JP2000195579A - Explosion-proof electrical joint device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To completely eliminate igniting combustible gases by eliminating the occurrence of a spark where a first joint and a second joint contact or separate from each other and sharply reduce chances for a spark to be carelessly produced between terminals by preventing the first joint and second joint from unexpectedly separating from or being connected to each other. SOLUTION: This device is equipped with a control part 63 for permitting a movement means 27 for moving a second joint 2 forward or backward and a circuit cut-off part 65 for cutting off an electrical circuit connected to a second terminal part 18, and the control part 63 is adapted to permit the action of the movement means only when the electrical circuit is in a cut off state by the circuit cut-off part 65. Or, this device is equipped with a high-pressure detecting part PS1, etc., for detecting that the pressure in a closed space 50 has exceeded a fixed value, a supply terminating part 74 for terminating the supply of an inert fluid to the closed space, and a control part for outputting a termination signal to the supply terminating part on receiving a signal from the high-pressure detecting part.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention has a first joint and a second joint which are brought into a connected state and a separated state by relative movement, and in the connected state, the first body and the second joint of the first joint. Form a closed space that covers the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion connected to each other and blocks the outside air, supplies an inert fluid to the closed space, The present invention relates to an explosion-proof electric coupling device configured to exhaust an inert fluid therefrom.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 5-343126 and Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 8-2
No. 8247 or Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-28248. Explosion-proof electric coupling devices disclosed in these,
By supplying an inert fluid into the shell space covering the terminals of both joints, and scavenging flammable gas with the inert fluid,
Even if sparks fly between the terminals at the time of disconnection and connection, the combustible gas is not easily ignited.

[0003]

However, the inert fluid is supplied to the terminals to scavenge the flammable gas so that the flammable gas is not easily ignited even if sparks fly between the terminals at the time of shutoff and connection. Although sparks are generated even if they are formed in the flammable gas, if the scavenging of combustible gas is insufficient,
There was still a small risk of ignition.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an explosion-proof electric coupling device which eliminates the generation of sparks when the first and second joints come into contact with and separate from each other, and thus has no risk of flammable gas being ignited. Is to do.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent the first joint and the second joint from being separated or connected unexpectedly, thereby greatly increasing the chance of inadvertently generating a spark between the terminals. An object of the present invention is to provide an explosion-proof electric coupling device that can be reduced to a minimum.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application has a first joint and a second joint which are brought into a connected state and a separated state by relative movement. Wherein the first joint includes a first terminal portion and a first body that supports the first terminal portion, and the second joint includes a second terminal portion and a second body that supports the second terminal portion. In the connection state, the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are connected to each other, and the first body and the second body are engaged with each other to form the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion. Forming a closed space for shielding from outside air, forming an air supply port for supplying an inert fluid to the closed space in one of the first joint and the second joint, and forming a supply port for the first joint and the second joint; An explosion-proof electric coupling device in which an exhaust port for exhausting an inert fluid is formed in one of the first joint and the front joint. Moving means for advancing and retracting the second joint, and a control unit for permitting operation of the moving means, the first
A circuit breaker that can cut off an electric circuit to the terminal portion or the second terminal portion in an atmosphere in which there is no danger of flammable gas being ignited; and the control portion cuts off the electric circuit by the circuit cutoff portion. It is characterized in that the operation of the moving means is permitted only in the state.

According to the present invention, even if a command is issued to operate the moving means, the control section controls the first terminal section or the second terminal section.
The operation of the moving means is not permitted unless the terminal is cut off by the circuit cut-off part located at a place different from both joints and is not separated from the external device. Therefore, since the first joint and the second joint do not relatively move when the first terminal or the second terminal is in a conductive state (a state connected to an external device), the first terminal and the second joint are not moved. There is no spark flying between the two terminal portions, and it is possible to reliably prevent the problem of igniting the external heatable gas.

[0008] The invention according to claim 2 of the present application has a first joint and a second joint which are brought into a connected state and a separated state by relative movement, and the first joint is provided with a first terminal portion. A first body for supporting the first terminal portion;
The joint includes a second terminal portion and a second main body that supports the second terminal portion. In the connection state, the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are connected, and the first main body and the second main body are connected to each other. The two main bodies are engaged with each other to form a closed space that covers the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion and blocks the outside air, and is inactive in the closed space in one of the first joint and the second joint. An explosion-proof electrical coupling device in which an air supply port for supplying a fluid is formed, and an exhaust port for discharging an inert fluid is formed in one of the first joint and the second joint. A high-voltage detecting unit that detects that the pressure has become high, a circuit interrupting unit that can interrupt an electric circuit to the first terminal unit or the second terminal unit in an atmosphere in which there is no risk of ignition of the flammable gas, A control unit that receives a signal from the detection unit and outputs a cutoff signal to the circuit cutoff unit. It is an feature.

The pressure in the closed space acts in a direction to separate the first joint and the second joint by the inert fluid supplied thereto. If the pressure in the closed space rises above a predetermined pressure, the first joint and the second joint may be separated from each other. According to the present invention, at this time, the control unit interrupts the electric circuit to the first terminal unit or the second terminal unit by the circuit interrupting unit (is disconnected from the external device), so that the first terminal unit and the second terminal No electricity flows to the part. Therefore, the first joint and the second joint
Even if the joint is separated, no sparks fly between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion, so that it is possible to reliably prevent the problem of igniting the flammable gas in the outside air.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the explosion-proof electric coupling device according to the first aspect, the high-pressure detecting section is configured to supply the air supply in the first joint and the second joint. It is characterized in that it is provided on the side where the mouth is formed. According to the present invention, the piping connected to the air supply port and the wiring to the high-pressure detection unit can be combined into one joint, and the piping and wiring work are simplified.

