Breaker device

Abstract

A breaker device (100) comprises a housing (10), a gas generator (4), a pusher (5), a conductor (3), and a fiber member (8). The gas generator (4) generates gas. The pusher (5) is positioned inside the housing (10) and is positioned under the gas generator (4). The conductor (3) has a separation part (36) that is positioned under the pusher (5) and is cut by the pusher (5). The fiber member (8) is positioned inside the housing (10) and is positioned under the pusher (5) and the separation part (36). An inner surface (19) of the housing (10) includes a curved part (190) that is curved. A first portion of a side part of the fiber member (8) is in contact with the inner surface of the housing (10). A gap (G0) is provided between a second portion of the side part of the fiber member (8) and the inner surface of the housing (10).

Description

Circuit breaker

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an isolation device, and more particularly to an isolation device including a gas generator.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electric circuit breaker. The electric circuit breaker includes an igniter, a projectile, a conductor piece, an arc-extinguishing region, and a fibrous coolant material. The igniter is provided in a housing. The projectile is disposed in a cylindrical space formed within the housing. The projectile is configured to be movable within the cylindrical space by energy received from the igniter. The conductor piece is provided in the housing and forms part of an electric circuit. The conductor piece has a portion to be excised by the projectile. The conductor piece is disposed so that the portion to be excised crosses the cylindrical space. The arc-extinguishing region is located in the cylindrical space on the opposite side of the projectile across the portion to be excised before activation of the igniter. The arc-extinguishing region is a region for receiving the portion to be excised by the projectile. The coolant material is disposed in the arc-extinguishing region.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-128894

[0004] In a circuit breaker, improvement in the cooling performance for cooling the arc or gas is desired.

[0005] A blocking device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing, a gas generator, a pusher, a conductor, and a fibrous member. The gas generator generates gas. The pusher is located inside the housing and below the gas generator. The conductor has a separation portion located below the pusher and cut by the pusher. The fibrous member is located inside the housing and below the pusher and the separation portion. The inner surface of the housing has a curved portion. A first portion of a side portion of the fibrous member contacts the inner surface of the housing. A gap is provided between a second portion of the side portion of the fibrous member and the inner surface of the housing.

[0006] The present disclosure has the advantage of improving cooling performance.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an isolating device of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the isolating device. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the isolating device taken along a plane perpendicular to the X-axis. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the isolating device taken along a plane perpendicular to the Y-axis. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the isolating device taken along a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fibrous member provided in the isolating device. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the isolating device taken along a plane perpendicular to the X-axis in a state after a shutoff operation. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the isolating device taken along a plane perpendicular to the Y-axis in a state after a shutoff operation. FIG. 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of fibrous member accommodated in the internal space of the housing and the pressure in the internal space after the shutoff operation in the isolating device. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the isolating device of Modification 1 taken along a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the isolating device of Modification 2 taken along a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the isolating device of Modification 3 taken along a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis. FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the isolating device of Modification 4 taken along a plane perpendicular to the X-axis. Fig. 13B is a perspective view of a fibrous member provided in the isolating device of the same. Fig. 14A is a cross-sectional view in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis of the isolating device of modified example 5. Fig. 14B is a perspective view of a fibrous member provided in the isolating device of the same. Fig. 15A is a cross-sectional view in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis of the isolating device of modified example 6. Fig. 15B is a perspective view of a fibrous member provided in the isolating device of the same. Fig. 16A is a cross-sectional view in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis of the isolating device of modified example 7. Fig. 16B is a perspective view of a fibrous member provided in the isolating device of the same. Fig. 17A is a perspective view of a fibrous member provided in the isolating device of one modified example. Fig. 17B is a perspective view of a fibrous member provided in the isolating device of one modified example. Fig. 17C is a perspective view of a fibrous member provided in the isolating device of one modified example.

[0008] Hereinafter, blocking devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the following embodiments are merely a portion of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The following embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, the drawings described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0009] (1) Embodiment A blocking device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. FIG.

[0010] The interrupter 100 is a device mounted on an object having an electric circuit through which current supplied from a power source flows. The interrupter 100 is activated when an abnormality occurs in, for example, an electric circuit or system within the object, thereby interrupting the electric circuit and preventing damage from the abnormality from becoming greater.

[0011] The interrupting device 100 is mounted on, for example, a vehicle, which is an example of the target object. The interrupting device 100 is connected, for example, between a motor and a battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery) for driving the motor in the vehicle, and cuts off the electrical connection between the motor and the battery for driving the motor in an emergency such as an abnormality or an accident. The target object may be something other than a vehicle, and examples include, but are not limited to, a home appliance and a solar power generation system.

[0012] (1.1) Configuration of the circuit breaker As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the circuit breaker 100 includes a housing 10, a conductor 3, a gas generator 4 (igniter), a pusher 5, a protective part 6, elastic members 71 to 74, and a fibrous member 8.

[0013] In the following, the explanation will be given by defining three axes (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis) of a right-handed three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system for the interrupter 100 as follows. That is, the movement direction of the pusher 5 is the Z-axis direction, the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and along the extension direction of the plate-shaped conductor 3 is the Y-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction is the X-axis direction. For convenience of explanation, the direction along the Z-axis is also referred to as the up-down direction, and the side on which the gas generator 4 is located as viewed from the conductor 3 (the positive direction of the Z-axis) is also referred to as "up," and the opposite side is also referred to as "down." The direction along the Y-axis is also referred to as the left-right direction, and the side on which the second terminal 32 is located as viewed from the first terminal 31 of the conductor 3 (the positive direction of the Y-axis) is also referred to as "right," and the opposite side is also referred to as "left." The direction along the X-axis is also referred to as the front-rear direction, and the positive direction of the X-axis is also referred to as "front," and the opposite side is also referred to as "rear." However, the definitions of axes and directions in this disclosure merely indicate the relative positional relationships between the components of the isolating device 100, and do not limit the posture, etc., of the isolating device 100 when installed on an object.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the housing 10 includes a metal housing 1 and a resin member 2 .

[0015] The metal housing 1 forms the outer shell of the interrupter 100. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 , the metal housing 1 is hollow and cylindrical. The metal housing 1 is formed of a metal such as stainless steel (SUS). However, the metal housing 1 is not limited to this, and may be formed of other metals such as aluminum. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 , the metal housing 1 contains a resin member 2, a portion of the conductor 3 (a portion including a separation portion 36 described below), a gas generator 4 (at least the lower end portion thereof), a pusher 5, a protective portion 6, elastic members 71 to 74, and a fibrous member 8.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the metal housing 1 has an upper housing 11 and a lower housing 12 .

[0017] The upper housing 11 has an opening 110 in the center of the top surface and an opening on the entire bottom surface, and is a hollow cylinder. The upper housing 11 has an upper base 111, a first cylindrical portion 112, a first connecting portion 113, a second cylindrical portion 114, a second connecting portion 115, and a first coupling portion 116.

[0018] The upper base portion 111 is disk-shaped (annular) with a central opening 110. The first tubular portion 112 is cylindrical and extends downward from the outer periphery of the upper base portion 111.

[0019] The second cylindrical portion 114 is cylindrical and has a larger diameter than the first cylindrical portion 112 , and is arranged coaxially with the first cylindrical portion 112 and spaced downward from the first cylindrical portion 112 .

[0020] The first coupling portion 116 is cylindrical and has a larger diameter than the second cylindrical portion 114, and is arranged coaxially with the second cylindrical portion 114 and spaced apart downward from the second cylindrical portion 114. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, both left and right portions of the first coupling portion 116 are provided with notches 117 that are generally rectangular in side view and cut out from the lower end to the upper end of the first coupling portion 116. Therefore, it can be said that the first coupling portion 116 includes a pair of arc-shaped plate-like members.

[0021] The first connecting portion 113 is cylindrical and has a diameter that increases toward the bottom, and vertically connects the first cylindrical portion 112 and the second cylindrical portion 114. The second connecting portion 115 is cylindrical and has a diameter that increases toward the bottom, and vertically connects the second cylindrical portion 114 and the first coupling portion 116.

[0022] The lower housing 12 has a hollow cylindrical shape with an open top surface and a bottom surface, and includes a lower bottom portion 121, a third cylindrical portion 122, a third connecting portion 123, and a second coupling portion 124.

[0023] The lower base 121 is shaped like a circular tray and has a truncated cone-shaped protrusion 120 in the center that protrudes upward. The protrusion 120 faces the pusher 5, sandwiching the fibrous material 8 and the conductor 3 (a separation portion 36 described below). The lower base 121 does not necessarily have to have the protrusion 120.

[0024] The third tubular portion 122 has a cylindrical shape and extends upward from the outer circumferential edge of the lower base portion 121 .

[0025] The second coupling portion 124 is cylindrical and has a larger diameter than the third cylindrical portion 122, and is arranged coaxially with the third cylindrical portion 122 and spaced apart above the third cylindrical portion 122. Notches 125 are provided on both the left and right sides of the second coupling portion 124, cutting out the second coupling portion 124 from its upper end to its lower end. Therefore, it can be said that the second coupling portion 124 includes a pair of arc-shaped plate-like members.

