Electrical circuit breaker

Abstract

To provide an electric circuit breaker device which can suppress an increase in the power of a power source and easily break an electric circuit even when lowering the resistance of a cutting object part.SOLUTION: An electric circuit breaker device 600 includes a breaking object part 400 which constitutes a portion of an electric circuit. The breaking object part 400 includes base pieces 430 on both sides and a separation piece 420 connected to a space between the base pieces 430. The base piece includes a pressing connection part 431 which connects the base piece 430 and the separation piece 420 while pressing contact surfaces of them. The separation piece 420 moves while contacting along the contact surface with the base piece 430 by a power mechanism, is separated from the base piece 430 and breaks connection between the base pieces 430.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention mainly relates to an electric circuit breaker that can be used in electric circuits of automobiles and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, electric circuit breakers have been used to protect electric circuits mounted on automobiles and the like, as well as various electrical components connected to the electric circuits. Specifically, when an abnormality occurs in the electric circuit, the electric circuit breaker cuts off a part of the electric circuit to physically interrupt the electric circuit.

[0003] And there are various types of this electric circuit breaker. For example, the electric circuit breaker of Patent Document 1 includes a housing, a cut-off part disposed in the housing and constituting a part of the electric circuit, a power source disposed on the first end side of the housing, and a moving body that moves in the housing between the first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The moving body moves from the first end toward the second end by the power source, and a part of the moving body cuts the cut-off part to interrupt the electric circuit.

[0004] By the way, due to the recent high performance of automobiles and the like, the voltage and current applied to the electric circuit tend to increase. Therefore, the heat generation due to the current flowing through the cut-off part constituting a part of the electric circuit, that is, the power loss, has also increased. Thus, the power loss has been suppressed by increasing the cut-off cross-sectional area, such as by increasing the thickness of the cut-off part, to reduce the resistance of the cut-off part. However, when the cut-off cross-sectional area is increased, the power required to cut the cut-off part must be increased. As a result, it is necessary to further improve the strength of the housing so as to withstand the increased power (such as the explosive force of gunpowder). In addition, accordingly, there is a problem that the housing becomes larger, and the electric circuit breaker becomes larger and more expensive.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-100645 [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention provides an electrical circuit interruption device that can easily interrupt an electrical circuit while suppressing an increase in the power of the power source, even when the resistance of the part to be cut is reduced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is an electrical circuit interruption device comprising a part to be interrupted that constitutes a part of an electrical circuit, wherein the part to be interrupted comprises base pieces on both sides and a separating piece connected between the base pieces, and comprises a pressing connecting part that connects the base pieces and the separating piece while pressing their respective contact surfaces, and is configured such that the separating piece moves along the contact surface with the base pieces by a power mechanism, thereby separating from the base pieces and interrupting the connection between the base pieces.

[0008] According to the above features, the separate base piece and separation piece are maintained in an electrically connected state by a pressure connection. Furthermore, when interrupting an electrical circuit, instead of physically cutting the integrally formed interrupted part with great force as in conventional methods, it is sufficient to separate the connection between the originally separate base piece and separation piece. Therefore, even when the resistance of the interrupted part is reduced, the electrical circuit can be easily interrupted with less power than in conventional methods, reducing the size and manufacturing cost of the electrical circuit interrupter.

[0009] Furthermore, the separating piece moves along the contact surface between the base piece and the separating piece while in contact with the base piece. Therefore, by appropriately adjusting the maximum frictional force at the contact surface between the base piece and the separating piece, such as by reducing the surface roughness of the contact surface between the base piece and the separating piece, the force required to separate the separating piece from the base piece can be reduced. As a result, the electrical circuit can be easily interrupted with even less power, and the size and manufacturing cost of the electrical circuit interrupter can be reduced.

[0010] The electrical circuit breaker of the present invention is characterized in that an arc extinguishing portion is provided adjacent to the separation piece, and after the separation piece moves and the connection between the base pieces is interrupted, the arc extinguishing portion is connected between the base pieces.

[0011] According to the above features, even if an arc is generated between the base pieces on both sides due to high voltage, the arc extinguishing section connected between the base pieces can effectively extinguish the arc.

[0012] The electrical circuit interruption device of the present invention is characterized in that the arc extinguishing portion is integrated with the separating piece.

[0013] According to the above features, after the separating piece is separated from the base piece, the arc-extinguishing portion smoothly replaces it and is securely connected between the base pieces.

[0014] The electrical circuit breaker of the present invention is characterized in that a fluid or granular arc-extinguishing material is arranged in the direction of movement of the separating piece, and when the separating piece moves, the separating piece enters the arc-extinguishing material up to the connection end of the separating piece.

[0015] According to the above characteristics, the arc generated around the connection end immediately before the separating piece separates from the base piece is effectively extinguished by the arc extinguishing material.

[0016] The electrical circuit breaker of the present invention is characterized by comprising an arc extinguishing material positioned to contact the connection end portion of the separation piece when the separation piece moves.

[0017] According to the above characteristics, just before the separation piece separates from the base piece, the arc generated around the connection end portion is effectively extinguished by the arc extinguishing material.

[0018] The electric circuit breaker of the present invention includes a moving body that moves between a first end portion provided with the power mechanism and a second end portion on the opposite side of the first end portion, and the moving body is moved by the power of the power mechanism to separate the separation piece from the base piece. The moving body is integrated with the separation piece.

[0019] According to the above characteristics, since the separation piece is separate from the base piece, even if the moving body and the separation piece are integrated, the moving body and the entire cut-off portion are not integrated, so there is no risk of the electric circuit breaker becoming large-sized. Furthermore, since the number of assembly steps is reduced, reduction of the assembly time can be achieved.

[0020] The electric circuit breaker of the present invention includes a fuse having a fusing portion and an arc extinguishing material, and an insulator provided adjacent to the separation piece. A pair of electrodes connected to the fuse are provided on the insulator, and when the separation piece moves to cut off the connection between the base pieces, the electrodes of the insulator are connected between the base pieces.

[0021] According to the above characteristics, when the separation piece is completely separated from the base piece and the electric circuit is cut off, an overcurrent is smoothly and surely induced to the fuse, so an arc due to an accident current can be prevented from occurring between the base pieces on both sides.

Effect of the Invention

[0022] As described above, according to the electric circuit breaker of the present invention, even when the resistance of the cut-off portion is reduced, an increase in the power of the power source can be suppressed, and the electric circuit can be easily cut off. [[ID=​​​​​​(a) is an overall perspective view of the lower housing that constitutes the housing of the electric circuit breaker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and (b) is a plan view of the lower housing. [Figure 2] (a) is an overall perspective view of the upper housing that constitutes the housing of the electric circuit breaker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and (b) is a bottom view of the upper housing. [Figure 3] (a) is a perspective view of the moving body of the electric circuit breaker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and (b) is a bottom view of the moving body. [Figure 4] (a) is a perspective view of the interrupted part of the electric circuit breaker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, (b) is a side view of the interrupted part, and (c) is a plan view of the interrupted part. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view of the electric circuit breaker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A - A of the assembled electric circuit breaker shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view showing the state where the moving body has moved from the state shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] (a) is a perspective view of the interrupted part and the moving body of the electric circuit breaker according to Embodiment 2, and (b) is a front view of the interrupted part and the moving body. [Figure 9] Similar to FIG. 6, it shows a cross-sectional view of the electric circuit breaker according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view showing the state where the moving body has moved from the state shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] Similar to FIG. 6, it shows a cross-sectional view of the electric circuit breaker according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view showing the state where the moving body has moved from the state shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] Similar to FIG. 6, it shows a cross-sectional view of the electric circuit breaker according to Embodiment 4. ​​​​This is a perspective view of the interrupted portion and the movable body of the electrical circuit breaker according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view of the part of the electrical circuit breaker according to Embodiment 6. [Figure 17] (a) is a perspective view of the interrupted portion of the electrical circuit breaker according to Embodiment 7, and (b) is a perspective view of the interrupted portion of the electrical circuit breaker according to Embodiment 8. [Figure 18] (a) is a perspective view of the interrupted portion of the electrical circuit breaker according to Embodiment 9, and (b) is a perspective view of the interrupted portion and the movable body of the electrical circuit breaker according to Embodiment 9. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view of the interrupted portion of the electrical circuit breaker and the electromagnetic coil type tripping device according to Embodiment 10. [Figure 20] This is an exploded perspective view of the electrical circuit breaker according to Embodiment 10. [Figure 21] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the assembled electrical circuit breaker. [Figure 22] This is a cross-sectional view of the separated fragments from the state shown in Figure 21. [Figure 23] This is an exploded perspective view of the electrical circuit breaker according to Embodiment 11. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0024] 300 Housing 400 Blocked section 420 Separation piece 430 Base piece 600 Electrical circuit breaker [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the shapes and materials of the components of the electrical circuit breaker in the embodiments described below are examples only and are not limited to these.

