Sliding structure, method for operating sliding structure, and electric circuit breaker device

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of suppressing deterioration of slidability of a projectile in a sliding structure.SOLUTION: The sliding structure includes a housing including an accommodation space extending in one direction, an igniter provided in the housing, a projectile disposed in the accommodation space, the projectile being fired from one end side of the accommodation space by energy received from the igniter and sliding along an extending direction of the accommodation space, and an escape space provided in at least a part of a portion where an inner wall defining the accommodation space and the projectile are fitted to each other, the escape space allowing an expanded portion to escape when at least one of the projectile and the housing expands in volume with respect to the other of the projectile and the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sliding structure, a method for operating the sliding structure, and an electrical circuit interruption device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, an electric circuit breaker is known as a device that slides a projectile by energy applied from an igniter or the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-156302 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a high-temperature environment, if the volume of the projectile or its surroundings expands, the sliding properties of the projectile may deteriorate, resulting in a decrease in the velocity of the projectile. This decrease in the velocity of the projectile may result in the failure to achieve the required performance.

[0005] The technology of the present disclosure aims to provide a technology that can suppress deterioration of the sliding properties of a projectile. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (Aspect 1) a housing containing an accommodation space extending in one direction; an igniter provided in the housing; a projectile disposed in the accommodation space, launched from one end of the accommodation space by energy received from the igniter, and sliding along the extension direction of the accommodation space; a relief space provided at least in a portion where the inner wall defining the storage space and the projectile are fitted together, for allowing an expanded portion to escape when at least one of the projectile and the housing expands in volume relative to the other of the projectile or the housing; A sliding structure comprising: (Aspect 2) The escape space is provided within a range in which the projectile slides. The sliding structure according to embodiment 1. (Aspect 3) the housing has a groove formed in the inner wall, the groove being concave on the radially outer side of the housing and having a depth shorter than its width; The relief space is formed between the bottom of the groove and the projectile. 3. The sliding structure according to claim 1 or 2. (Aspect 4) The central angle formed by the imaginary line connecting one end of the groove in the width direction and the central axis of the storage space and the imaginary line connecting the other end of the groove in the width direction and the central axis of the storage space is 90° to 120°. 4. The sliding structure according to embodiment 3. (Aspect 5) The groove is recessed in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm radially outward from the outer periphery of the projectile. 5. The sliding structure according to embodiment 3 or 4. (Aspect 6) The projectile has a round cross section when cut in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction. 6. The sliding structure according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5. (Aspect 7) the projectile has a groove on its outer periphery, the groove being concave radially inward of the projectile and having a depth less than its width; The relief space is formed between the bottom of the groove and the inner wall. The sliding structure according to embodiment 1. (Aspect 8) The central angle formed by the imaginary line connecting one end of the groove in the width direction and the central axis of the projectile and the imaginary line connecting the other end of the groove in the width direction and the central axis of the projectile is 90° to 120°. 8. The sliding structure according to embodiment 7. (Aspect 9) The groove has a diameter that narrows in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm toward the center of the projectile in the radial direction relative to the inner contour of the storage space. 9. The sliding structure according to embodiment 7 or 8. (Aspect 10) The accommodating space has a circular cross section when cut in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction. 10. The sliding structure according to any one of embodiments 7 to 9. (Aspect 11) The sliding structure according to any one of aspects 1 to 10; a conductor piece provided in the housing and forming a part of an electric circuit, the conductor piece having a cut-off portion that is cut off by the projectile, the cut-off portion being disposed so as to cross the accommodating space; An electrical circuit interruption device comprising:

[0007] The present disclosure can also be understood from the aspect of a method for operating a sliding structure. (Aspect 12) activating an igniter to impart energy to the projectile to cause it to slide within the housing; Sliding the projectile with at least one of the projectile and the housing relative to the other of the projectile or the housing while providing an escape space for escaping an expansion portion when the volume expands; A method for operating a sliding structure comprising:

[0008] The contents described in the means for solving the problems can be combined as much as possible within the scope of the problems and technical ideas of this disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, deterioration of the sliding properties of the projectile can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of an electrical circuit breaker according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view of the upper housing body. [Figure 5] 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the upper housing body taken along line CC shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the upper housing body taken along line DD shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the upper housing body. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a top view of the lower housing body. [Figure 9] 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the lower housing body taken along line EE shown in FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the lower housing body taken along line FF shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the lower housing body. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front view of the projectile. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the projectile. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the projectile. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the cutoff device 1 according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the method of operating the cutoff device 1 according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a top view of the upper housing body. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the test method of the load measurement test. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a graph showing the results of the load measurement test. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a top view of the lower housing body. [Figure 21] 21 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the lower housing body taken along line GG shown in FIG. 20. FIG. [Figure 22] 22 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the lower housing body taken along line HH shown in FIG. 20. FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the lower housing body. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a top view of the lower housing body. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a front view of the projectile. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a bottom view of the projectile. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] <Embodiment 1> An electrical circuit breaker according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that each configuration and their combinations in the embodiments are merely examples, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configurations are possible as appropriate within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited by the embodiments, but only by the scope of the claims. Furthermore, in this specification, expressions such as "X or more and Y or less" or "X to Y" that represent a numerical range mean a numerical range including the lower and upper limits, which are the endpoints, unless otherwise specified.

[0012] In this embodiment, an electric circuit interrupter will be described as an example of a sliding structure. The electric circuit interrupter is a device that includes a sliding structure that slides a projectile and interrupts an electric circuit by causing the projectile to cut a conductor piece that forms part of the electric circuit. The electric circuit interrupter according to this embodiment causes the projectile to slide at high speed using energy applied from an igniter or the like, forcibly and physically cutting the conductor piece that forms part of the electric circuit. The electric circuit interrupter is a device that prevents major damage by interrupting an electric circuit in the event of an abnormality in an electric circuit contained in, for example, an automobile, a home appliance, a solar power generation system, or a system including a battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery) of the electric circuit.

[0013] <Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the internal structure of an electric circuit breaker (hereinafter simply referred to as "breaker") 1 according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB shown in FIG. 1. In this specification, a cross section taken along the height direction (the direction in which a housing space 13, which will be described later, extends) shown in FIG. 1 is referred to as a longitudinal cross section of the breaker 1, and a cross section taken along a direction perpendicular to the height direction is referred to as a transverse cross section of the breaker 1. FIG. 1 shows the state before the breaker 1 is activated. There are.

[0014] The circuit breaker 1 includes a housing 10, an igniter 20, a projectile 40, a conductor piece 50, a coolant material 60, and the like. The housing 10, as an outer shell member, contains an accommodation space 13 extending from a first end 11 at the upper end to a second end 12 at the lower end. The accommodation space 13 is a linear space that allows the projectile 40 to move and extends along the vertical direction of the circuit breaker 1. As shown in FIG. 1 , the projectile 40 is accommodated at the upper end of the accommodation space 13 formed inside the housing 10 in the vertical direction (extension direction). In this specification, the vertical direction is also referred to as the Y-axis direction, the left-right direction is also referred to as the X-axis direction, and the depth direction is also referred to as the Z-direction. However, in this specification, the vertical direction and the X, Y, and Z directions of the circuit breaker 1 merely indicate the relative positional relationships of the elements in the circuit breaker 1 for the convenience of explaining the embodiments. For example, the orientation of the circuit breaker 1 when installed is not limited to the directions shown in the figures.

[0015] [housing] The housing 10 includes a housing main body 100, a top holder 110, and a bottom container 120. The top holder 110 and the bottom container 120 are joined to the housing main body 100, thereby forming an integrated housing 10.

[0016] The housing body 100 is divided vertically at the position where the conductor piece 50 is disposed, and has an upper housing body 130 disposed above the conductor piece 50 and a lower housing body 140 disposed below the conductor piece 50. The housing body 100 is not limited to a divided configuration, and may be formed integrally from the upper end connected to the top holder 110 to the lower end connected to the bottom container 120.

