Electromagnetic relay

Abstract

To provide an electromagnetic relay capable of quickly extinguishing an arc when the arc occurs.SOLUTION: A circuit breaker (100) includes a fixed terminal (1), a movable contactor (3), a moving mechanism, an igniter (51), and a housing chamber (70). The fixed terminal (1) has a fixed contact (11). The movable contactor (3) has a movable contact (31) connected to the fixed contact (11). The moving mechanism moves the movable contactor (3) from a closed position where the movable contact (31) is connected to the fixed contact (11) to an open position where the movable contact (31) is separated from the fixed contact (11). The igniter (51) generates gas by combustion. The housing chamber (70) houses the fixed contact (11) and the movable contactor (3). In the circuit breaker (100), gas is introduced into the housing chamber (70).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electromagnetic relays. [Background technology]

[0002] US Pat. No. 5,399,433 discloses a circuit breaker with a pyrotechnic actuator intended to be mounted on motor vehicles, in particular electric vehicles.

[0003] The circuit breaker of Patent Document 1 includes a conductor, a housing, a matrix, a punch, and a pyrotechnic actuator.

[0004] The housing is partially traversed by an electrical conductor, the ends of which form two connection terminals for the circuit breaker. The matrix and punches are disposed on either side (upper and lower) of the electrical conductor.

[0005] The pyrotechnic actuator, when fired, moves the punch from a first position to a second position. The punch and the matrix break (split) the conductor as the punch moves from the first position to the second position. The punch includes a groove. With the punch in the second position, the groove of the punch is engaged in the matrix, thereby dividing the space in the housing to form two cutting chambers.

[0006] As the punch advances from the first position to the second position and severs the conductor, an electric arc is formed which travels through a passage between the cutting chamber and the bottom of the punch groove, and adjacent the passage is provided material which is ablated by the electric arc to increase the voltage of the electric arc.

[0007] In an electromagnetic relay such as a circuit breaker, it is desirable to quickly extinguish an arc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2017-507469 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an electromagnetic relay that is capable of quickly extinguishing an arc when it occurs.

[0010] An electromagnetic relay according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first fixed terminal, a second fixed terminal, a movable contact, a pyro actuator, a housing, a coil, a movable contact, and a shaft. The first fixed terminal includes a first fixed contact. The second fixed terminal includes a second fixed contact located to the right of the first fixed contact. The movable contact includes a first end portion at which a first movable contact located below the first fixed contact is provided, a second end portion at which a second movable contact located below the second fixed contact is provided, and an intermediate portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion. The pyro actuator includes a piston provided above the intermediate portion, and an igniter that includes explosives and moves the piston toward the movable contact by combustion of the explosives. The housing accommodates the first fixed contact, the second fixed contact, and the movable contact. The coil is disposed outside the housing. The movable contact moves upward or downward by energization of the coil. The shaft is disposed below the intermediate portion, and moves upward when the movable element moves upward, and moves downward when the movable element moves downward. The movable contactor moves between a closed position where the first fixed contact and the first movable contact are in contact and the second fixed contact and the second movable contact are in contact, and a first open position where the first movable contact is separated from the first fixed contact and the second movable contact is separated from the second fixed contact, by the upward or downward movement of the shaft. The movable contactor is moved to a second open position located lower than the first open position by the piston moving toward the movable contactor when the explosive of the igniter burns. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, when an arc occurs, it is possible to quickly extinguish the arc. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical circuit interruption device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part of the above-mentioned circuit breaking device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the above-mentioned electrical circuit interrupting device taken in a direction perpendicular to FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a pyro-actuator included in the circuit breaking device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram for explaining a power supply system including the above-mentioned circuit interrupting device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the circuit breaking device during operation. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the circuit breaking device after operation. [Figure 8] 8A to 8C are diagrams for explaining how an arc is stretched by gas in the above electric circuit interrupting device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical circuit interrupting device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the circuit breaking device after operation. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical circuit interrupting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the circuit breaking device after operation. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view of an electrical circuit interrupting device according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view of the above-mentioned electrical circuit interrupting device as viewed from a direction perpendicular to FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side view of the above circuit breaking device after operation. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical circuit interrupting device according to a second modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a movable contact of the above-mentioned electric circuit interrupting device. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical circuit interrupting device according to a third modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the circuit breaker of the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the above circuit breaker in an OFF state. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the circuit breaking device after operation. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical circuit interrupting device according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the above circuit breaker in an OFF state. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical circuit interrupting device according to the third embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the circuit breaking device after operation. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical circuit interrupting device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the above circuit breaker in an OFF state. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the circuit breaking device after operation. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical circuit interrupting device according to the fifth embodiment. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the above circuit breaker in an OFF state. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the circuit breaking device after operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and modifications, and various modifications can be made according to the design, etc., without departing from the technical ideas of the present disclosure. In addition, the figures described in the following embodiments and modifications are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the figures do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0014] (1) Embodiment 1 An electric circuit interruption device (current interruption device) 100 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7.

[0015] (1.1) Overview As shown in FIG. 1, the electrical circuit interrupting device 100 of the first embodiment includes a first fixed terminal (fixed terminal) 1, a second fixed terminal 2, a movable contact (movable terminal) 3, a holding portion 4, a pyroactuator 5, and an accommodation chamber 70.

[0016] The first fixed terminal 1 has a first fixed contact (fixed contact) 11. The first fixed terminal 1 has a first electrode 12 connected to a first end of an electric circuit.

[0017] The second fixed terminal 2 has a second fixed contact 21. The second fixed terminal 2 has a second electrode 22 connected to a second end of the electric circuit.

[0018] The movable contactor 3 has a first movable contact (movable contact) 31. The first movable contact 31 is connected to the first fixed contact 11. The movable contactor 3 has a second movable contact 32. The second movable contact 32 is connected to the second fixed contact 21. In this embodiment, the movable contactor 3 is formed separately from each of the first fixed terminal 1 and the second fixed terminal 2.

[0019] The first fixed contact 11, the second fixed contact 21, and the movable contactor 3 (the first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32) are accommodated in the accommodation chamber .

[0020] The holding portion 4 holds the movable contactor 3 such that the first movable contact 31 is connected to the first fixed contact 11 and the second movable contact 32 is connected to the second fixed contact 21. In particular, when no current flows through the movable contactor 3 (when not energized), the holding portion 4 holds the movable contactor 3 such that the first movable contact 31 is connected to the first fixed contact 11 and the second movable contact 32 is connected to the second fixed contact 21.

[0021] Hereinafter, the position of the movable contactor 3 in which the first movable contact 31 is connected to the first fixed contact 11 is referred to as the closed position. In addition, in the closed position, the second movable contact 32 and the second fixed contact 21 are also connected.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the pyroactuator 5 includes an igniter 51, a case 52, and a piston 53.

[0023] The igniter (squib) 51 is housed in the case 52. The igniter 51 generates gas by combustion. The igniter 51 includes a heating element and gunpowder (fuel). When an electric signal flows through the heating element and the heating element generates heat, the gunpowder ignites. When the igniter 51 is ignited, the gunpowder burns and generates gas. The gas generated by the igniter 51 has electrical insulation properties. The gas generated by the igniter 51 is, for example, carbon monoxide gas, carbon dioxide gas, nitrogen gas, etc. The gas generated by the igniter 51 is introduced into the pressurized chamber 520 in the case 52, and increases the pressure in the pressurized chamber 520. In other words, the pressurized chamber 520 is subjected to the pressure of the gas generated by the igniter 51.

[0024] The piston 53 is moved by receiving the pressure in the pressurizing chamber 520 at the first end 531, and applies a force (directly or indirectly) to the movable contact 3 at the second end 532 in a direction away from the fixed terminal (first fixed terminal) 1, thereby moving the movable contact 3. More specifically, the piston 53 receives the pressure of the pressurizing chamber 520 at the first end 531, and is pushed by the increased pressure in the pressurizing chamber 520 to push the movable contact 3 at the second end 532. The piston 53 receives a large pressure in the pressurizing chamber 520, and moves at high speed in a direction away from the igniter 51 (downward in FIG. 1), and pushes the movable contact 3. The piston 53 is pushed by the pressure in the pressurizing chamber 520 and moves from the first position (position shown in FIG. 1) to the second position (position shown in FIG. 7). The movement of the piston 53 from the first position to the second position expands the pressurizing chamber 520 (a space in the case 52 where the gas of the igniter 51 is introduced and the pressure increases).

[0025] The movable contactor 3 is pushed by the piston 53 and moves within the accommodation chamber 70. The movable contactor 3 is pushed and moved by the piston 53, and as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the first movable contact 31 is pulled away from the first fixed contact 11 and the second movable contact 32 is pulled away from the second fixed contact 21. This breaks the electric path between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 22. Thus, in this embodiment, the pressurizing chamber 520 and the piston 53 function as a moving mechanism that moves the movable contactor 3 from a position where the movable contact (first movable contact) 31 is connected to the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11 to a position where the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact.

[0026] Hereinafter, the position of the movable contactor 3 where the first movable contact 31 is farthest from the first fixed contact 11 (the position of the movable contactor 3 shown in FIG. 7) will be referred to as the open position. Note that in the open position, the second movable contact 32 is also far from the second fixed contact 21.

[0027] 1, a flow path 50 connecting the inside and outside of the case 52 is formed in the side wall of the case 52. A first end 501 of the flow path 50 is connected to the accommodation chamber 70, and a second end 502 of the flow path 50 is connected to the internal space of the case 52. However, when the piston 53 is in the first position, the second end 502 of the flow path 50 is not connected to the pressurizing chamber 520 (see FIG. 1).

[0028] When the piston 53 moves from the first position (see FIG. 1) to the second position (see FIG. 7), the pressurizing chamber 520 expands and the second end 502 of the flow passage 50 connects to the pressurizing chamber 520. As a result, the pressurizing chamber 520 and the accommodation chamber 70 are connected via the flow passage 50. Therefore, the gas generated in the igniter 51 is introduced into the accommodation chamber 70 through the pressurizing chamber 520 and the flow passage 50.

[0029] The first fixed contact 11 and the first movable contact 31 are accommodated in the accommodation chamber 70. Here, as described above, the gas generated by the igniter 51 is introduced into the accommodation chamber 70. As a result, the arc generated between the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11 and the movable contact (first movable contact) 31 (predetermined space S1) is cooled by the gas generated by the igniter 51. Here, "cooling the arc" means increasing the insulation of the plasma or metal vapor of the arc discharge. The arc is cooled, for example, by increasing the pressure in the predetermined space S1 by introducing an electrically insulating gas, spraying an electrically insulating gas onto the arc, or the like. When the arc is cooled, the electric field strength (voltage per unit length) of the arc increases, and the length of the arc that can exist in a state where a certain voltage is applied to both ends of the arc becomes shorter, facilitating extinction of the arc.

[0030] In this manner, in the electric circuit interrupting device 100, when the movable contact (first movable contact) 31 is separated from the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11, the gas generated by the igniter 51 is introduced into the accommodation chamber 70 (specifically, the predetermined space S1). As a result, when an arc occurs between the contacts, the arc is cooled by the gas. Therefore, the electric circuit interrupting device 100 can quickly extinguish the arc.

[0031] (1.2) Details Hereinafter, the electrical circuit interruption device 100 of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figs.

[0032] (1.2.1) Power System As shown in FIG. 5, an electrical circuit interruption device 100 of the present embodiment is used as a fuse in a power supply system 200, for example.

[0033] Power supply system 200 is mounted on vehicle 300, such as an electric vehicle, and drives motor 3002 connected via inverter 3001 to run vehicle 300. In vehicle 300, a precharge capacitor 3003 is connected in parallel to inverter 3001, as shown in FIG.

[0034] During power running, inverter 3001 converts DC power supplied from power supply system 200 into AC power and supplies it to motor 3002, and during regeneration, converts AC power supplied from motor 3002 into DC power and supplies it to power supply system 200. Motor 3002 is, for example, a three-phase AC synchronous motor.

