Input device

Abstract

Provided is an input device capable of easily realizing an improvement in reliability.　In an input device according to one embodiment of the present invention, at a contact part, the input device is capable of moving in a first direction in which a drive electrode approaches a fixed electrode, and a second direction in which the drive electrode separates from the fixed electrode. A drive mechanism is located more toward the second direction side than the contact part, and moves the drive electrode by means of movement of a drive shaft. The drive mechanism has a drive part and a closing-side braking part. The closing-side braking part includes a collision part, a braking mass, a closing-side braking part spring, and a closing-side braking part stopper. The closing-side braking part brakes the drive electrode moving in the first direction when the drive part has moved the drive electrode in the first direction during execution of an input operation. During execution of the input operation, the collision part moves in the first direction together with the drive electrode and contacts the braking mass, and thereby the drive electrode is braked. The closing-side braking part spring biases the braking mass so as to impart a returning force toward the second direction, and the closing-side braking part stopper restricts the braking mass from moving in the second direction during a steady state.

Description

Injector

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to an inserter.

[0002] In addition to being used as high-speed grounding devices and bypass switches in power transmission systems, voltage cutters are also used for a variety of purposes, such as cutters for the commutation circuits of DC circuit breakers, current source cutters for nuclear fusion plasma generation, etc. Cutters are configured to maintain insulation between terminals to which high voltage is applied in steady state, and to rapidly connect the terminals at any timing, allowing a large current to flow between the terminals.

[0003] The inserter is, for example, an electrode-driven inserter. The electrode-driven inserter has a pair of main electrodes arranged to face each other, and a high voltage is applied between the pair of main electrodes in a steady state. Of the pair of main electrodes constituting the electrode-driven inserter, one main electrode is a drive electrode (movable electrode) and the other main electrode is a fixed electrode. In the electrode-driven inserter, the drive electrode is configured to be moved toward and away from the fixed electrode by a drive unit.

[0004] When an electrode-driven closing device performs a closing operation, the driving electrode approaches the fixed electrode. When the distance between the driving electrode and the fixed electrode becomes equal to or less than the insulation distance for the applied voltage, an arc discharge occurs between the driving electrode and the fixed electrode, and current begins to flow. Then, with the arc discharge continuing, the driving electrode comes into contact with the fixed electrode. Thereafter, current continues to flow while the driving electrode is still in contact with the fixed electrode, and the closing operation is completed.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 55-163724 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-186162 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 57-007127

[0006] As described above, when the electrode-driven closing device performs the closing operation, the driving electrode approaches the fixed electrode and contacts the fixed electrode, which may cause damage or reduce reliability due to the impact caused by the contact.

[0007] Furthermore, when an electrode-driven closing switch performs a closing operation, an arc discharge occurs between the driving electrode and the fixed electrode, and the closing operation ends with the driving electrode and the fixed electrode in contact with each other. Therefore, when the surfaces of the driving electrode and the fixed electrode are melted by the arc discharge and then cooled, the driving electrode and the fixed electrode may be welded in spots. When the closing switch performs an opening operation, the welded portions of the driving electrode and the fixed electrode are separated, which may result in the formation of sharp protrusions on each of the driving electrode and the fixed electrode. The sharp protrusions formed on each of the driving electrode and the fixed electrode become electric field concentration areas when the gap between the driving electrode and the fixed electrode is opened during steady-state operation and a high voltage is applied. As a result, the insulation performance between the driving electrode and the fixed electrode may be reduced, which may reduce the voltage resistance of the closing switch and reduce reliability.

[0008] Due to the above circumstances, there is a demand for improved reliability in the inserter.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a power input device that can easily improve reliability.

[0010] The closing device of the embodiment includes a contact unit and a drive mechanism unit. The contact unit has a drive electrode and a fixed electrode coaxially aligned in the axial direction, and is configured to be movable in a first direction in which the drive electrode approaches the fixed electrode and a second direction in which the drive electrode moves away from the fixed electrode. The drive mechanism unit is located axially closer to the second direction than the contact unit, and has a drive shaft coaxially connected to the drive electrode in the axial direction. The drive shaft moves axially to move the drive electrode. Here, the drive mechanism unit includes a drive unit and a closing-side braking unit. The drive unit is configured to apply a driving force to the drive shaft in the first direction when performing a closing operation. The closing-side braking unit is configured to brake the drive electrode moving in the first direction when the drive unit moves the drive electrode in the first direction when performing a closing operation. The closing-side braking unit includes a collision unit, a braking mass, a closing-side braking spring, and a closing-side braking stopper. The collision portion is mounted on the drive shaft and moves in a first direction together with the drive electrode when the closing operation is performed. The braking mass is configured to brake the drive electrode moving in the first direction by contacting the collision portion moving in the first direction when the closing operation is performed. The closing-side braking spring biases the braking mass to provide a return force in the second direction. The closing-side braking stopper is provided to restrict movement of the braking mass in the second direction during steady state.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the inserter 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state when a inserting operation is performed in the inserter 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state when a inserting operation is performed in the inserter 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state when a inserting operation is performed in the inserter 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the inserter 1b according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state when a inserting operation is performed in the inserter 1b according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state when a inserting operation is performed in the inserter 1b according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state when a inserting operation is performed in the inserter 1b according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of an inserter according to a modified example. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of an inserter according to another modified example.

[0012] <First embodiment> [A] Configuration of the inserter 1 Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the inserter 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 1 shows the inserter 1 in a steady state (a de-energized state).

[0013] The inserter 1 of this embodiment is of an electrode-driven type, and includes a contact portion 2 and a drive mechanism portion 3 as shown in FIG.

[0014] [A-1] Contact Section 2 In the inserter 1, the contact section 2 includes a pressure vessel 20, a driving electrode 21, and a fixed electrode 22, as shown in FIG.

[0015] The contact unit 2 of this embodiment is configured such that the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 are coaxially aligned inside the pressure vessel 20, and the driving electrode 21 is movable in a first direction D1 (closed circuit direction) approaching the fixed electrode 22, and in a second direction D2 (opened circuit direction) moving away from the fixed electrode 22. The contact unit 2 is in a closed circuit state when the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 come into contact, and in an open circuit state when the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 separate.

[0016] [A-1-1] Pressure vessel 20 Of the contact portion 2, the pressure vessel 20 comprises an insulating cylinder 201, a first lid 202, and a second lid 203. The pressure vessel 20 has a pressure vessel internal space SP20 defined therein by the insulating cylinder 201, the first lid 202, and the second lid 203.

[0017] An insulating gas is sealed in the pressure vessel internal space SP20. The insulating gas may be, for example, sulfur hexafluoride (SF ６ ) gas. Alternatively, a gas containing at least one of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen, or air may be used as the insulating gas. The insulating gas is sealed in the pressure vessel internal space SP20 at a pressure equal to or higher than atmospheric pressure.

[0018] [A-1-1-1] Insulating Tube 201 The insulating tube 201 constituting the pressure vessel 20 has an insulating container 2010 , a first insulating tube flange 2011 , and a second insulating tube flange 2012 .

[0019] The insulator container 2010 is a cylindrical tubular body made of an insulator. The first insulating tube flange 2011 is made of a metal material and is fixed to one end of the insulator container 2010. The second insulating tube flange 2012, like the first insulating tube flange 2011, is also made of a metal material and is fixed to the other end of the insulator container 2010 opposite the end where the first insulating tube flange 2011 is provided.

[0020] [A-1-1-2] First lid 202 The first lid 202 that constitutes the pressure vessel 20 is a disk-shaped plate material. The first lid 202 is made of a metal material and is joined to the first insulating cylinder flange 2011 so as to be electrically connected and to seal the gap between them.

[0021] A pressure vessel through hole K20 is provided in the center of the first lid 202. The pressure vessel through hole K20 is formed in the first lid 202 so as to communicate between the inside and outside of the pressure vessel internal space SP20.

[0022] [A-1-1-3] Second Lid 203 The second lid 203, which constitutes the pressure vessel 20, is a disk-shaped plate material similar to the first lid 202, and is arranged to face the first lid 202 with the insulating cylinder 201 interposed therebetween. The second lid 203, like the first lid 202, is formed of a metal material and is electrically connected to the second insulating cylinder flange 2012 and joined to the second insulating cylinder flange 2012 so as to seal the space between them. The second lid 203, together with the first lid 202, is used as a terminal and is electrically connected to an external circuit.

