Shutoff device

Abstract

To provide a shutoff device capable of improving a shutoff performance.SOLUTION: A shutoff device (1) includes a vacuum container (2), and a first contact (31) and a second contact (41) provided inside the vacuum container (2). The first contact (31) has a protruding part (34) protruding toward the second contact (41). The second contact (41) is provided with: an accommodation space (43) for accommodating the protruding part (34) in a state where a first main contact surface (33) and a second main contact surface (46) are in contact with each other; and a through hole (44) penetrating from a portion other than the second main contact surface (46) to the accommodation space (43).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a shutoff device. [Background technology]

[0002] A circuit breaker is installed in an electric power facility to interrupt an electric circuit. The circuit breaker includes a fixed contact and a movable contact that is capable of coming into contact with the fixed contact. When the circuit breaker interrupts an electric circuit, an arc discharge occurs between the fixed contact and the movable contact. Conventionally, one type of circuit breaker is a vacuum circuit breaker that has fixed and movable contacts that can be attached and detached in a vacuum container, and extinguishes an arc that occurs between the fixed and movable contacts in a vacuum when interrupting a current. Patent Document 1 discloses a vacuum circuit breaker that suppresses the generation of initial electrons from the fixed or movable contact, which constitutes a cathode, when interrupting an electric circuit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-149780 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a vacuum circuit breaker, further improvement in the interrupting performance when interrupting an electric circuit is expected. The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a circuit breaker that can improve the interrupting performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, an interrupter device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a vacuum container, and a pair of contacts, a first contact and a second contact, which are arranged inside the vacuum container and can be brought into contact with and separated from each other, wherein the first contact has a protrusion that protrudes toward the second contact and is arranged so as to be surrounded by a first main contact surface that is the main contact surface of the first contact, and the second contact is provided with an accommodating space that accommodates the protrusion when the first main contact surface and a second main contact surface that is the main contact surface of the second contact are in contact with each other, and a through hole that penetrates from a location on the outer surface of the second contact other than the second main contact surface to the accommodating space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a circuit breaking device that can improve circuit breaking performance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a blocking device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cutaway end view of a pair of contacts of the circuit breaker; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the contactor when closed. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the breaking device when the contacts are separated. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a continuation of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a continuation of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing a phenomenon that occurs during the contact opening operation of the circuit breaker. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional end view of a contact of a first modified example of the circuit breaker. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional end view of a contact of a second modified example of the circuit breaker. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional end view of a contact of a third modified example of the circuit breaker. [Figure 11]10 is a diagram showing a fourth modification of the above-mentioned circuit breaking device. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a circuit breaker according to a fifth modified example of the circuit breaker. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a sixth modification of the above-mentioned circuit breaking device. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional end view of a contact of a seventh modified example of the circuit breaker. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a cutaway end view of a contact of a modified example 8 of the circuit breaking device. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a cutaway end view of a contact of a ninth modified example of the circuit breaking device. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a tenth modification of the above-mentioned breaking device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [Embodiment 1] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. However, the following description is for explaining one example of an interrupter device 1 according to the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following description and the contents of the drawings. In the following description, the height direction of the interrupter device 1 is defined as the Y-axis direction, the left-right direction in FIG. 1 is defined as the X-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Y-axis and X-axis is defined as the Z-axis direction.

[0009] (Outline of the circuit breaker) Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a main part of a circuit breaker 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional end view of a pair of contacts CT of the circuit breaker 1. Reference numeral 2001 in Fig. 2 illustrates a closed state in which the contacts CT are in contact, and reference numeral 2002 in Fig. 2 illustrates a state in which the contacts CT are separated. The circuit breaker 1 has a characteristic shape of the contacts CT, which makes it possible to shorten the time for which an arc is generated when the contacts CT are separated.

[0010] 2, the circuit breaking device 1 includes a pair of contacts CT, that is, a first contact 31 and a second contact 41. The first contact 31 has a protrusion 34 that is surrounded by a first main contact surface 33 of the first contact 31 and protrudes toward the second contact 41.

[0011] The second contact 41 is provided with (1) an accommodation space 43 that accommodates the protrusion 34 when the first main contact surface 33 of the first contact 31 and the second main contact surface 46 of the second contact 41 are in contact, and (2) a through-hole 44 that penetrates from a location on the outer surface 45 of the second contact 41 other than the second main contact surface 46 to the accommodation space 43. As a result, in the circuit breaker 1, metal vapor MV, electrons, ions, and other particles that are generated when the contact pieces CT (first contact 31 and second contact 41) transition from a contacting state to a separated state are concentrated and distributed in the accommodation space 43.

[0012] Furthermore, these generated particles such as metal vapor MV are discharged through the through holes 44 into the internal space of the vacuum vessel 2 from locations other than the second main contact surface 46 on the outer surface 45 of the second contact 41. As a result, the particles such as metal vapor MV that maintain the arc between the contacts CT decrease, and the duration of the arc that occurs when the contacts CT separate is shortened. As a result, the interrupting performance of the circuit breaker 1 can be improved.

