KR102173390B1 - Contactor device integrating pyrotechnic disconnect features - Google Patents

Abstract

A device that can be used herein as a contactor device, for example a switching element comprising a fixed contact electrically insulated from each other and one or more movable contacts configured to electrically contact the fixed contact to provide an electrical connection between the fixed contacts. Is initiated. The movement of the movable contact that is in electrical contact with or separates the fixed contact controls the flow of electricity through the device. The contactor device also includes a detonation isolating element that functions as a circuit breaker or fuse-like element to protect against overcurrent. When the current through the contactor device reaches a critical level, the detonator charge is activated, permanently preventing the movable contact from electrically contacting the fixed contact.

Description

CONTACTOR DEVICE INTEGRATING PYROTECHNIC DISCONNECT FEATURES

Cross-reference to related applications

This application is a partial continuation application of US Patent Application No. 15/889,516 by Murray Stephan McTigue et al. filed on February 6, 2018 under the name Mechanical Fuse Device, and the above patent application is In turn, as of May 4, 2016, a partial continuing application of US Patent Application No. 15/146,300 by Murray Stephan McTique, filed under the name of Mechanical Fuse Device, claims the benefit, and the patent application is in turn as of May 18, 2015 Claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 62/163,257 to Murray S. McTigue et al. filed under the name Mechanical Fuse Device. US Patent Application No. 15/889,516 and this application are both dated January 2, 2018, and the Contactor Device Integrating Pyrotechnic Disconnect (a contactor device comprising a detonator) is entitled US Provisional Application No. 62/612,988 to Daniel Sullivan et al. Claim more favorable interests. Each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference.

Field of invention

Devices are described herein relating to electrical contactors for use with electrical devices and systems. The device described herein also relates to an electrical disconnect configured to function as a sacrificial fuse-like device for overcurrent protection.

Connecting and disconnecting electrical circuits is as old as the electrical circuit itself, and is often used as a way to switch power to a connected electrical device between the "on" and "off" states. One example of a device commonly used to connect and disconnect circuits is one or more devices or contactors that are electrically connected to a power supply. The contactor is configured to control the power to and from the device by disconnecting or completing the circuit. One type of conventional contactor is a hermetically sealed contactor.

In addition to the contactors serving the purpose of connecting and disconnecting electrical circuits during normal operation of the device, various additional devices can be used that provide overcurrent protection. These devices can prevent short circuits, overloads and permanent damage to the electrical system or connected electrical devices. These devices include disconnect devices that can quickly disconnect a circuit in a permanent way that keeps the circuit disconnected until the disconnect device is repaired, replaced or reset. One of these types of disconnect devices is a fuse. A typical fuse is a kind of low resistance resistance that acts as a sacrificial device. A typical fuse contains a metal wire or strip that melts when too much current passes through it and breaks the circuit to which the fuse connects.

As society progresses, various innovations in electrical systems and electronic devices are becoming increasingly common. An example of this innovation is the recent advancement in electric vehicles that could one day become an energy-efficient standard and replace traditional petroleum-powered vehicles. In such expensive and routinely used electrical devices, overcurrent protection is particularly applicable to prevent device malfunction and prevent permanent damage to the device. In addition, overcurrent protection can prevent safety hazards such as electric fires.

One issue with using conventional contactors and separation devices is, for example, if the circuit design requires both contactors and separation devices to provide both a switch and an overcurrent protection element for routine operation, at least two Is that two separate devices must be used. Particularly in expensive modern electrical devices such as electric vehicles, this not only requires valuable additional space to accommodate multiple devices, but inevitably requires additional design considerations connecting multiple devices in a circuit to the electrical device. Let's do it.

A contactor configured to disconnect or complete a connected circuit is described herein, the contactor also comprising at least one disconnecting element configured to provide overcurrent protection by permanently disconnecting the connected circuit, so that the circuit can be repaired, replaced, or Keep it disconnected until reset. In some embodiments, the separation element includes a pyrotechnic feature. When these detonating features are activated, the resulting explosion generates enough force to shift or change direction between the internal features of the contactor, resulting in a permanent circuit break.

In one embodiment, a contactor device includes a housing and an internal component configured to change a state of the contactor device in response to an input and to a closed state and an open state. The closed state enables current flow through the device and the open state interrupts the current flow through the device. The device further includes a contact structure electrically connected to an internal component (component) for connection with an external circuit. The contactor device is configured such that when a threshold current level passes through the internal component, the detonation feature is activated such that the internal component transitions the contactor device to the open state.