[0026] The third connecting portion 123 is cylindrical in shape with a diameter that increases toward the top, and connects the third cylindrical portion 122 and the second coupling portion 124 vertically.

[0027] The upper housing 11 and the lower housing 12 are fixed to each other by overlapping the lower end of the first connecting portion 116 of the upper housing 11 with the second connecting portion 124 of the lower housing 12 and joining the overlapping portions by, for example, welding. The welding is performed by, for example, laser welding, but is not limited to this and may be performed by other welding methods such as TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding or projection welding. Furthermore, the method of fixing the upper housing 11 and the lower housing 12 is not limited to welding and may be performed by other methods such as screw fastening.

[0028] The resin member 2 is made of a resin material such as a synthetic resin.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the resin member 2 has a cylindrical portion 21, a pair of protruding portions 22, and an auxiliary cylindrical portion 23.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 , the tubular portion 21 is a hollow tube having a predetermined radial thickness, and in this case, is a hollow, approximately cylindrical shape. A through-hole 20 is formed in the tubular portion 21, penetrating the tubular portion 21 in the axial direction. The diameter of the through-hole 20 is the same as the inner diameter of the first tubular portion 112 of the upper housing 11. In this disclosure, "two elements being the same" may mean that the two elements are strictly the same, but is not limited to this. For example, the two elements may be substantially equivalent, and may include a difference of, for example, about a few percent (or about 10%). The through-hole 20 is circular in top view. Therefore, the inner surface 19 of the housing 10 (the inner surface of the through-hole 20 of the tubular portion 21) includes a curved portion 190 (see FIG. 5 ). In this embodiment, the entire inner surface 19 of the housing 10 is the curved portion 190.

[0031] The pair of protrusions 22 protrude from the left and right side surfaces of the cylindrical portion 21. Each of the pair of protrusions 22 is in the shape of a substantially rectangular column and has a flange at its protruding end.

[0032] 3 and 4 , the auxiliary cylinder portion 23 is a hollow cylinder coaxial with the cylindrical body portion 21, and in this case is a hollow, approximately cylindrical shape. The auxiliary cylinder portion 23 is integrally connected to the lower end of the cylindrical body portion 21. A through hole 29 is formed in the auxiliary cylinder portion 23, penetrating in the axial direction. The through hole 29 in the auxiliary cylinder portion 23 is connected to the through hole 20 in the cylindrical body portion 21. The diameter of the through hole 29 is larger than the diameter of the through hole 20.

[0033] 3 and 4, a first accommodating groove 24 is formed in the circumferential direction near the upper end of the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 21. A second accommodating groove 25 is formed in the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the auxiliary cylindrical portion 23.

[0034] Furthermore, a plurality of recesses 26 are formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical body portion 21. In other words, the cylindrical body portion 21 is hollowed out. In this embodiment, a total of six recesses 26 are provided in a matrix of two rows and three columns on the front surface of the cylindrical body portion 21. Similarly, a total of six recesses 26 are provided in a matrix of two rows and three columns on the rear surface of the cylindrical body portion 21.

[0035] The resin member 2 is held by the metal housing 1 such that the cylindrical portion 21 and the auxiliary cylindrical portion 23 are positioned inside the metal housing 1 with their axial directions aligned with the axial direction of the metal housing 1, and the pair of protrusions 22 protrude from the metal housing 1 through the pair of openings formed by the cutouts 117, 125 of the metal housing 1. In this way, the resin member 2 (the cylindrical portion 21 and auxiliary cylindrical portion 23) is positioned inside the metal housing 1.

[0036] The resin member 2 is provided with the protruding portion 22 to ensure airtightness of the internal space S1 of the resin member 2 by contacting the edge portions of the cutouts 117, 125 of the metal housing 1 with the protruding portion 22, but the protruding portion 22 may be omitted. In addition, the diameter of the through hole 29 of the auxiliary cylinder portion 23 may be the same as the diameter of the through hole 20 of the cylinder portion 21.

[0037] 3 and 4 , the housing 10 has an internal space S1. The internal space S1 includes the space inside the through-hole 20 of the cylindrical portion 21 of the resin member 2, the space inside the through-hole 29 of the auxiliary cylindrical portion 23, and the space inside the lower housing 12 of the metal housing 1.

[0038] The conductor 3 is a conductive metal body. The conductor 3 is connected to electrical components (battery, motor, etc.) of the object on which the circuit breaking device 100 is installed, and forms an electrical circuit together with these electrical components. The conductor 3 is made of a metal such as copper (Cu). However, the conductor 3 may be made of a metal other than copper, or may be made of an alloy of copper and another metal. For example, the conductor 3 may be made of manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), platinum (Pt), etc.

[0039] 1 to 5, the conductor 3 is plate-shaped. The conductor 3 is a flat plate extending in the left-right direction and having a thickness in the up-down direction. The conductor 3 is held by the resin member 2 so as to penetrate the resin member 2 in the left-right direction. The conductor 3 penetrates one protrusion 22, the cylindrical portion 21, and the other protrusion 22. The conductor 3 is formed integrally with the resin member 2, for example, by forming the resin member 2 by insert molding using the conductor 3 as an insert component.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the conductor 3 integrally includes a first terminal portion 31, a second terminal portion 32, and a conductive portion 33.

[0041] The first terminal 31 is a portion of the conductor 3 that protrudes leftward from the left side surface of the left protrusion 22 of the resin member 2. The first terminal 31 protrudes from the housing 10. In this example, the first terminal 31 protrudes leftward from the left side surface of the metal housing 1. The first terminal 31 can be used as a terminal to be connected to an electrical component of an object.

[0042] The second terminal 32 is a portion of the conductor 3 that protrudes rightward from the right side surface of the right protrusion 22 of the resin member 2. The second terminal 32 protrudes from the housing 10. Here, the second terminal 32 protrudes rightward from the right side surface of the metal housing 1. In other words, the second terminal 32 protrudes from the metal housing 1 on the opposite side from the first terminal 31 in the left-right direction. The second terminal 32 can be used as a terminal to be connected to an electrical component of an object.

[0043] The conductive portion 33 is a portion of the conductor 3 that connects the first terminal portion 31 and the second terminal portion 32. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the conductive portion 33 is located below the gas generator 4. A portion of the conductive portion 33 is located within the through hole 20 (within the internal space S1), and the remaining portion of the conductive portion 33 is embedded in the resin member 2. Conversely, a portion of the conductor 3 is embedded in the resin member 2. Therefore, the conductor 3 is held by the resin member 2 at the portion of the conductive portion 33 that is embedded in the resin member 2. Hereinafter, the portion of the conductive portion 33 that is embedded in the resin member 2 and connected to the first terminal portion 31 (the left portion of the conductive portion 33) will also be referred to as a "first holding portion 34." Furthermore, the portion of the conductive portion 33 that is embedded in the resin member 2 and connected to the second terminal portion 32 (the right portion of the conductive portion 33) will also be referred to as a "second holding portion 35." Furthermore, the portion of the conductive portion 33 located in the space within the through-hole 20 (the central portion of the conductive portion 33) is also referred to as the "separation portion 36." The separation portion 36 connects the first holding portion 34 and the second holding portion 35. In this manner, the conductor 3 has the separation portion 36 and holding portions (the first holding portion 34 and the second holding portion 35) connected to the separation portion 36. The first holding portion 34 is connected to a first end (left end) of the separation portion 36. The second holding portion 35 is connected to a second end (right end) of the separation portion 36. The holding portions (the first holding portion 34 and the second holding portion 35) are embedded in the resin member 2.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , the first holding portion 34 has a through-hole 340 that penetrates vertically. As shown in FIG. 5 , the through-hole 340 has an elongated hole shape that is long in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, first grooves 341 (see FIG. 5 ) are formed in the upper and lower surfaces of the first holding portion 34, extending to connect the through-hole 340 to the front and rear edges of the first holding portion 34. Furthermore, second grooves 342 are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the first holding portion 34 to the left of the first groove 341, extending to connect the front and rear edges of the first holding portion 34. The first grooves 341 and the second grooves 342 are recesses that do not penetrate the first holding portion 34 vertically.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , the second holding portion 35 has a through-hole 350 that penetrates vertically. The through-hole 350 has a long hole shape that is long in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, a first groove 351 (see FIG. 5 ) is formed in the upper and lower surfaces of the second holding portion 35, extending to connect the through-hole 350 to the front and rear edges of the second holding portion 35. Furthermore, a second groove 352 is formed in the upper and lower surfaces of the second holding portion 35 to the right of the first groove 351, extending to connect the front and rear edges of the second holding portion 35. The first groove 351 and the second groove 352 are recesses that do not penetrate the second holding portion 35 vertically.