Further, the invention according to claim 4 of the present application has a first joint and a second joint which are brought into a connected state and a separated state by relative movement, and the first joint is provided with a first terminal portion. A first body for supporting the first terminal portion;
The joint includes a second terminal portion and a second main body that supports the second terminal portion. In the connection state, the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are connected, and the first main body and the second main body are connected to each other. The two main bodies are engaged with each other to form a closed space that covers the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion and blocks the outside air, and is inactive in the closed space in one of the first joint and the second joint. An explosion-proof electrical coupling device in which an air supply port for supplying a fluid is formed and an exhaust port for exhausting an inert fluid is formed in one of the first joint and the second joint. A connection detecting unit that detects that the space between the first joint and the second joint has spread before the terminal unit is separated, and an electric circuit to the first terminal unit or the second terminal unit for the flammable gas. A circuit interrupter that can be interrupted in an atmosphere where there is no risk of ignition; and a circuit interrupter that receives a signal from the connection detector. It is characterized in that a control unit for outputting a blocking signal to the disconnection unit.

According to the present invention, when there is a possibility that the first joint and the second joint may be separated from each other by a signal from the connection detector,
Before the first terminal unit and the second terminal unit are separated from each other, the control unit outputs a cutoff signal to the circuit breaker unit to cut off an electric circuit to the first terminal unit or the second terminal unit. Thereby, electricity does not flow through the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion. Therefore, even if the first joint and the second joint are separated from each other, a spark does not fly between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion. Can be reliably prevented.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the explosion-proof electric coupling device according to the fourth aspect, the connection detecting section is configured to supply the power to the supply joint of the first joint and the second joint. It is characterized in that it is provided on the side where a vent is formed. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, since piping connected to an air supply port and wiring to a connection detection part can be put together on one joint side, this piping and wiring work becomes simple.

The invention according to claim 6 of the present application has a first joint and a second joint which are brought into a connected state and a separated state by relative movement, and the first joint is provided with a first terminal portion. A first body for supporting the first terminal portion;
The joint includes a second terminal portion and a second main body that supports the second terminal portion. In the connection state, the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are connected, and the first main body and the second main body are connected to each other. The two main bodies are engaged with each other to form a closed space that covers the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion and blocks the outside air, and is inactive in the closed space in one of the first joint and the second joint. An explosion-proof electrical coupling device in which an air supply port for supplying a fluid is formed, and an exhaust port for discharging an inert fluid is formed in one of the first joint and the second joint. A high-pressure detection unit that detects that the pressure has become zero, a supply stop unit that stops the supply of the inert fluid to the closed space, and outputs a stop signal to the supply stop unit in response to a signal from the high-pressure detection unit. And a control unit that performs the control.

According to the present invention, the control unit outputs a stop signal to the supply stop unit in response to the signal from the high pressure detection unit to stop the supply of the inert fluid to the closed space.
The rise in the internal pressure of the closed space itself can be suppressed, so that the risk that the first joint and the second joint separate from each other can be reduced. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the first joint and the second joint from unexpectedly separating from each other, and thus it is possible to greatly reduce the chance of inadvertently generating a spark between the terminals.

The invention according to claim 7 of the present application has a first joint and a second joint which are brought into a connected state and a separated state by relative movement, and the first joint is provided with a first terminal portion. A first body for supporting the first terminal portion;
The joint includes a second terminal portion and a second main body that supports the second terminal portion. In the connection state, the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are connected, and the first main body and the second main body are connected to each other. The two main bodies are engaged with each other to form a closed space that covers the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion and blocks the outside air, and is inactive in the closed space in one of the first joint and the second joint. An explosion-proof electric coupling device in which an air supply port for supplying a fluid is formed and an exhaust port for discharging an inert fluid is formed in one of the first joint and the second joint. Is provided with a relief valve which opens when the pressure in the closed space becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure and discharges an inert fluid in the closed space.

The air pressure in the closed space acts in a direction to separate the first joint and the second joint. When the air pressure in the closed space rises to a predetermined pressure or more, the first joint and the second joint suddenly move. There is a risk of separation. According to the present invention, at this time, the inert fluid in the space is released by the relief valve, and the first joint and the second joint are prevented from being unexpectedly separated from each other due to an abnormal rise in the atmospheric pressure in the closed space. Therefore, the possibility that the first joint and the second joint separate from each other can be reduced beforehand, and the first joint and the second joint can be prevented from unexpectedly separating from each other. Can be greatly reduced.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the explosion-proof electric coupling device according to the seventh aspect, the relief valve is provided at the exhaust port. According to the present invention, since the relief valve is interposed between the exhaust port and the external flammable atmosphere, flammable gas can be prevented from flowing from the exhaust port by the relief valve. Thereby, piping from the exhaust port to the safe atmosphere can be omitted.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the explosion-proof electric coupling device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, both the air supply port and the exhaust port are connected to the first coupling. And at least one of the second joint. According to the present invention, since the pipe connected to the air supply port and the pipe connected to the exhaust port can be combined into one joint, the installation work of the pipe is simplified.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the explosion-proof electric coupling device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, one of the first joint and the second joint having a smaller moving range. The above-mentioned air supply port is formed. Apart from whether the terminal part is fixed or movable to its main body part, one of the first joint and the second joint is disposed on a device (for example, a home appliance) that is moved and used for use,
In many cases, the other does not move, such as an outlet in a house, or is arranged in a small moving range.
Even in such a case, according to the present invention, since the air supply port is formed in the smaller one of the first joint and the second joint in the movement range, the pipe connected to the air supply port is moved in the movement range. Can be shorter than that in which the air supply port is provided in the other second joint or the first joint having a larger size, and the installation work is simplified.