In another embodiment, the contactor device comprises a housing and an internal component, the internal components being electrically insulated from each other and at least partially surrounded by a fixed contact, one or more movable contacts-when the movable contact contacts the fixed contact. And allowing current to flow between the fixed contacts, including a shaft structure connected to a movable contact, and a contact structure electrically connected to an internal component for connection with an external circuit. The contactor device further includes a detonation feature, wherein the detonation feature is activated when the critical current level passes through the internal component to interact with the shaft structure, causing the shaft structure to change configuration, so that the movable contact is a fixed contact. Is configured to be separated from

In another embodiment, the contactor device comprises a housing and an internal component, the internal components electrically insulated from each other and at least partially surrounded by a fixed contact, one or more movable contacts-the at least one movable contact is a movable contact. When in contact with the fixed contact, current flows between the fixed contacts -, the shaft structure connected to the movable contact, the plunger structure connected to the shaft structure, the contact structure electrically connected to the internal components for connection with the external circuit, and the plunger structure And a solenoid configured to control its movement. The contactor device further includes a detonation feature, wherein the detonation feature is activated and interacts with the shaft structure when a critical current level passes through the internal component, causing the shaft structure to change configuration, such that the movable contact is fixed to the It is configured to be separated from the contact.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description set forth in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote corresponding parts in the drawings.

1 is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a contactor incorporating features of the present invention, shown in a "closed" direction allowing electricity to flow through the device.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional front view of the embodiment of the contactor device of FIG. 1 shown in an "open" or "disconnected" direction that prevents electricity from flowing through the device.
FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the contactor device of FIG. 1 in a different direction in which the separation element is “triggered”.
4 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the contactor device of FIG. 1;

The present disclosure will now present a detailed description of various embodiments. These embodiments present a contactor device comprising a housing containing internal components configured to change the state of the device between a state that allows electricity to flow through the device and a state that does not allow electricity to flow through the device and vice versa.

The change between these two states may be performing a “switching” function using the contactor device in response to various types of inputs through which manual input may be received, such as, for example, a user pressing a button. Other forms of input can be used to switch internal components between states in response to timing information or system information detected by sensors or automated inputs, e.g., sensors that communicate with the separation device, e.g., current, voltage, or temperature sensors. And a set of computer instructions stored on a non-transitory medium that is executed by a processor that causes a transition from In response to this input, the internal component can operate as described herein, for example by actuating a solenoid or manual mechanism, and can change the configuration to change between the two states.

In some embodiments, the internal components of a contactor device comprising features of the present invention include fixed contacts electrically insulated from each other and one or more movable contacts configured to be in electrical contact with the fixed contacts to allow electricity to flow therebetween. . In some embodiments, the movable contact is connected to the shaft structure, and the movement of the shaft and thus the movement of the movable contact is controlled through user input, such that the movable contact is selectively separated from the fixed contact so that no electricity can flow through the device. do. Likewise, the movable contacts are arranged to selectively contact the fixed contacts to allow electricity to flow through the device.

In addition to the above routine operation, devices incorporating features of the invention can be used for overcurrent protection in a manner similar to a fuse or circuit breaker, for example functioning as a sacrificial feature, which renders the device permanently inoperable, for example. It may include a pyrotechnic disconnect feature that functions as. An explosive charge within the device when a current sufficient to present a dangerous level of current that could permanently damage an expensive connected electrical device or a sufficient level to present a hazard such as causing an electric fire. (pyrotechnic charge) is triggered. The resulting detonation detonation generates enough force to allow the internal components to interact with each other, causing the movable contact to be permanently separated from the fixed contact.

In some embodiments, a device incorporating features of the present invention may include a piston structure that may be disposed near or around a detonator charge. When the detonator load is activated, the resulting force pushes the piston structure away from the detonator and pushes the piston structure towards the movable contact assembly, pushing the movable contact away from the fixed contact.

Throughout this description, the preferred embodiments and examples shown are to be considered as examples rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used herein, the terms “invention”, “device”, “invention” or “invention device” refer to any embodiment and any equivalent of the embodiments of the invention described herein. . In addition, all embodiments or methods claimed as reference to various feature(s) of “invention”, “device”, “invention” or “the device” throughout this specification should include the feature(s) mentioned. It doesn't mean that it does.