[0026] <Embodiment 1> First, Figure 1 shows the lower housing 100 that constitutes the housing 300 of the electrical circuit breaker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 1(a) is an overall perspective view of the lower housing 100, and Figure 1(b) is a plan view of the lower housing 100.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the lower housing 100 is a roughly rectangular prism made of an insulator such as synthetic resin, and has a hollow lower housing section 110 inside. This lower housing section 110 extends from the upper surface 120 to the lower surface 130 of the lower housing 100 and is configured to accommodate the movable body 500, which will be described later.

[0028] Furthermore, a portion of the upper surface 120 is provided with an insertion portion 113 that is recessed to match the shape of the base piece 430 of the blocked portion 400, which will be described later, so that the base piece 430 of the blocked portion 400 can be inserted through it. This insertion portion 113 is arranged opposite to both sides of the lower housing portion 110, and the insertion portion 113 supports the linearly extending blocked portion 400 on both sides.

[0029] Next, Figure 2 shows the upper housing 200 that constitutes the housing 300 of the electrical circuit breaker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2(a) is an overall perspective view of the upper housing 200, and Figure 2(b) is a bottom view of the upper housing 200.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the upper housing 200 is a roughly rectangular prism made of an insulator such as synthetic resin, and together with the lower housing 100 shown in Figure 1, it constitutes the housing 300. It is equipped with a hollow upper housing section 210 inside, which extends from the lower surface 230 to the upper surface 220 of the upper housing 200 and is configured to accommodate the movable body 500, which will be described later. The inner surface 211 of the upper housing section 210 is a smooth surface so that the movable body 500 can slide up and down inside. As will be described later, this upper housing section 210 is positioned vertically with the lower housing section 110 of the lower housing 100 to form a linearly extending housing section 310, and the movable body 500 can move up and down inside the housing section 310.

[0031] Furthermore, a power source housing section 221 is formed on a part of the upper surface 220 of the upper housing 200, in which the power source P is housed. The power source housing section 221 is in communication with the upper end of the upper housing section 210. As will be described in more detail later, the power such as air pressure generated from the power source P housed in the power source housing section 221 is transmitted to the movable body 500 in the upper housing section 210, causing the movable body 500 to move. The lower housing 100 and the upper housing 200 are roughly rectangular prisms made of synthetic resin, but are not limited to this, and can be made of other materials and have any shape as long as they have high insulation properties and sufficient strength for use.

[0032] Next, Figure 3 shows the mobile body 500 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 3(a) is a perspective view of the mobile body 500, and Figure 3(b) is a bottom view of the mobile body 500.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the movable body 500 is made of an insulator such as synthetic resin and comprises a roughly cylindrical main body 510 at the upper end, a flat rectangular sliding part 520 in the center, and a protruding part 530 at the lower end that projects downward. A recessed part 511 is provided at the upper end of the main body 510, and the recessed part 511 is the part that faces the power source P. The sliding part 520 is shaped to correspond to the inner surface shape of the housing part 310, and by sliding the sliding part 520 along the inner surface of the housing part 310, the movable body 500 can slide smoothly along the inside of the housing part 310 while maintaining its posture. The movable body 500 is made of synthetic resin, but is not limited to this, and may be made of any other material and have any shape as long as it has high insulating properties and sufficient strength for use.

[0034] Next, Figure 4 shows the interrupted portion 400, which constitutes a part of the electrical circuit interrupted by the electrical circuit interruption device 600 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 4(a) is a perspective view of the interrupted portion 400, Figure 4(b) is a side view of the interrupted portion 400, and Figure 4(c) is a plan view of the interrupted portion 400.

[0035] The interrupted portion 400 is made entirely of a conductive metal such as copper for electrical connection to the electrical circuit, and includes base pieces 430 at both ends for connection to the electrical circuit, and a separate piece 420 located between the base pieces 430. Connection holes 410 are formed at the ends of the base pieces 430 for use when connecting to the electrical circuit. The base pieces 430 also include a pressing connection portion 431 made of a pair of clamping pieces. This pressing connection portion 431 is also made entirely of a conductive metal such as copper for electrical connection to the electrical circuit. The pressing connection portion 431 clamps the separating piece 420 from both sides.

[0036] More specifically, the tip of the pressing connection portion 431 has a flat surface 432, which is in contact with the side surface 421 of the plate-shaped separating piece 420. In particular, since the side surface 421 of the separating piece 420 is also a flat surface, the flat surface 432 of the pressing connection portion 431 and the side surface 421 of the separating piece 420 are in close surface contact with each other. Furthermore, the contact surfaces of the base piece 430 and the separating piece 420, that is, the flat surface 432 of the pressing connection portion 431 and the side surface 421 of the separating piece 420, are pressed by the pressing force F that the pressing connection portion 431 uses to clamp the separating piece 420. Therefore, the separate base piece 430 and the separating piece 420 are assembled to be electrically and physically connected to each other.

[0037] In particular, since a pressing force F is applied to the contact surfaces of the base piece 430 and the separator piece 420, the contact resistance of the contact surfaces of the base piece 430 and the separator piece 420 (the contact surface between the flat surface 432 of the pressing connection part 431 and the side surface 421 of the separator piece 420) can be kept low, and furthermore, this state can be maintained for a long period of time. To keep the contact resistance of the contact surfaces of the base piece 430 and the separator piece 420 low means that the pressing force F causes the contact surfaces of the base piece 430 and the separator piece 420 (the contact surface between the flat surface 432 of the pressing connection part 431 and the side surface 421 of the separator piece 420) to adhere more tightly, which makes it easier for current to flow, thus keeping the electrical resistance between the contact surfaces on both sides that are in contact with each other low.

[0038] Furthermore, the contact surface of the base piece 430 (flat surface 432 in Figure 4), or the contact surface of the separation piece 420 (side surface 421 in Figure 4), or the contact surfaces of both the base piece 430 and the separation piece 420 may be plated to form a plating layer. This plating layer fills in the gaps caused by minute irregularities on the contact surfaces of the base piece 430 and the separation piece 420, suppressing oxidation by the surrounding environment, thereby keeping the contact resistance low and maintaining it over a long period of time. Moreover, this plating layer is composed of tin (Sn) or the like, and has lower hardness than the metal such as copper (Cu) that constitutes the part to be blocked 400 (i.e., the separation piece 420 and the base piece 430). As a result, when a pressing force F is applied, the plating layer, which has low hardness, is strongly pressed and crushed by the contact surface of the base piece 430 and the contact surface of the separating piece 420, which has high hardness. This more reliably fills the gaps caused by minute irregularities on the contact surface of the base piece 430 and the contact surface of the separating piece 420, thereby keeping the contact resistance low. In addition, the plating layer may be made of gold (Au) or silver (Ag), which has lower hardness than the metal such as copper (Cu) that constitutes the blocked portion 400, and has higher or equivalent electrical conductivity than the metal such as copper (Cu).

[0039] Furthermore, the interrupted portion 400, like the interrupted portion of a conventional electrical circuit breaker, has an overall shape of a long plate, and as shown in Figure 4(b), it comprises a short side 401 and a long side 402. The short direction of the interrupted portion 400 is the direction along the PP axis perpendicular to the long axis Q-Q extending along the long side 402 of the interrupted portion 400. Note that the separating piece 420 is not limited to the shape shown in Figure 4, and may have any shape as long as it can electrically and physically connect the base pieces 430 on both sides. Also, the pressing connection portion 431 that connects the base pieces 430 and the separating piece 420 while pressing their contact surfaces together is in the form of a pair of clamping pieces, but is not limited to this, and may have any configuration as long as it can connect the base pieces 430 and the separating piece 420 while pressing their contact surfaces together.

[0040] Next, the assembly method of the electrical circuit breaker 600 of the present invention will be explained with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical circuit breaker 600, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the electrical circuit breaker 600 shown in Figure 5 in its assembled state.

[0041] When assembling the electrical circuit breaker 600, first insert the base piece 430 of the breakable portion 400 into the insertion portion 113 of the lower housing 100, and position the breakable portion 400 so that the separation piece 420 crosses the lower housing portion 110 of the lower housing 100.

[0042] Next, the upper housing 200 is fitted onto the lower housing 100 from above so that the main body 510 side of the movable body 500 is inserted into the upper housing portion 210 of the upper housing 200. In this way, the housing 300, consisting of the lower housing 100 and the upper housing 200, is assembled with the shielded portion 400 and the movable body 500 housed inside.