[0035] In addition to the electrical circuit interruption device 100, the power supply system 200 includes a battery 201, a first main relay 202, a second main relay 203, a pre-charge resistor 204, a pre-charge relay 205, a current sensor (shunt resistor) 206, and a control circuit 207.

[0036] The battery 201 includes a plurality of battery cells connected in series. The battery cells may be, for example, nickel-metal hydride battery cells, lithium-ion battery cells, or the like.

[0037] A first terminal of the first main relay 202 is connected to the positive electrode of the battery 201, and a second terminal of the first main relay 202 is connected to a first input terminal (high potential side input terminal) of the inverter 3001.

[0038] A first terminal of the second main relay 203 is connected to the negative electrode of the battery 201 via the current sensor 206 and the circuit interruption device 100, and a second terminal is connected to a second input terminal (low potential side input terminal) of the inverter 3001.

[0039] A series circuit of a pre-charge resistor 204 and a pre-charge relay 205 is connected in parallel to the first main relay 202 .

[0040] The control circuit 207 controls the operations of the first main relay 202 , the second main relay 203 , the pre-charge relay 205 , and the electrical circuit interruption device 100 .

[0041] When starting to supply power to the motor 3002, the control circuit 207 closes the pre-charge relay 205 and the second main relay 203 to charge the pre-charge capacitor 3003. This suppresses an inrush current to the motor 3002. After completing charging of the pre-charge capacitor 3003, the control circuit 207 opens the pre-charge relay 205 and closes the first main relay 202 to start supplying power from the power supply system 200.

[0042] Furthermore, the control circuit 207 detects the occurrence of an abnormality in the circuit including the power supply system 200 based on the current detected by the current sensor 206. When an abnormality occurs in the circuit including the power supply system 200, the control circuit 207 operates (starts) at least one of the first main relay 202, the second main relay 203, and the circuit interruption device 100 to interrupt the circuit.

[0043] For example, when the time during which the magnitude of the current detected by the current sensor 206 exceeds a first threshold continues for a first period of time, the control circuit 207 opens at least one of the first main relay 202 and the second main relay 203. This breaks the circuit. In this case, for example, when the control circuit 207 closes the opened relays (the first main relay 202 and the second main relay 203) again, a circuit is formed again and the supply of power from the power supply system 200 to the motor 3002 is resumed.

[0044] On the other hand, the control circuit 207 operates the circuit interruption device 100 when, for example, the time during which the magnitude of the current detected by the current sensor 206 exceeds the second threshold value (>first threshold value) continues for a second time. This breaks the circuit. The circuit interruption device 100 is a breaker that breaks the electric path of the circuit. Since the circuit interruption device 100 continues to break the electric path once it is operated (activated), the supply of power from the power supply system 200 to the motor 3002 is stopped after the circuit interruption device 100 is activated. Therefore, when an accident occurs in the vehicle 300, the circuit interruption device 100 operates, making it possible to cut off the power supply system 200.

[0045] (1.2.2) Configuration Next, the configuration of the electrical circuit interruption device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0046] As described above, the electrical circuit interrupting device 100 includes the first fixed terminal 1, the second fixed terminal 2, the movable contactor 3, the holding portion 4, and the pyro-actuator 5. Furthermore, as shown in FIG 1, the electrical circuit interrupting device 100 includes a first yoke (lower yoke) 61, a second yoke (upper yoke) 62, and a housing 7 having an accommodation chamber 70.

[0047] The movable contactor 3 of this embodiment is a plate-like member made of a conductive metal material and is formed long in one direction. The movable contactor 3 has a first movable contact 31 at a first end in the longitudinal direction and a second movable contact 32 at a second end. The first fixed terminal 1 and the second fixed terminal 2 are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the movable contactor 3. The first fixed terminal 1 has a first fixed contact 11 at a position facing the first movable contact 31 of the movable contactor 3, and the second fixed terminal 2 has a second fixed contact 21 at a position facing the second movable contact 32 of the movable contactor 3.

[0048] For ease of explanation, the opposing direction of the first fixed contact 11 and the first movable contact 31 (opposing direction of the second fixed contact 21 and the second movable contact 32; the up-down direction in FIG. 1) is defined as the up-down direction, and the first fixed contact 11 side as viewed from the first movable contact 31 is defined as the upper side. The direction in which the first fixed terminal 1 and the second fixed terminal 2 are arranged side by side (the left-right direction in FIG. 1) is defined as the left-right direction, and the second fixed terminal 2 side as viewed from the first fixed terminal 1 is defined as the right side. That is, the up-down, left-right, and right-left directions in FIG. 1 are hereinafter described as up-down, left-right, and right-left. The direction perpendicular to both the up-down and left-right directions (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1) is hereinafter described as the front-rear direction. However, these directions are not intended to limit the use of the electrical circuit interrupting device 100.

[0049] The first fixed terminal 1 and the second fixed terminal 2 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction (see FIG. 1). Each of the first fixed terminal 1 and the second fixed terminal 2 is made of a conductive metal material. The first fixed terminal 1 and the second fixed terminal 2 function as terminals for connecting an external electric circuit (a circuit constituting the above-mentioned power supply system 200) to the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 21. In this embodiment, each of the first fixed terminal 1 and the second fixed terminal 2 is formed of copper (Cu) as an example. However, without being limited thereto, each of the first fixed terminal 1 and the second fixed terminal 2 may be formed of a conductive material other than copper.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, the first fixed terminal 1 integrally includes a connection piece 110, an electrode piece 120, a linking piece 130, and an electric path piece 140.

[0051] The connection piece 110 is a rectangular plate having a thickness in the up-down direction and a length in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the lower surface of the connection piece 110 functions as the first fixed contact 11, but is not limited to this. The first fixed contact 11 may be made of a separate member from the connection piece 110 and fixed to the connection piece 110 by welding or the like, for example.

[0052] The electrode piece 120 is a plate having a thickness in the front-rear direction. The electrode piece 120 is square-shaped and has a through-hole in the center. The electrode piece 120 is connected to the first end of the external electric circuit. In other words, the electrode piece 120 functions as the first electrode 12 connected to the first end of the external electric circuit.

[0053] The connecting piece 130 is a rectangular plate that is thick in the left-right direction and long in the up-down direction.

[0054] The electric circuit piece 140 is a plate having a thickness in the front-rear direction. The electric circuit piece 140 connects between the electrode piece 120 and the connecting piece 130. The left side of the electric circuit piece 140 is connected to the upper part of the right side of the electrode piece 120. The right side of the electric circuit piece 140 is connected to the center of the left surface of the connecting piece 130.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 2, the second fixed terminal 2 integrally includes a connection piece 210, an electrode piece 220, a linking piece 230, and an electric path piece 240.

[0056] The connection piece 210 is a rectangular plate having a thickness in the up-down direction and a length in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the lower surface of the connection piece 210 functions as the second fixed contact 21, but is not limited to this. The second fixed contact 21 may be made of a separate member from the connection piece 210 and fixed to the connection piece 210 by welding or the like, for example.

[0057] The electrode piece 220 is a plate having a thickness in the front-rear direction. The electrode piece 220 is square-shaped and has a through-hole in the center. The electrode piece 220 is connected to the second end of the external electric circuit. In other words, the electrode piece 220 functions as the second electrode 22 connected to the second end of the external electric circuit.

[0058] The connecting piece 230 is a rectangular plate that is thick in the left-right direction and long in the up-down direction.

[0059] The electric circuit piece 240 is a plate having a thickness in the front-rear direction. The electric circuit piece 240 connects between the electrode piece 220 and the connecting piece 230. The right side of the electric circuit piece 240 is connected to the upper part of the left side of the electrode piece 220. The left side of the electric circuit piece 240 is connected to the center of the right surface of the connecting piece 230.

[0060] 1, the first fixed terminal 1 is fixed to the housing 7 with the electrode piece 120 exposed to the outside from the left wall of the housing 7, and the lower end of the linking piece 130 and the connection piece 110 housed in the internal space (accommodation chamber 70) of the housing 7. The second fixed terminal 2 is fixed to the housing 7 with the electrode piece 220 exposed to the outside from the right wall of the housing 7, and the lower end of the linking piece 230 and the connection piece 210 housed in the internal space (accommodation chamber 70) of the housing 7.

[0061] 1 to 3, the movable contactor 3 is formed in a plate shape that has a thickness in the up-down direction and is longer in the left-right direction than in the front-rear direction. The movable contactor 3 is disposed below the connection pieces 110 and 210 so that both ends in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) face (connect) to the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 21 (see FIG. 1). A first movable contact 31 is provided at a portion of the movable contactor 3 facing the first fixed contact 11, and a second movable contact 32 is provided at a portion of the movable contactor 3 facing the second fixed contact 21 (see FIG. 1).

[0062] In this embodiment, the first movable contact 31 is in contact with the first fixed contact 11. More specifically, the first movable contact 31 is in surface contact with the first fixed contact 11. Furthermore, the second movable contact 32 is in contact with the second fixed contact 21. More specifically, the second movable contact 32 is in surface contact with the second fixed contact 21.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first movable contact 31 is a separate member from the movable contactor 3, made of silver (Ag), and fixed to the movable contactor 3 by welding or the like. Similarly, the second movable contact 32 is a separate member from the movable contactor 3, made of silver (Ag), and fixed to the movable contactor 3 by welding or the like. However, this is not limited to this, and each of the first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32 may be configured integrally with the movable contactor 3 by, for example, stamping out a part of the movable contactor 3.

[0064] 1, the movable contactor 3 is accommodated in an internal space (accommodation chamber 70) of a housing 7. The movable contactor 3 is held by a holding portion 4 such that the first movable contact 31 is connected to the first fixed contact 11, and the second movable contact 32 is connected to the second fixed contact 21.

[0065] The first fixed terminal 1 and the second fixed terminal 2 are short-circuited via the movable contactor 3. That is, the first electrode 12 of the first fixed terminal 1 is electrically connected to the second electrode 22 of the second fixed terminal 2 via the first fixed contact 11, the first movable contact 31, the movable contactor 3, the second movable contact 32, and the second fixed contact 21 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, when the first electrode 12 is electrically connected to the first end of the electric circuit and the second electrode 22 is electrically connected to the second end, the electric circuit interruption device 100 forms an electric circuit between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 22.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the housing 7 includes an inner cylinder body 71, an outer cylinder body 72, and a cover member 73.

[0067] The inner cylinder 71 is formed from an electrically insulating material, such as a resin material. The inner cylinder 71 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with a closed bottom and an open top. A cylindrical holding rib 711 is provided on the upper surface of the lower wall of the inner cylinder 71 (the bottom surface of the inner cylinder 71). The holding rib 711 is formed concentrically with the inner cylinder 71.

[0068] The outer cylinder 72 is formed, for example, from a metal material. The outer cylinder 72 is preferably formed from a non-magnetic metal material. The non-magnetic metal material is, for example, austenitic stainless steel such as SUS304. However, the material of the outer cylinder 72 does not have to be non-magnetic, and may be, for example, an alloy mainly composed of iron, such as 42 alloy.

[0069] The outer cylinder 72 is concentric with the inner cylinder 71 and is formed in a cylindrical shape with a closed bottom and an open top. The outer cylinder 72 is provided so as to cover the periphery of the inner cylinder 71. In other words, the outer cylinder 72 is a strength member that improves the strength of the housing 7 (the strength of the outer wall of the storage chamber 70).

[0070] The inner cylinder 71 may be integrally formed with the outer cylinder 72 by, for example, insert molding, etc. Also, the housing 7 does not necessarily have to include the outer cylinder 72.

[0071] The cover member 73 is made of an electrically insulating material, such as a resin material. The cover member 73 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a closed top and an open bottom. The cover member 73 is integrally formed with the first fixed terminal 1 and the second fixed terminal 2, for example, by insert molding.

[0072] The thickness of the top wall of the cover member 73 is thicker than the thickness of the side wall of the cover member 73. A through hole 731 concentric with the cover member 73 is formed in the center of the top wall of the cover member 73. The pyroactuator 5 is disposed in the through hole 731 of the cover member 73. The lower end of the pyroactuator 5 protrudes from the lower surface (inner surface) of the top wall of the cover member 73. The through hole 731 is airtightly sealed by the pyroactuator 5 (its case 52).