Also, when an element or feature is referred to as being “above” or “adjacent” another element or feature, the element or feature may be directly above or adjacent to, or between another element or feature. Or features may also be present. In addition, when an element is referred to as being “attached”, “connected” or “coupled” to another element, the element is directly attached to, connected to, or can be joined to another element, or the other element or an element in between It is understood that it can exist. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly attached”, “directly connected” or “directly bonded” to another element, there are no intervening elements.

Relative terms such as "outer", "top", "bottom", "bottom", "horizontal", "vertical" and similar terms may be used herein to describe the relationship of one feature to another. . It is understood that these terms are intended to cover directions other than those depicted in the drawings.

Although terms such as first and second may be used to describe various elements or components in this specification, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component. Accordingly, a first element or component discussed below may be referred to as a second element or component without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

The terms used in this specification are only for describing specific embodiments, but are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “a” and “the” are also intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "comprises" and "comprising", as used herein, specify the presence of the recited features, integers, steps, actions, elements and/or elements, but do not exclude the presence of one or more other It will also be understood that the addition of features, integers, steps, actions, elements, components and/or groups thereof is not excluded.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to different drawings and examples, which are schematic diagrams of an ideal embodiment of the invention. As such, for example, deformation from the illustrative shape as a result of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances is expected. Embodiments of the invention should not be construed as being limited to the specific shape of the parts shown herein, but should include variations in shape resulting from, for example, manufacturing.

When a first element is referred to as being “between”, “sandwiched” or “sandwiched between” two or more other elements, the first element may be directly between or between two or more other elements. It is understood that may exist between two or more other elements. For example, if the first element is “between” or “sandwiched” the second element and the third element, the first element may be directly between the second and third elements without any intervening elements, or Alternatively, the first element may be adjacent to these additional elements, both of which are between the first element and one or more additional elements, between the second element and the third element.

1 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a contactor device 100 including an integrated detonation isolation component that can function as a sacrificial separator in the event of an overcurrent. 1 shows that the contactor device 100 is in a “closed” circuit position where electrical flow through the contactor device is possible. 1 is a non-triggered or “set” mechanical orientation that allows the detonating portion of the contactor device to operate a normally functioning contactor device between the “closed” and “open” positions. Shows what is in The separate portion of the contactor device 100 also has a "triggered" orientation in which the circuit is cut off and the flow of electricity through the contactor device is permanently disabled until the device is replaced, repaired or reset. The "closed" and "open" contactor modes and the "designated" and "triggered" separation modes are described in more detail herein.

The contactor device 100 of FIG. 1 comprises two or more fixed structures configured to electrically connect the body 102 (also referred to as housing 102) and the internal components of the contactor device to an external circuit, e.g., an electrical system or device. Contact structures 104, 106 (two shown). Body 102 may comprise any suitable material capable of supporting the structure and function of contactor device 100 as discussed herein, with preferred materials being fixed contacts 104, 106 and the interior of the device. It is a rigid material capable of providing structural support to the contactor device 100 without interfering with the electrical flow through the component. It includes fixed contacts 104 and 106 and internal components of the device. In some embodiments, body 102 comprises durable plastic or polymer. The body 102 at least partially surrounds the various internal components of the contactor device 100 described in more detail herein.

Body 102 may include any shape suitable to accommodate a variety of interior components, including any regular or irregular polygon. Body 102 may be a continuous structure or may include a number of component parts joined together, including, for example, a base body “cup” and an upper “header” portion sealed with an epoxy material. Some exemplary body configurations include configurations set forth in US Pat. Nos. 7,321,281, 7,944,333, 8,446,240, and 9,013,254, all of which are assigned to Gigavac, Inc., the assignee of this application, these patents All are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The fixed contacts 104 and 106 are configured to allow various internal components of the contactor device 100 housed within the body 102 to communicate electrically with an external electrical system or device, so that the contactor device 100 is described herein. It can function as a switch that blocks or completes an electrical circuit as described. The fixed contacts 104, 106 are any suitable conductive material for providing electrical contact with the internal components of the contactor device, e.g., various metals and metallic materials or any electrical contact material known in the art or It may include a structure. The fixed contacts 104, 106 may comprise a single continuous contact structure (as shown) or may comprise a plurality of electrically connected structures. For example, in some embodiments, the fixed contacts 104, 106 may comprise two parts, the first part extending from the body 102 and electrically connected to a second part inside the body 102. And the second portion is configured to interact with other components inside the body as described herein.