[0043] Furthermore, a power source P is attached to the power source storage section 221 of the upper housing 200 as a power mechanism for moving the separation piece 420, and a portion of the power source P is housed in the recess 511 of the movable body 500. When an abnormality signal is input from the outside when an abnormality is detected in the electrical circuit, the power source P, for example, detonates explosives inside the power source P, and the resulting air pressure instantly pushes and moves the movable body 500 within the storage section 310. Note that the power source P is not limited to a power source using explosives, but may be any other known power source that generates the power to move the movable body 500.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6, the mobile body 500 is housed inside a housing section 310, which consists of a lower housing section 110 and an upper housing section 210 arranged in a straight line. This housing section 310 extends from the first end 320 of the housing 300 to the second end 330 on the opposite side of the first end 320. Since the mobile body 500 is located on the first end 320 side where the power source P is located, the second end 330 side of the housing section 310 is hollow. Therefore, as will be described later, the mobile body 500 can move toward the second end 330 side while separating the separation piece 420. Also, since the recessed portion 511 on the upper end side of the mobile body 500 is adjacent to the power source P, the air pressure from the explosion of explosives in the power source P is transmitted to the upper end side of the mobile body 500, as will be described later.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, the assembled and completed electrical circuit breaker 600 is installed and used within the electrical circuit to be protected. Specifically, the base piece 430 of the breakable part 400 is connected to a part of the electrical circuit so that the breakable part 400 constitutes part of the electrical circuit. Under normal circumstances, the base piece 430 and the separator piece 420 of the breakable part 400 are not separated and are connected both physically and electrically, so current flows through the electrical circuit via the base piece 430 and the separator piece 420 of the breakable part 400.

[0046] Next, referring to Figure 7, we will explain how the electrical circuit interrupter 600 interrupts the electrical circuit when an abnormality such as an overcurrent flows through the electrical circuit is detected. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the state after the mobile body 500 has moved from the state shown in Figure 6.

[0047] First, as shown in Figure 7, if an abnormality such as an overcurrent flows in the electrical circuit is detected, an abnormality signal is input to the power source P, and the explosives in the power source P explode. Then, the air pressure from the explosion is transmitted to the recessed portion 511 on the upper end of the movable body 500. Due to this air pressure, the movable body 500 is forcefully blown from the first end 320 toward the second end 330, and moves instantaneously within the housing portion 310 toward the second end 330.

[0048] Then, the protruding portion 530 of the movable body 500 strongly pushes the separating piece 420 toward the second end portion 330. The separating piece 420 is pushed along the PP axis, that is, along the extension direction of the short side of 400 (i.e., the short length direction), and the separating piece 420 is separated from the base piece 430, resulting in the base pieces 430 on both sides being electrically disconnected. As a result, the energized state of the base pieces 430 on both sides of the disconnected portion 400 through the separating piece 420 is interrupted, preventing overcurrent from flowing into the electrical circuit.

[0049] Furthermore, since the force exerted by the protruding portion 530 of the movable body 500 to strongly push the separating piece 420 toward the second end 330 is greater than the pressing force F exerted by the base pieces 430 on both sides to grip the separating piece 420, the movable body 500 can separate the separating piece 420 from the base pieces 430. In addition, since the direction of the force exerted by the movable body 500 to push the separating piece 420 toward the second end 330 and the direction of the pressing force F exerted by the base pieces 430 on both sides to grip the separating piece 420 intersect, the power of the movable body 500 is efficiently transmitted to the separating piece 420, and the movable body 500 can easily separate the separating piece 420 from the base pieces 430. In particular, if the direction of the force exerted by the movable body 500 to push the separation piece 420 toward the second end 330 and the direction of the pressing force F exerted by the base pieces 430 on both sides to grip the separation piece 420 are perpendicular, the power of the movable body 500 is transmitted to the separation piece 420 more efficiently, and the movable body 500 can separate the separation piece 420 from the base pieces 430 more easily.

[0050] Furthermore, the thickness (plate thickness) of the interrupted portion 400 can be made as thick as that of the interrupted portion in the conventional technology, thereby reducing the resistance of the interrupted portion 400 and suppressing power loss. In the electrical circuit interrupter 600 of the present invention, the separate base piece 430 and separation piece 420 are kept electrically connected by the pressing connection portion 431. Moreover, when interrupting an electrical circuit, instead of physically cutting the integrally formed interrupted portion with great force as in the conventional invention, it is sufficient to separate the connection between the originally separate base piece 430 and separation piece 420. Therefore, even when reducing the resistance of the interrupted portion 400, the electrical circuit can be easily interrupted with less power than in the conventional invention, thereby reducing the size and manufacturing cost of the electrical circuit interrupter.

[0051] Furthermore, when the separating piece 420 moves along the PP axis, that is, along the extension direction of the short side of 400, and separates from the base piece 430, the separating piece 420 moves while in contact with the base piece 430 along the contact surface between the base piece 430 and the separating piece 420 (the contact surface between the flat surface 432 of the pressing connection part 431 and the side surface 421 of the separating piece 420). The force required to separate the separating piece 420 from the base piece 430 must be greater than the maximum frictional force at the contact surface between the base piece 430 and the separating piece 420 (the contact surface between the flat surface 432 of the pressing connection part 431 and the side surface 421 of the separating piece 420). Therefore, by appropriately adjusting the maximum frictional force at the contact surface between the base piece 430 and the separating piece 420, such as by reducing the surface roughness of the contact surface between the base piece 430 and the separating piece 420 (the contact surface between the flat surface 432 of the pressing connection part 431 and the side surface 421 of the separating piece 420), the force required to separate the separating piece 420 from the base piece 430 can be reduced. As a result, the electrical circuit can be easily interrupted with even less power, and the size and manufacturing cost of the electrical circuit interrupter can be reduced.

[0052] Furthermore, the plate-shaped separating piece 420 moves with its side surface 421 positioned along the PP axis, that is, along the extension direction of the short side of the section to be interrupted 400. Therefore, the end portion 422, which has a smaller surface area than the side surface 421, faces the direction of movement of the separating piece 420, and this end portion 422 becomes the leading edge as it moves through the housing 310 toward the second end portion 330. As a result, the range in which the separating piece 420 interferes with other parts (such as a part of the housing 310 or arc extinguishing material) in the direction of movement of the separating piece 420 can be made as narrow as possible, and the internal structure of the housing 300 can be simplified. Note that the electrical circuit interrupting device 600 of the present invention houses each component, such as the section to be interrupted 400, within the housing 300, but is not limited to this. For example, the electrical circuit breaker 600 may not utilize the housing 300, but may be built into other devices or components together with its components such as the interrupted part 400, and the electrical circuit breaker 600 can be configured in any manner.

[0053] <Embodiment 2> Next, the electrical circuit breaker 600A of the present invention according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8(a) is a perspective view of the interrupted portion 400A and the movable body 500A of the electrical circuit breaker 600A according to Embodiment 2, and Figure 8(b) is a front view of the interrupted portion 400A and the movable body 500A. The configuration of the electrical circuit breaker 600A according to Embodiment 2 differs from that of the electrical circuit breaker 600 according to Embodiment 1 in that the configuration of the pressing connection portion 431A of the interrupted portion 400A and the protruding portion 530A of the movable body 500A differ, but the other configurations are basically the same as those of the electrical circuit breaker 600 according to Embodiment 1, so the explanation of the identical configurations will be omitted.

[0054] As shown in Figure 8, the interrupted portion 400A is made entirely of a conductive metal such as copper for electrical connection to the electrical circuit, and includes base pieces 430A at both ends for connection to the electrical circuit, and a separating piece 420A located between the base pieces 430A. The base piece 430A also includes a pressing connection portion 431A made of a pressing piece. This pressing connection portion 431A is also made entirely of a conductive metal such as copper for electrical connection to the electrical circuit. The tip of the pressing connection portion 431A is a flat surface 432A, and the flat surface 432A is in contact with the front side surface 421A of the plate-shaped separating piece 420A. Since the side surface 421A of the separating piece 420A is also a flat surface, the flat surface 432A of the pressing connection portion 431A and the side surface 421A of the separating piece 420A are in close surface contact with each other. The base end 434A of the pressing connection portion 431A is fixed to the surface of the base piece 430A.

[0055] Furthermore, the inner end face 433A of the base piece 430A is a flat surface, and the end face 433A is in contact with the back side surface 421A of the plate-shaped separating piece 420A. Since the side surface 421A of the separating piece 420A is also a flat surface, the end face 433A and the side surface 421A of the separating piece 420A are in close contact with each other.

[0056] Furthermore, a compression spring 440A is attached to the flat surface 432A of the pressing connection portion 431A. Specifically, one end 441A of the compression spring 440A is attached to the flat surface 432A, and the other end 442A abuts against the inner wall of the housing portion 310A when the blocked portion 400A is housed in the housing 300A. As a result, the pressing force FA of the compression spring 440A presses the flat surface 432A toward the separating piece 420A. The contact surfaces of the base piece 430A and the separating piece 420A, that is, the flat surface 432A of the pressing connection portion 431A and the side surface 421A of the separating piece 420A, are pressed together by the pressing force FA of the compression spring 440A. As a result, the separate base piece 430A and the separating piece 420A are assembled in a state where they are electrically and physically connected to each other.

