EP4672290A1

EP4672290A1 - INPUT DEVICE

Info

Publication number: EP4672290A1
Application number: EP23923225.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kazuhisa Kanaya; Yoshiaki Ohda; Ryusuke Ochiai; Kousuke Shikimi; Takahiro Ishiguro
Original assignee: Toshiba Corp; Toshiba Energy Systems and Solutions Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Corp; Toshiba Energy Systems and Solutions Corp
Priority date: 2023-02-22
Filing date: 2023-02-22
Publication date: 2025-12-31
Also published as: WO2024176395A1; JPWO2024176395A1

Abstract

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

Description

FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an input device.

BACKGROUND

In a power transmission system, an input device is used for various uses such as an input device for commutation circuit of a direct-current circuit breaker, a current source input device for fusion plasma generation, and the like other than used as a highspeed grounding device and a bypass switch. The input device is configured so that insulation between terminals to which a high voltage is applied in a steady state is held, and the terminals electrically connect therebetween at a high speed at arbitrary timing to make a large current flow between the terminals.
The input device is, for example, an electrode drive-type input device. The electrode drive-type input device is disposed so that a pair of main electrodes face each other, and in the steady state, a high voltage is applied between the pair of main electrodes. In the pair of main electrodes constituting the electrode drive-type input device, one of the main electrodes is a driving electrode (movable electrode), and the other of the main electrodes is a fixed electrode. In the electrode drive-type input device, the driving electrode is configured to separate from and come into contact with the fixed electrode by using a driving part.
When an input operation is carried out in the electrode drive-type input device, the driving electrode approaches the fixed electrode. Then, when a distance between the driving electrode and the fixed electrode is equal to or less than an insulation distance against an applied voltage, an arc discharge is generated between the driving electrode and the fixed electrode, and energization is started. Then, the driving electrode comes into contact with the fixed electrode with the arc discharge continued. Thereafter, the energization is continued with the driving electrode being in contact with the fixed electrode, and the input operation ends.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

PATENT DOCUMENT

Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. Sho 55-163724
Patent Document 2: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2019-186162
Patent Document 3: Japanese Examined Utility Model Application Publication No. Sho 57-007127

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

As described above, when the input operation is carried out in the electrode drive-type input device, the driving electrode approaches the fixed electrode, and the driving electrode comes into contact with the fixed electrode. Thus, damage or the like may be caused due to an impact at the contact time to decrease reliability.
Further, when the input operation is carried out in the electrode drive-type input device, the input operation ends with the driving electrode and the fixed electrode being in contact with each other after the arc discharge is generated between the driving electrode and the fixed electrode. Thus, when surfaces of the driving electrode and the fixed electrode are melted by the arc discharge and thereafter cooled, the driving electrode and the fixed electrode may be welded at a spot. When an open-circuit operation is carried out in the input device, welded portions of the driving electrode and the fixed electrode are separated, so that a sharp projection may be formed on each of the driving electrode and the fixed electrode. The sharp projection formed on each of the driving electrode and the fixed electrode becomes an electric field concentration portion when the driving electrode and the fixed electrode are opened therebetween and subjected to high-voltage application in the steady state. As a result, insulation performance between the driving electrode and the fixed electrode may be degraded to degrade withstand voltage performance of the input device, so that the reliability may decrease.
According to such circumstances as described above, improvement in reliability is required for the input device.
Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an input device capable of easily achieving improvement in reliability.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

An input device of an embodiment includes a contact part, and a drive mechanism part. The contact part is configured so that a driving electrode and a fixed electrode are coaxially aligned in an axial direction, the driving electrode is movable in a first direction of approaching the fixed electrode in the axial direction, and the driving electrode is movable in a second direction of separating from the fixed electrode in the axial direction. The drive mechanism part is located on the second direction side further than the contact part in the axial direction, and configured so that a driving shaft is coaxially coupled to the driving electrode in the axial direction, and the driving shaft moves in the axial direction, thereby moving the driving electrode in the axial direction. Here, the drive mechanism part has a driving part and a closed circuit-side braking part. The driving part is configured to impart a driving force in the first direction to the driving shaft in carrying out an input operation. The closed circuit-side braking part is configured to decelerate the driving electrode moving in the first direction when the driving part moves the driving electrode in the first direction in carrying out an input operation. The closed circuit-side braking part has a colliding part, a braking mass, a closed circuit-side braking part spring, and a closed circuit-side braking part stopper. The colliding part is installed on the driving shaft, and moves in the first direction with the driving electrode in carrying out an input operation. The braking mass is configured so that the colliding part moving in the first direction comes into contact therewith in carrying out an input operation, and thereby the driving electrode moving in the first direction is decelerated. The closed circuit-side braking part spring biases the braking mass to impart a returning force in the second direction. The closed circuit-side braking part stopper is provided to restrict the braking mass from moving in the second direction in a steady state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of an input device 1 according to a first embodiment.
[Fig. 2A] Fig. 2A is a sectional view schematically illustrating a state when an input operation is carried out in the input device 1 according to the first embodiment.
[Fig. 2B] Fig. 2B is a sectional view schematically illustrating a state when the input operation is carried out in the input device 1 according to the first embodiment.
[Fig. 2C] Fig. 2C is a sectional view schematically illustrating a state when the input operation is carried out in the input device 1 according to the first embodiment.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of an input device 1b according to a second embodiment
[Fig. 4A] Fig. 4A is a sectional view schematically illustrating a state when an input operation is carried out in the input device 1b according to the second embodiment.
[Fig. 4B] Fig. 4B is a sectional view schematically illustrating a state when the input operation is carried out in the input device 1b according to the second embodiment.
[Fig. 4C] Fig. 4C is a sectional view schematically illustrating a state when the input operation is carried out in the input device 1b according to the second embodiment.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of the input device according to a modified example.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of the input device according to the other modified example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[A] Configuration of input device 1

Fig. 1 is a sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of an input device 1 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 1 illustrates a case where the input device 1 is in a steady state (non-energized interruption state).
The input device 1 of this embodiment is an electrode drive type, and as illustrated in Fig. 1, includes a contact part 2 and a drive mechanism part 3.

[A-1] Contact part 2

In the input device 1, the contact part 2 includes a pressure vessel 20, a driving electrode 21, and a fixed electrode 22 as illustrated in Fig. 1.
The contact part 2 of this embodiment is configured so that the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 are coaxially aligned, the driving electrode 21 is movable in a first direction D1 of approaching the fixed electrode 22 (closed circuit direction), and the driving electrode 21 is movable in a second direction D2 of separating from the fixed electrode 22 (open circuit direction) inside the pressure vessel 20. The contact part 2 is in a closed circuit state when the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 come into contact therebetween, and in an open circuit state when the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 separate therebetween.

[A-1-1] Pressure vessel 20

In the contact part 2, the pressure vessel 20 includes an insulating cylinder 201, a first lid 202, and a second lid 203. The pressure vessel 20 is provided with a pressure vessel internal space SP20 inside by the insulating cylinder 201, the first lid 202, and the second lid 203.
An insulating gas is sealed in the pressure vessel internal space SP20. The insulating gas is, for example, a sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) gas. Other than this, a gas containing at least one of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen, or air may be used as the insulating gas. The insulating gas is sealed in the pressure vessel internal space SP20 at a pressure equal to or higher than an atmospheric pressure.

[A-1-1-1] Insulating cylinder 201

The insulating cylinder 201 constituting the pressure vessel 20 has an insulator vessel 2010, a first insulating cylinder flange 2011, and a second insulating cylinder flange 2012.
The insulator vessel 2010 is a cylindrical tubular body, and is formed of an insulator. The first insulating cylinder flange 2011 is formed of a metal material and fixed to one end of the insulator vessel 2010. The second insulating cylinder flange 2012 is formed of a metal material similarly to the first insulating cylinder flange 2011 and fixed to the other end of the insulator vessel 2010 which is located on an opposite side to one end provided with the first insulating cylinder flange 2011.

[A-1-1-2] First lid 202

The first lid 202 constituting the pressure vessel 20 is a disk-shaped plate material. The first lid 202 is formed of a metal material, electrically connects with the first insulating cylinder flange 2011, and is joined to seal the first insulating cylinder flange 2011 therebetween.
A pressure vessel through hole K20 is provided at a central portion of the first lid 202. The pressure vessel through hole K20 is formed in the first lid 202 to communicate the interior and the exterior of the pressure vessel internal space SP20 therebetween.