[0046] 3 and 5 , the separation portion 36 is located between the first holding portion 34 and the second holding portion 35, and connects the first holding portion 34 and the second holding portion 35. The separation portion 36 is located within the internal space S1 of the housing 10.

[0047] 5, the front-rear dimension of the separation portion 36 is smaller than the front-rear dimension of the first holding portion 34 and smaller than the front-rear dimension of the second holding portion 35. A through-hole 360 ​​penetrating vertically is formed in the center of the left-right direction of the separation portion 36. In addition, bulging portions 361 that bulge outward to correspond to the through-hole 360 ​​are provided on both front and rear side surfaces near the center of the left-right direction of the separation portion 36.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3 , a separation groove 371 is formed on the upper surface of the conductor 3 near the boundary between the first holding portion 34 and the separation portion 36. A separation groove 372 is also formed on the upper surface of the conductor 3 near the boundary between the second holding portion 35 and the separation portion 36. A separation groove 373 is also formed on the lower surface of the conductor 3 near the boundary between the first holding portion 34 and the separation portion 36 (at a position behind the separation groove 371). A separation groove 374 is also formed on the lower surface of the conductor 3 near the boundary between the second holding portion 35 and the separation portion 36 (at a position behind the separation groove 372). Each of the separation grooves 371 to 374 has a shape corresponding to the outer periphery of the pusher 5. Each of the separation grooves 371 to 374 has a shape that follows the inner periphery of the through-hole 20 in the resin member 2. Here, each of the separation grooves 371 to 374 is arc-shaped.

[0049] The gas generator 4 is an electric igniter. The gas generator 4 generates gas. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the gas generator 4 includes a case 40, two conductive pins 41, explosives 44, and a heating element 45. The explosives 44 are accommodated in an accommodating space 400 of the case 40, and the two conductive pins 41 are connected to each other within the accommodating space 400 via the heating element 45. The case 40 has a lid 42 at its lower portion that closes the accommodating space 400.

[0050] As shown in Figures 3 and 4 , the gas generator 4 is inserted into the interior of the metal housing 1 through the opening 110 in the upper housing 11 of the metal housing 1, and is held in the metal housing 1 so that the lid portion 42 faces downward and a part (the lower end) of the gas generator 4 is housed in the recess 51 of the pusher 5.

[0051] A connector receptacle 49 is disposed on the top of the gas generator 4. A connector having two connection terminals connected to the two conductive pins 41 is connected to the connector receptacle 49. An operating current is supplied to the two connection terminals of the connector from, for example, a control unit of the object in which the circuit breaker 100 is mounted (e.g., a vehicle ECU: Electronic Control Unit). When an operating current is supplied to the heating element 45 via the two conductive pins 41, the explosive 44 is ignited and burned, generating gas. The generated gas increases the pressure inside the accommodation space 400. When the pressure inside the accommodation space 400 exceeds the withstand pressure of the lid portion 42, the lid portion 42 is opened (broken), and the gas is released at high pressure to the outside of the gas generator 4. In this manner, the gas generator 4 generates gas. The lid portion 42 may be provided with a structure, such as a cross groove, that serves as a starting point for opening the lid portion 42. Note that the supply of operating current to the conductive pin 41 is not limited to the control unit of the object. For example, a mechanism that automatically supplies an operating current when an abnormality occurs in the object (for example, a mechanism that supplies an induced current generated in a coil that moves relative to a magnet in response to an impact on the vehicle body as an operating current) may supply an operating current to the conductive pin 41.

[0052] 1 to 4, metal housing 1 further includes lid member 13. Lid member 13 is a tapered cylinder having a flange at the lower end and an open top. Lid member 13 covers gas generator 4 from above so that conducting pin 41 is exposed. Lid member 13 is fixed to upper housing 11, for example, by fixing the flange to the top surface of upper bottom 111 of upper housing 11 by welding or the like.

[0053] The pusher 5 is formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The pusher 5 is formed of nylon, for example. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the pusher 5 is a columnar member, and in this case, a cylindrical member. The outer diameter of the pusher 5 corresponds to the inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion 112 of the upper housing 11 and the inner diameter of the through-hole 20 of the resin member 2, and is slightly smaller than these diameters.

[0054] 3 and 4 , a recess 51 for disposing the gas generator 4 is formed in the upper surface of the pusher 5. The recess 51 is recessed downward from the upper surface of the pusher 5. The recess 51 has a first portion 511 whose diameter gradually decreases downward, and a second portion 512 which has a substantially constant diameter, is connected to the first portion 511, and is located below the first portion 511. A space (pressurized space) 510 which is pressurized by the gas generated in the gas generator 4 is formed within the recess 51 of the pusher 5.

[0055] 3 and 4, a plurality of (e.g., seven) recesses 52 recessed upward are formed on the underside of the pusher 5. One of the seven recesses 52, recess 521, is formed in the center of the underside of the pusher 5. The remaining six recesses 522 are formed at approximately equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction at positions approximately midway between the center of the underside and the outer circumferential edge in the radial direction of the underside of the pusher 5. In addition, an annular support protrusion 53 is formed on the underside of the pusher 5 along the outer circumferential edge, protruding downward from the center.

[0056] 3 and 4 , the pusher 5 is disposed in a space surrounded by the upper bottom portion 111 and the first cylindrical portion 112 of the metal casing 1, the inner surface of the through-hole 20 of the resin member 2, and the separation portion 36 of the conductor 3, with the support protrusion 53 resting on the separation portion 36 (first position of the pusher 5). That is, the pusher 5 is disposed in the first position, which is a position between the gas generator 4 and the conductor 3 before fracture. The pusher 5 is placed on the upper surface of the conductive portion 33 so that, for example, two of the six recesses 522 overlap with the conductor 3 in the vertical direction and the remaining four recesses 522 do not overlap with the conductor 3 in the vertical direction.

[0057] The pusher 5 moves downward from the first position to the second position by the gas generated by the gas generator 4. The second position is a position of the pusher 5 where the lower end of the pusher 5 is located lower than the lower ends of the conductor 3 (first holding portion 34, second holding portion 35), such as the positions of the pusher 5 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . When moving from the first position to the second position, the pusher 5 pushes the separating portion 36 from above downward, thereby separating the separating portion 36 from the first holding portion 34 and the second holding portion 35. When moving from the first position to the second position, the pusher 5 also pushes the fibrous material 8 from above downward, thereby compressing the fibrous material 8.

[0058] As described above, the interrupting device 100 includes the pusher 5. The pusher 5 is located below the gas generator 4 inside the housing 10. The pusher 5 is moved downward by the gas generated by the gas generator 4 and cuts the conductor 3. When the pusher 5 pushes the separation portion 36 of the conductor 3, it is cut from the first holding portion 34 and the second holding portion 35 along the separation grooves 371 to 374. That is, the separation portion 36 of the conductor 3 is located below the pusher 5 and is cut by the pusher 5. The portion of the conductor 3 where the separation grooves 371 and 373 are formed (see FIG. 3) is the cutting portion (first cutting portion) where the separation portion 36 is cut from the first holding portion 34. The portion of the conductor 3 where the separation grooves 372 and 374 are formed (see FIG. 3) is the cutting portion (second cutting portion) where the separation portion 36 is cut from the second holding portion 35.

[0059] The protective part 6 is a member for preventing the pusher 5 from being damaged by the lid part 42 of the gas generator 4 when the gas generator 4 generates gas. The protective part 6 is formed of a metal such as stainless steel (SUS), for example, but may also be formed of another metal such as aluminum, or may also be formed of a resin.

[0060] The protection portion 6 has a first cylindrical portion 61 , a second cylindrical portion 62 , and a flange portion 63 .

[0061] First cylindrical portion 61 is a cylindrical portion that surrounds the side of gas generator 4, and has a shape that follows the external shape of case 40 of gas generator 4. First cylindrical portion 61 is formed, for example, in a stepped shape (for example, a two-step stepped shape) in which the diameter gradually decreases downward in a cross-sectional view. Note that the shape of first cylindrical portion 61 is not limited to this, and, for example, first cylindrical portion 61 may be tapered in which the diameter decreases downward, or may have another shape.

[0062] The second cylindrical portion 62 is located below the first cylindrical portion 61 and has a cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the first cylindrical portion 61. The second cylindrical portion 62 protrudes downward from the lower end of the first cylindrical portion 61. The second cylindrical portion 62 protrudes downward such that the lower end of the second cylindrical portion 62 is located below the lid portion 42 of the gas generator 4. A part of the lid portion 42 (see FIGS. 7 and 8 ) that is opened when gas is generated from the gas generator 4 can come into contact with the second cylindrical portion 62. The presence of the second cylindrical portion 62 prevents the lid portion 42 from colliding with the pusher 5.

[0063] The flange portion 63 is annular and protrudes outward in a top view from the upper end of the first cylindrical portion 61. The flange portion 63 is fixed to the underside of the upper bottom portion 111 of the upper housing 11 by welding or the like. In this way, the protection portion 6 is fixed to the metal housing 1. The flange portion 63 may be fixed to the upper bottom portion 111 without any gaps in the circumferential direction.

