Electrical circuit breaker

Abstract

To provide an electric circuit breaker device that minimizes any increase in the motive power of a motive power source and that can easily break an electric circuit, even when the resistance of a part to be broken is reduced.SOLUTION: A part 400 to be broken is provided with two physically separate base pieces 430, pressing force F is applied in mutually opposing directions between end surfaces 431 of the base pieces 430 to electrically connect the base pieces 430 to each other, and while a moving body 500 is caused to move from a first end part 320 toward a separation piece 420 by a motive power source P, part of the moving body 500 breaks the connection between the base pieces 430.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

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 in 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 within 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 that constitutes a part of the electric circuit, that is, the power loss, is also increasing. Thus, the power loss has been suppressed by increasing the cutting cross-sectional area, such as by increasing the thickness of the cut-off part, and reducing the resistance of the cut-off part. However, when the cutting 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, along with this, 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 interrupted is reduced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The electrical circuit interruption device of the present invention comprises a housing, a part to be interrupted disposed within the housing and constituting a part of an electrical circuit, a power source disposed on the first end side of the housing, and a movable body that moves within the housing between the first end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the part to be interrupted comprises two physically separate base pieces, and the base pieces are electrically connected to each other by applying a pressing force in opposing directions between the end faces of the base pieces, and the movable body is configured to move from the first end to the second end by the power source, with a part of the movable body interrupting the connection between the base pieces.

[0008] According to the above features, the separate base pieces are held together by pressing forces in opposing directions to maintain an electrically connected state. Furthermore, when interrupting an electrical circuit, instead of physically cutting the integrally formed interrupted portion with great force as in conventional methods, it is sufficient to separate the connection between the end faces of the originally separate base pieces. Therefore, even when reducing the resistance of the interrupted portion, 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. In addition, since pressing force is applied to the end faces of the base pieces, the contact resistance between the end face of a base piece and the opposing end face can be kept low, and this state can be maintained over a long period of time.

[0009] The electrical circuit breaker of the present invention is characterized in that a separating piece is provided between the base pieces, and the separating piece is pressed and sandwiched between the base pieces on both sides by the pressing force.

[0010] According to the above features, the contact resistance between the end face of the base piece and the end face of the opposing separating piece can be kept low, and this state can be maintained over a long period of time.

[0011] The electrical circuit breaker of the present invention is characterized in that, in the portion to be broken, the thickness of the portion where the end face of the separating piece and the end face of the base piece come into contact is greater than the thickness of the external connection terminal that connects the base piece and the electrical circuit.

[0012] According to the above features, by locally increasing the thickness of the contact area between the end face of the base piece and the end face of the separating piece compared to other parts, the contact area between the end face of the base piece and the end face of the separating piece can be increased. As a result, the low resistance at the contact area can be reduced, thereby suppressing power loss.

[0013] The electrical circuit breaker of the present invention is characterized in that the end face of the base piece or the end face of the separation piece is plated with a metal that has lower hardness than the metal constituting the part to be broken.

[0014] According to the above characteristics, when a pressing force is applied, the plating layer with low hardness is strongly pressed and crushed by the end face of the base piece or the end face of the separating piece, which has high hardness. This more reliably fills the gaps caused by minute irregularities on the surface of the end face of the base piece or the end face of the separating piece, and keeps the contact resistance low.

[0015] The electrical circuit breaker of the present invention is characterized in that the end face of the base piece or the end face of the separation piece is provided with a recessed or protruding surface that can be fitted into it.