[0057] In particular, since a pressing force FA is applied to the contact surfaces of the base piece 430A and the separating piece 420A, the contact resistance between the contact surfaces of the base piece 430A and the separating piece 420A (the contact surface between the flat surface 432A of the pressing connection part 431A and the side surface 421A of the separating piece 420A) can be kept low, and this state can be maintained for a long period of time. Furthermore, because the pressing force FA of the compression spring 440A also presses the separating piece 420A toward the end face 433A of the base piece 430A, the contact resistance between the end face 433A and the side surface 421A on the back of the separating piece 420A can be kept low, and this state can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the movable body 500A is provided with a protruding portion 530A that protrudes downward. This protruding portion 530A is an arc-extinguishing portion 533A made of arc-extinguishing material. The arc-extinguishing portion 533A is plate-shaped, similar to the separating piece 420A, and as will be described later, when the protruding portion 530A moves downward, the flat surface 534A on the front side of the arc-extinguishing portion 533A is configured to make close surface contact with the flat surface 432A of the pressing connection portion 431A. Similarly, the flat surface 534A on the back side of the arc-extinguishing portion 533A is configured to make close surface contact with the end face 433A of the base piece 430A. The arc-extinguishing portion 533A can be made from any material that can extinguish an arc, for example, it can be made by solidifying silicone or silica sand into a plate shape.

[0059] Next, the electrical circuit breaker 600A of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9, like Figure 6, shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical circuit breaker 600A, and Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the state after the movable body 500A has moved from the state shown in Figure 9.

[0060] As shown in Figure 9, the base piece 430A of the interrupted portion 400A is connected to a part of the electrical circuit, so that the interrupted portion 400A constitutes part of the electrical circuit. Under normal circumstances, the base piece 430A and the separator piece 420A of the interrupted portion 400A are not separated and are connected both physically and electrically, so current flows through the electrical circuit via the base piece 430A and the separator piece 420A of the interrupted portion 400A.

[0061] Next, as shown in Figure 10, if an abnormality such as an overcurrent flows in the electrical circuit is detected, an abnormality signal is input to the power source PA, and the explosives inside the power source PA explode. As a result, the mobile body 500A is forcefully blown from the first end 320A towards the second end 330A and instantly moves through the housing section 310A towards the second end 330A.

[0062] Then, the arc extinguishing section 533A of the movable body 500A strongly pushes the separation piece 420A toward the second end 330A. The separation piece 420A is pushed along the PP axis, that is, along the extension direction of the short side of the interrupted section 400A, and the separation piece 420A is separated from the base piece 430A, resulting in the base pieces 430A on both sides being electrically disconnected. In other words, the energized state of the base pieces 430A on both sides of the interrupted section 400A via the separation piece 420A is interrupted, preventing overcurrent from flowing into the electrical circuit.

[0063] Furthermore, after the arc extinguishing section 533A of the movable body 500A pushes the separating piece 420A toward the second end 330A, the arc extinguishing section 533A itself replaces the separating piece 420A and connects between the base pieces 430A. Specifically, the arc extinguishing section 533A, which has moved toward the second end 330A, slides and is inserted between the flat surface 432A of the pressing connection section 431A and the end face 433A of the base piece 430A. As a result, the arc extinguishing section 533A can effectively extinguish the arc even if a high-voltage arc is generated between the base pieces 430A on both sides.

[0064] Furthermore, although the arc extinguishing section 533A and the separating piece 420A are separate, the invention is not limited to this, and the arc extinguishing section 533A and the separating piece 420A may be fixed adjacent to each other and integrated. When the arc extinguishing section 533A and the separating piece 420A are integrated, the assembly of the electrical circuit breaker 600A becomes easier compared to when the arc extinguishing section 533A and the separating piece 420A are separate. Also, when the arc extinguishing section 533A and the separating piece 420A are integrated, after the separating piece 420A is separated from the base piece 430A, the arc extinguishing section 533A can be smoothly replaced in a continuous manner and reliably connected between the base pieces 430.

[0065] Furthermore, although the movable body 500A and the separating piece 420A are separate components, the invention is not limited to this, and the movable body 500A and the separating piece 420A may be fixed adjacent to each other and integrated. In the prior art, the separating piece 420A was integrally formed with the base piece 430A, so when the movable body 500A and the separating piece 420A were integrated, the entire movable body 500A and the interrupted portion 400A were also integrated, which could lead to an increase in the size of the electrical circuit interrupter. However, in the present invention, since the separating piece 420A is separate from the base piece 430A, even if the movable body 500A and the separating piece 420A are integrated, the entire movable body 500A and the interrupted portion 400A are not integrated, so there is no risk of the electrical circuit interrupter becoming larger. In addition, the number of assembly steps is reduced, which can lead to a reduction in assembly time.

[0066] <Embodiment 3> Next, the electrical circuit breaker 600B of the present invention according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11, like Figure 6, shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical circuit breaker 600B, and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the state after the movable body 500B has moved from the state shown in Figure 11. The configuration of the electrical circuit breaker 600B according to Embodiment 3 differs from the configuration of the electrical circuit breaker 600A according to Embodiment 2 in that it is equipped with an arc extinguishing material 700B, but the other configurations are basically the same as those of the electrical circuit breaker 600A according to Embodiment 2, so the explanation of the identical configurations will be omitted.

[0067] As shown in Figure 11, the base piece 430B of the interrupted portion 400B is connected to a part of the electrical circuit, so that the interrupted portion 400B constitutes part of the electrical circuit. Under normal circumstances, the base piece 430B and the separator piece 420B of the interrupted portion 400B are not separated and are connected both physically and electrically, so current flows through the electrical circuit via the base piece 430B and the separator piece 420B of the interrupted portion 400B.

[0068] Furthermore, an arc extinguishing material 700B is housed in the second end 330B side of the housing section 310B. This arc extinguishing material 700B is a low-viscosity fluid arc extinguishing material with arc extinguishing properties, such as silicone oil or silicone gel. The lower end portion 422B (second end 330B side) of the separating piece 420B is located within the arc extinguishing material 700B. On the other hand, the upper end portion 423B (first end 320B side) of the separating piece 420B is located above the arc extinguishing material 700B. The upper end portion 423B of the separating piece 420B is the boundary portion with the adjacent arc extinguishing section 533B, and as will be described later, when the separating piece 420B moves downward, the end portion 423B becomes the end of the electrical connection with the base piece 430B, i.e., the connection end portion 424B.

[0069] Next, as shown in Figure 12, if an abnormality such as an overcurrent flowing through the electrical circuit is detected, an abnormality signal is input to the power source PB, and the explosives in the power source PB explode. As a result, the mobile body 500B is forcefully blown from the first end 320B towards the second end 330B and instantly moves through the housing section 310B towards the second end 330B.

[0070] Then, the arc extinguishing section 533B of the movable body 500B strongly pushes the separation piece 420B toward the second end 330. The separation piece 420B is pushed along the PP axis, that is, along the extension direction of the short side of the section to be interrupted 400B, and the separation piece 420B enters the arc extinguishing material 700B. As shown in Figure 12, just before the separation piece 420B separates from the base piece 430B, the upper end portion 423B of the separation piece 420B, i.e., the connection end portion 424B, is still electrically and physically connected to the base pieces 430B on both sides. Therefore, high current and high voltage are concentrated at the connection end portion 424B, and there is a risk of heat concentration and arc generation around the connection end portion 424B.

[0071] However, since the separating piece 420B moves until the connecting end portion 424B enters the arc extinguishing material 700B, the arc generated around the connecting end portion 424B is effectively extinguished by the arc extinguishing material 700B. Furthermore, since the plate-shaped separating piece 420B moves with its side surface 421B upright along the PP axis, that is, along the direction of extension of the short side of the section to be interrupted 400B, the end portion 422B, which has a smaller surface area than the side surface 421B, pushes forward within the arc extinguishing material 700B. Therefore, when the separating piece 420B moves toward the second end portion 330B, the resistance it faces as it moves through the arc extinguishing material 700B can be minimized. As a result, the electrical circuit can be easily interrupted with even less power, reducing the size and manufacturing cost of the electrical circuit interruption device.

[0072] Furthermore, the separating piece 420B moves to the bottom of the housing section 310B on the second end 330B side, completely separating it from the base piece 430B, and both base pieces 430B are electrically disconnected. In other words, the state in which the base pieces 430B on both sides of the interrupted section 400B are energized via the separating piece 420B is interrupted, preventing overcurrent from flowing into the electrical circuit. The arc extinguishing material 700B is a low-viscosity fluid arc extinguishing material with arc extinguishing properties, such as silicone oil or silicone gel, but is not limited to this, and granular arc extinguishing material or other forms of arc extinguishing material may be housed in the housing section 310B.