The invention according to claim 11 of the present application is the explosion-proof electrical coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the inert fluid is supplied to the closed space. Before applying a voltage to the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion, it is configured to supply an amount larger than an amount of the inert fluid to be supplied in a state where the voltage is applied. is there. According to the present invention, when the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are connected, since the inside of the closed space is scavenged with a large amount of inert fluid at the initial stage, the combustible gas that has entered the closed space is removed. The time for scavenging can be reduced. Further, after scavenging the combustible gas, it is sufficient to keep the inside of the closed space higher than the outside air pressure, and the amount of the inert fluid can be reduced.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the explosion-proof electric coupling device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the moving means is fixed to an outer surface of the second main body. A head and a cylinder that slidably holds the piston on its inner surface and that defines a head chamber and a bottom chamber between the piston and an outer surface of the second body with the piston as a boundary; It is characterized in that it is configured to be drivable by flowing an operating medium into and out of the side chamber and the bottom side chamber.

According to the present invention, the constituent member of the second joint and the constituent member of the moving means are not separately formed, but the second main body which is the movable part of the second joint is connected to the rod part of the moving means. Since it is configured to be shared, that is, can be used as a part of the moving means, the operating axis of the power (pressing force) of the moving means and the movable axis of the second main body, which is the movable part of the second joint, are substantially the same. As a result, the power transmission efficiency is increased, and a small-sized and small-capacity moving means can be used. Also,
Since the head side chamber and the bottom side chamber are formed all around the second main body, the second main body and the moving means are provided in parallel in the axial direction to obtain a desired pressure receiving area of the head side chamber and the bottom side chamber. Thus, the radial length of the pressure receiving surface can be reduced, and the radial enlargement of the second joint can be reduced. Moreover, since the moving means and the second main body are arranged so as to overlap in the axial direction, the length of the entire apparatus in the axial direction can be reduced.

[0024]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an explosion-proof electric coupling device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the joint portion, and FIG. ) Indicates the connection and the scavenging of the two joints, and (C) indicates the connection and the internal pressure of the two joints. FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of a joint portion of the explosion-proof electric coupling device, and is a longitudinal sectional view (partially cut-away view) along an axis where the first joint and the second joint are separated from each other. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment (a part is a partially cutaway view), FIG. 5 is a front view of a connection surface of a first joint, FIG. 6 is a front view of a connection surface of a second joint, and FIG. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view along an axis in which the first joint and the second joint are connected, and FIG. 8 is a transverse sectional view of the connected state.

This explosion-proof electric coupling device is shown in FIG.
As shown in (2), the second joint 2 is formed so as to come into contact with and separate from the first joint 1 so as to switch between the connected state and the separated state. Of course, a structure in which the first joint 1 comes in contact with or separates from the second joint 2 may be used. The first joint 1 has a first terminal portion 3 composed of an electric terminal as shown in FIG. 2 and a first main body 4 provided with the first terminal portion 3. Also,
As shown in FIG. 2, the second joint 2 includes a second terminal portion 18 including an electric terminal and a second terminal portion provided with the second terminal portion 18.
And a main body 19.

In the connection state of the two joints 1 and 2, the first terminal portion 3 and the second terminal portion 18 are connected as described above,
The first main body 4 and the second main body 19 are engaged with each other at opposing portions to cover the first terminal portion 3 and the second terminal portion 18 and to block outside air (FIG. 2B). ) (C))
Is formed. That is, the internal space of the first main body 4, the internal space of the second main body 19, and the two joints 1,
The facing portion in the connection state of No. 2 is formed so as to constitute a closed space 50 that is closed to the outside in a state of communication with each other. In FIG. 2, reference numerals 51 and 52 indicate communication holes. Further, an air supply port 53 for supplying an inert fluid to the closed space 50 is formed in the second main body 19 of the second joint 2. The air supply port 53 is provided at an arbitrary position of the second main body 19, and is connected to the first main body of the first joint 1 through a nozzle 54 protruding from the front surface of the second joint 2. 4 are formed so as to communicate with each other. In FIG.
Reference numeral 5 denotes an insertion port into which the nozzle 54 is inserted. The second main body 19 of the second joint 2 is provided with an exhaust port 56 for exhausting the inert fluid supplied to the closed space 50 to the outside.

The second joint 2 is formed to be able to move forward and backward with respect to the first joint 1 by the moving means 27. Transportation means 27
The specific structure of will be described later. As shown in FIG. 1, the conductive cable 57 of the second joint 2 is connected to an explosion-proof terminal box 58.
And from the explosion-proof terminal box 58 to a power source 60 via a control panel 59 by a conductive cable 61. In this embodiment, a circuit breaker 65 is provided in the middle of the conductive cable 61. When a control signal is sent, the circuit breaker 65 changes the conduction state of the conductive cable 61 at this portion.
Shut off in an explosion-proof atmosphere where there is no risk of ignition of flammable gas,
It functions to prevent current from flowing through the conductive cable 61. The control signal for shutting off the circuit shutoff unit 65 is sent from the control panel 59 in this embodiment.

