JP4529769B2

JP4529769B2 - Circuit breaker

Info

Publication number: JP4529769B2
Application number: JP2005108685A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 孝夫三橋; 敦澤田; 茂樹幸本
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date: 2005-04-05
Filing date: 2005-04-05
Publication date: 2010-08-25
Anticipated expiration: 2025-04-05
Also published as: JP2006286569A

Description

本発明は、接点対を開極させて電流を遮断する回路遮断器に関するものである。 The present invention relates to a circuit breaker that breaks a current by opening a contact pair.

従来の回路遮断器においては、１対の接触子上に設けられた接点対の開極時に発生するア−クを、そのア−クが生成させる加圧ガスを用いて消弧している。さらに説明すると、上記接点対を有する１対の接触子は、発生ガスを一時加圧保存するための蓄圧空間と排気口を有した略密閉構造の消弧室容器内に配置されている。また、上記蓄圧空間と排気口は上記接点対によって隔てられる関係に設けられている。電流遮断時（開極時）に接点対間で発生するア−クは、接点対周辺のガスを急速に加熱し、加圧ガスを生成させる。生成した加圧ガスの一部は上記蓄圧空間内に一時加圧保存され、その後接点対間を介して排気口から消弧室容器外に排気される。その際、接点対間に発生するア−クに加圧ガスが強く吹付けられるため、ア−クを吹き流すようにして消弧する（例えば特許文献１）。 In a conventional circuit breaker, arc generated when a contact pair provided on a pair of contacts is opened is extinguished using a pressurized gas generated by the arc. More specifically, the pair of contacts having the contact pair is arranged in a substantially hermetic arc extinguishing chamber container having a pressure accumulation space for temporarily storing the generated gas and an exhaust port. The pressure accumulating space and the exhaust port are provided in a relationship separated by the contact pair. The arc generated between the contact pairs when the current is interrupted (opening) rapidly heats the gas around the contact pairs and generates pressurized gas. Part of the generated pressurized gas is temporarily pressurized and stored in the pressure accumulating space, and then exhausted out of the arc-extinguishing chamber container from the exhaust port via the contact pair. At that time, since the pressurized gas is strongly blown to the arc generated between the contact pairs, the arc is extinguished so as to blow off the arc (for example, Patent Document 1).

再公表特許（Ａ１）ＷＯ０１／０４１１６８号広報（１７頁１２〜２２行、図２）Republished Patent (A1) Publicity of WO01 / 041168 (page 17, lines 12-22, FIG. 2)

このような回路遮断器のア−ク消弧能力（電流遮断能力）は、遮断の際ア−クに吹付ける加圧ガスの流速ないし流量の多いものほど高く、また、同時に開極した接点対間の絶縁耐力の回復速度も速くなる。加圧ガスの流速ないし流量を多くすることで、電流遮断性能を向上させる方法として、例えば、ア−クの発生する位置近傍に有機絶縁物を配置することから、発生ガス量を増加させる方法がある。しかしながら、発生ガス量の増加に伴い、消弧室容器にはより高い圧力が加わり、消弧室容器およびそれを収納する筐体への負荷も増加させ、装置破損に至る可能性が高まる。つまり、より高電流の遮断性能をもった回路遮断器を得るには、より高圧力耐性を有した消弧室容器を必要とすることになる。が、その調達は必ずしも容易でないため、従来の回路遮断器の構成においては、消弧室容器の強度により回路遮断器の遮断性能が制約されるという課題があった。 The arc extinguishing capability (current interrupting capability) of such a circuit breaker is higher when the flow rate or flow rate of the pressurized gas blown to the arc at the time of interruption is higher, and a pair of contacts that are simultaneously opened. In addition, the speed of recovery of the dielectric strength increases. As a method for improving the current interruption performance by increasing the flow rate or flow rate of the pressurized gas, for example, an organic insulator is disposed in the vicinity of the position where the arc is generated, so that the amount of generated gas is increased. is there. However, as the amount of generated gas increases, a higher pressure is applied to the arc extinguishing chamber container, increasing the load on the arc extinguishing chamber container and the housing that houses the arc extinguishing chamber container, increasing the possibility of equipment damage. That is, in order to obtain a circuit breaker having a higher current interrupting performance, an arc extinguishing chamber container having higher pressure resistance is required. However, since it is not always easy to procure, the conventional circuit breaker configuration has a problem that the breaking performance of the circuit breaker is limited by the strength of the arc-extinguishing chamber container.

本発明は、上記のような課題を解決するためになされたものであり、遮断時の消弧室容器の内部圧力の上昇を抑えることにより、消弧室容器の強度に制約を受けない高電流に対応できる遮断性能を有した回路遮断器を得ることを目的とする。 The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. By suppressing an increase in the internal pressure of the arc chamber container at the time of interruption, a high current that is not restricted by the strength of the arc chamber chamber. An object of the present invention is to obtain a circuit breaker having a breaking performance that can cope with the above.

本発明に係る回路遮断器は、グラファイト、タングステン、タングステンカ−バイトのいずれかを含有する第１合金からなる第１接点と第１接点より低融解点の第２合金からなる放電電極を設けた第１接触子、前記第１合金からなる第２接点を設けた第２接触子、ならびに、これら第１接触子と第２接触子を収納し、前記第１接触子と第２接触子の接離時に発生するア−クによって生成するガスを加圧保持する蓄圧空間と前記生成するガスを放出する排気口を有し、前記蓄圧空間からの加圧ガスの流れにより前記第１接点上に発生するア−クを前記放電電極上に移動し消弧させる略密閉容器を備えたことを特徴とするものである。 A circuit breaker according to the present invention includes a first contact made of a first alloy containing any one of graphite, tungsten, and tungsten carbide, and a discharge electrode made of a second alloy having a melting point lower than that of the first contact. The first contactor, the second contactor provided with the second contact made of the first alloy, and the first contactor and the second contactor are accommodated, and the contact between the first contactor and the second contactor is accommodated. A pressure accumulating space for pressurizing and holding the gas generated by the arc generated at the time of separation and an exhaust port for discharging the generated gas are generated on the first contact point by the flow of the pressurized gas from the pressure accumulating space. A substantially hermetic container for moving the arc to be discharged onto the discharge electrode and extinguishing the arc is provided.

前記第１接触子と第２接触子の接離の際に最初に第１接点上で発生するア−クは、蓄圧空間から排気口に向かう加圧ガスの流れにより、速やかに消弧性能の良い放電電極上へと移動する。消弧性能の良い放電電極上ではア−クの存在時間が短いので、消弧のために生成すべきガス量を少なくすることができ、略密閉容器の圧力上昇を抑制できる。したがって、前記第１接触子と第２接触子の接離の際に発生するア−クを低い圧力で消弧でき、消弧室容器の強度に制約を受けない高電流の遮断性能を有した回路遮断器を得ることができるという効果が得られる。 The arc that first occurs on the first contact when the first contact and the second contact come into contact with each other is quickly extinguished by the flow of pressurized gas from the pressure accumulation space toward the exhaust port. Move to a good discharge electrode. Since the arc existence time is short on the discharge electrode having good arc extinguishing performance, the amount of gas to be generated for arc extinguishing can be reduced, and the pressure rise in the sealed container can be suppressed. Therefore, the arc generated when the first contact and the second contact are brought into and out of the arc can be extinguished with a low pressure, and a high current interrupting performance that is not constrained by the strength of the arc extinguishing chamber can be obtained. The effect that a circuit breaker can be obtained is obtained.

