JP2010218977A - Contact switching device - Google Patents

Contact switching device Download PDF

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Publication number
JP2010218977A
JP2010218977A JP2009066844A JP2009066844A JP2010218977A JP 2010218977 A JP2010218977 A JP 2010218977A JP 2009066844 A JP2009066844 A JP 2009066844A JP 2009066844 A JP2009066844 A JP 2009066844A JP 2010218977 A JP2010218977 A JP 2010218977A
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movable electrode
contact
liquid metal
switching device
liquid
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Shoichi Kobayashi
昌一 小林
Riichi Uotome
利一 魚留
Shuichi Katayama
秀一 片山
Koji Yokoyama
浩司 横山
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Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd
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Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a contact switching device which opens and closes a contact through a liquid metal and has good response. <P>SOLUTION: A surface portion 9 which is hardly wetted by a liquid metal 5 is provided at a portion to contact the liquid metal 5 of a movable electrode 7 installed capable of contact and separation from the liquid metal 5 by applying fluorine system coating work with conductivity or surface-roughening work or the like. Thereby, when the contact switching device is switched over from "On" to "Off", the liquid metal 5 is suppressed from being lifted in moving direction of the movable electrode 7 by viscosity of the liquid metal 5, and the movable electrode 7 and the liquid metal 5 are promptly separated, thereby, response (switching characteristics) at the time of switching over of On/Off can be improved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、液体金属を介して接点を開閉する接点開閉装置に関する。   The present invention relates to a contact switching device that opens and closes a contact via a liquid metal.

従来の接点開閉装置として、水銀が充填された2つの収容部を有する容器と、収容部内において一端が水銀に接触する一対の固定電極と、各水銀に接離可能に設けられた可動電極とを備えた接点開閉装置が知られている(特許文献1〜3参照)。このような接点開閉装置では、水銀に対して可動電極を接触(オン)および離間(オフ)させることで、水銀および可動電極を介して固定電極間の電気接続をオン/オフするようにしている。   As a conventional contact switching device, a container having two storage portions filled with mercury, a pair of fixed electrodes whose one ends are in contact with mercury in the storage portion, and a movable electrode provided so as to be able to come into contact with and separate from each mercury A contact opening / closing device provided is known (see Patent Documents 1 to 3). In such a contact switching device, the movable electrode is brought into contact (ON) and separated (OFF) with respect to mercury so as to turn on / off the electrical connection between the fixed electrodes via the mercury and the movable electrode. .

特公昭41−6133号公報Japanese Patent Publication No.41-6133 実開昭50−7174号公報Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 50-7174 実開昭48−72467号公報Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 48-72467

しかしながら、従来の接点開閉装置では、オフする際に液体金属の粘性のため可動電極と液体金属とが速やかに離間せず、オン状態が維持されるので、オンからオフに切り換える際の応答性が悪い。   However, in the conventional contact switching device, the movable electrode and the liquid metal are not quickly separated due to the viscosity of the liquid metal when the switch is turned off, and the on state is maintained, so that the responsiveness when switching from on to off is achieved. bad.

そこで、本発明は、上記課題を解決するためになされたものであり、その目的は、応答性が良い接点開閉装置を提供することにある。   Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a contact switching device with good responsiveness.

請求項1の発明にあっては、液体金属が充填された液体収容部、および該液体収容部とケース外部とを連通する開口部を有するケース体と、前記液体金属に接触する固定電極と、前記開口部を介して前記液体金属に接離可能に設けられるとともに、少なくとも前記液体金属と接触する部位の一部に前記液体金属に濡れにくい表面部を有する可動電極とを備え、前記開口部を介して前記可動電極を前記液体金属と接触する位置に移動させ、前記固定電極と前記可動電極とを前記液体金属を介して電気的に接続することを特徴とする。   In the invention of claim 1, a liquid container filled with a liquid metal, a case body having an opening communicating the liquid container and the outside of the case, a fixed electrode in contact with the liquid metal, A movable electrode provided so as to be able to contact with and separate from the liquid metal through the opening, and having a surface portion that is difficult to get wet with the liquid metal at least in a part that contacts the liquid metal; The movable electrode is moved to a position in contact with the liquid metal via the liquid metal, and the fixed electrode and the movable electrode are electrically connected via the liquid metal.