[0073] <Embodiment 4> Next, the electrical circuit breaker 600C of the present invention according to Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Figure 13, like Figure 6, shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical circuit breaker 600C, and Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the state after the movable body 500C has moved from the state shown in Figure 13. The configuration of the electrical circuit breaker 600C according to Embodiment 4 differs from the configuration of the electrical circuit breaker 600A according to Embodiment 2 in that it is equipped with an arc extinguishing material 700C, but the other configurations are basically the same as those of the electrical circuit breaker 600A according to Embodiment 2, so the explanation of the identical configurations will be omitted.

[0074] As shown in Figure 13, the base piece 430C of the interrupted portion 400C is connected to a part of the electrical circuit, so that the interrupted portion 400C constitutes part of the electrical circuit. Under normal circumstances, the base piece 430C and the separator piece 420C of the interrupted portion 400C are not separated and are connected both physically and electrically, so current flows through the electrical circuit via the base piece 430C and the separator piece 420C of the interrupted portion 400C.

[0075] Furthermore, an arc extinguishing material 700C is installed in the housing section 310C. This arc extinguishing material 700C is a solid arc extinguishing material made of silicone or the like. The arc extinguishing material 700C is positioned on the front and back sides of the separating piece 420C so as to contact the area around the edge portion 422C on the lower side (second end 330C side) of the separating piece 420C. The edge portion 423C on the upper side (first end 320C side) of the separating piece 420C is the boundary portion with the adjacent arc extinguishing section 533C, and as will be described later, when the separating piece 420C moves downward, the edge portion 423C becomes the end of the electrical connection with the base piece 430C, i.e., the connection end portion 424C.

[0076] Next, as shown in Figure 14, if an abnormality such as an overcurrent flowing through the electrical circuit is detected, an abnormality signal is input to the power source PC, and the explosives inside the power source PC explode. As a result, the mobile body 500C is forcefully blown from the first end 320C towards the second end 330C and instantly moves through the housing section 310C towards the second end 330C.

[0077] Then, the arc extinguishing portion 533C of the movable body 500C strongly pushes the separation piece 420C toward the second end portion 330C. The separation piece 420C is pushed along the PP axis, that is, along the direction of extension of the short side of the interrupted portion 400C. As shown in Figure 14, just before the separation piece 420C separates from the base piece 430C, the upper end portion 423C of the separation piece 420C, i.e., the connection end portion 424C, is still electrically and physically connected to the base pieces 430C on both sides. Therefore, high current and high voltage are concentrated at the connection end portion 424C, and there is a risk of heat concentration and arc generation around the connection end portion 424C.

[0078] However, since the arc extinguishing material 700C is positioned to contact the connection end portion 424C of the separating piece 420C, the arc generated around the connection end portion 424C is effectively extinguished. Furthermore, the arc extinguishing material 700C is positioned to contact the side surface 421C of the separating piece 420C from the side, and is not positioned below the end edge portion 422C of the separating piece 420C. Therefore, when the separating piece 420C moves toward the second end portion 330C, the arc extinguishing material 700C does not obstruct the movement of the separating piece 420C, and the resistance when the moving body 500C moves can be made as small as possible. As a result, the electrical circuit can be easily interrupted with even less power, and the size and manufacturing cost of the electrical circuit interruption device can be reduced.

[0079] Furthermore, the separating piece 420C moves to the bottom of the housing section 310C on the second end 330C side, completely separating it from the base piece 430C, and both base pieces 430C are electrically disconnected. In other words, the energized state of the base pieces 430C on both sides of the interrupted section 400C via the separating piece 420C is interrupted, preventing overcurrent from flowing into the electrical circuit. The arc extinguishing material 700C is a solid arc extinguishing material made of silicone or the like, but is not limited to this, and may be a granular arc extinguishing material or an arc extinguishing material of other forms.

[0080] <Embodiment 5> Next, the electrical circuit breaker 600D of the present invention according to Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to Figure 15. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the interrupted portion 400D and the movable body 500D of the electrical circuit breaker 600D according to Embodiment 5. Although the configuration of the interrupted portion 400D of the electrical circuit breaker 600D according to Embodiment 5 differs from that of the electrical circuit breaker 600 according to Embodiment 1, the other configurations are basically the same as those of the electrical circuit breaker 600 according to Embodiment 1, so the explanation of the identical configurations will be omitted.

[0081] As shown in Figure 15, the interrupted portion 400D is entirely made of a conductive metal such as copper in order to be electrically connected to the electrical circuit, and includes base pieces 430D at both ends for connecting to the electrical circuit, and a separator piece 420D located between the base pieces 430D.

[0082] Furthermore, one of the base pieces 430D (on the right in Figure 15) is equipped with a pressing connector 431D made of a pressing piece. This pressing connector 431D is also entirely made of a conductive metal such as copper in order to electrically connect to the electrical circuit. The tip of the pressing connector 431D is a flat surface 432D, and the flat surface 432D is in contact with the front side surface 421D of the plate-shaped separating piece 420D. Since the side surface 421D of the separating piece 420D is also a flat surface, the flat surface 432D of the pressing connector 431D and the side surface 421D of the separating piece 420D are in close surface contact with each other. The base end 434D of the pressing connector 431D is fixed to the surface of the base piece 430D. In addition, the inner end surface 433D of the base piece 430D is a flat surface, and the end surface 433D is in contact with the back side surface 421D of the plate-shaped separating piece 420D. Furthermore, since the side surface 421D of the separating piece 420D is also a flat surface, the base piece 430D and the separating piece 420D are in close contact with each other.

[0083] Furthermore, the other base piece 430D (left side in Figure 15) is connected and fixed to the separation piece 420D by a rotating shaft 405D. The end face 433D of the other base piece 430D and the side surface 421D on the back of the separation piece 420D are in close contact with each other. As will be described later, the separation piece 420D can rotate around the rotating shaft 405D while remaining electrically connected to the other base piece 430D.

[0084] Furthermore, a compression spring 440D is attached to the flat surface 432D of the pressing connection portion 431D. Specifically, one end 441D of the compression spring 440D is attached to the flat surface 432D, and the other end 442D abuts against the inner wall of the housing portion 310D when the compression spring 400D is housed in the housing 300D. As a result, the pressing force FD of the compression spring 440D presses the flat surface 432D toward the separating piece 420D. The contact surfaces of one base piece 430D and the separating piece 420D, that is, the flat surface 432D of the pressing connection portion 431D and the side surface 421D of the separating piece 420D, are pressed together by the pressing force FD of the compression spring 440D. As a result, the separate base piece 430D and the separating piece 420D are assembled to be electrically and physically connected to each other.

[0085] Furthermore, an arc-extinguishing section 533D, made of arc-extinguishing material, is provided on the upper side of the separating piece 420D. This arc-extinguishing section 533D is fixed integrally with the separating piece 420D and is plate-shaped, similar to the separating piece 420D. Also, as will be described later, when the separating piece 420D moves downward when pushed by the moving body 500D, the flat side surface 534D on the front side of the arc-extinguishing section 533D is configured to make close surface contact with the flat surface 432D of the pressing connection section 431D. Similarly, the flat side surface 534D on the back side of the arc-extinguishing section 533D is configured to make close surface contact with the end surface 433D of one of the base pieces 430D. Note that the arc-extinguishing section 533D can be made from any material that can extinguish an arc, for example, it can be made by solidifying silicone or silica sand into a plate shape.

[0086] Under normal circumstances, one base piece 430D and the separator piece 420D of the interrupted portion 400D are not separated and are connected both physically and electrically, so current flows through the electrical circuit via the base pieces 430D and separator pieces 420D on both sides of the interrupted portion 400D.

[0087] Then, if an abnormality such as an overcurrent flowing in the electrical circuit is detected, the protruding portion 530D of the moving body 500D, which has moved downward, comes into contact with the upper end of the arc extinguishing portion 533D, and strongly pushes the arc extinguishing portion 533D and the separating piece 420D downward. As a result, the arc extinguishing portion 533D and the separating piece 420D are pushed out along the PP axis, that is, along the extension direction of the short side of the interrupted portion 400D, and the arc extinguishing portion 533D and the separating piece 420D rotate downward around the rotation axis 405D. As a result, the separating piece 420D is separated from one of the base pieces 430D, and both base pieces 430D are electrically disconnected. In other words, the state in which the base pieces 430D on both sides of the interrupted portion 400D are energized via the separating piece 420D is interrupted, and an overcurrent can be prevented from flowing in the electrical circuit.

[0088] Furthermore, the arc extinguishing section 533D and the separating piece 420D rotate downward around the rotation axis 405D. The arc extinguishing section 533D, which is positioned above the separating piece 420D, connects to one of the base pieces 430D (on the right in Figure 15) by replacing the separating piece 420D after it has separated from the other base piece 430D. Specifically, the arc extinguishing section 533D, which has rotated downward, slides and is inserted between the flat surface 432D of the pressing connection section 431D and the end face 433D of the base piece 430D. As a result, the arc extinguishing section 533D can effectively extinguish arcs generated by high voltage on both base pieces 430D.