実施の形態１．
以下、図面に基づいて本発明の実施の形態１について詳細に説明する。図１は本発明の実施の形態１の回路遮断器を示す断面図である。図２は本発明の実施の形態１の回路遮断器を模擬した評価装置を示す断面図である。図３は図２の評価装置を用いて、各種電極材料の融解点とア−ク発生時の評価装置内の圧力増加に伴う圧力ピ−クの関係について試験した結果の一覧図である。なお、図１および図２中の同一部分ないし相当部分には、同一符号を付与している。 Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 is a sectional view showing a circuit breaker according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an evaluation apparatus simulating the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a list of the results of testing the relationship between the melting point of various electrode materials and the pressure peak associated with the increase in pressure in the evaluation device when an arc occurs, using the evaluation device of FIG. 1 and 2 are assigned the same reference numerals.

図１に示すように本発明の実施の形態１の回路遮断器では、１対の接触子である可動接触子１０１と固定接触子２０１ならびに複数の消弧板５０から構成される消弧装置５１が共に蓄圧空間Ｕを有した略密閉容器である消弧室容器３０１内に設置されている。また、消弧室容器３０１には、ア−ク発生に伴い生成するガスを排気する排気口３１１が、蓄圧空間Ｕに対して可動接触子１０１と電路を略Ｕ字にする固定接触子２０１および消弧装置５１によって隔てられる関係に配置されている。なお、固定接触子２０１の電路を略Ｕ字にしたのは、短絡電流遮断時において可動接触子１０１と電磁反発力を発生させるためであり、遮断特性の高速化を促している。ただし、固定接触子２０１の電路は必ずしも略Ｕ字に構成する必要性は無い。この消弧室容器３０１ならびに電路の異常電流を検出するリレ−等からなる異常検出部１０および前記接触子対を開閉する開閉機構部２０は、共に排気口３１１の設けられた外筐体４０１内に収納されている。 As shown in FIG. 1, in the circuit breaker according to the first embodiment of the present invention, an arc extinguishing device 51 including a movable contact 101 and a fixed contact 201 which are a pair of contacts and a plurality of arc extinguishing plates 50. Are installed in the arc-extinguishing chamber container 301 which is a substantially sealed container having a pressure accumulation space U. Further, the arc extinguishing chamber container 301 has an exhaust port 311 for exhausting a gas generated as a result of arc generation. They are arranged in a relationship separated by the arc extinguishing device 51. The reason why the electric circuit of the stationary contact 201 is made substantially U-shaped is to generate an electromagnetic repulsive force with the movable contact 101 when the short-circuit current is interrupted, and this speeds up the interrupting characteristics. However, the electric path of the stationary contact 201 is not necessarily configured to be substantially U-shaped. The arc-extinguishing chamber container 301, the abnormality detecting unit 10 including a relay for detecting an abnormal current in the electric circuit, and the opening / closing mechanism unit 20 for opening and closing the contact pair are both in an outer casing 401 provided with an exhaust port 311. It is stored in.

回路遮断器の遮断は、異常検出部１０において異常電流の検出があり、これに伴い開閉機構部２０が動作したとき、もしくは、開閉機構部２０に設けられた手動操作ハンドル３０が遮断操作されたときに実施される。いずれにしろ回路遮断は、後で詳細に説明するが、電路を構成する第１接触子である可動接触子１０１を回動し、これに伴い可動接触子１０１上に設けられた第１接点である可動接点１１１を移動することにより第２接触子である固定接触子２０１上に設けられた第２接点である固定接点２１１を機械的に接離する（開極する）ことにより開始され、その時発生するア−クＡに対して、加圧ガスを吹付けることからア−クＡを消弧することにより完了する。図１はちょうど可動接点１１１と固定接点２１１を機械的に離した後の図で、開極した接点間の周辺にア−クＡが発生している様子を示している。なお、本発明の実施の形態１の可動接点１１１および固定接点２１１は共に第１合金に相当するタングステン、タングステンカ−バイト、グラファイト等が含有された銀合金で構成されている。以下、回路遮断前後における回路遮断器の電路状態について説明することから、その回路遮断動作について詳細に説明する。 The circuit breaker is interrupted when an abnormal current is detected in the abnormality detection unit 10 and the opening / closing mechanism unit 20 is operated accordingly, or the manual operation handle 30 provided in the opening / closing mechanism unit 20 is interrupted. Sometimes implemented. In any case, the circuit interruption will be described in detail later, but the movable contact 101, which is the first contact constituting the electric circuit, is rotated, and the first contact provided on the movable contact 101 in accordance with this rotation. It is started by mechanically contacting (separating) the fixed contact 211, which is the second contact provided on the fixed contact 201, which is the second contact, by moving a certain movable contact 111, and at that time The arc A is completed by extinguishing the arc A by blowing a pressurized gas against the arc A generated. FIG. 1 is a diagram after the movable contact 111 and the fixed contact 211 are mechanically separated from each other, and shows that an arc A is generated around the opened contact. Note that both the movable contact 111 and the fixed contact 211 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention are made of a silver alloy containing tungsten, tungsten carbide, graphite or the like corresponding to the first alloy. Hereinafter, since the electric circuit state of the circuit breaker before and after circuit interruption will be described, the circuit interruption operation will be described in detail.

回路遮断前の通電状態における電路は以下の通りである。図示しない外部電源の出力端子と回路遮断器の第１端子４１は電気的に接続されている。第１端子４１は回転軸１３１を支点として回動可能な可動接触子１０１と電気的に接続している。可動接触子１０１には可動接点１１１が設けられている。この可動接点１１１は固定接触子２０１に設けられた固定接点２１１に機械的に接触している。固定接触子２０１は第２端子４２に電気的に接続され、この第２端子４２は図示しない外部負荷の入力端子と接続されている。 The electric circuit in the energized state before circuit interruption is as follows. An output terminal of an external power source (not shown) and the first terminal 41 of the circuit breaker are electrically connected. The first terminal 41 is electrically connected to the movable contact 101 that can be rotated about the rotation shaft 131. A movable contact 111 is provided on the movable contact 101. The movable contact 111 is in mechanical contact with a fixed contact 211 provided on the fixed contact 201. The stationary contact 201 is electrically connected to the second terminal 42, and the second terminal 42 is connected to an input terminal of an external load (not shown).