[0017] The housing body 100, when the upper housing body 130 and the lower housing body 140 are combined, has, for example, a generally rectangular prism-shaped outer shape. However, the shape of the housing body 100 is not particularly limited. A hollow portion is formed in the housing body 100 so as to penetrate in the vertical direction, and this hollow portion forms a part of the storage space 13. The housing body 100 also has an upper surface 101 to which a flange portion 111 of the top holder 110 is fixed, and a lower surface 102 to which a flange portion 121 of the bottom container 120 is fixed. In this embodiment, a cylindrical upper cylindrical wall 103 extends upward from the outer periphery of the upper surface 101 of the housing body 100. In this embodiment, the upper cylindrical wall 103 has, for example, a rectangular prism-shaped outer shape, but may have other shapes. A cylindrical lower cylindrical wall 104 extends downward from the outer periphery of the lower surface 102 of the housing body 100. In this embodiment, the lower tube wall 104 has, for example, a rectangular tube shape, but may have other shapes.

[0018] Next, we will explain the upper housing main body 130. Fig. 4 is a top view of the upper housing main body 130, Fig. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the upper housing main body 130 taken along line CC shown in Fig. 4, Fig. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the upper housing main body 130 taken along line DD shown in Fig. 4, and Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the upper housing main body 130.

[0019] 4 and 7, upper housing main body 130 has a substantially rectangular outer shape in a plan view, and has a hollow portion 135 provided in the center thereof. This hollow portion 135 forms part of storage space 13 when upper housing main body 130 is combined with other components that form housing 10.

[0020] The inner wall 133 that defines the cavity 135 of the upper housing main body 130 forms a circular peripheral wall, and a groove 131 is provided in part of the wall, the diameter of which increases in the outer diameter direction of the upper housing main body 130. The groove 131 extends along the extension direction of the accommodation space 13 (vertical direction). Two grooves 131 are formed in the Z-axis direction symmetrically about the X-axis. Figures 4, 5, and 7 show an imaginary circle IC1 assuming that the inner wall 133 is circular. The groove 131 is formed concavely outward relative to the imaginary circle IC1, i.e., concavely outward in the radial direction of the upper housing main body 130. The depth of the groove 131 is shorter than its width. Here, the width of the groove 131 refers to the length along the X-axis direction in Figures 4 and 7, and the depth of the groove 131 refers to the distance in the Z-axis direction from the imaginary circle IC1 to the bottom 131B of the groove 131. The bottom 131B is formed in an arc shape concentric with the imaginary circle IC3, and the depth of the entire groove 131 is uniform. The groove 131 is formed in the inner wall 133 within a predetermined inter-edge inner wall region SA located between a first cutting edge portion 511 and a second cutting edge portion 521 of the conductor piece 50, which is cut when the circuit breaker 1 is activated, as described below. The dimensions of each groove 131, such as width, spacing, and depth, are not particularly limited and can be set arbitrarily. The grooves 131 function as escape spaces for releasing the expanded portion when at least one of the projectile 40 and the upper housing main body 130 expands in volume relative to the other of the projectile 40 and the upper housing main body 130. Specifically, the space formed between the bottom 131B of the groove 131 and the projectile 40 serves as the escape space. Note that the imaginary circle IC1 coincides with the outline of the projectile 40 when not volumetrically expanded. Here, if the imaginary circle IC1 is the outline of the projectile 40, the grooves 131 are recessed 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm radially outward from the outline of the projectile 40.

[0021] 4 and 7, upper housing main body 130 has four corners provided with bolt holes 132 that penetrate in the vertical direction. An upper cylindrical wall 103 having a rectangular cylindrical shape extends upward from the outer edge of the top surface of upper housing main body 130.

[0022] Next, we will explain lower housing main body 140. Fig. 8 is a top view of lower housing main body 140, Fig. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of lower housing main body 140 taken along line EE shown in Fig. 8, Fig. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of lower housing main body 140 taken along line FF shown in Fig. 8, and Fig. 11 is a bottom view of lower housing main body 140.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 8 , the lower housing main body 140 has a generally rectangular outer shape in a plan view, with a hollow portion 145 defined by an inner wall 143 at its center. The hollow portion 145 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the inner wall 143 forms a peripheral wall that is circular when viewed from the top and bottom. The hollow portion 145 forms part of the accommodation space 13 when the lower housing main body 140 is combined with other components that form the housing 10. On the left and right sides of the hollow portion 145, there are provided conductor piece holding portions 144, which are recesses into which the conductor piece 50 is fitted. The conductor piece holding portions 144 are shaped such that the upper surface of the lower housing main body 140 is recessed downward along the contour of the conductor piece 50. By fitting the end of the conductor piece 50 into these conductor piece holding portions 144, the conductor piece 50 is positioned so as to cross the hollow portion 145 (accommodation space 13).

[0024] 8 and 11, lower housing main body 140 has bolt holes 142 formed at its four corners, which penetrate in the vertical direction. A rectangular cylindrical lower tube wall 104 is vertically extended downward from the outer edge of the lower surface of lower housing main body 140.

[0025] The upper housing body 130 and the lower housing body 140 configured as described above can be made of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin. For example, the upper housing body 130 and the lower housing body 140 may be made of polycarbonate or nylon, which is a type of polyamide synthetic resin.

[0026] [Top holder] Next, the top holder 110 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The top holder 110 is, for example, a cylinder member having a stepped cylindrical shape, and the inside is hollow. The top holder 110 has a small diameter cylinder part 112 located on the upper side (first end 11 side) and a small diameter cylinder part 113 located on the lower side. The cylinder 112 is configured to include a large-diameter cylinder portion 113 located on the side of the small-diameter cylinder portion 112, a connecting portion 114 connecting the two, and a flange portion 111 extending outward from the lower end of the large-diameter cylinder portion 113. For example, the small-diameter cylinder portion 112 and the large-diameter cylinder portion 113 are arranged coaxially, and the large-diameter cylinder portion 113 has a diameter one size larger than that of the small-diameter cylinder portion 112.

[0027] The flange portion 111 of the top holder 110 has a generally rectangular outline that fits inside the upper cylindrical wall 103 of the housing main body 100. The flange portion 111 is provided with bolt-through holes (not shown) that pass through fastening bolts and that extend vertically.

[0028] The cavity formed inside small-diameter cylinder portion 112 of top holder 110 functions as an accommodating space that accommodates a portion of igniter 20, as shown in FIG. 1 . Furthermore, the cavity formed inside large-diameter cylinder portion 113 of top holder 110 communicates with the cavity of housing main body 100 located below, and forms a portion of accommodating space 13. Top holder 110 configured as described above can be formed from an appropriate metal member such as stainless steel or aluminum that has excellent strength and durability. However, the material from which top holder 110 is formed is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the above-described embodiment of the shape of top holder 110 is also an example, and other shapes may be adopted.

[0029] [Bottom container] Next, the bottom container 120 will be described. The bottom container 120 has a hollow, generally cylindrical shape with a bottom, and is configured to include a side wall 122, a bottom wall 123 connected to the lower end of the side wall 122, and a flange 121 connected to the upper end of the side wall 122. The side wall 122 has, for example, a cylindrical shape, and the flange 121 extends outward from the upper end of the side wall 122. The flange 121 of the bottom container 120 has a generally rectangular outline that fits inside the lower cylindrical wall 104 of the housing main body 100. A bolt-through hole (not shown) for passing a fastening bolt therethrough is provided in the flange 121 in the vertical direction.