[0073] An annular groove 732 is formed on the lower surface of the side wall of the cover member 73. The upper edges of the inner cylinder 71 and the outer cylinder 72 are inserted into the groove 732, whereby the inner cylinder 71 and the outer cylinder 72 are joined to the cover member 73. As a result, the housing 7 has an airtight internal space (accommodation chamber 70) surrounded by the inner cylinder 71 and the cover member 73. The first fixed contact 11, the second fixed contact 21, and the movable contactor 3 are accommodated in the internal space (accommodation chamber 70) of the housing 7.

[0074] In this embodiment, the shape of the housing 7 is a substantially cylindrical shape having an internal space (accommodation chamber 70), but is not limited to this. The housing 7 may have any shape having an internal space (accommodation chamber 70) for accommodating the first fixed contact 11, the second fixed contact 21, and the movable contact 3, and may have other shapes such as a hollow polygonal prism (for example, a hollow rectangular parallelepiped).

[0075] The first yoke 61 is a ferromagnetic material, and is formed of, for example, a metal material such as iron. The first yoke 61 is fixed to the lower surface of the movable contactor 3 and is integrated with the movable contactor 3 (see Figs. 1 and 3). In other words, the first yoke 61 is fixed to the surface of the movable contactor 3 opposite to the surface on which the first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32 are located.

[0076] When a current flows through the movable contactor 3, the first yoke 61 acts on the magnetic field generated by the current so that the magnetic field passes through the first yoke 61. In other words, when the first yoke 61 is not present, a (concentric) magnetic field is generated with the current flowing through the movable contactor 3 as the center, but when the first yoke 61 is present, the magnetic field changes so that the magnetic field passes through the first yoke 61. Therefore, the center of the magnetic field acting on the current flowing through the movable contactor 3 is induced toward the surface (i.e., the upper surface) on which the first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32 are located, and as a result, a force directed upward is relatively generated on the movable contactor 3. Therefore, when the first yoke 61 is present, the connection between the first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32 and the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 21 is more easily maintained than when the first yoke 61 is not present.

[0077] The first yoke 61 has a bottom surface formed with a fitting recess 610 recessed in a cylindrical shape.

[0078] The second yoke 62 is a ferromagnetic material, and is formed of, for example, a metal material such as iron. The second yoke 62 is fixed at a position facing the first yoke 61 across the movable contactor 3, and is spaced apart from the movable contactor 3. The second yoke 62 may abut against the second end 532 (lower end) of the piston 53 of the pyro-actuator 5. In this embodiment, the second yoke 62 is fixed to the second end 532 (lower end) of the piston 53 of the pyro-actuator 5. The second yoke 62 is disposed so as to face the center portion of the movable contactor 3 (see FIG. 2) and to leave a gap between the second yoke 62 and the movable contactor 3 so as not to come into contact with the movable contactor 3 (see FIG. 3). The second yoke 62 is electrically insulated from the movable contactor 3.

[0079] The second yoke 62 has a pair of protruding parts 621, 622 (see FIG. 3) protruding upward at both ends in the front-rear direction. In other words, the protruding parts 621, 622 facing the side surfaces of the movable contact 3 in the front-rear direction are formed at both ends in the front-rear direction on the upper surface of the second yoke 62. As shown in FIG. 3, the tip surface (lower end surface) of the front protruding part 621 of the pair of protruding parts 621, 622 is abutted against the front end part of the first yoke 61, and the tip surface (lower end surface) of the rear protruding part 622 is abutted against the rear end part of the first yoke 61. Therefore, when a current flows between the first fixed terminal 1 and the second fixed terminal 2 through the movable contact 3, a magnetic flux is generated that passes through a magnetic path formed by the first yoke 61 and the second yoke 62. At this time, the front end of the first yoke 61 and the protruding portion 621 at the front end of the second yoke 62 are magnetized with opposite polarities, and the rear end of the first yoke 61 and the protruding portion 622 at the rear end of the second yoke 62 are magnetized with opposite polarities. As a result, an attractive force acts between the first yoke 61 and the second yoke 62. Since the second yoke 62 is fixed to the second end 532 (lower end) of the piston 53, the first yoke 61 is attracted upward by this attractive force. As the first yoke 61 is attracted upward, an upward force acts on the movable contact 3 from the first yoke 61.

[0080] When a current flows through the movable contactor 3, an electromagnetic repulsive force may be generated due to the current, which pulls the first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32 away from the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 21. That is, when a current flows through the movable contactor 3, an electromagnetic repulsive force may act on the movable contactor 3 due to the Lorentz force in a direction that moves the movable contactor 3 downward.

[0081] In this embodiment, as described above, the first yoke 61 changes the magnetic field to pass through the first yoke 61, generating an upward force compared to when the first yoke 61 is not present. In addition, the above-mentioned attraction force acts between the first yoke 61 and the second yoke 62. As a result, the current flowing through the movable contactor 3 generates a force that pushes the movable contactor 3 upward, that is, a force that presses the first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32 against the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 21, respectively.

[0082] As described above, the first yoke 61 and the second yoke 62 function as a connection maintaining mechanism that generates a force maintaining the connection between the first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32 and the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 21 by the current flowing through the movable contactor 3.

[0083] Spacers 631, 632 made of an electrically insulating material, such as a resin material, are disposed between the protruding portions 621, 622 of the second yoke 62 and both ends in the front-rear direction of the upper surface of the first yoke 61 (see FIG. 3). This ensures electrical insulation between the second yoke 62 and the first yoke 61.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the holding part 4 of this embodiment includes a contact pressure spring 41. The contact pressure spring 41 is a coil spring. The contact pressure spring 41 is disposed between the bottom surface (inner surface) of the inner cylinder body 71 and the lower surface of the first yoke 61. The coil axis of the contact pressure spring 41 is aligned in the up-down direction. The holding rib 711 of the inner cylinder body 71 is inserted into the inside of the first end 411 of the contact pressure spring 41. The second end 412 of the contact pressure spring 41 is inserted into the fitting recess 610 of the first yoke 61. The contact pressure spring 41 applies an upward elastic force to the movable contactor 3 via the first yoke 61. That is, the electrical circuit interrupter 100 includes, as the holding part 4, an elastic part (contact pressure spring 41) that applies an elastic force to the movable contactor 3 in a direction in which the movable contact (first movable contact) 31 is connected to the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11 (direction toward the closed position).

[0085] The pressure spring 41 presses the movable contactor 3 upward via the first yoke 61. The pressure spring 41 holds the movable contactor 3 so that the first movable contact 31 is connected to the first fixed contact 11 and the second movable contact 32 is connected to the second fixed contact 21.

[0086] 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the pyro-actuator 5 of this embodiment. The pyro-actuator 5 of this embodiment has a so-called pin pusher structure in which the gas generated by the igniter 51 pushes out the piston 53 (pin 535).

[0087] As shown in FIG. 4, the pyro-actuator 5 includes an igniter 51, a case 52 having a pressurized chamber 520 therein, and a piston 53.

[0088] The igniter 51 includes a body 511 , a metal sleeve (metal can) 512 , a combustion portion 513 , a pair of pin electrodes 514 , and a heating element 515 .

[0089] The body 511 is formed of, for example, an electrically insulating resin material, and is formed in a cylindrical shape with an open top and a closed bottom. An internal space 5110 of the body 511 is sealed with an electrically insulating sealing material, for example, glass.

[0090] The metal sleeve 512 is made of a metal such as stainless steel, and has an integral cylindrical portion with a bottom that is open at the top and closed at the bottom, and a flange portion that protrudes laterally from the top end of the cylindrical portion. A cross groove or the like is formed in the center of the bottom wall of (the cylindrical portion of) the metal sleeve 512, the depth of which does not penetrate the bottom wall. In other words, a portion of the bottom wall of the metal sleeve 512 is a low-strength portion that is weaker (more likely to break) than other portions of the metal sleeve 512. The metal sleeve 512 is joined to the body 511 at the flange portion by adhesive or the like so as to cover the bottom surface of the body 511.

[0091] Combustion portion 513 contains explosives such as nitrocellulose. Combustion portion 513 is disposed in a space surrounded by body 511 and metal sleeve 512. The explosives contained in combustion portion 513 may be any material that generates an electrically insulating gas when burned, and are not limited to nitrocellulose.

[0092] Each of the pair of pin electrodes 514 has a first end located within the combustion section 513 (in the space surrounded by the body 511 and the metal sleeve 512), and a second end exposed to the outside of the pyro-actuator 5 through the body 511. The second ends of the pair of pin electrodes 514 are connected to the control circuit 207.

[0093] Heating element 515 is an element that generates heat when electricity is applied, and is a nichrome wire in this embodiment. Heating element 515 is disposed in combustion section 513 (in a space surrounded by body 511 and metal sleeve 512). Heating element 515 is connected between first ends of a pair of pin electrodes 514.

[0094] In the igniter 51, when a current is applied between the pair of pin electrodes 514 by a current from the control circuit 207, the heating element 515 generates heat, and the temperature of the combustion section 513 rises. When the temperature of the combustion section 513 (the portion surrounding the heating element 515) exceeds the ignition temperature, the gunpowder burns explosively and a large amount of gas (e.g., carbon monoxide gas, carbon dioxide gas, nitrogen gas) is instantly generated. When the pressure inside the combustion section 513 exceeds the withstand pressure of the low-strength portion of the metal sleeve 512 due to the generation of gas, the low-strength portion is broken, and the gas generated by the combustion is released to the outside (in this embodiment, the lower pressurized chamber 520) through the broken portion.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 4, the piston 53 includes a base 533 , a cylinder 534 , a pin (rod) 535 , and a spring 536 .

[0096] The base 533 is formed of an electrically insulating material such as resin, for example, polycarbonate or polybutylene terephthalate. The base 533 has a cylindrical first columnar portion, a second columnar portion, and a third columnar portion in that order from the top, and the first columnar portion, the second columnar portion, and the third columnar portion are connected vertically with their axes aligned (concentrically). The outer diameter of the first columnar portion is larger than that of the second columnar portion, and the outer diameter of the second columnar portion is larger than that of the third columnar portion. On the outer surface of the base 533, at the boundary between the first columnar portion and the second columnar portion, a circular retaining groove 5330 is formed concentric with the first columnar portion and the second columnar portion.

[0097] In this embodiment, the bottom surface (upper surface) of the first column portion of the base 533 is the first end 531 of the piston 53.

[0098] The cylinder 534 is formed from an electrically insulating material such as resin. The cylinder 534 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the cylinder 534 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the third columnar portion of the base 533 and is smaller than the outer diameter of the second columnar portion. The outer diameter of the cylinder 534 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second columnar portion of the base 533. The third columnar portion of the base 533 is fitted into the upper opening of the cylinder 534, and the cylinder 534 and the base 533 are joined together.

[0099] The pin 535 is formed of an electrically insulating material such as resin, for example, polycarbonate or polybutylene terephthalate. The pin 535 has a cylindrical large diameter portion and a small diameter portion in order from the top, and the large diameter portion and the small diameter portion are connected vertically with their axes aligned (concentrically). The axial length (vertical direction) of the large diameter portion of the pin 535 is approximately the same as the length of the cylinder 534. Specifically, the length of the pin 535 is slightly longer than the distance between the bottom surface (lower surface) of the base 533 coupled to the cylinder 534 and the lower end of the cylinder 534. As shown in FIG. 1, the small diameter portion of the pin 535 is fixed in the through hole of the second yoke 62. In this embodiment, the area including the small diameter portion of the pin 535 is the second end 532 of the piston 53.

[0100] 4, the spring 536 is a coil spring. The spring 536 determines the relative position between the cylinder 534 and the pin 535. Specifically, the spring 536 is sandwiched between the inner surface of the cylinder 534 and the outer surface of the pin 535 to hold the pin 535 inside the cylinder 534.

[0101] The case 52 includes a holder 521, a sleeve 522, a cap 523, a first retaining spring 524, and a second retaining spring 525. The case 52 is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole.

[0102] The holder 521 of the case 52 is made of metal, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The holder 521 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with open upper and lower faces, and the inner surface is formed in a multi-stage cylindrical surface shape. The holder 521 holds the igniter 51 and the piston 53.