The body 102 may be configured such that the interior space of the body 102 that houses the various internal components of the contactor device 100 is hermetically sealed. When combined with the use of an electronegative gas, such a hermetically sealed configuration can help mitigate or prevent the occurrence of electric arcs between adjacent conductive elements, and in some embodiments, electrical contact between spatially separated contacts. It helps to provide insulation. In some embodiments, the body 102 may be under vacuum conditions. The body 102 may be hermetically sealed using any known means of making the electrical device hermetically sealed. Some examples of hermetically sealed devices include the devices set forth in US Pat. Nos. 7,321,281, 7,944,333, 8,446,240, and 9,013,254, all of which have been assigned to Gigavac, Inc., the assignee of this application, these patents. All patents are incorporated by reference in this application in their entirety.

In some embodiments, the body 102 may be at least partially filled with a negative electrode gas, such as sulfur hexafluoride or a mixture of nitrogen and sulfur hexafluoride. In some embodiments, the body 102 includes a material that is low or substantially impermeable to gases injected into the housing. In some embodiments, the body may include various gases, liquids or solids configured to increase the performance of the device.

Prior to describing the detonation component of the contactor device 100 used for overcurrent protection, the contactor component used during routine switching use of the contactor device 100 will be described first. When not interacting with any other components inside the body 102, the fixed contacts 104, 106 are electrically insulated from each other in different ways so that electricity cannot flow freely between them. The fixed contacts 104 and 106 may be electrically insulated from each other through any known structure or method of electrical insulation.

As shown in Fig. 1, when the contactor device 100 is in the "closed" position, the fixed contacts 104, 106, which would otherwise have been electrically insulated, are both contacted by the movable contact 108, so that the movable contact 108 functions, for example, as a bridge through which an electrical signal can flow through the device from the first fixed contact 104 to the movable contact 108, the second fixed contact 106 or vice versa. Therefore, the contactor device 100 can be connected to an electrical circuit, system or device, and complete the circuit while the movable contact is in electrical contact with the fixed contact.

The movable contact 108 may comprise any suitable conductive material, including any of the materials discussed herein with respect to the fixed contacts 104 and 106. Like fixed contacts 104, 106, movable contacts 108 are electrically connected to each other to serve as a contact bridge between a single continuous structure (not shown) or fixed contacts 104, 106 that would otherwise have been electrically insulated. It may include a number of component parts connected to each other, so that electricity can flow through the contactor device 100.

The movable contact 108 is configured so that the movable contact can enter and exit the state of electrical contact with the fixed contacts 104, 106, so that when the movable contact is in electrical contact with the fixed contacts 104, 106, the circuit is "closed" or To be completed, and when not in contact with the movable contact 108, the fixed contacts 104, 106 are otherwise electrically insulated from each other, so that the movable contact 108 will not be in electrical contact with the fixed contacts 104, 106. When it is made to be "open" or blocked. In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the movable contact 108 is physically connected to a shaft structure 110 configured to move along a predetermined distance within the contactor device 100. The shaft 110 may comprise any material or shape suitable for its function as an internal movable component physically connected to the movable contact 108 so that the movable contact 108 can move with the shaft 110. have.

The movement of the shaft 110 controls the movement of the movable contact 108, which in turn controls the position of the movable contact 108 with respect to the fixed contacts 104, 106, which in turn, as described herein Controls the flow of electricity through the contactor device 100. The movement of the shaft can be controlled through a variety of configurations including, but not limited to, electrical and electronic, magnetic and solenoid, and manual. An exemplary manual configuration for controlling a shaft connected to a movable contact is shown in US Patent No. 9,013,254 to Gigavac, Inc., the assignee of this application, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Some of the exemplary configurations of these manual control features include magnetic configuration, diaphragm configuration, and bellowed configuration.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the movement of the shaft 110 is controlled by using a solenoid configuration. The plunger structure 111 is connected to a portion of the shaft 110 or at least partially surrounds a portion of the shaft 110. Body 102 also houses solenoid 112. Many different solenoids can be used, and an example of a suitable solenoid is a solenoid that operates with relatively high power under low voltage. One example of a suitable solenoid is that many other solenoids can be used, but the solenoid model No. 1 is commercially available from Bicron Inc. It is SD1564 N1200. In the illustrated embodiment, the plunger structure 111 may comprise a metallic material that can be moved and controlled by the solenoid 112. The movement of the plunger structure 111 controls the movement of the connected shaft 110, which in turn controls the movement of the connected shaft 110.

