High-speed input device, power conversion device, and power reception and distribution facility

Abstract

A high-speed input device (101) comprises: a fixed electrode (10); a movable electrode (20) that can move in a first direction (DR1) toward the fixed electrode; a guide part (30) that guides movement of the movable electrode in the first direction; holding parts (41) that can hold the movable electrode, which is separated from the fixd electrode, relative to the guide part; and a drive part (50) that can press the movable electrode, which is held by the holding parts, toward the fixed electrode. The shortest distance (L1) between the movable electrode held by the holding parts and the fixed electrode is longer than the shortest distance (L2) between the fixed electrode and the guide part.

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 a power distribution and reception equipment.

[0002] International Publication No. 2016 / 031327 (Patent Document 1) discloses a high-speed switch including a fixed contact, a movable contact, and a sliding guide portion that guides the insertion of the movable contact.

[0003] International Publication No. 2016 / 031327

[0004] However, in the above high-speed switch, in a state where the movable contact is not inserted, the movable contact protrudes toward the fixed contact side rather than the sliding guide portion, and the distance between the movable contact and the fixed contact is shorter than the distance between the fixed contact and the sliding guide portion. In such a high-speed switch, it is difficult to improve the withstand voltage performance between the movable contact and the fixed contact in a state where the movable contact is not inserted.

[0005] In order to improve the withstand voltage performance of the above high-speed switch, it is necessary to further separate the movable contact and the sliding guide portion from the fixed contact. In this case, there is a risk that the movable contact is not properly guided by the sliding guide portion and tilts with respect to the fixed contact, and the movable contact cannot properly contact the fixed contact. Such a high-speed switch is not suitable for a high-speed switch that requires high withstand voltage performance between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode and requires maintaining a state where the movable electrode contacts the fixed electrode and both are energized.

[0006] The main object of the present disclosure is to provide a high-speed switch, a power conversion device, and a power distribution and reception equipment that can improve the withstand voltage performance between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode and can maintain a state where the movable electrode contacts the fixed electrode.

[0007] 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 shortest distance between the movable electrode held by the holding portion and the fixed electrode is longer than the shortest distance between the fixed electrode and the guide portion.

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a high-speed switch, a power converter, and a power receiving and distribution system that can improve the withstand voltage performance between a movable electrode and a fixed electrode, and that can maintain a state in which the movable electrode is in contact with the fixed electrode.

[0009] 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 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 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 XII in Figure 11. This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second modified example of the second holding part 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 a high-speed feeder according to Embodiment 5. This is a cross-sectional view showing a high-speed feeder according to Embodiment 6. This is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state realized during the switching operation in the high-speed switch according to Embodiment 6. This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the second electrode is switched to the first electrode in the high-speed switch according to Embodiment 6. This is a diagram showing an example of a power control circuit included in the power conversion device according to Embodiment 7. This is a diagram showing an example of a power distribution circuit included in the power distribution equipment according to Embodiment 8.

[0010] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same components will be given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0011] 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. In 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). As another example, the high-speed switch according to this disclosure is applicable to power distribution equipment. In 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).

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] Figure 2 shows the second state of the high-speed switch 101. The second state is realized when a module circuit electrically connected in parallel to the high-speed switch 101 fails. In the second state, the movable electrode 20 is electrically connected to the fixed electrode 10 in the high-speed switch 101. In the second state of the high-speed switch 101, a current path I1 is formed. The module circuit electrically connected in parallel to the high-speed switch 101 is bypassed and disabled.

[0017] 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 relative to the central axis CA is described as the second direction DR2.

[0018] 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. 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. The shortest distance L2 is the distance between the fixed electrode 10 and the guide portion 30 in a direction intersecting the first direction DR1. The shortest distance L2 does not change during the operation of the high-speed feeder 101. The portion of the guide portion 30 that is separated from the fixed electrode 10 by the shortest distance L2 is, for example, the end of the guide portion 30 that is located on the fixed electrode 10 side in the first direction DR1. The shortest distances L1 and L2 are set as distances that can achieve the required pressure resistance performance in the high-speed feeder 101.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] <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 concave. The bottom portion 11 constitutes a first terminal in the high-speed input device 101 that is electrically connected to external equipment such as a module circuit.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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. In the first direction DR1, the main body portion 21 is positioned on the opposite side of the fixed electrode 10 from the second projection portion 22. Viewed from the first direction DR1, the main body portion 21 has a central portion and an outer edge portion surrounding the central portion. In the second direction DR2, the outer edge portion of the main body portion 21 faces the guide surface 30A of the guide portion 30, which will be described later. 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The guide portion 30 has, for example, a straight pipe portion 31 and a terminal 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.

