JP7441605B2 - Contactor device with integrated pyrotechnic cutting function - Google Patents

Description

Cross-reference of related applications

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 15/889,516, "Mechanical Fusing Device," by Murray Stephen McTeague et al., filed on February 6, 2018. It claims priority based on No. 516.

U.S. Application No. 15/889,516 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 15/146,300, “Mechanical Fusing Device,” filed May 4, 2016 by Murray Stephen McTeigue et al. Claims priority from U.S. Application No. 15/146,300, which is a U.S. provisional application filed May 18, 2015 by Murray S. McTeague et al. No. 62/163,257 ``Mechanical fuse devices'' is claimed.

Additionally, U.S. Application Serial No. 15/889,516 and this application refer to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/612,988 by Daniel Sullivan et al. 15/889,516 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/612,988, each of which is incorporated by reference into this application.

Detailed description of the invention

[Background technology]
[Field of invention]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Devices related to electrical contactors for use with electrical equipment and systems are described herein. The apparatus described herein also relates to an electrical disconnector configured to function as a fuse-like sacrificial device for overcurrent protection.

Related technology

Connecting and disconnecting electrical circuits is as old as electrical circuits themselves, and is a commonly used method of switching power to electrical equipment connected to a circuit between an "on" and an "off" state. There is. One example of a commonly used device for connecting and disconnecting circuits is a contactor. The contactor is electrically connected to one or more devices or power sources. The contactor is configured to interrupt or complete a circuit to control power input to or output from the device. One conventional type of contactor is a hermetically sealed contactor.

In addition to the contactors that serve the purpose of connecting and disconnecting electrical circuits during normal operation of the device, various additional devices can be employed to provide overcurrent protection. These devices can prevent short circuits, overloads, and permanent damage to the electrical system or electrical equipment connected to the device. These devices are equipped with a disconnection device that can quickly and permanently interrupt the circuit so that the circuit remains disconnected until the disconnection device is repaired, replaced, or reset. One such cutting device is a fuse. A conventional fuse is a type of low resistance resistor that acts as a sacrificial device. A typical fuse comprises a metal wire or metal strip that melts when excessive current flows, interrupting the connected circuit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As society develops, various innovations in electrical systems and equipment are becoming more and more commonplace. One example of such innovation is the recent advances in electric vehicles. Electric vehicles may eventually become the energy-saving standard, replacing traditional petroleum-powered vehicles. For such expensive and routinely used electrical equipment, overcurrent protection is particularly appropriate to prevent failure or permanent damage to the equipment. Additionally, overcurrent protection can also prevent safety hazards such as electrical fires.

One problem with using conventional contactors and conventional disconnect devices is that the circuit design requires both a contactor and a disconnect device, e.g. a switch for normal operation and an overcurrent protection element. The problem is that at least two separate devices must be used to provide both. In particular, expensive modern electrical equipment, such as electric vehicles, requires valuable additional space to accommodate multiple devices, and the need to connect multiple devices to the circuits that lead to the equipment. Further design consideration is required.
[Summary of the invention]
Contactors configured to interrupt or complete connecting circuits are described herein. the circuit is configured to provide overcurrent protection by permanently interrupting a connected circuit, and to cause the circuit to remain interrupted until the disconnecting element is repaired, replaced, or reset; comprising at least one cutting element. In some embodiments, the cutting element has pyrotechnic functionality. When this pyrotechnic feature is activated, the resulting explosion generates sufficient force to cause a shift or change in orientation between the contactor's internal features, resulting in a permanent circuit interruption.

In one embodiment, the contactor device includes a housing and an internal component within the housing that changes the state of the contactor device from a closed state to an open state, or vice versa, in response to an input. It is composed of A closed state allows current to flow through the device, and an open state interrupts current flow through the device. The contactor device further includes contact structures electrically connected to the internal components for connection to external circuitry and pyrotechnic elements. The contactor device is configured to activate the pyrotechnic function when a threshold current level of current flows through the internal component. Thereby, the internal component is configured to transition the contactor device into an open state.