The moving distance of the shaft 110 can be controlled using various features that can block or limit the moving distance of the shaft 110, for example, the travel/excess travel distance or a spring that controls various parts of the body 102. I can. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the moving distance of the shaft 110 is to limit the distance of the shaft 110 when the shaft 110 has moved a sufficient distance from the fixed contacts 104, 106, the shaft 110 It is controlled in part by a hard stop 113 configured to contact the wing portion 114 of the. The hard stop 113 may comprise any material or shape suitable to provide a surface that interacts with the shaft 110 to limit the travel or distance of travel of the shaft 110. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the hard stop 113 comprises a plastic material. In some embodiments, the hard stop 113 is configured to break or shear when the detonation element is triggered, as discussed further below in more detail.

Since the basic switching characteristics of the contactor device 100 have been presented, the detonation isolation element will now be described. The contactor device 100 may include several elements that can function as overcurrent protection including the detonator charge 202 and the piston structure 204. The piston structure 204 may be positioned near or at least partially about one or more internal components, for example, the shaft 110 as described herein, thereby allowing the piston from its resting position. As this moves, it is possible to change the configuration of the internal components to disrupt electrical flow through the device, for example by pressing the shaft 110 as described herein or otherwise moving the shaft. The detonator charge 202 may be configured to be activated when the current exceeds a predetermined threshold level to prevent safety hazards such as electric fire or permanent damage to the connected electrical device.

The contactor device 100 can detect when the current through the device has reached a dangerous level and can include various sensor features that can trigger a detonator when such a threshold level is detected. In some embodiments, the contactor device 100 may include a dedicated current sensor configured to detect the level of current flowing through the device. The current sensor can be configured to directly or indirectly activate the detonator charge when the current reaches a threshold level. In some embodiments, the current sensor may transmit a signal proportional to the detected current to activate the detonator when a threshold current level is detected. 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 detonator is configured to be activated by electric pulses and driven by an airbag system configured to detect a number of factors similar to those utilized in modern vehicles. In some embodiments, the contactor device 100 may include one or more pyrotechnic pins 203 that may be configured to trigger the detonator 202 when the pin 203 receives an activation signal. . In some embodiments, the detonator charge may be connected to another feature that monitors the current flowing already. These other features, such as the battery management component, can then be configured to send a signal to activate the detonator when a critical current level is detected.

The detonation loader 202 may be a single loader structure or a plurality of loader structures. In some embodiments, the detonator charge 202 comprises a dual charge structure comprising first an initiator charge and then a secondary gas generator charge. A number of different types of detonator charges are available if the used detonator load provides sufficient force to move the piston structure 204 to permanently block the circuit of the contactor device 100 as described herein. have. In some embodiments, the detonator load 202 comprises zirconium potassium perchlorate, which has the advantage of being suitable for use as both an initiator load and a gas generator load. In some embodiments, the initiator load comprises a fast-burning material such as zirconium perchlorate, zirconium tungsten potassium perchlorate, titanium perchlorate, zirconium hydroxide potassium perchlorate or titanium hydroxide potassium perchlorate. In some embodiments, the gas generator charge comprises a slow-burning material such as boron potassium nitride or black powder.

When the detonator charge 202 is activated, the resulting force pushes the piston structure 204 away from the rest position near or around the detonator charge 202, which in turn causes the piston structure 204 to Pressing 110 and causing the shaft to propel away from the fixed contacts 104, 106. The resulting force is also sufficient to break or shear the hard stop 113, causing the shaft 110 to move much further away from the fixed contacts 104, 106, for example separate from the body 10. It is pushed into the inner compartment 206. The piston structure 204 may, for example, maintain the shaft 110 in a position further away from the fixed contacts 104, 106, such that the shaft 110 is substantially in a separate internal compartment of the body 102. Sufficient dimensions (e.g., shape, size, etc.) to allow the piston structure 204 to hold the internal components in a position or configuration where electricity cannot flow through the contactor device by keeping the shaft 110 within 206). , Spatial orientation or other configuration). This in turn causes the movable contact 108 connected to the shaft 110 to be separated from the fixed contacts 104, 106 by a larger spatial gap, such that the device is "triggered" or permanently "open" in which electricity cannot flow through the device. Be in composition. In some embodiments, when the piston structure 204 is displaced once by activation of the detonating feature 202, the piston structure 204 is forcibly moved to a position where it interacts with a portion of the body 102 so that the piston structure can easily move. It is constructed with dimensions sufficient to prevent it.

