JP7638462B1 - High-speed input devices, power conversion devices, and power distribution equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The high-speed inserter (101) comprises a first electrode (10) and a second electrode (20) movable in a first direction (DR1) toward the first electrode. The second electrode is movable in the first direction from a first position spaced apart from the first electrode to a second position in contact with the first electrode. The high-speed inserter further comprises a discharge inducing mechanism (70) for inducing a discharge between the second electrode and the first electrode. The discharge inducing mechanism includes a trigger electrode (71) movable together with the second electrode. The second electrode has an end face (20A) facing the first electrode in the first direction. The second electrode is provided with a tapered hole (20H) that opens at the end face and has a hole diameter that decreases with increasing distance from the end face. The trigger electrode has a tip portion (71A) disposed inside the tapered hole.

Description

The present disclosure relates to a high-speed input device, and a power conversion device and a power distribution facility equipped with a high-speed input device.

The microfilm of Japanese Utility Model Application No. 62-13775 (Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 63-123026) (Patent Document 1) discloses a high-speed closing device that includes a fixed electrode, a movable electrode, a trigger electrode, a trigger voltage generating unit, and a control unit. In the high-speed closing device, the trigger voltage generating unit receives a start signal and applies a trigger voltage between the fixed electrode and the trigger electrode. After a trigger discharge occurs between the fixed electrode and the trigger electrode, a discharge subsequently occurs between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode due to the influence of the trigger discharge.

In the high-speed insertion device described in Patent Document 1, in order to prevent wear of the trigger electrode, the trigger electrode is provided in a recess formed inside the fixed electrode. The recess is wider than the opening that opens on the contact surface of the fixed electrode.

Microfilm of Utility Model Application No. 62-13775 (Utility Model Application No. 63-123026)

However, a high voltage is required to stably generate a trigger discharge between the fixed electrode and the trigger electrode located within the recess.

The main objective of the present disclosure is to provide a high-speed input device, a power conversion device, and a power distribution equipment that can stably generate a trigger discharge even at a lower voltage while suppressing wear on the trigger electrode.

The high-speed inserter according to the present disclosure comprises a first electrode and a second electrode movable in a first direction toward the first electrode. The second electrode is movable in the first direction from a first position spaced apart from the first electrode to a second position in contact with the first electrode. The high-speed inserter further comprises a discharge inducing mechanism for inducing a discharge between the second electrode and the first electrode. The discharge inducing mechanism includes a trigger electrode movable together with the second electrode. The second electrode has an end face facing the first electrode in the first direction. The second electrode is provided with a tapered hole that opens at the end face and has a hole diameter that decreases with increasing distance from the end face. The trigger electrode has a tip portion that is disposed inside the tapered hole.

In accordance with the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a high-speed input switch, a power conversion device, and a power distribution equipment that can stably generate a trigger discharge at a lower voltage while suppressing wear on the trigger electrode.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a high-speed inserter according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing region II in FIG. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing region III in FIG. 2 . 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an operating state achieved during a closing operation in the high-speed closing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a second electrode is inserted into a first electrode in the high-speed inserter according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a high-speed inserter according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing region VII in FIG. 6 . FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a high-speed inserter according to a third embodiment. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an operating state achieved during a closing operation in the high-speed closing device of the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a first electrode and a second electrode are connected to each other in a high-speed connecting device according to embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a power control circuit included in a power conversion device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power receiving and distributing circuit included in a power receiving and distributing facility according to a fifth embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same reference numbers are used for the same configurations, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

The high-speed plug according to the present embodiment is electrically connected in parallel to one module circuit in an electrical device having multiple module circuits. When the one module circuit fails, the high-speed plug shorts both ends of the one module circuit to disable it and prevent the effect of the failure from spreading to other module circuits. The high-speed plug according to the present disclosure can be applied to any electrical device. As an example, the high-speed plug according to the present disclosure can be applied to a power conversion device. The high-speed plug according to the present disclosure is connected in parallel to each of the multiple module circuits (unit converters) in the power conversion device, with each of the multiple module circuits (unit converters) being protected. As another example, the high-speed plug according to the present disclosure can be applied to a power distribution facility. The high-speed plug according to the present disclosure is connected between one pole of the circuit breaker of each switch gear and a ground conductor, with each of the multiple module circuits (switch gears) being protected in the power distribution facility.

Embodiment 1.
<Configuration of high-speed inserter>
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the high speed input device 101 of the first embodiment includes a first electrode 10, a second electrode 20, a guide portion 30, a holding portion 41, a first driving portion 50, and a discharge inducing mechanism 70.

The first electrode 10 is a fixed electrode. The second electrode 20 is a movable electrode. The guide portion 30 guides the movement of the second electrode 20. The second electrode 20 is electrically connected to the guide portion 30 and is movable relative to the first electrode 10 and the guide portion 30.

The second electrode 20 is movable from a first position spaced apart from the first electrode 10 to a second position in contact with the first electrode 10.

In this specification, the state in which the second electrode 20 is in the first position is referred to as the first state, and the state in which the second electrode 20 is in the second position is referred to as the second state.

Figure 1 shows a first state of the high-speed inserter 101. Figure 4 shows an operating state achieved after the second electrode 20 starts moving from the first position to the second position. Figure 5 shows a second state of the high-speed inserter 101.

In this specification, the movement direction of the second electrode 20 is described as the first direction DR1. The first direction DR1 may be along the up-down direction. In this case, it is preferable that the second electrode 20 is disposed above the first electrode 10. The first direction DR1 may be along the horizontal direction. A central axis that passes through the center of the second electrode 20 when viewed from the first direction DR1 and extends along the first direction DR1 is described as the central axis CA. The radial direction relative to the central axis CA is described as the second direction DR2.