In another embodiment, a contactor device comprises a housing and an internal part, the internal part including a plurality of stationary contacts electrically isolated from each other and at least partially enclosed by the housing, and one or more fixed contacts. The above movable contact includes a movable contact that allows current to flow between the fixed contacts when the movable contact is in contact with the fixed contact, and a shaft connected to the movable contact. and a plurality of contact structures electrically connected to the internal components for connection with external circuitry. The contactor device further comprises a pyrotechnic feature, the pyrotechnic feature being configured to be activated when a threshold current level of current flows through the internal component to interact with the shaft structure, thereby causing the shaft structure to change its configuration. The movable contact is configured to be modified such that the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact.

In yet another embodiment, a contactor device includes a housing and an internal component. The internal component includes a plurality of fixed contacts that are electrically isolated from each other and at least partially surrounded by a housing, and a current flows between the fixed contacts when the movable contact is in contact with the fixed contacts. one or more movable contacts, a shaft structure connected to the movable contacts, a plunger structure connected to the shaft structure, and an electrical connection to the internal components for connection to an external circuit. and a solenoid configured to control operation of the plunger structure. The contactor device further comprises a pyrotechnic feature, the pyrotechnic feature being configured to be activated when a threshold current level of current flows through the internal component to interact with the shaft structure, thereby causing the shaft structure to change its configuration. The movable contact is configured to be modified such that the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact.

These and other additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. In addition, in the drawings, similar reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a contactor incorporating features of the present invention, showing a "closed" orientation that allows electricity to flow within the device. FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the contactor device shown in FIG. 1, showing an "open" or "disconnected" orientation that prevents the flow of electricity into the device. 3 is a cross-sectional front view of the embodiment of the contactor device shown in FIG. 1 showing different orientations, with the cutting element in a "triggered" state; FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the embodiment of the contactor device shown in FIG.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below. In the embodiments described below, a contactor device includes a housing containing internal components that determine the state of the device, the state in which current can flow through the device, and the state in which current can flow through the device. Specify contactor devices that are configured to switch between conditions in which the

The two states described above may be switched depending on the various forms of input that can be received. The input may include, for example, a manual input such as a user pressing a button to perform a "switching" function that activates the contactor device. In addition, for example, automatic input may also be possible. Automated inputs include, for example, sensors or a set of computer commands stored on a non-transitory storage medium that are executed by a processor and communicate with a cutting device, such as, for example, a current sensor, a voltage sensor, or a temperature sensor. cause internal components to switch states in response to timing or system information detected by sensors that are running. In response to this input, internal components can operate as described herein, such as by activating a solenoid or manual mechanism, and change configuration to transition between the two states.

In some embodiments, internal components of a contactor device having features of the present invention are configured to electrically contact a plurality of stationary contacts that are electrically isolated from each other; one or more movable contacts that allow current to flow between the fixed contacts. Additionally, in some embodiments, a movable contact is coupled to the shaft structure such that user input controls movement of the shaft and accordingly controls the movable contact to prevent electrical flow to the device. The movable contacts can be selectively separated from the fixed contacts. Similarly, movable contacts may be provided to selectively contact fixed contacts so that electricity flows through the device.

In addition to the normal operation described above, a device with features of the invention can also be equipped with a pyrotechnic disconnection function, which acts as overcurrent protection, e.g. in a similar way to a fuse or a circuit breaker, and as a result e.g. The device will become permanently inoperable. Sufficient levels of current flow through the device, meaning dangerous levels of current that could cause permanent damage to expensive electrical equipment to which it is connected, or that could cause an electrical fire. As a result, the pyrotechnic charge inside the device is activated. The resulting pyrotechnic explosion generates enough force to cause the internal parts to interact, causing the movable contact to become permanently separated from the stationary contact.

In some embodiments, devices incorporating features of the invention can include a piston structure that can be provided near or around the pyrotechnic charge. When the pyrotechnic charge is actuated, the resulting force pushes the piston structure away from the pyrotechnic charge, moves the piston structure onto the assembly of movable contacts, and pushes the movable contact away from the fixed contacts.

The preferred embodiments and examples herein are to be considered by way of example and not as limitations on the invention. The expressions "invention," "apparatus," "this invention," or "apparatus" as used in the specification refer to any of the embodiments and equivalents of the embodiments described herein. point to something. Furthermore, although there are references herein to various features of the "invention," "apparatus," "invention," or "apparatus," the mentioned features may be of interest in the claimed embodiments or methods. That doesn't mean it has to be included in everything.