[0016] The assembled base piece and separate piece can be fitted together and secured to prevent them from shifting.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] As described above, according to the electric circuit breaker of the present invention, even when the resistance of the cut-off part is reduced, an increase in the power of the power source can be suppressed, and the electric circuit can be easily cut off.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] (a) is an overall perspective view of the lower housing constituting 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 constituting 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 an exploded perspective view of the cut-off part of the electric circuit breaker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and (b) is a plan view of the cut-off 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 in the state where the electric circuit breaker shown in FIG. 5 is assembled. [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] It is a perspective view of the cut-off part and the lower housing of the electric circuit breaker according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 9] (a) is a side view of the cut-off part and the lower housing of the electric circuit breaker according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and (b) is a side view in the state where the cut-off part is fixed to the lower housing. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view of the cut-off part and the lower housing of the electric circuit breaker according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 11]It is a plan view of the state where the interrupted part of the electric circuit interrupting device of the present invention according to Embodiment 3 is fixed to the lower housing. [Figure 12] (a) is a perspective view of the interrupted part of the electric circuit interrupting device according to Embodiment 4, and (b) is a plan view of the interrupted part. [Figure 13] It is an exploded perspective view showing the interrupted part, the lower housing, and the moving body of the electric circuit interrupting device according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional view showing the electric circuit interrupting device according to Embodiment 4, similar to that shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view of the state where the moving body has moved from the state shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] (a) is a perspective view of the interrupted part of the electric circuit interrupting device according to Embodiment 5, and (b) is a side view of the interrupted part.

Explanation of Signs

[0019] 300 Housing 320 First End 330 Second End 400 Interrupted Part 430 Base Piece 500 Moving Body 600 Electric Circuit Interrupting Device F Pressing Force P Power Source

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the shapes, materials, etc. of each member of the electric circuit interrupting device in the embodiments described below are shown as examples and are not limited thereto.

[0021] <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.

[0022] 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. The inner surface 111 of the lower housing section 110 is also a smooth surface so that the movable body 500 can slide up and down inside.

[0023] Furthermore, a portion of the upper surface 120 is provided with a recessed mounting portion 113 that conforms to the shape of the base piece 430 of the obstructed portion 400, which will be described later, so that the base piece 430 of the obstructed portion 400 can be placed on it. These mounting portions 113 are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the lower housing portion 110, and the mounting portions 113 support the linearly extending obstructed portion 400 on both sides. In addition, the mounting portions 113 are provided with an engaging inner surface 115 on the inside and an engaging outer surface 116 on the outside so that the claw-shaped fixing portion of the base piece 430, which will be described later, can engage with them. The distance between the opposing mounting portions 113, more specifically the distance between the engaging inner surfaces 115, is L1.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] Furthermore, a recessed insertion portion 213 is formed on a part of the lower surface 230, which conforms to the shape of the base piece 430 of the blocked portion 400, described later, so that the base piece 430 of the blocked portion 400 can be inserted through it. This insertion portion 213 is positioned opposite to both sides of the upper housing portion 210 and is located in a position corresponding to the mounting portion 113 of the lower housing 100. Therefore, the insertion portion 213 is fitted from above onto the base piece 430 of the blocked portion 400 which is placed on the mounting portion 113 of the lower housing 100.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the mobile body 500 is made of an insulator such as synthetic resin and has a roughly cylindrical main body 510 at the upper end, a flat rectangular sliding part 520 in the center, and a protruding part 530 that protrudes downward at the lower end. 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 has a shape that corresponds 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 mobile body 500 can slide smoothly along the inside of the housing part 310 while maintaining its posture. In addition, the surface shape of the lower end 531 of the protruding part 530 is the same as the surface of the separation piece 420 of the shielded part 400, which will be described later. Therefore, the power of the mobile body 500 can be efficiently transmitted to the separation piece 420, and the separation piece 420 can be easily separated.

[0030] The movable body 500 is made of synthetic resin, but is not limited to this; it may be made of other materials and have any shape as long as it has high insulating properties and sufficient strength for use. Also, the surface shape of the lower end 531 of the protrusion 530 is the same as the surface shape of the separating piece 420 of the part to be blocked 400, but is not limited to this; it may have any shape as long as the protrusion 530 of the movable body 500 can apply pressure to cut the separating piece 420 of the part to be blocked 400.

[0031] 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 an exploded perspective view of the interrupted portion 400, and Figure 4(b) is a plan view of the interrupted portion 400.

[0032] The shielded portion 400 is made entirely of a conductive metal such as copper for electrical connection to an electrical circuit, and includes base pieces 430 at both ends for connection to the electrical circuit, and a separator 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 fixing portion 440 for fixing to the mounting portion 113 of the lower housing 100. This fixing portion 440 is formed in a roughly U-shape and includes opposing fixing claws 411. The end face 431 of the base piece 430 is a flat surface that extends in the thickness direction of the shielded portion 400. Furthermore, the base piece 430 includes a protruding surface 432 that protrudes from the end face 431.