Further, in this embodiment, the control panel 59 is connected to another external system 62, and a supply source 67 of an inert fluid via an explosion-proof terminal box 66, and a predetermined space inside the closed space 50. High pressure detecting section PS1 for detecting that the pressure has become equal to or higher than the internal pressure, an internal pressure monitoring section PS for monitoring the internal pressure of the closed space 50.
2. The connection detection unit LS2 for checking the connection state of the two joints 1 and 2 and the separation detection unit LS1 for checking the separation state of the two joints 1 and 2 are connected so that each control signal can be sent. . The supply source 67 of the inert fluid and the air supply port 53 provided in the second joint 2 are connected by a pipe 68.

The control panel 59 is disposed in an area (non-dangerous area) where there is no danger of ignition by sparks when the two joints 1 and 2 come and go. The operation of the moving means 27 is formed only when the permission signal 64 from the control unit 63 is sent. The control unit 63 includes the circuit interrupting unit 65
Thus, the operation of the moving means 27 is permitted only when the electric circuit is in the cutoff state.
In this embodiment, the circuit breaker 65 is formed in an explosion-proof structure.
If it is arranged in the non-hazardous area, the explosion-proof structure can be omitted. In the present embodiment, the control unit 63 is also provided in the non-dangerous area. However, if the explosion-proof structure is used, it may be provided in a danger area where there is a risk of ignition. Further, the circuit breaker 65 and the controller 63 can be integrated without being separated.

Next, a detailed structure of the explosion-proof electric coupling device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The first main body 4 is formed with the flange portion 7 as a main component. A flange portion 7 is provided around a front surface portion 6 fixed to the front end of the cylindrical body 5 to be integrated. The first terminal section 3 is disposed and fixed at the center of the front section 6, and a lead wire 8 and a connector 9 are accommodated in the cylindrical body 5. In the present embodiment,
The first main body 4 is movably supported by the fixed base 10. That is, the first main body 4 has one end of the variable position connecting member 11 connected to the rear surface of the flange portion 7, the other end of the variable position connecting member 11 connected to the fixed base 10, and the variable position connecting member 11. It is movably supported through.
The main direction of the movement is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first joint 1, but it is desirable to use the variable displacement connecting member 11 having a structure that allows some inclination displacement.

In the present embodiment, the variable connecting member 11
Is constituted by a parallel link mechanism 12, and is supported by the fixed base 10 so as to be movable in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction (the direction in which the two joints 1 and 2 come and go). This parallel link mechanism 12
Is composed of four universal joints, and these four universal joints are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis as shown in FIG. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the first main body 4 has been moved (displaced) in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction by the parallel link mechanism 12.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the outer peripheral portion of the front portion 6 to which the first terminal portion 3 is fixed is formed on the convex curved surface portion 13. A concave curved surface portion 14 in which a convex curved surface portion 13 is formed on an opposite portion of the flange portion 7
The first main body 4 is slidably fitted to the first main body 4. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 15 indicates a position serving as a base point of the swing, and the base point 15 is configured by loosely fitting a base screw 16 into a hole 17 formed in the convex curved surface 13 of the front surface portion 6. . That is, it is formed so that the other part of the base point 15 can be rocked as a free end.

Next, the second body 19 of the second joint 2 is formed of a cylindrical body in the present embodiment, and has a flange 2 at its front end.
0 is fixed, and the second connection portion 18 is disposed and fixed at the center of the flange portion 20. Inside the second main body 19, a lead wire 21, a connector portion 22, and the like are housed.

In this embodiment, a main body guide 23 is formed on the flange portion 20 of the second main body 19 so as to project in parallel with the axial direction, and the main body guide 23 is formed on the flange portion 7 of the first main body 4. A main body guide hole 24 to be inserted is provided. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, two of the main body guides 23 and the main body guide holes 24 are symmetrically arranged around the axis. The main body guide 23 is inserted into the main body guide hole 24 so that the two joints 1 and 2 are connected.

Further, as the main body guide 23 is inserted into the main body guide hole 24, the first main body 4 is moved so that the axes of the first terminal portion 3 and the second terminal portion 18 coincide. It is movably supported via a parallel link mechanism 12. As shown in FIG. 5, the communication hole 51 through which the inert fluid flows and the insertion port 55 into which the nozzle 54 enters are symmetrically arranged. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, three communication holes 52 on the second main body 19 side are provided.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a guide hole 25 is formed in the front portion 6 on the first body 4 side, and a guide hole 25 is formed in the flange portion 20 of the second body 19. A guide 26 inserted into the guide hole 25 is formed so as to protrude,
The combination of the pair of the main body guide 23 and the main body guide hole 24 further improves the coincidence of the axes of the first terminal portion 3 and the second terminal portion 18 when the joints 1 and 2 are connected. It is formed as follows.

The moving means 27 for moving the second joint 2 back and forth with respect to the first joint 1 is configured as follows. The moving means 27 includes a piston 30 fixed to the outer surface of the second body 19, the piston 30 slidably held on the inner surface thereof, and the piston 30 as a boundary. Head side chamber 3 between the side
1 and a cylinder 33 for partitioning and forming the bottom side chamber 32. The head-side chamber 31 is partitioned from the outside by the outer surface of the second main body 19, the inner surface of the cylinder 33, one surface of the piston 30, and the front cover 34. Further, the bottom chamber 32 is partitioned from the outside by the outer surface of the second main body 19, the inner surface of the cylinder 33, the other surface of the piston 30, and the rear cover 35. It is needless to say that each sliding surface accompanying the movement of the second main body 19 is formed in a seal structure.
The moving means 27 is configured to be drivable by causing the working medium to flow into and out of the head-side chamber 31 and the bottom-side chamber 32 through the ports 36 and 37.