Additionally, when an element or feature is referred to as being "on" or "adjacent" to another element or feature, it is referred to as being "on" or "adjacent" to another element or feature. It is understood that there may be directly above, immediately adjacent, or there may be intervening elements. When an element is referred to as being "attached," "connected," or "coupled" to another element, it means that the element is attached directly to another element. It is understood that they may be directly connected, or that intervening elements may be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly attached," "directly connected," or "directly coupled" to another element, an intervening It is understood that there is no element to do so.

In this specification, the words "outer", "above", "lower", and "below" are used to describe the relationship between one feature and another feature. ”, “horizontal”, “vertical” and similar expressions may also be used. It is understood that these expressions are intended to encompass different positional relationships in addition to those depicted in the drawings.

In this specification, expressions such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various elements and parts, but the elements and parts should not be limited by these expressions. These expressions are only used to distinguish one element or component from another. Therefore, a first element or part described below may be referred to as a second element or part without departing from the disclosure of the present invention.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not used to limit the invention. In the present invention, the singular expressions "a," "an," and "the" include plural expressions, unless the intent to exclude the plural can be clearly read from the sentence. Also included. Furthermore, as used herein, the expressions "comprises" and "comprising" refer to the presence of the described feature, integer, step, operation, element, and/or part. However, it is understood that this does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts, and/or groups thereof.

Embodiments of the invention are described with reference to various drawings and illustrations that outline idealized embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, variations from the shapes shown, resulting from, for example, manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of the parts illustrated herein, but are intended to encompass variations in shape that occur, for example, during manufacturing.

When a first element is referred to as being "between," "sandwiched," or "sandwiched between" two or more other elements, It is understood that when a first element exists, it can exist directly between two or more other elements or through intervening elements. For example, if a first element is "between" or "sandwiched between" a second element and a third element, then the first element and the third element may exist directly without any intervening elements, or the first element may be adjacent to one or more additional elements, together with the second element. It can also be present between an element and a third element.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a contactor device 100 with an integrated pyrotechnic cutting component that can function as a sacrificial cutting device in the event of an overcurrent event. In FIG. 1, the contactor device 100 is shown in a "closed" circuit state, allowing the flow of electricity through the contactor device. FIG. 1 further shows that the contactor is in a non-triggered mechanical orientation, or a "set" mechanical orientation, which allows the contactor device to function normally for switching operations between "closed" and "open" configurations. The pyrotechnic cutting device portion of apparatus 100 is shown. The cutting device portion of contactor device 100 also has a "trigger" orientation. In the triggered orientation, the circuit is interrupted, permanently disabling electrical flow through the contactor device until it is replaced or repaired and reset. A more detailed description of both the "closed" and "open" contactor modes and the "set" and "triggered" disconnection modes is provided below.

The contactor device 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a body 102 (also referred to as a housing 102) configured to electrically connect internal components of the contactor device with an external circuit, such as an electrical system or device. two or more fixed contact structures 104, 106 (two shown). The body 102 may comprise any suitable material that may support the structure and function of the contactor device 100 of the present disclosure, but does not impede the flow of electricity through the stationary contacts 104, 106 and internal components of the device. A sturdy material that can structurally support the contactor device 100 is preferred. In some embodiments, body 102 comprises a durable plastic or durable polymer. Body 102 at least partially encloses various internal components of contactor apparatus 100, which are described in detail below.

Body 102 may be constructed of any shape, including any regular or non-regular polygon, suitable for accommodating the various internal components described above. Even if the main body 102 has a continuous structure, it may include a plurality of connected parts, such as a base "cup" and an upper surface "header" sealed with an epoxy material. You may. Examples of the structure of the main body include structures described in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,321,281, 7,944,333, 8,446,240, and 9,013,254, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. GigaVac, Inc., Assignee of the US Pat.