[0023] [A-1-1-4] First shield 204 A first shield 204 is installed on the surface located inside the first lid 202 in the pressure vessel internal space SP20. The first shield 204 is a cylindrical tubular body made of a metal material and is fixed to the first lid 202 so as to be electrically connected. The tip of the first shield 204 is chamfered so as to have a curved surface.

[0024] The first shield 204 is made of a material with high arc resistance, such as a copper-tungsten alloy, etc. Alternatively, the first shield 204 may be made of a copper-chromium alloy or a stainless steel alloy.

[0025] A first current collecting portion 2041 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the first shield 204 .

[0026] [A-1-1-5] Second shield 205 A second shield 205 is installed on the surface located inside the second lid 203 in the pressure vessel internal space SP20. Similar to the first shield 204, the second shield 205 is a cylindrical tubular body made of a metal material and is fixed to the second lid 203 so as to be electrically connected. Similarly to the first shield 204, the second shield 205 has a chamfered tip so that it has a curved surface.

[0027] The second shield 205 is formed using the same material as the first shield 204 .

[0028] The second shield 205 is arranged coaxially with the first shield 204 in the axial direction (the horizontal direction in FIG. 1 ), and the tip of the second shield 205 faces the tip of the first shield 204 .

[0029] A second current collecting portion 2051 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the second shield 205 .

[0030] [A-1-2] Driving electrode 21 The driving electrode 21 is a rod-shaped body, and is installed so as to pass through the pressure vessel through-hole K20. The gap between the outer circumferential surface of the driving electrode 21 and the inner circumferential surface of the pressure vessel through-hole K20 is sealed by a sealing member 2021. The driving electrode 21 also passes through the inside of the first shield 204, which is a cylindrical tubular body.

[0031] Here, the driving electrode 21 includes a driving electrode discharge portion 211 and a driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212 .

[0032] [A-1-2-1] Driving electrode discharge part 211 Driving electrode discharge part 211 is located at the tip of driving electrode 21, and is housed inside first shield 204 in pressure vessel internal space SP20. Here, when inputter 1 is in a steady state, the tip of driving electrode discharge part 211 and the tip of first shield 204 are at the same position in the axial direction.

[0033] The driving electrode discharge portion 211 is formed of a material that has high arc resistance (resistance to wear due to arc discharge), such as a copper-tungsten alloy or a copper-chromium alloy.

[0034] [A-1-2-2] Driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212 Driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212 is connected to driving electrode discharge part 211, and the portion located on the driving electrode discharge part 211 side is housed inside first shield 204 in pressure vessel internal space SP20. Driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212 includes a portion that contacts first current collector 2041 inside first shield 204.

[0035] The driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212 is formed of a highly conductive material such as a copper alloy, and is electrically connected to the first shield 204, the first lid 202, and the first insulating cylinder flange 2011 via the first current collecting portion 2041. The driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212 may be formed of the same material as the driving electrode discharge portion 211.

[0036] [A-1-3] Fixed electrode 22 The fixed electrode 22 is a rod-shaped body, similar to the driving electrode 21, and is aligned coaxially with the driving electrode 21 in the axial direction. The fixed electrode 22 is installed on the second lid 203 that constitutes the pressure vessel 20 in the pressure vessel internal space SP20. The fixed electrode 22 also penetrates the interior of the second shield 205, which is a cylindrical tubular body.

[0037] Here, the fixed electrode 22 includes a fixed electrode discharge portion 221 and a fixed electrode current-carrying shaft 222 .

[0038] [A-1-3-1] Fixed electrode discharge part 221 The fixed electrode discharge part 221 is located at the tip portion of the fixed electrode 22, and is housed inside the second shield 205. Here, the tip of the fixed electrode discharge part 221 and the tip of the second shield 205 are at the same position in the axial direction.

[0039] Like the driving electrode discharge portion 211, the fixed electrode discharge portion 221 is formed of a material with high arc resistance (resistance to wear due to arc discharge), such as a copper-tungsten alloy or a copper-chromium alloy.

[0040] [A-1-3-2] Fixed Electrode Current-Carrying Shaft 222 The fixed electrode current-carrying shaft 222 is connected to the fixed electrode discharge part 221 , and includes a portion that contacts the second current collector part 2051 inside the second shield 205 .

[0041] Like the driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212, the fixed electrode current-carrying shaft 222 is formed of a highly conductive material such as a copper alloy, and is electrically connected to the second shield 205, the second lid 203, and the second insulating cylinder flange 2012 via the second current collecting portion 2051. The fixed electrode current-carrying shaft 222 may be formed of the same material as the fixed electrode discharge portion 221.

[0042] [A-2] Drive mechanism unit 3 In the inserter 1, the drive mechanism unit 3 includes a mechanism box 30, a drive shaft 31, a drive unit 33, a position holding unit 34, a closing side braking unit 35, and an opening side braking unit 36, as shown in FIG.

[0043] The drive mechanism 3 of this embodiment is located axially (horizontally in FIG. 1 ) closer to the second direction D2 than the contact unit 2. The drive mechanism 3 has a drive shaft 31 coaxially connected to the drive electrode 21 in the axial direction, and is configured such that the drive shaft 31 moves axially to move the drive electrode 21.

[0044] [A-2-1] Mechanism Box 30 In the drive mechanism section 3, the mechanism box 30 has an internal space SP30 therein. A first support portion 303, a second support portion 304, a third support portion 305, and a fourth support portion 306 are provided in the internal space SP30.

[0045] [A-2-1-1] First Supporting Part 303 The first supporting part 303 is, for example, a plate-like body, and is configured to support part of the members that make up the driving part 33 in the mechanism box internal space SP30. A first supporting part through-hole K303 is formed in the center of the first supporting part 303, and the driving shaft 31 passes through the first supporting part through-hole K303. Although not shown in the figure, the first supporting part 303 is fixed to the mechanism box 30.

[0046] [A-2-1-2] Second Support Section 304 The second support section 304 is, for example, a plate-like body, and is configured to support a part of the member that constitutes the position holding section 34 in the mechanism box internal space SP30. The second support section 304 has a second support section through-hole K304 formed in the center, and the drive shaft 31 passes through the second support section through-hole K304. Although not shown in the figure, the second support section 304 is fixed to the mechanism box 30 in the same way as the first support section 303.

[0047] [A-2-1-3] Third Support Portion 305 The third support portion 305 is, for example, a plate-like body, and is configured to support a part of the members that make up the closing-side braking portion 35 in the mechanism box internal space SP30. The third support portion 305 is fixed to the mechanism box 30. Specifically, the third support portion 305 is fixed to the other end surface of the mechanism box 30 that is located on the other end side in the axial direction (the right side in FIG. 1 ). A third support portion through-hole K305 is formed in the center of the third support portion 305, and the drive shaft 31 passes through the third support portion through-hole K305.

[0048] [A-2-1-4] Fourth Support Portion 306 The fourth support portion 306 is, for example, a plate-like body, and is configured to support a part of the members that make up the circuit-opening side braking portion 36 in the mechanism box internal space SP30. The fourth support portion 306 is fixed to the mechanism box 30. Specifically, the fourth support portion 306 is fixed to one end surface of the mechanism box 30 that is located on one end side in the axial direction (the left side in FIG. 1 ).

[0049] [A-2-1-5] Mechanism box through-hole K30 In addition, a mechanism box through-hole K30 is provided in the mechanism box 30. The mechanism box through-hole K30 is formed in the other end surface of the mechanism box 30 that is located on the other end side in the axial direction (the right side in FIG. 1 ) so as to communicate between the inside and outside of the mechanism box internal space SP30.

[0050] [A-2-1] Drive Shaft 31 In the drive mechanism section 3, the drive shaft 31 is a rod-shaped body, and is installed so as to pass through a mechanism box through-hole K30 provided in the mechanism box 30. A portion of the drive shaft 31 located on one end side in the axial direction (left side in FIG. 1) is housed in the mechanism box internal space SP30, and a portion of the drive shaft 31 located on the other end side in the axial direction (right side in FIG. 1) protrudes outside the mechanism box internal space SP30.