The first electrode 10 has an end face 10A facing the second electrode 20 in the first direction DR1. The end face 10A is, for example, a convex surface. The end face 10A may be a flat surface or a concave surface. The second electrode 20 has a front end face 20A facing the end face 10A of the first electrode 10 in the first direction DR1, a side face 20B facing the guide portion 30 in the second direction DR2, and a rear end face 20C (see FIG. 2) located on the opposite side to the front end face 20A. The second electrode 20 has a tapered hole 20H that opens to the front end face 20A. The hole diameter of the tapered hole 20H becomes smaller as it moves away from the front end face 20A. The hole axis of the tapered hole 20H coincides with the central axis CA.

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

The front end surface 20A of the second electrode 20 in the first position faces the end surface 10A of the first electrode 10 with a gap therebetween. The front end surface 20A of the second electrode 20 in the second position contacts the end surface 10A of the first electrode 10.

The second electrode 20 is further provided with a through hole 20I that communicates with the tapered hole 20H. The minimum value of the hole diameter of the through hole 20I is larger than the minimum value of the hole diameter of the tapered hole 20H. The hole axis of the through hole 20I coincides with the central axis CA.

The guide portion 30 has a guide surface 30A extending along the first direction DR1. The guide surface 30A is, for example, an inner diameter surface that continues in the circumferential direction about the central axis CA. The guide surface 30A faces the side surface 20B of the second electrode 20 in the second direction DR2.

The holding portion 41 can hold the second electrode 20, which is spaced apart from the first electrode 10, against the guide portion 30. The holding portion 41 is arranged to slide against the guide surface 30A of the guide portion 30 when the second electrode 20 is pressed by the first drive portion 50 and moves in the first direction DR1.

The first driving unit 50 can press and move the second electrode 20 held by the holding unit 41 toward the first electrode 10.

The discharge inducing mechanism 70 induces a discharge between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20. The discharge inducing mechanism 70 includes a trigger electrode 71. The trigger electrode 71 is movable together with the second electrode 20 in the first direction DR1.

The trigger electrode 71 is electrically insulated from the second electrode 20. The trigger electrode 71 has a tip 71A and a rear end located on the opposite side of the tip 71A in the first direction DR1. The tip 71A is the front end of the trigger electrode 71 located closest to the first electrode 10 in the first direction DR1. The tip 71A is located inside the tapered hole 20H of the second electrode 20. The tip 71A does not protrude toward the first electrode 10 beyond the front end surface 20A of the second electrode 20. The end surface of the tip 71A is located on the same plane as the front end surface 20A of the second electrode 20, for example.

The discharge inducing mechanism 70 further includes a voltage generating element 73. The voltage generating element 73 is movable in the first direction DR1 together with the second electrode 20 and the trigger electrode 71. The voltage generating element 73 outputs a trigger voltage to the trigger electrode 71. Preferably, the voltage generating element 73 is configured not to output the trigger voltage in the first state shown in FIG. 1, but to output the trigger voltage when the operating state shown in FIG. 4 is reached.

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

The voltage generating element 73 is arranged on the opposite side of the trigger electrode 71 from the first electrode 10 in the first direction DR1. When viewed from the first direction DR1, the voltage generating element 73 is arranged so as to overlap with the trigger electrode 71.

The voltage generating element 73 is, for example, a piezoelectric element. The voltage generating element 73 is configured to generate a potential difference between the first ends 73A and 73B when mechanical energy (non-electrical energy) is applied. The first driving unit 50 is configured to press the second electrode 20 and the voltage generating element 73 simultaneously.

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

The discharge inducing mechanism 70 may further include an insulating member 72 and connection portions 74, 75.

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

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

The connection parts 74 and 75 electrically connect the second end 73B of the voltage generating element 73 to the second electrode 20. The connection parts 74 and 75 have a conductive plate 74 and a conductive pillar 75.

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

The conductive pillar 75 electrically connects the outer portion of the conductive plate 74 to the second electrode 20. The connection portions 74, 75 may have at least one conductive pillar 75, but preferably have multiple conductive pillars 75. The multiple conductive pillars 75 are spaced apart from one another and surround the trigger electrode 71 and the voltage generating element 73 in the circumferential direction relative to the central axis CA.

The connection parts 74, 75 may be provided to fix the trigger electrode 71, the insulating member 72, and the voltage generating element 73 integrally to the second electrode 20. The conductive pillar 75 may be a fixing member that can be fixed to the second electrode 20. The conductive pillar 75 is, for example, a screw. The second electrode 20 and the trigger electrode 71, the insulating member 72, the voltage generating element 73, and the connection parts 74, 75 of the discharge inducing mechanism 70 can move integrally in the first direction DR1. The first drive unit 50 may be provided to press the central portion of the conductive plate 74.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tapered hole 20H has a first opening end 20H1 that opens to the front end face 20A and a second opening end 20H2 located on the opposite side to the first opening end 20H1.

The first through hole 72H has a third opening end 72H1 that communicates with the second opening end 20H2 of the tapered hole 20H. In the radial direction (second direction DR2) relative to the bore axis of the tapered hole 20H, the third opening end 72H1 of the first through hole 72H is disposed inward of the second opening end 20H2 of the tapered hole 20H.

3, the distance between the tip 71A of the trigger electrode 71 and the second opening end 20H2 of the tapered hole 20H is the minimum distance D1 between the tip 71A of the trigger electrode 71 and the second electrode 20. The minimum distance D1 between the tip 71A of the trigger electrode 71 and the second electrode 20 is smaller than the shortest distance L between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 in the second position.