請求項2の発明にあっては、前記液体収容部,前記開口部および前記固定電極をそれぞれ複数備え、前記可動電極は棒状部材の両端部を屈曲させてコ字状に形成されており、前記開口部を介して前記可動電極を前記各液体金属と接触する位置に移動させ、前記液体金属および前記可動電極を介して前記固定電極間を電気的に接続することを特徴とする。   In the invention of claim 2, each of the liquid storage portion, the opening, and the fixed electrode is provided, and the movable electrode is formed in a U shape by bending both end portions of the rod-shaped member, The movable electrode is moved to a position in contact with each liquid metal through an opening, and the fixed electrode is electrically connected through the liquid metal and the movable electrode.

請求項3の発明にあっては、前記表面部が前記可動電極の表面に対し、導電性を有するフッ素系コーティング加工を施すことによって形成されていることを特徴とする。   The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the surface portion is formed by subjecting the surface of the movable electrode to a conductive fluorine-based coating process.

請求項4の発明にあっては、前記表面部が前記可動電極の表面に対し、面粗し加工を施すことによって形成されていることを特徴とする。   The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the surface portion is formed by subjecting the surface of the movable electrode to surface roughening.

請求項5の発明にあっては、前記可動電極の端部に該端部を前記液体金属の液面に対して平行に屈曲させた接触部が設けられていることを特徴とする。   The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the end portion of the movable electrode is provided with a contact portion where the end portion is bent in parallel to the liquid surface of the liquid metal.

請求項6の発明にあっては、前記可動電極の端部に該端部を前記液体金属の液面に対して鋭角に屈曲させた接触部が設けられており、前記液体金属の液面上近傍に前記接触部に水平方向で直交する方向の外部磁場を発生させる外部磁場発生手段を備えることを特徴とする。   In the invention of claim 6, the end portion of the movable electrode is provided with a contact portion where the end portion is bent at an acute angle with respect to the liquid surface of the liquid metal. An external magnetic field generating means for generating an external magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the contact portion in the horizontal direction is provided in the vicinity.

請求項7の発明にあっては、前記可動電極の端部が前記液体金属の液面に向けて先細りに形成されていることを特徴とする。   The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that an end of the movable electrode is tapered toward the liquid surface of the liquid metal.

請求項8の発明にあっては、前記可動電極の少なくとも前記液体金属と接触する部位の一部に前記液体金属に濡れやすい第2表面部が設けられていることを特徴とする。   The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that a second surface portion that is easily wetted by the liquid metal is provided at least at a part of the movable electrode that contacts the liquid metal.

請求項9の発明にあっては、前記第2表面部が前記可動電極の表面に対し、導電性を有するシリコーン系コーティング加工を施すことによって形成されていることを特徴とする。   The invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that the second surface portion is formed by applying a conductive silicone coating to the surface of the movable electrode.

請求項10の発明にあっては、前記可動電極の先端部に前記液体金属の液面に対向する平面部が設けられていることを特徴とする。   The invention according to claim 10 is characterized in that a flat portion facing the liquid surface of the liquid metal is provided at the tip of the movable electrode.

請求項11の発明にあっては、前記可動電極の前記液体金属に接触する部位に前記液体金属が流入可能な凹部が設けられていることを特徴とする。   The invention according to claim 11 is characterized in that a concave portion into which the liquid metal can flow is provided in a portion of the movable electrode that contacts the liquid metal.

請求項12の発明にあっては、前記可動電極に一端が外部に開口し、且つ、他端が前記凹部に開口する連通路が設けられていることを特徴とする。   The invention according to claim 12 is characterized in that the movable electrode is provided with a communication path having one end opened to the outside and the other end opened to the recess.

