High-speed feeder, power conversion device, and power reception and distribution equipment

Abstract

A high-speed feeder (101) comprises: a fixed electrode (10); a movable electrode (20) capable of movement in a first direction (DR1) toward the fixed electrode; a guide part (30) that guides movement of the movable electrode in the first direction; a holding part (41) capable of holding the movable electrode, which is separated from the fixed electrode, with respect to the guide part; and a drive part (50) capable of pressing the movable electrode held by the holding part toward the fixed electrode. The holding part is capable of holding the movable electrode with respect to the guide part when the movable electrode is not being pressed by the drive part, and slides with the movable electrode and / or the guide part when the movable electrode pressed toward the fixed electrode by the drive part moves in the first direction.

Description

High-speed switch, power conversion device, and power distribution and reception equipment

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a high-speed switch, a power conversion device including the high-speed switch, and power distribution and reception equipment.

[0002] The short-circuit device described in U.S. Patent No. 8,164,868 (Patent Document 1) includes a contact, a contact portion and an opening / closing rod, a spring, an opening / closing pin, and a pyrotechnic mechanical element. The contact portion and the opening / closing rod are integrally movable with respect to the contact. The spring is disposed on the side opposite to the contact with respect to the opening / closing rod and the contact portion. The opening / closing pin is movable in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the opening / closing rod, and can be switched between a state of being coupled to the side surface of the opening / closing rod and a state of not being coupled to the opening / closing rod. During normal operation of the semiconductor module, the opening / closing pin is held in a state of being coupled to the side surface of the opening / closing rod. In this state, the spring is compressed in the moving direction of the opening / closing rod. When a failure of the power semiconductor module is estimated, the pyrotechnic mechanical element operates to realize a state in which the opening / closing pin is not coupled to the opening / closing rod. As a result, the stored spring is released, and the opening / closing rod and the contact portion are inserted into the contact.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 8,164,868

[0004] In the short-circuit device described in Patent Document 1, since the moving direction of the opening / closing pin for holding the contact portion in a state of being separated from the contact is different from the moving direction of the contact portion and the opening / closing rod, the movement of the contact portion and the opening / closing rod is performed after the movement of the opening / closing pin. As a result, in the above short-circuit device, the operation of inserting the contact portion into the contact is executed as a two-stage operation, and it is difficult to speed up the operation.

[0005] The main object of the present disclosure is to provide a high-speed switch, a power conversion device, and power distribution and reception equipment capable of performing a faster insertion operation.

[0006] The high-speed feeder according to this disclosure comprises a fixed electrode, a movable electrode that can move in a first direction toward the fixed electrode, a guide portion that guides the movement of the movable electrode in the first direction, a holding portion that can hold the movable electrode, which is separated from the fixed electrode, with respect to the guide portion, and a drive portion that can press the movable electrode held by the holding portion toward the fixed electrode. The holding portion can hold the movable electrode toward the guide portion when the movable electrode is not being pressed by the drive portion. When the movable electrode, which is being pressed toward the fixed electrode by the drive portion, moves in the first direction, it slides with at least one of the movable electrode and the guide portion.

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a high-speed switch, a power converter, and power distribution equipment that can perform faster switching operations.

[0008] This is a cross-sectional view showing a high-speed feeder according to Embodiment 1. This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the movable electrode is inserted into the fixed electrode in the high-speed feeder according to Embodiment 1. This is a plan view illustrating an example of the first holding part of the high-speed feeder according to Embodiment 1. This is a cross-sectional view showing a high-speed feeder according to Embodiment 2. This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the movable electrode is inserted into the fixed electrode in the high-speed feeder according to Embodiment 2. This is a cross-sectional view showing a high-speed feeder according to Embodiment 3. This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the guide part of the high-speed feeder according to Embodiment 3. This is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state realized during the feeding operation in the high-speed feeder according to Embodiment 3. This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the movable electrode is inserted into the fixed electrode in the high-speed feeder according to Embodiment 3. This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the guide part of the high-speed feeder according to Embodiment 3. This is a cross-sectional view showing a high-speed feeder according to Embodiment 4. This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the movable electrode is inserted into the fixed electrode in the high-speed feeder according to Embodiment 4. This is a plan view illustrating an example of the second holding part of the high-speed feeder according to Embodiment 4. This is a plan view illustrating a first modified example of the second holding part of the high-speed feeder according to Embodiment 4. This is a cross-sectional view taken from arrow XV in Figure 14. This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second modified example of the second holding portion of the high-speed feeder according to Embodiment 4. This is a plan view illustrating a modified example of the high-speed feeder according to Embodiment 4. This is a cross-sectional view showing the high-speed feeder according to Embodiment 5. This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the movable electrode is engaged with the fixed electrode in the high-speed feeder according to Embodiment 5. This is a diagram showing an example of a power control circuit included in a power conversion device according to Embodiment 6. This is a diagram showing an example of a power distribution circuit included in a power distribution facility according to Embodiment 7.

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals will be used for identical components, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0010] The high-speed switch according to this embodiment is electrically connected in parallel to one module circuit in an electrical device having multiple module circuits. When one module circuit fails, the high-speed switch short-circuits both ends of that module circuit to disable it, preventing the effects of the failure from spreading to other module circuits. The high-speed switch according to this disclosure is applicable to any electrical device. As an example, the high-speed switch according to this disclosure is applicable to a power converter. The high-speed switch according to this disclosure is connected in parallel to each module circuit, protecting each of the multiple module circuits (unit converters) connected in a cascade in the power converter. As another example, the high-speed switch according to this disclosure is applicable to power distribution equipment. The high-speed switch according to this disclosure is connected between one pole of the circuit breaker of each switchgear and the ground conductor, protecting multiple module circuits (switchgears) in the power distribution equipment.

[0011] Embodiment 1. <Configuration of the high-speed feeder> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the high-speed feeder 101 of Embodiment 1 comprises a fixed electrode 10, a movable electrode 20, a guide section 30, a first holding section 41, and a drive section 50.

[0012] The fixed electrode 10 is one of the two main electrodes (first main electrode) of the high-speed feeder 101, which is electrically connected in parallel to one module circuit. The guide section 30 is the other main electrode (second main electrode) of the two main electrodes of the high-speed feeder 101, which is electrically connected in parallel to one module circuit. The movable electrode 20 is electrically connected to the guide section 30 and is movable relative to the fixed electrode 10 and the guide section 30. The guide section 30 guides the movement of the movable electrode 20.

[0013] The movable electrode 20 is movable from a first position, where it is spaced apart from the fixed electrode 10, to a second position, where it is in contact with the fixed electrode 10. In this specification, the state in which the movable electrode 20 is in the first position is described as the first state, and the state in which the movable electrode 20 is in the second position is described as the second state.

[0014] Figure 1 shows the first state of the high-speed feeder 101. The first state is achieved when the module circuit electrically connected in parallel to the high-speed feeder 101 is operating normally. In the first state, the shortest distance L1 in the first direction DR1 between the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20 held by the first holding part 41 is greater than or equal to the insulation distance between the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20. When the high-speed feeder 101 is switched from the first state to the second state, the shortest distance between the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20 gradually becomes shorter than the shortest distance L1, and eventually becomes zero. The shortest distance L1 is the shortest distance between the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20 achieved during the normal operation of the high-speed feeder 101. In the first state, the module circuit electrically connected in parallel to the high-speed feeder 101 is operating normally. In the first state, the voltage applied to the module circuit electrically connected in parallel to the high-speed feeder 101 is applied between the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20. In the first state, the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20 are electrically insulated from each other, so a normal current flows through the module circuit.