[0051] The drive shaft 31 is aligned coaxially with the drive electrode 21 in the axial direction, and is connected to the drive electrode 21 outside the mechanism box internal space SP30 via an insulating operation rod 4. The insulating operation rod 4 is made of an insulating material, and the drive electrode 21 and the drive shaft 31 are electrically insulated by the insulating operation rod 4.

[0052] [A-2-3] Driving Unit 33 In the driving mechanism 3, the driving unit 33 is configured to apply a driving force to the driving shaft 31 in the first direction D1.

[0053] The driving unit 33 in this embodiment is an electromagnetic repulsive operation mechanism including a ring 331 (repulsion body) and a coil 332 .

[0054] [A-2-3-1] Ring 331 The ring 331 is made of a metal material and is fixed to the drive shaft 31 in the mechanism box internal space SP30. The ring 331 is made of, for example, extra super duralumin, which has high strength.

[0055] [A-2-3-2] Coil 332 The coil 332 is formed by molding a copper alloy winding with resin, and is supported by the third support portion 305 of the mechanism box 30 in the mechanism box internal space SP30. The coil 332 is disposed on the second direction D2 side of the ring 331 so as to face the ring 331 in the axial direction.

[0056] [A-2-3-3] Conductor 3311 A conductor 3311 having a lower electrical resistivity than the ring 331 is provided on the portion of the ring 331 facing the coil 332. The conductor 3311 is made of, for example, oxygen-free copper.

[0057] In the drive unit 33, when a coil current is supplied to the coil 332 from an excitation circuit (not shown), an induced current in the opposite direction to the coil current is generated in the ring 331 (particularly, the conductor portion 3311). As a result, in the drive unit 33, a repulsive Lorentz force is generated between the coil 332 and the ring 331, and a drive force in the first direction D1 is applied to the drive shaft 31, causing the drive electrode 21 to approach the fixed electrode 22.

[0058] [A-2-4] Position-Maintaining Unit 34 In the drive mechanism 3, the position-maintaining unit 34 biases the drive shaft 31 to apply a return force (first return force) in the second direction D2, and is configured to maintain the drive electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 in a separated state during steady state operation. Here, the position-maintaining unit 34 is provided axially closer to the second direction D2 than the drive unit 33 (to the left in FIG. 1 ).

[0059] In this embodiment, the position maintaining unit 34 includes a position maintaining unit spring 341 (first biasing unit), a spring receiver 342 , a position maintaining unit stopper 343 , a position maintaining unit base 344 , and a position maintaining unit housing tube 345 .

[0060] [A-2-4-1] Position-Maintaining-Part Spring 341 The position-maintaining part spring 341 is, for example, a compression coil spring, and the drive shaft 31 passes through the inside of the position-maintaining part spring 341. The position-maintaining part spring 341 is interposed between the spring receiver 342 and the position-maintaining part base 344, and biases the drive shaft 31 so as to apply a return force (first return force) in the second direction D2.

[0061] [A-2-4-2] Spring bearing 342 The spring bearing 342 is a plate-like body, and is fixed to the drive shaft 31. The spring bearing 342 is located on the second direction D2 side of the position maintaining portion spring 341 in the axial direction.

[0062] [A-2-4-3] Position-Maintaining-Unit Stopper 343 The position-maintaining unit stopper 343 is a plate-shaped body, and is located axially closer to the second direction D2 than the spring bearing 342. The position-maintaining unit stopper 343 is supported by the position-maintaining unit base 344 via a position-maintaining unit housing tube 345. Furthermore, the position-maintaining unit stopper 343 has a position-maintaining unit stopper through-hole K343 formed in its central portion, and the portion located at one end of the drive shaft 31 (the left side in FIG. 1 ) passes through the position-maintaining unit stopper through-hole K343.

[0063] The position maintaining portion stopper 343 is provided to restrict movement of the drive electrode 21 in the second direction D2 in the steady state. Specifically, in the steady state, the position maintaining portion stopper 343 is in a state where the spring receiver 342 is in contact with the position maintaining portion stopper 343 due to a return force (first return force) in the second direction D2 from the position maintaining portion spring 341.

[0064] [A-2-4-4] Position-holding-unit base 344 The position-holding-unit base 344 is a plate-shaped body, and is located axially closer to the first direction D1 than the position-holding-unit spring 341. The position-holding-unit base 344 is supported by the second support unit 304. Furthermore, the position-holding-unit base 344 has a position-holding-unit base through-hole K344 formed in its central portion, and the drive shaft 31 passes through the position-holding-unit base through-hole K344.

[0065] [A-2-4-5] Position-keeping unit housing tube 345 Position-keeping unit housing tube 345 is a tubular body, and is provided axially between position-keeping unit stopper 343 and position-keeping unit base 344. Position-keeping unit housing tube 345 houses position-keeping unit spring 341 and spring holder 342 inside.

[0066] [A-2-5] Closing-side braking unit 35 In drive mechanism 3, closing-side braking unit 35 is configured to brake driving electrode 21 moving in first direction D1 when driving electrode 21 moves in first direction D1. Here, closing-side braking unit 35 is provided axially closer to first direction D1 than driving unit 33 (to the right in FIG. 1 ).

[0067] In this embodiment, the closing side braking section 35 comprises a closing side braking section spring 351 (second biasing section), a braking mass 352, a closing side braking section stopper 353, a closing side braking section base 354, a closing side braking section housing pipe 355, and a collision section 356.

[0068] [A-2-5-1] Closing side braking section spring 351 Closing side braking section spring 351 is, for example, a compression coil spring, and is penetrated by drive shaft 31. Closing side braking section spring 351 is interposed between braking mass 352 and closing side braking section base 354, and biases braking mass 352 so as to apply a return force (second return force) in second direction D2.

[0069] [A-2-5-2] Braking Mass 352 The braking mass 352 is ring-shaped, and the drive shaft 31 passes through the inside of the braking mass 352. The braking mass 352 is located axially closer to the second direction D2 than the closing-side braking portion spring 351.

[0070] In this embodiment, the damping mass 352 is provided to brake the driving electrode 21 moving in the first direction D1 by contacting with the collision portion 356 moving in the first direction D1.

[0071] The damping mass 352 includes a damping mass large diameter portion 3521 and a damping mass small diameter portion 3522. The damping mass large diameter portion 3521 is located on the first direction D1 side of the damping mass 352. The damping mass small diameter portion 3522 is located on the second direction D2 side of the damping mass 352, and has a smaller outer diameter than the damping mass large diameter portion 3521.

[0072] [A-2-5-3] Closing Side Brake Stopper 353 The closing side brake stopper 353 is a plate-shaped body and is located axially closer to the second direction D2 than the closing side brake spring 351. The closing side brake stopper 353 is supported on the closing side brake base 354 via a closing side brake housing tube 355. The closing side brake stopper 353 has a closing side brake stopper through-hole K353 formed in its central portion, and the drive shaft 31 passes through the closing side brake stopper through-hole K353. In addition, the brake mass small diameter portion 3522 passes through the closing side brake stopper through-hole K353.

[0073] The closing-side braking section stopper 353 is provided to restrict movement of the braking mass 352 in the second direction D2 during steady state. Specifically, during steady state, the braking mass large-diameter portion 3521 of the braking mass 352 is in contact with the closing-side braking section stopper 353 due to a return force (first return force) in the second direction D2 from the position-maintaining section spring 341.

[0074] [A-2-5-4] Closing side brake unit base 354 The closing side brake unit base 354 is a plate-shaped body and is located axially closer to the first direction D1 than the closing side brake unit spring 351. The closing side brake unit base 354 is supported by the third support portion 305. The closing side brake unit base 354 has a closing side brake unit base through-hole K354 formed in its central portion, and the drive shaft 31 passes through the closing side brake unit base through-hole K354.

[0075] [A-2-5-5] Closing side braking section housing pipe 355 The closing side braking section housing pipe 355 is a tubular body, and is provided axially between the closing side braking section stopper 353 and the closing side braking section base 354. The closing side braking section housing pipe 355 houses the closing side braking section spring 351 and the braking mass 352 inside.

[0076] [A-2-5-6] Collision Part 356 The collision part 356 is ring-shaped and is fixed to the drive shaft 31. The collision part 356 is disposed on the second direction D2 side of the braking mass 352 in the axial direction.