請求項13の発明にあっては、前記可動電極に前記開口部を閉塞する蓋部が設けられていることを特徴とする。   The invention according to claim 13 is characterized in that the movable electrode is provided with a lid for closing the opening.

請求項14の発明にあっては、前記蓋部が前記可動電極の一部で構成されていることを特徴とする。   The invention according to claim 14 is characterized in that the lid portion is constituted by a part of the movable electrode.

請求項15の発明にあっては、前記可動電極が絶縁部材を介して支持されており、前記蓋部が前記絶縁部材の一部で構成されていることを特徴とする。   The invention according to claim 15 is characterized in that the movable electrode is supported via an insulating member, and the lid portion is constituted by a part of the insulating member.

請求項1の発明によれば、可動電極の少なくとも液体金属と接触する部位の一部に液体金属に濡れにくい表面部を設けたため、可動電極と液体金属とが速やかに離間されるので、オン/オフを切り換える際の応答性を良くすることができる。   According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the surface portion that is difficult to wet the liquid metal is provided in at least a part of the movable electrode that contacts the liquid metal, the movable electrode and the liquid metal are quickly separated from each other. Responsiveness when switching off can be improved.

請求項2の発明によれば、可動電極と複数の固定電極間を液体金属を介して電気的に接続したり、切断したりすることで、オン/オフするようにしたため、接点開閉装置の設計自由度を増大できる。   According to the invention of claim 2, since the movable electrode and the plurality of fixed electrodes are turned on / off by being electrically connected or disconnected via the liquid metal, the contact switching device is designed. The degree of freedom can be increased.

請求項3の発明によれば、可動電極の表面に対し、導電性を有するフッ素系コーティング加工を施すことによって液体金属に濡れにくい表面部が形成されているため、可動電極の液体金属に接触する部位を比較的容易に液体金属に濡れにくくすることができる。   According to the invention of claim 3, since the surface portion of the movable electrode that is difficult to get wet with the liquid metal is formed by applying a conductive fluorine-based coating process, the movable electrode comes into contact with the liquid metal of the movable electrode. The site can be made relatively difficult to wet with the liquid metal.

請求項4の発明によれば、可動電極の表面に対し、面粗し加工を施すことによって液体金属に濡れにくい表面部が形成されているため、可動電極の液体金属に接触する部位を比較的容易に液体金属に濡れにくくすることができる。   According to the invention of claim 4, the surface of the movable electrode is roughened to form a surface portion that is difficult to wet with the liquid metal. It can be easily prevented from getting wet with the liquid metal.

請求項5の発明によれば、可動電極の端部に、該端部を液体金属の液面に対して平行に屈曲させた接触部を設けたため、可動電極の端部を屈曲させていない構造と比べて、可動電極の挿入方向の移動量を増やすことなく可動電極の液体金属に接触する面積を大きくできるので、可動電極の接触抵抗を安定させることができる。   According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the end portion of the movable electrode is provided with the contact portion that is bent in parallel with the liquid surface of the liquid metal, the end portion of the movable electrode is not bent. Compared to the above, since the area of the movable electrode that contacts the liquid metal can be increased without increasing the amount of movement of the movable electrode in the insertion direction, the contact resistance of the movable electrode can be stabilized.

請求項6の発明によれば、可動電極の端部に、該端部を液体金属の液面に対して鋭角に屈曲させた接触部を設け、液面上近傍に接触部に水平方向で直交する方向の外部磁場を発生させるようにした。このため、可動電極と液体金属とを離間させる際に可動電極と液体金属の液面との間にアークが発生した場合、アークを可動電極と液面との間隙(ギャップ)が大きくなる可動電極の先端側に向けて導いて、通電を切ることができるので、オン/オフを切り換える際の応答性を良くすることができる。   According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the end of the movable electrode is provided with a contact portion that is bent at an acute angle with respect to the liquid metal surface, and is orthogonal to the contact portion in the horizontal direction near the liquid surface. An external magnetic field in the direction to be generated was generated. For this reason, when an arc is generated between the movable electrode and the liquid surface of the liquid metal when the movable electrode and the liquid metal are separated from each other, the movable electrode that increases the gap (gap) between the movable electrode and the liquid surface. Since the current can be turned off by guiding it toward the front end side, the responsiveness when switching on / off can be improved.