[0015] Figure 2 shows the second state of the high-speed feeder 101. The second state is realized when a module circuit electrically connected in parallel to the high-speed feeder 101 fails. In the second state, the movable electrode 20 is electrically connected to the fixed electrode 10 in the high-speed feeder 101. The module circuit electrically connected in parallel to the high-speed feeder 101 is bypassed and disabled.

[0016] In this specification, the direction of movement of the movable electrode 20 is described as the first direction DR1. The first direction DR1 may be along the vertical direction. In this case, the movable electrode 20 may be positioned above the fixed electrode 10 or below the fixed electrode 10. The first direction DR1 may also be along the horizontal direction. The central axis that passes through the center of the movable electrode 20 and extends along the first direction DR1 when viewed from the first direction DR1 is described as the central axis CA. The radial direction with respect to the central axis CA is described as the second direction DR2. The guide portion 30 has a guide surface 30A that extends along the first direction DR1. The guide surface 30A is, for example, an inner diameter surface that is continuous in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis CA.

[0017] The first holding portion 41 is capable of holding the movable electrode 20, which is separated from the fixed electrode 10, against the guide portion 30. The drive portion 50 can press and move the movable electrode 20, which is held by the first holding portion 41, toward the fixed electrode 10.

[0018] In the high-speed feeder 101, the first holding portion 41 is provided to slide against the guide surface 30A of the guide portion 30 when the movable electrode 20 is pressed by the drive portion 50 and moves in the first direction DR1.

[0019] The first holding portion 41 is, for example, electrically conductive and electrically connects the movable electrode 20 and the guide portion 30. The first holding portion 41 may also be electrically insulating. In this case, the high-speed feeder 101 may further include a connecting member that electrically connects the movable electrode 20 and the guide portion 30. The connecting member may be provided to extend and retract when the movable electrode 20 is pressed by the drive portion 50 and moves in the first direction DR1, or it may be provided to slide with at least one of the movable electrode 20 and the guide portion 30.

[0020] The high-speed dispenser 101 may include a container 1. The container 1 has, for example, a first lid 2, a first tube 3, a second tube 4, and a second lid 5. The first lid 2 and the second tube 4 are electrically conductive. The first tube 3 and the second lid 5 are electrically insulating. The first tube 3 and the second tube 4 extend along a first direction DR1 and are arranged side by side in the first direction DR1. One open end of the first tube 3 in the first direction DR1 is closed by the first lid 2. The other open end of the first tube 3 in the first direction DR1 is connected to one open end of the second tube 4 in the first direction DR1. The other open end of the second tube 4 in the first direction DR1 is closed by the second lid 5. Inside the container 1, a space is formed that is surrounded by the first lid portion 2, the first tube portion 3, the second tube portion 4, and the second lid portion 5.

[0021] The fixed electrode 10 is provided as the same material as, for example, the first lid 2. The bottom portion 11 of the fixed electrode 10, which will be described later, is provided as the first lid 2. The guide portion 30 is provided as the same material as, for example, the second tube portion 4. At least a part of the movable electrode 20, the first holding portion 41, and the drive portion 50 is housed in the internal space of the container 1. The movable electrode 20 and the first holding portion 41 are movable relative to the container 1. The movable electrode 20 is movable inside the first tube portion 3 and the second tube portion 4. The first holding portion 41 is movable inside the second tube portion 4. The drive portion 50 is fixed to the container 1. The drive portion 50 is fixed to, for example, the second lid portion 5.

[0022] The internal space of container 1 is filled with an insulating gas, such as air or sulfur hexafluoride. The internal space of container 1 may also be a vacuum.

[0023] The first lid portion 2 may be provided as a separate component from the fixed electrode 10, for example. Only a part of the first lid portion 2 may be electrically connected to the fixed electrode 10, and together with the fixed electrode 10, form the first main electrode. The remaining part of the first lid portion 2 may have electrical insulating properties. The second tube portion 4 may be provided as a separate component from the guide portion 30, for example. Only a part of the second tube portion 4 may be electrically connected to the guide portion 30, and together with the guide portion 30, form the second main electrode. The remaining part of the second tube portion 4 may have electrical insulating properties.

[0024] The high-speed dispenser 101 does not necessarily have to include a container 1. A specific example of the high-speed dispenser 101 will be described in detail below.

[0025] <Specific Example of a High-Speed ​​Feeder> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fixed electrode 10 has a bottom portion 11 and a first projection portion 12. The bottom portion 11 is exposed to the outside in the high-speed feeding device 101. The bottom portion 11 is provided as a first cover portion 2. When viewed from a first direction DR1, the bottom portion 11 has a central portion and an outer edge portion surrounding the central portion. The outer edge portion of the bottom portion 11 is connected to one open end of the first pipe portion 3 in the first direction DR1. The first projection portion 12 protrudes from the central portion of the bottom portion 11 toward the movable electrode 20. The first projection portion 12 has a top surface 10A that faces toward the movable electrode 20 in the first direction DR1. The top surface 10A is, for example, a plane perpendicular to the first direction DR1. The top surface 10A may be a curved surface. The top surface 10A may be a convex surface. The top surface 10A may be a concave surface.

[0026] In the fixed electrode 10, the first protrusion 12 is provided as the same material as, for example, the bottom portion 11. However, the first protrusion 12 may be provided as a separate material from the bottom portion 11.

[0027] The movable electrode 20 is movable in a first direction DR1 toward the fixed electrode 10. The movable electrode 20 has a main body portion 21 and a second projection portion 22. The main body portion 21 is positioned in the first direction DR1 on the opposite side of the fixed electrode 10 from the second projection portion 22. When viewed from the first direction DR1, the main body portion 21 has a central portion and an outer edge portion surrounding the central portion. The outer edge portion of the main body portion 21 is connected to one open end of the first tube portion 3 in the first direction DR1. The second projection portion 22 protrudes from the central portion of the main body portion 21 toward the fixed electrode 10. The outer diameter of the second projection portion 22 in the second direction DR2 is smaller than the outer diameter of the main body portion 21 in the second direction DR2.

[0028] The second projection 22 has a top surface 20A facing the fixed electrode 10 side in the first direction DR1. In the first state, the top surface 20A faces the top surface 10A of the fixed electrode 10. In the second state, the top surface 20A is in contact with the top surface 10A. The top surface 20A is, for example, a plane perpendicular to the first direction DR1. The top surface 20A may be a curved surface. The top surface 20A may be a convex surface. In this case, it is preferable that the top surface 10A is a concave surface.

[0029] The outer edge of the main body portion 21 has a side surface 20B that faces outward in the second direction DR2. The side surface 20B faces the guide surface 30A of the guide portion 30 in the second direction DR2 at both the first and second positions. From a different perspective, the guide surface 30A of the guide portion 30 guides the movable electrode 20 and the first holding portion 41 when the movable electrode 20 moves from the first position to the second position.

[0030] A first groove 23 is provided on the side surface 20B of the outer edge of the movable electrode 20. The first groove 23 is recessed inward from the side surface 20B in the second direction DR2 and extends along the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis CA. The first groove 23 is, for example, an annular groove that is continuous in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis CA. The first groove 23 is provided to accommodate a part of the first retaining portion 41.

[0031] The first groove 23 has a pair of inner wall surfaces facing each other in the first direction DR1, and a bottom surface connecting the inner circumferential ends of the pair of inner wall surfaces. The bottom surface of the first groove 23 faces the guide surface 30A of the guide portion 30 in the second direction DR2.