[0077] In this embodiment, the distance d1 of the first gap between the collision portion 356 and the damping mass 352 in the axial direction at steady state is shorter than the distance d2 of the second gap between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 in the axial direction at steady state (i.e., d1 < d2).

[0078] [A-2-6] Opening-Side Braking Unit 36 ​​In the drive mechanism 3, the opening-side braking unit 36 ​​is configured to brake the movement of the drive electrode 21 in the second direction D2 when the drive electrode 21 moves in the second direction D2. Here, the opening-side braking unit 36 ​​is provided axially closer to the second direction D2 than the position holding unit 34 (on the left side in FIG. 1 ).

[0079] In this embodiment, the opening-side braking unit 36 ​​is a shock absorber and includes a cylinder 361 and a piston 362. The cylinder 361 is supported by the fourth support unit 306, and the piston 362 is configured to include a portion that is housed inside the cylinder 361.

[0080] Here, the cylinder 361 is filled with hydraulic oil (not shown), and when the piston 362 is pushed in the second direction D2 inside the cylinder 361, the viscous resistance of the hydraulic oil generates a damping force in the first direction D1 on the piston 362. When the piston 362 that has been pushed inside the cylinder 361 is released, a return spring (not shown) installed inside the cylinder 361 moves the piston 362 in the first direction D1, and the piston 362 is pushed out of the cylinder 361 and comes to rest. Then, in a steady state, the piston 362 is in contact with the end of the drive shaft 31.

[0081] [B] Operation of the Inserter 1 The operation of the inserter 1 of this embodiment will now be described.

[0082] In the inserter 1 of this embodiment, as described above, the drive shaft 31, which moves in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 in the axial direction, has the collision portion 356, the ring 331, and the spring bearing 342 fixed in the drive mechanism portion 3, and is connected to the drive electrode 21 that constitutes the contact portion 2 via the insulated operating rod 4. For this reason, the portion formed by the drive shaft 31, the collision portion 356, the ring 331, the spring bearing 342, the drive electrode 21, and the insulated operating rod 4 may be appropriately described as the movable portion 71.

[0083] [B-1] Steady State First, the case where the closing device 1 is in a steady state (de-energized, cut-off state) in this embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0084] When the closing switch 1 is in a steady state, in the contact unit 2, the tip of the driving electrode discharge portion 211 constituting the driving electrode 21 and the tip of the first shield 204 are at the same axial position, and the driving electrode 21 is spaced apart from the fixed electrode 22. At this time, in the drive mechanism unit 3, the position holder 34 is stationary with the spring receiver 342 fixed to the driving shaft 31 pressed against and in contact with the position holder stopper 343 by the position holder spring 341. The closing side braking unit 35 is stationary with the braking mass 352 pressed against and in contact with the closing side braking unit stopper 353 by the closing side braking unit spring 351. The opening side braking unit 36 ​​is stationary with the piston 362 in contact with the end of the driving shaft 31.

[0085] When an external circuit is electrically connected to the input device 1 while the input device 1 is in a steady state, the first lid 202 and the second lid 203 function as a pair of terminals, and a voltage is applied between the first lid 202 and the second lid 203. As a result, the first lid 202 is electrically connected to the driving electrode 21 and the first shield 204. At the same time, the second lid 203 is electrically connected to the fixed electrode 22 and the second shield 205. Therefore, inside the pressure vessel 20, a voltage is applied between the driving electrode 21 and the first shield 204 and the fixed electrode 22 and the second shield 205.

[0086] When the input device 1 is in a steady state, the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 are in an open-circuit state with sufficient distance between them. Therefore, the electric field near the driving electrode 21 and the electric field near the fixed electrode 22 are sufficiently lower than the breakdown electric field of the insulating gas sealed in the pressure vessel 20. Therefore, the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 are in an electrically insulated state, and the input device 1 is in a cut-off state with no electrical connection between the pair of terminals.

[0087] [B-2] Inserting Operation Next, the state when the inserting operation is performed in the inserter 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0088] The closing operation is an operation of changing from a steady-state interruption state to a current-carrying closing state, and then returning to the steady-state interruption state.

[0089] 2A to 2C are cross-sectional views schematically showing the state when the inserting operation is performed in the inserter 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0090] In this embodiment, the closing operation is performed, for example, when an external circuit is electrically connected to the closing device 1 and a voltage is applied between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22. In the closing operation of this embodiment, an approaching step, a braking step, and a separating step are performed in sequence.

[0091] [B-2-1] Approaching Step First, the approaching step of the closing operation will be described.

[0092] 2A , in the approaching step, the movable part 71 moves in the first direction D1, and the driving electrode 21 constituting the movable part 71 approaches the fixed electrode 22. Then, an arc discharge AR is generated between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22, and current is started to flow in the cutter 1.

[0093] Specifically, in the approaching step, the driver 33 applies a driving force in the first direction D1 to the drive shaft 31. Here, in the driver 33, an excitation circuit (not shown) applies a coil current to the coil 332, thereby generating a driving force in the ring 331. The driving force in the first direction D1 by the driver 33 is sufficiently greater than the first return force in the second direction D2 by the position-maintaining unit spring 341. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2A , the drive shaft 31 starts to move in the first direction D1. As a result, in the movable part 71, the spring bearing 342 fixed to the drive shaft 31 compresses the position-maintaining unit spring 341, and the drive electrode 21 moves in the first direction D1 together with the drive shaft 31, and the drive electrode 21 approaches the fixed electrode 22.

[0094] As described above, when the driving electrode 21 approaches the fixed electrode 22, the electric field near the driving electrode 21 and the electric field near the fixed electrode 22 become higher than the breakdown electric field of the insulating gas sealed in the pressure vessel 20. As a result, a breakdown occurs between the driving electrode discharge portion 211 and the fixed electrode discharge portion 221, and an arc discharge AR occurs, which brings the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 into a conductive state. As a result, the first lid 202 and the second lid 203 are brought into a conductive state, the input device 1 changes to a closed state, and current begins to flow in the input device 1.

[0095] Then, in the approaching step, as shown in FIG. 2B, before the driving electrode 21 contacts the fixed electrode 22, the collision portion 356 fixed to the driving shaft 31 in the movable portion 71 contacts the braking mass 352.

[0096] In the approaching step, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in the opening-side braking unit 36, the piston 362 moves in the first direction D1 from inside the cylinder 361 as the drive shaft 31 moves in the first direction D1.

[0097] [B-2-2] Braking Step Next, the braking step of the closing operation will be explained.

[0098] In the braking step, as shown in Fig. 2C, the speed of the movable part 71 moving in the first direction D1 is reduced to brake the driving electrode 21 of the movable part 71 moving in the first direction D1. Thereafter, in the braking step, as shown in Fig. 2B, the current continues to flow in the closing device 1.

[0099] Specifically, in the braking step, after the collision portion 356 of the movable portion 71 moving in the first direction D1 in the approach step comes into contact with the braking mass 352 (see Figure 2B), the driving electrode 21 of the movable portion 71 moving in the first direction D1 is braked by the division of momentum to the braking mass 352, the return force of the position holding portion spring 341, and the return force of the closing side braking portion spring 351, as shown in Figure 2C.

[0100] Here, when the collision portion 356 of the movable portion 71 contacts the braking mass 352, the momentum of the collision portion 356 is imparted to the braking mass 352, thereby braking the driving electrode 21. After the collision portion 356 contacts the braking mass 352, the driving force of the driving unit 33 moves the braking mass 352 in the first direction D1 until the driving electrode 21 contacts the fixed electrode 22, as shown in FIG. 2C . Therefore, the braking mass 352 moving in the first direction D1 compresses the closing-side braking unit spring 351 in the axial direction, thereby increasing the restoring force of the closing-side braking unit spring 351. In addition, in the braking step of this embodiment, the spring receiver 342 of the movable portion 71 moving in the first direction D1 compresses the position-maintaining unit spring 341 in the axial direction, thereby increasing the restoring force of the position-maintaining unit spring 341. Therefore, in this embodiment, the speed of the driving electrode 21 moving in the first direction D1 is reduced by the return force of the position maintaining portion spring 341 and the return force of the closing side braking portion spring 351. Then, the driving electrode 21 comes into contact with the fixed electrode 22, thereby stopping the movement of the movable portion 71 in the first direction D1.