[0013] In the following, the closed state refers to a state in which the first main contact surface 33 of the first contact 31 and the second main contact surface 46 of the second contact are in contact, allowing current to flow. The open state refers to a state in which the first contact 31 and the second contact 41 are not in contact at any point. The opening operation refers to a state in which the pair of contacts CT is in the middle of being separated from the closed state.

[0014] (shutoff device) The circuit breaker 1 is a vacuum circuit breaker. The circuit breaker 1 is installed in an electric power facility and breaks an electric circuit therein. As shown in Fig. 1, the circuit breaker 1 includes a vacuum vessel 2, a first current-carrying shaft 3, a second current-carrying shaft 4, a shield 9, and a control unit 10.

[0015] The vacuum vessel 2 is a vessel whose interior is maintained at a predetermined vacuum level, and houses a part of the first current-carrying shaft 3, a part of the second current-carrying shaft 4, and a shield 9. The vacuum vessel 2 comprises separable insulating cylinders 2a1 and 2a2, a lid 2b that seals the opening at one end of the insulating cylinder 2a1, and a lid 2c that seals the opening at the other end of the insulating cylinder 2a2.

[0016] Insulating cylinders 2a1 and 2a2 are cylindrical bodies made of, for example, ceramic. Lids 2b and 2c are made of, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel. Lids 2b and 2c are fixed to insulating cylinders 2a1 and 2a2, respectively, by welding, for example, brazing, to hermetically seal insulating cylinders 2a1 and 2a2. However, the configuration of vacuum vessel 2 is not limited to this specific example, and may include other known configurations applied to circuit breakers.

[0017] (1st energized shaft) The first current shaft 3 includes a first current shaft body 30 connected to the electric circuit (not shown), and a first contact 31 provided at the end of the first current shaft body 30 on the inside side of the vacuum vessel 2. The first current shaft body 30 is made of a metal such as copper or a copper alloy (for example, an alloy of Cu:Cr=1:1).

[0018] (First contact) The first contact 31 and a second contact 41 (described later) constitute a pair of contacts CT that are provided so as to be connectable and disconnectable inside the vacuum vessel 2. The first contact 31 is one of the pair of contacts CT in the circuit breaker 1, and is provided inside the vacuum vessel 2 at the end of the first current-carrying shaft body 30 on the second contact 41 side.

[0019] 2, the first contact 31 includes a contact body 32 and a protrusion 34. The contact body 32 contacts the second contact 41 via a first main contact surface 33, which is a part of the surface of the contact body 32, thereby electrically connecting the first current-carrying shaft 3 and the second current-carrying shaft 4. The contact body 32 is, for example, disk-shaped with a central axis substantially parallel to the direction in which the first contact 31 and the second contact 41 move toward and away from each other (the Y-axis direction).

[0020] The first main contact surface 33 is the main contact surface of the first contact 31, and in the closed state of the contactor CT, the first main contact surface 33 comes into contact over its entire surface with the second main contact surface 46 of the second contact 41. The first main contact surface 33 is formed in a generally conical shape that convex toward the second contact 41 side so as to cover from the outer edge of the contact body 32 to the outer edge of the protruding portion 34 on the contact body 32 side (root side).

[0021] As will be described later, the protrusion 34 concentrates electric power into the protrusion 34 itself when the first contact 31 and the second contact 41 separate, thereby generating metal vapor MV in the accommodation space 43. As shown by 2002 in FIG. 2 , the protrusion 34 is disposed so as to be surrounded by the first main contact surface 33, and protrudes toward the second contact 41. The protrusion 34 is provided around the central axis at the end of the first main contact surface 33 on the second contact 41 side. The diameter of the protrusion 34 in a cross section perpendicular to the contact / separation direction of the contact CT is smaller than the diameter of the contact body 32 in the same plane.

[0022] The protrusion 34 has a columnar portion 341 and a tip portion 342. The columnar portion 341 extends in the direction in which the first contact 31 and the second contact 41 contact and separate. The columnar portion 341 has a constant cross section perpendicular to the contact and separation direction and is shaped to fit into the opening 431 of the housing space 43. The tip portion 342 includes the tip 35 of the protrusion 34 and has a diameter that tapers toward the tip 35. As will be described later, electron beams EB (field electrons) are generated in the protrusion 34 when the contacts CT are opened. In other words, electron beams EB are less likely to be generated in parts of the first contact 31 other than the protrusion 34.

[0023] (2nd energizing shaft) The second current shaft 4 includes a second current shaft body 40 connected to the electric circuit (not shown), and a second contact 41 provided at the end of the second current shaft body 40 facing the inside of the vacuum vessel 2. The second current shaft body 40 is also made of the same material as the first current shaft body 30.

[0024] A drive mechanism (not shown) is connected to the second current-carrying shaft body 40, and the drive mechanism enables the second current-carrying shaft 4 to move toward and away from the first current-carrying shaft 3. The second current-carrying shaft body 40 is movably and airtightly attached to the cover body 2b via bellows 7 (see FIG. 1) fixed on the surface of the cover body 2b.