[0103] Igniter 51 is fitted in the space in the upper part of holder 521 of case 52. The inner surface of the upper part of holder 521 has a shape that is in almost close contact with the outer surfaces of igniter 51 (the outer surface of body 511, the outer surface of the flange part of metal sleeve 512, and the outer surface of the cylindrical part of metal sleeve 512). The upper opening of holder 521 (the internal space) is closed by igniter 51.

[0104] A base 533 of the piston 53 is fitted into the space in the lower part of the holder 521 of the case 52. The inner surface of the lower part of the holder 521 has a shape that is in almost close contact with the outer surface of the first pillar part of the base 533. The lower opening of (the internal space of) the holder 521 is closed by (the base 533 of) the piston 53.

[0105] By attaching igniter 51 and piston 53 to case 52, a closed airtight space is formed between the lower surface of igniter 51 (metal sleeve 512), the upper surface of piston 53 (base 533), and the inner surface of case 52 (holder 521). Gas generated by igniter 51 is introduced into this airtight space through the broken portion of the lower wall of metal sleeve 512. In other words, this airtight space functions as pressurized chamber 520 that receives the pressure of gas generated by igniter 51.

[0106] The sleeve 522 of the case 52 is made of metal, for example, steel. The sleeve 522 is disposed below the holder 521 so that the outer surface is continuous with the outer surface of the holder 521. The sleeve 522 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with the upper and lower surfaces open. The sleeve 522 has a first cylindrical portion, a second cylindrical portion, and a third cylindrical portion, which are cylindrical in shape, in that order from the top, and the first cylindrical portion, the second cylindrical portion, and the third cylindrical portion are connected vertically with their axes aligned (concentrically). The inner surface of the first cylindrical portion is formed in a tapered shape with a diameter that decreases toward the bottom. The inner surface of the second cylindrical portion is formed in a cylindrical surface shape with a constant diameter. The inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the first column portion (the portion with the largest diameter) of the base 533 of the piston 53. The inner surface of the third cylindrical portion is formed in a tapered shape with a diameter that decreases toward the bottom. The diameter of the inner surface of the third cylindrical portion at its upper end is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the first column portion (the portion of base 533 with the largest diameter) of base 533, and the diameter becomes smaller toward the lower end. In other words, the third cylindrical portion of sleeve 522 has a shape that prevents base 533 of piston 53 from passing through it.

[0107] Two flow paths 50 connecting the inside and outside of the case 52 are formed in the side wall of the sleeve 522 of the case 52. As shown in FIG. 1, a first end 501 of each flow path 50 is connected to the accommodation chamber 70, and a second end 502 is connected to the internal space of the case 52. Each flow path 50 is cylindrical with a constant diameter. One of the two flow paths 50 (the flow path 50 on the left side in FIG. 1) is formed in a portion facing the first fixed terminal 1 in the side wall of the sleeve 522 of the case 52. This flow path 50 guides the gas generated by the igniter 51 so that the gas is sprayed into a predetermined space S1 (a space including a moving path of the first movable contact 31 when it moves, see FIG. 7) between the first movable contact 31 and the first fixed contact 11. That is, the gas generated by the igniter 51 is introduced into a predetermined space S1 between the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11 and the movable contact (first movable contact) 31 when the movable contactor 3 is in the open position. The other of the two flow paths 50 (the flow path 50 on the right side in FIG. 1) is formed in a portion facing the second fixed terminal 2 on the side wall of the sleeve 522 of the case 52. This flow path 50 guides the gas generated by the igniter 51 so that the gas is blown into a predetermined space S2 (a space including a moving path of the second movable contact 32 when it moves) between the second movable contact 32 and the second fixed contact 21. Each of the two flow paths 50 extends obliquely downward from the inside to the outside of the case 52.

[0108] In this embodiment, each flow passage 50 is linear. However, the shape of the flow passage 50 is not particularly limited, and may be other shapes such as curved. The diameter of the flow passage 50 is not particularly limited. The direction in which the flow passage 50 extends is not particularly limited, and may extend, for example, laterally (horizontally). The position in which the flow passage 50 is formed is not particularly limited, and may be formed, for example, in the front part or rear part of the side wall of the sleeve 522 of the case 52. However, it is preferable that each flow passage 50 is formed in a shape, diameter, direction, and position that allows the gas generated by the igniter 51 to be sprayed to the predetermined space S1 or the predetermined space S2.

[0109] Cap 523 of case 52 is made of metal, for example steel. Cap 523 is disposed below sleeve 522 such that its outer surface is continuous with that of sleeve 522. Cap 523 is formed in a cylindrical shape with both the top and bottom open. A protruding portion (bump) that protrudes inward is formed on the bottom surface of cap 523. The inner diameter of the protruding portion (bump) is approximately equal to the outer diameter of cylinder 534 of piston 53. Piston 53 is an operating pin that moves in one direction under the pressure of gas generated by igniter 51.

[0110] In this embodiment, the holder 521, the sleeve 522, and the cap 523 have the same outer diameter.

[0111] The first holding spring 524 has a hollow disk-shaped clamped portion and a hollow truncated cone-shaped holding portion that protrudes obliquely upward from the inner surface of the clamped portion. The clamped portion of the first holding spring 524 is sandwiched between the holder 521 and the sleeve 522 of the case 52, whereby the first holding spring 524 is clamped between the holder 521 and the sleeve 522. The first holding spring 524 seals the gap at the boundary between the holder 521 and the sleeve 522. The holding portion comes into contact with the holding groove 5330 of the base 533 of the piston 53 and applies an upward force to the base 533 to hold the base 533 (preventing the base 533 from moving downward).

[0112] The second holding spring 525 has a hollow disk-shaped clamped portion and a hollow truncated cone-shaped holding portion that protrudes obliquely downward from the inner surface of the clamped portion. The clamped portion of the second holding spring 525 is sandwiched between the sleeve 522 and the cap 523 of the case 52, and the second holding spring 524 is thereby clamped between the sleeve 522 and the cap 523. The second holding spring 525 seals the gap at the boundary between the sleeve 522 and the cap 523. The protruding tip of the holding portion is separated from the outer surface of the cylinder 534 of the piston 53. The diameter of the protruding tip of the holding portion is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the second column portion of the base 533 of the piston 53.

[0113] 4, in a state in which igniter 51 and piston 53 are assembled to case 52, pin electrode 514 of igniter 51 protrudes from the upper surface of case 52. In addition, a small diameter portion of pin 535 protrudes downward from the lower surface of case 52.

[0114] 1, the pyroactuator 5 is attached to the housing 7 so that the case 52 covers the through-hole 731 of the cover member 73. In this state, the second end of the piston 53 (the lower end of the pin 535) faces the center of the movable contact 3 (the center in the longitudinal and lateral directions).

[0115] (1.2.3) Operation Next, the operation of the electrical circuit interrupting device 100 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0116] In the electrical circuit interruption device 100, the first electrode 12 is connected to a first end of an electrical circuit (for example, a circuit constituting the power supply system 200), and the second electrode 22 is connected to a second end of the electrical circuit. Here, the first end of the electrical circuit is at a higher potential than the second end.

[0117] During normal operation of the electric circuit, the movable contactor 3 is held by the spring force of the pressure spring 41 or the like so that the first movable contact 31 is connected to the first fixed contact 11 and the second movable contact 32 is connected to the second fixed contact 21 (see FIG. 1). That is, during normal operation of the electric circuit, the movable contactor 3 is in a closed position where the first movable contact 31 is in contact with the first fixed contact 11 and the second movable contact 32 is in contact with the second fixed contact 21. At this time, a current flows from the first electrode 12 to the second electrode 22 through the first fixed contact 11, the first movable contact 31, the movable contactor 3, the second movable contact 32, and the second fixed contact 21 in this order.

[0118] At this time, contact between the first movable contact 31 and the first fixed contact 11 and contact between the second movable contact 32 and the second fixed contact 21 are maintained by the spring force of the contact pressure spring 41 and the attractive force between the first yoke 61 and the second yoke 62. Even if an overcurrent or the like flows through the electrical circuit interruption device 100, if the magnitude of the current is relatively small, the contact between the contacts is maintained by the attractive force between the first yoke 61 and the second yoke 62.

[0119] When the current flowing through the electric circuit becomes an abnormal current equal to or greater than a specified value (when the electric circuit is abnormal), for example, the control circuit 207 detects this abnormal current. When the control circuit 207 detects the abnormal current, it operates (starts) the circuit interruption device 100 to interrupt the electric circuit.

[0120] Specifically, the control circuit 207 applies a current between the pair of pin electrodes 514 to energize the heating element 515. When energized, the heating element 515 generates heat and increases the temperature of the combustion section 513. When the temperature of the combustion section 513 exceeds the ignition temperature of the gunpowder, the gunpowder burns and generates a large amount of gas, and the low-strength portion of the lower wall of the metal sleeve 512 is broken by the pressure of the gas, and the gas is released into the pressurized chamber 520 through the broken portion. Since the combustion section 513 burns explosively and generates a large amount of gas, the pressure in the pressurized chamber 520 increases rapidly in a short period of time.

[0121] The piston 53 is initially in a first position (see FIG. 1). The piston 53 is pushed downward by the pressure in the pressurizing chamber 520 at the first end 531 (upper surface of the base 533), and pushes the movable contactor 3 downward at the second end 532 (pin 535). The piston 53 applies force to a portion of the movable contactor 3 between the first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32, moving the movable contactor 3 downward. The piston 53 moves to the second position (see FIG. 7) while pushing the movable contactor 3.

[0122] Specifically, in the piston 53, the bottom surface (upper surface) of the base 533 receives the pressure in the pressurizing chamber 520, and the base 533 starts to move downward together with the cylinder 534 against the spring force of the first holding spring 524. The initial speed of the base 533 (piston 53) at this time is very large due to the large pressure in the pressurizing chamber 520. The pin 535 receives a downward force from the cylinder 534 via the spring 536, and starts to move downward slightly after the cylinder 534 starts to move downward. The pin 535, the second yoke 62, the first yoke 61, and the movable contact 3 are integrated, and the downward movement of the pin 535 pushes the movable contact 3 downward and moves it downward. Here, the force due to the elastic energy stored in the spring 536 after the base 533 starts to move downward also acts on the pin 535, so that a very large downward force is applied to the pin 535 and the initial speed is also large.

[0123] When the force pushing the movable contactor 3 downward exceeds the force supporting the movable contactor 3 upward (the spring force of the pressure spring 41, the attractive force between the first yoke 61 and the second yoke 62, etc.), the movable contactor 3 moves downward while compressing the pressure spring 41 via the first yoke 61. This causes the first movable contact 31 to be separated from the first fixed contact 11, and the second movable contact 32 to be separated from the second fixed contact 21 (see FIG. 6). As a result, the electrical path between the first fixed terminal 1 and the second fixed terminal 2 is interrupted, and the current flowing through the electrical path between the first fixed terminal 1 and the second fixed terminal 2 is interrupted.

[0124] The piston 53, the first yoke 61, the movable contact 3, and the second yoke 62 move downward as a unit (hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the piston 53, the first yoke 61, the movable contact 3, and the second yoke 62 are referred to as the "moving body"). The direction in which the piston 53 moves and the direction in which the movable contact 3 moves by the piston 53 are the same direction. The moving body typically moves to a position (second position) where the contact pressure spring 41 is most compressed (see FIG. 7). That is, the movable contact 3 moves to an open position where the first movable contact 31 is separated from the first fixed contact 11 and the second movable contact 32 is separated from the second fixed contact 21. At this time, the base 533 of the piston 53 moves inside the third cylindrical part while expanding (deforming) the inner surface of the third cylindrical part of the sleeve 522 of the case 52. The kinetic energy of the moving body is converted into elastic energy of the contact pressure spring 41, thermal energy generated when the moving body collides with the bottom surface of the inner cylindrical body 71, and the like.