[0089] <Embodiment 6> Next, the electrical circuit breaker 600E of the present invention according to Embodiment 6 will be described with reference to Figure 16. Figure 16 is a perspective view of the interrupted portion 400E of the electrical circuit breaker 600E according to Embodiment 6. The configuration of the electrical circuit breaker 600E according to Embodiment 6 differs from that of the electrical circuit breaker 600 according to Embodiment 1 in that the configuration of the pressing connection portion 431E of the interrupted portion 400E differs from that of the electrical circuit breaker 600 according to Embodiment 1. However, the other configurations are basically the same as those of the electrical circuit breaker 600 according to Embodiment 1, so the explanation of the identical configurations will be omitted.

[0090] The interrupted portion 400E is made entirely of a conductive metal such as copper for electrical connection to the electrical circuit, and is equipped with a base piece 430E and a separation piece 420E at both ends for connection to the electrical circuit. The base piece 430E is equipped with a pressing connection portion 431E composed of a pair of clamping pieces. This pressing connection portion 431E has basically the same configuration as the pressing connection portion 431 according to Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 4, but the orientation in which it is mounted is different. Specifically, the pressing connection portion 431E faces downward, and the pressing connection portion 431E clamps the separation piece 420E from both sides so that the separation piece 420E is positioned below the base piece 430E. Therefore, the separate base piece 430E and separation piece 420E are assembled so as to be electrically and physically connected to each other.

[0091] Furthermore, the interrupted portion 400E has an overall shape of a long plate, and the short direction of the interrupted portion 400E is the direction along the PP axis which is perpendicular to the long axis Q-Q that extends along the long direction of the interrupted portion 400E. When an abnormality such as an overcurrent flows in the electrical circuit is detected, the moving body strongly pushes the separating piece 420E downward, and the separating piece 420E moves along the PP axis, that is, along the direction in which the short side of the interrupted portion 400E extends, and separates from the base piece 430E. At that time, the separating piece 420E moves while in contact with the base piece 430E along the contact surface between the base piece 430E and the separating piece 420E (the contact surface between the flat surface 432E of the pressing connection portion 431E and the side surface 421E of the separating piece 420E). Furthermore, the protruding part of the movable body moves through the gap X between the base pieces 430E on both sides, pushing the separating piece 420E downward.

[0092] <Embodiment 7> Next, the electrical circuit breaker 600F of the present invention according to Embodiment 7 will be described with reference to Figure 17(a). Figure 17(a) is a perspective view of the interrupted portion 400F of the electrical circuit breaker 600F according to Embodiment 7. Although the configuration of the base piece 430E of the interrupted portion 400F of the electrical circuit breaker 600F according to Embodiment 1 differs from that of the electrical circuit breaker 600 according to Embodiment 1, the other configurations are basically the same as those of the electrical circuit breaker 600 according to Embodiment 1, so the explanation of the identical configurations will be omitted.

[0093] The circuit-blocking portion 400F is made entirely of a conductive metal such as copper for electrical connection to the electrical circuit, and has a base piece 430F and a separation piece 420F at both ends for connection to the electrical circuit. The base piece 430F also has a groove-shaped pressing connection portion 431F. The width of the groove portion of the pressing connection portion 431F is slightly narrower than the thickness of the separation piece 420F. Therefore, when the separation piece 420F is inserted into the pressing connection portion 431F, the pressing connection portion 431F clamps the separation piece 420F from both sides.

[0094] Furthermore, the inner clamping surface of the pressing connection portion 431F is a flat surface 432F, and the flat surface 432F is in contact with the side surface 421F of the plate-shaped separating piece 420F. In particular, since the side surface 421F of the separating piece 420F is also a flat surface, the flat surface 432F of the pressing connection portion 431F and the side surface 421F of the separating piece 420F are in close surface contact with each other. The contact surfaces of the base piece 430F and the separating piece 420F, that is, the flat surface 432F of the pressing connection portion 431F and the side surface 421F of the separating piece 420F, are pressed together by the pressing force FF applied by the pressing connection portion 431F to clamp the separating piece 420F. Therefore, the separate base piece 430F and the separating piece 420F are assembled to be electrically and physically connected to each other.

[0095] In particular, since a pressing force FF is applied to the contact surfaces of the base piece 430F and the separating piece 420F, the contact resistance of the contact surfaces of the base piece 430F and the separating piece 420F (the contact surface between the flat surface 432F of the pressing connection part 431F and the side surface 421F of the separating piece 420F) can be kept low, and furthermore, this state can be maintained over a long period of time.

[0096] Furthermore, with the separation piece 420F assembled to the base piece 430F, the interrupted portion 400F has an overall shape of a long plate, and the short direction of the interrupted portion 400F is the direction along the PP axis which is perpendicular to the long axis Q-Q that extends along the long direction of the interrupted portion 400F. When an abnormality such as an overcurrent flows in the electrical circuit is detected, the separation piece 420F is strongly pushed downward by the moving body, and the separation piece 420F moves along the PP axis, that is, along the direction in which the short side of the interrupted portion 400F extends, and is separated from the base piece 430F. At that time, the separation piece 420F moves while in contact with the base piece 430F along the contact surface between the base piece 430F and the separation piece 420F (the contact surface between the flat surface 432F of the pressing connection portion 431F and the side surface 421F of the separation piece 420F).

[0097] <Embodiment 8> Next, the electrical circuit breaker 600G of the present invention according to Embodiment 8 will be described with reference to Figure 17(b). Figure 17(b) is a perspective view of the interrupted portion 400G of the electrical circuit breaker 600G according to Embodiment 8. The configuration of the electrical circuit breaker 600G according to Embodiment 8 differs from the configuration of the electrical circuit breaker 600F according to Embodiment 7 in that the separating piece 420G of the interrupted portion 400G is equipped with a pressing connection portion 426G. However, the other configurations are basically the same as those of the electrical circuit breaker 600F according to Embodiment 7, so the explanation of the identical configurations will be omitted.

[0098] As shown in Figure 17(b), the separating piece 420G of the blocked portion 400G is also provided with a groove-shaped pressing connection portion 426G. The width of the groove portion of the pressing connection portion 426G is slightly narrower than the thickness of the base piece 430G. Therefore, when the pressing connection portion 426G is inserted into the base piece 430G, the pressing connection portion 426G clamps the base piece 430G from both sides. The inner clamping surface of the pressing connection portion 426G is a flat surface 427G, and the flat surface 427G and the flat side surface 437G of the base piece 430G are in close surface contact with each other. Furthermore, the contact surfaces of the base piece 430G and the separation piece 420G, that is, the side surface 437G of the base piece 430G and the flat surface 427G of the pressing connection part 426G, are pressed by the pressing force FG applied by the pressing connection part 426G to clamp the base piece 430G. Therefore, the separate base piece 430G and separation piece 420G are assembled to be electrically and physically connected to each other.

[0099] In particular, since a pressing force FG is applied to the contact surfaces of the base piece 430G and the separating piece 420G, the contact resistance of the contact surfaces of the base piece 430G and the separating piece 420G (the contact surface between the side surface 437G of the base piece 430G and the flat surface 427G of the pressing connection part 426G) can be kept low, and furthermore, this state can be maintained over a long period of time.

[0100] <Embodiment 9> Next, the electrical circuit breaker 600H of the present invention according to Embodiment 9 will be described with reference to Figure 18. Figure 18(a) is a perspective view of the interrupted portion 400H of the electrical circuit breaker 600H according to Embodiment 9, and Figure 18(b) is a perspective view of the interrupted portion 400H and the movable body 500H of the electrical circuit breaker 600H according to Embodiment 9. Although the configuration of the interrupted portion 400H of the electrical circuit breaker 600H according to Embodiment 9 differs from that of the electrical circuit breaker 600 according to Embodiment 1, the other configurations are basically the same as those of the electrical circuit breaker 600 according to Embodiment 1, so the explanation of the identical configurations will be omitted.

[0101] As shown in Figure 18(a), the section to be interrupted 400H is made entirely of a conductive metal such as copper for electrical connection to the electrical circuit, and is equipped with a base piece 430H for connection to the electrical circuit at both ends, and a pair of separator pieces (separator piece 420H, separator piece 420H'). These separator pieces (separator piece 420H, separator piece 420H') are attached by sandwiching them from both sides of the base piece 430H. Specifically, a pressing connection part 431H such as a screw or rivet is passed through the gap X between the base pieces 430H on both sides to connect and fix the pair of separator pieces (separator piece 420H, separator piece 420H') to each other. By tightly fastening the pressing connection part 431H, as shown in Figure 18(b), the pair of separator pieces (separator piece 420H, separator piece 420H') are in a state where they are sandwiching the base piece 430H from both sides with a pressing force FH. As a result, the separate base piece 430H and the separator pieces (separator piece 420H, separator piece 420H') are assembled to be electrically and physically connected to each other.