[A-1-1-2] Second lid 203

The second lid 203 constituting the pressure vessel 20 is a disk-shaped plate material, and is disposed to face the first lid 202 with the insulating cylinder 201 interposed therebetween, similarly to the first lid 202. The second lid 203 is formed of a metal material, electrically connects with the second insulating cylinder flange 2012, and is joined to seal the second insulating cylinder flange 2012 therebetween, similarly to the first lid 202. The second lid 203 is used as a terminal and electrically connected to an external circuit together with the fist lid 202.

[A-1-1-4] First shield 204

A first shield 204 is installed on a surface located on an inner side of the first lid 202 in the pressure vessel internal space SP20. The first shield 204 is a cylindrical tubular body, and is formed of a metal material and fixed to the first lid 202 to electrically connect thereto. Further, the first shield 204 is subjected to chamfering so that a tip is shaped into a curved surface.
The first shield 204 is formed of a material with high arc resistance, such as a copper-tungsten alloy or the like. Other than this, the first shield 204 may be formed of a copper-chrome alloy or a stainless alloy.
A first current collecting part 2041 is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the first shield 204.

[A-1-1-5] Second shield 205

A second shield 205 is installed on a surface located on an inner side of the second lid 203 in the pressure vessel internal space SP20. The second shield 205 is a cylindrical tubular body, and is formed of a metal material and fixed to the second lid 203 to electrically connect thereto, similarly to the first shield 204. Further, the second shield 205 is subjected to chamfering so that a tip is shaped into a curved surface, similarly to the first shield 204.
The second shield 205 is formed using a material similar to that of the first shield 204.
The second shield 205 is aligned coaxially with the first shield 204 in an axial direction (lateral direction in Fig. 1), and the tip of the second shield 205 faces the tip of the first shield 204.
A second current collecting part 2051 is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the second shield 205.

[A-1-2] Driving electrode 21

The driving electrode 21 is a rod-shaped body, and is installed to penetrate the pressure vessel through hole K20. An outer peripheral surface of the driving electrode 21 and an inner peripheral surface of the pressure vessel through hole K20 are sealed therebetween with a seal member 2021. Further, the driving electrode 21 penetrates the interior of the first shield 204 which is the cylindrical tubular body.
Here, the driving electrode 21 includes a driving electrode discharge part 211 and a driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212.

[A-1-2-1] Driving electrode discharge part 211

The driving electrode discharge part 211 is located at a tip portion of the driving electrode 21 and housed inside the first shield 204 in the pressure vessel internal space SP20. Here, when the input device 1 is in the steady state, a tip of the driving electrode discharge part 211 and a tip of the first shield 204 are at the same position in the axial direction.
The driving electrode discharge part 211 is formed of a material with high arc resistance (wear resistance to arc discharge) such as, for example, a copper-tungsten alloy, a copper-chrome alloy, or the like.

[A-1-2-2] Driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212

The driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212 is connected to the driving electrode discharge part 211, and a portion located on the driving electrode discharge part 211 side is housed inside the first shield 204 in the pressure vessel internal space SP20. The driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212 includes a portion in contact with the first current collecting part 2041 inside the first shield 204.
The driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212 is formed of a material with high conductivity such as, for example, a copper alloy, and electrically connects with the first shield 204, the first lid 202, and the first insulating cylinder flange 2011 via the first current collecting part 2041. Note that the driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212 may be formed of the same material as that of the driving electrode discharge part 211.

[A-1-3] Fixed electrode 22

The fixed electrode 22 is a rod-shaped body, and is aligned coaxially with the driving electrode 21 in the axial direction, similarly to the driving electrode 21. The fixed electrode 22 is installed on the second lid 203 constituting the pressure vessel 20 in the pressure vessel internal space SP20. Further, the fixed electrode 22 penetrates the interior of the second shield 205 which is the cylindrical tubular body.
Here, the fixed electrode 22 includes a fixed electrode discharge part 221 and a fixed electrode current-carrying shaft 222.

[A-1-3-1] Fixed electrode discharge part 221

The fixed electrode discharge part 221 is located at a tip portion of the fixed electrode 22 and housed inside the second shield 205. Here, a tip of the fixed electrode discharge part 221 and a tip of the second shield 205 are at the same position in the axial direction.
The fixed electrode discharge part 221 is formed of a material with high arc resistance (wear resistance to arc discharge) such as, for example, a copper-tungsten alloy, a copper-chrome alloy, or the like, similarly to the driving electrode discharge part 211.

[A-1-3-2] Fixed electrode current-carrying shaft 222

The fixed electrode current-carrying shaft 222 is connected to the fixed electrode discharge part 221, and includes a portion in contact with the second current collecting part 2051 inside the second shield 205.
The fixed electrode current-carrying shaft 222 is formed of a material with high conductivity such as, for example, a copper alloy, and electrically connects with the second shield 205, the second lid 203, and the second insulating cylinder flange 2012 via the second current collecting part 2051, similarly to the driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212. Note that the fixed electrode current-carrying shaft 222 may be formed of the same material as that of the fixed electrode discharge part 221.

[A-2] Drive mechanism part 3

In the input device 1, the drive mechanism part 3 includes a mechanism box 30, a driving shaft 31, a driving part 33, a position holding part 34, a closed circuit-side braking part 35, and an open circuit-side braking part 36 as illustrated in Fig. 1.
The drive mechanism part 3 of this embodiment is located on the second direction D2 side further than the contact part 2 in the axial direction (lateral direction in Fig. 1). The drive mechanism part 3 is configured so that the driving shaft 31 is coaxially coupled to the driving electrode 21 in the axial direction, and the driving shaft 31 moves in the axial direction, thereby moving the driving electrode 21 in the axial direction.

[A-2-1] Mechanism box 30

In the drive mechanism part 3, the mechanism box 30 has a mechanism box internal space SP30 inside. A first support part 303, a second support part 304, a third support part 305, and a fourth support part 306 are provided in the mechanism box internal space SP30.

[A-2-1-1] First support part 303

The first support part 303 is, for example, a plate-shaped body, and is configured to support a part of a member constituting the driving part 33 in the mechanism box internal space SP30. In the first support part 303, a first support part through hole K303 is formed at a center portion, and the driving shaft 31 penetrates the first support part through hole K303. Although illustration is omitted, the first support part 303 is fixed to the mechanism box 30.

[A-2-1-2] Second support part 304

The second support part 304 is, for example, a plate-shaped body, and is configured to support a part of a member constituting the position holding part 34 in the mechanism box internal space SP30. In the second support part 304, a second support part through hole K304 is formed at a center portion, and the driving shaft 31 penetrates the second support part through hole K304. Although illustration is omitted, the second support part 304 is fixed to the mechanism box 30, similarly to the first support part 303.

[A-2-1-3] Third support part 305

The third support part 305 is, for example, a plate-shaped body, and is configured to support a part of a member constituting the closed circuit-side braking part 35 in the mechanism box internal space SP30. The third support part 305 is fixed to the mechanism box 30. Specifically, the third support part 305 is fixed to the other end face located on the other end side (right side in Fig. 1) in the axial direction in the mechanism box 30. In the third support part 305, a third support part through hole K305 is formed at a center portion, and the driving shaft 31 penetrates the third support part through hole K305.

[A-2-1-4] Fourth support part 306

The fourth support part 306 is, for example, a plate-shaped body, and is configured to support a part of a member constituting the open circuit-side braking part 36 in the mechanism box internal space SP30. The fourth support part 306 is fixed to the mechanism box 30. Specifically, the fourth support part 306 is fixed to one end face located on one end side (left side in Fig. 1) in the axial direction in the mechanism box 30.

[A-2-1-5] Mechanism box through hole K30

Other than this, the mechanism box 30 is provided with a mechanism box through hole K30. The mechanism box through hole K30 is formed in the other end face located on the other end side (right side in Fig. 1) in the axial direction in the mechanism box 30 to communicate the interior and the exterior of the mechanism box internal space SP30 therebetween.

[A-2-1] Driving shaft 31

In the drive mechanism part 3, the driving shaft 31 is a rod-shaped body, and is installed to penetrate the mechanism box through hole K30 provided in the mechanism box 30. In the driving shaft 31, a portion located on one end side (left side in Fig. 1) in the axial direction is housed in the mechanism box internal space SP30, and a portion located on the other end side (right side in Fig. 1) in the axial direction projects outside the mechanism box internal space SP30.
The driving shaft 31 is aligned coaxially with the driving electrode 21 in the axial direction and coupled to the driving electrode 21 with an insulating operation rod 4 interposed therebetween outside the mechanism box internal space SP30. The insulating operation rod 4 is formed of an insulator, and the insulating operation rod 4 brings the driving electrode 21 and the driving shaft 31 into a state of electrical insulation therebetween.