[0035] The terminal portion 32 constitutes a second terminal in the high-speed switch 101 that is electrically connected to external equipment such as a module circuit. The terminal portion 32 extends, for example, from one end of the straight tube portion 31 located on the fixed electrode 10 side in the first direction DR1 to the outside in the second direction DR2. The outer edge of the terminal portion 32 in the second direction DR2 is connected to the open end of the first tube portion 3 located on the opposite side of the fixed electrode 10 in the first direction DR1. The other end of the straight tube 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.

[0036] The inner diameter of the straight pipe section 31 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first pipe section 3. The distance DR2 in the second direction 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 DR2 in the second direction between the side surface of the fixed electrode 10 and the inner circumferential surface of the first pipe section 3.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The high-speed injector 101 may further include a spring 60. The spring 60 biases the movable electrode 20, which is at least separated 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, which 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 state and the second state.

[0044] The spring 60 is disposed on the side opposite to the fixed electrode 10 with respect to the movable electrode 20 in the first direction DR1. One end of the spring 60 in the first direction DR1 is connected to the main body portion 21 of the movable electrode 20. Preferably, one end of the spring 60 in the first direction DR1 is connected to the main body portion 21 of the movable electrode 20 via the insulating member 24. The other end of the spring 60 in the first direction DR1 is connected to, for example, the second lid portion 5.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The inner diameter of the spring 60 in the second direction DR2 is larger than, for example, the maximum width of the drive portion 50 in the second direction DR2. The spring 60 is disposed so as to surround the drive portion 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.

[0047] 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 greater than the biasing force applied to the first holding portion 41 by the preloaded 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.

[0048] 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 greater 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 driving portion 50 and the spring 60. When the first holding portion 41 is pressed by the driving portion 50 as described above, it 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 together with the first holding portion 4 and moves in the first direction DR1 to reach the second position.

[0049] In the high-speed inserter 101, 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. The shortest distance L1 and the shortest distance L2 can be set as distances capable of realizing the withstand voltage performance required in the high-speed inserter 101. Further, since the shortest distance L2 is shorter than the shortest distance L1, the guide portion 30 disposed closer to the fixed electrode 10 than the movable electrode 20 in the first state can appropriately guide the movable electrode 20 at the time of switching from the first state to the second state, and can further appropriately hold the movable electrode 20 in the second state. According to the high-speed inserter 101, the withstand voltage performance between the movable electrode 20 and the fixed electrode 10 can be improved, and the state where the movable electrode 20 is in contact with the fixed electrode 10 can be maintained.

[0050] In particular, the shortest distance L1 is the distance between the fixed electrode 10, which is fixed in place, and the movable electrode 20, which moves when switching between the first and second states, whereas the shortest distance L2 is the distance between the fixed electrode 10, which does not move when switching between the first and second states, and the guide portion 30. Therefore, manufacturing variations are less likely to occur in the shortest distance L2 compared to the shortest distance L1. Consequently, the high-speed feeder 101 can suppress a decrease in pressure resistance performance caused by manufacturing variations in the shortest distances L1 and L2.

[0051] In the high-speed feeder 101, the first holding portion 41 is provided to slide with the guide portion 30 when the movable electrode 20, which is pressed toward the fixed electrode 10 by the drive portion 50, moves in the first direction DR1.

[0052] When the first holding portion 41 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 moves toward the fixed electrode 10 together with the movable electrode 20, sliding against the guide portion 30. The direction of the pressing force applied to the movable electrode 20 and the first holding portion 41 in order to insert the movable electrode 20 into the fixed electrode 10 is the same as the direction of movement of the movable electrode 20. In such a high-speed feeder 101, the insertion operation of inserting the movable electrode 20 into the fixed electrode 10 can be performed as a one-stage operation, so the insertion operation can be made faster compared to the conventional high-speed feeder described above.

[0053] The high-speed feeder 101 further includes a spring 60 that biases the movable electrode 20 toward the fixed electrode 10. The first holding unit 41 allows the movable electrode 20, which is biased by the spring 60, to move toward the fixed electrode 10 when it is pressed by the drive unit 50.