[0064] The elastic members 71 to 74 are members for improving the airtightness of the internal space of the metal housing 1. The elastic members 71 to 74 suppress leakage of the gas generated by the gas generator 4 from the internal space of the metal housing 1 to the external space.

[0065] Each of the elastic members 71 to 74 is an elastic member such as rubber, and is an O-ring formed in a circular shape in this example. Each of the elastic members 71 to 74 is arranged in a pressed state (deformed state).

[0066] Elastic member 71 is disposed in a space formed among the top surface of upper bottom portion 111 of upper housing 11, lid material 13, and the side surface of the case of gas generator 4. Elastic member 71 is in contact with and pressed against upper bottom portion 111, lid material 13, and gas generator 4, respectively.

[0067] The elastic member 72 is disposed in a space formed between the inner surface of the first connection portion 113 of the upper housing 11, the upper surface of the cylindrical portion 21 of the resin member 2, and the outer surface of the pusher 5. The elastic member 72 is in contact with and presses against the first connection portion 113, the resin member 2, and the pusher 5. When the pusher 5 is in the first position (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ), the elastic member 72 separates the space 510 within the recess 51 from the space in which the conductor 3 is located.

[0068] The elastic member 73 is disposed in a space formed between the inner surface of the second cylindrical portion 114 of the upper housing 11 and the inner surface of the first accommodating groove 24 of the cylindrical portion 21 of the resin member 2. The elastic member 73 is in contact with and pressed against at least the bottom surface of the first accommodating groove 24 and the second cylindrical portion 114.

[0069] The elastic member 74 is disposed in a space formed between the inner surface of the third tubular portion 122 of the lower housing 12 and the inner surface of the second accommodating groove 25 of the tubular portion 21 of the resin member 2. The elastic member 74 is in contact with and pressed against at least the bottom surface of the second accommodating groove 25 and the third tubular portion 122.

[0070] 3 to 5, the fibrous member 8 is disposed in the internal space S1 of the housing 10. That is, the fibrous member 8 is located inside the housing 10. The fibrous member 8 is also located below the pusher 5. The fibrous member 8 is also located below the separation portion 36 of the conductor 3. Note that in FIG. 5, dotted hatching is applied to the upper surface of the fibrous member 8 simply for ease of understanding. The dotted hatching applied to the upper surface of the fibrous member 8 in FIG. 5 does not represent a cross section.

[0071] The fiber member 8 is a member for cooling the high-temperature arc or gas that may be generated when the conductor 3 breaks. In other words, the fiber member 8 is a coolant. When the arc or gas comes into contact with the fiber member 8, the heat of the arc or gas is absorbed by the fiber member 8 and cooled. The main component of the "gas generated when the conductor 3 breaks" is, for example, gas (metal vapor) evaporated from the conductor 3. The "gas generated when the conductor 3 breaks" may further include high-temperature gas that has been present in the internal space S1 before the conductor 3 breaks and has reached a high temperature, gas evaporated from the resin member 2, gas generated in the gas generator 4, etc.

[0072] The fibrous member 8 is formed of, for example, an inorganic material. The material of the fibrous member 8 includes, for example, at least one of alumina and silica. The fibrous member 8 may be glass fiber, particularly glass wool. Here, the fibrous member 8 is formed of a material that is not electrically conductive (has electrical insulation properties).

[0073] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the shape of the fibrous member 8 is a quadrangular prism, more specifically a rectangular parallelepiped, or may be a cube. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the upper surface of the fibrous member 8 contacts the lower surface of the separating portion 36 of the conductor 3. The lower surface of the fibrous member 8 also contacts the upper surface of the protrusion 120 of the lower housing 12.

[0074] The fibrous member 8 is a fibrous member. Therefore, the fibrous member 8 has voids. The fibrous member 8 is placed in the internal space S1 of the housing 10, for example, in an appropriately compressed state. That is, the fibrous member 8 is placed in the internal space S1 of the housing 10 in a state in which it has been compressed in advance and formed into a rectangular prism shape or the like. Even when placed in the internal space S1 of the housing 10 (in a compressed state), the fibrous member 8 has appropriate voids.

[0075] The fiber component 8 may be a laminated body formed by stacking a plurality of layers. Each layer of the laminated body is formed from a fiber material. The stacking direction of the laminated body is, for example, a direction perpendicular to the Z axis (for example, a direction along the X axis or a direction along the Y axis).

[0076] The fiber members 8 (or, in the case of a laminate, each layer of the laminate) are cut out, for example, from a sheet-like member from which multiple fiber members 8 can be obtained. The rectangular prism-shaped fiber members 8 can reduce the amount of scrap material generated when cutting the fiber members 8 from a sheet-like member, compared to, for example, a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 3 , when placed in the internal space S1 of the housing 10, the fiber member 8 has a fiber direction A1 aligned along the vertical direction.

[0077] 5 , the shape of the fibrous member 8 in top view is different from the shape of the inner surface of the through hole 20 in the tubular portion 21 of the resin member 2. In this embodiment, the shape of the fibrous member 8 in top view is rectangular, more specifically, square. On the other hand, the shape of the inner surface of the through hole 20 in top view is circular.

[0078] 5 , in top view, a portion of the fibrous member 8 is in contact with the inner surface of the through-hole 20 of the tubular portion 21 of the resin member 2. That is, a portion of the side of the fibrous member 8 is in contact with the inner surface 19 of the housing 10. Furthermore, the portion of the side of the fibrous member 8 is in contact with the resin member 2. As a result, the fibrous member 8 is positioned inside the housing 10.

[0079] It should be noted that "a part of the side of the fibrous material 8" may be referred to as "a first portion of the side of the fibrous material 8."

[0080] On the other hand, when viewed from above, the remaining portion of the fibrous member 8 other than the above-mentioned portion is separated from the inner surface of the through-hole 20 of the tubular portion 21 of the resin member 2 without contacting the same. When viewed from above, a gap G0 is provided between the remaining portion of the fibrous member 8 and the inner surface of the through-hole 20 of the tubular portion 21 of the resin member 2. In other words, a gap G0 is provided between the remaining portion of the side of the fibrous member 8 and the inner surface 19 of the housing 10.

[0081] The "remaining portion of the side of the fibrous material 8" may be referred to as a "second portion of the side of the fibrous material 8."

[0082] For convenience, the portion of the fiber member 8 that is in contact with the inner surface 19 of the housing 10 in a top view will also be referred to as a "contact portion 88." The contact portion 88 (the portion that is in contact with the inner surface 19 of the housing 10 in a top view) may be in contact with the inner surface 19 of the housing 10 over the entire vertical direction, or may be in contact with the inner surface 19 of the housing 10 over only a portion in the vertical direction (for example, only the upper end or only the lower end).

[0083] In the following description, for convenience, the portion of the fiber member 8 that is separated from the inner surface 19 of the housing 10 without contacting it in top view (portion other than the contact portion 88) will also be referred to as the "non-contact portion 89." The non-contact portion 89 is separated from the inner surface 19 of the housing 10 without contacting it over the entire area in the up-down direction.

[0084] 5 , in this embodiment, the fibrous member 8 contacts the inner surface of the through-hole 20 of the tubular portion 21 of the resin member 2 at multiple locations when viewed from above. Therefore, the fibrous member 8 has multiple contact portions 88. The fibrous member 8 contacts the inner surface 19 of the housing 10 at multiple locations when viewed from above, thereby positioning and holding the fibrous member 8 within the internal space S1 of the housing 10.

[0085] Furthermore, the fibrous member 8 has non-contact portions 89 between the contact portions 88 that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction when viewed from above. This results in the fibrous member 8 having a plurality of non-contact portions 89. A plurality of gaps G0 are formed between the plurality of non-contact portions 89 and the inner surface 19 of the housing 10. In this way, a plurality of gaps G0 are formed between the remaining portions of the side portions of the fibrous member 8 and the inner surface 19 of the housing 10.

[0086] In this embodiment, the fibrous member 8 has a rectangular shape in a top view as described above, and contacts the inner surface of the through-hole 20 of the cylindrical portion 21 of the resin member 2 at four locations (four corners). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5 , the fibrous member 8 has a first contact portion 881, a second contact portion 882, a third contact portion 883, and a fourth contact portion 884 as contact portions 88 that contact the inner surface 19 of the housing 10. The first contact portion 881 to the fourth contact portion 884 do not overlap with the conductor 3 in a top view. Furthermore, the fibrous member 8 has a first non-contact portion 891, a second non-contact portion 892, a third non-contact portion 893, and a fourth non-contact portion 894 between the first contact portion 881 to the fourth contact portion 884. A first gap G11, a second gap G12, a third gap G23, and a fourth gap G24 are provided between the first non-contact portion 891 to the fourth non-contact portion 894 and the inner surface 19 of the housing 10, respectively. In this manner, the plurality of gaps G0 includes the first gap G11 and the second gap G12. In top view, the separation portion 36 is located between the first gap G11 and the second gap G12. In addition, the plurality of gaps G0 further includes a third gap G23 and a fourth gap G24.

