 900B according to the third embodiment, and therefore, the description of the same configurations will be omitted.

[0097] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 25, the metallic conductor portion 970H, which is made of an electric wire, has a proximal end portion 971H connected to the other external connection terminal 910H (right side in the drawing), and a distal end portion 973H electrically and physically connected and fixed to an end portion 110H of a fuse element 100H. A movable part 300H is physically connected to the end portion 110H of each fuse element 100H, but the movable part 300H is not electrically connected to the end portion 110H of each fuse element 100H because the movable part 300H is made of an insulating material such as resin.

[0098] As described later, the conductor portion 970H formed of an electric wire is deformable so that it is bent when the movable part 300H slides laterally. Therefore, the conductor portion 970H constitutes a connection maintaining structure that maintains an electrical connection between the fuse element 100H and the external connection terminal 910H.

[0099] Next, with reference to Fig. 26, a case is described in which an external monitoring device detects that an abnormal current has flowed and transmits an abnormality signal to a power source 501H of a drive mechanism 500H of the circuit breaking device 900H.

[0100] As in Fig.As shown in Fig. 26, when the movable body 600H moves to a second end portion 512H, a distal end 611H of a projection 610H of the movable body 600H comes into contact with the movable part 300H. Then, the movable part 300H is pushed by the movable body 600H, and the entire movable part 300H moves laterally. When the movable part 300H moves laterally, the end portion 110H of the fuse element 100H connected to the movable part 300H is pulled laterally. Then, the fuse element 100H is physically divided into left and right parts by the tensile force FH to cut off the overcurrent.

[0101] As the movable part 300H moves and the end portion 110H of the fuse element 100H slides, the conductor portion 970H constituting the connection maintenance structure bends, but the conductor portion 970H maintains a state of being electrically and physically connected to the end portion 110H of the fuse element 100H and the external connection terminal 910H. Therefore, the current flows from the external connection terminal 910H to the fuse element 100H through the conductor portion 970H and can stably flow in the circuit until the end portion 110H of the fuse element 100H starts to move and the arc generated by the division of the fuse element 100H is extinguished.

[0102] The movable part 300H is made of an insulating material such as resin, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be made of a conductor such as metal. Since the end portion 110H of each fuse element 100H can be pulled simultaneously with an equal pulling force regardless of whether the movable part 300H is an insulator or a conductor, each fuse element 100H can be efficiently split. Moreover, the conductor portion 970H is configured by an electric wire that is deformable to be bent, but the present invention is not limited to this.As long as the conductor portion 970H can be deformed so that the electrical connection between the external connection terminal 910H and the end portion 110H of the fuse element 100H can be maintained until the end portion 110H of the fuse element 100H is pulled and split, the conductor portion 970H can have any shape, such as a bus bar with flexibility.

[0103] Furthermore, the circuit breaking device of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and combinations are possible within the scope of the claims and the scope of the embodiments, and these modifications and combinations are also included in the scope of the law. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2020-080298

[0005]

Claims

[1] A circuit breaker comprising: a receiving portion; external connection terminals on both sides; a fuse element accommodated in the receiving portion; and an arc extinguishing material, wherein the circuit interruption device comprises a drive mechanism configured to apply a tensile force to an end portion of the securing element to split the securing element, and a connection maintenance structure that maintains an electrical connection between the fuse element and the external connection terminals until the fuse element is split. [2] The circuit interrupting device according to claim 1, further comprising: a movable part connected to an end portion of the securing element, wherein the movable part is moved by the drive mechanism, and the movable part exerts a tensile force on an end portion of the securing element to split the securing element. [3] Circuit interrupting device according to claim 2, wherein the drive mechanism comprises an energy source and a movable body that moves due to the energy generated by the energy source, and wherein the moving body moves the moving part. [4] Circuit interruption device according to claim 3, characterized by , that before the movable body moves, the movable body is spaced from the movable part, and wherein after the moving body has started moving, the moving body comes into contact with the moving part, and the moving part moves. [5] Circuit interruption device according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the connection maintenance structure comprises mutually facing clamping plates, and wherein the movable part comprises a sliding portion which is movable between the clamping plates while being clamped on both sides by the clamping plates and electrically connected. [6] Circuit interrupting device according to claim 5, wherein the sliding portion has a conductive portion which can be electrically connected to the clamping plates and an insulating portion spaced from the conductive portion, and wherein the conductive part is located between the clamping plates before the moving part moves, and the insulating section is located between the clamping plates after the moving part has moved. [7] Circuit interruption device according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the connection maintenance structure includes a plastically deformable conductor, and wherein the conductor is connected to the external connection terminal and the moving part. [8] Circuit interruption device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the receiving portion receives a fastening portion for fastening and fixing the arc extinguishing material, and wherein the drive mechanism moves the fixing portion toward a periphery of a dividing portion of the fuse element to fix and secure the arc extinguishing material. [9] The circuit breaker device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fuse element has a narrow portion, and comprises a tensile force assisting portion that concentrates and divides the tensile force in the narrow portion.

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