[0102] Furthermore, the flat side surface 421H of the separator piece 420H is in close contact with the flat front side surface 437H of the base piece 430H, and the flat side surface 421H' of the separator piece 420H' is also in close contact with the flat back side surface 437H of the base piece 430H. Therefore, as shown in Figure 18, the contact area between the separator piece and the base piece is twice as large when two separator pieces (separator piece 420H, separator piece 420H') are connected to the base piece 430H in surface contact, compared to when a single separator piece is connected to the base piece in surface contact. In this way, the contact area can be doubled, and the contact resistance can be reduced by approximately half. Furthermore, because it has a simple configuration in which a pair of plate-shaped separating pieces (separating piece 420H, separating piece 420H') are sandwiched from both sides of the base piece 430H, the space required for arranging the pair of separating pieces (separating piece 420H, separating piece 420H') is small, which allows for a larger electrical circuit breaker and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0103] Furthermore, since a pressing force FH is applied to the contact surfaces between the base piece 430H and the pair of separating pieces (separating piece 420H, separating piece 420H'), the contact resistance between the contact surfaces of the base piece 430H and the pair of separating pieces (separating piece 420H, separating piece 420H') can be kept low, and this state can be maintained over a long period of time. In addition, since the pressing connection part 431H, such as a screw or rivet, fastens the pair of separating pieces (separating piece 420H, separating piece 420H') toward each other, a strong pressing force FH can be generated with a simple configuration, further reducing contact resistance. Note that the pressing connection part 431H is not limited to screws or rivets, and any means may be used as long as it fastens the pair of separating pieces (separating piece 420H, separating piece 420H') toward each other.

[0104] Furthermore, with the pair of separating pieces (separating piece 420H, separating piece 420H') assembled to the base piece 430H, the overall shape of the interrupted portion 400H is that of a long plate, and the short direction of the interrupted portion 400H is the direction along the PP axis which is perpendicular to the long axis Q-Q that extends along the long direction of the interrupted portion 400H. When an abnormality such as an overcurrent flowing in the electrical circuit is detected, the protruding portion 530H of the moving body 500H, which has moved downward, strongly pushes the pair of separating pieces (separating piece 420H, separating piece 420H') downward as it passes through the gap X between the base pieces 430H. As a result, the pair of separating pieces (separating piece 420H, separating piece 420H') connected by the pressing connection portion 431H move along the PP axis, that is, along the extension direction of the short side of the interrupted portion 400H, and are separated from the base piece 430H. At that time, the pair of separating pieces (separating piece 420H, separating piece 420H') move along the contact surface between the base piece 430H and the pair of separating pieces (separating piece 420H, separating piece 420H') while in contact with the base piece 430H.

[0105] <Embodiment 10> Next, the electrical circuit breaker 600I of the present invention according to Embodiment 10 will be described with reference to Figures 19 to 22. Figure 19 is a perspective view of the broken-off portion 400I and the electromagnetic coil type pull-out device 800I of the electrical circuit breaker 600I according to Embodiment 10, Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical circuit breaker 600I according to Embodiment 10, Figure 21 is a B-B cross-sectional view of the electrical circuit breaker 600I shown in Figure 20 in an assembled state, and Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the state in Figure 21 with the separating piece 420I separated. The configuration of the electrical circuit breaker 600I according to Embodiment 10 differs from that of the electrical circuit breaker 600 according to Embodiment 1 in that the configuration of the pressing connection part 431I of the interrupted part 400I, and the inclusion of an electromagnetic coil type pull-out device 800I and a tension spring 470I instead of the movable body 500 and power source P, as well as the configuration of the housing 300I. However, the other configurations are basically the same as those of the electrical circuit breaker 600 according to Embodiment 1, so the explanation of the identical configurations will be omitted.

[0106] As shown in Figure 19, the interrupted portion 400I is made entirely of a conductive metal such as copper for electrical connection to an electrical circuit, and comprises base pieces 430I at both ends for connection to the electrical circuit, and a separator piece 420I located between the base pieces 430I. The base piece 430I is equipped with a leaf spring-shaped pressing connector 431I, which clamps the separator piece 420I and the base piece 430I. More specifically, the base end 434I of the pressing connector 431I is fixed to the end face 433I of the base piece 430I, and the tip 436I overlaps the separator piece 420I with the base piece 430I and presses it down, clamping it. The flat side surface 421I on the back of the separator piece 420I and the flat end face 433I of the base piece 430I are in close surface contact with each other. The contact surfaces of the base piece 430I and the separator piece 420I, that is, the end face 433I of the base piece 430I and the side surface 421I of the separator piece 420I, are pressed together by the pressing force FI that the pressing connection portion 431I uses to clamp the separator piece 420I. Therefore, the separate base piece 430I and separator piece 420I are assembled to be electrically and physically connected to each other.

[0107] In particular, since a pressing force FI is applied to the contact surfaces of the base piece 430I and the separating piece 420I, the contact resistance of the contact surfaces of the base piece 430I and the separating piece 420I (the contact surface between the end face 433I of the base piece 430I and the side surface 421I of the separating piece 420I) can be kept low, and furthermore, this state can be maintained over a long period of time.

[0108] Furthermore, the electrical circuit breaker 600I of the present invention according to Embodiment 10 includes an electromagnetic coil type pull-out device 800I and a tension spring 470I as a power mechanism to move the separating piece 420I, instead of a power source P, as shown in Embodiment 1, which moves the separating piece 420. This electromagnetic coil type pull-out device 800I utilizes an existing principle that has been used conventionally, and the configuration of the electromagnetic coil type pull-out device 800I will be described in detail. Specifically, the electromagnetic coil type pull-out device 800I includes a fixed iron core 810I, a coil 820I wound around the fixed iron core 810I, and an operating iron piece 830I. One end 821I of the coil 820I is electrically connected to one base piece 430I (left side in Figure 19), and the other end 822I of the coil 820I is electrically connected to a fuse 840I. Furthermore, the fuse 840I is electrically connected to the other base piece 430I (on the right in Figure 19) by a wire 841I. In this way, the base pieces 430I on both sides are electrically connected via the coil 820I and the fuse 840I. The power mechanism consists of a power source P, or an electromagnetic coil type pull-out device 800I and a tension spring 470I, but is not limited to this; any configuration can be adopted as long as the separating piece can be moved.

[0109] Furthermore, the actuation piece 830I is pivotally supported on the base 801I by the rotating shaft 831I, and the actuation piece 830I can rotate around the rotating shaft 831I. The end 832I of the actuation piece 830I is pulled by a tension spring 802I fixed to the base 801I, so the tip 833I on the opposite side of the end 832I is spaced apart from the head 461I of the shaft 460I.

[0110] Furthermore, a mounting portion 450I is attached to the separating piece 420I, to which a shaft 460I and a tension spring 470I are connected. The head portion 461I of the shaft 460I is locked to a fixing plate 480I, which is fixed to the housing 300I, as described later. Specifically, the fixing plate 480I has a locking hole 481I that is narrower than the head portion 461I and a through hole 482I that is wider than the head portion 461I. The locking hole 481I and the through hole 482I are continuous, and as will be described later, the state in which the head portion 461I is locked around the locking hole 481I can be changed to a state in which the head portion 461I moves to the through hole 482I and the head portion 461I exits the through hole 482I downwards and becomes detached. Furthermore, one end 471I of the tension spring 470I is fixed to a mounting portion 450I attached to the separating piece 420I, and the other end 472I is fixed to a part of the housing 300I.

[0111] Next, with reference to Figures 20 and 21, an embodiment of how the electromagnetic coil type withdrawal device 800I and the interrupted portion 400I are housed in the housing 300I will be described. The housing 300I is composed of divided housing pieces, which are split into front and rear sections, and the electromagnetic coil type withdrawal device 800I and the interrupted portion 400I can be housed and sealed within these divided housing pieces. Specifically, the electromagnetic coil type withdrawal device 800I is housed in the upper housing section 350I on the first end 320I side. The lower wall section 351I of the upper housing section 350I is provided with a through hole 352I through which the head 461I of the shaft 460I can be inserted. The fixing plate 480I is fixed to the lower wall section 351I such that the locking hole 481 and the insertion hole 482I of the fixing plate 480I overlap with the through hole 352I. Furthermore, the lower wall portion 351I is provided with a through hole 353I for inserting the end portion 821I of the coil 820I and a through hole 354I for inserting the wire 841I of the fuse 840I.

[0112] Furthermore, the part to be blocked 400I is housed in the lower housing portion 360I on the second end portion 330I side. Through holes 362I are provided on both sides of the lower housing portion 360I through which the base piece 430I of the part to be blocked 400I can be inserted, and the part to be blocked 400I is supported and housed in the through holes 362I on both sides so as to traverse the lower housing portion 360I. In addition, a fixing portion 363I is provided on the lower wall portion 361I of the lower housing portion 360I for fixing the end portion 472I of the tension spring 470I.