[0087] 3 and 5 , in top view, the first gap G11 overlaps with the conductor 3, more specifically, with the boundary portion (separation grooves 371, 373) between the separation portion 36 and the first holding portion 34 of the conductor 3. In this way, the first cutting portion (separation grooves 371, 373) overlaps with the first gap G11 in top view.

[0088] Furthermore, in top view, the second gap G12 overlaps with the conductor 3, more specifically, with the boundary portion (separation grooves 372, 374) between the separation portion 36 and the second holding portion 35 of the conductor 3. In this way, the second cutting portion (separation grooves 372, 374) overlaps with the second gap G12 in top view.

[0089] In other words, the cutting portion (at least one of the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion) of the separation portion 36 overlaps with the gap G0 in a top view. In this way, the gap G0 overlaps with the cutting portion, making it easier for the pusher 5 to cut the conductor 3.

[0090] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the third gap G23 and the fourth gap G24 do not overlap with the conductor 3 in a top view.

[0091] (1.2) Operation of the Breaker Device The operation of the breaker device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 7, and 8. FIG.

[0092] (1.2.1) Normal Operation First, a description will be given of the operation (normal operation) of the shutoff device 100 when the gas generator 4 is not driven. In normal operation, the pusher 5 is located in the first position (the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0093] As described above, the interrupter 100 is mounted on an object such as a vehicle. For example, a positive terminal of a battery is connected to the first terminal 31 of the conductor 3 via an electrical component as needed. Also, a negative terminal of the battery is connected to the second terminal 32 of the conductor 3 via an electrical component as needed. As a result, the conductor 3 of the interrupter 100 forms an electric path through which current supplied from the battery passes, thereby forming an electric circuit within the object. When a switch included in the electrical component is turned on, current from the battery is supplied to the electric circuit including the conductor 3.

[0094] (1.2.2) Shut-off Operation Next, the operation (shut-off operation) of the shut-off device 100 when the gas generator 4 is driven will be described.

[0095] For example, when an abnormality occurs in the object in which the cut-off device 100 is installed, such as in a vehicle accident, a control unit (e.g., the vehicle's ECU) that controls the operation of the object supplies operating current to the heating element 45 via the connection terminal of the connector and the conductive pin 41 of the gas generator 4.

[0096] When an operating current is supplied to the heating element 45, the temperature of the heating element 45 increases, which increases the temperature of the explosive 44 around the heating element 45. For example, when the temperature of the explosive 44 reaches its ignition point, the explosive 44 ignites and burns, generating gas and increasing the pressure in the accommodation space 400 of the gas generator 4. When the pressure in the accommodation space 400 exceeds the withstand pressure of the lid portion 42, the lid portion 42 is opened (broken), and the gas in the accommodation space 400 is released at high pressure into the space (pressurized space) 510 in the recess 51 of the pusher 5.

[0097] The pusher 5 (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ), which is in the first position, is pushed downward by the gas pressure in the pressurized space 510, pressing the separation portion 36 of the conductor 3 downward. When pushed by the pusher 5, the separation portion 36 of the conductor 3 is separated from the first holding portion 34 and the second holding portion 35 along the separation grooves 371 to 374 (first cutting portion and second cutting portion), and moves downward together with the pusher 5. When the separation portion 36 is separated from the first holding portion 34 and the second holding portion 35, the electrical path is interrupted within the circuit breaking device 100. This interrupts the electrical circuit of the object.

[0098] Furthermore, the pusher 5 and the separating portion 36 moving downward lose energy while compressing the fibrous material 8 and stop moving (second position of the pusher 5; see FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0099] In this way, the circuit breaking device 100 can prevent damage caused by the abnormality from becoming greater by performing a circuit breaking operation to break the electrical circuit of the object when an abnormality occurs in the object.

[0100] (1.2.3) Cooling effect during interruption operation The above-described interruption operation may be performed while a current is flowing through the conductor 3. When a current is flowing through the conductor 3 and an interruption operation is performed to separate the separation portion 36 from the holding portions (first holding portion 34 and second holding portion 35), an arc and accompanying high-temperature gas may be generated around the cutting portion (first cutting portion and second cutting portion).

[0101] In the circuit breaker 100, a fiber member 8 is disposed in the internal space S1 of the housing 10. The fiber member 8 comes into contact with the generated arc and gas, thereby absorbing heat from the arc and gas and cooling the arc and gas. As a result, in the circuit breaker 100, an increase in pressure in the internal space S1 due to the generation of an arc is suppressed, and deformation of the housing 10 is suppressed.

[0102] In particular, in the circuit breaking device 100 of this embodiment, a gap G0 is provided between the fiber member 8 and the inner surface 19 of the housing 10. Therefore, the generated arc and gas can easily pass through the gap G0 and reach portions other than the upper surface of the fiber member 8, and the arc and gas can be effectively cooled by the fiber member 8. As a result, the arc and gas can be cooled quickly by the fiber member 8.

[0103] In this way, in the blocking device 100 of this embodiment, a gap G0 is provided between the fiber member 8 and the inner surface 19 of the housing 10, which allows the fiber member 8 to be utilized efficiently and improves the cooling performance of the fiber member 8.

[0104] Furthermore, in the circuit breaking device 100 of this embodiment, a gap G0 is provided between the resin member 2 in which the holding portions (first holding portion 34 and second holding portion 35) are embedded in the housing 10 and the fiber member 8, and the gap G0 is provided near the location where the arc is generated (the cut portion of the conductor 3). This makes it easier for the arc and gas generated around the cut portion to diffuse through the gap G0 into the internal space S1, and the cooling performance of the fiber member 8 can be further improved.

[0105] Furthermore, in the circuit breaking device 100 of this embodiment, the gap G0 is provided at a position overlapping the cut portion of the separation portion 36 in a top view, which makes it easier for arcs and gases generated around the cut portion to diffuse through the gap G0 into the internal space S1. In particular, the gap G0 (first gap G11 and second gap G12) is provided so as to overlap the cut portions (first cut portion and second cut portion) on both sides of the separation portion 36, which makes it easier for arcs and gases generated around the first cut portion and second cut portion to diffuse through the first gap G11 and the second gap G12 into the internal space S1. This can further improve the cooling performance of the fiber member 8.

[0106] In addition, there is also a gap G0 (third gap G23 and fourth gap G24) at a position that does not overlap with the cut portion (first cut portion and second cut portion) of the separation portion 36 when viewed from above, which makes it even easier for the arc and gas to diffuse within the internal space S1.

[0107] (1.3) Amount of Fiber Member It is desirable that the arc generated during the breaking operation be cooled and extinguished as soon as possible.

[0108] As a result of extensive research, the inventors of the present application have found that in order to quickly cool and extinguish the arc, there is an appropriate range for the amount of fiber material 8 to be contained in the housing 10. That is, the fiber material 8 is contained in the internal space S1 in a compressed state as described above, and the inventors of the present application have found that there is an appropriate range for the amount of fiber material 8 packed into the internal space S1 (degree of compression).

[0109] 9 shows the relationship between the mass of the fiber material 8 per unit volume of the internal space S1 (before the shutoff operation) and the pressure in the internal space S1 of the housing 10 after the shutoff operation (after the gas has sufficiently cooled and reached a steady state). A lower pressure in the internal space S1 is preferable because it reduces the possibility of deformation of the housing 10.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 9, in the blocking device 100 of this embodiment, the pressure in the internal space S1 is minimized when the mass of the fiber member 8 per unit volume of the internal space S1 is about 0.28 g / cc.

[0111] From the viewpoint of reducing the pressure in the internal space S1, the mass of the fiber material 8 per unit volume of the internal space S1 is preferably 0.17 g / cc or more, and more preferably 0.20 g / cc or more. That is, by increasing the amount of the fiber material 8 accommodated in the internal space S1, the arc and gas can come into contact with the fiber material 8 more easily, and as a result, the increase in pressure in the internal space S1 can be suppressed.

[0112] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of reducing the pressure in the internal space S1, the mass of the fiber material 8 per unit volume of the internal space S1 is preferably 0.31 g / cc or less, and more preferably 0.30 g / cc or less. That is, by ensuring a desired gap within the fiber material 8 without excessively compressing the fiber material 8, the arc and gas can easily enter the gap and come into contact with the fiber material 8, and as a result, an increase in the pressure in the internal space S1 can be suppressed.

[0113] From the viewpoint of reducing the amount of the fibrous material 8 used while reducing the pressure in the internal space S1, the mass of the fibrous material 8 per unit volume of the internal space S1 is preferably 0.28 g / cc or less.