[0125] When the contact pressure spring 41 is in the compressed position, the moving body receives an upward force from the compressed contact pressure spring 41. However, the upward movement of the moving body is prevented by the frictional force between the base 533 and the third cylindrical portion of the sleeve 522 of the case 52. This causes the moving body to stop at the position (second position) shown in Fig. 7. In other words, the third cylindrical portion functions as a return stop mechanism that mechanically holds the piston 53 after moving the movable contact 3, thereby preventing the piston 53 from returning to its original position (first position).

[0126] Further, the downward movement of the piston 53 (movement from the first position to the second position) expands a space (pressurizing chamber 520) in the case 52 into which the gas of the igniter 51 is introduced and the pressure increases. As the pressurizing chamber 520 expands, the second end 502 of each flow passage 50 is connected to the pressurizing chamber 520 as shown in FIG. 7. This connects the pressurizing chamber 520 and the accommodation chamber 70 via the flow passage 50, and the gas generated in the igniter 51 is introduced into the accommodation chamber 70 through the pressurizing chamber 520 and the flow passage 50. In this embodiment, the gas introduced into the accommodation chamber 70 flows toward a predetermined space S1 between the first movable contact 31 and the first fixed contact 11, or toward a predetermined space S2 between the second movable contact 32 and the second fixed contact 21 (see the arrow W1 in FIG. 7).

[0127] Here, when the first movable contact 31 is separated from the first fixed contact 11 while a current is flowing through the movable contactor 3, an arc (see dotted line A1 in FIG. 8A ) may occur between the first movable contact 31 and the first fixed contact 11. Similarly, when the second movable contact 32 is separated from the second fixed contact 21 while a current is flowing through the movable contactor 3, an arc may occur between the second movable contact 32 and the second fixed contact 21.

[0128] In contrast, in the electric circuit interruption device 100 of the present embodiment, the gas (electrically insulating gas) generated by the igniter 51 of the pyro-actuator 5 is introduced into the accommodation chamber 70 to increase the pressure in the accommodation chamber 70. The accommodation chamber 70 forms a sealed space together with the pressurizing chamber 520. The accommodation chamber 70 accommodates the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11 and the movable contact (first movable contact) 31 therein, and includes a predetermined space S1. The accommodation chamber 70 is also a space in which an arc is generated inside. By increasing the pressure in the accommodation chamber 70, the arc generated between the contacts is cooled and the insulating properties of the plasma or metal vapor of the arc discharge are improved, facilitating extinction of the arc.

[0129] Furthermore, in the electric circuit interrupter 100 of this embodiment, the gas introduced into the accommodation chamber 70 from the flow path 50 is sprayed into a predetermined space S1 between the first movable contact 31 and the first fixed contact 11, or into a predetermined space S2 between the second movable contact 32 and the second fixed contact 21. This cools the arc generated between the contacts, facilitating extinction of the arc.

[0130] More specifically, when the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11 and the movable contactor 3 are displaced from the closed position to the open position, a positive column of the arc discharge is generated between the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11 and the movable contactor 3 in the initial stage of displacement from the closed position to the open position (see dotted line A1 in FIG. 8A). As the displacement from the closed position to the open position progresses, gas is introduced into the accommodation chamber 70, the gas hits the positive column, the positive column is deformed by the pressure of the gas, and the arc extends (see dotted line A2 in FIG. 8B). Furthermore, the arc may be extended by the gas, and the arc may be pressed against the wall surface of the inner cylinder 71 (see dotted line A3 in FIG. 8C). In this way, the gas extends the arc, and the arc is interrupted. That is, the gas generated by the igniter 51 is introduced into the gap between the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11 and the movable contactor 3, which promotes extinction of the arc and improves the interruption performance. In addition, the arc generated between the second movable contact 32 and the second fixed contact 21 is also stretched by the gas being blown thereto, and therefore extinction of the arc is facilitated.

[0131] In this manner, in the electrical circuit interruption device 100 of the present embodiment, the gas generated by the igniter 51 is introduced into the predetermined spaces S1, S2, thereby enabling the arc to be quickly extinguished.

[0132] The inner wall (inner cylinder 71) of the housing 7 may be made of a resin material (arc-extinguishing gas generating member) that emits an arc-extinguishing gas when heated by the extended arc. The arc-extinguishing gas is, for example, CO2, N2, H2O, or other gas. The arc-extinguishing gas enables the arc to be quickly extinguished.

[0133] (1.3) Modifications An electric circuit interrupting device 100 according to a modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Hereinafter, the electric circuit interrupting device 100 according to the first embodiment will also be referred to as an electric circuit interrupting device 100 according to a basic example of the first embodiment.

[0134] 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views of the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of one modification before and after operation. For convenience, the first yoke 61 and the second yoke 62 are omitted in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. Also, the case 52 is simplified in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. However, the case 52 may have a second cylindrical portion (a portion having a truncated cone-shaped inner surface whose diameter becomes smaller toward the lower side) and a third cylindrical portion (a portion having a cylindrical inner surface whose diameter is smaller than that of the base 533 of the piston 53) as a return stop mechanism, similar to the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of the first embodiment. Also, in the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of one modification, the piston 53 is a single molded product. Also, in the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of one modification, the shapes of the first fixed terminal 1 and the second fixed terminal 2 are different from those of the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of the basic example of the first embodiment, but may be the same.

[0135] In the electric circuit interrupter 100 of the one modified example, the flow path 50 is a tapered cylinder whose diameter gradually narrows from the inside of the case 52 toward the outside (the accommodation chamber 70 side). That is, the diameter of the first end 501 (the end on the accommodation chamber 70 side) of the flow path 50 is smaller than the diameter of the second end 502. This increases the flow rate of the gas from the second end 502 toward the first end 501 in the flow path 50, and increases the flow rate of the gas in the predetermined spaces S1 and S2. This makes it possible to more effectively cool the arc generated between the contacts and further promote extinction of the arc.

[0136] In the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of the one modified example, a predetermined space S1 between the first fixed contact 11 and the first movable contact 31 when the movable contactor 3 is in the open position is located on an extension line of one of the flow paths 50 (left side in Figs. 9 and 10). In other words, the extension line of one of the flow paths 50 intersects with a line segment (referred to as a "first line segment") connecting the first movable contact 31 of the moved movable contactor 3 and the first fixed contact 11. In particular, the extension line of one of the flow paths 50 intersects with the first line segment in the vicinity of the first fixed contact 11. In addition, a predetermined space S2 between the second fixed contact 21 and the second movable contact 32 when the movable contactor 3 is in the open position is located on an extension line of the other of the flow paths 50 (right side in Figs. 9 and 10). In other words, the extension line of the other flow passage 50 intersects with a line segment (called the "second line segment") connecting the second movable contact 32 of the moved movable contactor 3 and the second fixed contact 21. In particular, the extension line of the other flow passage 50 intersects with the second line segment in the vicinity of the second fixed contact 21. With this configuration, in the electric circuit interrupter 100 of the one modified example, the gas introduced from each flow passage 50 into the accommodation chamber 70 is directed toward the predetermined spaces S1 and S2, which are spaces between the contacts, and is directly blown onto the arc generated between the contacts (see arrow W2 in FIG. 10). This makes it possible to more effectively cool the arc and further promote extinction. In addition, it is possible to more effectively extend the arc and further promote extinction.

[0137] In the electrical circuit interrupting device 100 according to the basic example and one modified example of the first embodiment, the flow path 50 is not limited to a columnar (cylinder) shape formed in the side wall of the case 52. The flow path 50 may be, for example, a notch extending upward from the lower end of the side wall of the case 52.

[0138] In the basic example and one modified example of the electric circuit breaking device 100 of the first embodiment, the pyroactuator 5 is not limited to a configuration in which the movable contact 3 is moved via the piston 53. For example, the electric circuit breaking device 100 of the first embodiment may be configured such that the movable contact 3 directly receives the pressure of the gas generated by the igniter 51 (the movable contact 3 constitutes a part of the outer wall of the pressurized chamber 520), and the movable contact 3 is directly moved by the gas pressure. In this case, the flow path 50 does not need to be provided in the case 52.

[0139] (2) Embodiment 2 An electric circuit interrupting device 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0140] The electric circuit interrupting device 100 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that a moving mechanism for moving the movable contact 3 from the closed position to the open position is provided with a trip device 8. In the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0141] (2.1) Structure As in the first embodiment, the circuit breaking device 100 of the present embodiment includes a first fixed terminal 1, a second fixed terminal 2, a movable contactor 3, a holding portion 4 (a contact pressure spring 42 which is an elastic portion), an igniter 51, a case 52, and a housing 7. However, in the circuit breaking device 100 of the present embodiment, the moving mechanism includes a trip device 8 instead of the pressurized chamber 520 and the piston 53. The trip device 8 moves the movable contactor 3 from a closed position to an open position in response to an abnormal current flowing through an electric circuit including the movable contact (first movable contact) 31 and the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11.

[0142] 11, the trip device 8 of this embodiment includes an excitation coil 81, a mover 82, a stator 83, and a cylindrical body 84. The trip device 8 of this embodiment moves the moveable contact 3 to the open position by an electromagnetic force generated by a magnetic flux generated in the excitation coil 81 when an abnormal current flows in the excitation coil 81.

[0143] The first end of the excitation coil 81 is connected to the first fixed terminal 1. The second end of the excitation coil 81 is connected to a first end of an electric circuit (a circuit constituting the power supply system 200) whose second end is connected to the second fixed terminal 2. That is, the excitation coil 81 is connected in series with a series circuit of the first fixed terminal 1-the movable contact 3-the second fixed terminal 2 between the first end and the second end of the electric circuit. Therefore, a current flows through the movable contact 3 in the excitation coil 81, and the excitation coil 81 is excited by this current. As shown in FIG. 11, the excitation coil 81 is wound around the lower part of the cylindrical body 84 and the stator 83.

[0144] The cylindrical body 84 is made of a non-magnetic metal material. The cylindrical body 84 has a cylindrical portion formed in a cylindrical shape and a bottom wall (lower wall) that closes one (lower) opening of the cylindrical portion. More specifically, the cylindrical body 84 is formed as a bottomed cylinder with an open top surface as a whole, with a cylindrical portion and a circular bottom wall. A through hole is formed in the center of the bottom wall of the housing 7, and the upper end portion (opening periphery) of the cylindrical body 84 is fixed to the bottom wall of the housing 7 so as to cover the through hole in the bottom wall of the housing 7.

[0145] The movable element 82 is a movable iron core formed in a cylindrical shape. The movable element 82 is made of a magnetic material. The movable element 82 is housed in a cylindrical body 84. The movable element 82 is arranged in the cylindrical body 84 so as to be movable in the up and down direction. In the cylindrical body 84, the contact pressure spring 42 (holding portion 4) is arranged between the bottom wall (upper surface) of the cylindrical body 84 and the movable element 82 (lower surface). A holding rib 841 is formed on the upper surface of the bottom wall of the cylindrical body 84, which is inserted into the lower end of the contact pressure spring 42. The movable element 82 is pressed upward by the contact pressure spring 42. The movable element 82 is movable between a first position (see FIG. 11) in which the movable element 82 is pressed upward by the contact pressure spring 42 and is located at the uppermost position, and a second position (see FIG. 12) in which the movable element 82 is compressed and is located at the lowermost position. However, the movable element 82 is normally held in the first position by the spring force of the contact pressure spring 42. The mover 82 is coupled to the moveable contact 3 by a shaft 831 that passes through a through hole in the bottom wall of the housing 7 .

[0146] The shaft 831 is made of a non-magnetic metal material and is formed into a round bar shape that is long in the vertical direction. The upper end of the shaft 831 is connected to the center of the movable contact 3. The shaft 831 passes through a through hole formed in the bottom wall of the housing 7 and its lower end is connected to the mover 82. Therefore, when the mover 82 moves in the vertical direction, the movement is transmitted to the mover contact 3 via the shaft 831, and the mover contact 3 moves in the vertical direction in accordance with the movement of the mover 82.

[0147] As shown in Fig. 11, when the movable element 82 is in the first position, the first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32 of the movable contactor 3 are in contact with the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 21, respectively. In other words, when the movable element 82 is in the first position, the movable contactor 3 is in the closed position. As shown in Fig. 12, when the movable element 82 is in the second position, the first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32 of the movable contactor 3 are separated from the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 21, respectively. In other words, when the movable element 82 is in the second position, the movable contactor 3 is in the open position (see Fig. 12).