[A-2-3] Driving part 33

In the drive mechanism part 3, the driving part 33 is configured to impart a driving force in the first direction D1 to the driving shaft 31.
The driving part 33 of this embodiment is an electromagnetic repulsion operation mechanism including a ring 331 (repulsion body) and a coil 332.

[A-2-3-1] Ring 331

The ring 331 is formed of a metal material and fixed to the driving shaft 31 in the mechanism box internal space SP30. The ring 331 is formed of, for example, extra super duralumin with high strength.

[A-2-3-2] Coil 332

The coil 332 is formed by molding a winding made of a copper alloy with resin and supported by the third support part 305 of the mechanism box 30 in the mechanism box internal space SP30. The coil 332 is disposed on the second direction D2 side further than the ring 331 to face the ring 331 in the axial direction.

[A-2-3-3] Conductive part 3311

A conductive part 3311 with electric resistivity lower than that of the ring 331 is installed in a portion facing the coil 332 in the ring 331. The conductive part 3311 is formed of, for example, oxygen-free copper.
In the driving part 33, a coil current is supplied from an excitation circuit (whose illustration is omitted) to the coil 332, thereby generating an induced current in the reverse direction to the coil current in the ring 331 (particularly, the conductive part 3311). As a result, in the driving part 33, a Lorentz force with which the coil 332 and the ring 331 are repulsed between each other is generated, and the driving force in the first direction D1 is imparted to the driving shaft 31, and the driving electrode 21 approaches the fixed electrode 22.

[A-2-4] Position holding part 34

In the drive mechanism part 3, the position holding part 34 is configured to bias the driving shaft 31 to impart a returning force (a first returning force) in the second direction D2, and to hold a state in which the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 are separate in the steady state. Here, the position holding part 34 is provided on the second direction D2 side (left side in Fig. 1) further than the driving part 33 in the axial direction.
In this embodiment, the position holding part 34 includes a position holding part spring 341 (a first biasing part), a spring bearing 342, a position holding part stopper 343, a position holding part base 344, and a position holding part housing tube 345.

[A-2-4-1] Position holding part spring 341

The position holding part spring 341 is, for example, a compression coil spring, and the driving shaft 31 penetrates the interior thereof. The position holding part spring 341 is interposed between the spring bearing 342 and the position holding part base 344, and biases the driving shaft 31 to impart the returning force (the first returning force) in the second direction D2.

[A-2-4-2] Spring bearing 342

The spring bearing 342 is a plate-shaped body, and is fixed to the driving shaft 31. The spring bearing 342 is located on the second direction D2 side further than the position holding part spring 341 in the axial direction.

[A-2-4-3] Position holding part stopper 343

The position holding part stopper 343 is a plate-shaped body, and is located on the second direction D2 side further than the spring bearing 342 in axial direction. The position holding part stopper 343 is supported by the position holding part base 344 with the position holding part housing tube 345 interposed therebetween. Further, in the position holding part stopper 343, a position holding part stopper through hole K343 is formed at a center portion, and a portion located at one end of the driving shaft 31 (left side in Fig. 1) penetrates the position holding part stopper through hole K343.
The position holding part stopper 343 is provided to restrict the driving electrode 21 from moving in the second direction D2 in the steady state. Specifically, the position holding part stopper 343 is in a state in which the spring bearing 342 is brought into contact therewith by the returning force (the first returning force) in the second direction D2 caused by the position holding part spring 341 in the steady state.

[A-2-4-4] Position holding part base 344

The position holding part base 344 is a plate-shaped body, and is located on the first direction D1 side further than the position holding part spring 341 in the axial direction. The position holding part base 344 is supported by the second support part 304. Further, in the position holding part base 344, a position holding part base through hole K344 is formed at a center portion, and the driving shaft 31 penetrates the position holding part base through hole K344.

[A-2-4-5] Position holding part housing tube 345

The position holding part housing tube 345 is a tubular body, and is provided between the position holding part stopper 343 and the position holding part base 344 in the axial direction. The position holding part housing tube 345 houses the position holding part spring 341 and the spring bearing 342 inside.

[A-2-5] Closed circuit-side braking part 35

In the drive mechanism part 3, the closed circuit-side braking part 35 is configured to decelerate the driving electrode 21 moving in the first direction D1 when the driving electrode 21 moves in the first direction D1. Here, the closed circuit-side braking part 35 is provided on the first direction D1 side (right side in Fig. 1) further than the driving part 33 in the axial direction.
In this embodiment, the closed circuit-side braking part 35 includes a closed circuit-side braking part spring 351 (a second biasing part), a braking mass 352, a closed circuit-side braking part stopper 353, a closed circuit-side braking part base 354, a closed circuit-side braking part housing tube 355, and a colliding part 356.

[A-2-5-1] Closed circuit-side braking part spring 351

The closed circuit-side braking part spring 351 is, for example, a compression coil spring, and the driving shaft 31 penetrates the interior thereof. The closed circuit-side braking part spring 351 is interposed between the braking mass 352 and the closed circuit-side braking part base 354, and biases the braking mass 352 to impart a returning force (a second returning force) in the second direction D2.

[A-2-5-2] Braking mass 352

The braking mass 352 is in a ring shape, and the driving shaft 31 penetrates the interior thereof. The braking mass 352 is located on the second direction D2 side further than the closed circuit-side braking part spring 351 in the axial direction.
In this embodiment, the braking mass 352 is provided so that the colliding part 356 moving in the first direction D1 comes into contact therewith, thereby braking the driving electrode 21 moving in the first direction D1.
The braking mass 352 includes a braking mass large-diameter part 3521 and a braking mass small-diameter part 3522. The braking mass large-diameter part 3521 is located on the first direction D1 side in the braking mass 352. The braking mass small-diameter part 3522 is located on the second direction D2 side in the braking mass 352, and is smaller in outside diameter than the braking mass large-diameter part 3521.

[A-2-5-3] Closed circuit-side braking part stopper 353

The closed circuit-side braking part stopper 353 is a plate-shaped body, and is located on the second direction D2 side further than the closed circuit-side braking part spring 351 in axial direction. The closed circuit-side braking part stopper 353 is supported by the closed circuit-side braking part base 354 with the closed circuit-side braking part housing tube 355 interposed therebetween. Further, in the closed circuit-side braking part stopper 353, a closed circuit-side braking part stopper through hole K353 is formed at a center portion, and the driving shaft 31 penetrates the closed circuit-side braking part stopper through hole K353. Other than this, the braking mass small-diameter part 3522 penetrates the closed circuit-side braking part stopper through hole K353.
The closed circuit-side braking part stopper 353 is provided to restrict the braking mass 352 from moving in the second direction D2 in the steady state. Specifically, the closed circuit-side braking part stopper 353 is in a state in which the braking mass large-diameter part 3521 of the braking mass 352 is brought into contact therewith by the returning force (the first returning force) in the second direction D2 caused by the position holding part spring 341 in the steady state.

[A-2-5-4] Closed circuit-side braking part base 354

The closed circuit-side braking part base 354 is a plate-shaped body, and is located on the first direction D1 side further than the closed circuit-side braking part spring 351 in the axial direction. The closed circuit-side braking part base 354 is supported by the third support part 305. Further, in the closed circuit-side braking part base 354, a closed circuit-side braking part base through hole K354 is formed at a center portion, and the driving shaft 31 penetrates the closed circuit-side braking part base through hole K354.

[A-2-5-5] Closed circuit-side braking part housing tube 355

The closed circuit-side braking part housing tube 355 is a tubular body, and is provided between the closed circuit-side braking part stopper 353 and the closed circuit-side braking part base 354 in the axial direction. The closed circuit-side braking part housing tube 355 houses the closed circuit-side braking part spring 351 and the braking mass 352 inside.

[A-2-5-6] Colliding part 356

The colliding part 356 is in a ring shape, and is fixed to the driving shaft 31. The colliding part 356 is disposed on the second direction D2 side further than the braking mass 352 in the axial direction.
In this embodiment, a distance d1 of a first gap interposed between the colliding part 356 and the braking mass 352 in the axial direction in the steady state is shorter than a distance d2 of a second gap interposed between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 in the axial direction in the steady state (that is, d1 < d2).