[0101] 2B, after the movement of the movable part 71 in the first direction D1 has stopped, the movable part 71 moves in the second direction D2 due to the return force of the position-maintaining part spring 341 and the return force of the closing-side brake part spring 351. Even in this case, the conduction state between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 is maintained by the arc discharge AR, and the closing switch 1 continues to be in the closing state.

[0102] The driving force of the driving unit 33 decreases as the distance between the ring 331 and the coil 332 increases. The driving force of the driving unit 33 also decreases as the coil current decreases. The driving force of the driving unit 33 may start to decrease before the driving electrode 21 comes into contact with the fixed electrode 22.

[0103] Furthermore, when the collision portion 356 of the movable portion 71 comes into contact with the braking mass 352, the collision portion 356 and the braking mass 352 may not maintain their contact state but may change to a separated state, but in this embodiment, the separated state returns to a contact state due to the restoring force of the closing-side braking portion spring 351. As a result, braking of the drive electrode 21 continues.

[0104] [B-2-3] Opening Step Next, the opening step of the closing operation will be described.

[0105] In the separating step, as shown in FIG. 2A, after the braking step, the movable portion 71 moves further in the second direction D2, thereby separating the driving electrode 21 from the fixed electrode 22.

[0106] 2A, in the opening step, the braking mass 352 comes into contact with the closing-side braking unit stopper 353 and stops, and the movable unit 71 moves further in the second direction D2 due to the restoring force of the position-maintaining unit spring 341. Even in this case, the conduction state between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 is maintained by the arc discharge AR, and the closing switch 1 continues to be closed.

[0107] At this time, the speed of the movable part 71 moving in the second direction D2 is reduced by the road-opening-side braking part 36. Here, the drive shaft 31 of the movable part 71 comes into contact with the piston 362, and the drive shaft 31 moves the piston 362 in the second direction D2 and pushes it into the cylinder 361. As a result, a damping force is applied to the drive shaft 31 of the movable part 71, and the speed of the movable part 71 moving in the second direction D2 is reduced.

[0108] 1, the movement of the movable part 71 in the second direction D2 is stopped when the spring bearing 342 of the movable part 71 comes into contact with the position holding part stopper 343. This returns the inserter 1 to its normal state (de-energized state).

[0109] At this time, the driving force of the driving unit 33 is smaller than the first returning force. For example, the driving force of the driving unit 33 is completely attenuated and disappears. The arc discharge AR generated between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 is extinguished by current interruption by an external circuit or current attenuation. This results in an electrically insulated state between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22. As a result, the closing switch 1 returns to a cut-off state in which there is no conduction between the pair of terminals, and the closing operation is completed.

[0110] [C] Summary As described above, the closing device 1 of this embodiment includes the closing-side braking unit 35, which reduces the speed of the driving electrode 21 moving in the first direction D1 to approach the fixed electrode 22 during the closing operation. In the closing-side braking unit 35, the closing-side braking unit spring 351 biases the braking mass 352 so as to apply a return force in the second direction D2 to the braking mass 352 that the collision unit 356 contacts during the closing operation. Therefore, in this embodiment, the driving electrode 21 moving in the first direction D1 during the closing operation is braked by the return force of the position-retaining unit spring 341 of the position-retaining unit 34 and the return force of the closing-side braking unit spring 351 of the closing-side braking unit 35. As a result, in this embodiment, the speed of the driving electrode 21 moving in the first direction D1 during the closing operation can be sufficiently reduced, thereby reducing the impact force when the driving electrode 21 contacts the fixed electrode 22. Therefore, the occurrence of damage can be suppressed and reliability can be easily improved in the closing device 1 of this embodiment. In particular, in the closing device 1 of this embodiment, the drive mechanism 3, which is located closer to the second direction D2 than the contact 2, has the closing-side braking unit 35, so that the elements that drive, brake, and hold the position of the drive electrode 21 are concentrated in the drive mechanism 3. Therefore, the closing device 1 of this embodiment can improve the operability of fine adjustment of each component during manufacturing and maintenance work.

[0111] Because the closing switch 1 of this embodiment includes a closing-side braking unit 35, when a closing operation is performed, an arc discharge AR is generated between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22, which initiates current flow. After the driving electrode 21 contacts the fixed electrode 22, the driving electrode 21 separates from the fixed electrode 22 while the current flow continues. That is, in this embodiment, the driving electrode 21, whose metal surface has been partially melted by the arc discharge AR, comes into contact with the fixed electrode 22, whose metal surface has been partially melted by the arc discharge AR. The driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 then separate before their metal surfaces cool. Therefore, this embodiment can prevent welding between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22, thereby preventing sharp protrusions from forming on the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 when the welding portions are separated. As a result, in the closing switch 1 of this embodiment, when a high voltage is applied between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 during steady-state operation, there is no area that becomes an electric field concentration area. Therefore, the inserter 1 of this embodiment maintains the insulating performance between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 and can effectively prevent the voltage resistance performance of the inserter 1 from decreasing, making it easy to improve reliability.

[0112] In the closing device 1 of this embodiment, the distance d1 of the first gap between the collision portion 356 and the damping mass 352 in the axial direction during steady operation is shorter than the distance d2 of the second gap between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 in the axial direction during steady operation. Therefore, in the closing device 1 of this embodiment, the driving electrode 21 approaches the fixed electrode 22, and after electrical conduction is established between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 via an arc discharge AR, the collision portion 356 contacts the damping mass 352, thereby braking the driving electrode 21. In this embodiment, before electrical conduction is established between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 due to the generation of the arc discharge AR, the speed of the driving electrode 21 moving in the first direction D1 hardly decreases. As a result, in this embodiment, the electric field between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 can be rapidly increased, thereby shortening the time when the arc discharge AR begins to occur and suppressing variation in the time when the arc discharge AR begins to occur.

[0113] In the inserter 1 of this embodiment, the drive unit 33 is an electromagnetic repulsive operation mechanism including a ring 331 and a coil 332. When performing the inserting operation, a current is applied to the coil 332, which generates an induced repulsive force as a driving force in the first direction D1, separating the coil 332 from the ring 331. In this embodiment, the induced repulsive force is generated as described above, thereby applying a driving force to the drive electrode 21. Therefore, in this embodiment, the drive electrode 21 can be brought close to the fixed electrode 22 in a short time, thereby shortening the inserting time.

[0114] In the closing device 1 of this embodiment, the position-maintaining spring 341 and the closing-side braking spring 351 are coil springs. Therefore, in this embodiment, the position-maintaining spring 341 and the closing-side braking spring 351 can apply a linear return force to the driving electrode 21 and the braking mass 352. Therefore, in this embodiment, the positions of the driving electrode 21 and the braking mass 352 can be stably maintained during steady operation, and the speeds of the driving electrode 21 and the braking mass 352 can be reliably reduced during the closing operation.

[0115] The closing device 1 of this embodiment includes a circuit-opening-side braking unit 36. When the opening step of the closing operation is performed, the circuit-opening-side braking unit 36 ​​comes into contact with the drive shaft 31 moving in the second direction D2, and reduces the speed of the drive electrode 21 moving in the second direction D2. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to effectively prevent damage to the device when the opening step of the closing operation is performed.

[0116] In the input device 1 of this embodiment, the contact unit 2 includes a pressure vessel 20. The pressure vessel 20 includes a pressure vessel internal space SP20 that houses a driving electrode 21 and a fixed electrode 22. An insulating gas is sealed in the pressure vessel internal space SP20. The pressure vessel 20 also includes a pressure vessel through-hole K20 through which the driving electrode 21 penetrates from the inside to the outside of the pressure vessel internal space SP20. The inner circumferential surface of the pressure vessel through-hole K20 and the outer circumferential surface of the driving electrode 21 are sealed. In the input device 1 of this embodiment, the drive mechanism unit 3 for driving the driving electrode 21 is located axially closer to the second direction D2 than the contact unit 2 and is provided outside the pressure vessel 20. Therefore, the input device 1 of this embodiment can improve the operability of maintenance work, etc. Furthermore, the input device 1 of this embodiment can reduce the size of the pressure vessel 20 compared to a configuration in which the entire driving electrode 21 is housed in the pressure vessel 20, thereby reducing the amount of insulating gas used.