[0025] (Second Contact) The second contact 41 is the other of the pair of contactors CT in the circuit breaker 1, and is provided at the end of the second current-carrying shaft body 40 on the first contact 31 side inside the vacuum vessel 2. In the circuit breaker 1, the first contact 31 is fixed to the vacuum vessel 2, and the contactor CT is brought into and out of contact with the second contact 41 as it moves.

[0026] The first contact 31 and the second contact 41 are separated from each other when the circuit breaker 1 is in an open state. As a result, the circuit breaker 1 of this embodiment can interrupt the electric circuit of the power equipment in which the circuit breaker 1 is installed, thereby stopping the operation of the power equipment.

[0027] On the other hand, the first contact 31 and the second contact 41 are in contact with each other when the circuit breaker 1 is closed. Specifically, when the circuit breaker 1 is closed, the first main contact surface 33, which is the main contact surface of the first contact 31, and the second main contact surface 46, which is the main contact surface of the second contact 41, are in contact with each other. As a result, the circuit breaker 1 of this embodiment connects the electric circuit of the power equipment in which the circuit breaker 1 is installed, enabling the power equipment to operate. The first contact 31 and the second contact 41 are made of a metal material such as a copper-chromium alloy, for example.

[0028] 2, the second contact 41 is made up of a contact body 42. The second main contact surface 46 is the main contact surface of the second contact 41, and the contact body 42 contacts the first contact 31 via the second main contact surface 46, thereby electrically connecting the first current-carrying shaft 3 and the second current-carrying shaft 4. The contact body 42 is, for example, disk-shaped with a central axis that is approximately parallel to the direction in which the first contact 31 and the second contact 41 move toward and away from each other.

[0029] The second main contact surface 46 is formed so that it is positioned further forward in the direction in which the first contact 31 and the second contact 41 move toward and away from each other as it moves away from the opening 431 of the accommodating space 43, which is provided in the center of the second main contact surface 46 and will be described later.

[0030] In other words, the second main contact surface 46 is inclined so as to retreat from the first contact 31 side as it moves from the outer edge of the contact body 42 toward the accommodating space 43, so that the angle θ formed between the wall surface 432 that defines the accommodating space 43 and the second main contact surface 46 of the second contact 41 is an obtuse angle. Note that the angle θ is an angle on a plane including the central axis. Therefore, the angle θ of the opening 431 of the accommodating space 43 that faces the protrusion 34 when the contact CT is separated becomes gentle, which makes it possible to prevent an electric field from concentrating at that location when the contact CT is separated.

[0031] The second contact 41 is provided with an accommodation space 43 and a through hole 44. The accommodation space 43 is provided in the second contact 41 so as to be recessed from an opening 431 provided in the second main contact surface 46 in a direction away from the first contact 31. The accommodation space 43 accommodates the protrusion 34 when the first main contact surface 33 and the second main contact surface 46 are in contact. In the closed state of the contactor CT, the protrusion 34 and a wall surface 432 that constitutes the accommodation space 43 may be in contact over their entire surfaces. Alternatively, in the closed state of the contactor CT, the tip 35 of the protrusion 34 may not contact the bottom of the accommodation space 43, and a space may be formed between the tip 342 of the protrusion 34 and the wall surface 432 that constitutes the accommodation space 43.

[0032] 2 and 3, the through-hole 44 penetrates from a location on the outer surface 45 of the second contact 41 other than the second main contact surface 46 to the accommodating space 43. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the contact CT in a closed state, as viewed from the opening side of the through-hole 44 (viewed in the positive direction of the X-axis). It is desirable that the through-hole 44 penetrates from a location other than the second main contact surface 46 to the accommodating space 43, for example, in the upper part of the accommodating space 43 (the first contact 31 side). This allows the circuit breaker 1 to discharge metal vapor MV, electrons, ions, and other particles to an area away from between the protrusion 34 and the accommodating space 43.

[0033] In this embodiment, the through-holes 44 extend substantially parallel to the XZ plane perpendicular to the contact / separation direction, and penetrate from the accommodation space 43 to the side surface 47 of the second contact 41. This allows the metal vapor MV and the like to be smoothly discharged through the through-holes 44.

[0034] (shield) The shield 9 protects the vacuum vessel 2 from metal vapor MV and the like. As shown in Fig. 1, the shield 9 is provided so as to cover the first contact 31 and the second contact 41. The shield 9 is provided at a position facing the opening 441 (see Fig. 2) of the through-hole 44 on the outer surface 45 of the second contact 41, between the vacuum vessel 2 and the first contact 31 and second contact 41.

[0035] Even when first contact 31 or second contact 41 is partially melted and scattered by the arc, shield 9 prevents the scattered material from adhering to surrounding insulating tube 2a1 and insulating tube 2a2. In addition, metal vapor MV and the like discharged from opening 441 of through hole 44 hits shield 9, thereby preventing the metal vapor MV and the like from scattering onto insulating tube 2a1 and insulating tube 2a2. The metal vapor MV and the like that hits shield 9 condenses, thereby preventing the metal vapor MV and the like from diffusing into vacuum vessel 2.