一方、通電状態から回路遮断される時は、前記可動接触子１０１に設けられた可動接点１１１と固定接触子２０１に設けられた固定接点２１１が機械的に接離されることによって実施される。具体的には、第２端子４１から回路遮断器に入力される電流が、異常検出部１０により異常（電流値が予め設定される定格値を超えた場合など）と判断された場合に、異常検出部１０から開閉機構部２０にむけ遮断指令が出される。これを受け開閉機構部２０は、回転軸１３１を中心軸に可動接触子１０１を回動することによって可動接点１１１と固定接点２１１を開極する。その際、固定接触子２０１の電路が略Ｕ字であるので、可動接触子１０１との間に電磁反発力が発生し、可動接点１１１と固定接点２１１を開極の高速化が実現される。また、同時に可動接触子１０１に設けられた可動接点１１１と固定接触子２０１に設けられた固定接点２１１の間（ギャップ）で最初にア−クＡが発生し、その周辺の空気を熱し加圧ガスを生成させる。 On the other hand, when the circuit is disconnected from the energized state, the movable contact 111 provided on the movable contact 101 and the fixed contact 211 provided on the fixed contact 201 are mechanically connected and separated. Specifically, when the current input from the second terminal 41 to the circuit breaker is determined to be abnormal (such as when the current value exceeds a preset rated value) by the abnormality detection unit 10, an abnormality is detected. A blocking command is issued from the detection unit 10 to the opening / closing mechanism unit 20. In response to this, the opening / closing mechanism 20 opens the movable contact 111 and the fixed contact 211 by rotating the movable contact 101 about the rotation shaft 131. At this time, since the electric path of the fixed contact 201 is substantially U-shaped, an electromagnetic repulsive force is generated between the fixed contact 201 and the movable contact 111 and the fixed contact 211 can be opened at high speed. At the same time, arc A is first generated between the movable contact 111 provided on the movable contact 101 and the fixed contact 211 provided on the fixed contact 201 (gap), and the surrounding air is heated and pressurized. Generate gas.

なお、後で図２の評価装置とそれを用いた試験結果に基づいて詳細に説明するが、ア−クＡの消弧特性は放電部位のもつ構造以外にそれらを構成する接点材料の材料特性によって変化することが判明している。そのため、本発明の実施の形態１では、図１に示すように回転軸１３１を中心に回転する可動接触子１０１の自由端部に可動接点１１１より低融解点の合金でできたア−クホ−ン１２１が設けられ、また、この可動接触子１０１と接触子対をなす固定接触子２０１に同じ低融解点の合金でできたア−クランナ２２１が設けられ、本発明の特徴の１つとなっている。 The arc extinguishing characteristics of arc A will be described later in detail based on the evaluation apparatus of FIG. 2 and the test results using the evaluation apparatus. It has been found that changes. Therefore, in the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, an archoof made of an alloy having a melting point lower than that of the movable contact 111 is formed on the free end of the movable contact 101 that rotates about the rotation shaft 131. In addition, the fixed contact 201 which forms a contact pair with the movable contact 101 is provided with an arc 221 made of an alloy having the same low melting point, which is one of the features of the present invention. Yes.

可動接点１１１と固定接点２１１の接離に伴い最初に発生したア−クＡの出す大量の熱により、ア−ク周辺の空気は瞬時に加熱・膨張され、また消弧室容器３０１の壁面や消弧板５０および消弧側板５１から多量のガスが一瞬に放出され、消弧室容器３０１内の圧力が爆発的に上昇する。これら加圧されたガスの一部は、消弧室容器３０１が略密閉構造であるため蓄圧空間Ｕ内に瞬時に蓄えられ、一部は消弧室容器３０１の排気口３１１から排気される。その際、その蓄えられた加圧ガスは蓄圧空間Ｕと排気口３１１の間に位置する可動接触子１０１と固定接触子２０１を横切る（通過する）ため、可動接触子１０１と固定接触子２０１間のギャップに発生したア−クＡを消弧板５０の方に向けて押し流すようになる。また、ア−クＡを形成するプラズマの電離度は、加圧されたガスによって低下させられ、電離した荷電ガス粒子の一部はギャップの外に押し流されていくため、一気にア−クＡは消弧し、ギャップの絶縁性も回復する。 The air around the arc is heated and expanded instantaneously by the large amount of heat generated by the arc A that is generated first when the movable contact 111 and the fixed contact 211 come into contact with or separated from each other. A large amount of gas is instantaneously released from the arc extinguishing plate 50 and the arc extinguishing side plate 51, and the pressure in the arc extinguishing chamber container 301 rises explosively. A part of the pressurized gas is instantaneously stored in the pressure accumulating space U because the arc extinguishing chamber container 301 has a substantially sealed structure, and a part thereof is exhausted from the exhaust port 311 of the arc extinguishing chamber container 301. At that time, the stored pressurized gas crosses (passes) the movable contact 101 and the fixed contact 201 located between the pressure accumulation space U and the exhaust port 311, and therefore, between the movable contact 101 and the fixed contact 201. The arc A generated in the gap is pushed toward the arc extinguishing plate 50. Further, the ionization degree of the plasma forming the arc A is lowered by the pressurized gas, and some of the ionized charged gas particles are swept out of the gap. The arc is extinguished and the gap insulation is restored.

一般的に、気中回路遮断器の可動接点および固定接点には銀合金が用いられ、特に耐溶着性能の改善、ア−クによる損耗の低減、および、電流遮断後の接触の安定性のため高融解点材料、例えば、タングステン、タングステンカ−バイト、グラファイト等が含有された銀合金が用いられる。そのため、本発明の実施の形態１の可動接点１１１および固定接点２１１は共に既存のタングステン、タングステンカ−バイト、グラファイト等が含有された銀合金を用いている。ところで、これらタングステン、タングステンカ−バイト、グラファイト等が含有された銀合金のもつ材料特性とその接点材料としてのア−クの遮断性能に対する関連性については明らかになっていないが、下記の知見が得られたので、以下詳細に説明する。 In general, silver alloys are used for the movable and fixed contacts of air circuit breakers, especially for improving welding resistance, reducing wear due to arcing, and contact stability after current interruption. A silver alloy containing a high melting point material such as tungsten, tungsten carbide, graphite or the like is used. For this reason, both the movable contact 111 and the fixed contact 211 according to the first embodiment of the present invention use a silver alloy containing existing tungsten, tungsten carbide, graphite and the like. By the way, although the relationship between the material properties of these silver alloys containing tungsten, tungsten carbide, graphite, etc., and the breaking performance of arc as a contact material has not been clarified, the following knowledge has been obtained. Since it was obtained, it demonstrates in detail below.

図２に示す回路遮断器を模擬した蓄圧空間Ｕを備える評価装置を用いて、接点材料の材料特性と遮断成功時の蓄圧空間Ｕ内の圧力ピ−クの関係について調べた。図２の評価装置は以下の構成である。消弧室容器３０１内には、第１電極１４１と第２電極２４１が設けられギャップが形成されている。そのギャップの近傍には、消弧装置５１が配置されている。消弧装置５１が配置される消弧室容器３０１の一面端部には、排気口３１１が設けられ、前記ギャップと消弧装置５１を隔てた対向面の手前に蓄圧空間Ｕが形成されている。この蓄圧空間Ｕには圧力センサ６１が設置され、蓄圧空間Ｕ内の圧力変化が測定される。前記第１電極１４１は第１端子４１を経由してスイッチ６２に接続されている。スイッチ６２は電源６３に接続され、さらに負荷６４に接続されている。第２電極２４１は第２端子４２を経由して負荷６４に接続されている。 The relationship between the material characteristics of the contact material and the pressure peak in the pressure accumulation space U at the time of successful interruption was examined using an evaluation apparatus including the pressure accumulation space U simulating the circuit breaker shown in FIG. The evaluation apparatus in FIG. 2 has the following configuration. In the arc extinguishing chamber container 301, a first electrode 141 and a second electrode 241 are provided to form a gap. An arc extinguishing device 51 is disposed in the vicinity of the gap. An exhaust port 311 is provided at one end of the arc-extinguishing chamber container 301 in which the arc-extinguishing device 51 is disposed, and a pressure accumulation space U is formed in front of the opposing surface that separates the gap and the arc-extinguishing device 51. . A pressure sensor 61 is installed in the pressure accumulation space U, and a pressure change in the pressure accumulation space U is measured. The first electrode 141 is connected to the switch 62 via the first terminal 41. The switch 62 is connected to a power source 63 and further connected to a load 64. The second electrode 241 is connected to the load 64 via the second terminal 42.