請求項7の発明によれば、可動電極の端部を液面に向けて先細りに形成したため、可動電極を液体金属に接触させる際に液体金属の液面に酸化被膜等が形成されていても容易に挿入することができる。一方、可動電極と液体金属とを離間させる際に可動電極の液体金属に接触する面積を漸減させることができ、可動電極と液体金属とが速やかに離間されるので、オン/オフを切り換える際の応答性を良くすることができる。   According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the end of the movable electrode is tapered toward the liquid surface, even when an oxide film or the like is formed on the liquid surface of the liquid metal when the movable electrode is brought into contact with the liquid metal. Can be inserted easily. On the other hand, when the movable electrode and the liquid metal are separated from each other, the area of the movable electrode that contacts the liquid metal can be gradually reduced, and the movable electrode and the liquid metal are quickly separated from each other. Responsiveness can be improved.

請求項8の発明によれば、可動電極の少なくとも液体金属と接触する部位の一部に、液体金属に濡れやすい第2表面部を設けたため、可動電極が液体金属に濡れやすくなり可動電極の接触抵抗を安定させることができる。   According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the second surface portion that easily wets the liquid metal is provided in at least a part of the movable electrode that contacts the liquid metal, the movable electrode is easily wetted by the liquid metal, and the movable electrode contacts. Resistance can be stabilized.

請求項9の発明によれば、可動電極の表面に対し、導電性を有するシリコーン系コーティング加工を施すことによって液体金属に濡れやすい第2表面部が形成されているため、可動電極の液体金属に接触する部位を比較的容易に液体金属に濡れやすくすることができる。   According to the ninth aspect of the invention, since the second surface portion that is easily wetted by the liquid metal is formed on the surface of the movable electrode by applying a conductive silicone coating process, the liquid metal of the movable electrode is formed. The contact portion can be easily wetted with the liquid metal.

請求項10の発明によれば、先細りに形成された可動電極の先端部に、液面に対向する平面部を設けたため、可動電極の液体金属に接触する面積が大きくなり、可動電極の接触抵抗を安定させることができる。   According to the invention of claim 10, since the flat portion opposed to the liquid surface is provided at the tip portion of the movable electrode formed to be tapered, the area of the movable electrode that contacts the liquid metal is increased, and the contact resistance of the movable electrode is increased. Can be stabilized.

請求項11の発明によれば、可動電極の液体金属に接触する部位に凹部を設けたため、可動電極を液体金属に挿入した際に液体金属が凹部内に流入して凹部の内壁に接触することで、可動電極の液体金属に接触する面積が大きくなり、可動電極の接触抵抗を安定させることができる。また、凹部は可動電極の液体金属に接触する部位の体積を減らすので、可動電極を液体金属に挿入した際の液面の上昇が抑えられ、液体収容部から開口部を介して液体金属が流出することを抑制できる。   According to the invention of claim 11, since the concave portion is provided in the portion of the movable electrode that contacts the liquid metal, the liquid metal flows into the concave portion and contacts the inner wall of the concave portion when the movable electrode is inserted into the liquid metal. Thus, the area of the movable electrode that contacts the liquid metal is increased, and the contact resistance of the movable electrode can be stabilized. In addition, since the concave portion reduces the volume of the portion of the movable electrode that contacts the liquid metal, the rise of the liquid level when the movable electrode is inserted into the liquid metal is suppressed, and the liquid metal flows out from the liquid storage portion through the opening. Can be suppressed.