[0032] The guide portion 30 includes, for example, a straight pipe portion 31 and a flange portion 32. The straight pipe portion 31 extends along a first direction DR1. The inner circumferential surface of the straight pipe portion 31 forms a guide surface 30A. The length of the guide surface 30A in the first direction DR1 is greater than or equal to the distance traveled between the first position and the second position of the movable electrode 20. The flange portion 32 extends outward in the second direction DR2 from one end of the straight pipe portion 31 located on the fixed electrode 10 side in the first direction DR1. The outer edge of the flange portion 32 in the second direction DR2 is connected to the open end of the first pipe portion 3 located on the opposite side of the fixed electrode 10 in the first direction DR1. The other end of the straight pipe portion 31 located on the fixed electrode 10 side in the first direction DR1 is connected to the outer edge of the second lid portion 5 in the second direction DR2. The flange portion 32 may be made of the same material as the straight pipe portion 31. The flange portion 32 may be a separate component from the straight pipe portion 31.

[0033] The inner diameter of the straight pipe section 31 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first pipe section 3. The distance in the second direction DR2 between the side surface 20B of the movable electrode 20 and the guide surface 30A of the guide section 30 is shorter than the distance in the second direction DR2 between the side surface of the fixed electrode 10 and the inner circumferential surface of the first pipe section 3.

[0034] Preferably, in the first state, the shortest distance L1 between the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20 is longer than the shortest distance L2 between the fixed electrode 10 and the guide portion 30.

[0035] The first retaining portion 41 is an elastic body that can be elastically deformed in the second direction DR2. The first retaining portion 41 is, for example, an annular elastic body. The first retaining portion 41 is in contact with the bottom surface and the guide surface 30A of the first groove 23. The first retaining portion 41 is compressed in the second direction DR2, sandwiched between the bottom surface and the guide surface 30A of the first groove 23. The first retaining portion 41 applies a reaction force (elastic force) to the bottom surface and the guide surface 30A of the first groove 23.

[0036] The first retaining portion 41 is in contact with at least one of the pair of inner wall surfaces of the first groove 23. For example, the first retaining portion 41 is in contact with each of the pair of inner wall surfaces of the first groove 23.

[0037] Figure 3 is a plan view showing an example of the first retaining portion 41. As shown in Figure 3, the first retaining portion 41 is, for example, a spring coil. The first retaining portion 41 is bent into an annular shape so as to surround the bottom surface of the first groove portion 23 of the movable electrode 20 when viewed from the first direction DR1. One end of the first retaining portion 41 in the circumferential direction is connected to, for example, the other end of the first retaining portion 41 in the circumferential direction.

[0038] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the first retaining portion 41 is compressed in the second direction DR2. When the first retaining portion 41 is sandwiched between the bottom surface of the first groove 23 and the guide surface 30A, the width W1 (see Figure 1) of a portion of the first retaining portion 41 in the circumferential direction is equal to the distance DR2 in the second direction between the bottom surface of the first groove 23 and the guide surface 30A. The width W1 is smaller than the width W0 (see Figure 3) of a portion of the first retaining portion 41 in the circumferential direction when the first retaining portion 41 is in its natural state, not sandwiched between the bottom surface of the first groove 23 and the guide surface 30A.

[0039] The drive unit 50 is, for example, a cylinder. The drive unit 50 includes, for example, a cylinder tube 51 and a rod 52. The cylinder tube 51 is fixed to the second lid 5. The rod 52 is movable relative to the cylinder tube 51 in a first direction DR1. The rod 52 can press the movable electrode 20 toward the fixed electrode 10. In the first state, the rod 52 is, for example, separated from the movable electrode 20. In the first state, the rod 52 may be in contact with the movable electrode 20. In the second state, the rod 52 is, for example, pressing the movable electrode 20 toward the fixed electrode 10. In the second state, the movable electrode 20 in contact with the fixed electrode 10 is held, for example, by the drive unit 50 and a spring 60, which will be described later.

[0040] In the second state, the rod 52 may be separated from the movable electrode 20. The movable electrode 20, which is in contact with the fixed electrode 10, may be held only by the spring 60, which will be described later. The drive unit 50 may be an electric actuator.

[0041] The high-speed feeder 101 may further include a spring 60. The spring 60 biases the movable electrode 20, which is at least spaced apart from the fixed electrode 10, toward the fixed electrode 10. The spring 60 biases the movable electrode 20 toward the fixed electrode 10, at least in the first state. Preferably, the spring 60 can bias the movable electrode 20 that is in contact with the fixed electrode 10 toward the fixed electrode 10. Preferably, the spring 60 biases the movable electrode 20 toward the fixed electrode 10 in the first and second states.

[0042] The spring 60 is positioned in the first direction DR1 on the side opposite to the fixed electrode 10 relative to the movable electrode 20. One end of the spring 60 in the first direction DR1 is connected to the main body 21 of the movable electrode 20. Preferably, one end of the spring 60 in the first direction DR1 is connected to the main body 21 of the movable electrode 20 via an insulating member 24. The other end of the spring 60 in the first direction DR1 is connected to, for example, the second cover 5.

[0043] The spring 60 is stretchable and contractible in the first direction DR1. The natural length of the spring 60 in the first direction DR1 is shorter than the distance in the first direction DR1 between the movable electrode 20 and the second lid portion 5 in the first state. Preferably, the natural length of the spring 60 in the first direction DR1 is shorter than the distance in the first direction DR1 between the movable electrode 20 and the second lid portion 5 in the second state.

[0044] The inner diameter of the spring 60 in the second direction DR2 is larger than, for example, the maximum width of the drive unit 50 in the second direction DR2. The spring 60 is arranged so as to surround the drive unit 50, for example, in the second direction DR2. The outer diameter of the spring 60 in the second direction DR2 is smaller than the outer diameter of the movable electrode 20 in the second direction DR2.

[0045] In the high-speed inserter 101, it is held in the first state shown in FIG. 1 until the insertion operation is started due to, for example, detection of an abnormality in the module circuit. In the first state, the first holding portion 41 is compressed in the second direction DR2 by the difference between the width W0 and the width W1. The frictional force generated between the first holding portion 41 and the guide portion 30 in the first state is larger than the biasing force applied to the first holding portion 41 by the pre-loaded spring 60. In the first state, the first holding portion 41 resists the biasing force of the spring 60 and prevents the movable electrode 20 from moving toward the fixed electrode 10.

[0046] In the high-speed inserter 101, when the insertion operation is started, it is switched from the first state to the second state shown in FIG. 2. At the time of switching, a force larger than the frictional force generated between the first holding portion 41 and the guide portion 30 in the first state is applied to the first holding portion 41 via the movable electrode 20 by the drive unit 50 and the spring 60. When the first holding portion 41 is pressed by the drive unit 50 as described above, the first holding portion 41 allows the movable electrode 20 to move toward the fixed electrode 10. Thereby, the movable electrode 20 is guided by the guide portion 30 together with the first holding portion 41 and moves in the first direction DR1 to reach the second position.

[0047] In the high-speed inserter 101, the first holding portion 41 is provided so as to slide with the guide portion 30 when the movable electrode 20 pressed toward the fixed electrode 10 by the drive unit 50 moves in the first direction DR1.

[0048] When such a first holding part 41 is pressed in the first direction DR1 via the movable electrode 20 by the driving part 50, it can no longer prevent the movement of the movable electrode 20. Instead, it moves together with the movable electrode 20 toward the fixed electrode 10 and slides with respect to the guide part 30. The direction of the pressing force applied to the movable electrode 20 and the first holding part 41 to insert the movable electrode 20 into the fixed electrode 10 is the same as the moving direction of the movable electrode 20. In such a high-speed inserter 101, since the insertion operation of inserting the movable electrode 20 into the fixed electrode 10 can be executed as a one-step operation, the insertion operation can be speeded up compared with the conventional high-speed inserter described above.