In addition to the rapidly created large space gap between the fixed contacts 104 and 106 and the movable contacts 108, additional structures may be used. For example, in some embodiments, one or more arc blowout magnets 208 (two shown) may be used to further control electric arc generation. The main way to break the current flow is to quickly open the contact point into a much larger air gap as described herein, but through a secondary gas explosion aimed at arcing, for example, the use of gas generator loads. Incidental performance may be acquired through

In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, other optional design features may be included that may help to avoid hazards caused by the sudden build-up of gas resulting from activation of the detonator 202. have. In this embodiment, the body 102 is configured to propel the shaft 110 with a force sufficient to allow the piston structure 204 to puncture a portion of the body 102 when the detonator charge 202 is activated. I can. This causes the rapidly augmented gas to escape. In some embodiments, this is achieved by a portion of the body 102 that includes a membrane that can be perforated during the detonation cycle, for example by a sharp portion 210 of the shaft 110, such that the gas is hot It is possible to escape from the connected vent 212 of the body 102, which may be a filter membrane. Then, the hot gas can go out of the main body 102. Pressure relief can cool the electric arc and improve performance as well as prevent the contactor housing from bursting.

The difference between interrupting the electrical flow circuit through the contactor device 100 during normal switching operation and the permanent interruption of the electrical flow circuit through the contactor device 100 when the device is in the “triggered” state is shown in FIGS. Better illustrated in 3. 2 and 3 show the contactor device 100 of FIG. 1 but in a different orientation. As in FIG. 1, FIGS. 2 and 3 are the main body 102, the fixed contacts 104 and 106, the movable contact 108, the shaft 110, the plunger structure 111, the solenoid 112, the hard stop 113, Wing 114 of shaft 110, detonation load 202, detonation pin 203, piston structure 204, separate compartment 206 of main body 102, arc extinguishing magnet 208, shaft ( The sharp portion 210 of 110) and the ventilation portion 212 of the body 102 are shown.

The contactor device 100 is shown in the "open" state of FIG. 2 showing the shaft 110 moved such that the connected movable contact 108 is separated from the fixed contact 104, 106 by a separation space gap 302. do. As shown in Fig. 2, the contactor device 100 is still in the "designated" position with the detonation feature not activated. The separation space gap 302 separates the movable contact 108 a sufficient distance from the stationary contacts 104, 106 that are otherwise electrically insulated from each other, thereby disconnecting electrical flow through the device. In contrast, FIG. 3 shows that the piston structure 204 forcibly moves the shaft 110 and the movable contact 108 in a direction further away from the fixed contact 104, 106 when the detonator charge 202 is activated. Shows the contactor device 100 in a triggered state. This rapidly creates a larger circuit breaking space gap 350 between the fixed contacts 104 and 106 and the movable contacts 108.

The resulting force arising from activation of the detonator 202 and the resulting accidental movement of the piston structure 204 and shaft 110 is sufficient to break or shear the hard stop 113, which in FIG. It is shown displaced from its original position connected to 113. The hard stop 113 may comprise a rigid material connected or integrated with the body 102 to function as a stop for the shaft 110 during normal device operation between the “closed” and “open” circuit states. . However, during operation of the detonation feature, the hard stop 113 may be deliberately designed to break or shear so that the shaft 110 cannot “function” as a stationary structure and allows the shaft 110 to proceed towards a separate body compartment 206.

In some embodiments, the piston structure 204 is with the piston-stop portion 352 of the body 102 after the detonator charge 202 is activated, for example, by interacting with the position of the piston structure 204. , For example, may be configured to interact with a portion of the piston-stop portion 352 configured to mate or interact with another location on the piston structure 204. In some embodiments, the piston structure 204 will not be in contact with the piston-stop portion 352 until after the piston structure 204 is displaced by activation of the detonator charge 202. This allows the piston structure 204 to remain between the piston-stop portion 352 and the movable contact 108 when the detonator charge 202 is activated and the piston structure 204 is pushed out of its rest position. As shown in FIG. 3, this configuration positions the piston structure 204 in a position that holds or fixes the piston structure 204 relative to the movable contact 108. The piston structure 204 keeps the movable contact 108 in place and helps to keep the circuit-blocking space gap 350 intact, so that the fixed contacts 104, 106 and movable contacts 108 slide opposite each other. It cannot be contacted, and the contactor device 100 is put in an inoperative state.