請求項12の発明によれば、凹部と外部とを連通する連通路を可動電極に設けたため、液体金属が凹部内に流入する際に凹部内にある空気を連通路を介して外部に逃がすことができるので、液体金属が凹部内に流入しやすくなる。   According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, since the movable electrode is provided with the communication path that communicates the recess and the outside, when the liquid metal flows into the recess, the air in the recess is released to the outside through the communication path. Therefore, the liquid metal can easily flow into the recess.

請求項13の発明によれば、可動電極に開口部を閉塞する蓋部を設けたため、液体収容部から開口部を介して液体金属が流出することを抑制できる。   According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, since the movable electrode is provided with the lid portion that closes the opening portion, it is possible to prevent the liquid metal from flowing out from the liquid storage portion through the opening portion.

請求項14の発明によれば、蓋部を可動電極の一部で構成したため、可動電極の液体金属に接触する面積が大きくなり、可動電極の接触抵抗を安定させることができる。   According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, since the lid portion is constituted by a part of the movable electrode, the area of the movable electrode that contacts the liquid metal is increased, and the contact resistance of the movable electrode can be stabilized.

請求項15の発明によれば、蓋部を絶縁部材の一部で構成したため、装置構成を簡素化できる。   According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, since the lid portion is constituted by a part of the insulating member, the device configuration can be simplified.

本発明の実施例1にかかる接点開閉装置の概略構成を示す斜視図である。BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the contact switching apparatus concerning Example 1 of this invention. 本発明の実施例1にかかる接点開閉装置の動作を説明するための部分断面図である。It is a fragmentary sectional view for demonstrating operation | movement of the contact switching apparatus concerning Example 1 of this invention. 本発明の実施例2にかかる接点開閉装置の概略構成を示す部分断面図である。It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows schematic structure of the contact switching apparatus concerning Example 2 of this invention. 本発明の実施例3にかかる接点開閉装置の概略構成および動作を説明するための部分断面図である。It is a fragmentary sectional view for demonstrating schematic structure and operation | movement of the contact switching apparatus concerning Example 3 of this invention. 本発明の実施例3にかかる接点開閉装置のケース体を示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows the case body of the contact switching apparatus concerning Example 3 of this invention. 本発明の実施例4にかかる接点開閉装置の概略構成を示す部分断面図である。It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows schematic structure of the contact switching apparatus concerning Example 4 of this invention. 本発明の実施例5にかかる接点開閉装置の概略構成を示す部分断面図である。It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows schematic structure of the contact switching apparatus concerning Example 5 of this invention. 本発明の実施例5にかかる接点開閉装置の可動電極の端部を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the edge part of the movable electrode of the contact switching apparatus concerning Example 5 of this invention. 本発明の実施例6にかかる接点開閉装置の概略構成を示す部分断面図である。It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows schematic structure of the contact switching apparatus concerning Example 6 of this invention. 本発明の実施例6にかかる接点開閉装置の可動電極の端部を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the edge part of the movable electrode of the contact switching apparatus concerning Example 6 of this invention. 本発明の実施例7にかかる接点開閉装置の可動電極の端部を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the edge part of the movable electrode of the contact switching apparatus concerning Example 7 of this invention. 本発明の実施例8にかかる接点開閉装置の可動電極の端部を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the edge part of the movable electrode of the contact switching apparatus concerning Example 8 of this invention. 本発明の実施例9にかかる接点開閉装置の概略構成および動作を説明するための部分断面図である。It is a fragmentary sectional view for demonstrating schematic structure and operation | movement of the contact switching apparatus concerning Example 9 of this invention. 本発明の実施例10にかかる接点開閉装置の概略構成および動作を説明するための部分断面図である。It is a fragmentary sectional view for demonstrating schematic structure and operation | movement of the contact switching apparatus concerning Example 10 of this invention.

以下、本発明の実施の形態を図面と共に詳述する。なお、以下の複数の実施例には、同様の構成要素が含まれている。よって、それら同様の構成要素については共通の符号を付与し、重複する説明を省略する。   Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that similar components are included in the following embodiments. Therefore, common reference numerals are given to those similar components, and redundant description is omitted.