[0049] The high-speed inserter 101 further includes a spring 60 that biases the movable electrode 20 toward the fixed electrode 10. The first holding part 41 allows the movable electrode 20 to move toward the fixed electrode 10 when the movable electrode 20 biased by the spring 60 is pressed by the driving part 50.

[0050] In such a high-speed inserter 101, since the pressing force of the driving part 50 and the biasing force of the spring 60 are applied to the movable electrode 20 and the first holding part 41, the insertion speed (the speed of switching from the first state to the second state) can be increased compared with the case where only the pressing force of the driving part 50 is applied to the movable electrode 20 and the first holding part 41.

[0051] In the high-speed inserter 101, the spring 60 can bias the movable electrode 20 in contact with the fixed electrode 10 toward the fixed electrode 10. Thereby, the contact pressure generated between the movable electrode 20 and the fixed electrode 10 becomes larger compared with the case where the spring 60 does not bias the movable electrode 20 in contact with the fixed electrode 10 toward the fixed electrode 10. In such a high-speed inserter 101, the state where the movable electrode 20 is energized to the fixed electrode 10 can be more reliably maintained.

[0052] The high-speed feeder 101 comprises a container 1 in which an insulating space is formed inside. The fixed electrode 10 and the guide portion 30 constitute part of the container 1. The movable electrode 20, the first holding portion 41, and at least a part of the drive portion 50 are arranged inside the container 1. In such a high-speed feeder 101, it is possible to prevent the movable electrode 20 and the fixed electrode 10 from being electrically connected via a conductive gas present between the movable electrode 20 and the fixed electrode 10 in the first position.

[0053] In the high-speed feeder 101, the first holding portion 41 is positioned relative to the movable electrode 20 and slides relative to the guide portion 30 as the movable electrode 20 moves. The first holding portion 41 and the guide portion 30 can appropriately guide the movable electrode 20 as it moves from a first position to a second position. Even when the movable electrode 20 is in the second position, a frictional force may be generated between the first holding portion 41 and the guide portion 30. This frictional force, along with the contact pressure from the spring 60, suppresses the movement of the movable electrode 20 away from the fixed electrode 10.

[0054] In the high-speed feeder 101, the first holding portion 41 is conductive. This first holding portion 41 can also serve as a connecting member that electrically connects the movable electrode 20 and the guide portion 30, which acts as the second main electrode. Therefore, in the high-speed feeder 101, there is no need to provide a connecting member for electrically connecting the movable electrode 20 and the guide portion 30, which acts as the second main electrode, separately from the first holding portion 41, and the number of parts can be reduced compared to a high-speed feeder in which the connecting member is provided separately from the first holding portion 41.

[0055] A first groove 23 is provided on the side surface 20B of the movable electrode 20. The first retaining portion 41 is in contact with the guide surface 30A and the bottom surface of the first groove 23, respectively. The first groove 23 allows the first retaining portion 41 to be positioned relative to the movable electrode 20.

[0056] In the high-speed dispenser 101, the first holding part 41 is a spring coil. The first holding part 41 is bent into an annular shape so as to surround the movable electrode 20 when viewed from the first direction DR1, and is compressed in the second direction DR2. The holding force of the first holding part 41, that is, the reaction force applied to the bottom surface of the first groove 23 and the guide surface 30A by the first holding part 41, is relatively stable and easy to adjust. Therefore, it is also easy to adjust the balance between the holding force of the first holding part 41 and the biasing force of the spring 60. As a result, the dispenser 101 has a more stable dispenser operation compared to conventional high-speed dispensers. For example, compared to a high-speed dispenser that uses a method in which a notch is made in the holding part that is placed between the movable electrode and the container, and the movable electrode is dispensed into the fixed electrode by pressing the holding part and cutting the holding part in the notch, the dispenser 101 has a more stable dispenser operation.

[0057] Embodiment 2. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the high-speed feeder 102 according to Embodiment 2 has the same configuration and effects as Embodiment 1 unless otherwise specified. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiment 1, and the descriptions are not repeated.

[0058] In the high-speed feeder 102, the guide surface 30A of the guide section 30 has a first guide surface 33A, a second guide surface 34A, and a third guide surface 35A. The first guide surface 33A faces the side surface 20B of the movable electrode 20 in the first position in the second direction DR2. The second guide surface 34A faces the side surface 20B of the movable electrode 20 in the second position in the second direction DR2. The second guide surface 34A is positioned closer to the fixed electrode 10 than the first guide surface 33A in the first direction DR1.

[0059] In the high-speed feeder 102, the second guide surface 34A protrudes toward the movable electrode 20 side than the first guide surface 33A in the second direction DR2. The distance L4 in the second direction DR2 between the second guide surface 34A and the side surface 20B of the movable electrode 20 is shorter than the distance L3 in the second direction DR2 between the first guide surface 33A and the side surface 20B of the movable electrode 20. The distances L3 and L4 are smaller than the width W0 of the first holding portion 41.

[0060] The third guide surface 35A connects the first guide surface 33A and the second guide surface 34A. The third guide surface 35A is inclined with respect to the first direction DR1. Preferably, the third guide surface 35A is inclined with respect to each of the first guide surface 33A and the second guide surface 34A such that it approaches the movable electrode 20 in the second direction DR2 as it approaches the second guide surface 34A in the first direction DR1.

[0061] The guide portion 30 has a protrusion 36 that projects inward from the first guide surface 33A in the second direction DR2. The protrusion 36 is continuous in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis CA. The second guide surface 34A is the inner diameter surface of the protrusion 36. The third guide surface 35A is the side surface of the protrusion 36.

[0062] In the high-speed inserter 102, the module is held in the first state shown in Figure 4 until the inserting operation is initiated, such as when an abnormality in the module circuit is detected. In the first state, the first retaining part 41 is compressed in the second direction DR2 by the difference between the width W0 and the width W1. In the first state, the frictional force generated between the first retaining part 41 and the guide part 30 is greater than the biasing force applied to the first retaining part 41 by the energized spring 60. In the first state, the first retaining part 41 prevents the movable electrode 20 from moving toward the fixed electrode 10 against the biasing force of the spring 60.

[0063] In the high-speed feeder 102, when the feeding operation is started, it switches from the first state described above to the second state shown in Figure 5. At the time of switching, the first holding part 41 is subjected to a force from the drive unit 50 and the spring 60 that is greater than the frictional force generated between the first holding part 41 and the guide part 30 in the first state and is capable of compressing the first holding part 41 in the second direction DR2 by the difference between distance L3 and distance L4. As a result, the first holding part 41 moves in the first direction DR1 together with the movable electrode 20, slides against the third guide surface 35A, and is further compressed in the second direction DR2 by the difference between distance L3 and distance L4. Furthermore, the first holding part 41 slides against the second guide surface 34A while compressed in the second direction DR2. As a result, the movable electrode 20 is guided by the guide part 30 together with the first holding part 41 and moves in the first direction DR1, reaching the second position.

[0064] In the first state, the width of a portion of the first holding portion 41 in the circumferential direction is equal to the distance L3 in the second direction DR2 between the first guide surface 33A and the side surface 20B of the movable electrode 20. In the second state, the width of a portion of the first holding portion 41 in the circumferential direction is equal to the distance L4 in the second direction DR2 between the second guide surface 34A and the side surface 20B of the movable electrode 20.