The fixed contacts 104, 106 are configured so that various internal components of the contactor device 100 housed in the body 102 can be electrically connected to an external electrical system or device, thereby allowing the contactor Device 100 can function as a switch to break or complete an electrical circuit, as described herein. The stationary contacts 104, 106 may be made of, for example, various metals and metallic materials known in the art, or any electrical contact material or contacts suitable for providing electrical contact to the internal components of the contactor device. It can include any electrically conductive material, such as a structure. The stationary contacts 104, 106 can include a single continuous contact structure (as shown) or can include multiple electrically connected structures. For example, in some embodiments, fixed contacts 104, 106 can include two parts. As described herein, a first of the two portions extends from the body 102, is internal to the body 102, and is configured to interact with another component within the body. It can be electrically connected to part 2.

Body 102 may be configured such that an interior space of body 102 that houses various internal components of contactor device 100 is hermetically sealed . This hermetically sealed configuration, when used in conjunction with the use of electrically negative gases, can help reduce or prevent electrical arcing between adjacent conductive elements, and in some embodiments, spatially Promotes electrical isolation between spaced apart contacts. In some embodiments, body 102 may be under vacuum. Body 102 may be hermetically sealed using any known method of hermetically sealing electrical equipment. Examples of hermetically sealed devices include those described in U.S. Pat. All of these patents are assigned to Gigavac, Inc., the assignee of this application, and the entire contents of these patents are incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, body 102 may be at least partially filled with an electrically negative gas, such as, for example, sulfur hexafluoride or a mixture of nitrogen and sulfur hexafluoride. In some embodiments, the body 102 is constructed of a material that has low or nearly no air permeability to gases introduced into the housing. In some embodiments, the body may be composed of various gases, liquids, or solids that enhance the performance of the device.
Before describing the pyrotechnic cutting components of the contactor device 100 used for overcurrent protection, the contactor components utilized when the contactor device 100 is used as a normal switch will first be described. When not interacting with any of the other components within the body 102, the stationary contacts 104, 106 are electrically isolated from each other such that electricity cannot freely flow between them. Fixed contacts 104, 106 may be electrically isolated from each other by any known structure or method of electrical isolation.

As shown in FIG. 1, when the contactor device 100 is in the "closed" state, the movable contact 108 contacts both of the fixed contacts 104 and 106, which are electrically separated. , acts as a bridge that allows electrical signals to flow through the device from the first fixed contact 104 to the movable contact 108 and then to the second fixed contact structure 106, or vice versa. Accordingly, the contactor device 100 can be connected to an electrical circuit, electrical system, or electrical equipment to complete the circuit while the movable contact is in electrical contact with the fixed contact.

Movable contacts 108, in relation to fixed contacts 104, 106, may be constructed of any suitable electrically conductive material, including all materials described herein. Similar to the fixed contacts 104, 106, the movable contact 108 also functions as a contact bridge between the electrically separated fixed contacts 104, 106 to allow electricity to flow through the contactor device 100. This may include a single continuous structure (as shown) or may include multiple components electrically connected to each other.

The movable contact 108 may be configured to be movable so as to be in electrical contact or non-contact with the fixed contacts 104, 106. Since the fixed contacts 104 and 106 are electrically isolated from each other when they are not in contact with the movable contact 108, the above configuration allows the movable contact to be in electrical contact with the fixed contacts 104 and 106. When the movable contact 108 is not in electrical contact with the fixed contacts 104 and 106, the circuit is "open", that is, is interrupted. In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown in FIG. . Shaft 110 may be constructed of any material or shape suitable for functioning as an internal moving part that physically connects with movable contact 108 so that movable contact 108 can move therewith.

As described herein, movement of shaft 110 controls movement of movable contact 108, thereby controlling the position of movable contact 108 relative to fixed contacts 104, 106, thereby controlling contactor apparatus 100. The flow of electricity through the is controlled. Movement of the shaft may be controlled by a variety of configurations including, but not limited to, electrical and electronic, magnetic and electromagnetic, and manual configurations. An example of a manual arrangement for controlling a shaft connected to a movable contact is described in U.S. Pat. The contents are incorporated herein by reference. Exemplary manual control features include magnetic configurations, diaphragm configurations, and bellows configurations.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, movement of shaft 110 is controlled through the use of electromagnetic configurations. Plunger structure 111 is connected to a portion of shaft 110 or at least partially surrounds shaft 110. A solenoid 112 is also housed in the main body 102 . Although many different solenoids may be used, one example of a suitable solenoid is one that operates at low voltage and relatively high force. Although many other solenoids may be used, one example of a suitable solenoid is the model number SD1564 N1200 solenoid available from Vicron, Inc. In the embodiment shown, the plunger structure 111 may be constructed of a metallic material that is moved and controlled by a solenoid 112. Movement of plunger structure 111 controls movement of connected shaft 110, which in turn controls movement of connected movable contact 108.