The front portion of the insulating member 72 has a front end surface 72A. The first through hole 72H opens to the front end surface 72A of the insulating member 72. The front end surface 72A extends further inward than the second opening end 20H2 of the tapered hole 20H. The rear portion of the insulating member 72 has a side surface 72B (see FIG. 1) that faces the guide surface 30A of the guide portion 30 and the second direction DR2. The rear portion of the insulating member 72 has a recess 72J that is recessed relative to the rear end surface of the insulating member 72. The conductive plate 74 and a portion of the conductive pillar 75 are disposed within the recess 72J.

A specific example of the high speed input device 101 will be described in detail below.
<Example of high-speed inserter>
The first electrode 10 has a bottom 11 and a first protrusion 12. The bottom 11 is exposed to the outside in the high-speed input device 101. The bottom 11 is provided as a first lid 2. The bottom 11 has a center and an outer edge surrounding the center when viewed from the first direction DR1. The outer edge of the bottom 11 is connected to one open end of the first tube 3 in the first direction DR1. The first protrusion 12 protrudes from the center of the bottom 11 toward the second electrode 20. The first protrusion 12 has the end surface 10A. The end surface 10A is, for example, a plane perpendicular to the first direction DR1. The end surface 10A may be a curved surface. The end surface 10A may be a convex surface.

In the first electrode 10, the first protrusion 12 is provided, for example, as a separate member from the bottom 11. The first protrusion 12 may be provided as the same member as the bottom 11.

The second electrode 20 is movable in a first direction DR1 toward the first electrode 10. The second electrode 20 has a main body 21 and a second protrusion 22. The main body 21 is disposed on the opposite side of the first electrode 10 with respect to the second protrusion 22 in the first direction DR1. The main body 21 has a central portion and an outer edge portion surrounding the central portion when viewed from the first direction DR1. The outer edge portion of the main body 21 is connected to one open end of the first tube portion 3 in the first direction DR1. The second protrusion 22 protrudes from the central portion of the main body 21 toward the first electrode 10. The outer diameter of the second protrusion 22 in the second direction DR2 is smaller than the outer diameter of the main body 21 in the second direction DR2.

The second protrusion 22 has a front end surface 20A facing the first electrode 10 in the first direction DR1. The outer edge of the main body 21 has a side surface 20B facing outward in the second direction DR2. The side surface 20B faces the guide surface 30A of the guide portion 30 in the second direction DR2 at each of the first and second positions. From a different perspective, the guide surface 30A of the guide portion 30 guides the second electrode 20 and the holding portion 41 when the second electrode 20 moves from the first position to the second position.

A first groove portion 21G is provided on the side surface 20B of the second electrode 20. The first groove portion 21G is recessed inward from the side surface 20B in the second direction DR2 and extends along the circumferential direction about the central axis CA. The first groove portion 21G is, for example, an annular groove that continues in the circumferential direction about the central axis CA. The first groove portion 21G is provided to accommodate a portion of the retaining portion 41.

The first groove portion 21G has a pair of inner wall surfaces that face each other in the first direction DR1 and a bottom surface that connects the inner circumferential ends of the pair of inner wall surfaces. The bottom surface of the first groove portion 21G faces the guide surface 30A of the guide portion 30 in the second direction DR2.

The length of the guide surface 30A of the guide section 30 in the first direction DR1 is equal to or greater than the movement distance between the first position and the second position of the second electrode 20. The distance in the second direction DR2 between the side surface 20B of the second electrode 20 and the guide surface 30A of the guide section 30 is shorter than the distance in the second direction DR2 between the side surface of the first electrode 10 and the inner surface of the first tube section 3.

Preferably, in the first state, the shortest distance L between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 is longer than the shortest distance between the first electrode 10 and the guide portion 30.

The retaining portion 41 is an elastic body that is elastically deformable in the second direction DR2. The retaining portion 41 is, for example, a ring-shaped elastic body. The retaining portion 41 is in contact with each of the bottom surface of the first groove portion 21G and the guide surface 30A. The retaining portion 41 is sandwiched between the bottom surface of the first groove portion 21G and the guide surface 30A and compressed in the second direction DR2. The retaining portion 41 applies a reaction force (elastic force) to each of the bottom surface of the first groove portion 21G and the guide surface 30A.

The retaining portion 41 is in contact with at least one of the pair of inner wall surfaces of the first groove portion 21G. The retaining portion 41 is in contact with, for example, each of the pair of inner wall surfaces of the first groove portion 21G.

The retaining portion 41 is, for example, a spring coil. When viewed from the first direction DR1, the retaining portion 41 is bent into a ring shape so as to surround the bottom surface of the first groove portion 21G of the second electrode 20. One circumferential end of the retaining portion 41 is connected to, for example, the other circumferential end of the retaining portion 41. The retaining portion 41 is compressed in the second direction DR2.

The first drive unit 50 is, for example, a cylinder. The first drive unit 50 has, for example, a cylinder tube 51, a rod 52, and a linear motion mechanism 53. The cylinder tube 51 is fixed to the second lid portion 5. The rod 52 is movable relative to the cylinder tube 51 in the first direction DR1. The rod 52 is capable of pressing the second electrode 20 toward the first electrode 10. The linear motion mechanism 53 has, for example, a motor and a ball screw, and moves the rod 52 in the first direction DR1 in response to the rotation of the motor.