[0114] (2) Modifications The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Modifications of the embodiment are listed below. The above embodiment and the modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations. In the description of each modification below, the description of the same configuration as the blocking device 100 of the above embodiment may be omitted as appropriate.

[0115] (2.1) Modification 1 The blocking device 100 of this modification differs from the blocking device 100 of the embodiment in the shape of the fibrous member 8 .

[0116] In the blocking device 100 of this modified example, as shown in Fig. 10 , the fibrous member 8 has an oval shape when viewed from above. An arc-shaped portion of the side of the fibrous member 8 is in linear contact with the inner surface 19 of the housing 10 when viewed from above. Note that in Fig. 10 , dotted hatching is applied to the upper surface of the fibrous member 8 simply for ease of understanding. The dotted hatching applied to the upper surface of the fibrous member 8 in Fig. 10 does not represent a cross section. The same applies to Figs. 11 and 12 .

[0117] The fibrous member 8 has, as contact portions 88 that are in contact with the inner surface 19 of the housing 10 when viewed from above, a first contact portion 881 that is in contact with a rear portion of the inner surface 19 and a second contact portion 882 that is in contact with a front portion of the inner surface 19. In this way, a part of the side of the fibrous member 8 is in contact with the inner surface 19 of the housing 10.

[0118] 10 , the fibrous material 8 has a first non-contact portion 891 and a second non-contact portion 892 as non-contact portions 89 that are separated from the inner surface 19 of the housing 10 and do not contact the inner surface 19 in a top view. A first gap G11 and a second gap G12 are provided between the first non-contact portion 891 and the inner surface 19 of the housing 10 and the second non-contact portion 892, respectively. The first gap G11 overlaps with the first cut portion where the separation portion 36 is cut from the first holding portion 34 in a top view. The second gap G12 overlaps with the second cut portion where the separation portion 36 is cut from the second holding portion 35 in a top view. In this way, a plurality of gaps G0 (the first gap G11 and the second gap G12) are provided between the remaining side portions of the fibrous material 8 and the inner surface 19 of the housing 10.

[0119] In this modified example, a gap G0 (first gap G11 and second gap G12) is provided between the fiber member 8 and the inner surface 19 of the housing 10, allowing the fiber member 8 to be utilized efficiently and improving the cooling performance of the fiber member 8.

[0120] (2.2) Modification 2 The blocking device 100 of this modification differs from the blocking device 100 of the embodiment in the arrangement of the fibrous member 8 .

[0121] 11 , in the blocking device 100 of this modified example, the fiber material 8 is arranged such that, of the contact portions 88 of the fiber material 8 that are rectangular in top view, a first contact portion 881 overlaps with the first cutting portion, and a second contact portion 882 overlaps with the second cutting portion. As a result, the first cutting portion overlaps with the first gap G11 and the fourth gap G14 in top view. Furthermore, the second cutting portion overlaps with the second gap G12 and the third gap G13 in top view.

[0122] In this modification, the gaps G0 (first gap G11 to fourth gap G14) are provided between the fiber member 8 and the inner surface 19 of the housing 10, which allows for efficient use of the fiber member 8 and improves the cooling performance of the fiber member 8. Furthermore, all of the gaps G0 (first gap G11 to fourth gap G14) overlap with the cut portion (first cut portion or second cut portion), which makes it easier to diffuse the arc and gas into the internal space S1 through the gaps G0.

[0123] (2.3) Modification 3 The blocking device 100 of this modification differs from the blocking device 100 of the embodiment in the shape of the fibrous member 8 .

[0124] 12 , in the interrupter 100 of this modified example, the fibrous member 8 has a hexagonal shape (e.g., a regular hexagonal shape) in a top view. The fibrous member 8 contacts the inner surface of the through-hole 20 of the tubular portion 21 of the resin member 2 at six locations. Therefore, the fibrous member 8 has a first contact portion 881, a second contact portion 882, a third contact portion 883, a fourth contact portion 884, a fifth contact portion 885, and a sixth contact portion 886 as contact portions 88 that contact the inner surface 19 of the housing 10. None of the first contact portion 881 to the sixth contact portion 886 overlaps with the conductor 3 in a top view.

[0125] Furthermore, the fibrous material 8 has a first non-contact portion 891, a second non-contact portion 892, a third non-contact portion 893, a fourth non-contact portion 894, a fifth non-contact portion 895, and a sixth non-contact portion 896 between the first contact portion 881 to the sixth contact portion 886. A first gap G11, a second gap G12, a third gap G23, a fourth gap G24, a fifth gap G25, and a sixth gap G26 are provided between the first non-contact portion 891 to the sixth non-contact portion 896 and the inner surface 19 of the housing 10, respectively.

[0126] The first gap G11 overlaps with the first cut portion in top view. The second gap G12 overlaps with the second cut portion in top view. Meanwhile, the third gap G23 to the sixth gap G26 do not overlap with the conductor 3 in top view.

[0127] In this modified example, a gap G0 (first gap G11, second gap G12, third gap G23 to sixth gap G26) is provided between the fiber member 8 and the inner surface 19 of the housing 10, thereby allowing the fiber member 8 to be utilized efficiently and improving the cooling performance of the fiber member 8.

[0128] 13A , the blocking device 100 of this modification includes two fibrous members 8. For convenience, the two fibrous members 8 will be distinguished from each other by assigning them different reference numerals “81” and “82” below.

[0129] As shown in Fig. 13B, the fibrous member 81 has a quadrangular prism shape, more specifically, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Furthermore, the fibrous member 81 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. As a result, as shown in Fig. 13A, a gap G0 is provided between the side edge portion of the fibrous member 81 and the inner surface 19 of the housing 10. The fibrous member 81 may also have a square shape when viewed from above.

[0130] 13B , the fibrous member 82 has a cylindrical shape. The fibrous member 81 has a circular shape in top view. The diameter of the fibrous member 82 is the same as the inner diameter of the auxiliary cylinder portion 23 in this example, but may be smaller than the inner diameter of the auxiliary cylinder portion 23.

[0131] 13A , the fibrous member 82 is disposed below the fibrous member 81. For example, the fibrous member 82 is placed on the protrusion 120 of the lower housing 12, and the fibrous member 81 is placed on the upper surface of the fibrous member 82. When viewed from above, the area of ​​the fibrous member 81 is smaller than the area of ​​the fibrous member 82. This makes it easier for the arc or gas that passes through the gap G0 between the fibrous member 81 and the inner surface 19 of the housing 10 to come into contact with the fibrous member 82.

[0132] 13B , the upper surface 820 of the fiber component 82 has a protrusion 801 and a recess 802. The protrusion 801 and the recess 802 may be provided on the lower surface 810 of the fiber component 81, or on both the lower surface 810 of the fiber component 81 and the upper surface 820 of the fiber component 82. Alternatively, only one of the protrusion 801 and the recess 802 may be provided, or both the protrusion 801 and the recess 802 may be provided. With the above configuration, a gap G30 is provided between the fiber component 81 and the fiber component 82 when the fiber component 81 is positioned above the fiber component 82. This allows an arc or gas that passes through the gap G0 between the fiber component 81 and the inner surface 19 of the housing 10 to easily come into contact with the lower surface of the fiber component 81 or the upper surface of the fiber component 82 through the gap G30 between the lower surface of the fiber component 81 and the upper surface of the fiber component 82. 13A, for the sake of clarity, fibrous member 81 and fibrous member 82 are shown not in contact with each other but with gap G30 provided therebetween, but fibrous member 81 and fibrous member 82 may be in contact with each other at a portion (for example, at convex portion 801). The same applies to FIGS. 14A and 15A.

[0133] In this modified example, a gap G0 is provided between the fiber member 81 and the inner surface 19 of the housing 10, allowing the fiber member 81 to be used efficiently and improving the cooling performance of the fiber member 8.

[0134] The shapes of the convex portion 801 and the concave portion 802 are not limited to a shape in which a portion of the lower surface 810 of the fiber material 81 or the upper surface 820 of the fiber material 82 protrudes or is concave as shown in Figure 13B, but may also be a shape in which the entire lower surface 810 of the fiber material 81 or the upper surface 820 of the fiber material 82 is wavy.

[0135] (2.5) Modification 5 The blocking device 100 of this modification differs from the blocking device 100 of Modification 4 in the shape of the fibrous member 82 .

[0136] 14B , in this modification, the fibrous member 82 has a quadrangular prism shape, more specifically, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Furthermore, the fibrous member 82 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. This provides a gap G0 between the side edge of the fibrous member 82 and the inner surface of the through-hole 29 of the auxiliary cylinder portion 23 (the inner surface 19 of the housing 10). The fibrous member 82 may also have a square shape when viewed from above.

[0137] As shown in Fig. 14A, fibrous member 82 is disposed below fibrous member 81. As shown in Fig. 14B, in a top view, the area of ​​fibrous member 81 is smaller than the area of ​​fibrous member 82. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 14B, at least one of a lower surface 810 of fibrous member 81 and an upper surface 820 of fibrous member 82 is provided with at least one of a convex portion 801 and a concave portion 802.