[0030] The above-described shape of the bottom container 120 is merely an example, and other shapes may be adopted. The hollow portion formed inside the bottom container 120 communicates with the housing main body 100 located above and forms part of the storage space 13. The bottom container 120 configured as described above may be formed from an appropriate metal member, such as stainless steel or aluminum, that has excellent strength and durability. However, the material from which the bottom container 120 is formed is not particularly limited. The bottom container 120 may also have a multi-layer structure. For example, the exterior portion of the bottom container 120 facing the outside may be formed from an appropriate metal member, such as stainless steel or aluminum, that has excellent strength and durability, and the interior portion facing the storage space 13 may be formed from an insulating material, such as synthetic resin. Of course, the entire bottom container 120 may be formed from an insulating material.

[0031] As described above, the housing 10 in this embodiment is configured by vertically assembling the top holder 110, the upper housing main body 130, the lower housing main body 140, and the bottom container 120 together. During this assembly process, the conductor piece 50 is disposed through the housing main body 100. For example, the conductor piece 50 is fitted into the conductor piece holding portion 144 of the lower housing main body 140, and the conductor piece is disposed so as to cross the hollow portion 145. In this state, the lower surface of the upper housing main body 130 is butted against the upper surface of the lower housing main body 140 so that the bolt through-holes 142 of the lower housing main body 140 and the bolt through-holes 132 of the upper housing are coaxial. Furthermore, the flange portion 111 of the top holder 110 is inserted into the inside of the upper cylindrical wall 103 of the upper housing main body 130, and the top holder 110 is disposed on the upper housing main body 130, and the flange portion 111 is inserted into the inside of the lower cylindrical wall 104 of the lower housing main body 140. The flange portion 121 of the bottom container 120 is inserted into the top holder 110, and the bottom container 120 is placed below the lower housing main body 140. Then, bolts are passed through the bolt holes of the top holder 110, the upper housing main body 130, the lower housing main body 140, and the bottom container 120 to fasten the various parts together. Note that this fastening is not limited to bolts, and other fastening means such as rivets may also be used.

[0032] Furthermore, each part may be joined with a sealant applied between the top holder 110 and the upper housing body 130, between the upper housing body 130 and the lower housing body 140 and the conductor piece 50, between the lower housing body 140 and the conductor piece 50, and between the lower housing body 140 and the bottom container 120. This increases the airtightness of the accommodating space 13 formed within the housing 10. Furthermore, the airtightness of the accommodating space 13 may be increased by interposing a packing or gasket between each part instead of or in addition to the sealant. The accommodating space 13 accommodates the igniter 20, the projectile 40, the cut-out portion 53 of the conductor piece 50, the coolant material 60, etc., which will be described in detail below.

[0033] [Igniter] Next, the igniter 20 will be described. The igniter 20 is an electric igniter that includes an ignition unit 21 containing an ignition charge and an igniter body 22 having a pair of conductive pins (not shown) connected to the ignition unit 21. The igniter body 22 is surrounded by, for example, insulating resin. Furthermore, the tip sides of the pair of conductive pins in the igniter body 22 are exposed to the outside and are connected to a power source when the circuit breaker 1 is in use.

[0034] Igniter main body 22 includes a generally cylindrical main body portion 221 housed inside small-diameter cylinder portion 112 of top holder 110, and a connector portion 222 located on top of main body portion 221. Igniter main body 22 is fixed to small-diameter cylinder portion 112, for example, by press-fitting main body portion 221 into the inner circumferential surface of small-diameter cylinder portion 112. Furthermore, at an axially intermediate portion of main body portion 221, a constricted portion, the outer circumferential surface of which is recessed compared to other portions, is formed in an annular shape along the circumferential direction of main body portion 221, and an O-ring 223 is fitted into this constricted portion. O-ring 223 is made of, for example, rubber (e.g., silicone rubber) or synthetic resin, and functions to increase the airtightness between the inner circumferential surface of small-diameter cylinder portion 112 and main body portion 221.

[0035] Connector portion 222 of igniter 20 is disposed so as to protrude to the outside through opening 112A formed at the upper end of small-diameter cylinder portion 112. Connector portion 222 has, for example, a cylindrical shape that covers the side of the conductive pin, and is configured so as to be connectable to a connector on the power supply side.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the ignition section 21 of the igniter 20 is arranged so as to face the accommodation space 13 of the housing 10 (more specifically, the hollow portion formed inside the large-diameter cylinder section 113). The ignition section 21 is configured, for example, in a form in which an ignition charge is accommodated in an igniter cup. For example, the ignition charge is accommodated in the igniter cup of the ignition section 21 in a state in contact with a bridge wire (resistor) that is strung so as to connect the base ends of a pair of conductive pins. Examples of the ignition charge include ZPP (zirconium-potassium perchlorate), ZWPP (zirconium-potassium perchlorate), and the like. Titanium tungsten potassium perchlorate, THPP (titanium hydride potassium perchlorate), lead tricinate, etc. may also be used.

[0037] When the igniter 20 is operated, an operating current for igniting the ignition charge is supplied from the power source to the conductive pin, and as a result, the bridge wire in the ignition part 21 heats up, causing the ignition charge in the igniter cup to ignite and burn, generating combustion gas. Then, as the ignition charge in the igniter cup of the ignition part 21 burns, the pressure in the igniter cup rises, and the igniter cup cleavage surface 21 A splits open, and combustion gas is released from the igniter cup into the storage space 13. More specifically, the combustion gas from the igniter cup is released into a recess 411 in a piston portion 41 (described later) of the projectile 40 placed in the storage space 13.

[0038] [Projectile] Next, the projectile 40 will be described. FIG. 12 is a front view of the projectile 40, FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the projectile 40, and FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the projectile 40. Note that in FIG. 14, the bottom of the projectile 40 is shown facing upward in order to illustrate the bottom of the projectile 40. The projectile 40 is formed, for example, from an insulating material such as synthetic resin. As shown in FIG. 13, the cross section of the projectile 40 when cut in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction is round. In this embodiment, the cross section of the projectile 40 is approximately a perfect circle. The projectile 40 includes a piston portion 41 and a rod portion 42 connected to the piston portion 41. The piston portion 41 has a roughly cylindrical shape and an outer diameter that roughly corresponds to the inner diameter of the large-diameter cylinder portion 113 in the top holder 110. For example, the diameter of the piston portion 41 may be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the large-diameter cylinder portion 113. The shape of the projectile 40 can be appropriately changed depending on the shape of the housing 10, etc.

[0039] Further, a recess 411 having, for example, a cylindrical shape is formed on the upper surface of the piston portion 41, and this recess 411 receives the ignition portion 21. The bottom surface of the recess 411 is formed as a pressure-receiving surface 411A that receives energy from the igniter 20 when the igniter 20 is activated. Further, in the axial middle portion of the piston portion 41, a constricted portion is formed in an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the piston portion 41, where the outer circumferential surface is recessed compared to other portions, and an O-ring 43 is fitted into this constricted portion. The O-ring 43 is made of, for example, rubber (e.g., silicone rubber) or synthetic resin, and functions to improve the airtightness between the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylinder portion 113 and the piston portion 41.

[0040] The rod portion 42 of the projectile 40 is, for example, a rod-shaped member having an outer circumferential surface with a smaller diameter than the piston portion 41, and is integrally connected to the lower end side of the piston portion 41. The lower end surface of the rod portion 42 is formed as a cutting surface 420 for cutting the cut portion 53 from the conductor piece 50 when the interrupter 1 is activated. Note that, although the rod portion 42 in this embodiment has a roughly cylindrical shape, its shape is not particularly limited and may be changed depending on the shape and size of the cut portion 53 to be cut from the conductor piece 50 when the interrupter 1 is activated. The rod portion 42 may have a columnar shape, such as a circular cylinder or a rectangular pillar. Note that, in the initial position of the projectile 40 shown in FIG. 1 , the tip side region of the rod portion 42 of the projectile 40, including the cutting surface 420, is positioned in the hollow portion of the housing main body 100 (forming part of the storage space 13). The diameter of the rod portion 42 is, for example, slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the inner surface of the housing main body 100, and is configured so that the outer surface of the rod portion 42 is guided along the inner surface when the projectile 40 is launched.