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

In the second state, the rod 52 may be spaced apart from the conductive plate 74. The second electrode 20 in contact with the first electrode 10 may be held only by the spring 60 described later.

The high-speed inserter 101 may further include a spring 60. The spring 60 biases the second electrode 20, which is spaced apart from at least the first electrode 10, toward the first electrode 10. The spring 60 biases the second electrode 20 toward the first electrode 10 at least in the first state. Preferably, the spring 60 can bias the second electrode 20, which is in contact with the first electrode 10, toward the first electrode 10. Preferably, the spring 60 biases the second electrode 20 toward the first electrode 10 in the first state and the second state.

The spring 60 is disposed on the opposite side of the second electrode 20 from the first electrode 10 in the first direction DR1. The spring 60 is disposed on the opposite side of the insulating member 72 from the first electrode 10 in the first direction DR1. One end of the spring 60 in the first direction DR1 is connected to the rear portion of the insulating member 72. One end of the spring 60 in the first direction DR1 is disposed within the recess 72J of the insulating member 72. The other end of the spring 60 in the first direction DR1 is connected to, for example, the second lid portion 5.

The spring 60 is expandable and contractable in a first direction DR1. The natural length of the spring 60 in the first direction DR1 is shorter than the distance in the first direction DR1 between the second electrode 20 and the second lid portion 5 in the first state. Preferably, the natural length of the spring 60 in the first direction DR1 is shorter than the distance in the first direction DR1 between the second electrode 20 and the second lid portion 5 in the second state.

The spring 60 is spaced apart from the conductive plate 74 and the first drive unit 50. The inner diameter of the spring 60 in the second direction DR2 is larger than the maximum width in the second direction DR2 of the conductive plate 74 and the maximum width in the second direction DR2 of the first drive unit 50. The spring 60 is arranged, for example, so as to surround the conductive plate 74 and the first drive unit 50 in the second direction DR2. The outer diameter of the spring 60 in the second direction DR2 is smaller than the outer diameter in the second direction DR2 of the second electrode 20. The outer diameter of the spring 60 in the second direction DR2 is smaller than the inner diameter in the second direction DR2 of the recess 72J.

As shown in Fig. 1, the high-speed inserter 101 includes, for example, a container 1. The container 1 includes, for example, a first lid portion 2, a first tube portion 3, a second tube portion 4, a second lid portion 5, and a third tube portion 6. Each of the first lid portion 2 and the second tube portion 4 is electrically conductive. Each of the first tube portion 3, the second lid portion 5, and the third tube portion 6 is electrically insulating.

For example, the bottom 11 of the first electrode 10 forms the first lid portion 2. The first electrode 10 forms one of two main electrodes (the first main electrode) of the high-speed input device 101 electrically connected in parallel to one module circuit.

For example, at least a part of the guide portion 30 forms the second tube portion 4. The guide portion 30 has, for example, a portion formed by the second tube portion 4 and a portion electrically connected to the second tube portion 4 and fitted into the inner diameter surface of the third tube portion 6. The guide portion 30 forms the other main electrode (second main electrode) of the two main electrodes of the high-speed input device 101 that are electrically connected in parallel to one module circuit in the high-speed input device 101.

In an electrical device equipped with a high-speed input device 101, the first main electrode is connected to one of the input terminal and output terminal of the module circuit. The second main electrode is connected to the other of the input terminal and output terminal of the module circuit.

The first tube section 3, the second tube section 4, and the third tube section 6 extend along the first direction DR1 and are arranged side by side in the first direction DR1. One open end of the first tube section 3 in the first direction DR1 is blocked by the first lid section 2. The other open end of the first tube section 3 in the first direction DR1 is connected to one open end of the second tube section 4 in the first direction DR1. The other open end of the second tube section 4 in the first direction DR1 is connected to one open end of the third tube section 6 in the first direction DR1. The other open end of the third tube section 6 in the first direction DR1 is blocked by the second lid section 5. Inside the container 1, a space surrounded by the first lid section 2, the first tube section 3, the second tube section 4, the third tube section 6, and the second lid section 5 is formed. Two or more adjacent members among the first lid portion 2, the first pipe portion 3, the second pipe portion 4, the second lid portion 5, and the third pipe portion 6 may be integrally provided as the same member. Also, at least one of the first lid portion 2, the first pipe portion 3, the second pipe portion 4, the second lid portion 5, and the third pipe portion 6 may be provided as an assembly of multiple members.

The internal space of the container 1 is filled with an insulating gas such as air or sulfur hexafluoride. The internal space of the container 1 may be a vacuum.

The high-speed power supply 101 is maintained in the first state shown in FIG. 1 until a power supply operation is initiated due to detection of an abnormality in the module circuit, for example.

In the first state, the shortest distance L in the first direction DR1 between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 held by the holding portion 41 is equal to or greater than the insulation distance between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20. In the first state, the module circuit electrically connected in parallel to the high-speed shutoff device 101 is operating normally. In the first state, a voltage applied to the module circuit electrically connected in parallel to the high-speed shutoff device 101 is applied between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20. In the first state, the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 are electrically insulated, so that a normal current flows through the module circuit.

In the first state, the discharge inducing mechanism 70 does not induce a discharge between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20. The voltage generating element 73 does not output a trigger voltage.

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

In the high-speed closing device 101, when an abnormality in the module circuit is detected, a closing command signal is input to the first drive unit 50. The first drive unit 50 presses the second electrode 20, the voltage generating element 73, and the holding part 41 toward the first electrode 10 via the conductive plate 74. As a result, the second electrode 20, the voltage generating element 73, and the holding part 41 start to move toward the first electrode 10 in the first direction DR1. A potential difference is generated between the first end 73A and the second end 73B of the voltage generating element 73. Since the trigger electrode 71 is electrically connected to the first end 73A and the second electrode 20 is electrically connected to the second end 73B, a potential difference is also generated between the trigger electrode 71 and the second electrode 20.