The distance traveled by shaft 110 is controlled using various functions. The various features include, for example, springs that control the distance of travel/overtravel, and various portions of the body 102 that can impede or limit the distance that the shaft 110 travels. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the distance of movement of shaft 110 is controlled in part by hard stop 113. Hard stops 113 are configured to abut wings 114 of shaft 110 to limit the distance that shaft 110 moves once shaft 110 has moved a sufficient distance from fixed contacts 104, 106. Hard stop 113 may be constructed of any material or shape suitable for providing a surface in contact with shaft 110 to limit movement or travel distance of shaft 110. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, hard stop 113 is constructed of plastic material. As discussed in more detail below, in some embodiments, the hard stop 113 is configured to break or cut when the pyrotechnic cutting element is triggered.

Having described the basic switch function of the contactor device 110, we now describe the pyrotechnic disconnection element. The contactor device 100 may include several elements that can function as overcurrent protection, such as a pyrotechnic charge 202 and a piston structure 204. The piston structure 204 may be disposed near or around at least a portion of one or more internal components, such as the illustrated shaft 110, for example. Movement of the piston from its rest position then changes the configuration of the internal components, e.g., by pressing against the shaft 100 as described herein or otherwise moving the shaft 100, and the device can interrupt the flow of electricity through. The pyrotechnic charge 202 may be configured to activate when the electrical current exceeds a predetermined threshold level to prevent permanent damage to electrical equipment connected to the device, or a safety hazard such as an electrical fire.

The contactor device 100 has various sensor capabilities that can detect when the current flowing through the device reaches a dangerous level and trigger a pyrotechnic charge when this threshold level is detected. , may be equipped with various sensor functions. In some embodiments, contactor device 100 may include a dedicated current sensor configured to sense the level of current flowing through the device. The current sensor may be configured to directly or indirectly activate the pyrotechnic charge when the current reaches a threshold value. In some embodiments, the current sensor can send a signal proportional to the sensed current to activate the pyrotechnic charge when a threshold current level is sensed. In some embodiments, the current sensor may comprise a Hall effect sensor, a transformer or current clamp meter, a resistor, a fiber optic current sensor, or an interferometer.

In some embodiments, the pyrotechnic charge may be activated by electrical pulses and driven by an airbag system configured to sense multiple elements, similar to those used in modern vehicles. It is composed of In some embodiments, contactor device 100 may include one or more pyrotechnic pins 203. Pyrotechnic pin 203 may be configured to trigger pyrotechnic charge 202 upon receiving an actuation signal. In some embodiments, the pyrotechnic charge can be connected to another function that is already monitoring current. This further functionality may be, for example, a battery management component configured to send a signal to activate the pyrotechnic charge when a threshold current level is detected.

Pyrotechnic charge 202 can be a single charge structure or multiple charge structures. In some embodiments, pyrotechnic charge 202 comprises a dual charge structure, first comprising an initiator charge and secondly comprising a gas generating charge. As described herein, many different types may be used, provided that they are sufficient to provide sufficient force to move the piston structure 204 to permanently interrupt the circuit of the contactor device 100. Can use pyrotechnic charges. In some embodiments, pyrotechnic charge 202 includes zirconium potassium perchlorate, which has the advantage of being suitable for use as both an initiator charge and a gas generating charge. In some embodiments, the initiator charge is zirconium/potassium perchlorate, zirconium/tungsten/potassium perchlorate, titanium/potassium perchlorate, zirconium hydride/potassium perchlorate, or titanium hydride/perchlorate. Contains a fast-burning material such as potassium acid. In some embodiments, the gas generating charge comprises a slow burning material such as boron-potassium nitrate, or black powder.