The structure of the moving means 27 can be described as follows from a different point of view. That is, the cylinder 33, the rod 40 penetrating the cylinder 33 in the axial direction, the piston 30 fixed to the outer surface of the rod 40, and the working medium flowing in and out of the piston 30 as a boundary (FIG. IN, OUT) Head side chamber 3
1 and a bottom side chamber 32, wherein the rod 40 is shared by the second body 19 of the second joint 2.

In this embodiment, the axis of the cylinder 33 and the axis of the second main body 19 are formed so as to substantially coincide with each other. The axis of the second terminal portion 18 and the axis of the cylinder 33 are substantially aligned.
In the drawings, reference numeral 41 denotes a stopper, and reference numeral 44 denotes a micro pressure gauge. The high pressure detecting section PS1, the internal pressure monitoring section PS2, and the connection detecting section L described in principle with reference to FIG. 1 or FIG.
S2, the separation detection unit LS1, and the explosion-proof terminal box 58
They are arranged as shown in the figure.

Next, the operation of the explosion-proof electric coupling device according to the above embodiment will be described. According to the explosion-proof electrical coupling device according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, even if the moving unit 27 is commanded to operate by a command signal (not shown), the control unit 63 The operation of the moving means 27 is not permitted unless the first terminal portion 3 or the second terminal portion 18 is cut off by the circuit breaker 65 located at a place different from the joints 1 and 2 and is not separated from the external device. It is configured as follows. Further, when the movement command is input, the control unit 63 controls the first terminal unit 3 or the second
After the terminal portion 18 is shut off, the operation of the moving means 27 may be permitted. Accordingly, the first joint 1 and the second joint 2 do not relatively move when the first terminal portion 3 or the second terminal portion 18 is in a conductive state (a state connected to an external device). There is no spark between the terminal portion 3 and the second terminal portion 18. Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of the problem of igniting the external heatable gas.

Another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The explosion-proof electric coupling device according to the present embodiment
A high-voltage detecting unit PS1 for detecting that the pressure in the closed space 50 is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, a circuit interrupting unit 65 for interrupting an electric circuit to the second terminal unit 18, and a signal from the high-pressure detecting unit PS1. And a control unit 63 that receives the signal and outputs a cutoff signal to the circuit cutoff unit 65. Since other structures are the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. The air pressure in the closed space 50 acts in a direction of separating the first joint 1 and the second joint 2 by the inert fluid supplied from the supply source 67 of the inert fluid through the pipe 68. Therefore, when the pressure in the closed space 50 rises to a predetermined pressure or more, the pressing force for connecting the two joints 1 and 2 (the pressing force of the moving unit 27) may be overcome, and the first joint 1 and the second joint 2 may be separated from each other. There is.

According to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 9, at this time, the control unit 63 controls the first terminal 3
Alternatively, since the electric circuit to the second terminal section 18 is cut off (cut off from the external device), no electricity flows to the first terminal section 3 and the second terminal section 18. Therefore, the first joint 1 and the second joint 1
Even if the joint 2 is separated, no sparks fly between the first terminal portion 3 and the second terminal portion 18, so that the problem of igniting the flammable gas in the outside air can be reliably prevented. .

Further, in the present embodiment, the high-voltage detecting section P
Since S1 is provided on the second joint 2 where the air supply port 53 is provided, the pipe 68 connected to the air supply port 53 is provided.
And the wirings 70 and 71 to the high-pressure detecting unit PS1 can be combined toward the second joint 2, and the piping 68 and the wiring 7
Installation work of 0, 71 is simplified.

FIG. 10 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. The explosion-proof electric coupling device according to the present embodiment detects connection between the first joint 1 and the second joint 2 before the first terminal part 3 and the second terminal part 18 separate from each other. Part L
S2, a circuit cutoff unit 65 having the above-described configuration, and a control unit 63 that receives a signal from the connection detection unit LS2 and outputs a cutoff signal to the circuit cutoff unit 65. Since other structures are the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

According to the present embodiment, the connection detecting unit LS2
When there is a possibility that the first joint 1 and the second joint 2 may be separated by a signal from the control unit 63, the control unit 63 sends a cutoff signal to the circuit cutoff unit 65 before the first terminal unit 3 and the second terminal unit 18 are separated. The signal is output to interrupt the electric circuit to the first terminal unit 3 or the second terminal unit 18. As a result, no electricity flows through the first terminal portion 3 and the second terminal portion 18. Therefore, even if the first joint 1 and the second joint 2 are separated from each other, a spark does not fly between the first terminal portion 3 and the second terminal portion 18, so that the flammable gas in the outside air is ignited. Can reliably be prevented from occurring.

In this embodiment, the connection detecting unit L
Since S2 is provided on the second joint 2 where the air supply port 53 is formed, the pipe 68 connected to the air supply port 53 and the wirings 72 and 73 to the connection detection section LS2 are connected to one of the second joints. 2
Since the pipes 68 and the wirings 72 and 73 can be easily arranged on the side, the installation work of the pipes 68 and the wirings 72 and 73 is simplified.