図1は、本発明の実施例1にかかる接点開閉装置の概略構成を示す斜視図、図2は、本発明の実施例1にかかる接点開閉装置の動作を説明するための部分断面図である。   1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a contact switching apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining an operation of the contact switching apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. .

先ず、図1を参照して、本発明の実施例1にかかる接点開閉装置1の構成を説明する。   First, with reference to FIG. 1, the structure of the contact switching apparatus 1 concerning Example 1 of this invention is demonstrated.

本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1は、ガラスやプラスチック等の絶縁性を有する材料で形成されたケース体2と、ケース体2内に設けられた複数(本実施例では2つ)の液体収容部3,3と、液体収容部3,3とケース体2の外部とを連通する開口部4,4と、液体収容部3,3に充填された液体金属5,5と、液体金属5,5に接触する複数(本実施例では2つ)の固定電極6,6と、開口部4,4を介して液体金属5,5に接離可能に設けられた可動電極7と、を備えている。   A contact switching device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a case body 2 formed of an insulating material such as glass or plastic, and a plurality (two in this embodiment) of liquids provided in the case body 2. Parts 3, 3, openings 4, 4 that connect the liquid containers 3, 3 and the outside of the case body 2, liquid metals 5, 5 filled in the liquid containers 3, 3, A plurality of (two in this embodiment) fixed electrodes 6 and 6 in contact with 5, and a movable electrode 7 provided so as to be able to contact and separate from the liquid metals 5 and 5 through the openings 4 and 4. Yes.

ケース体2は、略長方形の箱状に形成されており、その内部にはケース体2の長手方向(以下、長手方向と称す)に離間して2つの液体収容部3が設けられている。   The case body 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape, and two liquid storage portions 3 are provided in the case body 2 so as to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the case body 2 (hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal direction).

液体収容部3は、長手方向に沿う略円筒状に形成されており、その上部3aには、液体収容部3とケース体2の外部とを連通する開口部4が設けられている。開口部4は、ケース体2の表面部2aに上方視線で長手方向に沿う略長方形に開口している。液体収容部3には、開口部4を介して常温・常圧(25℃・1気圧)で液化状態にある液体金属5が充填されている。液体金属5としては、例えば、ガリウム(Ga),インジウム(In)およびスズ(Sn)からなる共融合金等を用いることができる。   The liquid storage part 3 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape along the longitudinal direction, and an opening 4 is provided in the upper part 3 a for communicating the liquid storage part 3 with the outside of the case body 2. The opening 4 is opened in a substantially rectangular shape along the longitudinal direction on the surface 2 a of the case body 2 as viewed from above. The liquid container 3 is filled with liquid metal 5 in a liquefied state at normal temperature and normal pressure (25 ° C. and 1 atm) through the opening 4. As the liquid metal 5, for example, a fusion gold made of gallium (Ga), indium (In) and tin (Sn) can be used.

液体収容部3の下部3bには、固定電極6が設けられている。固定電極6は、銅(Cu),金(Au),アルミニウム(Al)等の導電性を有する金属材料により形成された丸棒部材によって構成されている。固定電極6の一端部6a(図2参照)は液体金属5に接触させて液体収容部3側に固定され、固定電極6の他端部6bはケース体2の外部に延出され、図示しない各種電気部品に接続される。   A fixed electrode 6 is provided on the lower part 3 b of the liquid storage unit 3. The fixed electrode 6 is composed of a round bar member made of a conductive metal material such as copper (Cu), gold (Au), aluminum (Al) or the like. One end 6a (see FIG. 2) of the fixed electrode 6 is brought into contact with the liquid metal 5 and fixed to the liquid container 3 side, and the other end 6b of the fixed electrode 6 extends to the outside of the case body 2 and is not shown. Connected to various electrical components.