[0054] In such a high-speed feeder 101, the pressing force of the drive unit 50 and the biasing force of the spring 60 are applied to the movable electrode 20 and the first holding unit 41. Therefore, the feeding speed (the speed of switching from the first state to the second state) can be increased compared to the case where only the pressing force of the drive unit 50 is applied to the movable electrode 20 and the first holding unit 41.

[0055] In the high-speed dispensing device 101, the spring 60 can bias the movable electrode 20, which is in contact with the fixed electrode 10, toward the fixed electrode 10. As a result, the contact pressure between the movable electrode 20 and the fixed electrode 10 is greater than when the spring 60 does not bias the movable electrode 20 toward the fixed electrode 10. In such a high-speed dispensing device 101, the state in which the movable electrode 20 is energized toward the fixed electrode 10 can be maintained more reliably. Furthermore, in the high-speed dispensing device 101, even when a large current flows through the movable electrode 20 and the fixed electrode 10, which are in contact with each other, and an electromagnetic repulsive force is applied to both, the spring 60 can prevent the movable electrode 20 from separating from the fixed electrode 10 due to this electromagnetic repulsive force. As a result, in the high-speed dispensing device 101, the state in which the movable electrode 20 is energized toward the fixed electrode 10 can be maintained more reliably.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] In the high-speed feeder 102, the guide portion 30 has a first guide portion 31A, a second guide portion 31B, and a terminal portion 32. Each of the first guide portion 31A and the second guide portion 31B is included in the straight pipe portion 31.

[0063] The first guide portion 31A extends from the terminal portion 32 toward the fixed electrode 10 in the first direction DR1. The first guide portion 31A has a portion connected to the terminal portion 32 in the second direction DR2 and a portion extending from that portion toward the fixed electrode 10. The end of the first guide portion 31A located toward the fixed electrode 10 in the first direction DR1 is positioned to face the fixed electrode 10 in the second direction DR2. The first guide portion 31A is positioned inward of the first tube portion 3 in the second direction DR2.

[0064] In the high-speed feeder 102, the shortest distance L2 between the fixed electrode 10 and the guide portion 30 is the distance between the fixed electrode 10 and the end of the first guide portion 31A. In the high-speed feeder 102 as well, 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.

[0065] The second guide portion 31B extends from the first guide portion 31A to the side opposite to the fixed electrode in the first direction DR1.

[0066] The second guide portion 31B may be made of the same material as the terminal portion 32 and the first guide portion 31A. Alternatively, the second guide portion 31B may be made of a different material from the terminal portion 32 and the first guide portion 31A.

[0067] The first holding portion 41 only needs to be able to hold the movable electrode 20 with respect to either the first guide portion 31A or the second guide portion 31B in the first state. For example, the first holding portion 41 can hold the movable electrode 20 with respect to the first guide portion 31A in the first state. The first holding portion 41 may be provided so as to slide with the first guide portion 31A when the movable electrode 20, which is pressed toward the fixed electrode 10 by the drive unit 50, moves in the first direction DR1. The first holding portion 41 can hold the movable electrode 20 with respect to the first guide portion 31A in the second state.

[0068] In the high-speed current feeder 102, since the guide portion 30 has a first guide portion 31A, in the second state, a current path I2 is formed that passes sequentially through the terminal portion 32, the first guide portion 31A, the first holding portion 41, the movable electrode 20, and the fixed electrode 10. In this current path I2, compared to the current path I1 shown in Figure 2, the current path P1 in the first direction DR1 (see Figure 5) is longer at the contact portion between the movable electrode 20 and the guide portion 30. As a result, an electromagnetic force is generated in a direction that cancels out the electromagnetic repulsion force between the electrodes, and an electromagnetic repulsion force that would separate the movable electrode 20 from the fixed electrode 10 is less likely to occur. Therefore, in the high-speed current feeder 102, the state in which the movable electrode 20 is energized and the fixed electrode 10 is energized can be maintained more reliably than in the high-speed current feeder 101.

[0069] In addition, in the high-speed feeder 102, the first holding portion 41 may be capable of holding the movable electrode 20 with respect to the second guide portion 31B in the first state.

[0070] Embodiment 3. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the high-speed feeder 103 according to Embodiment 3 has the same configuration and effects as Embodiment 2 unless otherwise specified. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiment 2, and their descriptions are not repeated.

[0071] 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.

[0072] In the high-speed feeder 103, 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. Both distance L3 and distance L4 are smaller than the width W0 of the first holding portion 41 (see Figure 3).