[0148] The stator 83 is a fixed iron core formed in a cylindrical shape. The stator 83 is made of a magnetic material. The stator 83 is fixed to a lower side than the bottom wall of the cylindrical body 84.

[0149] In the trip device 8, the exciting coil 81, the mover 82, and the stator 83 all have central axes that are aligned on the same straight line in the vertical direction.

[0150] The trip device 8 moves the movable contact 82 from a first position (position shown in FIG. 11) to a second position (position shown in FIG. 12) by a magnetic flux generated in the exciting coil 81 in response to an abnormal current equal to or greater than a specified value flowing through the movable contact 3. At this time, the movable contact 3 is pulled by the shaft 831 and moves from the closed position to the open position.

[0151] That is, the trip device 8 moves the movable contact 82 to the second position by a magnetic flux generated in the excitation coil 81 in response to an abnormal current flowing through the movable contactor 3, thereby forcibly separating the movable contact (first movable contact) 31 from the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11. In this embodiment, at this time, the second movable contact 32 is also separated from the second fixed contact 21. Hereinafter, the action of the trip device 8 to forcibly separate the movable contact (first movable contact) 31 from the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11 will be referred to as "tripping."

[0152] Here, the trip device 8 does not trip simply when a current flows through the exciting coil 81, but only trips when the attractive force acting from the stator 83 to the mover 82 exceeds the spring force of the contact pressure spring 42. The attractive force acting from the stator 83 to the mover 82 changes according to the magnitude of the current (load current) flowing through the exciting coil 81. The trip device 8 is configured so that when the current flowing through the exciting coil 81 becomes an abnormal current equal to or greater than a specified value, the magnetic attractive force generated in the exciting coil 81 exceeds the spring force of the contact pressure spring 42.

[0153] A magnet 9 is disposed between the stator 83 and the bottom wall of the cylindrical body 84. The magnet 9 is a permanent magnet, and has a first magnetic pole face and a second magnetic pole face of opposite polarity on both the upper and lower sides. The first magnetic pole face (upper surface) of the magnet 9 is in contact with the bottom wall of the cylindrical body 84. The second magnetic pole face (lower surface) of the magnet 9 is in contact with the stator 83. In other words, the magnet 9 is sandwiched between the stator 83 and the bottom wall of the cylindrical body 84. For example, the first magnetic pole face is a north pole face and the secondary pole face is a south pole face, but they may be opposite.

[0154] When the trip device 8 moves the mover 82 to the second position, the magnet 9 holds the mover 82 at the second position by the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 9. That is, in the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of the present embodiment, after the trip device 8 moves the mover 82 to the second position, the magnetic attraction force generated by the magnet 9 holds the mover 82 at the second position. In other words, once the trip device 8 trips and the mover 82 moves to the second position, the mover 82 is held (latched) at the second position by the magnet 9.

[0155] In this embodiment, the magnet 9 is disposed so that when the trip device 8 moves the mover 82 to the second position, the magnetic flux generated by the excitation coil 81 and the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 9 are oriented in the same direction within the mover 82. In other words, when the mover 82 is in the second position, the magnetic flux generated by the excitation coil 81 and the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 9 pass through the mover 82. In this embodiment, the magnetic polarity (i.e., the orientation of the magnetic pole faces) of the magnet 9 is set so that the magnet 9 generates a magnetic flux in the mover 82 in the same direction as that generated by the excitation coil 81.

[0156] The circuit breaking device 100 of this embodiment includes the igniter 51 and case 52 of the pyroactuator 5 of the basic example of embodiment 1, but does not include the piston 53. Furthermore, in the circuit breaking device 100 of this embodiment, the shape of the case 52 is different from that of the basic example of embodiment 1. Note that the igniter 51 of this embodiment is similar to that of the basic example of embodiment 1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0157] The case 52 is made of metal, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and is formed in a cylindrical shape with an open top and a closed bottom.

[0158] Igniter 51 is fitted in the space in the upper part of case 52. The upper opening of (the internal space of) case 52 is closed by igniter 51. Case 52 is attached to housing 7 so as to close through-hole 731 of cover member 73.

[0159] Two flow paths 50 connecting the inside and outside of the case 52 are formed in the right and left parts of the bottom surface of the case 52. A first end 501 of each flow path 50 is connected to the accommodation chamber 70, and a second end 502 is connected to the internal space of the case 52. In this embodiment, no airtight space is provided inside the case 52. In this embodiment, gas generated by the igniter 51 is introduced directly into the accommodation chamber 70 (through the internal space of the case 52 and the flow paths 50).

[0160] Each flow passage 50 is cylindrical and has a constant diameter. One of the two flow passages 50 (the flow passage 50 on the left side in Figs. 11 and 12) guides the gas generated by the igniter 51 so that the gas is blown into a predetermined space S1 (see Fig. 12) between the first movable contact 31 and the first fixed contact 11. The other of the two flow passages 50 (the flow passage 50 on the right side in Figs. 11 and 12) guides the gas generated by the igniter 51 so that the gas is blown into a predetermined space S2 (see Fig. 12) between the second movable contact 32 and the second fixed contact 21. Each of the two flow passages 50 extends obliquely downward from the inside of the case 52 toward the outside.

[0161] (2.2) Operation Next, the operation of the electrical circuit interrupting device 100 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0162] In the electric circuit interruption device 100 of the present embodiment, the second end of the exciting coil 81 is connected to a first end of an electric circuit (for example, a circuit that constitutes the power supply system 200), and the second electrode 22 is connected to a second end of the electric circuit.

[0163] In the normal state of the electric circuit, the spring force of the pressure spring 42 is greater than the attractive force acting from the stator 83 to the movable element 82. Therefore, the movable contactor 3 is held so that the first movable contact 31 is connected to the first fixed contact 11 and the second movable contact 32 is connected to the second fixed contact 21 mainly by this spring force (see FIG. 11). That is, in the normal state of the electric circuit, the movable element 82 is in a first position farthest from the stator 83. In addition, in the normal state of the electric circuit, the movable contactor 3 is in a closed position where the first movable contact 31 is in contact with the first fixed contact 11 and the second movable contact 32 is in contact with the second fixed contact 21. At this time, a current flows from the first end of the electric circuit through the exciting coil 81, the first fixed terminal 1, the movable contactor 3, and the second fixed terminal 2 in this order toward the second end of the electric circuit.

[0164] On the other hand, when the current flowing through the electric circuit (excitation coil 81) becomes an abnormal current equal to or greater than a specified value (when an abnormality occurs in the electric circuit), the attractive force acting on the movable element 82 from the stator 83 exceeds the spring force of the contact pressure spring 42. This causes the trip device 8 to trip, the movable element 82 to move to the second position, and the movable contactor 3 to move to the open position. As a result, the electric path between the first fixed terminal 1 and the second fixed terminal 2 is interrupted, and the current flowing through the electric path between the first fixed terminal 1 and the second fixed terminal 2 is interrupted.

[0165] Furthermore, when the current flowing through the electric circuit (excitation coil 81) becomes an abnormal current equal to or greater than a specified value, for example, control circuit 207 detects this abnormal current through current sensor 206. When detecting the abnormal current, control circuit 207 passes a current between a pair of pin electrodes 54 of igniter 51 to energize heating element 515. This causes the gunpowder in combustion section 513 to burn and generate a large amount of gas, and the low-strength portion of the lower wall of metal sleeve 512 is broken by the pressure of the gas, and the gas is released into the internal space of case 52 through the broken portion.

[0166] Gas generated by igniter 51 is introduced into accommodation chamber 70 through flow path 50 of case 52. The gas introduced into accommodation chamber 70 flows toward a predetermined space S1 between first movable contact 31 and first fixed contact 11, or toward a predetermined space S2 between second movable contact 32 and second fixed contact 21 (see arrow W3 in FIG. 12).

[0167] In the current circuit breaking device 100 of this embodiment, the gas (electrically insulating gas) generated by the igniter 51 is also introduced into the accommodation chamber 70 to increase the pressure in the accommodation chamber 70. This cools the arc generated between the contacts and enhances the insulating properties of the plasma or metal vapor of the arc discharge, facilitating extinction of the arc.

[0168] Furthermore, the gas introduced into the accommodating chamber 70 from the flow path 50 is blown into a predetermined space S1 between the first movable contact 31 and the first fixed contact 11, or into a predetermined space S2 between the second movable contact 32 and the second fixed contact 21. This cools the arc generated between the contacts, facilitating extinction of the arc.

[0169] In this manner, also in the electrical circuit interruption device 100 of this embodiment, the gas generated by the igniter 51 is introduced into the predetermined spaces S1, S2, so that the arc can be quickly extinguished.

[0170] It is noted that it does not matter which occurs first, the timing when the trip device 8 trips or the timing when the igniter 51 starts to release gas. The igniter 51 may start to release gas before the trip device 8 trips, or the igniter 51 may start to release gas after the trip device 8 trips, or they may occur simultaneously. It is preferable that the igniter 51 starts to release gas after the trip device 8 trips.

[0171] (2.3) Modifications The electric circuit interrupting device 100 of the first modified example of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 13 to 15. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of the first modified example before operation. Fig. 14 is a side view of the main parts of the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of the first modified example before operation, as viewed from a direction perpendicular to Fig. 13 (right side). Fig. 15 is a side view of the main parts of the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of the first modified example after operation, as viewed from the same direction as Fig. 14. Hereinafter, the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of the second embodiment described above is also referred to as the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of the basic example of the second embodiment.

[0172] As shown in Figs. 13 and 14, the circuit interrupting device 100 of the first modification has only one pair of a movable contact 31 and a fixed contact 11 in an electric circuit connecting the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 22. Specifically, the first fixed terminal 1 is a plate-shaped member made of a metal material having electrical conductivity. The first fixed terminal 1 has the first fixed contact 11 at one end (the left end in Fig. 14), and the other end (the right end in Fig. 14) functions as the first electrode 12. The second fixed terminal 2 is a plate-shaped member made of a metal material having electrical conductivity and shorter than the first fixed terminal 1, and is disposed so as to face the first fixed terminal 1 in the up-down direction. One end (the right end in Fig. 14) of the second fixed terminal 2 functions as the second electrode 22. The movable contactor 3 has a movable contact 31 connected to the fixed contact 11 at one end (the left end in Fig. 14). Furthermore, the movable contactor 3 and the second fixed terminal 2 are connected by a braided wire 87 made of braided copper wires, rather than by a contact set consisting of a movable contact and a fixed contact.

[0173] Case 52 housing igniter 51 has only one flow path 50 in the center of its bottom wall. Case 52 is arranged so that first end 501 of flow path 50 faces predetermined space S1 between movable contact 31 and fixed contact 11 (see FIG. 15). This allows gas to be introduced from a direction perpendicular to predetermined space S1.

[0174] Although not shown, like the basic example of the second embodiment, the electrical circuit interrupting device 100 of the first modification also includes a housing 7 that accommodates the first fixed contact 11, the movable contactor 3, and the upper end of the shaft 831. The igniter 51, the case 52, the braided wire 87, and a part (left end portion) of the second fixed terminal 2 are also disposed inside the housing 7 (inside the accommodation chamber 70).

[0175] In this modification, when an abnormal current flows through the electric circuit, the excitation coil 81 is excited and the movable element 82 moves from the first position (the position shown in FIG. 14) to the second position (the position shown in FIG. 15). Accordingly, the movable contactor 3 moves from the open position (the position shown in FIG. 14) to the open position (the position shown in FIG. 15). Furthermore, when the control circuit 207 passes a current through the igniter 51, gas is generated from the igniter 51, and this gas is sprayed into the predetermined space S1 between the movable contact 31 and the fixed contact 11. This cools the arc generated between the contacts, making it possible to quickly extinguish the arc.

[0176] Note that the electrical circuit interrupting device 100 of this modified example may also include the magnet 9 that holds the mover 82 at the second position, similar to the basic example of the second embodiment.

[0177] The electric circuit interrupting device 100 according to the second modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs.