[0065] In the high-speed feeder 102, the guide surface 30A has a first guide surface 33A facing the side surface 20B of the movable electrode 20 in the first position in the second direction DR2, and a second guide surface 34A facing the side surface 20B of the movable electrode 20 in the second position in the second direction DR2. The second guide surface 34A protrudes toward the movable electrode 20 more than the first guide surface 33A in the second direction DR2.

[0066] In the high-speed feeder 102, when the movable electrode 20 moves from the first position to the second position, the first holding portion 41 needs to be compressed in the second direction DR2. Therefore, the high-speed feeder 102 can hold the movable electrode 20 in the first position more securely than the high-speed feeder 101.

[0067] In the high-speed feeder 102, the third guide surface 35A is inclined with respect to the first guide surface 33A and the second guide surface 34A, respectively, such that as it approaches the second guide surface 34A in the first direction DR1, it approaches the movable electrode 20 in the second direction DR2. When a force in the first direction DR1 is applied to the movable electrode 20 and the first holding part 41 by the drive unit 50 and the spring 60, a component force is generated in the first holding part 41 along the third guide surface 35A, so that the compression of the first holding part 41 in the second direction DR2 can be performed smoothly.

[0068] Embodiment 3. As shown in Figures 6 to 9, the high-speed feeder 102 according to Embodiment 3 has the same configuration and effects as Embodiment 1 unless otherwise specified. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiment 1, and the descriptions are not repeated.

[0069] In the high-speed feeder 103, the guide surface 30A of the guide section 30 has a first guide surface 33A, a second guide surface 34A, and a third guide surface 35A. The first guide surface 33A faces the side surface 20B of the movable electrode 20 in the first position in the second direction DR2. The second guide surface 34A faces the side surface 20B of the movable electrode 20 in the second position in the second direction DR2. The second guide surface 34A is positioned closer to the fixed electrode 10 than the first guide surface 33A in the first direction DR1.

[0070] In the high-speed feeder 103, the third guide surface 35A protrudes toward the movable electrode 20 side in the second direction DR2, more than the first guide surface 33A and the second guide surface 34A, respectively. The shortest distance L5 in the second direction DR2 between the third guide surface 35A and the side surface 20B of the movable electrode 20 is shorter than the distance L3 in the second direction DR2 between the first guide surface 33A and the side surface 20B of the movable electrode 20. The shortest distance L5 is shorter than the distance L4 in the second direction DR2 between the second guide surface 34A and the side surface 20B of the movable electrode 20. The distance L4 in the second direction DR2 between the second guide surface 34A and the side surface 20B of the movable electrode 20 is, for example, shorter than the distance L3 in the second direction DR2 between the first guide surface 33A and the side surface 20B of the movable electrode 20. The distances L3 and L4 are smaller than the width W0 of the first holding portion 41. In the high-speed feeder 103, the relative magnitudes of distance L3 and distance L4 are not particularly limited.

[0071] As shown in Figure 7, the third guide surface 35A has, for example, a first inclined portion 35A1 and a second inclined portion 35A2. The first inclined portion 35A1 is inclined with respect to the first guide surface 33A and the second guide surface 34A, respectively, such that it approaches the movable electrode 20 in the second direction DR2 as it moves toward the second guide surface 34A in the first direction DR1. The second inclined portion 35A2 connects the first inclined portion 35A1 and the second guide surface 34A. The second inclined portion 35A2 is inclined with respect to the first guide surface 33A and the second guide surface 34A, respectively. The interior angle θ2 between the second inclined portion 35A2 and the second guide surface 34A is greater than the interior angle θ1 between the first guide surface 33A and the first inclined portion 35A1. Preferably, the interior angle θ1 is greater than π radians and less than 3π / 2 radians. Preferably, the interior angle θ2 is 3π / 2 radians or greater and less than 2π radians. The second inclined portion 35A2 is, for example, perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

[0072] The first inclined portion 35A1 is positioned between the first guide surface 33A and the second inclined portion 35A2 in the first direction DR1. The second inclined portion 35A2 is positioned between the first inclined portion 35A1 and the second guide surface 34A in the first direction DR1.

[0073] The third guide surface 35A further has a connecting portion 35A3 that connects, for example, the first inclined portion 35A1 and the second inclined portion 35A2. The connecting portion 35A3 extends, for example, along the first direction DR1. The connecting portion 35A3 may be inclined with respect to the first direction DR1. The third guide surface 35A does not have to have the connecting portion 35A3.

[0074] The guide portion 30 has a protrusion 37 that projects inward from the first guide surface 33A in the second direction DR2. The protrusion 37 is, for example, connected in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis CA. The third guide surface 35A is the surface of the protrusion 37. The second guide surface 34A is located on the fixed electrode 10 side of the protrusion 37 in the first direction DR1. The guide portion 30 may have a plurality of protrusions 37 that are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis CA.

[0075] In the high-speed inserter 103, the inserter is held in the first state shown in Figure 6 until an insert operation is initiated, such as when an abnormality in the module circuit is detected. In the first state, the first retaining portion 41 is compressed in the second direction DR2 by the difference between the widths W0 and W1. In the first state, the frictional force generated between the first retaining portion 41 and the guide portion 30 is greater than the biasing force applied to the first retaining portion 41 by the energized spring 60. In the first state, the first retaining portion 41 prevents the movable electrode 20 from moving toward the fixed electrode 10 against the biasing force of the spring 60.

[0076] In the high-speed feeder 103, when the feeding operation is started, the device switches from the first state described above to the state shown in Figure 8, and then to the second state shown in Figure 9. During the switch, the first retaining part 41 is subjected to a force from the drive unit 50 and the spring 60 via the movable electrode 20 that is greater than the frictional force generated between the first retaining part 41 and the guide part 30 in the first state, and that compresses the first retaining part 41 in the second direction DR2 by the difference between distance L3 and distance L4. As a result, the first retaining part 41 moves in the first direction DR1 together with the movable electrode 20. The first retaining part 41 slides against the first inclined portion 35A1 of the third guide surface 35A and is further compressed in the second direction DR2 by the difference between distance L3 and distance L4. While compressed in the second direction DR2, the first retaining part 41 slides against the connection portion 35A3 and reaches the second guide surface 34A. The first retaining portion 41 slides against the second guide surface 34A while compressed in the second direction DR2. As a result, the movable electrode 20 is guided by the guide portion 30 together with the first retaining portion 41 and moves in the first direction DR1 to reach the second position.

[0077] In the first state, the width of a portion of the first holding portion 41 in the circumferential direction is equal to the distance L3 in the second direction DR2 between the first guide surface 33A and the side surface 20B of the movable electrode 20. In the second state, the width of a portion of the first holding portion 41 in the circumferential direction is equal to the distance L4 in the second direction DR2 between the second guide surface 34A and the side surface 20B of the movable electrode 20.

[0078] As shown in Figure 10, in the high-speed feeder 103, the second inclined portion 35A2 may be inclined with respect to the first guide surface 33A and the second guide surface 34A, respectively, such that it moves toward the second guide surface 34A in the first direction DR1 and away from a movable electrode (not shown) in the second direction DR2.

[0079] In the high-speed feeder 103, the third guide surface 35A protrudes toward the movable electrode in the second direction DR2, more than the first guide surface 33A and the second guide surface 34A. Therefore, the high-speed feeder 103 prevents the movable electrode 20, once it has reached the second position, from returning to the first position.

[0080] The third guide surface 35A has a first inclined portion 35A1 that is inclined with respect to the first guide surface 33A and the second guide surface 34A, respectively, such that as it approaches the second guide surface 34A in the first direction DR1, it approaches the movable electrode 20 in the second direction DR2. When the drive unit 50 and the spring 60 apply a force toward the fixed electrode 10 in the first direction DR1 to the movable electrode 20 and the first holding portion 41, a component force is generated in the first holding portion 41 along the first inclined portion 35A1 of the third guide surface 35A, so that the first holding portion 41 can be smoothly compressed in the second direction DR2.