[0033] On the other hand, both sides of the separating piece 420 are provided with flat end faces 421 that extend in the thickness direction of the section to be blocked 400. Furthermore, the separating piece 420 has recessed surfaces 422 that are indented from the end faces 421. As shown in Figure 4(a), the separating piece 420 and the base pieces 430 on both sides are separate, but as shown in Figure 4(b), the end faces 431 of the base pieces 430 and the end faces 421 of the separating piece 420 can be brought into surface contact and tightly assembled to connect them electrically and physically. At that time, the protruding surface 432 of the base piece 430 is fitted into the recessed surface 422 of the separating piece 420, so that the assembled separating piece 420 and base pieces 430 do not shift relative to each other. When the separating piece 420 and base pieces 430 are assembled, the distance between the fixing portions 440 of the base pieces 430 on both sides is L2. Furthermore, the separation 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, although the protruding surface 432 of the base piece 430 is fitted into the recessed surface 422 of the separation piece 420, it is not limited to this, and the protruding surface may be provided on the separation piece 420 side and fitted into the recessed surface provided on the base piece 430. Moreover, the shapes of the recessed surface 422 and the protruding surface 432 are not limited to the shape shown in Figure 4, and may have any shape as long as they can be fitted together. Also, although the blocked portion 400 shown in Figure 4 has one separation piece 420, it is not limited to this, and the blocked portion 400 may have two or more separation pieces that can be separated from each other.

[0034] 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.

[0035] When assembling the electrical circuit breaker 600, first, the base piece 430 of the breakable portion 400 is placed on the mounting portion 113 of the lower housing 100, and the breakable portion 400 is positioned so that the separating piece 420 crosses the lower housing portion 110 of the lower housing 100. At this time, the fixing claws 411 on both sides of the base piece 430 of the breakable portion 400 are brought into contact with the engaging inner surface 115 and engaging outer surface 116 of the lower housing 100, respectively, and the fixing portion 440 of the base piece 430 is fitted into the mounting portion 113 of the lower housing 100 and fixed in place.

[0036] As a result, the base piece 430 is firmly fixed to the mounting portion 113 of the lower housing 100. The distance L2 between the fixing portions 440 of the base pieces 430 on both sides is slightly wider than the distance L1 between the opposing mounting portions 113 (L2 > L1). Therefore, the fixing portions 440 on both sides, which have a wider distance (dimension) L2, are tightly fitted into the mounting portions 113 on both sides, which have a narrower distance (dimension) L1. A pressing force F is applied to the separating piece 420 between the base pieces 430 so that it is sandwiched between the base pieces 430 on both sides. As a result, a pressing force F is applied between the end faces 431 of the base pieces 430 in opposing directions, and the base pieces 430 on both sides can maintain an electrically connected state via the separating piece 420. In particular, since a pressing force F is applied to the end face 431 of the base piece 430, the contact resistance between the end face 431 of the base piece 430 and the opposing end face (end face 421 of the separating piece 420) can be kept low, and furthermore, this state can be maintained over a long period of time. To keep the contact resistance between the end face 431 of the base piece 430 and the opposing end face (end face 421 of the separating piece 420) low means that the pressing force F causes the end face 431 of the base piece 430 and the opposing end face to adhere more tightly, making it easier for current to flow, and thus keeping the electrical resistance between the two end faces that are in contact with each other low.

[0037] Furthermore, the end face 431 of the base piece 430, or the end face 421 of the separating piece 420, or both the end face 431 of the base piece 430 and the end face 421 of the separating piece 420 may be plated to form a plating layer. This plating layer fills in the gaps caused by minute irregularities on the surface of the end face 431 of the base piece 430 and the end face 421 of the separating piece 420, suppressing oxidation by the surrounding environment, thereby keeping contact resistance low and maintaining it for 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 separating 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 end face 431 of the base piece 430 and the end face 421 of the separating piece 420, which has high hardness. This more reliably fills the gaps caused by minute irregularities on the surface of the end face 431 of the base piece 430 and the end face 421 of the separating piece 420, thereby keeping the contact resistance low. Alternatively, 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).