試験は第１電極１４１と第２電極２４１に用いる接点材料の種類を替えて、スイッチ６２を投入することから試験装置に交流電流を流し、第１電極１４１と第２電極２４１間のギャップにア−クＡを発生させた後、そのア−クＡが消弧されるまでの蓄圧空間Ｕの圧力変化を計測することにより実施した。なお、このギャップ間に発生したア−クが最初の電流零点で消弧されて遮断が完了した場合を遮断成功とし、それ以外を遮断失敗とした。試験条件は、電源電圧・交流６００Ｖ、推定短絡電流・約１０ｋＡ、力率０．２４、投入位相９０度である。この試験結果の一覧を図３に示す。 In the test, the type of contact material used for the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 241 is changed and the switch 62 is turned on, so that an alternating current flows through the test apparatus, and the gap between the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 241 is adjusted. -After the arc A was generated, the change in pressure in the pressure accumulating space U until the arc A was extinguished was measured. In addition, when the arc generated between the gaps was extinguished at the first current zero point and the interruption was completed, the interruption was regarded as successful, and the others were regarded as unsuccessful. The test conditions are power supply voltage / AC 600V, estimated short-circuit current / about 10 kA, power factor 0.24, and input phase 90 degrees. A list of the test results is shown in FIG.

図３から遮断成功時の圧力ピ−クは、接点材料を銀（９９％以上）としたときに最も低く、銅（９９％以上）、鉄（９９％以上）、銀６０％・タングステンカ−バイト４０％合金、銀２０％・タングステン８０％合金の順に高くなっている。これら物質の融解点は、銀が１２３４Ｋ、銅が１３５６Ｋ、鉄が１８０９Ｋ、タングステンカ−バイトが２７８５Ｋ、タングステンが３６５３Ｋ、グラファイトが３８００Ｋ以上である。このことから、圧力ピ−クは融解点が高い合金になるにつれて高くなると推定される。一方、グラファイトを３．３％含有した接点やタングステンカ−バイト（９９％以上）、タングステン（９９％以上）、グラファイト（９９％以上）では、銀２０％・タングステン８０％合金を用いた場合より高い圧力ピ−クを発生しているにもかかわらず、遮断成功が得られていない。これは、接点材料である合金の主たる成分にタングステンカ−バイトより高融解点物質であるグラファイト等が含有される場合、その合金間で発生するア−クを消弧し電流を遮断するには、より高い圧力ピ−クを発生させる必要があることを示しており、このような回路遮断器では消弧室容器等の筐体の破損が発生しやすいことを示している。 From FIG. 3, the pressure peak at the time of successful interruption is lowest when the contact material is silver (99% or more), copper (99% or more), iron (99% or more), silver 60%, tungsten car Bite 40% alloy, silver 20%, tungsten 80% alloy in order. The melting points of these materials are 1234K for silver, 1356K for copper, 1809K for iron, 2785K for tungsten carbide, 3653K for tungsten, and 3800K for graphite. From this, it is presumed that the pressure peak becomes higher as the alloy has a higher melting point. On the other hand, for contacts containing 3.3% graphite, tungsten carbide (99% or more), tungsten (99% or more), and graphite (99% or more), a 20% silver / 80% tungsten alloy is used. Despite generating high pressure peaks, no successful shut-off has been achieved. This is because when the main component of the alloy, which is a contact material, contains graphite, which is a melting point material higher than tungsten carbide, the arc generated between the alloys is extinguished and the current is cut off. This indicates that it is necessary to generate a higher pressure peak, and in such a circuit breaker, it is easy to cause breakage of a casing such as an arc extinguishing chamber container.

さらに説明するならば、ア−ク（ア−クスポット）の発生している電極上のスポット温度は、電極に用いた接点材料の融解点に依存し、融解点が高い材料を用いるとア−クスポット温度が上昇し、電流零点近傍での電極表面温度は高くなる。因って、融解点が高い材料では金属蒸気やカ−ボン蒸気ならびに熱電子の放出量が多く、電極間の絶縁回復が悪くなる。従って、融解点がタングステンカ−バイト以上に高いタングステンやグラファイト等を含有した銀合金において、遮断に必要な圧力ピ−クが大きくなるのは、電流零点近傍における金属蒸気やカ−ボン蒸気ならびに熱電子の放出量が、銀、銅、鉄、銀タングステンカ−バイト合金より著しく多くなるためであると判断される。そこで、これら合金のもつ材料特性を考慮することから、遮断動作の早い時期に接点に用いたタングステン、タングステンカ−バイト、グラファイト等を含有した銀合金上で最初に発生するア−クスポットを、融解点の低い銀、銅、鉄、銀タングステンカ−バイト合金等に移行させ、そこで遮断すれば必要な圧力ピ−クは小さくできることになる。これら材料の内、銀や銀タングステンカ−バイト合金は高価であるものの銅、鉄を用いれば材料コストを低減できる効果がある。 To further explain, the spot temperature on the electrode where arc (arc spot) is generated depends on the melting point of the contact material used for the electrode, and if a material having a high melting point is used, The spot temperature increases and the electrode surface temperature near the current zero point increases. Therefore, a material having a high melting point has a large emission amount of metal vapor, carbon vapor, and thermal electrons, and insulation recovery between the electrodes is deteriorated. Therefore, in a silver alloy containing tungsten or graphite having a melting point higher than that of tungsten carbide, the pressure peak necessary for interruption increases because of the metal vapor, carbon vapor and heat near the current zero point. It is determined that the amount of emitted electrons is significantly larger than that of silver, copper, iron, and silver tungsten carbide alloy. Therefore, considering the material properties of these alloys, the arc spot that first occurs on the silver alloy containing tungsten, tungsten carbide, graphite, etc. used for the contact at an early stage of the breaking operation, If the transition is made to silver, copper, iron, silver tungsten carbide alloy or the like having a low melting point, and then shut off, the necessary pressure peak can be reduced. Among these materials, silver and silver tungsten carbide alloys are expensive, but if copper or iron is used, the material cost can be reduced.

要するに、グラファイト、タングステン等を含有する第１合金に相当する合金からなる接点材料より、第２合金である第１合金より低融解点の合金からなる接点材料を用いるほうが、より消弧室容器等の筐体の破損が起こりにくくなるのである。ただし、その際ア−クによる損耗はトレ−ドオフ的に多くなる課題を有する。 In short, it is better to use a contact material made of an alloy having a melting point lower than that of the first alloy, which is the second alloy, rather than a contact material made of an alloy corresponding to the first alloy containing graphite, tungsten or the like. This makes it difficult for the housing to be damaged. However, at this time, there is a problem that wear due to arc increases in a trade-off manner.