[0041] As will be described in detail later, when the igniter 20 is activated, the upper surface of the piston portion 41, including the pressure-receiving surface 411A, receives energy from the igniter 20, causing the projectile 40 to be launched from the initial position shown in FIG. 1 and move at high speed toward the second end 12 (downward) along the accommodation space 13. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the piston portion 41 of the projectile 40 is accommodated inside the large-diameter cylinder portion 113 of the top holder 110 and is able to slide axially along the inner wall surface of the large-diameter cylinder portion 113. In this embodiment, the piston portion 41 of the projectile 40 has a generally cylindrical shape, but the shape is not particularly limited. The outer shape of the piston portion 41 may be an appropriate shape and size depending on the shape and size of the inner wall surface of the large-diameter cylinder portion 113.

[0042] [Conductor strip] Next, the conductor piece 50 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the conductor piece 50 is The conductor piece 50 is fitted into the conductor piece holding portion 144 of the circuit breaker body 140 and is arranged to cross the accommodation space 13. The conductor piece 50 extends along the X axis. The conductor piece 50 constitutes a part of the components of the circuit breaker 1 and is a conductive metal body that forms part of a predetermined electric circuit when the circuit breaker 1 is attached to the electric circuit, and is sometimes called a bus bar. The conductive piece 50 can be made of a metal such as copper (Cu). However, the conductive piece 50 may be made of a metal other than copper, or may be made of an alloy of copper and another metal. Examples of metals other than copper contained in the conductive piece 50 include manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and platinum (Pt).

[0043] In one embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the conductor piece 50 is formed as a long, narrow flat piece overall, and includes a first connecting end 51 and a second connecting end 52 at both ends, and a cut-off portion 53 located in the middle thereof. The first connecting end 51 and the second connecting end 52 of the conductor piece 50 are provided with connection holes 51A and 52A, respectively. These connection holes 51A and 52A are used to connect to other conductors (e.g., lead wires) in an electric circuit. Note that the connection holes 51A and 52A of the conductor piece 50 are not shown in FIG. 1 . Furthermore, the cut-off portion 53 of the conductor piece 50 is a portion that is forcibly and physically severed by the rod portion 42 of the projectile 40 and cut off from the first connecting end 51 and the second connecting end 52 when an abnormality such as an excessive current occurs in the electric circuit to which the circuit breaker 1 is applied. Slits 54 are formed at both ends of the cut-off portion 53 of the conductor piece 50 to facilitate cutting and cutting off the cut-off portion 53.

[0044] The conductor piece 50 is cut at a position overlapping the inner surface (inner wall surface) of the inner wall 143 that defines the cavity 145 of the housing body 100, i.e., at a position overlapping the outer peripheral surface of the rod portion 42, and the portion to be excised 53 is cut off. At the first connecting end 51 of the conductor piece 50, the boundary portion between the excised portion 53 and the excised portion 53 is designated as a first cutting edge portion 511, and at the second connecting end 52, the boundary portion between the excised portion 53 and the excised portion 53 is designated as a second cutting edge portion 521.

[0045] Here, the conductor piece 50 can have various shapes, and its shape is not particularly limited. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the surfaces of the first connecting end 51, the second connecting end 52, and the cut-out portion 53 form the same plane, but this is not limited to this. For example, the conductor piece 50 may be connected such that the cut-out portion 53 is perpendicular to or inclined from the first connecting end 51 and the second connecting end 52. Furthermore, the planar shape of the cut-out portion 53 in the conductor piece 50 is not particularly limited. Of course, the shapes of the first connecting end 51 and the second connecting end 52 in the conductor piece 50 are also not particularly limited. Furthermore, the notch 54 in the conductor piece 50 can be omitted as appropriate.

[0046] [Coolant material] Next, the coolant material 60 disposed in the accommodation space 13 of the housing 10 will be described. Here, as shown in FIG. 1 , before activation of the circuit breaker 1 (igniter 20), the excised portion 53 of the conductor piece 50 held in the pair of conductor piece holding holes 105A, 105B in the housing main body 100 is horizontally disposed across the accommodation space 13 of the housing 10. Hereinafter, within the accommodation space 13 of the housing 10, the region (space) on the side where the projectile 40 is disposed across the excised portion 53 of the conductor piece 50 will be referred to as the "projectile initial placement region R1," and the region (space) located on the opposite side of the projectile 40 will be referred to as the "arc-extinguishing region R2." Note that, as described above, a gap is formed on the side of the excised portion 53 disposed across the accommodation space 13, and therefore the projectile initial placement region R1 and the arc-extinguishing region R2 are not completely isolated by the excised portion 53 but are connected to each other. Of course, depending on the shape and size of the portion to be excised 53, the projectile initial placement region R1 and the arc extinguishing region R2 may be completely separated by the portion to be excised 53.

[0047] The arc extinguishing region R2 of the accommodation space 13 is a firing region that is fired when the circuit breaker 1 (igniter 20) is activated. Arc-extinguishing region R2 is a region (space) for receiving portion 53 to be excised by rod portion 42 of body 40. Coolant material 60 is arranged in arc-extinguishing region R2 as an arc-extinguishing material. Coolant material 60 is a coolant that absorbs the thermal energy of the arc and portion 53 that are generated when projectile 40 excises portion 53 of conductor piece 50, and cools the portion 53 to be excised, thereby suppressing arc generation when current is interrupted or extinguishing (extinguishing) any arc that occurs.

[0048] The arc-extinguishing region R2 in the circuit breaker 1 is a space for receiving the cut-out portion 53 cut off from the first connection end 51 and the second connection end 52 of the conductor piece 50 by the projectile 40, and also serves as a space for effectively extinguishing the arc generated when the projectile 40 cuts off the cut-out portion 53. In order to effectively extinguish the arc generated when the cut-out portion 53 is cut off from the conductor piece 50, a coolant material 60 is disposed in the arc-extinguishing region R2 as an arc-extinguishing material.

[0049] In one aspect of the embodiment, the coolant material 60 is solid. In another aspect of the embodiment, the coolant material 60 is formed from a shape-retaining material. The shape-retaining material here refers to a material that maintains a certain shape when no external force is applied and that can maintain its integrity (does not fall apart) even if it is deformed when an external force is applied. For example, a fibrous material formed into a desired shape can be used as the shape-retaining material. In this embodiment, the coolant material 60 is formed from metal fibers, which are shape-retaining materials. Examples of metal fibers that form the coolant material 60 include at least one of steel wool and copper wool. However, the above-described aspects of the coolant material 60 are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

[0050] The coolant material 60 is formed, for example, in a roughly disk shape and is placed at the bottom of the bottom container 120 .

[0051] The circuit breaker 1 of this embodiment has a sliding structure consisting of a housing 10, an igniter 20 attached to the housing 10, and a projectile 30 that can slide within the housing 10, and is used as a device that cuts a conductor piece 50 using the sliding structure.

[0052] <Operation> Next, the operation when the circuit breaker 1 is activated to interrupt the electric circuit will be described. As described above, Fig. 1 shows the state before activation of the circuit breaker 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "initial state before activation"). In this initial state before activation, the projectile 40 in the circuit breaker 1 is set to an initial position in which the piston portion 41 is positioned on the first end 11 side (upper end side) in the accommodation space 13 and the cutting surface 420 formed on the lower end of the rod portion 42 is positioned on the upper surface of the cut portion 53 of the conductor piece 50.