FIG. 11 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. The explosion-proof electrical coupling device according to the present embodiment stops the supply of the inert fluid to the closed space 50 and the high-pressure detecting unit PS1 that detects that the pressure inside the closed space 50 has become equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure. A supply stopping unit 74 and the high pressure detecting unit PS
1 to the supply stop unit 74 in response to the signal from
And a control unit 63 that outputs a signal No. 5. Since other structures are the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

According to the present embodiment, the high-voltage detecting section P
In response to the signal from S1, the control unit 63 outputs a stop signal 75 to the supply stop unit 74 to stop the supply of the inert fluid to the closed space 50, so that the increase in the internal pressure of the closed space 50 itself is suppressed. be able to. That is, the possibility that the first joint 1 and the second joint 2 are separated from each other can be reduced. Therefore,
Since it is possible to prevent the first joint 1 and the second joint 2 from unexpectedly separating due to an increase in internal pressure or the like, the terminals 3, 18
It is possible to greatly reduce the chance of sparks occurring in between.

FIG. 12 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. The explosion-proof electric coupling device according to the present embodiment opens the valve in the main body 19 of the second joint 2 when the pressure inside the closed space 50 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure. A relief valve 76 for releasing a fluid to the outside is provided. Since other structures are the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

The pressure in the closed space 50 acts in a direction to separate the first joint 1 and the second joint 2 as described above. Therefore, when the pressure in the closed space 50 rises to a predetermined pressure or more due to excessive inflow of the inert fluid or the like, the first joint 1
And the second joint 2 may be separated suddenly. According to the present embodiment, at this time, the closed space 50 is
The first joint 1 and the second joint 2 are prevented from being suddenly separated from each other due to an abnormal rise in the pressure in the closed space 50 by automatically discharging the inert fluid in the closed space. Therefore, the first joint 1 and the second joint 1
The risk of separation from the joint 2 can be reduced beforehand.
Can be greatly reduced, and the chance of inadvertent spark generation between the terminals 3 and 18 can be greatly reduced.

In this embodiment, the relief valve 76 is provided at the exhaust port 56. This allows
A relief valve 76 is provided between the exhaust port 56 and the external flammable atmosphere.
Therefore, the relief valve 76 can prevent the flammable gas from flowing from the exhaust port 56.
Therefore, it is possible to omit the piping from the exhaust port 56 to the safe atmosphere.

Further, both the supply port 53 and the exhaust port 56 are formed in one of the first joint 1 and the second joint 2 (in the above embodiment, the second joint 2 is formed). Since the pipe 68 connected to the air supply port 53 and the pipe (not shown) connected to the exhaust port 56 can be combined into one joint, the installation work of this pipe is simplified.

Further, when the air supply port 53 is formed in the first joint 1 and the second joint 2 with the smaller moving range, the following operation and effect can be obtained. The first terminal portion 3 is fixed to the first main body, and the second terminal portion 18 is movable with respect to the second main body 19. In addition, one of the first joint 1 and the second joint 2 is For example, there are few cases where the other device is installed in a device that is moved and used for use, such as a home appliance, and the other device is installed in a device that does not move (or has a small moving range), such as an outlet of a house. Absent. Even in such a case, according to the present invention, by forming the air supply port in the smaller one of the movement ranges of the first joint 1 and the second joint 2, the air supply port 5 is formed.
The pipe 68 connected to 3 can be shorter than a pipe having an air supply port at the other second joint or first joint having a large moving range, and the installation work is simplified.

When supplying an inert fluid to the closed space 50, the inert fluid is supplied in a state where a voltage is applied before applying a voltage to the first terminal portion 3 and the second terminal portion 18. The one configured to supply a larger amount than the above amount has the following effects. When the first terminal portion 3 and the second terminal portion 18 are connected, the inside of the closed space 50 can be scavenged with a large amount of inert fluid at the initial stage. The time for scavenging can be reduced. Further, after scavenging the combustible gas, it is sufficient to keep the inside of the closed space 50 higher than the outside air pressure, so that the amount of the inert fluid can be reduced. Further, in the explosion-proof electric coupling device, when the two joints 1 and 2 are connected to each other, the closed space 50 is sealed so as not to leak the inert fluid, and after the inside of the closed space 50 is higher than the outside air pressure, The supply of the inert fluid may be stopped.

When a large amount of inert gas is supplied, the pressure in the closed space 50 becomes high and there is a risk that the high-pressure detecting unit PS1 detects the high pressure state. It is preferable that the present apparatus is set so as not to stop even if the high-pressure detecting unit PS1 detects the high-pressure detecting unit PS1. Further, the detection signal of the high-pressure detection unit PS1 at this time may be used as a signal for confirming whether a large amount of the inert gas is sent.

Further, in the above explosion-proof electric coupling device,
The moving means 27 includes a piston 30 fixed to the outer surface of the second main body 19, the piston 30 slidably held on the inner surface, and the outer surface of the second main body 19 with the piston 30 as a boundary. A cylinder 33 for partitioning the head-side chamber 31 and the bottom-side chamber 32 therebetween.
The one which is configured to be drivable by allowing the working medium to flow into and out of the head side chamber 31 and the bottom side chamber 32 has the following operational effects.