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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. The protrusion 36 is included in, for example, the first guide portion 31A. The protrusion 36 may also be included in the second guide portion 31B.

[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, it switches from the first state described above to the second state shown in Figure 7. At the time of switching, the first retaining 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 retaining part 41 and the guide part 30 in the first state and is capable of compressing 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, 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 retaining 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 retaining part 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] In the high-speed feeder 103, 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.

[0079] In the high-speed feeder 103, 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 103 can hold the movable electrode 20 in the first position more securely than the high-speed feeder 101.

[0080] In the high-speed feeder 103, 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.

[0081] Embodiment 4. As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the high-speed feeder 104 according to Embodiment 4 has the same configuration and effects as Embodiment 2 unless otherwise specified. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiment 2, and the descriptions are not repeated.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The second retaining portion 42 is positioned relative to the guide portion 30 and is provided to slide relative to the movable electrode 20. The second retaining portion 42 is positioned, for example, on the first guide portion 31A. The second retaining portion 42 may also be positioned on the second guide portion 31B.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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. The fixed portion 38 and the second groove 39 are provided in at least one of the first guide portion 31A and the second guide portion 31B. For example, the fixed portion 38 and the second groove 39 are provided in the first guide portion 31A. The fixed portion 38 and the second groove 39 may also be provided in the second guide portion 31B, or they may be provided so as to straddle the space between the first guide portion 31A and the second guide portion 31B.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] The high-speed switch 104 is held in the first state shown in Figure 7 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.

[0092] 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 8. 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.

[0093] 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 onto 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] In the high-speed feeder 104, the second holding section 42 is not limited to the structure shown in Figures 8 to 10.

[0097] As shown in Figure 11, 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.

[0098] As shown in Figure 12, 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.

[0099] As shown in Figure 13, 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.

[0100] According to the second retaining part 42 shown in Figures 11 to 13, adjusting the retaining force of the second retaining part 42 becomes even easier than with the second retaining part 42 shown in Figures 8 to 10.

[0101] As shown in Figure 14, the fixing portion 38 of the guide portion 30 may be provided as a separate component from the guide portion 30. The fixing portion 38 may be composed of multiple components. The fixing portion 38 may also constitute a part of the second groove portion 39. Such a guide portion 30 and second retaining portion 42 can be easily assembled.

[0102] Embodiment 5. As shown in Figure 15, the high-speed feeder 105 according to Embodiment 5 has the same configuration and effects as those of Embodiments 2 and 4 unless otherwise specified. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiments 2 and 4, and the descriptions are not repeated.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] In the high-speed feeder 105, when the feeding operation is started, it switches from the first state to the second state. 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] Embodiment 6. As shown in Figures 16 to 18, the high-speed feeder 106 according to Embodiment 6 has the same configuration and effects as Embodiment 2 unless otherwise specified. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiment 2, and their descriptions are not repeated.

[0109] As shown in Figures 16 to 18, the high-speed switch 106 of Embodiment 6 further includes a discharge induction mechanism 70.

[0110] Figure 16 shows the first state of the high-speed feeder 106. Figure 17 shows the operating state achieved after the movable electrode 20 begins to move from the first position to the second position. Figure 18 shows the second state of the high-speed feeder 106.

[0111] The fixed electrode 10 has an end face 10A facing the movable electrode 20 in a first direction DR1. The movable electrode 20 has a front end face 20A facing the end face 10A of the fixed electrode 10 in a first direction DR1, a side face 20B facing the guide portion 30 in a second direction DR2, and a rear end face 20C located on the opposite side from the front end face 20A. The movable electrode 20 is provided with a tapered hole 20H that opens into the front end face 20A. The diameter of the tapered hole 20H decreases as it moves away from the front end face 20A. The axis of the tapered hole 20H coincides with the central axis CA.

[0112] The front end surface 20A is positioned closer to the fixed electrode 10 than the side surface 20B. Preferably, the front end surface 20A is a convex surface that protrudes toward the fixed electrode 10 as it approaches the hole axis (central axis CA) of the tapered hole 20H in the second direction DR2. The front end surface 20A may also be a plane perpendicular to the central axis CA.

[0113] The front end surface 20A of the movable electrode 20 in the first position faces the end surface 10A of the fixed electrode 10 with a gap between them. The front end surface 20A of the movable electrode 20 in the second position contacts the end surface 10A of the fixed electrode 10.