[0038] 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. Then, the insertion portion 213 of the upper housing 200 is fitted onto the base piece 430 of the blocked portion 400. In this way, the housing 300, consisting of the lower housing 100 and the upper housing 200, is assembled with the blocked portion 400 and the movable body 500 housed inside.

[0039] Furthermore, a power source P is attached to the power source storage section 221 of the upper housing 200, and a portion of the power source P is housed in the recess 511 of the mobile body 500. When an abnormality signal is input from the outside, such as when an abnormality is detected in the electrical circuit, the power source P detonates, for example, the gunpowder inside the power source P, and the resulting air pressure instantly pushes and moves the mobile body 500 within the storage section 310. Note that the power source P is not limited to a power source using gunpowder, but may be any other known power source that generates the power to move the mobile body 500.

[0040] 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 cutting 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.

[0041] 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 disconnected and are physically and electrically connected, so current flows through the electrical circuit via the base piece 430 and the separator piece 420 of the breakable part 400.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] As a result, the protruding portion 530 of the movable body 500 strongly pushes the separating piece 420 toward the second end 330, separating the separating piece 420 from the base piece 430, and electrically disconnecting the base pieces 430 on both sides. In other words, 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. Furthermore, since the force with which the protruding portion 530 of the movable body 500 strongly pushes 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 piece 430. Furthermore, since 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 intersect, the power of the movable body 500 is efficiently transmitted to the separation piece 420, and the movable body 500 can easily separate the separation 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 even more efficiently, and the movable body 500 can separate the separation piece 420 from the base pieces 430 even more easily.

[0045] Furthermore, the thickness (plate thickness) of the interrupted portion 400 can be made as thick as the interrupted portion of 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 pieces 430 are butted together by a pressing force F in opposing directions to maintain an electrically connected state. Moreover, when interrupting an electrical circuit, instead of physically cutting the integrally formed interrupted portion with a large force as in the conventional invention, it is sufficient to separate the connection between the end faces 431 of the originally separate base pieces 430. Therefore, even when the resistance of the interrupted portion 400 is reduced, the electrical circuit can be easily interrupted with less power than in the conventional invention, and the size and manufacturing cost of the electrical circuit interrupter can be reduced.

[0046] In the electrical circuit breaker 600 according to Embodiment 1 shown in Figures 5 and 6, the pressing means for electrically connecting the base pieces 430 by applying a pressing force F in opposing directions between the end faces 431 of the base pieces 430 is in the form of a claw-shaped fixing part 400. However, the pressing means is not limited to this, and any configuration is acceptable as long as it can electrically connect the base pieces 430 by applying a pressing force F in opposing directions between the end faces 431 of the base pieces 430.

[0047] <Embodiment 2> Next, the electrical circuit breaker 600A of the present invention according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the interrupted portion 400A and the lower housing 100A of the electrical circuit breaker 600A according to Embodiment 2, Figure 9(a) is a side view of the interrupted portion 400A and the lower housing 100A, and Figure 9(b) is a side view of the state in which the interrupted portion 400A is fixed to the lower housing 100A. 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 interrupted portion 400A is fixed to the lower housing 100A. 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.

[0048] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, a portion of the upper surface 120 of the lower housing 100 is provided with a recessed mounting portion 113A that conforms to the shape of the base piece 430A of the shielded portion 400A, so that the base piece 430A of the shielded portion 400A can be placed on it. These mounting portions 113A are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the lower housing portion 110A, and the mounting portions 113A support the linearly extending shielded portion 400A on both sides. In addition, fixing holes 117A are formed in the mounting portions 113A so that the rod-shaped fixing portion 440A of the base piece 430A can be inserted. The distance between the opposing fixing holes 117A is L1A.