[0178] The electric circuit interrupting device 100 of this modification differs from the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of the basic example of embodiment 2 in that the holding portion 4 is provided with a permanent magnet 43 instead of a contact pressure spring 41. Other points are similar to those of the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of the basic example of embodiment 2, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0179] In the electric circuit interrupter 100 of this modification, as shown in FIG. 17, the movable contactor 3 has a main body 33 and a pair of protrusions 34, and is formed in a cross shape when viewed from above. The main body 33 is long in the left-right direction, and has a first movable contact 31 and a second movable contact 32 at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The pair of protrusions 34 protrude in the front-rear direction from the side surface of the main body 33. A permanent magnet 43 is provided on each of the protrusions 34 of the movable contactor 3. As shown in FIG. 16, the center of the movable contactor 3 faces the bottom surface of the case 52. Note that a pair of magnetic members (not shown), specifically iron pieces, are provided on the lower surface of the cover member 73 of the housing 7 at front and rear positions of the case 52 (positions facing the permanent magnets 43).

[0180] In variant example 2, the iron piece is attracted to the permanent magnet 43, and when the iron piece and the permanent magnet 43 are separated, the first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32 are connected to the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 21 (see FIG. 16).

[0181] In this modification, when the trip device 8 trips, the mover 82 moves from the first position (position shown in FIG. 16) to the second position against the magnetic attraction force between the iron piece and the permanent magnet 43, and the moveable contactor 3 moves from the closed position (position shown in FIG. 16) to the open position. This breaks the electric path between the first fixed terminal 1 and the second fixed terminal 2. At this time, the control circuit 207 also causes the igniter 51 to generate gas and introduce it into the accommodation chamber 70. This cools the arc generated between the contacts, making it possible to quickly extinguish the arc.

[0182] In this modification, the movable contactor 3 may be provided with a magnetic member, and the permanent magnet 43 may be provided on the cover member 73 of the housing 7. A spacer may be provided between the permanent magnet 43 and the magnetic member. The movable contactor 3 may be maintained in the closed state with the permanent magnet 43 in direct contact with the magnetic member. The holding portion 4 may include both the contact pressure spring 41 and the permanent magnet 43.

[0183] An electric circuit interrupting device 100 according to a third modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0184] The electric circuit interrupting device 100 of this modification differs from the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of the basic example of embodiment 2 mainly in that, as the trip device 8, a bimetal plate 88 is provided instead of the exciting coil 81, the movable element 82, the stator 83, and the cylindrical body 84. As the other points are the same as those of the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of the basic example of embodiment 2, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0185] 18, in the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of this modification, the movable contactor 3 is held in the closed position by the contact pressure spring 41, similar to the basic example of the first embodiment. A bimetal plate 88 is attached to the lower surfaces of the first fixed terminal 1 and the second fixed terminal 2 via a metal plate 89. The lower surface of the bimetal plate 88 is in contact with the upper surface of the movable contactor 3.

[0186] In this modification, when an abnormal current flows through the movable contact 3, the bimetal plate 88 bends downward (see the dotted line in FIG. 18), causing the movable contact 3 to move from the closed position to the open position.

[0187] In other words, in the present modified example of the circuit breaker 100, when an abnormal current flows in an electrical circuit including the movable contact (first movable contact) 31 and the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11, the bimetal plate 88 bends, thereby moving the movable contactor 3 to the open position.

[0188] This makes it possible to cut off the electrical path between the first fixed terminal 1 and the second fixed terminal 2.

[0189] In this modification, a holding mechanism may be provided to hold the movable contact 3 in the open position after the movable contact 3 is moved to the open position by the bimetal plate 88. The holding mechanism may be, for example, a combination of a permanent magnet and a magnetic member provided on the movable contact 3 and the inner wall of the housing 7. Furthermore, the trip device 8 may include a bimetal plate 88 in addition to the exciting coil 81, the mover 82, the stator 83, and the cylinder 84.

[0190] The electrical circuit interrupting devices 100 of the basic example of the second embodiment and the first to third modifications may also include yokes 61 and 62, similar to the first embodiment.

[0191] (3) Other modifications The application of the circuit interrupting device 100 is not limited to a fuse for the vehicle 300. The circuit interrupting device 100 may be used for interrupting any electric circuit through which a large current such as a short-circuit current may flow. The circuit interrupting device 100 may also be a relay (electromagnetic relay) equipped with an electromagnet device.

[0192] A guide for guiding the moving direction of the movable contactor 3 may be formed inside the accommodation chamber 70 of the housing 7. The guide is formed long in the vertical direction on the inner wall of the accommodation chamber 70 so as to contact the side of the movable contactor 3 along the moving direction of the movable contactor 3. This makes it difficult for the movable contactor 3 to tilt when the movable contactor 3 is moved by the pyro-actuator 5. The guide may be a rod that extends upward from the bottom surface of the accommodation chamber 70 and penetrates the movable contactor 3.

[0193] The configurations of the basic example and each modified example of the first and second embodiments can be combined as appropriate.

[0194] An electric circuit interrupting device 100 according to a specific example (specific example 1) of a modified example that combines the first and second embodiments will be described with reference to Figs. 19 to 21. The electric circuit interrupting device 100 according to this specific example functions as a so-called normally-on type (b-contact) device. The electric circuit interrupting device 100 includes an exciting coil 81, an igniter 51, and a moving mechanism.

[0195] As shown in FIG. 19, the housing 7 contains the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11 of the fixed terminal 1 (first fixed terminal) 1, the second fixed contact 21 of the second fixed terminal 2, and the movable contact 3 having the movable contact (first movable contact) 31 and the second movable contact 32. The igniter 51 is disposed so as to face the upper surface of the movable contact 3. A through hole is formed in the bottom wall of the housing 7, and a cylindrical body 84 is fixed so as to cover the through hole in the bottom wall. A shaft 831, the upper end of which is coupled to the movable contact 3, is disposed so that the lower end passes through the through hole in the bottom wall of the housing 7 and is exposed inside the cylindrical body 84. The movable element 82 and the contact pressure spring 42 are disposed inside the cylindrical body 84. The movable element 82 is coupled to the lower end of the shaft 831. A stator 83 is fixed below the bottom wall of the cylindrical body 84. An excitation coil 81 is disposed so as to surround the periphery of the movable element 82 and the stator 83.

[0196] The movable contactor 3 is held in a closed position where the movable contact (first movable contact) 31 contacts the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11 by the spring force of the contact pressure spring 42 or the like (see FIG. 19).

[0197] The excitation coil 81 has its energization controlled under the control of the control circuit 200. When the excitation coil 81 is energized, the movable element 82 moves downward due to the magnetic flux generated in the excitation coil 81. When the movable element 82 moves downward, the shaft 831 and the movable contactor 3 also move downward together with the movable element 82, and the movable contactor 3 moves from the closed position (see FIG. 19) to the first open position (see FIG. 20). On the other hand, when the energization of the excitation coil 81 is stopped, the movable element 82 moves upward due to the spring force of the contact pressure spring 42 or the like, and the movable contactor 3 moves to the closed position (see FIG. 19).

[0198] The moving mechanism includes a space (space between the igniter 51 and the movable contact 3) connecting the igniter 51 and the movable contact 3. That is, the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of this specific example is configured so that the movable contact 3 directly receives the pressure of the gas generated by the igniter 51 (the movable contact 3 forms a part of the outer wall of the pressurizing chamber 520), and the movable contact 3 moves by directly receiving the pressure of the gas from the igniter 51. The moving mechanism moves the movable contact 3 from the closed position (see FIG. 19) or the first open position (see FIG. 20) to a second open position (see FIG. 21) where the movable contact (first movable contact) 31 is separated from the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11. The second open position here is a position of the movable contact 3 where the movable contact (first movable contact) 31 is separated from the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11 more than when the movable contact 3 is in the first open position. That is, in this specific example, the distance between the closed position and the second open position is longer than the distance between the closed position and the first open position. When the movable contact 3 moves downward to the second open position, the movable element 82 also moves downward. The movable element 82 is held (latched) in the position shown in FIG. 21 by the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 9.

[0199] An electric circuit interrupting device 100 as another specific example (specific example 2) of a modified example that combines the first and second embodiments will be described with reference to Figs. 22 and 23. The electric circuit interrupting device 100 of this specific example functions as a so-called normally-off type (a-contact) device. The electric circuit interrupting device 100 includes an exciting coil 81, an igniter 51, and a moving mechanism, similar to the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of the above specific example 1. The following description will focus on the points that are different from the above specific example 1.

[0200] In the electric circuit interruption device 100 shown in Fig. 22, a stator 83 is fixed to the bottom wall of a housing 7 inside a cylindrical body 84. The stator 83 has a through hole extending vertically in the center. The lower end of a shaft 831 extends downward through the through hole in the bottom wall of the housing 7 and the through hole in the stator 83, and is fixed to the mover 82. A return spring 85 is arranged between the mover 82 and the stator 83. An excitation coil 81 is arranged to surround the periphery of the mover 82 and the stator 83.

[0201] The movable contactor 3 is held in a first open position in which the movable contact (first movable contact) 31 is separated from the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11 by the spring force that the movable element 82 receives from the return spring 85, etc. (see FIG. 22).

[0202] When the exciting coil 81 is energized, the movable element 82 moves upward due to the magnetic flux generated in the exciting coil 81. When the movable element 82 moves upward, the shaft 831 and the movable contactor 3 also move upward together with the movable element 82, and the movable contactor 3 moves from the first open position (see FIG. 22) to the closed position (see FIG. 23). On the other hand, when the energization of the exciting coil 81 is stopped, the movable element 82 moves downward due to the spring force of the return spring 85 or the like, and the movable contactor 3 moves to the first open position (see FIG. 22). In other words, the electrical circuit interrupting device 100 of this specific example functions as a contact device of so-called a-contact.

[0203] The moving mechanism is a space (space between the igniter 51 and the movable contact 3) that connects the igniter 51 and the movable contact 3. That is, the movable contact 3 moves by directly receiving the gas pressure from the igniter 51. The moving mechanism moves the movable contact 3 to a second open position (see FIG. 22) where the movable contact (first movable contact) 31 is separated from the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11. The second open position here is the same as the first open position. That is, in this specific example, the distance between the closed position and the second open position is equal to the distance between the closed position and the first open position. When the movable contact 3 moves downward to the second open position, the movable element 82 also moves downward.

[0204] An electric circuit interrupting device 100 as yet another specific example (specific example 3) of a variation combining embodiment 1 and embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 24 and 25. The electric circuit interrupting device 100 of this specific example has a structure in which the pyroactuator 5 in the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of the basic example of embodiment 2 (see Figure 11) is replaced with the pyroactuator 5 of a variation of embodiment 1 (pyroactuator 5 including a piston 53; see Figure 9).

[0205] In the circuit breaker 100 of this specific example, when gas is generated by the igniter 51, the piston 53 moved by the pressure in the pressurizing chamber 520 pushes the movable contact 3, thereby moving the movable contact 3 to the open position. In addition, in the circuit breaker 100 of this specific example, when an abnormal current flows through the excitation coil 81 of the trip device 8, the electromagnetic force generated by the magnetic flux generated by the excitation coil 81 can also move the movable contact 3 to the open position. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the circuit breaker 100 of this specific example, in which the igniter 51 and the trip device 8 are both in operation. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the circuit breaker 100 of this specific example, in which the piston 53 is pushed by the pressure of the gas from the igniter 51, and the movable contact 3 is pushed by the piston 53 to move to the open position.

[0206] An electric circuit interrupting device 100 as yet another specific example (specific example 4) of a variation combining the first and second embodiments will be described with reference to Figures 26 to 28. The electric circuit interrupting device 100 of this specific example has a structure in which the pyroactuator 5 in the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of the above specific example 1 (see Figure 19) is replaced with the pyroactuator 5 of a variation of the first embodiment (see Figure 9).