[0036] The shield 9 includes a shield body 9a and a connecting member 9b. The shield body 9a is configured in a substantially cylindrical shape so as to cover the space between the spaced-apart first contact 31 and second contact 41. One end of the connecting member 9b is connected to the outer circumferential surface side of the shield body 9a (the side opposite to the pair of contacts CT). The other end of the connecting member 9b is fixed between the insulating cylinders 2a1 and 2a2 of the vacuum vessel 2.

[0037] (Example of the operation of the breaker when the contacts separate) 4 to 6 are diagrams showing an example of the operation of the circuit breaker 1 when the contactor CT separates. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing phenomena that occur during the contact opening operation of the circuit breaker 1. 4001 in FIG. 4 shows the closed state of the contactor CT, and 4002 in FIG. 4 shows the state in which the second contact 41 begins to separate from the first contact 31, i.e., the state immediately after the contact opening operation has begun. FIG. 5 shows the state immediately after the discharge of metal vapor MV and the like from the accommodating space 43 has begun. Note that the following description will be given assuming that the circuit breaker is configured so that current flows from the second contact 41 to the first contact 31.

[0038] When the first contact 31 and the second contact 41 begin to separate during the contact-opening operation (step S1 in FIG. 7), the first main contact surface 33 of the first contact 31 and the second main contact surface 46 of the second contact 41 separate from each other. Also, the tip portion 342 of the first contact 31 separates from the wall surface 432 of the accommodating space 43 of the second contact 41. At this time, at least a portion of the columnar portion 341 of the first contact 31 remains in contact with the wall surface 432 of the accommodating space 43 of the second contact 41.

[0039] 4, in the closed state, current EC flows from second contact 41 to first contact 31, entirely between first contact 31 and second contact 41, including first main contact surface 33 and second main contact surface 46. On the other hand, as shown in 4002 in FIG. 4, immediately after the opening operation is started, current EC is concentrated in protrusion 34 and a part of wall surface 432 of accommodation space 43.

[0040] When the current EC is concentrated on the protrusion 34, the metal melts due to Joule heat, and metal vapor MV is generated in the accommodation space 43 below the protrusion 34 (step S2 in FIG. 7). Because the opening 431 of the accommodation space 43 is blocked by the protrusion 34, the generation of metal vapor MV causes the pressure in the accommodation space 43 to rise.

[0041] As the opening operation of the contactor CT progresses, the following phenomena of steps S3 to S6 occur successively.

[0042] The first contact 31 and the second contact 41 are separated from each other (step S3 in FIG. 7). Specifically, the protruding portion 34 of the first contact 31 and the wall surface 432 that forms the accommodation space 43 of the second contact 41 are separated from each other, and the first contact 31 and the second contact 41 are no longer in contact with each other at any point.

[0043] From the moment of such contact separation, an electron beam EB is generated between the separated first contact 31 and second contact 41 (step S4 in FIG. 7). The electron beam EB generates additional metal vapor MV, and the pressure in the containing space 43 increases.

[0044] Furthermore, when the contacts are opened, the metal vapor MV in the accommodation space 43 is ionized, generating an arc between the protrusion 34 of the first contact 31 and the wall surface 432, etc., that constitutes the accommodation space 43 of the second contact 41 (step S5 in FIG. 7). The arc is composed of the metal vapor MV, electrons, ions, and other particles. When the arc is generated, the pressure in the accommodation space 43 further increases.

[0045] Thereafter, the separation between the first contact 31 and the second contact 41 progresses further, and the metal vapor MV and the like in the accommodation space 43 are expelled as described below. In addition, the circuit breaker 1 is configured so that the various particles that make up the arc, including the metal vapor MV, are quickly expelled from between the contacts CT, so the generated arc is extinguished in a shorter time than in the prior art (step S6 in FIG. 7).

[0046] Furthermore, while the above-described steps S3 to S6 are proceeding, the next step SA is proceeding in parallel. As the contact opening operation of the contactor CT occurs, the blockage of the opening of the through-hole 44 in the accommodation space 43 by the protrusion 34 of the first contact 31 is removed. Then, metal vapor MV, electrons, ions, and other particles in the accommodation space 43 are discharged from the outer surface 45 of the second contact 41 through the through-hole 44 into the inside of the vacuum chamber 2 (step SA in FIG. 7).

[0047] The timing at which the opening of the through hole 44 is unblocked is adjusted depending on whether the opening of the through hole 44 is located above or below the accommodation space 43. When the opening of the through hole 44 is located at the top of the accommodation space 43 (closest to the first contact 31), the timing at which discharge starts is delayed, as shown in FIG. 5. This makes it easier for the pressure inside the accommodation space 43 to increase, and the discharge speed of the metal vapor MV and the like after discharge starts can be increased. On the other hand, when the opening of the through hole 44 is located at the bottom of the accommodation space 43, the timing at which discharge starts can be advanced.