[0081] The third guide surface 35A further has a second inclined portion 35A2 that is inclined with respect to the first guide surface 33A and the second guide surface 34A, respectively. The interior angle θ2 between the second inclined portion 35A2 and the second guide surface 34A is greater than the interior angle θ1 between the first guide surface 33A and the first inclined portion 35A1. In this way, even if a force is applied to the movable electrode 20 that has reached the second position in the first direction DR1 away from the fixed electrode 10, the compression of the first holding portion 41 in the second direction DR2 cannot be performed smoothly, thus preventing the movable electrode 20 that has reached the second position from returning to the first position.

[0082] Embodiment 4. As shown in Figures 11 to 13, the high-speed feeder 104 according to Embodiment 4 has the same configuration and effects as Embodiment 1 unless otherwise specified. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiment 1, and the descriptions are not repeated.

[0083] The high-speed feeder 104 includes a second retaining part 42 in place of the first retaining part 41 as a retaining part. The second retaining part 42 is provided to slide with the movable electrode 20 when the movable electrode 20 is pressed by the drive unit 50 and moves in the first direction DR1.

[0084] The second holding portion 42 is positioned relative to the guide portion 30 and is provided to slide relative to the movable electrode 20.

[0085] The second holding portion 42 has a first portion 42A that is fixed to the guide portion 30 and a second portion 42B that is in contact with the movable electrode 20.

[0086] The second retaining portion 42 is, for example, a plate-shaped member extending in the second direction DR2. The second retaining portion 42 has an annular shape when viewed from the first direction DR1. When viewed from the first direction DR1, the first portion 42A is the outer circumference portion of the second retaining portion 42, and the second portion 42B is the inner circumference portion of the second retaining portion 42.

[0087] The second holding portion 42 is provided such that, for example, when the movable electrode 20 moves from a first position to a second position, it deforms relative to its shape in the first state. In the first state, the second holding portion 42 prevents the movable electrode 20 from moving toward the fixed electrode 10 against the biasing force of the spring 60. In the second state, the second holding portion 42 allows the movable electrode 20 to move toward the fixed electrode 10.

[0088] The guide portion 30 has a fixing portion 38 that fixes the first portion 42A of the second holding portion 42. The fixing portion 38 is provided, for example, to clamp the first portion 42A of the second holding portion 42 in the first direction DR1 and to prevent the second holding portion 42 from moving outward in the second direction DR2. The fixing portion 38 is conductive. The fixing portion 38 is provided, for example, as a part of the guide portion 30. The first portion 42A of the second holding portion 42 may be fixed to the fixing portion 38 using a conductive adhesive or the like.

[0089] The guide portion 30 is provided with a second groove 39 on the fixed electrode 10 side of the fixed portion 38 in the first direction DR1. The second groove 39 is capable of accommodating at least a portion of the second portion 42B which is bent toward the fixed electrode 10 side relative to the first portion 42A. The fixed portion 38 and the second groove 39 are provided in the straight tube portion 31 of the guide portion 30.

[0090] A third groove 25 is provided on the side surface 20B of the outer edge of the movable electrode 20. The third groove 25 is recessed inward from the side surface 20B in the second direction DR2 and extends along the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis CA. The third groove 25 is, for example, an annular groove that is continuous in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis CA. The third groove 25 is provided to accommodate the second portion 42B of the second retaining portion 42. The third groove 25 has a pair of inner wall surfaces that face each other in the first direction DR1 and a bottom surface that connects the inner circumferential ends of the pair of inner wall surfaces. In the first state, the bottom surface of the third groove 25 faces the bottom surface of the second groove 39 in the second direction DR2.

[0091] The second portion 42B of the second holding portion 42 is provided in the first state to contact the inner wall surface of the third groove portion 25 that faces the fixed electrode 10 side, which is one of a pair of inner wall surfaces.

[0092] The high-speed switch 104 is held in the first state shown in Figure 11 until the switch operation is initiated, such as when an abnormality in the module circuit is detected. In the first state, the second holding part 42 prevents the movable electrode 20 from moving toward the fixed electrode 10 against the biasing force of the spring 60.

[0093] In the high-speed feeder 104, when the feeding operation is started, it switches from the first state described above to the second state shown in Figure 12. During the switch, a force capable of bending the second portion 42B of the second holding portion 42 toward the fixed electrode 10 relative to the first portion 42A is applied to the second holding portion 42 via the movable electrode 20 by the drive unit 50 and the spring 60. As a result, the second portion 42B of the second holding portion 42 is bent toward the fixed electrode 10 relative to the first portion 42A. Consequently, the second holding portion 42 allows the movable electrode 20 to move toward the fixed electrode 10. As a result, the movable electrode 20 is guided by the guide portion 30 and moves toward the first direction DR1, reaching the second position.

[0094] In the high-speed feeder 104, the second holding portion 42 is positioned relative to the guide portion 30 and slides relative to the movable electrode 20. When the movable electrode 20 moves from the first position to the second position, the second portion 42B of the second holding portion 42 is bent toward the fixed electrode 10 side relative to the first portion 42A. When the second holding portion 42 is pressed in the first direction DR1 via the movable electrode 20 by the drive unit 50, it can no longer prevent the movement of the movable electrode 20, and the second portion 42B is bent toward the fixed electrode 10 side relative to the first portion 42A and slides relative to the side surface 20B of the movable electrode 20. In the high-speed feeder 104, the direction of the pressing force applied to the movable electrode 20 and the second holding portion 42 in order to feed the movable electrode 20 into the fixed electrode 10 is the same as the direction of movement of the movable electrode 20. Therefore, similar to the high-speed feeder 101, the feed operation of feeding the movable electrode 20 into the fixed electrode 10 can be performed as a single-step operation in the high-speed feeder 104, making it possible to speed up the feed operation compared to the conventional high-speed feeder described above.

[0095] In the high-speed feeder 104, a second groove 39 is provided on the fixed electrode 10 side of the guide portion 30, which is capable of accommodating at least a part of the second portion 42B of the second holding portion 42. This suppresses interference between the second portion 42B of the second holding portion 42 and the guide portion 30 due to the deformation. The deformation of the second holding portion 42 can be performed smoothly and at high speed without being hindered by the guide portion 30.

[0096] The second holding portion 42 is a plate-shaped member extending in the second direction DR2. The second holding portion 42 has an annular shape when viewed from the first direction DR1. When viewed from the first direction DR1, the first portion 42A is the outer circumference of the second holding portion 42, and the second portion 42B is the inner circumference of the second holding portion 42. Since the strength of the second holding portion 42 can be easily adjusted, the high-speed dispenser 104 also provides more stable dispensing operation compared to conventional high-speed dispensers. Furthermore, the holding force of the second holding portion 42 can be set to be greater than that of the first holding portion 41. Therefore, in the high-speed dispenser 104, the biasing force of the spring 60 can be increased compared to the high-speed dispenser 101, and the dispensing speed can be increased.

[0097] In the high-speed feeder 104, the second holding section 42 is not limited to the structure shown in Figures 11 to 13.

[0098] As shown in Figure 14, the second holding portion 42 may have an annular portion 43 having a ring shape when viewed from the first direction DR1, and a plurality of protruding portions 44 projecting inward from the annular portion 43. The annular portion 43 is the first portion 42A. Each of the plurality of protruding portions 44 is the second portion 42B.