[0053] Furthermore, the circuit breaker 1 according to the embodiment further includes an abnormality detection sensor (not shown) that detects an abnormal state of a device (such as a vehicle, power generation equipment, or power storage equipment) to which the electric circuit to be interrupted is connected, and a control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of the igniter 20. The abnormality detection sensor may be capable of detecting an abnormal state based on the voltage or temperature of the conductor piece 50 in addition to the current flowing through the conductor piece 50. The abnormality detection sensor may also be, for example, an impact sensor, temperature sensor, acceleration sensor, or vibration sensor, and may detect an abnormal state such as an accident or fire based on impact, temperature, acceleration, or vibration in a device such as a vehicle. The control unit of the circuit breaker 1 is, for example, a computer that can perform a predetermined function by executing a predetermined control program. The predetermined function of the control unit can also be realized by corresponding hardware. When an excessive current flows through the conductor piece 50 that forms part of the electric circuit to which the circuit breaker 1 is applied, the abnormal current is detected by the abnormality detection sensor. Abnormality information regarding the detected abnormal current is passed from the abnormality detection sensor to the control unit. For example, the control unit may Based on the current value detected by the sensor, the igniter 20 receives current from an external power source (not shown) connected to a conductive pin of the igniter 20, thereby activating the igniter 20. Here, the abnormal current may be a current value exceeding a predetermined threshold value set for protecting a predetermined electric circuit. Note that the above-mentioned abnormality detection sensor and control unit do not need to be included as components of the circuit breaker 1, and may be included in a device separate from the circuit breaker 1, for example. Furthermore, the above-mentioned abnormality detection sensor and control unit are not essential components of the circuit breaker 1.

[0054] For example, when an abnormal current in the electric circuit is detected by an abnormality detection sensor that detects abnormal current in the electric circuit, the control unit of the circuit breaker 1 activates the igniter 20. That is, as a result of an operating current being supplied from an external power source (not shown) to the conductive pin of the igniter 20, the ignition charge in the ignition portion 21 is ignited and burned, and combustion gas is generated. Then, due to a pressure increase in the ignition portion 21, the cleavage surface 21A cleaves, and the combustion gas of the ignition charge is released from the ignition portion 21 into the accommodation space 13.

[0055] Here, the ignition portion 21 of the igniter 20 is received in the recessed portion 411 of the piston portion 41, and the cleavage surface 21A of the ignition portion 21 is disposed opposite the pressure-receiving surface 411A of the recessed portion 411 of the projectile 40. Therefore, the combustion gas from the ignition portion 21 is released into the recessed portion 411, and the pressure of the combustion gas (combustion energy) is transmitted to the upper surface of the piston portion 41, including the pressure-receiving surface 411A. As a result, the projectile 40 moves downward in the accommodation space 13 along the extension direction (axial direction) of the accommodation space 13.

[0056] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the circuit breaker 1 according to the embodiment. The upper part of FIG. 15 shows the circuit breaker 1 during operation, and the lower part of FIG. 15 shows the circuit breaker 1 after completion of operation. As described above, when the igniter 20 is activated, the projectile 40 is subjected to the pressure (combustion energy) of the combustion gas of the ignition charge and is forcefully pushed downward. As a result, the cutting surface 420 formed on the lower end of the rod portion 42 shears and cuts the boundaries between the first connecting end 51 and the second connecting end 52 and the cut-out portion 53 of the conductor piece 50. As a result, the cut-out portion 53 is cut off from the conductor piece 50. The shape and dimensions of the projectile 40 can be freely determined as long as it can move smoothly along the extension direction (axial direction) of the accommodation space 13 when the igniter 20 is activated. For example, the outer diameter of the piston portion 41 of the projectile 40 may be set equal to the inner diameter of the large-diameter cylinder portion 113 of the top holder 110.

[0057] 15, the projectile 40 moves downward a predetermined stroke in the extension direction (axial direction) of the accommodation space 13 until the lower end surface of the piston portion 41 abuts (collides) against the upper surface 101 of the housing main body 100. In this state, the cut portion 53 cut off from the conductor piece 50 by the rod portion 42 of the projectile 40 is received in the arc-extinguishing region R2 in which the coolant material 60 is disposed. As a result, the first connection end 51 and the second connection end 52 located at both ends of the conductor piece 50 are electrically disconnected, and the predetermined electric circuit to which the circuit breaking device 1 is applied is forcibly interrupted.

[0058] Next, with reference to Figure 17, a method of operating the electrical circuit breaker according to this embodiment will be described. In step S101 of the operating method, the igniter 20 is activated. By activating the igniter 20, energy is imparted to the projectile 40 to cause it to slide within the accommodation space 13. In the step following step S101, the sliding of the projectile 40 results in the severing of the conductor piece 50. In step S102, the projectile 40 is slid in a state where an escape space is provided between at least one of the projectile 40 and the housing 10 and the other of the projectile 40 and the housing 10 to allow the expanded portion to escape when the volume of the projectile 40 expands. The escape space is formed by providing a groove 131.

[0059] <Insulation resistance after operation> As described above, when the cutoff device 1 is activated, the first connecting end 51 is cut by the projectile 40 at the first cutting edge portion 511 (FIG. 2), and the second connecting end 52 is cut by the second cutting edge portion 521. Furthermore, the first connecting end 51 and the second connecting end 52 come into contact with the housing body 100 and the rod portion 42 of the projectile 40. However, since the housing body 100 and the rod portion 42 are insulators, after the cutoff device 1 is activated, the first connecting end 51 and the second connecting end 52 are essentially insulated from each other.

[0060] However, the moment the cut-off portion 53 of the conductor piece 50 is cut, an arc discharge occurs between the separating cut-off portion 53 and the first connecting end 51 and the second connecting end 52, causing the conductor piece 50 to evaporate and adhere to the inner wall of the housing main body 100 and the outer circumferential surface of the rod portion 42. When the conductor piece 50 adheres to the inner wall of the housing main body 100 and the outer circumferential surface of the rod portion 42 in this way and the degree of contamination increases, even though the housing main body 100 and the rod portion 42 themselves are insulators, and the insulation resistance value between the first connecting end 51 and the second connecting end 52 may decrease.

[0061] For this reason, the circuit breaker 1 of this embodiment is provided with a coolant material 60 in the arc-extinguishing area R2 that receives the cut-off portion 53 after cutting, and quickly extinguishes the arc and reduces the amount of evaporation of the conductor piece 50, thereby suppressing a decrease in the insulation resistance value.

[0062] Furthermore, a small gap is provided between the inner wall of the housing body 100 and the outer peripheral surface of the rod portion 42 so that the projectile 40 can move within the accommodating space 13 of the housing body 100, and the evaporated conductor piece 50 enters this gap and adheres to it, which is one of the causes of a decrease in the insulation resistance value. For this reason, the circuit breaker 1 of this embodiment has grooves 131, 141 on the inner wall of the housing body 100 and ensures a large creepage distance between the first connecting end 51 and the second connecting end 52, thereby suppressing a decrease in the insulation resistance value.

[0063] Circuit breakers can be used in electric vehicles equipped with high-voltage power sources. Automotive parts are often subjected to environmental testing that exceeds the actual vehicle operating environment. For example, circuit breakers may be tested to ensure they function normally after being exposed to a 120°C environment for 12 consecutive days.

[0064] The housing and projectile of the circuit breaker are assumed to be made of resin with high insulating properties. Resin has a higher linear expansion coefficient than metal. In the circuit breaker 1 according to this embodiment, the upper housing body 130 and the lower housing body 140 are made of polycarbonate, and the projectile 40 is made of nylon. Resins such as polycarbonate and nylon expand in volume with increasing temperature more rapidly than metals. Therefore, when the circuit breaker is subjected to the above-mentioned test at 120°C, the volume of the projectile and housing expands, deteriorating the projectile's sliding properties and slowing the projectile's speed. The slowdown in the projectile speed increases the time it takes for the cut portion of the conductor piece to come into contact with the coolant, which delays arc extinction and prolongs the exposure of resin components such as the housing and projectile to the high temperature of the arc. Exposure of the resin components to high temperatures increases the amount of carbonization of the resin, increasing the amount of carbonization around the cut portion of the conductor piece, which in turn reduces the insulating performance when the circuit breaker cuts the conductor piece. Thus, the slowdown in the projectile speed leads to a problem of reduced insulating performance when the conductor piece is cut.