[0113] The electrical circuit breaker 600I is installed and used within the electrical circuit to be protected. Specifically, the base piece 430I of the breakable portion 400I is connected to a part of the electrical circuit, so that the breakable portion 400I constitutes part of the electrical circuit. Under normal circumstances, the base piece 430I and the separator piece 420I of the breakable portion 400I are not separated and are connected both physically and electrically, so current flows through the electrical circuit via the base piece 430I and the separator piece 420I of the breakable portion 400I. Although a tensile force is acting on the separator piece 420I by the tension spring 470I pulling it toward the second end 330I, the head 461I of the shaft 460I fixed to the separator piece 420I is engaged with the fixing plate 480I, so the separator piece 420I does not move toward the second end 330I.

[0114] Next, we will explain how the electrical circuit interruption device 600I interrupts the electrical circuit when an abnormality occurs, such as an overcurrent flowing through the electrical circuit. When an overcurrent exceeding a predetermined threshold flows from the electrical circuit to the coil 820I via the base piece 430I, the magnetic field generated in the fixed core 810I causes the actuating iron piece 830I to be attracted to the fixed core 810I. Since the attractive force at this time is stronger than the tensile force of the tension spring 802I, the actuating iron piece 830I rotates toward the fixed core 810I around the rotation axis 831I. As a result, the tip 833I of the actuating iron piece 830I comes into contact with the head 461I of the shaft 460I, moving the head 461I from the locking hole 481I to the insertion hole 482I.

[0115] Then, when the head 461I of the shaft 460I exits through the insertion hole 482I toward the second end 330I, the engagement between the shaft 460I and the fixing plate 480I is released. As shown in Figure 22, a tensile force is then applied to the separating piece 420I by the tension spring 470I, pulling it toward the second end 330I, causing the separating piece 420I to move toward the second end 330I. The separating piece 420I is pushed out along the PP axis, that is, along the extension direction of the short side of the interrupted portion 400I (i.e., the short length direction), and the separating piece 420I is separated from the base piece 430I, resulting in a disconnection between the base pieces 430I on both sides. In other words, the energization of the base pieces 430I on both sides of the interrupted portion 400I through the separating piece 420I is interrupted, preventing overcurrent from flowing into the electrical circuit. At that time, the separating piece 420I moves along the contact surface between the base piece 430I and the separating piece 420I (the contact surface between the end face 433I of the base piece 430I and the side surface 421I of the separating piece 420I) while in contact with the base piece 430I.

[0116] Furthermore, immediately after the separation piece 420I is separated from the base piece 430I, there is a possibility of arc formation between the base pieces 430I. However, immediately after the separation piece 420I is separated from the base pieces 430I, the overcurrent II flowing through the electrical circuit is induced to the fuse 840I via the wire 841I. The overcurrent II then causes the molten portion inside the fuse 840I to melt instantaneously, and the arc generated inside the fuse 840I can be safely and quickly extinguished by the arc extinguishing material inside the fuse 840I. As a result, it is possible to prevent arc formation between the base pieces 430I immediately after the separation piece 420I is separated from the base pieces 430I.

[0117] In the previous configuration, the actuating iron piece 830I was attracted by the magnetic field generated on the fixed core 810I, causing the actuating iron piece 830I to rotate and disengage the shaft 460I from the fixed plate 480I. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and any configuration can be adopted as long as it is possible to disengage the shaft 460I from the fixed plate 480I when an abnormality such as an overcurrent in the electrical circuit is detected. For example, in response to an abnormality signal such as an overcurrent in the electrical circuit, a power source such as explosives may be detonated, and the resulting power may be used to rotate the actuating iron piece 830I and disengage the shaft 460I from the fixed plate 480I.

[0118] <Embodiment 11> Next, the electrical circuit breaker 600J of the present invention according to Embodiment 11 will be described with reference to Figure 23. Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical circuit breaker 600J according to Embodiment 11. The configuration of the electrical circuit breaker 600J according to Embodiment 11 differs from the configuration of the electrical circuit breaker 600A according to Embodiment 2 in that it includes the configuration of the protruding portion 530J and the fuse 601J. However, the other configurations are basically the same as those of the electrical circuit breaker 600A according to Embodiment 2, so the explanation of the identical configurations will be omitted.

[0119] As shown in Figure 23, the protruding portion 530J of the movable body 500J of the electrical circuit breaker 600J is a plate-shaped insulator 531J. This insulator 531J is adjacent to the upper side of the separator 420J and is arranged either integrally with the separator 420J or separately. Furthermore, a pair of metal electrodes 532J are provided on both sides of the insulator 531J, and the pair of electrodes 532J are insulated from each other by the insulator 531J. The pair of electrodes 532J are connected to a fuse 601J by an electric wire 533J. This fuse 601J is an existing fuse, and inside it is a fuse element 602J made of a metallic conductor such as copper, and arc extinguishing material 603J is filled around the fuse element 602J. The fuse element 602J is also provided with a fusible portion 604J that heats up and melts when an unintended overcurrent flows through the electrical circuit, etc. Note that, in order to make the configuration of the protruding portion 530J easier to see, the drawing shows the protruding portion 530J separated from the main body 510J, but in reality, the protruding portion 530J is fixed to the main body 510J. Also, the fuse 601J can be attached to any location on the electrical circuit breaker 600J.

[0120] Furthermore, when an abnormality such as an overcurrent flowing in the electrical circuit is detected, the manner in which the electrical circuit interrupter 600J interrupts the electrical circuit is basically the same as the manner described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. However, in the electrical circuit interrupter 600J according to Embodiment 11, as the movable body 500J moves downward and the insulator 531J pushes the separating piece 420J toward the second end 330J, the electrode 532J of the insulator 531J gradually slides and is inserted between the flat surface 432J of the pressing connection part 431J and the end face 433J of the base piece 430J. In this way, as the moving body 500J moves, the electrode 532J of the insulator 531J is gradually inserted, so that the separating piece 420J and the base piece 430J are connected, and the electrode 532J of the insulator 531J is also connected to the base piece 430J, until the separating piece 420J is completely separated from the base piece 430J.

[0121] As the moving body 500J moves, the separator 420J is completely separated from the base piece 430J. Since the base piece 430J is already electrically connected to the fuse 601J via the electrode 532J and the wire 533J, the overcurrent IJ is smoothly and reliably induced to the fuse 601J. In this way, during the process of the separator 420J being separated from the base piece 430J, the separator 420J is continuously replaced by the electrode 532J, and the base piece 430J is reliably connected to the fuse 601J. Therefore, when the separator 420J is completely separated from the base piece 430J and the electrical circuit is interrupted, it is possible to prevent the generation of an arc between the base pieces 430J on both sides due to the fault current IJ. Furthermore, the fault current IJ induced in the fuse 601J is quickly interrupted when the fused portion 604J of the fuse 601J melts, and is also safely and reliably interrupted by the arc extinguishing material 603J.

[0122] Furthermore, the electrical circuit breaker of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and combinations are possible within the scope of the claims and embodiments, and these modifications and combinations are also included within the scope of the patent rights.

Claims

1. An electrical circuit interruption device comprising a part to be interrupted that constitutes a part of an electrical circuit, The blocked portion comprises base pieces on both sides and a separating piece connected between the base pieces. The base pieces on both sides are separate, and the base pieces and the separating pieces are also separate. The base piece and the separating piece are connected by pressing their contact surfaces against each other, and the pressing connection portion is provided. The separation piece is configured to move by a power mechanism in a direction intersecting the pressing direction of the pressing connection portion, and to move while in contact with the contact surface with the base piece, thereby separating from the base piece and interrupting the connection between the base pieces. The electrical circuit breaker is characterized in that the separating piece has a plate-like shape extending between the base piece, with a side surface and an end portion having a smaller surface area than the side surface, the side surface is aligned with the direction in which the separating piece moves, and the end portion faces the direction in which the separating piece moves.

2. An arc extinguishing section is provided adjacent to the aforementioned separating piece. The electrical circuit interruption device according to claim 1, characterized in that the arc extinguishing portion is connected between the base pieces after the separating piece moves and interrupts the connection between the base pieces.

3. The electrical circuit breaker according to claim 2, characterized in that the arc extinguishing portion is integrated with the separating piece.

4. A fluid or granular arc-extinguishing material is arranged in the direction of movement of the separating piece. The electrical circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when the separating piece moves, the separating piece enters the arc-extinguishing material up to the connection end portion of the separating piece.

5. The electrical circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an arc extinguishing material positioned to contact the connection end portion of the separating piece when the separating piece moves.

6. The system includes a movable body that moves between a first end on which the power mechanism is provided and a second end on the opposite side of the first end, The power mechanism is configured to move the moving body, thereby separating the separating piece from the base piece. The electrical circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the movable body is integrated with the separating piece.

7. A fuse having a cutting section and an arc extinguishing material, and an insulator provided adjacent to the separation piece, The insulator is provided with a pair of electrodes connected to the fuse. The electrical circuit interruption device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the separating piece moves and interrupts the connection between the base pieces, the electrodes of the insulator are connected between the base pieces.

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