As shown in FIG. 4, before the second electrode 20 reaches the second position, the voltage generating element 73 generates a trigger voltage between the first end 73A and the second end 73B. The trigger voltage is a voltage greater than the dielectric breakdown voltage of the medium between the trigger electrode 71 and the second electrode 20. The voltage generating element 73 is configured to generate the trigger voltage, for example, immediately after the second electrode 20 starts to move. The voltage generating element 73 may be configured to generate the trigger voltage when the second electrode 20 starts to move. The trigger voltage is applied between the trigger electrode 71 and the second electrode 20. A trigger discharge occurs between the tip 71A of the trigger electrode 71 and the second electrode 20.

Even in the operating state shown in Figure 4, the distance between the tip 71A of the trigger electrode 71 and the second electrode 20 is smaller than the distance between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20.

Due to the trigger discharge, charged particles are generated between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20. The charged particles reduce the breakdown voltage of the medium between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20. The breakdown voltage of the medium between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 becomes smaller than the voltage applied between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, a discharge DC is generated between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20, and the second electrode 20 is conductive to the first electrode 10. As a result, before the second electrode 20 contacts the first electrode 10, the path of the fault current is switched from the module circuit electrically connected in parallel to the high-speed switch 101 to the high-speed switch 101. The module circuit electrically connected in parallel to the high-speed switch 101 is bypassed and disabled.

The voltage generating element 73 may be configured to generate a trigger voltage immediately after the second electrode 20 starts to move. The voltage generating element 73 may be configured to generate a trigger voltage when the second electrode 20 starts to move from the first position.

The second electrode 20 is further pressed toward the first electrode 10 by the first drive unit 50 and the spring 60. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the second electrode 20 contacts the first electrode 10. The second electrode 20 is conductive to the first electrode 10 without discharge. The fault current continues to flow through the rapid cutter 101. The second state in which the second electrode 20 contacts the first electrode 10 can be maintained by at least one of the first drive unit 50 and the spring 60. In this way, the rapid cutter 101 can act as a path for the fault current while the second electrode 20 is in contact with the first electrode 10 after the operating state shown in FIG. 4.

In the high-speed inserter 101, the second electrode 20 is provided with a tapered hole 20H that opens at the front end surface 20A and has a hole diameter that becomes smaller as it moves away from the front end surface 20A. The trigger electrode 71 has a tip portion 71A that is disposed inside the tapered hole 20H. Therefore, in the high-speed inserter 101, the narrowest part between the trigger electrode 71 and the second electrode 20 can be formed between the trigger electrode 71 and the second opening end 20H2 of the tapered hole 20H. The interval between the trigger electrode 71 and the second opening end 20H2 of the tapered hole 20H can be smaller than the minimum interval between the trigger electrode and the fixed electrode described in the above Patent Document 1. Therefore, even if the voltage applied between the trigger electrode 71 and the second opening end 20H2 of the tapered hole 20H is small, a trigger discharge can be stably generated between the trigger electrode 71 and the second electrode 20, and as a result, a discharge can be stably generated between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20.

In the high-speed inserter 101, the trigger electrode 71 can move together with the second electrode 20, so that the second electrode 20 can be quickly brought into contact with the first electrode 10 after the second electrode 20 and the first electrode 10 are short-circuited due to a trigger discharge. This makes it possible to maintain the short-circuited state between the second electrode 20 and the first electrode 10 for a long period of time while preventing wear on the trigger electrode 71. Such a high-speed inserter 101 is suitable for a power conversion device.

In the high-speed inserter 101, the front end face 20A is a convex surface that protrudes toward the first electrode 10 as it approaches the hole axis (center axis CA) in the radial direction (second direction DR2) of the tapered hole 20H. In this way, the dielectric breakdown caused by the trigger discharge can be generated near the tapered hole 20H, and dielectric breakdown can be prevented from occurring in unintended locations. For example, dielectric breakdown can be prevented from occurring at the outer edge of the front end face 20A.

In the high-speed inserter 101, the third opening end 72H1 of the first through hole 72H of the insulating member 72 is disposed inwardly of the second opening end 20H2 of the tapered hole 20H in the radial direction relative to the axis of the tapered hole 20H. From a different perspective, the front end surface 72A of the insulating member 72 extends inwardly of the second opening end 20H2 of the tapered hole 20H. Such an insulating member 72 can prevent the trigger electrode 71 inserted in the first through hole 72H from being electrically connected to the second electrode 20.

In the high-speed input device 101, the trigger electrode 71, insulating member 72, and voltage generating element 73 of the discharge inducing mechanism 70 may be fixed integrally to the second electrode 20 by the connecting parts 74, 75. The trigger electrode 71, insulating member 72, and voltage generating element 73 can move integrally with the second electrode 20 in the first direction DR1 without a complex structure. In addition, a high-voltage circuit for outputting a trigger voltage to the trigger electrode 71, a control circuit for controlling the high-voltage circuit, and wiring for electrically connecting these circuits to the trigger electrode 71 are not required.

In the high-speed input device 101, the voltage generating element 73 may be a piezoelectric element. In this case, the first drive unit 50 may be arranged to simultaneously press the second electrode 20 and the voltage generating element 73. In this way, a high-voltage circuit for generating a trigger voltage and a control circuit for controlling the high-voltage circuit are not required.