[0114] The movable electrode 20 is further provided with a through hole 20I that communicates with the tapered hole 20H. The minimum diameter of the through hole 20I is greater than the minimum diameter of the tapered hole 20H. The axis of the through hole 20I coincides with the central axis CA.

[0115] 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. The guide surface 30A faces the side surface 20B of the movable electrode 20 in the second direction DR2.

[0116] The 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 holding portion 41 is provided so as 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.

[0117] The drive unit 50 can move the movable electrode 20, which is held by the holding unit 41, by pressing it toward the fixed electrode 10.

[0118] The discharge induction mechanism 70 induces a discharge between the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20. The discharge induction mechanism 70 includes a trigger electrode 71. The trigger electrode 71 is movable in a first direction DR1 together with the movable electrode 20.

[0119] The trigger electrode 71 is electrically insulated from the movable electrode 20. The trigger electrode 71 has a tip portion 71A and a rear end portion located on the opposite side of the tip portion 71A in the first direction DR1. The tip portion 71A is the front end portion of the trigger electrode 71 that is positioned closest to the fixed electrode 10 in the first direction DR1. The tip portion 71A is located inside the tapered hole 20H of the movable electrode 20. The tip portion 71A does not protrude toward the fixed electrode 10 beyond the front end surface 20A of the movable electrode 20. Preferably, the tip portion 71A of the trigger electrode 71 is spaced further away from the fixed electrode 10 than the front end surface 20A. The end surface of the tip portion 71A may be located on the same plane as the front end surface 20A of the movable electrode 20.

[0120] The discharge induction mechanism 70 further includes a voltage generating element 73. The voltage generating element 73 is movable in a first direction DR1 together with the movable electrode 20 and the trigger electrode 71. The voltage generating element 73 outputs a trigger voltage to the trigger electrode 71. Preferably, the voltage generating element 73 does not output the trigger voltage in the first state shown in Figure 1, but is configured to output the trigger voltage when it reaches the operating state shown in Figure 4.

[0121] The voltage generating element 73 has a first end 73A that is electrically connected to the rear end of the trigger electrode 71, and a second end 73B that is located on the opposite side of the first end 73A in the first direction DR1. The voltage generating element 73 is provided to generate a potential difference between the first end 73A and the second end 73B. The first end 73A is electrically insulated from the movable electrode 20. The second end 73B is electrically connected to the movable electrode 20. The second end 73B is electrically connected to the movable electrode 20, for example, via connection parts 74 and 75, which will be described later.

[0122] The voltage generating element 73 is positioned on the opposite side of the fixed electrode 10 from the trigger electrode 71 in the first direction DR1. Viewed from the first direction DR1, the voltage generating element 73 is positioned to overlap with the trigger electrode 71.

[0123] The voltage generating element 73 is, for example, a piezoelectric element. The voltage generating element 73 is provided to generate a potential difference between the first end 73A and 73B when mechanical energy (non-electrical energy) is applied. The drive unit 50 is provided to press the movable electrode 20 and the voltage generating element 73 simultaneously.

[0124] The voltage generating element 73 may be configured to generate a potential difference between the first end 73A and 73B when non-electrical energy such as thermal energy or magnetic energy is applied. The voltage generating element 73 may also have an induction coil.

[0125] The discharge induction mechanism 70 may further include an insulating member 72 and connecting parts 74 and 75.

[0126] The insulating member 72 electrically insulates the trigger electrode 71 and the first end 73A of the voltage generating element 73 from the movable electrode 20. The insulating member 72 has a front portion located within the through hole 20I of the movable electrode 20 and a rear portion located on the rear end surface 20C of the movable electrode 20.

[0127] The insulating member 72 is provided with a first through-hole 72H and a second through-hole 72I that communicates with the first through-hole 72H. The first through-hole 72H penetrates the front portion of the insulating member 72. The second through-hole 72I penetrates the rear portion of the insulating member 72. A trigger electrode 71 is inserted through the first through-hole 72H. A voltage generating element 73 is housed in the second through-hole 72I.

[0128] The connecting parts 74 and 75 electrically connect the second end 73B of the voltage generating element 73 to the movable electrode 20. The connecting parts 74 and 75 have a conductive plate 74 and a conductive column 75.