[A-2-6] Open circuit-side braking part 36

In the drive mechanism part 3, the open circuit-side braking part 36 is configured to decelerate the driving electrode 21 moving in the second direction D2 when the driving electrode 21 moves in the second direction D2. Here, the open circuit-side braking part 36 is provided on the second direction D2 side (left side in Fig. 1) further than the position holding part 34 in the axial direction.
In this embodiment, the open circuit-side braking part 36 is a shock absorber, and includes a cylinder 361 and a piston 362. The cylinder 361 is supported by the fourth support part 306, and the piston 362 is configured to include a portion housed inside the cylinder 361.
Here, the interior of cylinder 361 is filled with a working oil (whose illustration is omitted), and when the piston 362 is pushed in the second direction D2 inside the cylinder 361, a damping force in the first direction D1 is generated on the piston 362 by viscosity resistance of the working oil. Further, when the piston 362 pushed inside the cylinder 361 is released, the piston 362 is moved in the first direction D1 and pushed out from the cylinder 361 to stand still by a return spring (whose illustration is omitted) installed inside the cylinder 361. Then, the piston 362 is in a state of being in contact with an end portion of the driving shaft 31 in the steady state.

[B] Operation of input device 1

An operation of the input device 1 of this embodiment will be explained below.
In the input device 1 of this embodiment, to the driving shaft 31 which moves in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 in the axial direction, the colliding part 356, the ring 331, and the spring bearing 342 are fixed in the drive mechanism part 3, and the driving shaft 31 is coupled to the driving electrode 21 constituting the contact part 2 with the insulating operation rod 4 interposed therebetween, as described above. Thus, a part constituted of the driving shaft 31, the colliding part 356, the ring 331, the spring bearing 324, the driving electrode 21, and the insulating operation rod 4 is sometimes appropriately explained as a movable part 71.

[B-1] Regarding steady state

First, in this embodiment, the case where the input device 1 is in the steady state (non-energized interruption state) is further specifically explained using Fig. 1.
When the input device 1 is in the steady state, the tip of the driving electrode discharge part 211 constituting the driving electrode 21 and the tip of the first shield 204 are at the same position in the axial direction, and the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 separate therebetween in the contact part 2. At this time, in the drive mechanism part 3, the position holding part 34 stands still in a state in which the spring bearing 342 fixed to the driving shaft 31 is pushed on and brought into contact with the position holding part stopper 343 by the position holding part spring 341. Further, the closed circuit-side braking part 35 stands still at a position where the braking mass 352 is pushed on and brought into contact with the closed circuit-side braking part stopper 353 by the closed circuit-side braking part spring 351. Further, the open circuit-side braking part 36 is in a state in which the piston 362 is in contact with the end portion of the driving shaft 31.
When the external circuit is electrically connected to the input device 1 in the case where the input device 1 is in the steady state, the first lid 202 and the second lid 203 function as a pair of terminals, and a voltage is applied between the first lid 202 and the second lid 203. This causes the first lid 202 to electrically connect with the driving electrode 21 and the first shield 204. At the same time, the second lid 203 electrically connects with the fixed electrode 22 and the second shield 205. Thus, the interior of the pressure vessel 20 is in a state in which a voltage is applied between the driving electrode 21 and the first shield 204 and between the fixed electrode 22 and the second shield 205.
When the input device 1 is in the steady state, the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 are in an open-circuit state of sufficiently separating from each other therebetween. Thus, an electric field near the driving electrode 21 and an electric field near the fixed electrode 22 are in a state of being sufficiently lower as compared with a dielectric breakdown electric field of the insulating gas sealed in the pressure vessel 20. Therefore, the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 are in a state of electrical insulation therebetween, and the input device 1 is in the interruption state of no electrical connection between the pair of terminals.

[B-2] Regarding input operation

Next, a state when an input operation is carried out in the input device 1 of this embodiment is explained.
The input operation is an operation of changing from the steady-time interruption state to an input state capable of being energized, and thereafter returning to the steady-time interruption state.
Fig. 2A to Fig. 2C are each a sectional view schematically illustrating the state when the input operation is carried out in the input device 1 according to the first embodiment.
In this embodiment, the input operation is carried out during a state in which, for example, the external circuit is electrically connected to the input device 1 and a voltage is applied between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22. In the input operation of this embodiment, an approaching step, a braking step, and a separating step are carried out in order.

[B-2-1] Approaching step

First, the approaching step of the input operation is explained.
In the approaching step, the movable part 71 moves in the first direction D1, and the driving electrode 21 constituting the movable part 71 approaches the fixed electrode 22 as illustrated in Fig. 2A. Then, the arc discharge AR is generated between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22, and the energization is started in the input device 1.
Specifically, in the approaching step, the driving part 33 imparts the driving force in the first direction D1 to the driving shaft 31. Here, in the driving part 33, the excitation circuit (whose illustration is omitted) applies the coil current to the coil 332, thereby generating the driving force in the ring 331. The driving force in the first direction D1 caused by the driving part 33 is sufficiently larger as compared with the first returning force in the second direction D2 caused by the position holding part spring 341. Thus, the movement of the driving shaft 31 in the first direction D1 is started as illustrated in Fig. 2A. This causes the driving electrode 21 to move in the first direction D1 together with the driving shaft 31 and the driving electrode 21 to approach the fixed electrode 22 while the spring bearing 342 fixed to the driving shaft 31 compresses the position holding part spring 341 in the movable part 71.
As described above, when the driving electrode 21 approaches the fixed electrode 22, the electric field near the driving electrode 21 and the electric field near the fixed electrode 22 are higher than the dielectric breakdown electric field of the insulating gas sealed in the pressure vessel 20. As a result, dielectric breakdown occurs to generate the arc discharge AR between the driving electrode discharge part 211 and the fixed electrode discharge part 221, so that the arc discharge AR brings the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 into a state of the electrical connection therebetween. Accordingly, the first lid 202 and the second lid 203 are brought into a state of the electrical connection therebetween to change the input device 1 into the input state, and the energization is started in the input device 1.
Then, in the approaching step, the colliding part 356 fixed to the driving shaft 31 in the movable part 71 comes into contact with the braking mass 352 before the driving electrode 21 comes into contact with the fixed electrode 22 as illustrated in Fig. 2B.
Note that in the approaching step, in the open circuit-side braking part 36, the piston 362 moves in the first direction D1 from the interior of the cylinder 361 as the driving shaft 31 moves in the first direction D1, as illustrated in Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B.

[B-2-2] Braking step

Next, the braking step of the input operation is explained.
In the braking step, the driving electrode 21 of the movable part 71 moving in the first direction D1 is decelerated by decreasing a speed of the movable part 71 moving in the first direction D1 as illustrated in Fig. 2C. Thereafter, in the braking step, the energization is continued in the input device 1 as illustrated in Fig. 2B.
Specifically, in the braking step, after the colliding part 356 of the movable part 71 moving in the first direction D1 comes into contact with the braking mass 352 in the approaching step (refer to Fig. 2B), the driving electrode 21 of the movable part 71 moving in the first direction D1 is decelerated by division of a kinetic momentum to the braking mass 352, the returning force of the position holding part spring 341, and the returning force of the closed circuit-side braking part spring 351 as illustrated in Fig. 2C.
Here, the colliding part 356 of the movable part 71 comes into contact with the braking mass 352, and thereby the kinetic momentum of the colliding part 356 is divided to the braking mass 352, so that the driving electrode 21 is decelerated. Further, the braking mass 352 is moved in the first direction D1 until the driving electrode 21 comes into contact with the fixed electrode 22 by the driving force of the driving part 33 as illustrated in Fig. 2C after the colliding part 356 comes into contact therewith. Thus, the closed circuit-side braking part spring 351 is compressed in the axial direction by the braking mass 352 moving in the first direction D1, so that the returning force caused by the closed circuit-side braking part spring 351 increases. Other than this, in the braking step of this embodiment, the position holding part spring 341 is compressed in the axial direction by the spring bearing 342 of the movable part 71 moving in the first direction D1, so that the returning force caused by the position holding part spring 341 increases. Therefore, in this embodiment, a speed of the driving electrode 21 moving in the first direction D1 is decreased by the returning force of the position holding part spring 341 and the returning force of the closed circuit-side braking part spring 351. Then, the driving electrode 21 comes into contact with the fixed electrode 22, and thereby the movement of the movable part 71 in the first direction D1 is stopped.
Then, after the movement of the movable part 71 in the first direction D1 stops, the movable part 71 is moved in the second direction D2 by the returning force of the position holding part spring 341 and the returning force of the closed circuit-side braking part spring 351 as illustrated in Fig. 2B. Also in this case, the electrical connection state is held by the arc discharge AR between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22, and the input state is continued in the input device 1.
Note that the driving force of the driving part 33 decreases as a distance between the ring 331 and the coil 332 increases. Further, the driving force of the driving part 33 decreases with an attenuation of the coil current. The driving force of the driving part 33 may start damping from before the driving electrode 21 comes into contact with the fixed electrode 22.
Further, when the colliding part 356 of the movable part 71 comes into contact with the braking mass 352, the contact state is sometimes changed into the separate state without being held between the colliding part 356 and the braking mass 352, but in this embodiment, they are returned from the separate state to the contact state by the returning force of the closed circuit-side braking part spring 351. As a result, the braking of the driving electrode 21 is continued.