When the pyrotechnic charge 202 is actuated, the force resulting from the actuation moves the piston structure 204 away from its rest position near or around the pyrotechnic charge 202, causing the piston structure 204 to push against the shaft 110. , the shaft is moved away from the stationary contacts 104,106. The force resulting from the actuation is also sufficient to rupture or cut off the hard stop 113, causing the shaft 110 to be forced, e.g., into the interior compartment 206 of the separately provided body 102. As a result, it is moved further away from the fixed contacts 104 and 106. The piston structure 204 may hold the shaft 110 at a greater distance from the stationary contacts 104, 106, such as holding the shaft 110 substantially within the internal compartment 206 of the separate body 102, to provide electrical power. The contactor device may be configured with sufficient scale (e.g., shape, size, spatial orientation, or other configuration) to maintain the internal components in a position or configuration such that water cannot flow through the contactor device. This causes the movable contacts 108 connected to the shaft 110 to be spaced apart from the fixed contacts 104, 106 by a larger spatial gap, causing the configuration of the device to become a "trigger" or "trigger" where electricity cannot flow through the device. Make it a permanent "open" configuration. In some embodiments, the piston structure 204 is configured with a size sufficient to place it in a position where it interacts with a portion of the body 102 so that it cannot readily move once moved by actuation of the pyrotechnic feature 202. .

In addition to a large spatial gap that rapidly forms between the fixed contacts 104, 106 and the movable contact 108, additional structures may also be utilized. For example, in some embodiments, one or more arc blowout magnets 208 (two shown) may be utilized to provide greater control of the electric arc. While the primary method of interrupting current flow is to rapidly open the contacts to form a large air gap, as described herein, the arc can be interrupted, for example by using a gas-generated charge. Additional performance may be obtained by applying a secondary gas blow to the target.

Some embodiments, including the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, may include other optional design features that help prevent the hazards posed by gases that rapidly accumulate due to operation of the pyrotechnic charge 202. In these embodiments, the body 102 may be configured such that upon actuation of the pyrotechnic charge 202, the piston structure 204 moves the shaft 110 with sufficient force to puncture a portion of the body 102. This allows the accumulated gas to be released quickly. This, in some embodiments, includes a membrane in a portion of the body 102 that is punctured during a pyrotechnic cutting cycle, such as by a sharp end 210 of the shaft 110, from a connecting vent 212 of the body 102. This is achieved by allowing the release of gas. The membrane may be a high temperature compatible filter membrane. Hot gases can thus be vented from the body 102. The release of pressure cools the electric arc, preventing rupture of the contactor housing and potentially improving performance.

2 and 3 illustrate breaking the circuit of electricity flowing to the contactor device 100 during normal switch operation and permanently blocking the circuit of electricity flowing to the contactor device 100 when the device is in a "triggered" condition. The difference between blocking is best shown. 2 and 3 show the contactor device 100 of FIG. 1 in different orientations. Similar to FIG. 1, FIGS. 2 and 3 show the main body 102, fixed contacts 104, 106, movable contact 108, shaft 110, plunger structure 111, solenoid 112, hard stop 113, wing portion 114 of shaft 110, Technique charge 202, pyro pin 203, piston structure 204, independent compartment 206 of body 102, arc blowout magnet 208, sharp end 210 of shaft 110, and vent 212 of body 102 are shown.

In FIG. 2, the contactor apparatus 100 is in the "open" state and the shaft 110 is moved such that the movable contact 108 connected to the shaft 110 is moved away from the fixed contacts 104, 106 by the cutting space gap 302. There is. As shown in FIG. 2, the contactor device 100 is still in the "set" position and the pyrotechnic function is not activated. The cutting spacing gap 302 spaces the movable contacts 108 a sufficient distance from the fixed contacts 104, 106, which are electrically isolated from each other, to interrupt the flow of electricity through the device. In contrast, in FIG. 3, the contactor device 100 is in a triggered state with the pyrotechnic charge 202 activated, and the piston structure 204 causes the shaft 110 and movable contact 108 to be directed further away from the fixed contacts 104, 106. move it. As a result, a larger circuit-breaking spatial gap 350 is rapidly formed between the fixed contacts 104, 106 and the movable contact 108.