本発明の実施の形態１では、可動接点１１１と固定接点２１１間のギャップで最初に発生したア−クＡが、直ちに蓄圧空間Ｕに蓄えられた加圧ガスの流れによって、可動接点１１１や固定接点２１１を構成する第１接点材料より低融解点の合金（例えば、主要元素が銀、銅または鉄ならびにそれらの合金等）からなるア−クホ−ン１２１とア−クランナ２２１に移るので、蓄圧空間Ｕに蓄えられた加圧ガスの圧力ピ−クの上昇を抑えた状態で容易にア−クを吹消し、電流遮断することができる。言い換えれば、ア−クの発生位置を遮断失敗が発生しやすい（ア−クに対して消弧性能が悪い）接点材料上から遮断失敗しにくい（ア−クに対して消弧性能が良い）材料からなるア−クホ−ン１２１とア−クランナ２２１上に移動させた後にア−クを消弧するため、遮断動作時に消弧容器内で発生する圧力ピ−クを低くできるという効果が得られる。 In the first embodiment of the present invention, the arc A first generated in the gap between the movable contact 111 and the fixed contact 211 is immediately transferred to the movable contact 111 or the fixed contact by the flow of the pressurized gas stored in the pressure accumulation space U. Since it moves to archorn 121 and arcrunner 221 made of an alloy having a melting point lower than that of the first contact material constituting contact 211 (for example, the main element is silver, copper, iron, or an alloy thereof) The arc can be easily blown off and the current can be cut off in a state where the increase in the pressure peak of the pressurized gas stored in the space U is suppressed. In other words, failure to interrupt the arc generation position is likely to occur (poor arc extinguishing performance is poor with respect to the arc), and it is difficult to interrupt failure from the contact material (excelling arc extinguishing performance is excellent). Since the arc is extinguished after being moved over the archorn 121 and the arcruner 221 made of material, the effect of reducing the pressure peak generated in the arc extinguishing container during the shut-off operation is obtained. It is done.

なお、本実施の形態１では、可動接点１１１、固定接点２１１間のギャップに最初に発生するア−クを可動接点１１１や固定接点２１１より低融点の合金からなるア−クホ−ン１２１とア−クランナ２２１上に移動させるようにしたが、可動接点１１１もしくは固定接点２１１のどちらか一方のみを可動接点１１１や固定接点２１１より低融解点の合金からなる接点にしても、同様に金属蒸気やカ−ボン蒸気ならびに熱電子の放出量を抑制できるため、消弧容器内で発生する圧力ピ−クを低くする効果が得られる。また、ア−クホ−ン１２１とア−クランナ２２１のどちらか一方もしくは両方を設けなかったり、あるいは可動接点１１１や固定接点２１１のどちらか一方をグラファイト、タングステン等を含有する合金からなる接点材料とし、残りの一方をより低融解点の合金（例えば、主要元素が銀、銅または鉄ならびにそれらの合金等）とした異なる合金からなる放電電極の対としてもよく、いずれの場合も金属蒸気やカ−ボン蒸気ならびに熱電子の放出量を抑制できるため、同様に消弧容器内で発生する圧力ピ−クを低くできる効果が得られる。 In the first embodiment, the arc generated first in the gap between the movable contact 111 and the fixed contact 211 is the arc horn 121 made of an alloy having a lower melting point than the movable contact 111 and the fixed contact 211 and the arc. -Although it is made to move on the clanna 221, even if only one of the movable contact 111 or the fixed contact 211 is made a contact made of an alloy having a melting point lower than that of the movable contact 111 or the fixed contact 211, metal vapor or Since the discharge amount of carbon vapor and thermionic electrons can be suppressed, an effect of lowering the pressure peak generated in the arc extinguishing container can be obtained. In addition, either one or both of the arc horn 121 and the arc clamper 221 are not provided, or one of the movable contact 111 and the fixed contact 211 is a contact material made of an alloy containing graphite, tungsten, or the like. The other one may be a pair of discharge electrodes made of different alloys in which the lower melting point alloy (for example, the main element is silver, copper or iron, or an alloy thereof) may be used. -Since the amount of emission of Bonn vapor and thermionic electrons can be suppressed, the effect of reducing the pressure peak generated in the arc extinguishing vessel can be obtained.

また、上記ア−クホ−ン１２１とア−クランナ２２１の配置は、可動接触子１０１や固定接触子２０１の自由端に必ずしも設ける必要性はなく、特にこだわることなく可動接触子１０１または固定接触子２０１上の導電路上に直接設けても良い。この場合、上記導電路は、一般的に銅、鉄もしくは、その合金にて構成されてもよいので、上記可動接触子１０１もしくは固定接触子２０１を銅、鉄もしくは、その合金にて一体構成すること等から材料費および組立費を低減したより安価なア−クホ−ン１２１とア−クランナ２２１を設けることも可能である。また、上記導電路と異なる金属材を用いて上記電極を構成する場合においても、銀、銅、鉄もしくは、それらを主要元素とする合金を選択すれば、材料費を大幅に低減できる。なお、本発明の回路遮断器は特に交流電流を対象としたものではなく、直流電流やパルス電流であっても同様の効果を導けるものであり、電流の波形形状に影響されるものではない。 Further, the arrangement of the archorn 121 and the arcrunner 221 is not necessarily provided at the free ends of the movable contact 101 and the fixed contact 201, and the movable contact 101 or the fixed contact is not particularly required. It may be provided directly on the conductive path on 201. In this case, since the conductive path may be generally made of copper, iron, or an alloy thereof, the movable contact 101 or the fixed contact 201 is integrally formed of copper, iron, or an alloy thereof. For this reason, it is possible to provide a cheaper arc horn 121 and an arc runner 221 with reduced material costs and assembly costs. Even when the electrode is formed using a metal material different from the conductive path, material costs can be greatly reduced if silver, copper, iron, or an alloy containing them as a main element is selected. Note that the circuit breaker of the present invention is not particularly intended for alternating current, and the same effect can be derived even with direct current or pulse current, and is not affected by the waveform of the current.

実施の形態２．
以下、図面に基づいて本発明の実施の形態２について詳細に説明する。図４は本発明の実施の形態２の回路遮断器を示す断面図である。本発明の実施の形態２における回路遮断器は、複数の接触子対（接点と放電電極が共に設けられている）と複数の排気口を有するように構成された回路遮断器であり、その他の主要構成部ないし相当部分は図１に示す本発明の実施の形態１の回路遮断器とほぼ同じ構成である。なお、図４中、図１ないし図２と同一部分ないし相当部分には同一符号を付与している。 Embodiment 2. FIG.
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a circuit breaker according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The circuit breaker according to the second embodiment of the present invention is a circuit breaker configured to have a plurality of contact pairs (provided with both contacts and discharge electrodes) and a plurality of exhaust ports. Main components or corresponding parts have substantially the same configuration as the circuit breaker according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or corresponding parts as those in FIGS.