[0129] The conductive plate 74 is in contact with the second end portion 73B of the voltage generating element 73. The conductive plate 74 is positioned, for example, in the first direction DR1, on the side opposite to the trigger electrode 71 relative to the voltage generating element 73. The conductive plate 74 is positioned on the rear end surface of the rear portion of the insulating member 72. Viewed from the first direction DR1, the conductive plate 74 has a central portion that overlaps with the voltage generating element 73 and an outer portion that is located outside the central portion in the second direction DR2 and overlaps with the insulating member 72.

[0130] The conductive column 75 electrically connects the outer portion of the conductive plate 74 to the movable electrode 20. The connection portion 74, 75 may have at least one conductive column 75, but preferably has multiple conductive columns 75. The multiple conductive columns 75 are arranged at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis CA, surrounding the trigger electrode 71 and the voltage generating element 73.

[0131] The connecting parts 74 and 75 may be provided to integrally fix the trigger electrode 71, the insulating member 72, and the voltage generating element 73 to the movable electrode 20. The conductive column 75 may be a fixing member that can be fixed to the movable electrode 20. The conductive column 75 is, for example, a screw. The movable electrode 20, the trigger electrode 71 of the discharge induction mechanism 70, the insulating member 72, the voltage generating element 73, and the connecting parts 74 and 75 are all movable together in the first direction DR1. The drive unit 50 may be provided to press the central portion of the conductive plate 74.

[0132] The drive unit 50 is, for example, a cylinder. The drive unit 50 includes, for example, a cylinder tube 51, a rod 52, and a linear motion mechanism 53. 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. The linear motion mechanism 53 includes, for example, a motor and a ball screw, and moves the rod 52 in the first direction DR1 according to the rotation of the motor.

[0133] The rod 52 is in contact with the conductive plate 74 in the first state, for example. The rod 52 may also be separated from the conductive plate 74 in the first state. The rod 52 presses the movable electrode 20 toward the fixed electrode 10 in the second state, for example. In the second state, the movable electrode 20, which is in contact with the fixed electrode 10, is held by, for example, the drive unit 50 and a spring 60, which will be described later.

[0134] In the second state, the rod 52 may be separated from the conductive plate 74. The movable electrode 20 in contact with the fixed electrode 10 may be held only by the spring 60.

[0135] The spring 60 is spaced apart from the conductive plate 74 and the drive unit 50. The inner diameter of the spring 60 in the second direction DR2 is greater than the maximum width of the conductive plate 74 in the second direction DR2 and the maximum width of the drive unit 50 in the second direction DR2. The spring 60 is arranged, for example, to surround the conductive plate 74 and the drive unit 50 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. The outer diameter of the spring 60 in the second direction DR2 is smaller than the inner diameter of the recess 72J in the second direction DR2.

[0136] The high-speed switch 106 is maintained in the first state shown in Figure 16 until an abnormality in the module circuit is detected and the switching operation is initiated. 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. The shortest distances L1 and L2 are greater than or equal to the insulation distance between the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20. In the first state, the module circuit electrically connected in parallel to the high-speed switch 106 is operating normally. In the first state, the voltage applied to the module circuit electrically connected in parallel to the high-speed switch 106 is applied between the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20. In the first state, since the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20 are electrically insulated, a normal current flows through the module circuit.

[0137] In the first state, the discharge induction mechanism 70 does not induce a discharge between the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20. The voltage generating element 73 does not output a trigger voltage.

[0138] In the first state, the holding portion 41 is compressed in the second direction DR2. In the first state, the frictional force generated between the holding portion 41 and the guide portion 30 is greater than the biasing force applied to the holding portion 41 by the charged spring 60. In the first state, the holding portion 41 prevents the movable electrode 20 from moving toward the fixed electrode 10 against the biasing force of the spring 60.

[0139] In the high-speed switch 106, when an abnormality in the module circuit is detected, a switch command signal is input to the drive unit 50. The drive unit 50 presses the movable electrode 20, the voltage generating element 73, and the holding part 41 toward the fixed electrode 10 via the conductive plate 74. As a result, the movable electrode 20, the voltage generating element 73, and the holding part 41 begin to move toward the fixed electrode 10 in the first direction DR1. A potential difference is generated between the first end 73A and the second end 73B of the voltage generating element 73. Since the trigger electrode 71 is electrically connected to the first end 73A and the movable electrode 20 is electrically connected to the second end 73B, a potential difference is also generated between the trigger electrode 71 and the movable electrode 20.