The force resulting from actuation of pyrotechnic charge 202 and the resulting sudden movement of piston structure 204 and shaft 110 is sufficient to rupture or ablate hard stop 113. In FIG. 3, hard stop 113 is shown moving from an initial position where it connects to body 113. The hard stop 113 is constructed of a sturdy material that connects or integrates with the body 102 to function as a stop for the shaft 110 during normal operation of the device between the "closed" and "open" states of the circuit. can be done. However, during actuation of the pyrotechnic cutting function, the hard stop 113 is intentionally designed to "not function" as a stop structure, allowing the shaft 110 to break or break into the independent compartment 206 of the body. Can be made resectable.

In some embodiments, piston structure 204 can be configured to interact with piston stop 352 of body 102 after pyrotechnic charge 202 is activated. The interaction may occur, for example, by the piston stop 352 interacting with the position of the piston structure 204, such as by being configured such that a portion of the piston stop 352 contacts or couples with another portion of the piston structure 204. can. In some embodiments, piston structure 204 is not placed into contact with piston stop 352 until moved by actuation of pyrotechnic charge 202. This causes the piston structure 204 to be held between the piston stop 352 and the movable contact 108 when the pyrotechnic charge 202 is activated and the piston structure 204 is moved from its rest position. As shown in FIG. 3, this configuration places the piston structure 204 in a retained or fixed position relative to the movable contact 108. The piston structure 204 holds the movable contact 108 in place and prevents the fixed contacts 104, 106 and the movable contact 108 from backtracking into contact with each other and rendering the contactor device 100 inoperable. , which helps maintain the circuit-breaking spatial gap 350.

In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to the piston stop 352 of the body 102 , the independent compartment 206 of the body 102 is configured to include a shaft 110 that is moved into the independent compartment 206 by actuation of the pyrotechnic charge 202 . It may have sufficient scale, eg, size and shape, to be able to interact with the portion. In some embodiments, the independent compartment interacts with the excised hard stop 113 or with another structure connected to the shaft 110 that is moved into the independent compartment 206 by actuation of the pyrotechnic charge 202. It can be configured as follows. A portion of the shaft 110 described above, or a structure connected to the shaft 110, which was not located within the independent compartment 206 during normal operation of the device, is isolated during the pyrotechnic cycle during overcurrent protection operation. It is moved into compartment 206. The independent compartment 206 is of sufficient size and shape to hold the shaft 110 in place so that the movable contact 108 connected to the shaft 110 cannot backtrack and contact the fixed contacts 104, 106. , or additional features, such as features configured to interact with or couple with corresponding features of the shaft 110 or of structures connected to the shaft 110. It is.

FIG. 4 best illustrates the external features of the device. FIG. 4 shows a contactor device 100 comprising a body 102 and stationary contacts 104, 106 extending from the body 102 to enable external connections between internal components of the body and external electrical equipment or systems. show. Further shown in FIG. 4 is a lead wire 400 configured to power an internal solenoid (solenoid 112 of FIGS. 1-3) and interact with an internal pyrotechnic charge, such as a pyrotechnic pin. An optional pyrotechnic functional compartment 402 is shown that may be configured to house sensor functionality or actuation functionality for.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to some preferred configurations thereof, other variations in configuration are possible. Embodiments of the invention may be constructed from any combination of compatible features shown in the various drawings, and these embodiments should not be limited to what is specifically shown and discussed. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention should not be limited to what has been described above.

What has been described above is intended to cover all modifications and alternative configurations falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, and all contents of this disclosure, expressly or implicitly, are intended to be included in the claims. If not, it is not intended to be made available to the public.

Claims (19)