図４を用いて本発明の実施の形態２の回路遮断器の構成とその動作について説明する。回路遮断器の回路遮断は、電路に設けられた異常電流を検出する異常検出部１０が、通電時の異常電流の検出に伴い開閉機構部２０を動作させたとき、もしくは、開閉機構部２０に設けられた手動操作ハンドル３０が遮断操作されたときに実施される。いずれにしろ回路遮断は、後で詳細に説明するが、電路の一部を構成する接触子である可動接触子１０１の一軸方向移動に伴い、この可動接触子１０１上に設けられた第１可動接点１１１および第２可動接点１１２を共に移動することにより開始される。すなわち、第１固定接触子２０１上に設けられた第１固定接点２１１ならびに第２固定接触子２０２上に設けられた固定接点２１２が、それぞれ同時に機械的に接離することで開始され、その開極した２つの接点間の周辺に発生する第１ア−クＡ１と第２ア−クＡ２に対して加圧ガスをそれぞれ吹付けながら消弧することで完了する。なお、図４は可動接点１１１と固定接点２１１を機械的に離した後の図であり、本発明の実施の形態２の回路遮断機の特徴である第１、第２ア−クホ−ン１２１、１２２と第１、第２ア−クランナ２２１、２２２の間に発生していた第１、第２ア−クＡ１、Ａ２が消弧した状態である。以下、回路遮断前後における回路遮断器の電路について説明する。 The configuration and operation of the circuit breaker according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The circuit breaker circuit breaks when the abnormality detection unit 10 that detects an abnormal current provided in the electric circuit operates the opening / closing mechanism unit 20 in accordance with the detection of the abnormal current during energization, or This is performed when the provided manual operation handle 30 is shut off. In any case, the circuit interruption will be described in detail later, but the first movable element provided on the movable contact 101 in accordance with the uniaxial movement of the movable contact 101 which is a contact constituting a part of the electric circuit. It starts by moving the contact 111 and the second movable contact 112 together. That is, the first fixed contact 211 provided on the first fixed contact 201 and the fixed contact 212 provided on the second fixed contact 202 are mechanically contacted and separated at the same time, and the opening thereof is started. This is completed by extinguishing the arcs while blowing pressurized gas to the first arc A1 and the second arc A2 generated around the two contact points. FIG. 4 is a diagram after the movable contact 111 and the fixed contact 211 are mechanically separated, and the first and second arc horns 121 that are the characteristics of the circuit breaker according to the second embodiment of the present invention. , 122 and the first and second arcers 221 and 222, the first and second arcs A1 and A2 are extinguished. Hereinafter, the electric circuit of the circuit breaker before and after circuit interruption will be described.

電流遮断前の電路は以下の通りである。図示しない外部電源の出力端子と回路遮断器の第１端子４１は電気的に接続されている。第１端子４１は第１固定接点２１１を設けた第１固定接触子２０１と電気的に接続している。第１固定接点２１１は可動接触子１０１に設けた第１可動接点１１１と機械的に接触している。可動接触子１０１には第２可動接点１１２が設けられ、この第２可動接点１１２は第２固定接触子２０２に設けた第２固定接点２１２と機械的に接触している。第２固定接触子２０２は第２端子４２に電気的に接続され、この第２端子４２は図示しない外部負荷の入力端子と接続されている。 The electric circuit before current interruption is as follows. An output terminal of an external power source (not shown) and the first terminal 41 of the circuit breaker are electrically connected. The first terminal 41 is electrically connected to the first fixed contact 201 provided with the first fixed contact 211. The first fixed contact 211 is in mechanical contact with the first movable contact 111 provided on the movable contact 101. The movable contact 101 is provided with a second movable contact 112, and the second movable contact 112 is in mechanical contact with a second fixed contact 212 provided on the second fixed contact 202. The second fixed contact 202 is electrically connected to the second terminal 42, and the second terminal 42 is connected to an input terminal of an external load (not shown).

一方、回路遮断器の遮断時の電路は、前記可動接触子１０１に設けられた第１可動接点１１１および第２可動接点１１２と第１固定接触子２０１に設けられた第１固定接点２１１および第２固定接触子２０２に設けられた第２固定接点２１２とが共に機械的に接離されることによって実施される。具体的には、第１端子４１から回路遮断器に通電される電流が、異常検出部１０において異常状態と判断された場合に、異常検出部１０から開閉機構部２０にむけ遮断指令が出される。これを受けて開閉機構部２０は可動接触子１０１を一軸移動させる動作軸１５１を駆動することから第１可動接点１１１と第１固定接点２１１ならびに第２可動接点１１２と第２固定接点２１２とをそれぞれ接離する。このとき第１可動接点１１１と第１固定接点２１１ならびに第２可動接点１１２と第２固定接点２１２の間（ギャップ）に図示しない第１ア−クＡ１ならび第２ア−クＡ２が同時に発生する。発生したア−クＡ１、Ａ２は周辺の空気を激しく熱し、消弧室容器３０１内に加圧ガスを発生させる。第１可動接点１１１と第１固定接点２１１ならびに第２可動接点１１２と第２固定接点２１２の間に発生したア−クＡ１、Ａ２は、蓄圧空間Ｕに蓄えられた加圧ガスの流れにより、第１ア−クホ−ン１２１と第１ア−クランナ２２１ならびに第２ア−クホ−ン１２２と第２ア−クランナ２２２間へと移動する。なお、この第１、第２ア−クホ−ン１２１、１２２と第１、第２ア−クランナ２２１、２２２は、第１、第２消弧装置５１、５２（図示しない）とともにア−クＡ１ならびにＡ２の消弧を容易化するために設けられたものである。 On the other hand, the electric circuit when the circuit breaker is interrupted includes the first movable contact 111 and the second movable contact 112 provided on the movable contact 101 and the first fixed contact 211 and the first fixed contact 211 provided on the first fixed contact 201. The second fixed contact 212 provided on the two fixed contacts 202 is mechanically connected and separated together. Specifically, when the current flowing from the first terminal 41 to the circuit breaker is determined to be abnormal by the abnormality detection unit 10, a cutoff command is issued from the abnormality detection unit 10 to the opening / closing mechanism unit 20. . In response to this, the opening / closing mechanism unit 20 drives the operating shaft 151 that moves the movable contact 101 uniaxially, so that the first movable contact 111 and the first fixed contact 211 and the second movable contact 112 and the second fixed contact 212 are connected. Reach each other. At this time, a first arc A1 and a second arc A2 (not shown) are simultaneously generated between the first movable contact 111 and the first fixed contact 211 and between the second movable contact 112 and the second fixed contact 212 (gap). . The generated arcs A1 and A2 heat the surrounding air violently and generate a pressurized gas in the arc extinguishing chamber 301. The arcs A1 and A2 generated between the first movable contact 111 and the first fixed contact 211 and the second movable contact 112 and the second fixed contact 212 are caused by the flow of pressurized gas stored in the pressure accumulation space U. It moves between the first arc horn 121 and the first arc horner 221 and between the second arc horn 122 and the second arc horn 222. The first and second archorns 121 and 122 and the first and second archorns 221 and 222 together with the first and second arc extinguishing devices 51 and 52 (not shown) are arc A1. In addition, it is provided to facilitate arc extinguishing of A2.