可動電極7は、固定電極6と同種類の金属材料により形成された丸棒部材によって構成されている。可動電極7は、丸棒部材の両端部を直角に屈曲させたコ字状に形成されている。可動電極7の両端部71,71は、開口部4,4に対向して配置され、可動電極7の上下移動により両端部71,71が開口部4,4に挿入される。可動電極7の略中央部は、プラスチック等の絶縁性を有する材料で形成された絶縁部材8を介して図示しないアクチュエータに連結される。なお、駆動力を発生するアクチュエータとしては、電磁力,油圧等を用いた様々なものを採用することができる。   The movable electrode 7 is composed of a round bar member made of the same type of metal material as the fixed electrode 6. The movable electrode 7 is formed in a U shape in which both ends of a round bar member are bent at a right angle. Both end portions 71, 71 of the movable electrode 7 are arranged to face the opening portions 4, 4, and the both end portions 71, 71 are inserted into the opening portions 4, 4 by the vertical movement of the movable electrode 7. A substantially central portion of the movable electrode 7 is connected to an actuator (not shown) via an insulating member 8 formed of an insulating material such as plastic. Various actuators using electromagnetic force, hydraulic pressure, etc. can be adopted as the actuator for generating the driving force.

次に、図2を参照して、上記接点開閉装置1の動作を説明する。   Next, the operation of the contact switching device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1では、オフのときは、図2(a)に示すように、可動電極7と液体金属5とは離間した位置にあり固定電極6,6間は電気的に切断されている。そして、オフからオンに切り換える際には、図2(b)に示すように、アクチュエータによって可動電極7を下方に向けて移動させ、可動電極7の両端部71,71が各液体収容部3,3の液体金属5,5に接触することで、固定電極6,6間は液体金属5,5および可動電極7を介して電気的に接続し、通電される。また、オンからオフに切り換える際には、上記とは逆の動作が行われる。   In the contact switching apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when it is off, as shown in FIG. 2A, the movable electrode 7 and the liquid metal 5 are in a separated position and the fixed electrodes 6 and 6 are electrically connected. Disconnected. When switching from OFF to ON, as shown in FIG. 2B, the movable electrode 7 is moved downward by the actuator, and both end portions 71 and 71 of the movable electrode 7 are moved to the respective liquid storage portions 3 and 3. 3, the fixed electrodes 6 and 6 are electrically connected to each other via the liquid metals 5 and 5 and the movable electrode 7 to be energized. Further, when switching from on to off, the reverse operation is performed.

本実施例では、可動電極7の少なくとも液体金属5と接触する部位の一部(本実施例では端部71)に液体金属5に濡れにくい表面部9が設けられている。   In the present embodiment, a surface portion 9 that is difficult to get wet with the liquid metal 5 is provided on at least a part of the movable electrode 7 that contacts the liquid metal 5 (the end portion 71 in the present embodiment).

表面部9は、可動電極7の表面に対し、導電性を有するフッ素系コーティング加工、あるいはサンドブラスト処理等の面粗し加工を施すことによって液体金属5に濡れにくくなっている。すなわち、表面部9では、液体金属5に対する濡れ性が低くなっている。なお、表面部9は、他のコーティング加工等の様々な方法で液体金属5に濡れにくくできる。   The surface portion 9 is difficult to get wet with the liquid metal 5 by subjecting the surface of the movable electrode 7 to surface roughening such as conductive fluorine coating or sand blasting. That is, the wettability with respect to the liquid metal 5 is low at the surface portion 9. The surface portion 9 can be made difficult to wet the liquid metal 5 by various methods such as other coating processes.

以上説明したように、本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1では、液体金属5に接離可能に設けられた可動電極7の端部71に、液体金属5に濡れにくい表面部9を設けた。このため、オンからオフに切り換える際には、液体金属5の粘性により可動電極7の移動方向に液体金属5が引き上げられることを抑制して、可動電極7と液体金属5とが速やかに離間されるので、オン/オフを切り換える際の応答性(スイッチング特性)を良くすることができる。   As described above, in the contact switching device 1 according to the present embodiment, the surface portion 9 which is difficult to get wet with the liquid metal 5 is provided at the end portion 71 of the movable electrode 7 provided so as to be able to contact with and separate from the liquid metal 5. For this reason, when switching from ON to OFF, the liquid metal 5 is prevented from being pulled up in the moving direction of the movable electrode 7 due to the viscosity of the liquid metal 5, and the movable electrode 7 and the liquid metal 5 are quickly separated. Therefore, the responsiveness (switching characteristics) when switching on / off can be improved.