In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to the piston-stop portion 352 of the body 102, a separate compartment 206 of the body 102 is a separate compartment 206 of the detonator charge 202. It may include sufficient dimensions, including, for example, size and shape, to enable interaction with a portion of the shaft 110 that has been moved towards a separate compartment 206 due to activation. In some embodiments, the separate compartment may be configured to contact other structures connected to the shaft 110 moved into the separate compartment 206 due to the activation of the sheared hard stop 113 or the detonator 202. have. During routine device operation this portion of the shaft 110 or the connected structure was not previously in a separate compartment, but is pushed into a separate compartment 206 during the detonation cycle during overcurrent protection operation. A separate compartment 206 is of sufficient size, shape or additional features to hold the shaft 110 in place, e.g., configured to interact or mate with a corresponding feature on the shaft 110 or connected structure. Feature, so that the movable contact 108 connected to the shaft is slightly turned and cannot come into contact with the fixed contacts 104, 106.

The external features of the device are best illustrated in Figure 4, which includes the body 102 and fixed contacts 104, 106 extending from the body 102 to connect the internal components of the body to an external electrical device or A contactor device 100 is shown for external connection to the system. FIG. 4 also shows an internal solenoid (solenoid 112 of FIGS. 1-3) and an internal detonating charge, for example, an optional detonating feature that may be configured to accommodate sensory or activating features that interact with the detonating pin. Shows a lead wire 400 configured to provide power to the compartment 402.

While the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred configurations of the invention, other versions are possible. Embodiments of the invention may include any combination of compatible features shown in the various figures, and these embodiments should not be limited to those explicitly shown and discussed. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the present invention should not be limited to the version described above.

The foregoing is intended to cover all modifications and alternative configurations falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and even if not set forth in any claim, any part of the present disclosure is expressly or implied in the public domain. It is not intended to be diverted.

Claims (26)