[0117] In the closing device 1 of this embodiment, the driving electrode discharge portion 211 and the fixed electrode discharge portion 221 are formed of an arc-resistant metal material. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the closing operation is performed, melting of the surfaces of the driving electrode discharge portion 211 and the fixed electrode discharge portion 221 by the arc discharge AR can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the formation of welded portions on the driving electrode discharge portion 211 and the fixed electrode discharge portion 221. As a result, in this embodiment, when the welded portion between the driving electrode discharge portion 211 and the fixed electrode discharge portion 221 is separated, sharp protrusions are prevented from being formed on both the driving electrode discharge portion 211 and the fixed electrode discharge portion 221. Therefore, when a high voltage is applied between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 in a steady state, there are fewer areas that become electric field concentrated areas. Even if sharp protrusions are formed on both the driving electrode discharge portion 211 and the fixed electrode discharge portion 221 when the welded portion between the driving electrode discharge portion 211 and the fixed electrode discharge portion 221 is separated, the sharp protrusions are evaporated and removed by the arc discharge. Therefore, the closing switch 1 of this embodiment maintains the insulating performance between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22, and can effectively prevent the voltage resistance performance of the closing switch 1 from decreasing.

[0118] The closing device 1 of this embodiment is an electrode-driven type. Therefore, the closing device 1 of this embodiment does not require a trigger electrode as in the trigger discharge type, and can therefore operate more times than the trigger discharge type. Furthermore, the closing device 1 of this embodiment does not require an expensive pulse power supply as is necessary in the trigger discharge type, so it is possible to reduce equipment costs.

[0119] Second Embodiment [A] Configuration of the inserter 1b Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the inserter 1b according to the second embodiment. Fig. 3 shows the inserter 1b in a steady state (de-energized state) as in Fig. 1.

[0120] As shown in Fig. 3, the inserter 1b of this embodiment includes a contact portion 2b and a drive mechanism portion 3. In the inserter 1b of this embodiment, the structure of the drive mechanism portion 3 is the same as that of the first embodiment (see Fig. 1). In contrast, the structure of the contact portion 2b is different from that of the first embodiment (see Fig. 1). Except for this point and related points, this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, explanations of overlapping points will be omitted where appropriate.

[0121] In the inserter 1b of this embodiment, the contact portion 2b includes a pressure vessel 20, a driving electrode 21, and a fixed electrode 22, as shown in FIG.

[0122] [A-1] Pressure Vessel 20 As in the first embodiment, the pressure vessel 20 comprises an insulating cylinder 201, a first lid 202, and a second lid 203, and an insulating gas is sealed in the pressure vessel internal space SP20. In this embodiment, the pressure of the insulating gas is preferably in the range of, for example, atmospheric pressure to approximately three times atmospheric pressure.

[0123] In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment (see FIG. 1), the pressure vessel internal space SP20 is not provided with a first shield 204 or a second shield 205. The pressure vessel internal space SP20 is provided with a first current collecting flange 204b and a second current collecting flange 205b.

[0124] [A-1-1] First current collecting flange 204b The first current collecting flange 204b is installed on a surface located on the inside of the first lid 202. The first current collecting flange 204b is an annular ring made of a metal material and fixed to the first lid 202 so as to be electrically connected. A first current collecting portion 2041b is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the first current collecting flange 204b.

[0125] [A-1-1-2] Second current collecting flange 205b The second current collecting flange 205b is installed on the surface located on the inside of the second lid 203. The second current collecting flange 205b is an annular ring made of a metal material and fixed to the second lid 203 so as to be electrically connected. The second current collecting flange 205b is aligned coaxially with the first current collecting flange 204b in the axial direction. A second current collecting portion 2051b is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the second current collecting flange 205b.

[0126] [A-2] Vacuum Vessel 25 The vacuum vessel 25 is housed in the pressure vessel internal space SP20 and is supported by the fixed electrode 22.

[0127] The vacuum vessel 25 comprises a vacuum vessel insulating cylinder 250, a first vacuum vessel end plate 251, and a second vacuum vessel end plate 252. A vacuum vessel internal space SP25 is defined inside the vacuum vessel insulating cylinder 250, the first vacuum vessel end plate 251, and the second vacuum vessel end plate 252. The vacuum vessel internal space SP25 is in a vacuum state.

[0128] [A-2-1] Vacuum vessel insulating cylinder 250 In the vacuum vessel 25, the vacuum vessel insulating cylinder 250 is a cylindrical tubular body made of an insulating material.

[0129] [A-2-2] First vacuum vessel end plate 251 In the vacuum vessel 25, the first vacuum vessel end plate 251 is a disk-shaped plate material. The first vacuum vessel end plate 251 is made of a metal material and is joined to the vacuum vessel insulating cylinder 250 so as to seal the space between them.

[0130] A first vacuum vessel through-hole K251 is provided in the center of the first vacuum vessel end plate 251 so as to communicate between the inside and outside of the vacuum vessel internal space SP25. One end of a vacuum vessel bellows 254 is hermetically joined to the first vacuum vessel through-hole K251.

[0131] The vacuum vessel bellows 254 is a metal pipe with a bellows structure, and is configured to be expandable and contractible in the axial direction.

[0132] [A-2-3] Second vacuum vessel end plate 252 In the vacuum vessel 25, the second vacuum vessel end plate 252 is a disk-shaped plate material, similar to the first vacuum vessel end plate 251. The second vacuum vessel end plate 252 is made of a metal material and is joined to the vacuum vessel insulating cylinder 250 so as to seal the space between them.

[0133] A second vacuum vessel through-hole K252 is provided in the center of the second vacuum vessel end plate 252 so as to communicate between the inside and outside of the vacuum vessel internal space SP25.

[0134] [A-3] Driving electrode 21 The driving electrode 21 penetrates the first vacuum vessel penetration hole K251 as well as the pressure vessel penetration hole K20. The driving electrode 21 also penetrates the inside of the first current collecting flange 204b. The other end of the vacuum vessel bellows 254 is joined to the driving electrode 21 in a sealed manner. As a result, the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the first vacuum vessel penetration hole K251 and the outer peripheral surface of the driving electrode 21 is sealed via the vacuum vessel bellows 254.

[0135] Here, the driving electrode 21 includes a driving electrode discharge portion 211 b and a driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212 .

[0136] [A-3-1] Driving electrode discharge part 211b The driving electrode discharge part 211b is located at the tip of the driving electrode 21 and is housed in the vacuum vessel internal space SP25. The driving electrode discharge part 211b has an outer diameter larger than that of the driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212.

[0137] [A-3-2] Driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212 The driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212 is connected to the driving electrode discharge part 211b, and the part located on the driving electrode discharge part 211b side passes through the vacuum vessel bellows 254 in the vacuum vessel internal space SP25. The driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212 includes a part that contacts the first current collector part 2041b inside the first current collector flange 204b. The driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212 maintains electrical continuity between the first current collector flange 204b, the first lid 202, and the first insulating cylinder flange 2011 via the first current collector part 2041b.

[0138] [A-4] Fixed electrode 22 The fixed electrode 22 passes through the second vacuum vessel through-hole K252. The fixed electrode 22 also passes through the interior of the second current collecting flange 205b. The inner peripheral surface of the second vacuum vessel through-hole K252 and the outer peripheral surface of the fixed electrode 22 are joined in a hermetic manner. The fixed electrode 22 is installed in the second lid 203 that constitutes the pressure vessel 20 in the pressure vessel internal space SP20.

[0139] Here, the fixed electrode 22 includes a fixed electrode discharge portion 221 b and a fixed electrode current-carrying shaft 222 .

[0140] [A-4-1] Fixed electrode discharge part 221b The fixed electrode discharge part 221b is located at the tip of the fixed electrode 22 and is housed in the vacuum vessel internal space SP25. The fixed electrode discharge part 221b has an outer diameter larger than that of the fixed electrode current-carrying shaft 222.

[0141] [A-4-2] Fixed electrode current-carrying shaft 222 Fixed electrode current-carrying shaft 222 is connected to fixed electrode discharge portion 221b, and includes a portion that contacts second current collector portion 2051b inside second current collector flange 205b. Fixed electrode current-carrying shaft 222 maintains electrical continuity between second current collector flange 205b, second lid 203, and second insulating tube flange 2012 via second current collector portion 2051b.