[0049] Furthermore, the circuit-blocking portion 400A is entirely made of a conductive metal such as copper for electrical connection to the electrical circuit, and is equipped with base pieces 430A at both ends for connection to the electrical circuit, and a separator piece 420A located between the base pieces 430A. The base piece 430A is equipped with a fixing portion 440A for fixing to the mounting portion 113A of the lower housing 100A. This fixing portion 440A is formed in a rod shape, and the tip 443A of the fixing portion 440A can be inserted into a fixing hole 117A of the mounting portion 113A for fixing. Although the separator piece 420A and the base pieces 430A on both sides are separate, they can be assembled so that the end faces 431A of the base piece 430A and the end faces 421A of the separator piece 420A are in close contact and electrically and physically connected to each other. With the separating piece 420A and the base piece 430A assembled, the distance between the fixing portions 440A of the base pieces 430A on both sides is L2A.

[0050] As shown in Figure 9(b), when the tip 443A of the fixing portion 440A of the blocked portion 400A is inserted into the fixing hole 117A of the mounting portion 113A of the lower housing 100A, the blocked portion 400A is firmly fixed to the mounting portion 113A of the lower housing 100A. The distance L2A between the fixing portions 440A of the base pieces 430A on both sides is slightly wider than the distance L1A between the opposing fixing holes 117A (L2A > L1A). Therefore, the fixing portions 440A on both sides, which have a wider distance (dimension) L2A, are fixed so as to be tightly inserted into the fixing holes 117A on both sides, which have a narrower distance (dimension) L1A. A pressing force FA is applied to the separating piece 420A so as to be sandwiched between the base pieces 430A on both sides. As a result, a pressing force FA is applied to the end faces 431A of the base piece 430A in opposing directions, and the base pieces 430A on both sides can maintain an electrically connected state via the separating piece 420A. In particular, since a pressing force FA is applied to the end faces 431A of the base piece 430A, the contact resistance between the end face 431A of the base piece 430A and the opposing end face (the end face 421A of the separating piece 420A) can be kept low, and furthermore, this state can be maintained for a long period of time. Thus, in the electrical circuit breaker 600A of the present invention according to Embodiment 2, the pressing means that applies a pressing force FA in opposing directions between the end faces 431A of the base pieces 430A to electrically connect the base pieces 430A together is in the form of a rod-shaped fixing part 400A.

[0051] Furthermore, in the electrical circuit breaker 600A of the present invention according to Embodiment 2, the configuration for separating the separation piece 420A to interrupt the electrical circuit is the same as that of the electrical circuit breaker 600 according to Embodiment 1, as explained in Figures 6 and 7. The thickness of the interrupted portion 400A can be made as thick as the thickness of the interrupted portion in the conventional technology, and the resistance of the interrupted portion 400A is reduced to suppress power loss. In the electrical circuit breaker 600A of the present invention according to Embodiment 2, the separate base pieces 430A are butted together by a pressing force FA in opposing directions to maintain an electrically connected state. Moreover, when interrupting the electrical circuit, instead of physically cutting the integrally formed interrupted portion as in the conventional method, it is sufficient to separate the connection between the end faces 431A of the originally separate base pieces 430A. Therefore, even when the resistance of the interrupted portion 400A is reduced, the electrical circuit can be easily interrupted with less power than in the conventional method, and the size and manufacturing cost of the electrical circuit breaker can be reduced.

[0052] <Embodiment 3> Next, the electrical circuit breaker 600B of the present invention according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the interrupted portion 400B and the lower housing 100B of the electrical circuit breaker 600B according to Embodiment 3, and Figure 11 is a plan view of the state in which the interrupted portion 400B is fixed to the lower housing 100B. The configuration of the electrical circuit breaker 600B according to Embodiment 3 differs from the configuration of the electrical circuit breaker 600 according to Embodiment 1 in that the interrupted portion 400B is fixed to the lower housing 100B and a tension spring 450B is provided. 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.

[0053] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, a portion of the upper surface 120A of the lower housing 100A is provided with a recessed mounting portion 113B that conforms to the shape of the base piece 430B of the shielded portion 400B, so that the base piece 430B of the shielded portion 400B can be placed on it. This mounting portion 113B is positioned opposite to both sides of the lower housing portion 110B, and the mounting portion 113B supports the linearly extending shielded portion 400B on both sides. In addition, a convex fixing claw 118B is formed on the mounting portion 113B.