[0048] The timing at which the opening of the through hole 44 is unblocked can also be adjusted by the position of the tip 35 of the first contact 31 in the closed state of the contactor CT. If the shape of the protrusion 34 is such that the tip 35 comes into contact with the bottom of the accommodating space 43 in the closed state of the contactor CT, the timing at which the discharge starts can be delayed. On the other hand, the shape of the tip 35 in the closed state of the contactor CT is such that it is further away from the bottom of the accommodating space 43, the timing at which the discharge starts can be advanced. The optimal condition for the timing at which the opening of the through hole 44 is unblocked during the opening operation can be experimentally determined from the viewpoint of quickly extinguishing the arc.

[0049] It should be noted again that during step SA, the pressure inside the accommodation space 43 is increased due to the three phenomena described above: the generation of metal vapor MV due to Joule heat, the pressure increase effect due to the electron beam EB, and the pressure increase effect due to the arc. In the interrupter 1 according to this embodiment, these phenomena allow the metal vapor MV and the like inside the accommodation space 43 to be quickly discharged through the through-holes 44. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6 , when the metal vapor MV and the like discharged from the through-holes 44 hits the shield 9, the metal vapor MV and the like condenses. This makes it possible to prevent the metal vapor MV and the like from diffusing inside the vacuum vessel 2.

[0050] [Variation 1] Modifications of this embodiment will be described below. For ease of explanation, in the following modifications, components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. Furthermore, circuit breakers 1A to 1C in modifications 1 to 3 have the same configuration as circuit breaker 1 except for the contactor CT. Note that the contactor CT in Figs. 8 to 14 and 16, which describe the modifications, shows the closed state, and the contactor CT in Fig. 15 shows the open state.

[0051] Fig. 8 is a cutaway end view of a contact CT of a circuit breaker 1A, which is a first variation of the circuit breaker 1. As shown in Fig. 8, the circuit breaker 1A is different from the circuit breaker 1 in that it includes a magnetic field generating unit 50, but the other configurations are the same. As a result, the circuit breaker 1A can accelerate the discharge of metal vapor MV from the through-hole 44 into the inside of the vacuum vessel 2.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 8, the magnetic field generating unit 50 may include a first magnetic field generating unit 51 provided near the accommodation space 43. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 8, the magnetic field generating unit 50 may include a second magnetic field generating unit 52 provided near the through-hole 44. The magnetic field generating unit 50 is, for example, a fixed magnet or a coil having a magnetic drive structure.

[0053] The first magnetic field generating unit 51 can generate a magnetic field in the storage space 43 that promotes the discharge of objects that have been generated in the storage space 43 and that have been released from the first contact or the second contact 41 into the through-hole 44. These objects are, for example, metal vapor MV or ions. As an example, the first magnetic field generating unit 51 can be provided on the outer periphery of the storage space 43 and can generate a first magnetic field MF1 in the storage space 43 along the extension direction of the storage space 43.

[0054] The second magnetic field generating unit 52 can generate a magnetic field in the through hole 44 that promotes the discharge of objects that have been generated in the accommodation space 43 and that have come off the first contact or the second contact 41 through the through hole 44 into the inside of the vacuum vessel 2. As an example, the second magnetic field generating unit 52 can be provided on the outer periphery of the through hole 44 and can generate a second magnetic field MF2 in the through hole 44 along the extension direction of the through hole 44.

[0055] The magnetic fields generated by the first magnetic field generating unit 51 and the second magnetic field generating unit 52 may have the effect of promoting the discharge of objects separated from the first contact or the second contact 41 into the through-hole 44, as well as the following effects: Promoting the uniform distribution of metal vapor MV, electrons, ions, and other particles generated within the storage space 43; Promoting cooling within the through-hole 44.

[0056] [Variation 2] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional end view of a contact CT of a circuit breaker 1B, which is a second modification of the circuit breaker 1. As shown in Fig. 9, the circuit breaker 1B is different from the circuit breaker 1A in the cross-sectional shapes of the first main contact surface 33B and the second main contact surface 46B in the XY plane, but the other configurations are the same.

[0057] Specifically, the cross sections of the first main contact surface 33 of the first contact 31 and the second main contact surface 46 of the second contact 41 of the circuit breaker 1A in the XY plane are straight lines. In contrast, the cross sections of the first main contact surface 33B of the first contact 31B and the second main contact surface 46B of the second contact 41B of the circuit breaker 1B in the XY plane are curved lines.

[0058] In other words, the first main contact surface 33B of the circuit breaker 1B is generally dome-shaped, and the second main contact surface 46B is generally bowl-shaped and abuts against the first main contact surface 33B in the closed state. Thus, even though the shapes of the first main contact surface 33B and the second main contact surface 46B are different from those of the circuit breaker 1A, the circuit breaker 1B can achieve the same effects as the circuit breaker 1A.

[0059] [Variation 3] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional end view of a contact CT of a circuit breaker 1C, which is a third modification of the circuit breaker 1. As shown in Fig. 10, the circuit breaker 1C differs from the circuit breaker 1 in that it has a through hole 44C instead of the through hole 44, but the rest of the configuration is the same.

[0060] The through hole 44C penetrates from a surface 48 opposite the second main contact surface 46 of the second contact 41C of the circuit breaker 1C to the accommodation space 43. This allows the circuit breaker 1C to discharge metal vapor MV from the surface 48 opposite the second main contact surface 46 of the second contact, away from the contact elements CT. This further prevents metal vapor MV from flowing between the contact elements CT. Note that in FIG. 10, the through hole 44C is curved toward the surface 48, but this is not limited to the above and the through hole 44C may be perpendicular.