According to the present embodiment, the constituent members of the second joint 2 and the constituent members of the moving means 27 are not formed separately from each other, but the second main body 19 which is the movable part of the second joint 2 is formed. Since it is configured to be shared with the rod portion of the moving means 27, that is, it can be used as a part of the moving means 27, the operating axis of the power (pressing force) of the moving means 27 and the movable part of the second joint 2 which is the movable part The movable axis of the two main bodies 19 substantially coincides with each other, the power transmission efficiency is increased, and a small-sized and small-capacity moving means 27 can be used. Also, the second body 1
9, a head-side chamber 31 and a bottom-side chamber 32 are formed around the entire circumference. Therefore, in order to obtain a desired pressure receiving area of the head-side chamber 31 and the bottom-side chamber 32, the second main body 19 and the moving means 27 are required.
The length of the pressure receiving surface in the radial direction can be reduced as compared with the case where the pressure receiving surfaces are provided in parallel in the axial direction, so that the radial enlargement of the second joint 2 can be reduced. Moreover, since the moving means 27 and the second main body 19 are arranged so as to overlap in the axial direction, the axial length of the entire apparatus can be reduced.

As another embodiment, the control section 63 shown in FIGS. 1 and 9 to 11 may be provided integrally with the control panel 59.

Further, the supply source 67 of the inert fluid is not limited to the above-mentioned one, and may be composed of, for example, an air supply part and an air unit part as shown in FIG. In FIG. 13, reference numerals RG2 and RG3 constituting the air unit are regulators for setting the secondary side to a predetermined pressure. MV1 is an electromagnetic valve, which opens at the initial stage of connection between the first main body 4 and the second main body 19, and sends a large amount of inert gas to the closed space 50 by the high pressure set by RG2. When the solenoid valve MV1 is closed, the inert gas is sent to the closed space 50 by the low pressure set by the regulator RG2 via the check valve CV. Solenoids SOL1 and SO
The valve having L2 sends air (inert gas) to the head side chamber 31 when the solenoid SOL1 is excited, and sends air (inert gas) to the bottom side chamber 32 when the solenoid SOL2 is excited.

[0060]

According to the present invention, when the first joint and the second joint come into contact with and separate from each other, the generation of spark itself is eliminated, so that there is no danger of flammable gas being ignited. That is, even if the control unit is instructed to operate the moving means,
The operation of the moving means is not permitted unless the terminal or the second terminal is cut off by the circuit breaker located at a place different from the two joints and is not separated from the external device. When the second terminal portion is in a conductive state (a state in which the second terminal portion is connected to an external device), the first joint and the second joint do not relatively move, and a spark is generated between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion. Does not fly at all, and it is possible to reliably prevent the problem of igniting the outside air heatable gas.

Alternatively, when there is a possibility that the first joint and the second joint may be separated by a signal from the high voltage detecting unit or the connection detecting unit, the control unit may operate the control unit before the first terminal unit and the second terminal unit are separated. An interrupt signal is output to the circuit interrupter to interrupt an electric circuit to the first terminal or the second terminal. As a result, electricity does not flow through the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion. Therefore, even if the first joint and the second joint may separate,
Since a spark does not fly between the terminal portion and the second terminal portion, it is possible to reliably prevent the problem of igniting the flammable gas in the outside air.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the first joint and the second joint from being separated or connected unexpectedly, thereby greatly increasing a chance of inadvertently generating a spark between the terminals. Can be reduced. That is, the control unit stops the supply of the inert fluid in response to the signal from the high pressure detection unit, so that the increase in the internal pressure of the closed space itself can be suppressed, and the first joint and the second joint are separated from each other. The fear can be reduced beforehand. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the first joint and the second joint from unexpectedly separating from each other, and thus it is possible to greatly reduce the chance of inadvertently generating a spark between the terminals.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an explosion-proof electric coupling device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a joint portion shown in FIG. 1,
(A) is when the two joints are separated, (B) is when the two joints are connected and scavenging, and (C) is when the two joints are connected and the internal pressure is maintained.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the explosion-proof electric coupling device according to the present invention, and is a longitudinal sectional view (partially cut-away view) along an axis in which a first joint and a second joint are separated from each other. .

FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the embodiment (a part is a partially cutaway view).
It is.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a connection surface of the first joint.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a connection surface of a second joint.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view along an axis when the first joint and the second joint are in a connected state.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the connection state.

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the explosion-proof electric coupling device according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing still another embodiment of the explosion-proof electric coupling device according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing still another embodiment of the explosion-proof electric coupling device according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram showing still another embodiment of the explosion-proof electric coupling device according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a supply source of an inert fluid of the explosion-proof electrical coupling device according to the present invention.

[Description of Signs] 1 First joint 2 Second joint 3 First terminal part 4 First body 6 Front part 7 Flange part 10 Fixed base part 18 Second terminal part 19 Second body 20 Flange part 27 Moving means 30 Piston 30 31 Head side chamber 32 Bottom side chamber 33 Cylinder 34 Front cover 35 Rear cover 36, 37 Port 50 Closed space 51, 52 Communication hole 53 Air supply port 54 Nozzle 55 Insertion port 56 Exhaust port 57, 61 Conductive cable 63 Control unit 64 Permission signal 65 Circuit cut-off part 67 Supply source of inert fluid 68 Piping 74 Supply stop part 75 Stop signal 76 Relief valve