さらに本発明の実施の形態２では、可動接点１１１、１１２および固定接点２１１、２１２を構成する接点材料は、タングステン、タングステンカ−バイト、グラファイト等が含有された銀合金等である。また、ア−クホ−ン１２１、１２２もしくはア−クランナ２２１、２２２を構成する接点材料は、可動接点１１１、１１２や固定接点２１１、２１２より低融解点の合金によって成型されている。これら第１固定接触子２０１、第２固定接触子２０２および可動接触子１０１ならびに複数の消弧板５０で構成される第１消弧装置５１、第２消弧装置（図示しない）は、隔壁３２１により接離された異常検出部１０、および、開閉機構部２０とともに蓄圧空間Ｕを有した略密閉型の消弧室容器３０１に収納されている。なお、消弧室容器３０１の両端面には、第１排気口３１１および第２排気口３１２がそれぞれ蓄圧空間Ｕに対して第１固定接触子２０１、第２固定接触子２０２と可動接触子１０１ならびに第１消弧装置５１、第２消弧装置によって、それぞれ隔てられる位置関係に設けられている。 Furthermore, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the contact material constituting the movable contacts 111 and 112 and the fixed contacts 211 and 212 is a silver alloy containing tungsten, tungsten carbide, graphite or the like. Further, the contact material constituting the arc horns 121 and 122 or the arc runners 221 and 222 is formed of an alloy having a melting point lower than that of the movable contacts 111 and 112 and the fixed contacts 211 and 212. A first arc-extinguishing device 51 and a second arc-extinguishing device (not shown) composed of the first fixed contact 201, the second fixed contact 202, the movable contact 101, and a plurality of arc-extinguishing plates 50 are provided with a partition 321. Are housed in a substantially hermetic arc-extinguishing chamber container 301 having a pressure accumulating space U together with the anomaly detection unit 10 and the opening / closing mechanism unit 20 that are brought into contact with and separated from each other. A first exhaust port 311 and a second exhaust port 312 are provided at both end surfaces of the arc extinguishing chamber container 301 with respect to the pressure accumulation space U, respectively, with the first fixed contact 201, the second fixed contact 202 and the movable contact 101. The first arc-extinguishing device 51 and the second arc-extinguishing device are provided so as to be separated from each other.

そのため、本発明の実施の形態２の回路遮断機では、接点を接離する際に第１可動接点１１１と第１固定接点２１１上ならびに第２可動接点１１２と第２固定接点２１２上に最初に発生する第１ア−クＡ１ならびに第２ア−クＡ２を直ちに第１ア−クホ−ン１２１と第１ア−クランナ２２１上ならびに第２ア−クホ−ン１２２と第２ア−クランナ２２２上にそれぞれ移動する構造になっている。その結果、蓄圧空間Ｕに蓄えられた加圧ガスの圧力ピ−クの上昇を抑えた状態で、容易に第１ア−クＡ１ならびに第２ア−クＡ２を共に消弧し電流遮断することができるという格別の効果を有している。言い換えれば、ア−クの発生位置を遮断失敗が発生しやすい接点材料上から遮断失敗しにくい材料特性からできたア−クホ−ンとア−クランナ上に移動させた後に第１、第２ア−クＡ１、Ａ２を遮断させるため、遮断動作時の消弧容器３０１内の圧力ピ−クを低くできるという効果が得られる。 Therefore, in the circuit breaker according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the contact is opened / closed, first on the first movable contact 111 and the first fixed contact 211 and on the second movable contact 112 and the second fixed contact 212. The generated first arc A1 and second arc A2 are immediately on the first archorn 121 and the first arcrunner 221 and on the second archorn 122 and the second arcrunner 222. It has a structure that moves to each. As a result, it is possible to easily extinguish both the first arc A1 and the second arc A2 and cut off the current in a state in which an increase in the pressure peak of the pressurized gas stored in the pressure accumulating space U is suppressed. It has a special effect of being able to. In other words, the first and second arcs are moved after the arc generation position is moved from the contact material on which the failure of interruption is likely to occur to the archorn and the arcrunner made of material characteristics that are difficult to cause the failure of interruption. -Since the cuts A1 and A2 are cut off, the effect of reducing the pressure peak in the arc extinguishing container 301 during the cut-off operation can be obtained.

また、本発明の実施の形態２の構成では、消弧室容器３０１の両端面に排気口を配置し、容器中心（動作軸１５１近傍）に蓄圧空間Ｕを配置したので、蓄圧空間Ｕに蓄えられた加圧ガスを同時に第１ア−クＡ１、第２ア−クＡ２に吹き付けることが可能となっている。それにより第１ア−クＡ１、第２ア−クＡ２を同時に消弧できるため、遮断時の消弧室容器３０１内の圧力のピ−クを、本発明の実施の形態１より低くできるという効果が得られる。 Further, in the configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust ports are arranged on both end surfaces of the arc extinguishing chamber container 301, and the pressure accumulation space U is arranged at the center of the container (near the operation shaft 151). The pressurized gas thus produced can be simultaneously sprayed onto the first arc A1 and the second arc A2. As a result, the first arc A1 and the second arc A2 can be extinguished at the same time, so that the peak of the pressure in the arc extinguishing chamber container 301 at the time of interruption can be made lower than in the first embodiment of the present invention. An effect is obtained.

さらに、本発明の実施の形態２の回路遮断器における第１固定接触子２０１および第２固定接触子２０２は、電路を略Ｕ字状ル−プにすることで、間隔を介して対向するように配置している。そのため、短絡電流遮断時に可動接触子１０１との間で電磁反発力が発生するように成っている。また、そのＵ字状ル−プ内には、電磁反発力を強めるために磁性体板を積層した第１コア２５１および第２コア２５２が設けられている。このような回路遮断器では、短絡電流等の大電流が発生し、これを一刻も早く遮断する必要のある場合において以下のような格別の効果が得られる。 Furthermore, the first fixed contactor 201 and the second fixed contactor 202 in the circuit breaker according to the second embodiment of the present invention are opposed to each other with an interval by making the electric circuit into a substantially U-shaped loop. Is arranged. Therefore, an electromagnetic repulsive force is generated between the movable contact 101 when the short-circuit current is interrupted. Further, in the U-shaped loop, a first core 251 and a second core 252 in which magnetic plates are laminated are provided in order to increase the electromagnetic repulsion force. In such a circuit breaker, a large current such as a short-circuit current is generated, and the following special effects can be obtained when it is necessary to interrupt the current as soon as possible.