[0207] In the circuit breaker 100 of this specific example, the movable contactor 3 moves between a closed position (see FIG. 26) and a first open position (see FIG. 27) depending on whether or not current is applied to the exciting coil 81. That is, when the exciting coil 81 is not energized, the movable contactor 3 is held in a closed position where the movable contact (first movable contact) 31 contacts the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11 by the spring force from the contact pressure spring 42 or the like. When the exciting coil 81 is energized, the movable contactor 3 is held in a first open position where the movable contact (first movable contact) 31 is separated from the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11 by the electromagnetic force of the magnetic flux generated in the exciting coil 81. When the pyro actuator 5 is driven and the igniter 51 generates gas, the piston 53 is pushed downward by the pressure in the pressurizing chamber 520, and the movable contactor 3 is pushed by the piston 53 to move to the second open position (see FIG. 28).

[0208] An electric circuit interrupting device 100 as yet another specific example (specific example 5) of a variation combining the first and second embodiments will be described with reference to Figures 29 to 31. The electric circuit interrupting device 100 of this specific example has a structure in which the pyroactuator 5 in the electric circuit interrupting device 100 of the above specific example 2 (see Figure 22) is replaced with the pyroactuator 5 of a variation of the first embodiment (see Figure 9).

[0209] In the circuit breaker 100 of this specific example, the movable contactor 3 moves between a closed position (see FIG. 30) and a first open position (see FIG. 29) depending on whether or not current is applied to the exciting coil 81. That is, when the exciting coil 81 is not energized, the movable contactor 3 is held in a first open position where the movable contact (first movable contact) 31 is separated from the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11 by the spring force of the return pressure spring 85 or the like. When the exciting coil 81 is energized, the movable contactor 3 is held in a closed position where the movable contact (first movable contact) 31 is in contact with the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11 by the electromagnetic force of the magnetic flux generated in the exciting coil 81. When the pyro actuator 5 is driven and the igniter 51 generates gas, the piston 53 is pushed downward by the pressure in the pressurizing chamber 520, and the movable contactor 3 is pushed by the piston 53 to move to the second open position (see FIG. 31). Here, the second open position is the same as the first open position.

[0210] In the electric circuit interrupting devices 100 of the first to fifth specific examples as well, the gas generated by the igniter 51 is introduced into the accommodation chamber 70 of the housing 7, thereby facilitating the extinction of the arc.

[0211] In addition, in the specific examples 1, 2, 4, and 5, when the pyro-actuator 5 is not driven, the circuit breaker 100 can be used as an electromagnetic relay equipped with a contact device.

[0212] The relationship between the closed position, the first open position, and the second open position is not limited to the positional relationship shown in each of the above specific examples. That is, the distance between the closed position and the first open position may be longer, shorter, or equal to the distance between the closed position and the second open position. It is preferable that the distance between the closed position and the second open position is longer than the distance between the closed position and the first open position.

[0213] Moreover, the electrical circuit interrupting devices 100 of the specific examples 3 to 5 may include the pyro-actuator 5 of the basic example of the first embodiment.

[0214] In addition, in each of the above specific examples, case 52 may be provided with a second cylindrical portion (a portion having a truncated conical inner surface whose diameter decreases toward the bottom) and a third cylindrical portion (a portion having a cylindrical inner surface whose diameter is smaller than that of base 533 of piston 53) as a return stop mechanism.

[0215] In each of the above specific examples, the electrical circuit interrupting device 100 may include a holder and a pressure spring. The holder is a rectangular box-like shape with both left and right sides open, and the movable contactor 3 passes through it in the left-right direction. The upper end of the shaft 831 is coupled to the lower wall of the holder. The pressure spring is disposed inside the holder between the upper surface of the lower wall of the holder and the lower surface of the movable contactor 3, and biases the movable contactor 3 upward. This configuration makes it possible to ensure the contact pressure between the movable contact (first movable contact) 31 and the fixed contact (first fixed contact) 11, and the contact pressure between the second movable contact 32 and the second fixed contact 21 when the movable contactor 3 is in the closed position.

[0216] (4) Description As is clear from the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the circuit breaker (100) of the first aspect includes a fixed terminal (1), a movable contactor (3), a moving mechanism, an igniter (51), and a housing chamber (70). The fixed terminal (1) has a fixed contact (11). The movable contactor (3) has a movable contact (31) connected to the fixed contact (11). The moving mechanism moves the movable contactor (3) from a closed position to an open position. The closed position is a position of the movable contactor (3) where the movable contact (31) is connected to the fixed contact (11). The open position is a position of the movable contactor (3) where the movable contact (31) is separated from the fixed contact (11). The igniter (51) generates gas by combustion. The housing chamber (70) houses the fixed contact (11) and the movable contactor (3). In the circuit breaking device (100), gas is introduced into the accommodation chamber (70).

[0217] According to the first aspect, the gas generated by the igniter (51) is introduced into the housing chamber (70) that houses the fixed contact (11) and the movable contact (3). Therefore, even if an arc occurs between the contacts, the gas can quickly extinguish the arc.

[0218] In the second embodiment of the circuit breaker (100), in the first embodiment, gas is introduced into a predetermined space (S1) between the fixed contact (11) and the movable contact (31) when the movable contactor (3) is in the open position.

[0219] According to the second aspect, the gas generated by the igniter (51) is introduced into the predetermined space (S1) between the movable contact (31) and the fixed contact (11) when the movable contactor (3) is in the open position. Therefore, even if an arc occurs between the contacts, the gas can quickly extinguish the arc.

[0220] The electrical circuit interrupting device (100) of the third aspect is the same as that of the second aspect and includes a flow path (50) that guides the gas so that the gas is sprayed into the predetermined space (S1).

[0221] According to the third aspect, the gas is blown to the arc by the flow path (50), so that extinguishing of the arc can be promoted.

[0222] In the electric circuit interruption device (100) of the fourth aspect, in the second or third aspect, gas is introduced from a direction perpendicular to the predetermined space (S1).

[0223] According to the fourth aspect, since the arc generated in the predetermined space (S1) can be effectively deformed or extended, it becomes possible to promote extinction of the arc, and the interruption performance can be improved.

[0224] In the fifth aspect of the electric circuit interrupting device (100) of any one of the first to fourth aspects, the movement mechanism includes a pressurizing chamber (520) and a piston (53). The pressurizing chamber (520) receives gas pressure. The piston (53) is moved by the pressure in the pressurizing chamber (520) and applies a force to the movable contact (3) in the closed position in a direction toward the open position, thereby moving the movable contact (3). In the electric circuit interrupting device (100), a part of the gas is introduced from the pressurizing chamber (520) to the predetermined space (S1).

[0225] According to the fifth aspect, the movable contact (3) can be moved using gas pressure (energy), and the arc generated between the contacts can be quickly extinguished by introducing the gas into the specified space (S1).

[0226] In a sixth aspect of the electric circuit interrupter (100) according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the movement mechanism includes a trip device (8). The trip device (8) moves the movable contact (3) from a closed position to an open position in response to an abnormal current flowing through an electric circuit including the movable contact (31) and the fixed contact (11).

[0227] According to the sixth aspect, in a device (such as a relay) in which an electric circuit is interrupted by the trip device (8), an arc occurring between contacts can be quickly extinguished.

[0228] In the seventh aspect of the electric circuit interruption device (100), in the sixth aspect, the trip device (8) has an exciting coil (81) that constitutes a part of the electric circuit. The trip device (8) moves the movable contact (3) to an open position by an electromagnetic force generated by a magnetic flux generated in the exciting coil (81) when an abnormal current flows in the electric circuit.

[0229] According to the seventh aspect, in a device in which an electric circuit is interrupted by an electromagnetic force generated by a magnetic flux generated in an exciting coil (81), it is possible to quickly extinguish an arc generated between contacts.

[0230] In the eighth aspect of the electric circuit interruption device (100), in the sixth or seventh aspect, the trip device (8) includes a bimetal plate (88) that bends when an abnormal current flows through the electric circuit. When an abnormal current flows through the electric circuit, the bimetal plate (88) bends, and the trip device (8) moves the movable contact (3) to an open position.

[0231] According to the eighth aspect, in a device in which an electric circuit is interrupted by bending a bimetal plate (88), it is possible to quickly extinguish an arc occurring between contacts.

[0232] The electric circuit interrupting device (100) of the ninth aspect is in any one of the first to eighth aspects, and further includes an elastic portion (contact pressure springs 41, 42) that applies an elastic force to the movable contact (3) in a direction toward the closed position.

[0233] According to the ninth aspect, the movable contact (3) can be held in the closed position.

[0234] The electric circuit interrupter (100) of a tenth aspect is any one of the first to ninth aspects, and further includes a permanent magnet (43) for holding the movable contact (3) in a closed position.

[0235] According to the tenth aspect, the movable contact (3) can be held in the closed position.

[0236] The electric circuit interruption device (100) of an eleventh aspect is the device of any one of the first to tenth aspects, and includes a space that includes the receiving chamber (70) and seals the gas.

[0237] According to the eleventh aspect, the pressure in the space is increased by introducing gas into the space that seals the gas, thereby enabling the arc generated between the contacts to be quickly extinguished.

[0238] The circuit breaker (100) of the twelfth aspect includes a fixed terminal (1), a movable contactor (3), an exciting coil (81), and a moving mechanism. The fixed terminal (1) has a fixed contact (11). The movable contactor (3) has a movable contact (31) connected to the fixed contact (11). The igniter (51) generates gas by combustion. The exciting coil (81) moves the movable contactor (3) from a closed position where the movable contact (31) is connected to the fixed contact (11) to a first open position where the movable contact (31) is separated from the fixed contact (11). The moving mechanism moves the movable contactor (3) to a second open position where the movable contact (31) is separated from the fixed contact (11).

[0239] The configurations of the second to eleventh aspects are not essential components of the electrical circuit interruption device (100) and may be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0240] 100 Circuit interrupter 1 1st fixed terminal (fixed terminal) 11 1st fixed contact (fixed contact) 3 Movable Contact 31 1st movable contact (movable contact) 41 Contact pressure spring (elastic part) 42 Contact pressure spring (elastic part) 43 Permanent Magnets 50 Flow Path 51 Igniter 520 Pressurized Room 53 Piston 70 Containment Room 8 Trip device 81 Excitation coil 88 Bimetal Plate S1 Predetermined space

Claims

1. a first fixed terminal including a first fixed contact; a second fixed terminal including a second fixed contact located to the right of the first fixed contact; a movable contact including a first end portion provided with a first movable contact located below the first fixed contact, a second end portion provided with a second movable contact located below the second fixed contact, and an intermediate portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion; a pyro actuator including a piston provided above the intermediate portion and an igniter including a gunpowder and causing the piston to move toward the movable contact by combustion of the gunpowder; a housing that accommodates the first fixed contact, the second fixed contact, and the movable contact; A coil disposed outside the housing; a mover that moves upward or downward when the coil is energized; a shaft disposed below the intermediate portion, the shaft moving upward when the mover moves upward and moving downward when the mover moves downward; Equipped with The movable contactor is the shaft moves upward or downward between a closed position in which the first fixed contact is in contact with the first movable contact and the second fixed contact is in contact with the second movable contact, and a first open position in which the first movable contact is separated from the first fixed contact and the second movable contact is separated from the second fixed contact; When the explosive of the igniter is burned, the movable contact is moved to a second open position located lower than the first open position by the piston moving toward the movable contact. Electromagnetic relay.

2. When viewed from above, the piston is disposed at a position overlapping with the shaft.

2. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1.

3. A holder coupled to the shaft; a contact pressure spring disposed between the holder and the movable contact and biasing the movable contact upward when the movable contact is in the closed position; Further comprising:

3. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 2.

4. the housing has an upper wall located above the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact, and a through hole in which the pyro-actuator is disposed, The upper end of the pyroactuator is located above the through-hole, and the lower end of the pyroactuator is located below the through-hole.

2. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1.

5. the pyro-actuator combusts the explosive of the igniter when the movable contact is located at a closed position, and moves the movable contact from the closed position to the second open position.

2. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1.

6. a pressure in the housing in a state in which the explosive of the igniter is burned and the first movable contact is separated from the first fixed contact and the second movable contact is separated from the second fixed contact is greater than a pressure in the housing when the movable contactor is located at the closed position and the explosive of the igniter is not burned; 6. An electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images