A contactor device,
a hermetically sealed housing;
internal components within the hermetically sealed housing;
a contact structure;
a pyrotechnic element within the hermetically sealed housing;
the internal component is configured to switch the state of the contactor device between a closed state and an open state in response to an input;
in the closed state current flows through the contactor device and in the open state the current flow through the contactor device is interrupted;
the contact structure is electrically connected to the internal component for connection with an external circuit;
the contactor device is configured such that a current at a threshold current level flows through the internal component, activating the pyrotechnic element such that the internal component switches the contactor device to the open state;
Switching the contactor device to the open state includes actuating a shaft structure that pierces a portion of the hermetically sealed housing in response to actuation of the pyrotechnic element to make contact. A contactor device comprising a sharpened portion configured to relieve pressure within the contactor device . The contactor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pyrotechnic element comprises a pyrotechnic charge, and the contactor apparatus further comprises a piston structure proximate the pyrotechnic charge. 3. The contactor apparatus of claim 2, wherein the piston structure is provided near the internal component, and actuation of the pyrotechnic charge moves the piston structure to change the configuration of the internal component. 4. A contactor device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the piston structure at least partially surrounds a portion of one of the internal parts. The piston structure is configured to maintain the internal part in the open state and to prevent the internal part from switching to the closed state when the piston structure moves after actuation of the pyrotechnic element. Contactor device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, configured on a scale. A contactor device,
a hermetically sealed housing;
internal components within the hermetically sealed housing;
a pyrotechnic function in the hermetically sealed housing;
The internal parts are
a fixed contact;
one or more movable contacts;
a shaft structure connected to the one or more movable contacts;
a contact structure electrically connected to the internal component for connection to an external circuit;
the stationary contacts are electrically isolated from each other and at least partially surrounded by the hermetically sealed housing;
the one or more movable contacts allow current to flow between the fixed contacts when the one or more movable contacts contact the fixed contacts;
The pyrotechnic features actuate the shaft structures to interact with each other so that when a threshold current level of current flows through the internal components, the shaft structures change configuration and the movable contact is configured such that the contactor is spaced apart from the stationary contact. 7. The contactor apparatus of claim 6, wherein the hermetically sealed housing comprises a separate internal compartment therein. 8. The contactor apparatus of claim 7, wherein the pyrotechnic function comprises a pyrotechnic charge, and the contactor apparatus further comprises a piston structure proximate the pyrotechnic charge. 9. The contactor apparatus of claim 8, wherein the piston structure is provided proximate the shaft structure, and actuation of the pyrotechnic charge forces the shaft structure substantially within the separate internal compartment. 10. The contact of claim 9, wherein the piston structure is configured of sufficient scale to hold the shaft structure in place such that the shaft structure is located substantially within the separate internal compartment. equipment. The hermetically sealed housing holds the piston structure in place such that the piston structure is substantially unable to move when the piston structure is moved from a rest position by actuation of the pyrotechnic feature. Contactor device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising a piston stop configured to. The shaft structure comprises a sharpened portion configured to puncture a portion of the hermetically sealed housing to relieve pressure within the contactor device upon actuation of the pyrotechnic function. 12. The contactor device according to any one of Item 11. The shaft structure includes a wing, and the hermetically sealed housing includes a hard stop structure configured to abut the wing and prevent over-travel of the shaft structure into the separate internal compartment. Contactor device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, comprising: 14. The contactor device of claim 13, wherein the hard stop structure is configured to dissect upon actuation of the pyrotechnic function to allow movement of the shaft structure further into the separate internal compartment. A contactor device,
a hermetically sealed housing;
internal components within the hermetically sealed housing;
a pyrotechnic function in the hermetically sealed housing;
The internal parts are
a fixed contact;
one or more movable contacts;
a shaft structure connected to the one or more movable contacts;
a plunger structure connected to the shaft structure;
a contact structure electrically connected to the internal component for connection to an external circuit;
a solenoid configured to control movement of the plunger structure;
the stationary contacts are electrically isolated from each other and at least partially surrounded by the hermetically sealed housing;
the one or more movable contacts allow current to flow between the fixed contacts when the one or more movable contacts contact the fixed contacts;
The pyrotechnic features actuate the shaft structures to interact with each other so that when a threshold current level of current flows through the internal components, the shaft structures change configuration and the movable contact a contactor device configured to be spaced apart from said stationary contact of said contactor device. 16. The contactor apparatus of claim 15, further comprising an arc blowout magnet. 17. The contactor device further comprises a pyrotechnic pin in communication with the pyrotechnic feature, the pyrotechnic feature being configured to actuate in response to an electrical actuation signal received by the pin. Contactor device as described in. Contactor arrangement according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the pyrotechnic function comprises a dual charge structure comprising a first initiator charge and a second gas generating charge. 19. The contactor apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first initiator charge comprises a fast burning material and the second gas generating charge comprises a slow burning material.

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