In the high-speed inserter 101, the holding portion 41 may be configured to slide against the guide portion 30 when the second electrode 20 pressed toward the first electrode 10 by the first driving portion 50 moves in the first direction DR1.

When such a holding part 41 is pressed in the first direction DR1 via the second electrode 20 by the first driving part 50, it is unable to prevent the movement of the second electrode 20, and moves together with the second electrode 20 toward the first electrode 10, sliding against the guide part 30. The direction of the pressing force applied to the second electrode 20 and the holding part 41 to insert the second electrode 20 into the first electrode 10 is the same as the moving direction of the second electrode 20. In such a high-speed inserter 101, the inserting operation of inserting the second electrode 20 into the first electrode 10 can be performed as a one-stage operation, so that the inserting operation can be performed at a higher speed than the conventional high-speed inserter described above.

The high-speed input device 101 may further include a spring 60 that biases the second electrode 20 toward the first electrode 10. The holding unit 41 allows the second electrode 20 to move toward the first electrode 10 when the second electrode 20 biased by the spring 60 is pressed by the first driving unit 50.

In such a high-speed inserter 101, the pressing force of the first drive unit 50 and the biasing force of the spring 60 are applied to the second electrode 20 and the holding unit 41, so that the insertion speed (speed of switching from the first state to the second state) can be increased compared to when only the pressing force of the first drive unit 50 is applied to the second electrode 20 and the holding unit 41.

In the high-speed input device 101, the spring 60 may be capable of biasing the second electrode 20 in contact with the first electrode 10 toward the first electrode 10. This makes the contact pressure between the second electrode 20 and the first electrode 10 larger than when the spring 60 does not bias the second electrode 20 in contact with the first electrode 10 toward the first electrode 10. In such a high-speed input device 101, the state in which the second electrode 20 is conducting electricity to the first electrode 10 can be more reliably maintained.

The high-speed inserter 101 may include a container 1 in which an insulating space is formed. The first electrode 10 and the guide unit 30 constitute a part of the container 1. The second electrode 20, the holding unit 41, and at least a part of the first drive unit 50 are disposed within the container 1. In such a high-speed inserter 101, it is possible to prevent the second electrode 20 and the first electrode 10 from being electrically connected to each other via a conductive gas that exists between the second electrode 20 and the first electrode 10 in the first position.

The holding portion 41 is positioned relative to the second electrode 20 and may slide relative to the guide portion 30 as the second electrode 20 moves. Such holding portion 41 and guide portion 30 can appropriately guide the second electrode 20 moving from the first position to the second position. Even when the second electrode 20 is in the second position, a frictional force may be generated between the holding portion 41 and the guide portion 30. This frictional force, together with the contact pressure by the spring 60, suppresses the second electrode 20 from moving in a direction away from the first electrode 10.

In the high-speed input device 101, the holding portion 41 may be conductive. Such a holding portion 41 can also serve as a connecting member that electrically connects the second electrode 20 and the guide portion 30 as the second main electrode. Therefore, in the high-speed input device 101, there is no need to provide a connecting member for electrically connecting the second electrode 20 and the guide portion 30 as the second main electrode separately from the holding portion 41, and the number of parts can be reduced compared to a high-speed input device in which the connecting member is provided separately from the holding portion 41.

A first groove portion 21G may be provided on the side surface 20B of the second electrode 20. The holding portion 41 contacts each of the guide surface 30A and the bottom surface of the first groove portion 21G. The first groove portion 21G can position the holding portion 41 with respect to the second electrode 20.

In the high-speed inserter 101, the holding portion 41 may be a spring coil. When viewed from the first direction DR1, the holding portion 41 is bent into a ring shape so as to surround the second electrode 20, and is compressed in the second direction DR2. The holding force of the holding portion 41, i.e., the reaction force applied by the holding portion 41 to each of the bottom surface of the first groove portion 21G and the guide surface 30A, is relatively stable and can be easily adjusted. Therefore, it is also easy to adjust the balance between the holding force of the holding portion 41 and the biasing force of the spring 60. Therefore, the high-speed inserter 101 has a more stable insertion operation than a conventional high-speed inserter. For example, the insertion operation of the high-speed inserter 101 is more stable than a high-speed inserter that has a type in which a notch is provided in the holding portion spanning between the movable electrode and the container, and the holding portion is pressed to cut the holding portion at the notch to insert the movable electrode into the fixed electrode.

Embodiment 2.
6 and 7, unless otherwise specified, the high speed input device 102 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration and the same action and effect as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components as those of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will not be repeated.

In the high-speed inserter 102, the tip 71A of the trigger electrode 71 is spaced farther from the first electrode 10 than the front end face 20A.

The distance D2 in the first direction DR1 between the tip 71A of the trigger electrode 71 and the front end face 20A of the second electrode 20 is, for example, shorter than the length in the first direction DR1 of the portion protruding from the front end face 72A of the insulating member 72 into the tapered hole 20H. The distance D2 in the first direction DR1 between the tip 71A of the trigger electrode 71 and the front end face 20A of the second electrode 20 is, for example, smaller than the distance D3 in the second direction DR2 between the tip 71A and the inner surface of the tapered hole 20H. The distance D2 in the first direction DR1 between the tip 71A of the trigger electrode 71 and the front end face 20A of the second electrode 20 is, for example, larger than the minimum distance D1 between the tip 71A of the trigger electrode 71 and the second electrode 20.