[0138] In this modified example, a gap G0 is provided between the fiber member 8 (fiber member 81 or fiber member 82) and the inner surface 19 of the housing 10, allowing the fiber member 8 to be utilized efficiently and improving the cooling performance of the fiber member 8.

[0139] In the blocking device 100 of this modified example, one of the fibrous member 81 and the fibrous member 82 may be omitted.

[0140] 15A , the blocking device 100 of this modification includes three fibrous members 8. For convenience, the three fibrous members 8 will be distinguished from one another by assigning them different reference numerals “81,” “82,” and “83” below.

[0141] 15B , the fibrous member 81 has a quadrangular prism shape, more specifically, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Furthermore, the fibrous member 81 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. This provides a gap G0 between the side edge portions of the fibrous member 81 and the inner surface 19 of the housing 10. The fibrous member 81 may also have a square shape when viewed from above.

[0142] 15B , the fibrous member 82 has a quadrangular prism shape, more specifically, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Furthermore, the fibrous member 81 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. This provides a gap G0 between the side edge of the fibrous member 82 and the inner surface of the through-hole 29 of the auxiliary cylinder portion 23 (the inner surface 19 of the housing 10). The fibrous member 82 may have a square shape when viewed from above. When viewed from above, the area of ​​the fibrous member 81 is smaller than the area of ​​the fibrous member 82.

[0143] 15B , the fibrous member 83 is cylindrical. The fibrous member 83 has through-holes 839 that penetrate vertically. The fibrous member 83 is also annular in top view. In top view, the area of ​​the fibrous member 81 is smaller than the area of ​​the fibrous member 83. In the present disclosure, the "area of ​​the cylindrical fibrous member 83 in top view" refers to the area of ​​the region between the inner circle and the outer circle of the annular fibrous member 83 in top view. The outer diameter of the fibrous member 83 is the same as the inner diameter of the lower housing 12 in this example, but may be smaller than the inner diameter of the lower housing 12.

[0144] In this modified example, a gap G0 is provided between the fiber member 8 and the inner surface 19 of the housing 10, allowing the fiber member 8 to be used efficiently and improving the cooling performance of the fiber member 8.

[0145] In the blocking device 100 of this modified example, one of the fibrous member 81 and the fibrous member 82 may be omitted. Also, at least one of the lower surface of the fibrous member 81 and the upper surface of the fibrous member 82 may be provided with at least one of a convex portion 801 and a concave portion 802 (see FIG. 13B ).

[0146] 16A , the blocking device 100 of this modification includes two fibrous members 8. For convenience, the two fibrous members 8 will be distinguished from each other by assigning different reference numerals “81” and “82” to them below.

[0147] 16B, the fibrous member 81 has a quadrangular prism shape, more specifically, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has a rectangular shape when viewed from above.

[0148] The fibrous member 82 has a quadrangular prism shape, more specifically, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a rectangular shape when viewed from above.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 16A, the fibrous member 81 and the fibrous member 82 are arranged side by side in the internal space S1 of the housing 10 with a gap between them.

[0150] In this modified example, a gap G0 is provided between the fiber member 8 and the inner surface 19 of the housing 10, allowing the fiber member 8 to be used efficiently and improving the cooling performance of the fiber member 8.

[0151] (2.8) Other Modifications Regarding the appropriate range of the amount of fiber material 8 packed into the internal space S1, from another perspective, the fiber material 8 may be arranged so as to occupy 50% to 70% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the lower housing 12 (internal space S1). This allows for efficient extinguishing of arc energy and suppresses an increase in pressure in the internal space S1. For example, by arranging one fiber material 8 in the internal space S1 as in the example shown in FIG. 3, the fiber material 8 can be arranged so as to occupy approximately 50% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the lower housing 12. Furthermore, by arranging two fiber materials 8 (81, 82) in the internal space S1 as in the example shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the fiber material 8 can be arranged so as to occupy approximately 70% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the lower housing 12.

[0152] In one modified example, the fibrous component 8 may have a through hole 803 penetrating vertically, as shown in FIG. 17A . The through hole 803 may be provided at the center (center of gravity) of the fibrous component 8 in a top view, or may be provided at a position off-center. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17B , the fibrous component 8 may have a plurality of through holes 803 (two in the example of FIG. 17B ). Instead of or in addition to the through hole 803 penetrating vertically, the fibrous component 8 may have a recess recessed upward or downward. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17C , the fibrous component 8 may have one or more recesses 804 recessed leftward, rightward, forward, or backward. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to the recess 804, the fibrous component 8 may have a through hole penetrating horizontally or frontward or rearward. The penetrating direction of the through hole is not limited to vertical, frontward, or leftward, and may be oblique. The recessed direction may be oblique.

[0153] In one modified example, the shape of the fibrous member 8 may be any shape that provides a gap G0 between at least a portion of the side of the fibrous member 8 and the inner surface 19 of the housing 10. The shape of the fibrous member 8 may be other shapes, such as a triangular prism or an elliptical cylinder, depending on the shape of the internal space S1 of the housing 10.

[0154] In one modified example, the upper surface of the fibrous member 8 may be separated from the lower surface of the conductor 3 without contacting the same. Also, the lower surface of the fibrous member 8 may be separated from the protrusion 120 of the lower housing 12 without contacting the same.

[0155] In one modified example, the inner surface 19 of the housing 10 is not limited to a circular shape when viewed from above, but may be an elliptical shape when viewed from above, a rectangular shape with curved corners when viewed from above, etc. In short, in the blocking device 100, it is sufficient that a part of the inner surface 19 of the housing 10 is the curved portion 190.

[0156] (3) Aspects As is clear from the above-described embodiments and modifications, the present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0157] The first aspect of the shutoff device (100) includes a housing (10), a gas generator (4), a pusher (5), a conductor (3), and a fibrous member (8). The gas generator (4) generates gas. The pusher (5) is located inside the housing (10) and below the gas generator (4). The conductor (3) has a separation portion (36) that is located below the pusher (5) and is cut by the pusher (5). The fibrous member (8) is located inside the housing (10) and below the pusher (5) and the separation portion (36). The inner surface (19) of the housing (10) has a curved portion (190). A first portion (part) of a side of the fibrous member (8) contacts the inner surface (19) of the housing (10). A gap (G0) is provided between the second portion (remaining portion) of the side of the fiber member (8) and the inner surface (19) of the housing (10).

[0158] According to this aspect, the gap (G0) is provided between the fiber member (8) and the inner surface (19) of the housing (10), which allows for efficient use of the fiber member (8) and improves the cooling performance of the fiber member (8). Furthermore, the contact of a portion of the side of the fiber member (8) with the inner surface (19) of the housing (10) allows the fiber member (8) to be positioned inside the housing (10).

[0159] In the second aspect of the circuit breaking device (100), the conductor (3) further has a holding portion (first holding portion 34 or second holding portion 35) connected to the separating portion (36). The housing (10) has a resin member (2) in which the holding portion is embedded. A first portion of the side of the fibrous member (8) contacts the resin member (2).

[0160] According to this embodiment, since the gap (G0) is provided near the location where the arc is generated (the cut portion of the conductor (3)), the arc and gas generated around the cut portion are easily diffused into the internal space (S1) through the gap (G0), which makes it possible to efficiently utilize the fiber member (8) and further improves the cooling performance of the fiber member (8).

[0161] In the interrupter (100) of the third aspect, the cut portion of the conductor where the separation portion (36) is cut overlaps with the gap (G0) in top view.

[0162] According to this aspect, the arc and gas generated around the cut portion are easily diffused into the internal space (S1) through the gap (G0), which allows the fiber member (8) to be efficiently utilized and further improves the cooling performance of the fiber member (8).

[0163] In the blocking device (100) of the fourth aspect, a plurality of gaps (G0) are provided between a second portion of the side of the fibrous material (8) and the inner surface (19) of the housing (10). The plurality of gaps (G0) include a first gap (G11) and a second gap (G12) facing the first gap (G11). In a top view, the separation portion (36) is located between the first gap (G11) and the second gap (G12).

[0164] According to this aspect, arcs and gases generated around the cut portions (first cut portion and second cut portion) on both sides of the separation portion (36) are easily diffused into the internal space (S1) through the gap (G0) (first gap G11 and second gap G12), which makes it possible to efficiently utilize the fiber material (8) and further improves the cooling performance of the fiber material (8).

[0165] In the fifth aspect of the circuit breaking device (100), the conductor (3) includes a first holding portion (34) connected to a first end of the separation portion (36) and a second holding portion (35) connected to a second end of the separation portion (36). The cutting portion of the conductor (3) where the separation portion (36) is cut includes a first cutting portion where the separation portion (36) is cut from the first holding portion (34) and a second cutting portion where the separation portion (36) is cut from the second holding portion (35). The first cutting portion overlaps the first gap (G11) in a top view. The second cutting portion overlaps the second gap (G12) in a top view.