[0061] [Variation 4] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of circuit breaker 1D, which is a fourth modification of circuit breaker 1. As shown in Fig. 11, circuit breaker 1D differs from circuit breaker 1C in that it has a shield 9D instead of shield 9 (see Fig. 1), but the rest of the configuration is the same. Circuit breaker 1D to circuit breaker 1F in modifications 4 to 6 have the same configuration of contactor CT as circuit breaker 1C.

[0062] 11, in the shield 9D, the shield main body 9Da is provided so as to cover only the second contact 41C, without covering the first contact 31. In the interrupter 1D, since the same second contact 41C as in Modification 3 is included, the metal vapor MV is discharged from the surface 48 opposite the second main contact surface 46. Therefore, the metal vapor MV is less likely to flow out to the first contact 31 side. Therefore, by protecting only the second contact 41C with the shield 9D, as in the interrupter 1D, the vacuum vessel 2 can be efficiently protected from the metal vapor MV.

[0063] [Variation 5] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of circuit breaker 1E, which is a fifth variation of circuit breaker 1. As shown in Fig. 12, circuit breaker 1E is different from circuit breaker 1D in that the second current-carrying shaft 4 is fixed and the first current-carrying shaft 3 is movable relative to the second current-carrying shaft 4, but the other configurations are the same. In other words, in circuit breaker 1E, the second contact 41 is fixed to the vacuum vessel 2, and the first contact 31 is movable to cause the contactor CT to make and separate.

[0064] In this way, either the first current-carrying shaft 3 or the second current-carrying shaft 4 may be fixed or movable. Fixing the second current-carrying shaft 4 fixes the second contact 41C, and therefore fixes the location of the metal vapor MV that is discharged into the vacuum vessel 2 from the through-hole 44C. This makes it possible, for example, to minimize the location of the shield 9 that protects the vacuum vessel 2.

[0065] [Variation 6] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a shutoff device 1F which is a sixth modification of the shutoff device 1. As shown in Fig. 13, the shutoff device 1F differs from the shutoff device 1E in that the vacuum vessel 2 has an inflow prevention portion 21, but the rest of the configuration is the same.

[0066] Inflow prevention portion 21 blocks the space from the outer periphery of second contact 41C to the inner periphery of vacuum vessel 2 on the outer periphery of second contact 41C closer to first contact 31 than opening 441C (see FIG. 10) of through hole 44C on the inside side of vacuum vessel 2. This prevents metal vapor MV discharged from through hole 44C from flowing out toward first contact 31, further reducing the amount of metal vapor MV present between contacts CT when the electrodes are opened.

[0067] [Variation 7] Fig. 14 is a cutaway end view of a contact CT of a circuit breaker 1G, which is a seventh modification of the circuit breaker 1. As shown in Fig. 14, the circuit breaker 1G is different from the circuit breaker 1A in the shapes of the protrusion 34G and the accommodation space 43G, but the other configurations are the same.

[0068] Specifically, the protrusion 34G does not have a tip portion 342 (see FIG. 2), and has a columnar shape that has a constant cross section perpendicular to the contact / separation direction and that fits into the opening 431G of the accommodation space 43G and extends along the contact / separation direction of the first contact 31G and the second contact 41G. The protrusion 34G is, for example, substantially cylindrical. In this way, even if the interrupting device 1G does not have a tip portion 342 (see FIG. 2), it can achieve the same effects as the interrupting device 1.

[0069] [Variation 8] Fig. 15 is a cutaway end view of a contact CT of circuit breaker 1H, which is an eighth modification of circuit breaker 1. As shown in Fig. 15, circuit breaker 1H differs from circuit breaker 1C in that it includes an insulating shield 49, but the rest of the configuration is the same.

[0070] The insulating shield 49 is provided on the edge of the opening 431 of the accommodating space 43. This can delay the ignition of an arc when the contacts CT separate, and can also extend the life of the second contact 41C.

[0071] [Modification 9] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional end view of a contact CT of a circuit breaker 1J which is a ninth variation of the circuit breaker 1. As shown in Fig. 16, the circuit breaker 1J is different from the circuit breaker 1G in the diameter of the protrusion 34J, but the other configurations are the same.

[0072] In the circuit breaker 1G, the protrusion 34G and the storage space 43G abutted against each other in the closed state, but in the circuit breaker 1J, the diameter of the protrusion 34J is smaller than the diameter of the storage space 43J, and in the closed state, the protrusion 34J and the wall surface 432J forming the storage space 43J do not abut against each other on the outer periphery of the protrusion 34J.

[0073] Since the diameter of the protrusion 34J is small, the protrusion 34J immediately separates from the bottom surface 433J, which is a part of the wall surface 432J that forms the accommodation space 43J, during the electrode opening process, thereby accelerating the timing of ignition of the electron beam EB. This makes it easier for the metal vapor MV to be discharged from the through-hole 44.