[0140] As shown in Figure 17, before the movable electrode 20 reaches the second position, the voltage generating element 73 generates a trigger voltage between the first end 73A and the second end 73B. The trigger voltage is greater than the dielectric breakdown voltage of the medium between the trigger electrode 71 and the movable electrode 20. A trigger discharge occurs between the tip 71A of the trigger electrode 71 and the movable electrode 20. Even in the operating state shown in Figure 17, the distance between the tip 71A of the trigger electrode 71 and the movable electrode 20 is smaller than the distance between the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20.

[0141] The timing at which the voltage generating element 73 generates a trigger voltage is not particularly limited. The voltage generating element 73 may be configured to generate a trigger voltage immediately after the movable electrode 20 starts moving. The voltage generating element 73 may be configured to generate a trigger voltage when the movable electrode 20 starts moving. The relationship between the distance L6 between the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20 and the shortest distance L2 between the fixed electrode 10 and the guide portion 30 when the voltage generating element 73 generates a trigger voltage is not particularly limited. The voltage generating element 73 may be configured to generate a trigger voltage when the distance L6 between the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20 is equal to or longer than the shortest distance L2 between the fixed electrode 10 and the guide portion 30. The voltage generating element 73 may be configured to generate a trigger voltage when the distance L6 between the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20 becomes shorter than or shorter than the shortest distance L2 between the fixed electrode 10 and the guide portion 30. In the latter case, a trigger discharge is more likely to be induced between the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20.

[0142] A trigger discharge generates charged particles between the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20. These charged particles reduce the dielectric breakdown voltage of the medium between the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20. The dielectric breakdown voltage of the medium between the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20 becomes smaller than the voltage applied between the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20. As a result, a DC discharge occurs between the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20, as shown in Figure 17, causing the movable electrode 20 to conduct to the fixed electrode 10. Consequently, before the movable electrode 20 contacts the fixed electrode 10, the path of the fault current switches from the module circuit electrically connected in parallel to the fast switch 106 to the fast switch 106. The module circuit electrically connected in parallel to the fast switch 106 is bypassed and disabled.

[0143] The voltage generating element 73 may be configured to generate a trigger voltage immediately after the movable electrode 20 starts moving. The voltage generating element 73 may also be configured to generate a trigger voltage when the movable electrode 20 starts moving from the first position.

[0144] The movable electrode 20 is further pressed toward the fixed electrode 10 by the drive unit 50 and the spring 60. As a result, as shown in Figure 18, the movable electrode 20 comes into contact with the fixed electrode 10. The movable electrode 20 conducts to the fixed electrode 10 without discharge. The fault current continues to flow through the fast switch 106. The second state in which the movable electrode 20 is in contact with the fixed electrode 10 can be maintained by at least one of the drive unit 50 and the spring 60. In this way, the fast switch 106 can act as a bypass path for the deactivated module circuit while the movable electrode 20 is in contact with the fixed electrode 10 after the operating state shown in Figure 17.

[0145] In the high-speed power switch 106, since the trigger electrode 71 is movable together with the movable electrode 20, the movable electrode 20 can be quickly brought into contact with the fixed electrode 10 after the movable electrode 20 and the fixed electrode 10 are short-circuited due to a trigger discharge. Therefore, the state of short-circuiting between the movable electrode 20 and the fixed electrode 10 can be maintained for a long time while preventing wear of the trigger electrode 71. Such a high-speed power switch 106 is suitable for power conversion devices.

[0146] In the high-speed discharger 106, the front end surface 20A is a convex surface that protrudes toward the fixed electrode 10 side as it approaches the hole axis (central axis CA) in the radial direction (second direction DR2) with respect to the hole axis of the tapered hole 20H. In this way, dielectric breakdown caused by trigger discharge can be made to occur near the tapered hole 20H, and dielectric breakdown can be prevented from occurring in unintended locations. For example, dielectric breakdown can be prevented from occurring at the outer edge of the front end surface 20A.

[0147] In the high-speed switch 106, the trigger electrode 71, insulating member 72, and voltage generating element 73 of the discharge induction mechanism 70 may be integrally fixed to the movable electrode 20 by connection parts 74 and 75. The trigger electrode 71, insulating member 72, and voltage generating element 73 can move in the first direction DR1 as an integral part of the movable electrode 20 without requiring a complex structure. Furthermore, a high-voltage circuit for outputting a trigger voltage to the trigger electrode 71, a control circuit for controlling the high-voltage circuit, and wiring to electrically connect these circuits to the trigger electrode 71 are unnecessary.