[0054] The interrupted portion 400B is made entirely of a conductive metal such as copper for electrical connection to the electrical circuit, and includes base pieces 430B at both ends for connection to the electrical circuit, and a separator piece 420B located between the base pieces 430B. Mounting portions 435B are provided at both ends of the base pieces 430B to hook and secure the ends of the tension spring 450B. The ends (451B, 452B) of the tension spring 450B are insulated. The mounting portions 435B of the base pieces 430B may also be insulated.

[0055] Furthermore, the base piece 430B is provided with a fixing portion 440B for fixing to the mounting portion 113B of the lower housing 100B. This fixing portion 440B is formed in a notched shape, and the fixing portion 440B can engage with the fixing claw 118B of the mounting portion 113B to be fixed. Therefore, after the separation piece 420B is separated, it is possible to prevent the base piece 430B from being pulled and moved by the tension spring 450B.

[0056] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the separating piece 420B and the two base pieces 430B are separate components, but they can be assembled so that the end face 431B of the base piece 430B and the end face 421B of the separating piece 420B are in close contact and electrically and physically connected to each other. In this assembly, one end 451B of the tension spring 450B is attached to the mounting portion 435B of one base piece 430B, and the other end 452B of the tension spring 450B is attached to the mounting portion 435B of the other base piece 430B. Therefore, the tensile force of the tension spring 450B applies a pressing force FB to the separating piece 420B between the base pieces 430B, causing it to be sandwiched between the two base pieces 430B. As a result, a pressing force FB is applied to the end faces 431B of the base piece 430B in opposing directions, and the base pieces 430B on both sides can maintain an electrically connected state via the separating piece 420B. In particular, since a pressing force FB is applied to the end faces 431B of the base piece 430B, the contact resistance between the end face 431B of the base piece 430B and the opposing end face (the end face 421B of the separating piece 420B) can be kept low, and furthermore, this state can be maintained for a long period of time. Thus, in the electrical circuit breaker 600B of the present invention according to Embodiment 3, the pressing means that applies a pressing force FB in opposing directions between the end faces 431B of the base piece 430B to electrically connect the base pieces 430B is in the form of a tension spring 450B. In addition, the magnitude of the pressing force FB can be appropriately changed by changing the tensile force of the tension spring 450B.

[0057] Furthermore, in the electrical circuit interrupter 600B of the present invention according to Embodiment 3, the configuration for interrupting the electrical circuit by separating the separation piece 420B is the same as that of the electrical circuit interrupter 600 of the present invention according to Embodiment 1, as explained in Figures 6 and 7. The thickness of the interrupted portion 400B can be made as thick as the thickness of the interrupted portion in the conventional technology, and the resistance of the interrupted portion 400B is reduced to suppress power loss. In the electrical circuit interrupter 600B of the present invention according to Embodiment 3, the separate base pieces 430B are butted together by a pressing force FB in opposing directions to maintain an electrically connected state. Furthermore, when interrupting the electrical circuit, instead of physically cutting the integrally formed interrupted portion as in the conventional method, it is sufficient to separate the connection state of the end faces 431B of the originally separate base pieces 430B. Therefore, even when the resistance of the interrupted portion 400B is reduced, the electrical circuit can be easily interrupted with less power than in the conventional method, and the size and price of the electrical circuit interrupter can be reduced.

[0058] <Embodiment 4> Next, the electrical circuit breaker 600C of the present invention according to Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12(a) is a perspective view of the interrupted portion 400C of the electrical circuit breaker 600C according to Embodiment 4, Figure 12(b) is a plan view of the interrupted portion 400C of the electrical circuit breaker 600C according to Embodiment 4, Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the interrupted portion 400C, the lower housing 100C and the movable body 500C, Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical circuit breaker 600C, similar to that shown in Figure 6, and Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the state after the movable body 500C has moved from the state shown in Figure 14. In addition, the configuration of the electrical circuit breaker 600C according to Embodiment 4 differs from that of the electrical circuit breaker 600 according to Embodiment 1 in that the configuration of the movable body 500C and the interrupted part 400C are different. 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.