In the high-speed inserter 102, the tip 71A of the trigger electrode 71 is farther away from the first electrode 10 than the front end surface 20A, so that the electric field at the tip 71A is relaxed by the front end surface 20A. This makes it possible to prevent unintended discharge from occurring at the tip 71A.

Embodiment 3.
8 to 10, unless otherwise specified, the high-speed input device 103 according to the third embodiment has the same configuration and the same action and effect as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components as those of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will not be repeated.

The high-speed input device 103 is provided with a first electrode 120 instead of the first electrode 10. The first electrode 120 is movable toward the second electrode 20 in the first direction DR1. No discharge induction mechanism is provided on the first electrode 120 side.

The high-speed inserter 103 further includes a second drive unit 150 capable of pressing the first electrode 120 toward the second electrode 20. Preferably, the high-speed inserter 103 includes a guide unit 130, a holding unit 141, and a spring 160 as components related to the movement of the first electrode 120. The guide unit 130, the holding unit 141, the second drive unit 150, and the spring 160 may have the same configuration as the guide unit 30, the holding unit 41, the first drive unit 50, and the spring 60.

In the high-speed inserter 103, the first electrode 120 and the second electrode 20 move closer to each other during the inserting operation, so that the inserting speed can be made even faster than that of the high-speed inserter 101.

Embodiment 4.
11 , the power conversion device according to the fourth embodiment includes a plurality of power control circuits 200. The plurality of power control circuits 200 are connected in series with each other. The power control circuit 200 includes terminals A and B, a module circuit 210, and a high-speed input device 100.

Terminals A and B are connected to a higher-level system (e.g., an AC power system) of the power conversion device. The module circuit 210 has a switching element 211 and an electric energy storage device 212. The switching element 211 has, for example, an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) or a thyristor. The electric energy storage device 212 has, for example, a capacitor.

The high-speed plug 100 is any one of the high-speed plugs 101 to 103. The high-speed plug 100 is electrically connected in parallel to the module circuit 210. A fixed electrode (first main electrode) of the high-speed plug 100 is connected to one of the input terminal and output terminal of the module circuit 210. A guide portion (second main electrode) of the high-speed plug 100 is connected to the other of the input terminal and output terminal of the module circuit 210.

When the module circuit 210 is operating normally, the current flows through the module circuit 210 and does not flow through the high-speed input device 100. When the module circuit 210 fails, the high-speed input device 100 operates and the terminals A and B are shorted. The high-speed input device 100 performs the above-mentioned input operation. As a result, in the power control circuit 200, the current flows through the high-speed input device 100 and bypasses the failed module circuit 210. Since the failed module circuit 210 can be excluded from the current path, it is possible to prevent the influence of the failed module circuit 210 from spreading to other power control circuits 200 and the upper system of the power control circuit 200. Therefore, in the power conversion device according to this embodiment, the remaining power control circuits 200 and their upper systems can continue to operate without being affected by the failed module circuit 210. Furthermore, in the case where the number of power control circuits 200 in the power conversion device is redundant, the power conversion device can continue normal operation.

In addition, when the module circuit 210 fails, an arc may occur in the module circuit 210. If the arc occurs for a long time, the peripheral components of the module circuit 210 may be damaged or may be destroyed with an explosion. In the power conversion device of this embodiment, the high-speed input device 100 operates at high speed, so that the arc occurrence time can be shortened and damage to peripheral components and destruction with an explosion can be prevented. The power conversion device of this embodiment has high explosion-proof performance.

Embodiment 5.
12 is a single-line connection diagram showing an example of a secondary side of a transformer of the power receiving and distributing equipment 220 according to embodiment 5. The power receiving and distributing equipment 220 distributes AC power supplied from a power transmission system to load side circuits 228 such as elevators, air conditioners, and lighting.

As shown in FIG. 12, the power receiving and distributing equipment 220 in embodiment 5 includes a transformer 221 and a plurality of switchgears 222, 223.

The transformer 221 steps down the high voltage power received from the power transmission system.
The multiple switchgears 222 are installed between the transformer 221 and a busbar 226. Each switchgear 222 includes a high-speed closing device 100 and a circuit breaker 224. The high-speed closing device 100 is any one of the high-speed closing devices 101 to 103. One of the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20 of the high-speed closing device 100 is electrically connected to a pole on the power receiving side of the circuit breaker 224 (one of the poles connected to the power transmission system side). The other of the fixed electrode 10 and the movable electrode 20 of the high-speed closing device 100 is electrically connected to a ground conductor.

The multiple switch gears 223 include a switch gear 223 installed on the bus bar and multiple switch gears 223 installed between the bus bar 226 and each of the multiple load side circuits 228. Each switch gear 223 does not include, for example, a high-speed closing device 100.

When no arc accident (internal arc accident) such as a ground fault or short circuit has occurred in each of the multiple switch gears 222 and the multiple switch gears 223, the current flows through the circuit breaker 224 in the switch gear 222 and does not flow through the rapid cut-off switch 100. When an arc accident occurs in any of the multiple switch gears 222, the rapid cut-off switch 100 in the switch gear 222 where the accident occurred performs the above-mentioned cut-off operation, the arc current flows through the rapid cut-off switch 100, and the arc is extinguished. Furthermore, the switch gear 222 where the accident occurred and the lower system of the switch gear 222 are excluded from the current path of the power receiving and distribution equipment 220. When an arc accident occurs in any of the multiple switch gears 223, the rapid cut-off switch 100 in the switch gear 222 of the higher system of the switch gear 223 where the accident occurred performs the above-mentioned cut-off operation, the arc current flows through the rapid cut-off switch 100, and the arc is extinguished. Furthermore, a downstream system (including the switchgear 223 where the accident occurred) of the switchgear 222 where the closing operation was performed is excluded from the current path of the power receiving and distribution equipment 220. As a result, in the power receiving and distribution equipment 220, it is possible to prevent the influence of the switchgears 222, 223 where the accident occurred from spreading to healthy current paths that do not include the switchgears 222, 223, and it is possible to continue operation of the healthy current path and the load side circuit 228 that receives power from the healthy current path.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