[0148] In the high-speed feeder 106, the voltage generating element 73 may be a piezoelectric element. In this case, the drive unit 50 may be provided to press the movable electrode 20 and the voltage generating element 73 simultaneously. This eliminates the need for a high-voltage circuit for generating the trigger voltage and a control circuit for controlling the high-voltage circuit.

[0149] In embodiments 3 to 6, the guide portion 30 may have the same configuration as the guide portion 30 of the high-speed feeder 101 according to embodiment 1. In embodiments 3 to 6, the guide portion 30 does not need to have the first guide portion 31A.

[0150] As described above, the high-speed switchers 101 to 106 according to Embodiments 1 to 6 are applicable to any electrical device. Below, power conversion equipment and power distribution equipment will be described as examples of applications for the high-speed switchers 101 to 106 according to Embodiments 1 to 6.

[0151] Embodiment 7. The power conversion device according to Embodiment 7 comprises a plurality of power control circuits 200 shown in Figure 19. The plurality of power control circuits 200 are connected in series with each other. Each power control circuit 200 comprises terminals A and B, a module circuit 210, and a high-speed switch 100.

[0152] 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.

[0153] The high-speed feeder 100 is one of the high-speed feeders 101 to 106. 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] Embodiment 8. Figure 20 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 8. 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.

[0157] As shown in Figure 20, the power receiving and distribution equipment 220 according to Embodiment 8 includes a transformer 221 and a plurality of switchgears 222, 223.

[0158] 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 high-speed switch 101 to 106. 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 ground conductor.

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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 section, 32 Flange section, 33A First guide surface, 34A Second guide surface, 35A Third guide surface, 35A1 First inclined section, 35A2 Second inclined section, 35A3 Connection section, 36, 37 Protrusion, 38 Fixing section, 39 Second groove, 41 First holding section, 42 Second holding section, 42A First section, 42B Second section, 43 Annular section, 44 Protrusion, 50 51 Drive unit, 52 Cylinder tube, 52 Rod, 53 Linear motion mechanism, 60 Spring, 70 Discharge induction mechanism, 71 Trigger electrode, 71A Tip, 72 Insulating member, 72A Front end face, 72B Side, 72H First through hole, 72H1 Third open end, 72I Second through hole, 72J Recess, 73 Voltage generating element, 73A First end, 73B Second end, 74, 75 Connection parts, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106 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 that can hold the movable electrode, which is spaced apart from the fixed electrode, relative to the guide portion; and a drive portion that can press the movable electrode, which is held by the holding portion, toward the fixed electrode, wherein the shortest distance between the movable electrode held by the holding portion and the fixed electrode is longer than the shortest distance between the fixed electrode and the guide portion.

2. The high-speed feeder according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion has a terminal portion electrically connected to an external device and a first guide portion extending from the terminal portion toward the fixed electrode in the first direction.

3. The high-speed feeder according to claim 2, wherein the end of the first guide portion located on the side of the fixed electrode in the first direction is arranged to face the fixed electrode in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The high-speed feeder according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the guide portion further has a second guide portion extending in the first direction from the first guide portion to the side opposite to the fixed electrode, the holding portion is capable of holding the movable electrode with respect to either the first guide portion or the second guide portion when the movable electrode is not pressed by the drive unit, slides with at least one of the movable electrode and the guide portion when the movable electrode is pressed toward the fixed electrode by the drive unit and moves in the first direction, and is capable of holding the movable electrode with respect to the first guide portion when the movable electrode is in contact with the fixed electrode.

5. The high-speed feeder according to claim 4, wherein the second guide portion is a separate component from the terminal portion and the first guide portion.

6. The high-speed feeder according to claim 4 or 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, and the first guide portion and the second guide portion of the guide portion have guide surfaces that guide the holding portion when the movable electrode moves from the first position to the second position.

7. The high-speed feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a spring for biasing 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.

8. The high-speed feeder according to claim 7, wherein the spring is capable of biasing the movable electrode, which is in contact with the fixed electrode, toward the fixed electrode.

9. A high-speed feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 8, 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.

10. The high-speed feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a discharge induction mechanism for inducing a discharge between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode, wherein the discharge induction mechanism includes a trigger electrode that is movable together with the movable electrode.

11. A power converter comprising a high-speed switch according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a module circuit, wherein the high-speed switch is electrically connected in parallel to the module circuit.

12. Power receiving and distribution equipment comprising a high-speed switch according to any one of claims 1 to 10, 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.

Images