[0099] As shown in Figure 15, the dimension T (thickness) of the first direction DR1 of the multiple protruding portions 44 is equal to, for example, the dimension (thickness) of the first direction DR1 of the annular portion 43.

[0100] As shown in Figure 16, the dimension T (thickness) of the first direction DR1 of the multiple protruding portions 44 may be thinner than, for example, the dimension (thickness) of the first direction DR1 of the annular portion 43.

[0101] According to the second retaining part 42 shown in Figures 14 to 16, adjusting the retaining force of the second retaining part 42 becomes even easier than with the second retaining part 42 shown in Figure 13.

[0102] As shown in Figure 17, the fixing portion 38 of the guide portion 30 may be provided as a separate member from the guide portion 30. The fixing portion 38 may be composed of multiple members. The fixing portion 38 may constitute a part of the second groove portion 39.

[0103] Such guide portion 30 and second holding portion 42 can be easily assembled. Embodiment 5. As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the high-speed feeder 105 according to Embodiment 5 has the same configuration and effects as Embodiments 1 and 4 described above, unless otherwise specified. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in Embodiments 1 and 4, and the descriptions are not repeated.

[0104] The high-speed dispenser 105 includes a first holding section 41 and a second holding section 42. The first holding section 41 has the same configuration as the first holding section 41 of the high-speed dispensers 101 to 103. The second holding section 42 has the same configuration as the second holding section 42 of the high-speed dispenser 104.

[0105] The first holding portion 41 is positioned on the fixed electrode 10 side of the second holding portion 42 in the first direction DR1. In the high-speed feeder 105, the movable electrode 20 is provided with a first groove 23 and a third groove 25. The guide portion 30 has a guide surface 30A on the fixed electrode 10 side of the second groove 39 in the first direction DR1.

[0106] In the high-speed switch 105, the switch operation is initiated when an abnormality in the module circuit is detected, etc., until the switch operation is initiated. In the first state, the first holding part 41 and the second holding part 42 prevent the movable electrode 20 from moving toward the fixed electrode 10 against the biasing force of the spring 60.

[0107] In the high-speed feeder 105, when the feeding operation is started, it switches from the first state described above to the second state shown in Figure 19. During the switch, a force greater than the frictional force generated between the first retaining part 41 and the guide part 30 in the first state is applied to the first retaining part 41 via the movable electrode 20 by the drive unit 50 and the spring 60. Furthermore, a force capable of bending the second part 42B of the second retaining part 42 toward the fixed electrode 10 relative to the first part 42A is applied to the second retaining part 42 via the movable electrode 20 by the drive unit 50 and the spring 60. As a result, the first retaining part 41 and the second retaining part 42 allow the movable electrode 20 to move toward the fixed electrode 10. Consequently, the movable electrode 20 is guided by the guide part 30 together with the first retaining part 41 and moves in the first direction DR1 to reach the second position.

[0108] In the high-speed feeder 105, the guide section 30 may have the same configuration as the guide section 30 of the high-speed feeders 102 and 103 according to Embodiment 2 or 3.

[0109] Since the high-speed dispenser 105 has the same configuration as the high-speed dispenser 101 and the high-speed dispenser 104, it has the same effects as the high-speed dispenser 101 and the high-speed dispenser 104, respectively.

[0110] As described above, the high-speed power injectors 101 to 105 according to Embodiments 1 to 5 are applicable to any electrical device. Below, a power converter will be described as an example of application of the high-speed power injectors 101 to 105 according to Embodiments 1 to 5.

[0111] Embodiment 6. The power conversion device according to Embodiment 6 comprises a plurality of power control circuits 200. The plurality of power control circuits 200 are connected in series with each other. The power control circuit 200 comprises terminals A and B, a module circuit 210, and a high-speed switch 100.

[0112] Terminals A and B are connected to the higher-level system of the power converter (for example, the AC power system). The module circuit 210 has a switching element 211 and an electrical energy storage device 212. The switching element 211 is, for example, an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) or a thyristor. The electrical energy storage device 212 is, for example, a capacitor.

[0113] The high-speed feeder 100 is one of the high-speed feeders 101 to 105. The high-speed feeder 100 is electrically connected in parallel to the module circuit 210. The fixed electrode (first main electrode) of the high-speed feeder 100 is connected to one of the input terminals and output terminals of the module circuit 210. The guide portion (second main electrode) of the high-speed feeder 100 is connected to the other of the input terminals and output terminals of the module circuit 210.

[0114] When the module circuit 210 is operating normally, current flows through the module circuit 210 and not through the high-speed switch 100. When the module circuit 210 fails, the high-speed switch 100 operates, and terminals A and B are short-circuited. The high-speed switch 100 performs the switching operation described above. As a result, in the power control circuit 200, current flows through the high-speed switch 100, bypassing the failed module circuit 210. Since the failed module circuit 210 can be excluded from the current path, it is possible to prevent the effects of the failed module circuit 210 from spreading to the other power control circuits 200 and their higher-level systems. Therefore, in the power converter according to this embodiment, the remaining power control circuits 200 and their higher-level systems can continue to operate without being affected by the failed module circuit 210. Furthermore, if the number of power control circuits 200 in the power converter is redundant, the power converter can continue normal operation.

[0115] Furthermore, when the module circuit 210 malfunctions, an arc may occur in the module circuit 210. If the arc persists for an extended period, the likelihood of damage to surrounding components of the module circuit 210, or even explosion and destruction, increases. In the power converter according to this embodiment, since the high-speed switch 100 operates at high speed, the arc generation time can be shortened, preventing damage to surrounding components and destruction accompanied by explosion. The power converter according to this embodiment has high explosion-proof performance.

[0116] Embodiment 7. Figure 21 is a single-line connection diagram showing an example of the secondary side of a transformer in the power receiving and distribution equipment 220 according to Embodiment 7. The power receiving and distribution equipment 220 distributes AC power supplied from the power transmission system to load-side circuits 228 such as elevators, air conditioners, and lighting.

[0117] As shown in Figure 21, the power receiving and distribution equipment 220 according to Embodiment 7 includes a transformer 221 and a plurality of switchgears 222, 223.

[0118] The transformer 221 steps down the high-voltage power received from the power transmission system. Multiple switchgears 222 are installed between the transformer 221 and the busbar 226. Each switchgear 222 includes a high-speed switch 100 and a circuit breaker 224. The high-speed switch 100 is one of the high-speed switch 101 to 105. One of the fixed electrode 10 and movable electrode 20 of the high-speed switch 100 is electrically connected to the receiving side electrode (one electrode connected to the power transmission system side) of the circuit breaker 224. The other of the fixed electrode 10 and movable electrode 20 of the high-speed switch 100 is electrically connected to the grounding conductor.

[0119] The multiple switchgears 223 include switchgears 223 installed on the busbar and multiple switchgears 223 installed between the busbar 226 and each of the multiple load-side circuits 228. Each switchgear 223 does not include, for example, a high-speed switch 100.

[0120] When no arc faults (internal arc faults) such as ground faults or short circuits occur in any of the multiple switchgears 222 and multiple switchgears 223, the current flows through the circuit breaker 224 in switchgear 222 and not through the high-speed closer 100. When an arc fault occurs in any of the multiple switchgears 222, the high-speed closer 100 in the faulty switchgear 222 performs the above-described closing operation, the arc current flows through the high-speed closer 100, and the arc is extinguished. Furthermore, the faulty switchgear 222 and its downstream system are excluded from the current path of the power distribution equipment 220. When an arc fault occurs in any of the multiple switchgears 223, the high-speed closer 100 in the upstream system switchgear 222 of the faulty switchgear 223 performs the above-described closing operation, the arc current flows through the high-speed closer 100, and the arc is extinguished. Furthermore, the downstream systems of the switchgear 222 that was switched on (including the switchgear 223 where the fault occurred) are excluded from the current path of the power receiving and distribution equipment 220. As a result, the power receiving and distribution equipment 220 can prevent the effects of the faulty switchgears 222 and 223 from spreading to healthy current paths that do not include those switchgears 222 and 223, and can continue to operate the healthy current paths and the load-side circuits 228 that are supplied from those healthy current paths.