[B-2-3] Separating step

Next, the separating step of the input operation is explained.
In the separating step, after the braking step, the movable part 71 further moves in the second direction D2, and thereby the driving electrode 21 separates from the fixed electrode 22, as illustrated in Fig. 2A.
Specifically, in the separating step, the braking mass 352 comes into contact with the closed circuit-side braking part stopper 353 to stop, and the movable part 71 is further moved in the second direction D2 by the returning force of the position holding part spring 341, as illustrated in Fig. 2A. Also in this case, the electrical connection state is held by the arc discharge AR between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22, and the input state is continued in the input device 1.
At this time, a speed of the movable part 71 moving in the second direction D2 is decreased by the open circuit-side braking part 36. Here, the driving shaft 31 of the movable part 71 comes into contact with the piston 362, and the driving shaft 31 moves the piston 362 in the second direction D2 to push it into the cylinder 361. This causes a damping force to be applied to the driving shaft 31 of the movable part 71, so that the speed of the movable part 71 moving in the second direction D2 decreases.
Then, the spring bearing 342 of the movable part 71 comes into contact with the position holding part stopper 343, and thereby the movement of the movable part 71 in the second direction D2 stops, as illustrated in Fig. 1. This causes the input device 1 to return to the steady state (non-energized interruption state).
At this time, the driving force of the driving part 33 is smaller as compared with the first returning force. For example, the driving force of the driving part 33 is completely damped to be eliminated. Then, the arc discharge AR generated between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 is extinguished by the interruption of the current caused by the external circuit or the attenuation of the current. This brings the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 into a state of the electrical insulation therebetween. As a result, the input device 1 returns to the interruption state of no electrical connection between the pair of terminals, and the input operation ends.

[C] Summary

As described above, the input device 1 of this embodiment includes the closed circuit-side braking part 35, and the closed circuit-side braking part 35 decreases the speed of the driving electrode 21 moving in the first direction D1 so as to approach the fixed electrode 22 in carrying out the input operation. In the closed circuit-side braking part 35, the closed circuit-side braking part spring 351 biases the braking mass 352 to impart the returning force in the second direction D2 to the braking mass 352 with which the colliding part 356 moving in the first direction D1 in carrying out the input operation comes into contact. Thus, in this embodiment, the driving electrode 21 moving in the first direction D1 in carrying out the input operation is decelerated by the returning force of the closed circuit-side braking part spring 351 constituting the closed circuit-side braking part 35 with the returning force of the position holding part spring 341 constituting the position holding part 34. As a result, in this embodiment, the speed of the driving electrode 21 moving in the first direction D1 in carrying out the input operation can be sufficiently reduced, so that an impact force when the driving electrode 21 comes into contact with the fixed electrode 22 can be reduced. Therefore, the input device 1 of this embodiment can suppress occurrence of damage, and can easily achieve improvement in reliability. In particular, in the input device 1 of this embodiment, the drive mechanism part 3 located on the second direction D2 side further than the contact part 2 has the closed circuit-side braking part 35, so that essential parts which drive and decelerate the driving electrode 21, and hold the position thereof are collected in the drive mechanism part 3. Thus, the input device 1 of this embodiment allows improvement in workability of fine adjustment work of components during production, maintenance work, or the like.
The input device 1 of this embodiment includes the closed circuit-side braking part 35, so that in carrying out the input operation, the arc discharge AR is generated between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22, thereby starting the energization, and after he driving electrode 21 comes into contact with the fixed electrode 22, the driving electrode 21 separates from the fixed electrode 22 in the state in which the energization is continued. That is, in this embodiment, the driving electrode 21 on which a part of a metal surface has been melted by the arc discharge AR and the fixed electrode 22 on which a part of a metal surface has been melted by the arc discharge AR come into contact with each other. Then, the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 separate therebetween before the metal surfaces on each other are cooled. Thus, in this embodiment, a welded part can be inhibited from being produced on each of the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22, so that a sharp projection can be inhibited from being produced on each of the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 in separating the welded parts. As a result, a portion which becomes an electric field concentration portion is absent in the input device 1 of this embodiment when a high voltage is applied between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 in the steady state. Therefore, the input device 1 of this embodiment can keep insulation performance between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 to effectively prevent withstand voltage performance of the input device 1 from degrading, and can thus easily achieve the improvement in reliability.
In the input device 1 of this embodiment, the distance d1 of the first gap interposed between the colliding part 356 and the braking mass 352 in the axial direction in the steady state is shorter than the distance d2 of the second gap interposed between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 in the axial direction in the steady state. Thus, in the input device 1 of this embodiment, the driving electrode 21 approaches the fixed electrode 22, and the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 electrically connect therebetween via the arc discharge AR, and thereafter the colliding part 356 comes into contact with the braking mass 352, and thereby the driving electrode 21 is decelerated. In this embodiment, before the generation of the arc discharge AR causes the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 to electrically connected therebetween, the speed of the driving electrode 21 moving in the first direction D1 hardly decreases. As a result, in this embodiment, the electric field between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 can be rapidly increased, which allows a reduction in a generation start time of the arc discharge AR, and allows suppression of occurrence of variations in the generation start time of the arc discharge AR.
In the input device 1 of this embodiment, the driving part 33 is an electromagnetic repulsion operation mechanism including the ring 331 and the coil 332, and in carrying out the input operation, an induced repulsive force is generated as the driving force in the first direction D1 to separate the coil 332 and the ring 331 therebetween by applying a current to coil 332. In this embodiment, the driving force is imparted to the driving electrode 21 by generating the induced repulsive force as described above. Thus, in this embodiment, the driving electrode 21 can be brought close to the fixed electrode 22 in a short time, so that a reduction in an input time can be achieved.
In the input device 1 of this embodiment, the position holding part spring 341 and the closed circuit-side braking part spring 351 are each a coil spring. Thus, in this embodiment, a linear returning force can be imparted to the driving electrode 21 and the braking mass 352 by the position holding part spring 341 and the closed circuit-side braking part spring 351. Therefore, in this embodiment, positions of the driving electrode 21 and the braking mass 352 can be stably held in the steady state, and speeds of the driving electrode 21 and the braking mass 352 can be certainly decreased during the input operation.
The input device 1 of this embodiment includes the open circuit-side braking part 36. The open circuit-side braking part 36 comes into contact with the driving shaft 31 moving in the second direction D2 to decrease the speed of the driving electrode 21 moving in the second direction D2 when the separating step of the input operation is carried out. Thus, in this embodiment, when the separating step of the input operation is carried out, the device can be effectively prevented from being damaged.
In the input device 1 of this embodiment, the contact part 2 includes the pressure vessel 20. The pressure vessel 20 includes the pressure vessel internal space SP20 housing the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22, and the insulating gas is sealed in the pressure vessel internal space SP20. Further, the pressure vessel 20 includes the pressure vessel through hole K20 which the driving electrode 21 penetrates from the interior to the exterior of the pressure vessel internal space SP20, and the inner peripheral surface of the pressure vessel through hole K20 and the outer peripheral surface of the driving electrode 21 are sealed therebetween. In the input device 1 of this embodiment, the drive mechanism part 3 for driving the driving electrode 21 is located on the second direction D2 side further than the contact part 2 in the axial direction, and provided outside the pressure vessel 20. Thus, the input device 1 of this embodiment allows the improvement in workability of the maintenance work or the like. Further, in the input device 1 of this embodiment, the pressure vessel 20 can be made smaller in size as compared with a configuration in which the whole of the driving electrode 21 is housed in the pressure vessel 20, so that a use amount of the insulating gas can be reduced.
In the input device 1 of this embodiment, the driving electrode discharge part 211 and the fixed electrode discharge part 221 are formed of the metal material with the arc resistance. Thus, in this embodiment, when the input operation is carried out, a surface of the driving electrode discharge part 211 and a surface of the fixed electrode discharge part 221 can be inhibited from being melted by the arc discharge AR, so that the welded parts can be inhibited from being produced on the driving electrode discharge part 211 and the fixed electrode discharge part 221. As a result, in this embodiment, in separating the welded parts of the driving electrode discharge part 211 and the fixed electrode discharge part 221, the sharp projections can be inhibited from being formed on the two, so that when a high voltage is applied between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 in the steady state, the portion which becomes the electric field concentration portion is small. Even if in separating the welded parts of the driving electrode discharge part 211 and the fixed electrode discharge part 221, the sharp projections are sometimes formed on the two, the sharp projections are evaporated and removed by the arc discharge. Therefore, the input device 1 of this embodiment can keep the insulation performance between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 to effectively prevent the withstand voltage performance of the input device 1 from degrading.
The input device 1 of this embodiment is an electrode drive type. Therefore, a trigger electrode such as a trigger discharge type is unnecessary for the input device 1 of this embodiment, so that multiple-time operations are possible as compared with the trigger discharge type. Further, according to the input device 1 of this embodiment, an expensive pulse power supply required for the trigger discharge type is unnecessary, so that a reduction in device cost can be achieved.