[0142] [B] Operation of the Inserter 1b The operation of the inserter 1b of this embodiment will now be described.

[0143] [B-1] Steady State First, a case where the closing device 1b is in a steady state (de-energized, cut-off state) in this embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

[0144] When the closing device 1b is in a steady state, in the drive mechanism 3, as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 1), the position holder 34 is stationary with the spring receiver 342 fixed to the drive shaft 31 pressed against and in contact with the position holder stopper 343 by the position holder spring 341. The closing side braking unit 35 is stationary with the braking mass 352 pressed against and in contact with the closing side braking unit stopper 353 by the closing side braking unit spring 351. The opening side braking unit 36 ​​is stationary with the piston 362 in contact with the end of the drive shaft 31.

[0145] When an external circuit is electrically connected to the input device 1b while the input device 1b is in a steady state, the first lid 202 and the second lid 203 function as a pair of terminals, and a voltage is applied between the first lid 202 and the second lid 203, as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 1 ). As a result, the first lid 202 is electrically connected to the driving electrode 21 and has the same potential, and the second lid 203 is electrically connected to the fixed electrode 22 and has the same potential. Therefore, inside the vacuum vessel 25, a voltage is applied between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22.

[0146] When the closing switch 1b is in a steady state, the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 are in an open-circuit state with sufficient distance between them. Therefore, the electric field near the driving electrode 21 and the electric field near the fixed electrode 22 are sufficiently lower than the breakdown electric field in a vacuum. Therefore, the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 are in an electrically insulated state, and the closing switch 1b is in a cut-off state with no electrical connection between the pair of terminals.

[0147] [B-2] Inserting Operation Next, the state when the inserting operation is performed in the inserter 1b of this embodiment will be described.

[0148] 4A to 4C are cross-sectional views schematically showing a state when a throwing operation is performed in the thrower 1b according to the second embodiment.

[0149] In the closing operation of this embodiment, an approaching step, a braking step, and a separating step are executed in sequence, similarly to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 2A to 2C).

[0150] [B-2-1] Approaching Step In the approaching step, as shown in FIG. 4A, the movable part 71 moves in the first direction D1, and the driving electrode 21 approaches the fixed electrode 22 inside the vacuum vessel 25. As a result, the electric field near the driving electrode 21 and the electric field near the fixed electrode 22 become higher than the breakdown electric field in a vacuum state. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B, a conductive state is established between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 inside the vacuum vessel 25 due to the arc discharge AR. Accordingly, a conductive state is established between the first lid 202 and the second lid 203, the input device 1b changes to the input state, and current begins to flow through the input device 1b.

[0151] In the approach step of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4B, as in the first embodiment (see Figure 2B), before the driving electrode 21 contacts the fixed electrode 22, the collision portion 356 fixed to the driving shaft 31 in the movable portion 71 contacts the braking mass 352.

[0152] [B-2-2] Braking Step In the braking step, as shown in Fig. 4C , similarly to the first embodiment, after the collision portion 356 of the movable portion 71 moving in the first direction D1 in the approaching step comes into contact with the braking mass 352 (see Fig. 4B ), the movable portion 71 moving in the first direction D1 is braked by the return forces of the position-retaining portion springs 341 and the closing-side braking portion springs 351. Then, the drive electrode 21 comes into contact with the fixed electrode 22, thereby stopping the movement of the movable portion 71 in the first direction D1.

[0153] 4B, the movable part 71 moves in the second direction D2 due to the return force of the position-maintaining part spring 341 and the return force of the closing-side brake part spring 351. Even in this case, inside the vacuum vessel 25, the arc discharge AR maintains the electrical continuity between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22, and the closing switch 1b continues to be closed.

[0154] [B-2-3] Separation Step In the separation step, as shown in Fig. 4A, the movable part 71 moves further in the second direction D2, separating the driving electrode 21 from the fixed electrode 22, as in the first embodiment. Even in this case, the arc discharge AR maintains electrical continuity between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22, and the closing switch 1b continues to be closed. In addition, the speed of the movable part 71 moving in the second direction D2 is reduced by the opening-side braking part 36.

[0155] 3, the movement of the movable part 71 in the second direction D2 is stopped when the spring bearing 342 of the movable part 71 comes into contact with the position holding part stopper 343. This causes the inserter 1b to return to its normal state (de-energized, cut-off state).

[0156] [C] Summary As described above, the inserter 1b of this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment (see FIG. 1) in the structure of the drive mechanism 3 and the operation of the movable part 71 including the drive electrode 21. Therefore, the inserter 1b of this embodiment can achieve the same functions and effects as the first embodiment.

[0157] However, in the case of the voltage cutter 1b of this embodiment, a vacuum vessel 25 accommodates the contact portion between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22. In the case of the voltage cutter 1b of this embodiment, an arc discharge AR occurs in the vacuum vessel internal space SP25, which is in a vacuum state, when the voltage cutter 1b performs the closing operation. Therefore, in the case of the voltage cutter 1b of this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the insulating gas is not decomposed by the arc discharge AR. This prevents the insulating performance of the insulating gas from deteriorating and causing a breakdown during steady state operation.

[0158] <Others> Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as set forth in the claims.

[0159] The following describes the modified example.

[0160] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a feeder according to a modified example.

[0161] 5 shows the case where the closing device is in a steady state (de-energized, cut-off state), similar to Fig. 1 etc. Fig. 5 shows an enlarged view of the entire closing device, including the collision portion 356 and the braking mass 352.

[0162] As shown in FIG. 5 , the closing device of this modification includes a spacer 3561 installed in a first gap between the collision portion 356 and the braking mass 352 in the axial direction. The spacer 3561 is a plate-like body that is detachably attached between the collision portion 356 and the braking mass 352. In this modification, the installation of the spacer 3561 allows the distance d1 of the first gap between the collision portion 356 and the braking mass 352 to be changed. Accordingly, in this modification, the state in which the drive electrode 21 approaches and contacts the fixed electrode 22 during the closing operation can be appropriately changed (see FIG. 1 ). Therefore, this modification can further suppress the occurrence of damage and more easily achieve improved reliability.

[0163] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a feeder according to another modified example.

[0164] 6, like FIG. 5, a portion of the entire thrower including the collision portion 356 and the braking mass 352 is shown enlarged.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 6 , the closing device of this modification has a spacer 3562 between the third support portion 305 and the closing-side braking portion base 354 in the axial direction. The spacer 3562 is a plate-like body and is configured to be freely attached and detached. In this modification, the installation of the spacer 3562 also makes it possible to change the distance d1 of the first gap between the collision portion 356 and the braking mass 352. Accordingly, in this modification, the state in which the driving electrode 21 approaches and contacts the fixed electrode 22 during the closing operation can be appropriately changed (see FIG. 1 ). This further reduces the occurrence of damage and more easily improves reliability.

[0166] In the above embodiment, the case where the drive unit 33 is an electromagnetic repulsion operation mechanism has been described, but this is not limited thereto. The drive unit 33 may be composed of a hydraulic operation mechanism, a spring operation mechanism, or the like. A hydraulic operation mechanism is a mechanism that uses the pressure difference of accumulated hydraulic pressure as a driving force. A spring operation mechanism is a mechanism that uses the force of an energized coil spring as a driving force. When the drive unit 33 is an electromagnetic repulsion mechanism, the drive force can be released in a shorter time than when other mechanisms are used, and the drive force can be rapidly reduced after the drive electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 come into contact. For this reason, it is preferable that the drive unit 33 be an electromagnetic repulsion mechanism.

[0167] In the above embodiment, the driving electrode 21 is connected to the driving shaft 31 via the insulating operating rod 4, but this is not limiting. The driving electrode 21 and the driving shaft 31 may be directly connected to each other, and may be electrically connected to each other.

[0168] In the above embodiment, the position maintaining spring 341 and the closing side braking spring 351 are described as coil springs, but this is not limiting. The position maintaining spring 341 and the closing side braking spring 351 may be configured using a disc spring, an air spring, or the like.