[0065] Therefore, in the blocking device 1 according to this embodiment, a groove 131 is provided in the upper housing body 130 at the portion where the projectile 40 is fitted with the upper housing body 130. In the blocking device 1 according to this embodiment, the projectile 40 in the initial position is fitted to the inner wall 133 of the upper housing body 130, and the groove 131 is provided at the portion where the inner wall 133 and the projectile 40 are fitted. The groove 131 may be provided in at least a portion of the housing. In other words, the groove 131 is provided so as to form an escape space between the inner wall 133 within the range of the initial position of the projectile 40 and the projectile 40 facing the inner wall 133. By providing the groove 131, an escape space can be provided between the projectile 40 and the upper housing main body 130 to escape volumetric expansion. For example, in a high-temperature environment of approximately 120°C, when the projectile 40 expands in volume relative to the upper housing main body 130, the projectile 40 expands toward the escape space, causing the upper housing main body 130 and the projectile 40 to no longer fit together in the escape space, creating a gap between them. This eliminates frictional resistance between the projectile 40 and the upper housing main body 130 in the escape space, thereby preventing deterioration of the sliding properties of the projectile 40. The interrupter 1 can prevent a decrease in insulation performance when the conductor piece 50 is cut, which is caused by a decrease in the speed of the projectile 40.

[0066] Here, the relationship between the groove 131 and the center O of the imaginary circle IC1 will be described. FIG. 17 is a top view of the upper housing main body 130 similar to FIG. 4. FIG. 17 illustrates the center O of the imaginary circle IC1. The center O coincides with the central axis of the hollow portion 135 (the accommodation space 13). In this embodiment, a central angle CA1 formed by an imaginary line IL1 connecting one end of the groove 131 in the width direction to the center O and an imaginary line IL2 connecting the other end of the groove 131 in the width direction to the center O is set to be 90° or more and 120° or less (90° to 120°). Note that the central angle CA1 is symmetrical with respect to the Z-axis direction, and a central angle CA1 of 90° means that the central angle CA1 is 45° to the right of the Z-axis and 45° to the left of the Z-axis. Similarly, a central angle CA1 of 120° means that the central angle CA1 is 60° to the right of the Z-axis and 60° to the left of the Z-axis. The conductor piece 50 extends in a direction of a central angle of 180° when viewed from the same reference as the central angle CA1. The conductor piece 50 extends below the upper housing main body 130. If the central angle CA1 were greater than 120°, the groove 131 and the conductor piece 50 would overlap in the vertical direction. Since it is preferable not to provide the groove 131 in the area overlapping the conductor piece 50, the upper limit of the central angle CA1 is set to 120° in this embodiment. On the other hand, if the central angle CA1 is less than 90°, the width of the groove 131 is insufficient to prevent the projectile 40 from deteriorating in sliding properties, and the effect of preventing the projectile 40 from deteriorating in sliding properties is not fully achieved. For this reason, the lower limit of the central angle CA1 is set to 90°.

[0067] Next, samples of the circuit breaker 1 were prepared when the central angle CA1 was 90° and when the central angle CA1 was 120°, and the insulation resistance value between the first cutting edge portion 511 and the second cutting edge portion 521 of the conductor piece 50, which is cut when the circuit breaker 1 is operated, was measured. The insulation resistance value was measured using an insulation resistance meter (IR4053) manufactured by Hioki E.E. Corporation. Table 1 below shows the insulation resistance value measured when the central angle CA1 was 90°. As shown in Table 1, nine samples of the circuit breaker 1 with a central angle CA1 of 90° were prepared. For Samples No. 1 to 4, the insulation resistance value was measured when the samples were operated in an environment at 85°C after being subjected to an environmental load at 120°C for 12 days. For Samples No. 5 to 9, the insulation resistance value was measured when the samples were operated in an environment at -40°C after being subjected to an environmental load at 120°C for 12 days.

[0068] [Table 1]

[0069] Table 2 below shows the insulation resistance values ​​measured when the central angle CA1 was 120°. As shown in Table 2, 10 samples of circuit breaker 1 with a central angle CA1 of 120° were produced. For samples Nos. 1 to 5, the insulation resistance values ​​were measured when they were operated in an environment at 85°C after being subjected to an environmental load at 120°C for 12 days, and for samples Nos. 6 to 10, the insulation resistance values ​​were measured when they were operated in an environment at -40°C after being subjected to an environmental load at 120°C for 12 days.

[0070] [Table 2]

[0071] As shown in Tables 1 and 2, a relatively high insulation resistance value was obtained for all samples. In the circuit breaker 1 according to this embodiment, by setting the central angle CA1 to 90° to 120°, the insulation resistance value between the first cutting edge portion 511 and the second cutting edge portion 521 can be made a relatively high value.

[0072] Next, we examined the extent of the recession of groove 131 when imaginary circle IC1 is the outline of projectile 40. In this embodiment, as described above, groove 131 is recessed in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm radially outward of upper housing main body 130 relative to the outline of projectile 40. The recession of groove 131 was measured as a diameter (Φ) from the center of imaginary circle IC1, and was measured 0. Load measurement tests were carried out on samples of the isolating device 1, including samples with a diameter of 20.6 mm expanded by 2 mm, a diameter of 20.8 mm expanded by 0.4 mm from imaginary circle IC1, and a diameter of 21.0 mm expanded by 0.6 mm from imaginary circle IC1, as well as a comparative example sample that was not expanded from imaginary circle IC1, i.e., had no groove 131. The comparative example sample had a diameter of 20.4 mm of hollow portion 135, which coincided with imaginary circle IC1.

[0073] Next, in this embodiment, a load measurement test was performed to evaluate the interrupter 1. Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of the interrupter 1 when a load measurement test is performed. First, the igniter 20 and the O-ring 223 were removed from the interrupter 1, and the jig 500 was placed on the projectile 40. Next, using a tensile tester (manufactured by MinebeaMitsumi (model NMB / TG-250kN)), the zero point was taken at the upper end of the jig 500, and the displacement (mm) and load (kN) of the jig 500 were measured when the jig 500 was pushed downward at a speed of 500 mm / min.

[0074] FIG. 19 is a graph showing the results of the load measurement test. The vertical axis of the graph in FIG. 19 represents load (kN), and the horizontal axis of FIG. 19 represents displacement (mm). The solid line L1 of the graph in FIG. 19 represents the test results for the comparative sample (Φ=20.4 mm, no diameter expansion), the dashed-dotted line L2 of the graph represents the test results for sample 1 (Φ=20.6 mm, 0.2 mm diameter expansion), the dotted line L3 of the graph represents the test results for sample 2 (Φ=20.8 mm, 0.4 mm diameter expansion), and the dashed-double-dotted line L4 of the graph represents the test results for sample 3 (Φ=21.0 mm, 0.6 mm diameter expansion). Table 3 below shows the load (kN) at the maximum displacement of each sample.

[0075] [Table 3]

[0076] In the load measurement test, the results were the same for sample 2 with a diameter (Φ) of 20.8 mm and sample 3 with a diameter (Φ) of 21.0 mm, with the maximum load reaching its lower limit when the diameter (Φ) was 20.8 mm or greater. For this reason, when the imaginary circle IC1 is taken as the outline of projectile 40, groove 131 is recessed in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm radially outward of upper housing main body 130 relative to the outline of projectile 40. In other words, by having the diameter of groove 131 in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, blocking device 1 can sufficiently suppress frictional resistance and suppress a decrease in the speed of projectile 40 compared to a comparative example without a groove.