As a contactor device,
A hermetically sealed housing;
An internal component within the hermetically sealed housing, the internal component configured to change a state of the contactor device in response to an input to and from a closed state and an open state, the closed state controlling current flow through the device. Enabling the open state to interrupt current flow through the device;
A contact structure electrically connected to the internal component for connection with an external circuit; And
Comprising a pyrotechnic element in the hermetically sealed housing,
Wherein the contactor device is configured such that when a threshold current level passes through the internal component, the detonating feature is activated such that the internal component transitions the contactor device to the open state. delete The contactor device of claim 1, wherein the detonating element comprises a pyrotechnic charge, and the contactor device further comprises a piston structure proximate the detonating charge. 4. The contactor device of claim 3, wherein the piston structure is proximate to the inner component and activation of the detonator moves the piston structure to change the configuration of the inner component. 5. The contactor device of claim 4, wherein the piston structure at least partially surrounds a portion of one of the internal components. The method of claim 4, wherein the piston structure keeps the inner component in the open state and prevents the inner component from transitioning to the closed state when the piston structure is moved after the detonation element is activated. A contactor device comprising dimensions sufficient for. 5. The contactor device of claim 4, wherein the detonator is configured to be activated in response to an electrical pulse. 5. The contactor device of claim 4, wherein the detonator includes zirconium potassium perchlorate. As a contactor device,
housing;
Internal Components-The internal components are:
Fixed contacts electrically insulated from each other, the fixed contacts at least partially surrounded by the housing;
One or more movable contacts, the at least one movable contact allowing current to flow between the fixed contacts when the at least one movable contact contacts the fixed contact;
A shaft structure connected to the one or more movable contacts; And
Including a contact structure electrically connected to the internal component for connection with an external circuit; And
Detonation feature-The detonation feature is activated when a critical current level passes through the internal component, and pushes the movable contact away from the fixed contact, thereby interacting with the shaft structure, and the shaft structure And configured to change this configuration so that the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact. 10. The contactor device of claim 9, wherein the housing comprises a separate inner compartment within the housing. 11. The contactor device of claim 10, wherein the detonating element comprises a detonating charge and the contactor device further comprising a piston structure proximate the detonating charge. 12. The contactor device of claim 11, wherein the piston structure is proximate the shaft structure, and activation of the detonator causes the piston structure to push the shaft structure substantially into the separate interior compartment. 13. The contactor device of claim 12, wherein the piston structure comprises dimensions sufficient to hold the shaft structure in place such that the shaft structure is substantially within the separate interior compartment. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the housing maintains the piston structure in position so that the piston structure is substantially unable to move when the piston structure is forcibly moved from the resting position by activation of the detonator. The contactor device, further comprising a piston-stop portion configured to be configured. 14. The contactor device of claim 13, wherein the housing is hermetically sealed. As a contactor device,
housing;
Internal Components-The internal components are:
Fixed contacts electrically insulated from each other, the fixed contacts at least partially surrounded by the housing;
One or more movable contacts, the at least one movable contact allowing current to flow between the fixed contacts when the at least one movable contact contacts the fixed contact;
A shaft structure connected to the one or more movable contacts; And
Including a contact structure electrically connected to the internal component for connection with an external circuit; And
Detonation feature-the detonation feature is that the detonation feature is activated when a critical current level passes through the inner component, and interacts with the shaft structure to cause the shaft structure to change configuration, so that the movable contact is fixed to the Includes-configured to be separated from the contact
The housing is hermetically sealed, the housing comprises a separate inner compartment within the housing, the detonation element comprises a pyrotechnic charge, and the contactor device comprises a piston structure near the detonation charge. Includes,
The piston structure is close to the shaft structure, and activation of the detonation load causes the piston structure to substantially push the shaft structure into the separate inner compartment, and the piston structure allows the shaft structure to be substantially the Including dimensions sufficient to hold the shaft structure in place, such that it is within a separate interior compartment,
Wherein the shaft includes a sharp portion configured to puncture a portion of the housing and release internal device pressure in response to activation of the detonator. 17. The contactor device of claim 16, further comprising a vent comprising a hot filter membrane. As a contactor device,
housing;
Internal Components-The internal components are:
Fixed contacts electrically insulated from each other, the fixed contacts at least partially surrounded by the housing;
One or more movable contacts, the at least one movable contact allowing current to flow between the fixed contacts when the at least one movable contact contacts the fixed contact;
A shaft structure connected to the one or more movable contacts; And
Including a contact structure electrically connected to the internal component for connection with an external circuit; And
Detonation feature-the detonation feature is that the detonation feature is activated when a critical current level passes through the inner component, and interacts with the shaft structure to cause the shaft structure to change configuration, so that the movable contact is fixed to the Includes-configured to be separated from the contact,
Said housing comprises a separate inner compartment within said housing, said detonating element comprising a detonating charge, said contactor device comprising a piston structure proximate said detonating charge,
The piston structure is close to the shaft structure, and activation of the detonator causes the piston structure to substantially push the shaft structure into the separate inner compartment,
The shaft structure comprises a wing portion, the housing comprising a hard stop structure configured to abut against the wing portion to prevent excessive movement of the shaft structure into the separate inner compartment. . 19. The contactor device of claim 18, wherein the hard stop structure is configured to shear when the detonation feature is activated to cause the shaft structure to move further into the separate interior compartment. As a contactor device,
housing;
Internal Components-The internal components are:
Fixed contacts electrically insulated from each other, the fixed contacts at least partially surrounded by the housing;
One or more movable contacts, the at least one movable contact allowing current to flow between the fixed contacts when the at least one movable contact contacts the fixed contact;
A shaft structure composed of a first end and a second other end, the first end of the shaft structure being 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 with an external circuit; And
Comprising a solenoid configured to control movement of the plunger structure; And
Detonation feature-The detonation feature is located closer to the first end than the second other end of the shaft structure, and the detonation feature is activated when a critical current level passes through the inner component and interacts with the shaft structure. And configured to cause the shaft structure to change configuration so that the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact. 21. The contactor device of claim 20, further comprising an arc blowout magnet. 21. The contactor device of claim 20, wherein the contactor device further comprises a detonation pin in communication with the detonation feature, the detonation feature being configured to be activated in response to an electrical activation signal received by the pin. 21. The contactor device of claim 20, wherein the detonation feature comprises a single detonation charge. 21. The contactor device of claim 20, wherein the detonation feature comprises a dual charge structure comprising a first initiator charge and a secondary gas generator charge. 25. The contactor device of claim 24, wherein the initiator load comprises a fast burning material and the gas generator load comprises a slow burning material. 26. The contactor device of claim 25, wherein the initiator load comprises zirconium perchlorate potassium and the gas generator load comprises boron potassium nitride.

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