[0169] In the above embodiment, the circuit-opening side braking unit 36 ​​is described as a shock absorber that outputs a damping force by utilizing the viscous resistance of hydraulic oil, but this is not limited thereto. The circuit-opening side braking unit 36 ​​may be an air damper that utilizes the viscous resistance of air, a rubber damper that utilizes a rubber damping mechanism, or the like. However, considering the rise characteristics of the damping force relative to the amount of depression, it is preferable that the circuit-opening side braking unit 36 ​​be a shock absorber that outputs a damping force by utilizing the viscous resistance of hydraulic oil.

[0170] In the above embodiment, the drive mechanism 3 includes the circuit-opening side braking unit 36, but this is not limiting. The drive mechanism 3 does not necessarily have to include the circuit-opening side braking unit 36.

[0171] In the braking step of the above embodiment, the case where the movement of the movable part 71 in the first direction D1 is stopped by the driving electrode 21 contacting the fixed electrode 22, and then the movable part 71 moves in the second direction D2 has been described, but this is not limited thereto. The closing device may be configured such that, in the braking step, the movement of the movable part 71 in the first direction D1 is stopped before the driving electrode 21 contacts the fixed electrode 22, and then the movable part 71 moves in the second direction D2.

[0172] In the above embodiment, the movable part 71 includes the seal member 2021 and the first current collector 2041 as sliding contact members for the drive electrode 21. However, this is not limiting. In addition to the seal member 2021 and the first current collector 2041, another sliding contact member made of a low-friction material may be provided. Here, the low-friction material is, for example, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). This allows the movable part 71 to move smoothly.

[0173] In the above embodiment, the tip of the driving electrode discharge portion 211 is located at the same position as the tip of the first shield 204 in a steady state (see FIG. 1), but may be located closer to the second direction D2 than the tip of the first shield 204. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the tip of the fixed electrode discharge portion 221 is located at the same position as the tip of the second shield 205 (see FIG. 1), but may be located closer to the first direction than the tip of the second shield 205.

[0174] 1: closing device, 1b: closing device, 2: contact portion, 2b: contact portion, 3: driving mechanism portion, 4: insulating operating rod, 20: pressure vessel, 21: driving electrode, 22: fixed electrode, 25: vacuum vessel, 30: mechanism box, 31: driving shaft, 33: driving portion, 34: position holding portion, 35: closing side braking portion, 36: opening side braking portion, 71: moving portion, 201: insulating tube, 202: first lid, 203: second lid, 204: first shield, 204b: first current collecting flange, 205: second shield, 205b: second current collecting flange, 211: driving electrode discharge portion, 211b: driving electrode discharge portion current-carrying portion, 212: drive electrode current-carrying shaft, 221: fixed electrode discharge portion, 221b: fixed electrode discharge portion, 222: fixed electrode current-carrying shaft, 250: vacuum vessel insulating tube, 251: vacuum vessel end plate, 252: vacuum vessel end plate, 254: vacuum vessel bellows, 303: first support portion, 304: second support portion, 305: third support portion, 306: fourth support portion, 331: ring, 332: coil, 341: position-keeping portion spring, 342: spring receiver, 343: position-keeping portion stopper, 344: position-keeping portion base, 345: position-keeping portion housing tube, 351: closing-side braking portion spring, 35 2: braking mass, 353: closing side braking portion stopper, 354: closing side braking portion base, 355: closing side braking portion housing pipe, 356: collision portion, 361: cylinder, 362: piston, 2010: insulating container, 2011: first insulating cylinder flange, 2012: second insulating cylinder flange, 2021: sealing member, 2041: first current collecting portion, 2041b: first current collecting portion, 2051: second current collecting portion, 2051b: second current collecting portion, 3311: conductor portion, 3521: braking mass large diameter portion, 3522: braking mass small diameter portion, 3561: spacer, 3562: spacer, AR: arc discharge, D1: first direction, D2: second direction, K20: pressure vessel through-hole, K251: first vacuum vessel through-hole, K252: second vacuum vessel through-hole, K30: mechanism box through-hole, K303: support part through-hole, K304: first support part through-hole, K305: second support part through-hole, K343: position keeping part stopper through-hole, K344: position keeping part base through-hole, K353: closing side braking part stopper through-hole, K354: closing side braking part base through-hole, SP20: pressure vessel internal space, SP25: vacuum vessel internal space, SP30: mechanism box internal space

Claims

1. a contact portion in which a driving electrode and a fixed electrode are coaxially arranged in an axial direction, and which is configured to be movable in a first direction in which the driving electrode approaches the fixed electrode in the axial direction, and in a second direction in which the driving electrode moves away from the fixed electrode in the axial direction; a drive mechanism portion located closer to the second direction than the contact portion in the axial direction, in which a drive shaft is coaxially connected to the drive electrode in the axial direction, and in which the drive shaft moves in the axial direction to move the drive electrode in the axial direction; A throwing device comprising: The drive mechanism includes: a drive unit configured to apply a drive force in the first direction to the drive shaft when performing a closing operation; a closing-side braking unit configured to brake the driving electrode moving in the first direction when the driving unit moves the driving electrode in the first direction during a closing operation; and a position holding unit that biases the drive shaft so as to apply a return force in the second direction and is configured to hold the drive electrode and the fixed electrode in a separated state in a steady state; and The closing side braking unit is a collision portion disposed on the drive shaft and moving in the first direction together with the drive electrode when performing a closing operation; a braking mass configured to brake the driving electrode moving in the first direction by contact with the collision portion moving in the first direction when performing a closing operation; a closing-side braking portion spring that biases the braking mass so as to apply a returning force in the second direction; a closing-side braking portion stopper provided to restrict movement of the braking mass in the second direction during steady state operation; and and The position maintaining unit is a position-retaining spring that biases the drive shaft so as to apply a return force in the second direction; a position-retaining stopper provided to restrict movement of the drive electrode in the second direction in a steady state; and Including, Injector.

2. (delete)

3. (delete)

4. The closing operation is an approaching step in which the driving section applies a driving force in the first direction to the driving shaft, thereby causing the driving electrode to approach the fixed electrode; a braking step in which, after the collision portion moving in the first direction comes into contact with the braking mass in the approaching step, the drive electrode moving in the first direction is braked by a return force of the position maintaining portion spring and a return force of the closing circuit side braking portion spring; a separating step in which, after the braking step, the driving shaft moves in the second direction, thereby separating the driving electrode from the fixed electrode; Including, The dispenser according to claim 1.

5. In the approaching step, the driving electrode approaches the fixed electrode, causing an arc discharge between the driving electrode and the fixed electrode, and starting current flow; In the braking step, the energization is continued, In the separating step, the driving electrode is separated from the fixed electrode in a state where an arc discharge is generated between the driving electrode and the fixed electrode. The inserter according to claim 4.

6. a distance of a first gap interposed between the collision portion and the braking mass in the axial direction during a steady state is shorter than a distance of a second gap interposed between the drive electrode and the fixed electrode in the axial direction during a steady state; The dispenser according to claim 1.

7. A spacer disposed in the first gap having The inserter according to claim 6.

8. The drive unit is a ring provided on the drive shaft; a coil disposed so as to face the ring in the axial direction; Equipped with When performing a closing operation, a current is applied to the coil, whereby an induced repulsive force is generated as a driving force in the first direction, and the coil and the ring are separated from each other.

8. The inserter according to claim 1, 4 or 7.

9. The drive unit is an opening-side braking section configured to brake the driving electrode moving in the second direction; Further comprising:

6. The inserter according to claim 4 or 5.

10. The contact portion is a pressure vessel including an internal space for accommodating the driving electrode and the fixed electrode, the internal space being filled with an insulating gas; Including, The pressure vessel comprises: the driving electrode includes a pressure vessel through-hole that penetrates from the inside to the outside of the internal space of the pressure vessel, and the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the pressure vessel through-hole and the outer circumferential surface of the driving electrode is sealed.

10. The inserter according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 9.

11. The contact portion is a vacuum vessel including an internal space of the vacuum vessel that accommodates the driving electrode and the fixed electrode, the internal space of the vacuum vessel being evacuated; Including, The vacuum vessel comprises: the driving electrode includes a vacuum vessel through-hole penetrating from the inside to the outside of the internal space of the vacuum vessel, and a gap between an inner peripheral surface of the vacuum vessel through-hole and an outer peripheral surface of the driving electrode is sealed.

11. The inserter according to claim 1, or any one of claims 4 to 10.