[A] Configuration of input device 1b

Fig. 3 is a sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of an input device 1b according to a second embodiment. Fig. 3 illustrates a case where the input device 1b is in a steady state (non-energized interruption state) similarly to Fig. 1.
The input device 1b of this embodiment includes a contact part 2b and a drive mechanism part 3 as illustrated in Fig. 3. In the input device 1b of this embodiment, a structure of the drive mechanism part 3 is the same as that in the case of the first embodiment (refer to Fig. 1). In contrast to this, a structure of the contact part 2b is different from that in the case of the first embodiment (refer to Fig. 1). This embodiment is the same as the case of the first embodiment except for this point and a point related thereto. Thus, regarding overlapping items, explanations are appropriately omitted.
In the input device 1b of this embodiment, the contact part 2b includes a vacuum vessel 25 in addition to including a pressure vessel 20, a driving electrode 21, and a fixed electrode 22 as illustrated in Fig. 3.

[A-1] Pressure vessel 20

The pressure vessel 20 includes an insulating cylinder 201, a first lid 202, and a second lid 203, and an insulating gas is sealed in a pressure vessel internal space SP20, similarly to the case of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, a pressure of the insulating gas preferably ranges from an atmospheric pressure to a pressure about three times as high as the atmospheric pressure, for example.
In this embodiment, the first shield 204 and the second shield 205 are not provided in the pressure vessel internal space SP20 differently from the case of the first embodiment (refer to Fig. 1). A first current collector flange 204b and a second current collector flange 205b are provided in the pressure vessel internal space SP20.

[A-1-1] First current collector flange 204b

The first current collector flange 204b is installed on a surface located on an inner side of a first lid 202. The first current collector flange 204b is a circular ring, and is formed of a metal material and fixed to the first lid 202 to electrically connect thereto. A first current collecting part 2041b is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the first current collector flange 204b.

[A-1-1-2] Second current collector flange 205b

The second current collector flange 205b is installed on a surface located on an inner side of a second lid 203. The second current collector flange 205b is a circular ring, and is formed of a metal material and fixed to the second lid 203 to electrically connect thereto. The second current collector flange 205b is aligned coaxially with the first current collector flange 204b in an axial direction. A second current collecting part 2051b is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the second current collector flange 205b.

[A-2] Vacuum vessel 25

The vacuum vessel 25 is housed in the pressure vessel internal space SP20 and supported by the fixed electrode 22.
The vacuum vessel 25 includes a vacuum vessel insulating cylinder 250, a first vacuum vessel end plate 251, and a second vacuum vessel end plate 252, and a vacuum vessel internal space SP25 is provided inside by the vacuum vessel insulating cylinder 250, the first vacuum vessel end plate 251, and the second vacuum vessel end plate 252. The vacuum vessel internal space SP25 is in a vacuum state.

[A-2-1] Vacuum vessel insulating cylinder 250

In the vacuum vessel 25, the vacuum vessel insulating cylinder 250 is a cylindrical tubular body, and is formed of an insulator.

[A-2-2] First vacuum vessel end plate 251

In the vacuum vessel 25, the first vacuum vessel end plate 251 is a disk-shaped plate material. The first vacuum vessel end plate 251 is formed of a metal material and joined to seal the vacuum vessel insulating cylinder 250 therebetween.
A first vacuum vessel through hole K251 is provided at a central portion of the first vacuum vessel end plate 251 to communicate the interior and the exterior of the vacuum vessel internal space SP25 therebetween. One end of a vacuum vessel bellows 254 is joined to the first vacuum vessel through hole K251 to seal it.
The vacuum vessel bellows 254 is a metal tube with a bellows structure, and is configured to be expandable and contractible in the axial direction.

[A-2-3] Second vacuum vessel end plate 252

In the vacuum vessel 25, the second vacuum vessel end plate 252 is a disk-shaped plate material similarly to the first vacuum vessel end plate 251. The second vacuum vessel end plate 252 is formed of a metal material and joined to seal the vacuum vessel insulating cylinder 250 therebetween.
A second vacuum vessel through hole K252 is provided at a central portion of the second vacuum vessel end plate 252 to communicate the interior and the exterior of the vacuum vessel internal space SP25 therebetween.

[A-3] Driving electrode 21

The driving electrode 21 penetrates the first vacuum vessel through hole K251 with a pressure vessel through hole K20. Further, the driving electrode 21 penetrates the interior of the first current collector flange 204b. The other end of the vacuum vessel bellows 254 is joined to the driving electrode 21 to seal it. This causes an inner peripheral surface of the first vacuum vessel through hole K251 and an outer peripheral surface of the driving electrode 21 to be sealed with the vacuum vessel bellows 254 interposed therebetween.
Here, the driving electrode 21 includes a driving electrode discharge part 211b and a driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212.

[A-3-1] Driving electrode discharge part 211b

The driving electrode discharge part 211b is located at a tip portion of the driving electrode 21 and housed in the vacuum vessel internal space SP25. The driving electrode discharge part 211b is larger in outside diameter than the driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212.

[A-3-2] Driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212

The driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212 is connected to the driving electrode discharge part 211b, and a portion located on the driving electrode discharge part 211b side penetrates the vacuum vessel bellows 254 in the vacuum vessel internal space SP25. The driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212 includes a portion in contact with a first current collecting part 2041b inside the first current collector flange 204b. The driving electrode current-carrying shaft 212 is held in a state of electrical connection with the first current collector flange 204b, the first lid 202, and a first insulating cylinder flange 2011 via the first current collecting part 2041b.

[A-4] Fixed electrode 22

The fixed electrode 22 penetrates the second vacuum vessel through hole K252. Further, the fixed electrode 22 penetrates the interior of the second current collector flange 205b. An inner peripheral surface of the second vacuum vessel through hole K252 and an outer peripheral surface of the fixed electrode 22 are joined to be sealed therebetween. The fixed electrode 22 is installed on the second lid 203 constituting the pressure vessel 20 in the pressure vessel internal space SP20.
Here, the fixed electrode 22 includes a fixed electrode discharge part 221b and a fixed electrode current-carrying shaft 222.

[A-4-1] Fixed electrode discharge part 221b

The fixed electrode discharge part 221b is located at a tip portion of the fixed electrode 22 and housed in the vacuum vessel internal space SP25. The fixed electrode discharge part 221b is larger in outside diameter than the fixed electrode current-carrying shaft 222.

[A-4-2] Fixed electrode current-carrying shaft 222

The fixed electrode current-carrying shaft 222 is connected to the fixed electrode discharge part 221b, and includes a portion in contact with the second current collecting part 2051b inside the second current collector flange 205b. The fixed electrode current-carrying shaft 222 is held in a state of electrical connection with the second current collector flange 205b, the second lid 203, and a second insulating cylinder flange 2012 via the second current collecting part 2051b.

[B] Operation of input device 1b

An operation of the input device 1b of this embodiment will be explained below.