[0074] [Modification 10] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the main parts of a circuit breaker 1K, which is a tenth variation of the circuit breaker 1. In Fig. 16, reference numeral 1701 denotes a front view of the contactor CT of the circuit breaker 1K, as viewed from the positive direction of the Z axis. Reference numeral 1702 denotes a plan view of the second contact 41 of the contactor CT of the circuit breaker 1K. The circuit breaker 1K of the tenth variation has four sets of protrusions 34 and accommodating spaces 43.

[0075] In the circuit breaking device 1K of the tenth modification, each through hole 44 that connects each accommodating space 43 with a side surface 47 of the second contact 41 opens at about the middle in the vertical direction of the accommodating space 43. Therefore, the first main contact surface 33 of the first contact 31 and the second main contact surface 46 of the second contact are configured as flat surfaces. In this way, the circuit breaking device 1 of the present invention may include a plurality of protrusions 34 and accommodating spaces 43.

[0076] 〔summary〕 The circuit breaking device (1) according to aspect 1 of the present invention comprises a vacuum container (2) and a pair of contacts (CT) comprising a first contact (31) and a second contact (41) which are arranged inside the vacuum container (2) and can be moved in and out of contact with each other. The first contact (31) has a protrusion (34) which protrudes toward the second contact (41) and is arranged so as to be surrounded by a first main contact surface (33) which is the main contact surface of the first contact (31). The second contact (41) has an accommodating space (43) which accommodates the protrusion (34) when the first main contact surface (33) and a second main contact surface (46) which is the main contact surface of the second contact (41) are in contact with each other, and a through hole (44) which penetrates from a position other than the second main contact surface (46) in an outer surface (45) of the second contact (41) to the accommodating space (43).

[0077] According to the above configuration, when the contacts transition from a contacted state to a released state, current concentrates on the protrusion provided on the first contact and housed in the housing space of the second contact, thereby generating metal vapor between the protrusion and the housing space.

[0078] Furthermore, metal vapor is generated in the housing space when the electrodes are opened, and the generated metal vapor increases the pressure in the housing space. As a result, the generated metal vapor passes through the through-hole and is discharged into the internal space of the vacuum vessel from a location on the outer surface of the second contact other than the second main contact surface.

[0079] As a result, the amount of metal vapor present between the first and second contacts when the contacts transition from a contacted state to a separated state is reduced compared to conventional methods. Because the amount of metal vapor that maintains the arc between the first and second contacts is reduced, the duration of the arc that occurs when the contacts separate is shortened. As a result, the interruption performance of the circuit breaker can be improved.

[0080] In the breaking device (1) according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in the above aspect 1, the protrusion (34) may have a columnar portion having a constant cross section perpendicular to the contact / separation direction along the contact / separation direction between the first contact (31) and the second contact (41) and a shape that fits into the opening (431) of the storage space (43).

[0081] According to the above configuration, in the transition state in which the first contact and the second contact are in contact with each other and are separated from each other, the opening of the accommodation space is blocked by the protrusion, thereby preventing metal vapor generated in the accommodation space from flowing out to the side between the main contact surfaces of the first contact and the second contact.

[0082] In the blocking device (1) according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in the above-mentioned aspect 1 or 2, the protrusion (34) may have a tip portion (342) including the tip (35) of the protrusion (34) and having a diameter that narrows toward the tip (35).

[0083] According to the above configuration, the electron beam is generated from the tip of the protrusion with a narrowed diameter within the accommodation space, which makes it easier for the generated metal vapor to be contained within the accommodation space.

[0084] In the breaking device (1) according to aspect 4 of the present invention, in any of aspects 1 to 3 above, the second main contact surface (46) may be formed so as to be positioned further forward in the direction of contact and separation between the first contact (31) and the second contact (41) as it moves away from the opening (431) of the storage space (43) provided in the second main contact surface (46).

[0085] According to the above configuration, the second main contact surface of the second contact is inclined toward the accommodating space, and the angle formed between the wall surface defining the accommodating space and the second main contact surface of the second contact is obtuse. Therefore, the angle of the opening of the accommodating space that faces the protrusion when the contacts are separated is gentler, and it is possible to prevent the electric field from concentrating at that point when the contacts are separated.

[0086] In the blocking device (1A) according to aspect 5 of the present invention, in any of aspects 1 to 4 above, a first magnetic field generating unit (51) may be further provided which generates a magnetic field generated within the storage space (43) that promotes the discharge of objects separated from the first contact (31) or the second contact (41) into the through hole (44).

[0087] According to the above configuration, the magnetic field generated by the first magnetic field generating unit can promote the discharge of debris that has been generated in the storage space and separated from the first contact or the second contact from the storage space into the through hole.

[0088] In the interrupter (1A) according to aspect 6 of the present invention, in any of aspects 1 to 5 above, a second magnetic field generating unit (52) may be further provided which generates a magnetic field generated within the storage space (43) to promote the discharge of objects separated from the first contact (31) or the second contact (41) through the through hole (44) into the interior of the vacuum container (2).