[0059] As shown in Figure 12, the shielded portion 400C is entirely made of a conductive metal such as copper for electrical connection to the electrical circuit, and is equipped with base pieces 430C at both ends for connection to the electrical circuit. The shielded portion 400C is equipped with fixing parts 440C for fixing to the mounting part 113C of the lower housing 100C, similar to the shielded portion 400 of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 4. However, the shielded portion 400C is not equipped with a separating piece 420 like the shielded portion 400 of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 4, and the end faces 431C of the base pieces 430C are directly assembled without the separating piece 420. Specifically, the tip side of the base piece 430C is a bendable portion 437C that can be bent when pressed by the movable body 500C described later, and the base piece 430C is provided with a notch 438C that crosses in the width direction to facilitate bending of the bendable portion 437C. Furthermore, the end face 431C of the base piece 430C is a flat surface that extends in the thickness direction of the portion to be blocked 400C. In addition, the base piece 430C includes a protruding surface 432C that protrudes from the end face 431C and a recessed surface 433C that is recessed from the end face 431C.

[0060] As shown in Figure 12(b), although the two base pieces 430C are separate, they can be assembled so that their end faces 431C are in close contact with each other and they are electrically and physically connected. In this case, the protruding surface 432C of one base piece 430C is fitted into the recessed surface 433C of the other base piece 430C, so that the assembled base pieces 430C do not shift relative to each other. When the two base pieces 430C are assembled, the distance between the fixing portions 440C of the two base pieces 430C is L2C. The base piece 430C has both a protruding surface 432C and a recessed surface 433C, but is not limited to this, and may have only one of the protruding surface 432C or the recessed surface 433C.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, when attaching the shielded portion 400C to the lower housing 100C, the base piece 430C of the shielded portion 400C is placed on the mounting portion 113C of the lower housing 100C, and the shielded portion 400C is positioned so that the bent portion 437C of the base piece 430C crosses the lower housing portion 110 of the lower housing 100. The lower housing 100C has the same configuration as the lower housing 100 of Embodiment 1. And, similar to the method of fixing the lower housing 100 and the shielded portion 400 in Embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 13, the fixing portion 440C of the base piece 430C is fixed so as to fit into the mounting portion 113C of the lower housing 100C.

[0062] As shown in Figure 14, the base piece 430C is then firmly fixed to the mounting portion 113C of the lower housing 100C. The distance L2C between the fixing portions 440C of the base pieces 430C on both sides is slightly wider than the distance L1C between the opposing mounting portions 113C (L2C > L1C). Therefore, the fixing portions 440C on both sides, which have a wider distance (dimension) L2C, are tightly fitted into the mounting portions 113C on both sides, which have a narrower distance (dimension) L1C. A pressing force FC is applied to the end faces 431C of the base pieces 430C in opposing directions, and the base pieces 430C on both sides can maintain an electrically connected state. In particular, because a pressing force FC is applied to the end faces 431C of the base pieces 430C, the contact resistance between the end faces 431C of the base pieces 430C can be kept low, and this state can be maintained over a long period of time.

[0063] Next, as shown in Figure 15, if an abnormality such as an overcurrent flowing in the electrical circuit is detected, an abnormality signal is input to the power source PC, and the explosives in the power source PC explode. The mobile body 500C is forcefully blown from the first end 320C towards the second end 330C and moves instantaneously through the housing section 310C towards the second end 330C. The protruding part 530C of the mobile body 500C has a pointed tip and is located directly above the point where the end faces 431C of the base piece 430C are in contact.

[0064] Then, the protruding portion 530C of the movable body 500C strongly pushes the area near the boundary between the end faces 431C of the base pieces 430C toward the second end 330C. As a result, the bent portions 437C of the base pieces 430C on both sides are bent toward the second end 330 by the protruding portion 530C of the movable body 500C, and as they separate from each other, the base pieces 430C on both sides become electrically disconnected. In other words, the state in which the base pieces 430C on both sides of the interrupted portion 400C are in contact with each other and energized is interrupted, preventing overcurrent from flowing in the electrical circuit. Furthermore, since the force exerted by the protruding portion 530C of the movable body 500C to bend the bent portion 437C of the base piece 430C toward the second end 330C is greater than the pressing force FC, the movable body 500C can bend the bent portion 437C of the base piece 430C toward the second end 330C, thereby separating the bent portions 437C on both sides from each other.