1 container, 2 first lid portion, 3 first tube portion, 4 second tube portion, 5 second lid portion, 6 third tube portion, 10 first electrode, 10A end surface, 11 bottom portion, 12 first protrusion portion, 20 second electrode, 20A front end surface, 20B side surface, 20C rear end surface, 20H tapered hole, 20H1 first opening end, 20H2 second opening end, 20I through hole, 21 main body portion, 21G first groove portion, 22 second protrusion portion, 30 guide portion, 30A guide surface, 41 holding portion, 50 first drive portion, 51 cylinder tube, 52 rod, 53 linear motion mechanism, 60 spring, 70 discharge induction mechanism, 71 trigger electrode, 71A tip portion, 72 insulating member, 72A front end surface, 72B side surface, 72H first through hole, 72H1 Third opening end, 72I second through hole, 72J recess, 73 voltage generating element, 73A first end, 73B second end, 74, 75 connection portion, 100, 101, 102, 103 rapid closing device, 120 first electrode, 130 guide portion, 141 holding portion, 150 second driving portion, 160 spring, 200 power control circuit, 201 switching element, 202 electrical energy storage device, 210 module circuit, 221 transformer, 222, 223 switch gear, 224 circuit breaker, 226 bus bar, 228 load side circuit.

Claims (14)

A first electrode;
a second electrode movable in a first direction toward the first electrode;
the second electrode is movable in the first direction from a first position spaced apart from the first electrode to a second position in contact with the first electrode;
Further comprising a discharge inducing mechanism for inducing a discharge between the second electrode and the first electrode,
the discharge inducing mechanism includes a trigger electrode movable together with the second electrode;
the second electrode has an end surface facing the first electrode in the first direction,
the second electrode is provided with a tapered hole that opens to the end surface and has a diameter that decreases with increasing distance from the end surface;
The trigger electrode has a tip disposed within the tapered hole. The high-speed inserter according to claim 1, wherein the end surface is a convex surface that protrudes toward the first electrode as it approaches the axis of the tapered hole in a radial direction relative to the axis of the tapered hole. The high-speed inserter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tip of the trigger electrode is farther away from the first electrode than the end face. The high-speed inserter according to claim 3, wherein the distance in the first direction between the tip of the trigger electrode and the end face of the second electrode is shorter than the distance in the radial direction with respect to the axis of the tapered hole between the tip and the inner circumferential surface of the tapered hole. the tapered hole has a first opening end that opens to the end surface and a second opening end located on the opposite side to the first opening end,
the discharge inducing mechanism further includes an insulating member that electrically insulates the trigger electrode from the second electrode;
the insulating member is provided with a first through hole through which the trigger electrode is inserted,
the first through hole has a third opening end communicating with the second opening end,
3. The high speed inserter according to claim 1 , wherein the third opening end of the first through hole is disposed more inwardly than the second opening end of the tapered hole in a radial direction relative to a hole axis of the tapered hole. The discharge inducing mechanism further includes a voltage generating element movable together with the second electrode,
the insulating member is further provided with a second through hole communicating with the first through hole and housing the voltage generating element;
the voltage generating element has a first end connected to the trigger electrode and a second end located opposite to the first end, and is provided to generate a potential difference between the first end and the second end;
the discharge inducing mechanism further includes a connection portion that electrically connects the second electrode and the second end portion,
The rapid closing switch according to claim 5 , wherein the trigger electrode, the insulating member, and the voltage generating element are integrally fixed to the second electrode by the connecting portion. a first driving unit capable of pressing the second electrode from the first position toward the second position;
the voltage generating element is a piezoelectric element,
The high speed inserter according to claim 6 , wherein the first drive section is arranged to press the second electrode and the piezoelectric element simultaneously. a guide portion that guides the movement of the second electrode in the first direction;
a holding portion capable of holding the second electrode at the first position relative to the guide portion,
8. The high-speed inserter according to claim 7, wherein the holding portion slides against at least one of the second electrode and the guide portion when the second electrode pressed toward the first electrode by the first driving portion moves in the first direction. a spring that biases the second electrode toward the first electrode;
9. The high speed inserter according to claim 8, wherein the holding portion allows the second electrode to move toward the first electrode when the second electrode biased by the spring is pressed against the first driving portion. the first drive unit is connected to the connection unit,
The high speed inserter according to claim 9 , wherein the spring is spaced from the first drive portion and connected to the insulating member. A container is provided in which an insulating space is formed,
The first electrode constitutes a part of the container,
The rapid injection device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the second electrode and the trigger electrode are disposed within the vessel. the first electrode is movable in the first direction toward the second electrode;
The high speed inserter according to claim 1 or 2 , further comprising a second drive unit capable of pressing the first electrode toward the second electrode. The high-speed inserter according to claim 1 or 2 ,
and a module circuit.
The fast switch is electrically connected in parallel with the module circuit. The high-speed inserter according to claim 1 or 2 ,
A circuit breaker;
a ground conductor;
one of the first electrode and the second electrode of the high-speed closing switch is electrically connected to one pole of the circuit breaker, and the other of the first electrode and the second electrode of the high-speed closing switch is electrically connected to the ground conductor.

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