[B-1] Regarding steady state

First, in this embodiment, the case where the input device 1b is in a steady state (non-energized interruption state) is specifically explained using Fig. 3.
When the input device 1b is in the steady state, in the drive mechanism part 3, a position holding part 34 stands still in a state in which a spring bearing 342 fixed to a driving shaft 31 is pushed on and brought into contact with a position holding part stopper 343 by a position holding part spring 341, similarly to the case of the first embodiment (refer to Fig. 1). Further, a closed circuit-side braking part 35 stands still at a position where a braking mass 352 is pushed on and brought into contact with a closed circuit-side braking part stopper 353 by a closed circuit-side braking part spring 351. Further, an open circuit-side braking part 36 is in a state in which a piston 362 is in contact with an end portion of the driving shaft 31.
When an external circuit is electrically connected to the input device 1b in the case where the input device 1b is in the steady state, the first lid 202 and the second lid 203 function as a pair of terminals, and a voltage is applied between the first lid 202 and the second lid 203, similarly to the case of the first embodiment (refer to Fig. 1). This causes the first lid 202 to electrically connect with the driving electrode 21 and have the same electric potential, and the second lid 203 to electrically connect with the fixed electrode 22 and have the same electric potential. Thus, the interior of the vacuum vessel 25 is in a state in which a voltage is applied between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22.
When the input device 1b is in the steady state, the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 are in an open-circuit state of sufficiently separating from each other therebetween. Thus, an electric field near the driving electrode 21 and an electric field near the fixed electrode 22 are in a state of being sufficiently lower as compared with a dielectric breakdown electric field in a vacuum state. Therefore, the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 are in a state of electrical insulation therebetween, and the input device 1b is in the interruption state of no electrical connection between the pair of terminals.

[B-2] Regarding input operation

Next, a state when an input operation is carried out in the input device 1b of this embodiment is explained.
Fig. 4A to Fig. 4C are each a sectional view schematically illustrating the state when the input operation is carried out in the input device 1b according to the second embodiment.
In the input operation of this embodiment, an approaching step, a braking step, and a separating step are carried out in order, similarly to the case of the first embodiment (refer to Fig. 2A to Fig. 2C).

[B-2-1] Approaching step

In the approaching step, a movable part 71 moves in a first direction D1, and the driving electrode 21 approaches the fixed electrode 22 inside the vacuum vessel 25 as illustrated in Fig. 4A. This makes the electric field near the driving electrode 21 and the electric field near the fixed electrode 22 higher than the dielectric breakdown electric field in the vacuum state. Thus, the arc discharge AR brings the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 into a state of the electrical connection therebetween inside the vacuum vessel 25, as illustrated in Fig. 4B. Accordingly, the first lid 202 and the second lid 203 are brought into a state of the electrical connection therebetween to change the input device 1b into an input state, and the energization is started in the input device 1b.
In the approaching step of this embodiment, a colliding part 356 fixed to the driving shaft 31 in the movable part 71 comes into contact with the braking mass 352 before the driving electrode 21 comes into contact with the fixed electrode 22, similarly to the case of the first embodiment (refer to Fig. 2B), as illustrated in Fig. 4B.

[B-2-2] Braking step

In the braking step, after the colliding part 356 of the movable part 71 moving in the first direction D1 comes into contact with the braking mass 352 in the approaching step (refer to Fig. 4B), the movable part 71 moving in the first direction D1 is decelerated by a returning force of the position holding part spring 341 and a returning force of the closed circuit-side braking part spring 351, similarly to the case of the first embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 4C. Then, the driving electrode 21 comes into contact with the fixed electrode 22, and thereby the movement of the movable part 71 in the first direction D1 is stopped.
Then, the movable part 71 is moved in a second direction D2 by the returning force of the position holding part spring 341 and the returning force of the closed circuit-side braking part spring 351 as illustrated in Fig. 4B. Also in this case, the electrical connection state is held by the arc discharge AR between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 inside the vacuum vessel 25, and the input state is continued in the input device 1b.

[B-2-3] Separating step

In the separating step, the movable part 71 further moves in the second direction D2, and thereby the driving electrode 21 separates from the fixed electrode 22, similarly to the case of the first embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 4A. Also in this case, the electrical connection state is held by the arc discharge AR between the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22, and the input state is continued in the input device 1. Further, a speed of the movable part 71 moving in the second direction D2 is decreased by the open circuit-side braking part 36.
Then, the spring bearing 342 of the movable part 71 comes into contact with the position holding part stopper 343, and thereby the movement of the movable part 71 in the second direction D2 stops, as illustrated in Fig. 3. This causes the input device 1b to return to the steady state (non-energized interruption state).

[C] Summary

As described above, in the input device 1b of this embodiment, the structure of the drive mechanism part 3 and the operation of the movable part 71 including the driving electrode 21 are the same as those in the case of the first embodiment (refer to Fig. 1). Thus, the input device 1b of this embodiment can achieve the same action and effect as those in the first embodiment.
However, in the input device 1b of this embodiment, the vacuum vessel 25 houses the contact portion where the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 come into contact with each other. In the input device 1b of this embodiment, in carrying out the input operation, the arc discharge AR is generated in the vacuum vessel internal space SP25 in a vacuum state. Thus, in the input device 1b of this embodiment, an insulating gas is not decomposed by the arc discharge AR differently from the case of the first embodiment. This can prevent insulation performance of the insulating gas from decreasing and a dielectric breakdown from occurring in the steady state.

<Other>

While certain embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Indeed the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.
Modified examples will be explained below.
Fig. 5 is a sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of the input device according to the modified example.
Fig. 5 illustrates a case where the input device is in a steady state (non-energized interruption state) similarly to Fig. 1 and the like. In Fig. 5, a portion including the colliding part 356 and the braking mass 352 in the whole of the input device is enlarged and illustrated.
As illustrated in Fig. 5, the input device of this modified example has a spacer 3561 installed in the first gap interposed between the colliding part 356 and the braking mass 352 in the axial direction. The spacer 3561 is a plate-shaped body, and is configured to be detachable between the colliding part 356 and the braking mass 352. In this modified example, the distance d1 of the first gap interposed between the colliding part 356 and the braking mass 352 can be changed by the installation of the spacer 3561. Accordingly, in this modified example, in carrying out an input operation, a state in which the driving electrode 21 approaches and comes into contact with the fixed electrode 22 can be appropriately changed (refer to Fig. 1). Therefore, in this modified example, occurrence of damage can be further suppressed, and improvement in reliability can be further easily achieved.
Fig. 6 is a sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of the input device according to the other modified example.
In Fig. 6, a portion including the colliding part 356 and the braking mass 352 in the whole of the input device is enlarged and illustrated similarly to Fig. 5.
As illustrated in Fig. 6, the input device of this modified example has a spacer 3562 between the third support part 305 and the closed circuit-side braking part base 354 in the axial direction. The spacer 3562 is a plate-shaped body, and is configured to be detachable. Also in this modified example, the distance d1 of the first gap interposed between the colliding part 356 and the braking mass 352 can be changed by the installation of the spacer 3562. Accordingly, in this modified example, in carrying out the input operation, a state in which the driving electrode 21 approaches and comes into contact with the fixed electrode 22 can be appropriately changed (refer to Fig. 1), so that the occurrence of damage can be further suppressed, and the improvement in reliability can be further easily achieved.
In the above embodiments, the case where the driving part 33 is the electromagnetic repulsion operation mechanism has been explained, but this is not restrictive. The driving part 33 may be constituted by a hydraulic operation mechanism, a spring-operated mechanism, or the like. The hydraulic operation mechanism is a mechanism using a pressure difference in an accumulated hydraulic pressure as a driving force. The spring-operated mechanism is a mechanism using a force of an energy-stored coil spring as a driving force. When the driving part 33 is the electromagnetic repulsion mechanism, a release of the driving force can be achieved in a shorter time, and the driving force can be more rapidly decreased after the driving electrode 21 and the fixed electrode 22 come into contact with each other than the case of the other mechanisms. Thus, the driving part 33 is preferably the electromagnetic repulsion mechanism.
In the above embodiments, the case where the driving electrode 21 is coupled to the driving shaft 31 with the insulating operation rod 40 interposed therebetween has been explained, but this is not restrictive. A state in which the driving electrode 21 and the driving shaft 31 are directly connected therebetween to be electrically connected between the driving electrode 21 and the driving shaft 31 is also applicable.
In the above embodiments, the case where the position holding part spring 341 and the closed circuit-side braking part spring 351 are each the coil spring has been explained, but this is not restrictive. The position holding part spring 341 and the closed circuit-side braking part spring 351 may each be constituted using a disc spring, an air spring, or the like.
In the above embodiments, the case where the open circuit-side braking part 36 is the shock absorber which outputs the damping force using the viscosity resistance of the working oil has been explained, but this is not restrictive. The open circuit-side braking part 36 may be an air damper using viscosity resistance of air, a rubber damper using a damping mechanism of rubber, or the like. However, in consideration of a rising characteristic of the damping force against a push-in amount, the open circuit-side braking part 36 is preferably the shock absorber which outputs the damping force using the viscosity resistance of the working oil.
Note that in the above embodiments, the case where the drive mechanism part 3 includes the open circuit-side braking part 36 has been explained, but this is not restrictive. The drive mechanism part 3 need not include the open circuit-side braking part 36.
In the braking step of the above embodiments, the case where the driving electrode 21 comes into contact with the fixed electrode 22, and thereby the movement of the movable part 71 in the first direction D1 stops, and thereafter the movable part 71 moves in the second direction D2 has been explained, but this is not restrictive. In the braking step, the input device may be configured so that the movement of the movable part 71 in the first direction D1 stops before the driving electrode 21 comes into contact with the fixed electrode 22, and thereafter the movable part 71 moves in the second direction D2.
In the above embodiments, the case of including the seal member 2021 and the first current collecting part 2041 as a member which comes into sliding contact with the driving electrode 21 constituting the movable part 71 has been explained, but this is not restrictive. Another member which comes into sliding contact therewith, composed of a low-friction material, may be installed other than the seal member 2021 and the first current collecting part 2041. Here, the low-friction material is, for example, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). This causes the movement of the movable part 71 to be smoothly performed.
In the above embodiments, the tip of the driving electrode discharge part 211 is at the same position as the tip of the first shield 204 in the steady state (refer to Fig. 1), but may be located on the second direction D2 side further than the tip of the first shield 204. Moreover, in the above embodiments, the tip of the fixed electrode discharge part 221 is at the same position as the tip of the second shield 205 (refer to Fig. 1), but may be located on the first direction side further than the tip of the second shield 205.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE SIGNS