[0065] Furthermore, since the direction of the force exerted by the protruding portion 530C of the movable body 500C to bend the bent portion 437C of the base piece 430C toward the second end 330C and the direction of the pressing force FC are intersect, the power of the movable body 500C is efficiently transmitted to the bent portion 437C, and the movable body 500C can easily bend the bent portion 437C. In particular, if the direction of the force exerted by the protruding portion 530C of the movable body 500C to bend the bent portion 437C of the base piece 430C toward the second end 330C and the direction of the pressing force FC are perpendicular, the power of the movable body 500C is transmitted to the bent portion 437C even more efficiently, and the movable body 500C can bend the bent portion 437C even more easily.

[0066] Furthermore, the thickness of the interrupted portion 400C can be made as thick as the interrupted portion of the conventional technology, reducing the resistance of the interrupted portion 400C and suppressing power loss. In the electrical circuit interrupter 600C of the present invention, the separate base pieces 430C are butted together by a pressing force FC in opposing directions to maintain an electrically connected state. Moreover, when interrupting an electrical circuit, instead of physically cutting the integrally formed interrupted portion as in the conventional invention, it is sufficient to separate the contact state of the end faces 431C of the originally separate base pieces 430C. Therefore, even when the resistance of the interrupted portion is reduced, the electrical circuit can be easily interrupted with less power than in the conventional invention, and the size and manufacturing cost of the electrical circuit interrupter can be reduced.

[0067] <Embodiment 5> Next, the electrical circuit breaker 600D of the present invention according to Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to Figure 16. Figure 16(a) is a perspective view of the interrupted portion 400D of the electrical circuit breaker 600D according to Embodiment 5, and Figure 16(b) is a side view of the interrupted portion 400D. The configuration of the electrical circuit breaker 600D according to Embodiment 5 differs from that of the interrupted portion 400A of the electrical circuit breaker 600A according to Embodiment 2 in that the thickness of the interrupted portion 400D is different, 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.

[0068] As shown in Figure 16, in the interrupted portion 400D, the thickness of the area where the end face 431D of the base piece 430D and the end face 421D of the separation piece 420D are in contact is W1. On the opposite side of the end face 431D of the base piece 430D, the thickness of the external connection terminal 439D, which is connected to an external electrical circuit, is W2. The thickness W1 of the contact area is greater than the thickness W2 of the external connection terminal 439D (W1 > W2). In this way, by locally increasing the thickness W1 of the contact area between the end face 431D of the base piece 430D and the end face 421D of the separation piece 420D compared to other parts, the contact area between the end face 431D of the base piece 430D and the end face 421D of the separation piece 420D can be increased, and as a result, the low resistance at the contact area can be reduced, thereby suppressing power loss.

[0069] Furthermore, the electrical circuit interruption device 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. Housing and A part that is placed inside the housing and constitutes a part of the electrical circuit is a breakable part, A power source located on the first end side of the housing, An electrical circuit breaker comprising a movable body that moves within the housing between the first end and a second end opposite to the first end, The blocked portion comprises two base pieces that are physically separate, By applying pressing forces in opposing directions between the end faces of the base pieces, the base pieces are electrically connected to each other. An electrical circuit interruption device characterized in that the moving body moves from the first end to the second end by the power source, and a part of the moving body is configured to interrupt the connection between the base pieces.

2. A separating piece is provided between the base pieces. The electrical circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that the separating piece is pressed and sandwiched between the base pieces on both sides by the pressing force.

3. The electrical circuit breaker according to claim 2, characterized in that the thickness of the portion where the end face of the separating piece and the end face of the base piece come into contact in the interrupted portion is greater than the thickness of the external connection terminal that connects the base piece and the electrical circuit.

4. The electrical circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the end face of the base piece is plated with a metal that has lower hardness than the metal constituting the part to be broken off.

5. The electrical circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the end face of the base piece is provided with a recessed or protruding surface that can be fitted into it.

6. The electrical circuit breaker according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the end face of the separating piece is plated with a metal that has lower hardness than the metal constituting the part to be interrupted.

7. The electrical circuit breaker according to claim 2, 3, or 6, characterized in that the end face of the separating piece is provided with a recessed or protruding surface that can be fitted into it.

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