[0089] According to the above configuration, the magnetic field generated by the second magnetic field generating unit can promote the discharge of debris that has been generated in the storage space and that has come off the first contact or the second contact through the through hole into the interior of the vacuum container.

[0090] In the breaking device (1C) according to aspect 7 of the present invention, in any of aspects 1 to 6 above, the through hole (44C) may extend from the surface (48) of the second contact (41C) opposite the second main contact surface (46) to the accommodating space (43).

[0091] According to the above configuration, metal vapor can be discharged into the vacuum chamber from the surface of the second contact opposite the second main contact surface, which is away from the contacts, thereby further preventing metal vapor from flowing between the contacts.

[0092] In the circuit breaking device (1E) according to aspect 8 of the present invention, in any of aspects 1 to 7 above, the second contact (41C) may be fixed to the vacuum vessel (2), and the first contact (31) may be movable to cause the contact element (CT) to come into and out of contact with the vacuum vessel (2).

[0093] According to the above configuration, since the second contact is fixed, the location of the metal vapor discharged into the vacuum chamber from the through hole is fixed, which makes it possible to minimize the location of the shield for protecting the vacuum chamber, for example.

[0094] In the circuit breaking device (1F) according to aspect 9 of the present invention, in any of aspects 1 to 8 above, the vacuum container (2) may have an inflow prevention portion (21) that blocks the space from the outer periphery of the second contact (41C) to the inner periphery of the vacuum container (2) on the outer periphery of the second contact (41C) closer to the first contact (31) than the opening (441C) of the through hole (44C) on the inner side of the vacuum container (2).

[0095] According to the above configuration, the inflow prevention portion closes the space from the outer periphery of the second contact to the inner periphery of the vacuum vessel at the outer periphery of the second contact closer to the first contact than the opening of the through hole on the inside of the vacuum vessel, thereby preventing metal vapor discharged from the through hole from flowing toward the first contact, and further preventing metal vapor from flowing between the contacts.

[0096] A tenth aspect of the present invention provides a shutoff device (1H) in any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein an insulating shield (49) is provided on the edge of the opening (431) of the accommodation space (43).

[0097] According to the above configuration, it is possible to delay the ignition of an arc when the contacts separate, and also to extend the life of the second contact.

[0098] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in the embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1J Circuit Breaker 2 Vacuum container 9, 9D Shield 21 Inflow prevention part 31, 31B, 31G First Contact 41, 41B, 41C, 41G Second Contact 33, 33B 1st main contact surface 46, 46B 2nd main contact surface 34, 34G, 34J protrusion 35 Tip 43, 43G, 43J storage space 44, 44C through hole 45 Exterior 49 Insulation Shield 50 Magnetic field generating unit 51 First magnetic field generating unit (magnetic field generating unit) 52 second magnetic field generating unit (magnetic field generating unit) 341 Columnar part 342 Tip 431, 431G Opening of the containment space 441, 441C Opening of through-hole 432, 432J wall EB electron beam CT contact MV Metal Vapor

Claims

1. A vacuum vessel; a pair of contacts, a first contact and a second contact, which are provided inside the vacuum vessel and can be brought into and out of contact with each other; the first contact has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the second contact and is arranged so as to be surrounded by a first main contact surface that is a main contact surface of the first contact, The second contact has: an accommodation space that accommodates the protrusion when the first main contact surface and a second main contact surface that is a main contact surface of the second contact are in contact with each other; a through hole that penetrates an outer surface of the second contact from a location other than the second main contact surface to the accommodating space; A shut-off device is provided.

2. The protrusion is 2. The circuit breaking device according to claim 1, further comprising a columnar portion having a constant cross section along the contact-separation direction between the first contact and the second contact and perpendicular to the contact-separation direction, the columnar portion having a shape that fits into the opening of the accommodating space.

3. The blocking device according to claim 2 , wherein the protrusion has a tip portion including a tip of the protrusion, the diameter of which narrows as it approaches the tip.

4. 2. The circuit breaking device according to claim 1, wherein the second main contact surface is formed so as to be positioned further forward in the contact and separation direction of the first contact and the second contact as it moves away from the opening of the accommodating space provided on the second main contact surface.

5. 2. The circuit breaking device according to claim 1, further comprising a first magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field generated in the accommodating space to promote discharge of a material separated from the first contact or the second contact into the through hole.

6. 2. The circuit breaking device according to claim 1, further comprising a second magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field that promotes the discharge of material separated from the first contact or the second contact into the vacuum container through the through hole, the magnetic field being generated within the accommodating space.

7. The circuit breaking device according to claim 1 , wherein the through hole penetrates from a surface of the second contact opposite to the second main contact surface to the accommodating space.

8. 2. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein the second contact is fixed to the vacuum vessel, and the contact elements are brought into contact with and separated from each other by the movement of the first contact.

9. 2. The circuit breaking device according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum container has an inflow prevention portion that blocks a space from the outer periphery of the second contact to the inner periphery of the vacuum container on the outer periphery of the second contact, the second contact being closer to the first contact than the opening of the through hole on the inner side of the vacuum container.

10. The isolating device according to claim 1 , wherein an insulating shield is provided on an edge of the opening of the accommodating space.

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