1: input device, 1b: input device, 2:contact part, 2b: contact part, 3: drive mechanism part, 4: insulating operation rod, 20: pressure vessel, 21: driving electrode, 22: fixed electrode, 25: vacuum vessel, 30: mechanism box, 31: driving shaft, 33: driving part, 34: position holding part, 35: closed circuit-side braking part, 36: open circuit-side braking part, 71: movable part, 201: insulating cylinder, 202: first lid, 203: second lid, 204: first shield, 204b: first current collector flange, 205: second shield, 205b: second current collector flange, 211: driving electrode discharge part, 211b: driving electrode discharge part, 212: driving electrode current-carrying shaft, 221: fixed electrode discharge part, 221b: fixed electrode discharge part, 222: fixed electrode current-carrying shaft, 250: vacuum vessel insulating cylinder, 251: vacuum vessel end plate, 252: vacuum vessel end plate, 254: vacuum vessel bellows, 303: first support part, 304: second support part, 305: third support part, 306: fourth support part, 331: ring, 332: coil, 341: position holding part spring, 342: spring bearing, 343: position holding part stopper, 344: position holding part base, 345: position holding part housing tube, 351: closed circuit-side braking part spring, 352: braking mass, 353: closed circuit-side braking part stopper, 354: closed circuit-side braking part base, 355: closed circuit-side braking part housing tube, 356: colliding part, 361: cylinder, 362: piston, 2010: insulator vessel, 2011: first insulating cylinder flange, 2012: second insulating cylinder flange, 2021: seal member, 2041: first current collecting part, 2041b: first current collecting part, 2051: second current collecting part, 2051b: second current collecting part, 3311: conductive part, 3521: braking mass large-diameter part, 3522: braking mass small-diameter part, 3561: spacer, 3562: spacer, AR: arc discharge, D1: first direction, D2: second direction, K20: pressure vessel through hole, K251: first vacuum vessel through hole, K252: second vacuum vessel through hole, K30: mechanism box through hole, K303: support part through hole, K304: first support part through hole, K305: second support part through hole, K343: position holding part stopper through hole, K344: position holding part base through hole, K353: closed circuit-side braking part stopper through hole, K354: closed circuit-side braking part base through hole, SP20: pressure vessel internal space, SP25: vacuum vessel internal space, SP30: mechanism box internal space

Claims

An input device comprising:
a contact part configured so that a driving electrode and a fixed electrode are coaxially aligned in an axial direction, the driving electrode is movable in a first direction of approaching the fixed electrode in the axial direction, and the driving electrode is movable in a second direction of separating from the fixed electrode in the axial direction; and

a drive mechanism part located on the second direction side further than the contact part in the axial direction, and configured so that a driving shaft is coaxially coupled to the driving electrode in the axial direction, and the driving shaft moves in the axial direction, thereby moving the driving electrode in the axial direction, wherein:
the drive mechanism part comprises:
a driving part configured to impart a driving force in the first direction to the driving shaft in carrying out an input operation; and

a closed circuit-side braking part configured to decelerate the driving electrode moving in the first direction when the driving part moves the driving electrode in the first direction in carrying out an input operation; and

the closed circuit-side braking part comprises:
a colliding part which is installed on the driving shaft, and moves in the first direction with the driving electrode in carrying out an input operation;

a braking mass configured so that the colliding part moving in the first direction comes into contact therewith in carrying out an input operation, and thereby the driving electrode moving in the first direction is decelerated;

a closed circuit-side braking part spring which biases the braking mass to impart a returning force in the second direction; and

a closed circuit-side braking part stopper provided to restrict the braking mass from moving in the second direction in a steady state.
The input device according to claim 1, wherein
the drive mechanism part further comprises

a position holding part configured to bias the driving shaft to impart a returning force in the second direction, and to hold a state in which the driving electrode and the fixed electrode are separate in a steady state.
The input device according to claim 2, wherein
the position holding part includes:
a position holding part spring which biases the driving shaft to impart a returning force in the second direction; and

a position holding part stopper provided to restrict the driving electrode from moving in the second direction in a steady state.
The input device according to claim 3, wherein
the input operation includes:
an approaching step in which the driving part imparts a driving force in the first direction to the driving shaft, and thereby the driving electrode approaches the fixed electrode;

a braking step in which after the colliding part moving in the first direction comes into contact with the braking mass in the approaching step, the driving electrode moving in the first direction is decelerated by a returning force of the position holding part spring and a returning force of the closed circuit-side braking part spring; and

a separating step in which after the braking step, the driving shaft moves in the second direction, and thereby the driving electrode separates from the fixed electrode.
The input device according to claim 4, wherein:
in the approaching step, the driving electrode approaches the fixed electrode, and thereby an arc discharge is generated between the driving electrode and the fixed electrode, and energization is started;

in the braking step, energization is continued; and

in the separating step, the driving electrode separates from the fixed electrode in a state in which an arc discharge is generated between the driving electrode and the fixed electrode.
The input device according to claim 3, wherein
a distance of a first gap interposed between the colliding part and the braking mass in the axial direction in a steady state is shorter than a distance of a second gap interposed between the driving electrode and the fixed electrode in the axial direction in a steady state.
The input device according to claim 6, having
a spacer installed in the first gap.
The input device according to any one of claim 1 to 7, wherein:
the driving part comprises:
a ring provided on the driving shaft; and

a coil disposed to face the ring in the axial direction; and

in carrying out an input operation, an induced repulsive force is generated as a driving force in the first direction to separate the coil and the ring therebetween by applying a current to the coil.
The input device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein
the driving part further comprises

an open circuit-side braking part configured to decelerate the driving electrode moving in the second direction.
The input device according to any one of claim 1 to 9, wherein:
the contact part includes

a pressure vessel including a pressure vessel internal space housing the driving electrode and the fixed electrode, in which an insulating gas is sealed in the pressure vessel internal space; and

the pressure vessel includes

a pressure vessel through hole which the driving electrode penetrates from an interior to an exterior of the pressure vessel internal space, and an inner peripheral surface of the pressure vessel through hole and an outer peripheral surface of the driving electrode are sealed therebetween.
The input device according to any one of claim 1 to 10, wherein:
the contact part includes

a vacuum vessel including a vacuum vessel internal space housing the driving electrode and the fixed electrode, in which the vacuum vessel internal space is brought into a vacuum state; and

the vacuum vessel includes

a vacuum vessel through hole which the driving electrode penetrates from an interior to an exterior of the vacuum vessel internal space, and an inner peripheral surface of the vacuum vessel through hole and an outer peripheral surface of the driving electrode are sealed therebetween.