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A first joint and a second joint which are brought into a connected state and a separated state by a relative movement, wherein the first joint supports a first terminal portion and the first terminal portion. A first main body, wherein the second joint includes a second terminal portion and a second main body supporting the second terminal portion;
A terminal portion and a second terminal portion are connected to each other, and the first body and the second body are engaged with each other to form a closed space that covers the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion and blocks the outside air. , The first
An air supply port for supplying an inert fluid to the closed space is formed at one of the joint and the second joint, and an exhaust port for exhausting the inert fluid is formed at one of the first joint and the second joint. In the explosion-proof electric coupling device, a moving unit for moving the first joint or the second joint forward and backward, a control unit for permitting the operation of the moving unit,
A circuit breaker that can cut off an electric circuit to the terminal portion or the second terminal portion in an atmosphere in which there is no danger of flammable gas being ignited; An explosion-proof electric coupling device characterized in that the operation of the moving means is permitted only in the state. 2. A first joint and a second joint which are brought into a connected state and a separated state by relative movement, wherein the first joint supports the first terminal portion and the first terminal portion. A first main body, wherein the second joint includes a second terminal portion and a second main body supporting the second terminal portion;
A terminal portion and a second terminal portion are connected to each other, and the first body and the second body are engaged with each other to form a closed space that covers the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion and blocks the outside air. , The first
An air supply port for supplying an inert fluid to the closed space is formed at one of the joint and the second joint, and an exhaust port for exhausting the inert fluid is formed at one of the first joint and the second joint. In the explosion-proof electrical coupling device, a high-pressure detecting unit that detects that the pressure in the closed space is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, and an electric circuit to the first terminal unit or the second terminal unit is provided for detecting the ignition of the combustible gas. An explosion-proof electric coupling device, comprising: a circuit breaker that can be cut off in a fearless atmosphere; and a controller that receives a signal from the high-voltage detector and outputs a cut-off signal to the circuit breaker. . 3. The high-pressure detecting section according to claim 1,
An explosion-proof electric coupling device, which is provided on a side of the first joint and the second joint where the air supply port is formed. 4. A first joint and a second joint which are brought into a connected state and a separated state by relative movement, wherein the first joint supports the first terminal portion and the first terminal portion. A first main body, wherein the second joint includes a second terminal portion and a second main body supporting the second terminal portion;
A terminal portion and a second terminal portion are connected to each other, and the first body and the second body are engaged with each other to form a closed space that covers the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion and blocks the outside air. , The first
An air supply port for supplying an inert fluid to the closed space is formed at one of the joint and the second joint, and an exhaust port for exhausting the inert fluid is formed at one of the first joint and the second joint. In the explosion-proof electric coupling device, a connection detection unit that detects that the space between the first joint and the second joint has expanded before the first terminal unit and the second terminal unit are separated, and the first terminal A circuit breaker that can cut off an electric circuit to the unit or the second terminal under an atmosphere in which there is no danger of ignition of the flammable gas; An explosion-proof type electric coupling device, comprising: a control unit for outputting. 5. The connection detection unit according to claim 4, wherein
An explosion-proof electric coupling device, which is provided on a side of the first joint and the second joint where the air supply port is formed. 6. A first joint and a second joint which are brought into a connected state and a separated state by relative movement, wherein the first joint supports the first terminal portion and the first terminal portion. A first main body, wherein the second joint includes a second terminal portion and a second main body supporting the second terminal portion;
A terminal portion and a second terminal portion are connected to each other, and the first body and the second body are engaged with each other to form a closed space that covers the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion and blocks the outside air. , The first
An air supply port for supplying an inert fluid to the closed space is formed at one of the joint and the second joint, and an exhaust port for exhausting the inert fluid is formed at one of the first joint and the second joint. In the explosion-proof electrical coupling device, a high-pressure detection unit that detects that the pressure in the closed space is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, a supply stop unit that stops supply of the inert fluid to the closed space, and the high-pressure detection. An explosion-proof electric coupling device, comprising: a control unit that receives a signal from the unit and outputs a stop signal to the supply stop unit. 7. A first joint and a second joint which are brought into a connected state and a separated state by relative movement, wherein the first joint supports the first terminal portion and the first terminal portion. A first main body, wherein the second joint includes a second terminal portion and a second main body supporting the second terminal portion;
A terminal portion and a second terminal portion are connected to each other, and the first body and the second body are engaged with each other to form a closed space that covers the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion and blocks the outside air. , The first
An air supply port for supplying an inert fluid to the closed space is formed at one of the joint and the second joint, and an exhaust port for exhausting the inert fluid is formed at one of the first joint and the second joint. An explosion-proof electrical coupling device, wherein one of the first coupling and the second coupling is opened when the pressure in the closed space becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, and releases the inert fluid in the closed space. An explosion-proof electrical coupling device comprising a valve. 8. The explosion-proof electrical coupling device according to claim 7, wherein the relief valve is provided at the exhaust port. 9. The explosion-proof according to claim 1, wherein both the air supply port and the exhaust port are formed in one of the first joint and the second joint. Type electric coupling device. 10. The explosion-proof electric coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the air supply port is formed in a smaller one of the first joint and the second joint in a moving range. 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein
When supplying an inert fluid to the closed space, before applying a voltage to the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion, an amount larger than an amount of the inert fluid to be supplied in a state where a voltage is applied. An explosion-proof electrical coupling device, characterized in that the device is configured to supply: 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein
The moving means includes a piston fixed to an outer surface of the second main body, a head slidably held on the inner surface of the second main body, and a head interposed between the piston and an outer surface of the second main body with the piston as a boundary. An explosion-proof electric coupling device, comprising: a cylinder defining a side chamber and a bottom side chamber; and being drivable by flowing an operating medium into and out of the head side chamber and the bottom side chamber.