[0077] In addition, samples of the circuit breaker 1 with diameters (Φ) of 20.6 mm, 20.8 mm, and 21.0 mm were prepared, and the insulation resistance between the first cutting edge 511 and the second cutting edge 521 of the conductor piece 50, which is cut when the circuit breaker 1 is activated, was measured. The insulation resistance was measured using an insulation resistance meter (IR4053) manufactured by Hioki E.E. Corporation. Table 4 below shows the insulation resistance measured for each sample. For Samples 1-1, 1-2, 2-1, 2-2, 3-1, and 3-2, the insulation resistance was measured when the samples were operated in an environment at 85°C after being subjected to an environmental load at 120°C for 12 days. For Samples 1-3 to 1-5, 2-3 to 2-5, and 3-3 to 3-5, the insulation resistance was measured when the samples were operated in an environment at -40°C after being subjected to an environmental load at 120°C for 12 days.

[0078] [Table 4]

[0079] As shown in Table 4, a relatively high insulation resistance value was obtained for all samples. In the circuit breaker 1 according to this embodiment, the diameter of the groove 131 is in the range of 0.2 to 0.6 mm, and therefore the circuit breaker 1 can achieve a relatively high insulation resistance value between the first cutting edge portion 511 and the second cutting edge portion 521.

[0080] The depth (diameter) of groove 131 is shorter than the width. If groove 131 is too deep, evaporated conductor pieces may get in, reducing the insulation resistance value, or problems may occur in that the strength of housing 10 is reduced, making the resin more susceptible to cracking. Therefore, in this embodiment, groove 131 is formed with a depth (diameter) shorter than the width, and the depth is set in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, thereby preventing problems such as a reduction in insulation resistance value and a reduction in the strength of housing 10 making the resin more susceptible to cracking.

[0081] <Embodiment 2> Next, we will explain the interrupter according to embodiment 2. The interrupter according to this embodiment has the same configuration as that of embodiment 1, but differs from embodiment 1 in that a groove 141 is formed in the lower housing main body 140.

[0082] Fig. 20 is a top view of lower housing main body 140, Fig. 21 is a vertical cross-sectional view of lower housing main body 140 taken along line GG shown in Fig. 20, Fig. 22 is a vertical cross-sectional view of lower housing main body 140 taken along line HH shown in Fig. 20, and Fig. 23 is a bottom view of lower housing main body 140. Note that components corresponding to those in the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0083] An inner wall 143 that defines a hollow portion 145 of the lower housing main body 140 forms a circular peripheral wall, and a groove 141 is provided in part of the wall, the diameter of which increases in the outer diameter direction of the lower housing main body 140. The groove 141 extends along the extension direction (vertical direction) of the accommodation space 13. Two grooves 141 are formed in the Z-axis direction symmetrically about the X-axis. Figures 20, 21, and 23 show an imaginary circle IC2 assuming that the inner wall 143 is circular. The groove 141 is formed concavely outward relative to the imaginary circle IC2, i.e., concavely outward in the radial direction of the lower housing main body 140. The depth of the groove 141 is shorter than its width. Here, the width of the groove 141 refers to the length along the X-axis direction in Figures 20 and 23, and the depth of the groove 141 refers to the distance in the Z-axis direction from the imaginary circle IC2 to a bottom 141B of the groove 141. The bottom 141B is formed in an arc shape concentric with the imaginary circle IC2, and the depth of the entire groove 141 is uniform. The groove 141 is formed in the inner wall 143 within a predetermined inter-edge inner wall region SA located between a first cutting edge portion 511 and a second cutting edge portion 521 of the conductor piece 50 that is cut when the circuit breaker 1 is activated. The dimensions of the groove 141, such as width, spacing, and depth, are not particularly limited and can be set arbitrarily. The groove 141 functions as an escape space for releasing an expanded portion when at least one of the projectile 40 and the lower housing main body 140 expands in volume relative to the other of the projectile 40 and the lower housing main body 140. Specifically, the space formed between the bottom 141B of the groove 141 and the projectile 40 serves as the escape space. Note that the imaginary circle IC2 coincides with the outline of the projectile 40 when not volumetrically expanded. Note that, as in the first embodiment, when the imaginary circle IC2 is the outline of the projectile 40, the groove 141 is recessed by 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm radially outward from the outline of the projectile 40.

[0084] In the interrupting device 1 according to this embodiment, a groove 141 is provided at the location where the projectile 40 slides on the lower housing main body 140. Providing the groove 141 allows a space for escape between the projectile 40 and the upper housing main body 130 during volumetric expansion. For example, in a high-temperature environment of approximately 120°C, if the projectile 40 expands in volume relative to the lower housing main body 140, an escape space can also be provided in the lower housing main body 140. This eliminates frictional resistance between the projectile 40 and the lower housing main body 140 in the escape space, thereby preventing deterioration of the sliding properties of the projectile 40. The interrupting device 1 can prevent a decrease in insulation performance when the conductor piece 50 is cut, which is caused by a decrease in the speed of the projectile 40. In this manner, an escape space may be provided within the range where the projectile 40 slides.

[0085] Here, the relationship between the groove 141 and the center O of the imaginary circle IC2 will be described. FIG. 24 is a top view of the lower housing main body 140 similar to FIG. 20. FIG. 24 illustrates the center O of the imaginary circle IC2. The center O coincides with the central axis of the hollow portion 145 (the accommodation space 13). In this embodiment, a central angle CA2 formed by an imaginary line IL3 connecting one end of the groove 141 in the width direction to the center O and an imaginary line IL4 connecting the other end of the groove 141 in the width direction to the center O is set to be 90° or more and 120° or less (90° to 120°). Note that the central angle CA2 is symmetrical with respect to the Z-axis direction, and a central angle CA2 of 90° means that the central angle CA2 is 45° to the right of the Z-axis and 45° to the left of the Z-axis. Similarly, a central angle CA2 of 120° means that the central angle CA2 is 60° to the right of the Z-axis and 60° to the left of the Z-axis. Note that the conductor piece 50 extends in the direction of a central angle of 180° when viewed from the same reference as the central angle CA2. The conductor piece 50 extends above the lower housing main body 140. If the central angle CA2 were greater than 120°, the groove 141 and the conductor piece 50 would overlap in the vertical direction. Since it is preferable not to provide the groove 141 in the area overlapping the conductor piece 50, the upper limit of the central angle CA2 is set to 120° in this embodiment. On the other hand, if the central angle CA2 is less than 90°, the width of the groove 141 is insufficient to suppress deterioration of the sliding properties of the projectile 40, and the effect of suppressing deterioration of sliding properties is not sufficiently obtained. For this reason, the lower limit of the central angle CA2 is set to 90°.

[0086] <Embodiment 3> Next, an interrupting device according to a third embodiment will be described. The interrupting device according to this embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the projectile 40 is inserted into the receiving space at a position where the diameter of the projectile 40 is reduced. It is characterized by having the following.