短絡電流等の大電流が発生した場合、異常検出部１０からの指令により開閉機構部２０が動作するより早く、第１可動接点１１１と第１固定接点２１１および第２可動接点１１２と第２固定接点２１２間での電流集中による電磁反発力が発生し、これと略平行で反対方向の電流が流れる。そのため、その瞬間において第１固定接触子２０１と第２固定接触子２０２の間には、強い電磁反発力が瞬時に発生し、可動接触子１０１が一軸移動する形で第１可動接点１１１と第１固定接点２１１および第２可動接点１１２と第２固定接点２１２が共に開離（接離）する。これに伴い、第１可動接点１１１と第１固定接点２１１および第２可動接点１１２と第２固定接点２１２のそれぞれの間のギャップにア−クＡ１およびア−クＡ２が発生する。ア−クＡ１およびア−クＡ２は、自己電流による電磁力と消弧空間内で発生する加圧ガスの流れにより、第１ア−クホ−ン１２１と第１ア−クランナ２２１ならびに第２ア−クホ−ン１２２と第２ア−クランナ２２２間のギャップへとそれぞれ移動し、さらに、その外側に設けられた第１消弧板５０および第２消弧板（図示しない）へと各々と移動し、消弧される。従って、短絡電流等の大電流に対して、より速い回路遮断性能が可能となる格別の効果が得られる。なお、異常検出部１０および開閉機構部２０も少し遅れて動作するため、先に開離した第１可動接点１１１と第１固定接点２１１および第２可動接点１１２と第２固定接点２１２の再接地を防止する効果を有している。 When a large current such as a short-circuit current is generated, the first movable contact 111 and the first fixed contact 211 and the second movable contact 112 and the second fixed are earlier than the opening / closing mechanism unit 20 is operated by a command from the abnormality detection unit 10. An electromagnetic repulsive force is generated due to current concentration between the contacts 212, and a current in a direction substantially parallel to this flows. Therefore, at that moment, a strong electromagnetic repulsive force is instantaneously generated between the first fixed contact 201 and the second fixed contact 202, and the first movable contact 111 and the first fixed contact 111 are moved in a uniaxial manner. The first fixed contact 211, the second movable contact 112, and the second fixed contact 212 are separated (contacted / separated). Accordingly, arc A1 and arc A2 are generated in the gaps between the first movable contact 111 and the first fixed contact 211, and the second movable contact 112 and the second fixed contact 212, respectively. The arc A1 and the arc A2 are generated by the first arc horn 121, the first arc crunch 221 and the second arc owing to the electromagnetic force due to the self-current and the flow of the pressurized gas generated in the arc extinguishing space. Move to the gap between the horn 122 and the second arc cleaner 222, and further to the first arc extinguishing plate 50 and the second arc extinguishing plate (not shown) provided on the outside thereof. And the arc is extinguished. Therefore, a special effect that enables faster circuit interruption performance with respect to a large current such as a short-circuit current can be obtained. Since the abnormality detection unit 10 and the opening / closing mechanism unit 20 also operate with a slight delay, the first movable contact 111, the first fixed contact 211, the second movable contact 112, and the second fixed contact 212 that have been separated first are regrounded. Has the effect of preventing.

また、上記２対の接触子対に設けられた各接点間のア−クの発生位置を移動させるために設けた放電電極（ア−クホ−ンもしくはア−クランナ）を可動もしくは各固定接触子の導電路上の一部に構成しても良い。この場合、上記導電路は、一般的に銅、鉄もしくは、その合金にて構成されるので、上記電極も銅、鉄もしくは、その合金にて構成され、材料費および組立費を低減でき、安価に上記電極を設けることができる。また、上記導電路と異なる金属材を用いて上記電極を構成する場合においても、銅、鉄もしくは、その合金を選択すれば、材料費を低減できるという格別の効果が得られる。 Further, a discharge electrode (archorn or arcrunner) provided for moving the arc generation position between the contacts provided in the two contact pairs is movable or fixed contact. You may comprise in a part on this conductive path. In this case, since the conductive path is generally composed of copper, iron, or an alloy thereof, the electrode is also composed of copper, iron, or an alloy thereof, which can reduce material costs and assembly costs, and is inexpensive. The electrode can be provided on the substrate. In addition, even when the electrode is configured using a metal material different from the conductive path, a special effect that the material cost can be reduced can be obtained by selecting copper, iron, or an alloy thereof.

本発明の実施の形態１の回路遮断器を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the circuit breaker of Embodiment 1 of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態１の評価装置を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the evaluation apparatus of Embodiment 1 of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態１の評価装置を用いて、各種電極材料と評価装置内の圧力ピ−クの関係について試験した結果の一覧図である。It is a list figure of the result tested about the relationship between various electrode materials and the pressure peak in an evaluation apparatus using the evaluation apparatus of Embodiment 1 of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態２の回路遮断器を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the circuit breaker of Embodiment 2 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

１０１可動接触子（第１接触子）
１１１可動接点（第１接点）
１１２第２可動接点
１２１第１ア−クホ−ン（第１放電電極）
１２２第２ア−クホ−ン
２０１固定接触子（第２接触子）
２０２第２固定接触子
２１１固定接点（第２接点）
２１２第２固定接点
２２１第１ア−クランナ（第２放電電極）
２２２第２ア−クランナ
３０１消弧室容器（略密閉容器）
３１１排気口
３１２第２排気口
Ａア−ク
Ｕ空間

101 Movable contact (first contact)
111 Movable contact (first contact)
112 2nd movable contact 121 1st arc horn (1st discharge electrode)
122 Second arc horn 201 Fixed contact (second contact)
202 2nd fixed contact 211 Fixed contact (2nd contact)
212 2nd fixed contact 221 1st clinker (2nd discharge electrode)
222 2nd arc lanner 301 Arc-extinguishing chamber container (substantially sealed container)
311 exhaust port 312 2nd exhaust port A arc U space

Claims

A first contact provided with a first contact made of a first alloy containing any one of graphite, tungsten, and tungsten carbide, and a discharge electrode made of a second alloy having a melting point lower than that of the first contact, the first alloy And a second contact provided with a second contact, and an arc generated when the first contact and the second contact are brought into contact with and separated from each other. The discharge electrode has an accumulating space for pressurizing and holding the gas to be generated and an exhaust port for discharging the generated gas, and an arc generated on the first contact by the flow of the pressurized gas from the accumulating space is formed on the discharge electrode. A circuit breaker comprising a substantially hermetically sealed container that is moved to the arc and extinguished.

2. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein the main element of the alloy used for the discharge electrode is copper, silver or iron.

A plurality of contact pairs consisting of a first contact and a second contact, and a plurality of the contact pairs, are stored on the first contacts when the first contact and the second contact of each contact pair are separated from each other. 3. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, further comprising a substantially sealed container for moving the arc to be discharged onto the discharge electrode to extinguish the arc.

A first contact provided with a first contact made of an alloy containing any of graphite, tungsten, and tungsten carbide, and a second contact provided with a second contact made of an alloy having a melting point lower than that of the first contact And a pressure accumulating space that holds the first contact and the second contact, and pressurizes and holds a gas generated by an arc generated when the first contact and the second contact are separated from each other. A circuit breaker comprising a substantially hermetically sealed container having an exhaust port for discharging a gas to be extinguished and extinguishing the arc by a flow of pressurized gas from the pressure accumulating space.

5. The circuit breaker according to claim 4, wherein the main element of the alloy used for the second contact is copper, silver, or iron.

A plurality of contact pairs consisting of a first contact and a second contact, and a plurality of the contact pairs, are stored on the first contacts when the first contact and the second contact of each contact pair are separated from each other. A pressure-accumulating space for pressurizing and holding a gas generated by the arc to be formed and an exhaust port for discharging the generated gas, and a substantially sealed container for extinguishing the arc. The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 4 to 5.