[0121] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included.

[0122] 1 Container, 2 First lid, 3 First tube, 4 Second tube, 5 Second lid, 10 Fixed electrode, 10A Top surface, 11 Bottom, 12 First protrusion, 20 Movable electrode, 20A Top surface, 20B Side surface, 21 Main body, 22 Second protrusion, 23 First groove, 24 Insulating member, 25 Third groove, 30 Guide part, 30A Guide surface, 31 Straight tube, 32 Flange, 33A First guide surface, 34A Second guide surface, 35A Third guide surface, 35A1 First inclined portion, 35A2 Second inclined portion, 35A3 Connecting portion, 36, 37 Protrusion, 38 Fixing portion, 39 Second groove, 41 First holding portion, 42 Second holding portion, 42A First portion, 42B Second portion, 43 Annular portion, 44 Protrusion, 50 Drive unit, 51 Cylinder tube, 52 Rod, 60 Spring, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 High-speed switch, 200 Power control circuit, 201 Switching element, 202 Electrical energy storage unit, 210 Module circuit, 221 Transformer, 222, 223 Switchgear, 224 Circuit breaker, 226 Busbar, 228 Load side circuit.

Claims

1. A high-speed feeder comprising: a fixed electrode; a movable electrode movable in a first direction toward the fixed electrode; a guide portion that guides the movement of the movable electrode in the first direction; a holding portion capable of holding the movable electrode, which is spaced apart from the fixed electrode, with respect to the guide portion; and a drive portion capable of pressing the movable electrode, which is held by the holding portion, toward the fixed electrode, wherein the holding portion is capable of holding the movable electrode with respect to the guide portion when the movable electrode is not pressed by the drive portion, and slides with at least one of the movable electrode and the guide portion when the movable electrode, which is pressed toward the fixed electrode by the drive portion, moves in the first direction.

2. The high-speed feeder according to claim 1, further comprising a spring that biases the movable electrode toward the fixed electrode, wherein the holding portion allows the movable electrode, which is biased by the spring, to move toward the fixed electrode when pressed by the drive portion.

3. The high-speed feeder according to claim 2, wherein the spring is capable of biasing the movable electrode, which is in contact with the fixed electrode, toward the fixed electrode.

4. The high-speed feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a container in which an insulating space is formed inside, wherein the fixed electrode and the guide portion constitute a part of the container, and the movable electrode, the holding portion and at least a part of the drive portion are arranged inside the container.

5. The high-speed feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the holding portion has a first holding portion, the first holding portion is positioned relative to the movable electrode, and slides relative to the guide portion as the movable electrode moves.

6. The high-speed feeder according to claim 5, wherein the movable electrode is movable from a first position spaced apart from the fixed electrode in the first direction to a second position in contact with the fixed electrode, the guide portion has a guide surface that guides the first holding portion when the movable electrode moves from the first position to the second position, the movable electrode has a side surface in the first position and the second position that faces the guide surface of the guide portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a first groove is provided on the side surface of the movable electrode, and the first holding portion is in contact with the guide surface and the bottom surface of the first groove, respectively.

7. The high-speed feeder according to claim 6, wherein the guide surface has a first guide surface facing the side surface of the movable electrode in the first position in the second direction, and a second guide surface facing the side surface of the movable electrode in the second position in the second direction, and the second guide surface protrudes toward the movable electrode more than the first guide surface in the second direction.

8. The high-speed feeder according to claim 7, wherein each of the first guide surface and the second guide surface extends along a first direction, and the guide surface further has a third guide surface connecting the first guide surface and the second guide surface, and the third guide surface is inclined with respect to each of the first guide surface and the second guide surface such that it approaches the movable electrode in the second direction as it approaches the second guide surface in the first direction.

9. The high-speed feeder according to claim 6, wherein the guide portion has a first guide surface facing the side surface of the movable electrode in the first position in the second direction, a second guide surface facing the side surface of the movable electrode in the second position in the second direction, and a third guide surface connecting the first guide surface and the second guide surface, the third guide surface protruding toward the movable electrode in the second direction more than each of the first guide surface and the second guide surface.

10. The high-speed feeder according to claim 9, wherein the third guide surface has a first inclined portion that is inclined with respect to each of the first and second guide surfaces such that it approaches the movable electrode in the second direction as it approaches the second guide surface in the first direction.

11. The high-speed feeder according to claim 10, wherein the third guide surface further has a second inclined portion disposed between the first inclined portion and the second guide surface in the first direction, and the interior angle θ2 sandwiched between the second inclined portion and the second guide surface is greater than the interior angle θ1 sandwiched between the first guide surface and the first inclined portion.

12. The high-speed feeder according to claim 11, wherein the initial interior angle θ1 is greater than π radians and less than 3π / 2 radians, and the initial interior angle θ2 is 3π / 2 radians or more and less than 2π radians.

13. The high-speed feeder according to any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein the first holding portion is a spring coil, the spring coil is bent into an annular shape so as to surround the movable electrode when viewed from the direction of movement of the movable electrode, and is compressed in the radial direction with respect to the center of the movable electrode.

14. The high-speed feeder according to any one of claims 5 to 13, wherein the holding portion further comprises a second holding portion, the second holding portion being positioned with respect to the guide portion and sliding with respect to the movable electrode.

15. The high-speed feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the holding portion has a second holding portion, the second holding portion is positioned with respect to the guide portion and slides with respect to the movable electrode.

16. The high-speed feeder according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the movable electrode is movable from a first position spaced apart from the fixed electrode in the first direction to a second position in contact with the fixed electrode, the second holding portion having a first portion fixed to the guide portion and a second portion in contact with the movable electrode, and when the movable electrode moves from the first position toward the second position, the second portion is bent toward the fixed electrode than the first portion.

17. The high-speed feeder according to claim 16, wherein the guide portion has a fixed portion that fixes the first portion, and a second groove portion capable of accommodating at least a part of the second portion is provided on the fixed electrode side of the guide portion than the fixed portion.

18. The high-speed feeder according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the second retaining portion is a plate-shaped member extending in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the second retaining portion has an annular shape when viewed from the first direction, the first portion is the outer circumference of the second retaining portion when viewed from the first direction, and the second portion is the inner circumference of the second retaining portion.

19. The high-speed feeder according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the second retaining portion is a plate-shaped member extending in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the second retaining portion has, when viewed from the first direction, an annular portion having a ring shape and a plurality of protruding portions projecting inward from the annular portion, the annular portion being the first portion and each of the plurality of protruding portions being the second portion.

20. A power converter comprising a high-speed switch according to any one of claims 1 to 19 and a module circuit, wherein the high-speed switch is electrically connected in parallel to the module circuit.

21. A power receiving and distribution system comprising a high-speed switch according to any one of claims 1 to 19, a circuit breaker, and a grounding conductor, wherein one of the fixed electrode and the movable electrode of the high-speed switch is electrically connected to one pole of the circuit breaker, and the other of the fixed electrode and the movable electrode of the high-speed switch is electrically connected to the grounding conductor.

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