[0087] FIG. 25 is a front view of projectile 40, and FIG. 26 is a bottom view of projectile 40. In this embodiment, groove 421 is provided in rod portion 42 of projectile 40. Groove 421 is provided on the outer periphery of rod portion 42 and is concave radially inward of projectile 40. As shown in FIG. 26, two grooves 421 are formed in the Z-axis direction so as to be symmetrical about the X-axis. FIG. 26 also illustrates an imaginary circle IC3 assuming that the cross section of rod portion 42 cut along the XZ-axis plane is circular. Groove 421 is concave inward relative to imaginary circle IC3, i.e., concave radially inward of projectile 40. Furthermore, groove 421 has a depth shorter than its width. Here, the width of groove 421 refers to the length along the X-axis direction in FIGS. 25 and 26, and the depth of groove 421 refers to the distance in the Z-axis direction from imaginary circle IC3 to bottom 421B of groove 421. The bottom 421B is formed in an arc shape concentric with the imaginary circle IC3, and the depth of the entire groove 421 is uniform. The groove 421 is formed in a position facing the inner wall 143 within a predetermined inter-edge inner wall region SA located between the first cutting edge 511 and the second cutting edge 521 of the conductor piece 50, which is cut when the circuit breaker 1 is activated. The dimensions of the groove 421, such as width, spacing, and depth, are not particularly limited and may be set arbitrarily. The groove 421 functions as a relief space for escaping the volume of the projectile 40 and / or at least one of the upper housing body 130 and the lower housing body 140 when the projectile 40 or the upper housing body 130 and the lower housing body 140 expands relative to the other of the projectile 40 or the upper housing body 130 and the lower housing body 140. Specifically, the space formed between the bottom 421B of the groove 421 and the inner wall 133 of the upper housing body 130 and the inner wall 143 of the lower housing body 140 serves as the relief space. The imaginary circle IC3 substantially coincides with the inner wall of the accommodating space 13 when not volumetrically expanded. The accommodating space 13 has a circular cross section when the housing 10 is cut in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction. As in the first embodiment, when the imaginary circle IC3 is the inner outline of the accommodating space 13, the groove 421 is recessed by 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm radially outward from the outer outline of the projectile 40.

[0088] In the blocking device 1 according to this embodiment, a groove 421 is provided in the projectile 40 at a portion where the projectile 40 fits into the upper housing body 130. In the blocking device 1 according to this embodiment, the projectile 40 in the initial position is fitted against the inner wall 133 of the upper housing body 130, and the groove 421 only needs to be provided in at least a portion of the portion where the inner wall 133 and the projectile 40 fit together. In other words, the groove 421 is provided so that an escape space is formed between the inner wall 133 within the range of the initial position of the projectile 40 and the projectile 40 facing the inner wall 133. By providing the groove 421, an escape space can be provided between the projectile 40 and the upper housing body 130 during volumetric expansion. For example, in a high-temperature environment of about 120°C, when the projectile 40 expands in volume relative to the upper housing main body 130, the projectile 40 expands toward the escape space, causing the upper housing main body 130 and the projectile 40 to no longer fit together in the escape space, creating a gap between them. This allows the circuit breaker 1 to eliminate frictional resistance between the projectile 40 and the upper housing main body 130 in the escape space, preventing a deterioration in the sliding properties of the projectile 40. The circuit breaker 1 can prevent a decrease in insulation performance when the conductor piece 50 is cut, which is caused by a decrease in the speed of the projectile 40.

[0089] Here, the relationship between the groove 421 and the center O of the imaginary circle IC3 will be described. FIG. 26 illustrates the center O of the imaginary circle IC3. The center O coincides with the central axis of the projectile 40 and the central axis of the hollow portion 145 (the housing space 13). In this embodiment, a central angle CA3 formed by an imaginary line IL5 connecting one end of the groove 421 in the width direction to the center O and an imaginary line IL6 connecting the other end of the groove 421 in the width direction to the center O is set to be 90° or more and 120° or less (90° to 120°). Note that the central angle CA3 is symmetrical with respect to the Z-axis direction, and a central angle CA3 of 90° means that the central angle CA3 is 45° to the right of the Z-axis and 45° to the left of the Z-axis. Similarly, a central angle CA3 of 120° means that the central angle CA3 is 60° to the right of the Z-axis. The central angle CA3 is set at an angle of 60° to the left of the Z axis. When viewed from the same reference as the central angle CA3, the conductor piece 50 extends in a direction of a central angle of 180°. The conductor piece 50 extends below the projectile 40 in the initial position. If the central angle CA3 is greater than 120°, the groove 421 and the conductor piece 50 may overlap in the vertical direction. Since it is preferable not to provide the groove 421 in the area overlapping the conductor piece 50, the upper limit of the central angle CA3 is set to 120° in this embodiment. On the other hand, if the central angle CA3 is less than 90°, the width of the groove 421 is insufficient to suppress deterioration of the sliding properties of the projectile 40, and the effect of suppressing deterioration of sliding properties is not sufficiently obtained. For this reason, the lower limit of the central angle CA3 is set to 90°.

[0090] <Other embodiments> Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the various embodiments described above can be combined as much as possible. For example, the sliding structure of the present disclosure can be used in a needleless syringe that ejects an injection target substance, such as a medicinal solution, from its tip by sliding a piston using energy received from an igniter. The sliding structure of the present disclosure can also be used in a perforator, pin puller, hood lifter, power pollard, or the like that drills a hole in an object by sliding a piston using energy received from an igniter. A power pollard is a device that is buried under the road surface near a vehicle entrance and, when activated, protrudes a cylindrical structure from the road surface to prevent vehicles from passing through.

[0091] Although the embodiments of the electrical circuit interruption device according to the present disclosure have been described above, each aspect disclosed herein can be combined with any other feature disclosed herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1: Circuit breaker 10: Housing 13: Containment space 20:Igniter 40: Projectile 42: Rod part 50: Conductor piece 53: Part to be excised 60: Coolant material 100: Housing body 130: Upper housing body 131: Groove 140: Lower housing body 141: Groove

Claims

1. a housing containing an accommodation space extending in one direction; an igniter provided in the housing; a projectile disposed in the accommodation space, launched from one end of the accommodation space by energy received from the igniter, and sliding along the extension direction of the accommodation space; an escape space provided at least in a portion where the inner wall defining the storage space and the projectile are fitted together, for escaping an expansion portion when at least one of the projectile and the housing expands in volume relative to the other of the projectile or the housing; A sliding structure comprising:

2. The escape space is provided within a range in which the projectile slides. The sliding structure according to claim 1 .

3. the housing has a groove formed in the inner wall, the groove being concave on the radially outer side of the housing and having a depth shorter than its width; The relief space is formed between the bottom of the groove and the projectile. The sliding structure according to claim 1 .

4. A central angle formed by an imaginary line connecting one end of the groove in the width direction and the central axis of the storage space and an imaginary line connecting the other end of the groove in the width direction and the central axis of the storage space is 90° to 120°. The sliding structure according to claim 3 .

5. The groove is recessed in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm radially outward from the housing relative to the outer periphery of the projectile. The sliding structure according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The projectile has a round cross section when cut in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction. The sliding structure according to claim 1 .

7. the projectile has a groove on its outer periphery, the groove being concave radially inward of the projectile and having a depth less than its width; The relief space is formed between the bottom of the groove and the inner wall. The sliding structure according to claim 1 .

8. a central angle formed by an imaginary line connecting one end of the groove in the width direction to the central axis of the projectile and an imaginary line connecting the other end of the groove in the width direction to the central axis of the projectile is 90° to 120°; The sliding structure according to claim 7 .

9. The groove has a diameter that narrows in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm toward the center of the projectile in the radial direction relative to the inner contour line of the storage space. The sliding structure according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The accommodating space has a circular cross section when cut in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction. The sliding structure according to claim 7 or 8.

11. The sliding structure according to claim 1 or 2; A conductor piece provided in the housing and forming a part of an electric circuit has a cut-off portion that is cut off by the projectile, and the cut-off portion crosses the accommodating space. and a conductor piece arranged as follows: An electrical circuit interruption device comprising:

12. activating an igniter to impart energy to the projectile to cause it to slide within the housing; Sliding the projectile with at least one of the projectile and the housing relative to the other of the projectile or the housing while providing an escape space for escaping an expansion portion when the volume expands; A method for operating a sliding structure comprising:

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