[0166] According to this aspect, the arc and gas generated around the first cut portion are easily diffused into the internal space (S1) through the first gap (G11), and the arc and gas generated around the second cut portion are easily diffused into the internal space (S1) through the second gap (G12). This makes it possible to efficiently utilize the fiber material (8), and further improves the cooling performance of the fiber material (8).

[0167] In the interrupter (100) of the sixth aspect, the conductor (3) is provided with a separation groove (371), and the separation groove (371) overlaps with the gap in top view.

[0168] According to this aspect, the arc and gas generated around the cut portion are easily diffused into the internal space (S1) through the gap (G0), which allows the fiber member (8) to be efficiently utilized and further improves the cooling performance of the fiber member (8).

[0169] In the blocking device (100) of the seventh aspect, a plurality of gaps (G0) are provided between the second portion of the fibrous material (8) and the inner surface (19) of the housing (10). The plurality of gaps (G0) include a first gap (G11) and a second gap (G12) facing the first gap (G11). In a top view, the separation portion (36) is located between the first gap (G11) and the second gap (G12).

[0170] According to this aspect, arcs and gases generated around the cut portions (first cut portion and second cut portion) on both sides of the separation portion (36) are easily diffused into the internal space (S1) through the gap (G0) (first gap G11 and second gap G12), which makes it possible to efficiently utilize the fiber material (8) and further improves the cooling performance of the fiber material (8).

[0171] In the circuit breaking device (100) of the eighth aspect, the conductor (3) includes a first holding portion (34) connected to a first end of the separation portion (36) and a second holding portion (35) connected to a second end of the separation portion (36). The conductor (3) is further provided with a second separation groove (372). The separation groove (371) is located at the boundary between the separation portion (36) and the first holding portion (34), and the separation groove (372) is located at the boundary between the separation portion (36) and the second holding portion (35). The separation groove (371) overlaps with the first gap (G11) in a top view, and the separation groove (372) overlaps with the second gap (G12) in a top view.

[0172] According to this aspect, the arc and gas generated around the first cut portion are easily diffused into the internal space (S1) through the first gap (G11), and the arc and gas generated around the second cut portion are easily diffused into the internal space (S1) through the second gap (G12). This makes it possible to efficiently utilize the fiber material (8), and further improves the cooling performance of the fiber material (8).

[0173] In the blocking device (100) of the ninth aspect, the plurality of gaps (G0) include a third gap (G13; G23) and a fourth gap (G14; G24).

[0174] According to this aspect, the arc and the gas are easily diffused into the internal space (S1) through the third gap (G13; G23) and the fourth gap (G14; G24), which allows the fiber member (8) to be efficiently utilized and further improves the cooling performance of the fiber member (8).

[0175] In the interrupter (100) of the tenth aspect, the third gap (G23) and the fourth gap (G24) do not overlap with the conductor (3) in top view.

[0176] According to this aspect, the presence of additional gaps (the third gap G23 and the fourth gap G24) at positions that do not overlap with the conductor 3 in a top view further facilitates the diffusion of the arc and gas into the internal space S1, thereby enabling the fiber member 8 to be used efficiently and further improving the cooling performance of the fiber member 8.

[0177] The blocking device (100) of the eleventh aspect includes a second fibrous member (82; 83). The second fibrous member (82; 83) is located inside the housing (10) and disposed below the first fibrous member (81; 82). A gap is provided between the first fibrous member (81; 82) and the second fibrous member (82; 83).

[0178] According to this aspect, the arc and the gas pass through the gap between the lower surface of the first fiber member (81; 82) and the upper surface of the second fiber member (82; 83), and are more likely to come into contact with the lower surface of the first fiber member (81; 82) or the upper surface of the second fiber member (82; 83). This allows the fiber member (8) to be used efficiently, and further improves the cooling performance of the fiber member (8).

[0179] In the blocking device (100) of the twelfth aspect, the second fibrous member (82; 83) has a cylindrical or columnar shape.

[0180] According to this aspect, it is possible to efficiently utilize the fiber member (8), and the cooling performance of the fiber member (8) is further improved.

[0181] In the blocking device (100) of the thirteenth aspect, the second fibrous member (82; 83) has a quadrangular prism shape.

[0182] According to this aspect, it is possible to efficiently utilize the fiber member (8), and the cooling performance of the fiber member (8) is further improved.

[0183] In the blocking device (100) of the fourteenth aspect, the area of ​​the first fibrous member (81; 82) is smaller than the area of ​​the second fibrous member (82; 83) in a top view.

[0184] According to this embodiment, the arc and the gas are more likely to come into contact with the second fiber member (82; 83), which results in efficient utilization of the fiber member (8), further improving the cooling performance of the fiber member (8).

[0185] In the blocking device (100) of the fifteenth aspect, a convex portion (801) or a concave portion (802) is provided on the lower surface of the first fibrous member (81; 82) or the upper surface of the second fibrous member (82; 83).

[0186] According to this aspect, a large gap can be provided between the first fiber member (81; 82) and the second fiber member (82; 83), which makes it easier for the arc and gas to pass through the gap between the lower surface of the first fiber member (81; 82) and the upper surface of the second fiber member (82; 83) and come into contact with the lower surface of the first fiber member (81; 82) or the upper surface of the second fiber member (82; 83).

[0187] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Circuit breaker 10 Housing 19 Inner surface 190 Curved portion 2 Resin member 3 Conductor 34 First holding portion (holding portion) 35 Second holding portion (holding portion) 36 Separation portion 4 Gas generator 5 Pusher 8 Fibre member 81 Fibre member 82 Fibre member 83 Fibre member 801 Convex portion 802 Concave portion G0 Gap G11 First gap G12 Second gap G13, G23 Third gap G14, G24 Fourth gap

Claims

1. A blocking device comprising: a housing; a gas generator that generates gas; a pusher located inside the housing and below the gas generator; a conductor located below the pusher and having a separation portion that is cut by the pusher; and a first fibrous member located inside the housing and below the pusher and the separation portion, wherein an inner surface of the housing has a curved portion, a first portion of a side of the first fibrous member contacts the inner surface of the housing, and a gap is provided between a second portion of the side of the first fibrous member and the inner surface of the housing.

2. The circuit breaker as described in claim 1, wherein the conductor further has a retaining portion connected to the separation portion, the housing includes a resin member in which the retaining portion is embedded, and the first portion of the side of the first fiber member contacts the resin member.

3. The circuit breaker according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cut portion of the conductor where the separation portion is cut overlaps with the gap in a top view.

4. The blocking device described in claim 3, wherein a plurality of gaps are provided between the second portion of the side of the first fiber member and the inner surface of the housing, each of the plurality of gaps is the gap, the plurality of gaps include a first gap and a second gap opposite to the first gap, and when viewed from above, the separation portion is located between the first gap and the second gap.

5. The circuit breaker device of claim 4, wherein the conductor includes a first retaining portion connected to a first end of the separation portion, and a second retaining portion connected to a second end of the separation portion, and the cutting portion of the conductor where the separation portion is cut includes a first cutting portion where the separation portion is cut from the first retaining portion, and a second cutting portion where the separation portion is cut from the second retaining portion, and the first cutting portion overlaps the first gap in a top view, and the second cutting portion overlaps the second gap in a top view.

6. The circuit breaker according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conductor is provided with a first separation groove, and the first separation groove overlaps with the gap in a top view.

7. The blocking device described in claim 6, wherein a plurality of gaps are provided between the second portion of the first fiber member and the inner surface of the housing, each of the plurality of gaps is the gap, the plurality of gaps include a first gap and a second gap opposite to the first gap, and when viewed from above, the separation portion is located between the first gap and the second gap.

8. The circuit breaker described in claim 7, wherein the conductor has a first retaining portion connected to a first end of the separation portion, and a second retaining portion connected to a second end of the separation portion, the conductor further being provided with a second separation groove, the first separation groove being located at the boundary between the separation portion and the first retaining portion, the second separation groove being located at the boundary between the separation portion and the second retaining portion, the first separation groove overlapping the first gap in a top view, and the second separation groove overlapping the second gap in a top view.

9. The isolating device according to any one of claims 4, 5, 7 and 8, wherein the plurality of gaps further includes a third gap and a fourth gap.

10. The circuit breaker according to claim 9, wherein the third gap and the fourth gap do not overlap the conductor in a top view.

11. A blocking device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a second fibrous member located inside the housing and disposed below the first fibrous member, and a gap is provided between the first fibrous member and the second fibrous member.

12. The blocking device according to claim 11, wherein the second fiber member is cylindrical or columnar.

13. The isolating device according to claim 11, wherein the second fiber member is in the shape of a rectangular prism.

14. A blocking device as described in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, in a top view, the area of ​​the first fiber member is smaller than the area of ​​the second fiber member.

15. A blocking device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein a convex portion or a concave portion is provided on the lower surface of the first fibrous member or the upper surface of the second fibrous member.

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