また、本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1では、可動電極7によって一対の固定電極6,6間の電気接続をオン/オフするようにしたため、アクチュエータ等の可動機構に連結される可動電極7と各種電気部品に接続される固定電極6,6とを分離して設けることができるので、接点開閉装置1の設計自由度を増大できる。   Further, in the contact switching device 1 according to the present embodiment, the electric connection between the pair of fixed electrodes 6 and 6 is turned on / off by the movable electrode 7, so that the movable electrode 7 coupled to a movable mechanism such as an actuator is provided. Since the fixed electrodes 6 and 6 connected to various electrical components can be provided separately, the degree of design freedom of the contact switching device 1 can be increased.

また、導電性を有するフッ素系コーティング加工、あるいはサンドブラスト等の面粗し加工によって可動電極7の端部71に液体金属5に濡れにくい表面部9を形成したため、可動電極7の液体金属5に接触する部位を比較的容易に液体金属5に濡れにくくすることができる。   In addition, since the surface portion 9 that is difficult to wet the liquid metal 5 is formed at the end portion 71 of the movable electrode 7 by a conductive fluorine coating process or a surface roughening process such as sandblasting, the liquid electrode 5 contacts the movable electrode 7. The portion to be made can be made relatively difficult to wet the liquid metal 5.

図3は、本発明の実施例2にかかる接点開閉装置の概略構成を示す部分断面図である。   FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the contact switching apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

本発明の本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Aでは、可動電極7Aの端部71Aに該端部71Aを液体金属5の液面5aに対して平行に屈曲させた接触部72Aが設けられている。接触部72Aは、長手方向外側に向けて屈曲形成されている。接触部72Aの下部側(液面5aに対向する側)には、液体金属5に濡れにくい表面部9Aが設けられている。   In the contact switching apparatus 1A according to the present embodiment of the present invention, a contact portion 72A in which the end portion 71A is bent in parallel to the liquid surface 5a of the liquid metal 5 is provided at the end portion 71A of the movable electrode 7A. . The contact portion 72A is bent toward the outside in the longitudinal direction. On the lower side of the contact portion 72A (side facing the liquid surface 5a), a surface portion 9A that is difficult to wet the liquid metal 5 is provided.

以上本実施例によっても、可動電極7Aの液体金属5と接触する部位に液体金属5に濡れにくい表面部9Aを有するので、上記実施例1と同様の効果を得ることができる。さらに、本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Aでは、可動電極7Aの端部71Aに、該端部71Aを液体金属5の液面5aに平行に屈曲させた接触部72Aを設けたため、可動電極7Aの端部71Aを屈曲させていない構造と比べて、可動電極7Aの挿入方向の移動量を増やすことなく可動電極7Aの液体金属5に接触する面積を大きくできるので、可動電極7Aの接触抵抗を安定させることができる。また、可動電極7Aの端部71Aを屈曲させていない構造と比べて、可動電極7Aの液体金属5に接触する面積が同じ場合には、可動電極7Aの挿入方向の移動量が少なくなるため、接点開閉装置1Aを可動電極7Aの挿入方向で小型化することができる。   As described above, according to the present embodiment, the surface portion 9A that is difficult to get wet with the liquid metal 5 is provided at the portion of the movable electrode 7A that is in contact with the liquid metal 5, so that the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, in the contact switching apparatus 1A according to the present embodiment, the movable electrode 7A is provided with the contact portion 72A in which the end portion 71A is bent parallel to the liquid surface 5a of the liquid metal 5 at the end portion 71A of the movable electrode 7A. Compared with the structure in which the end portion 71A of the movable electrode 7A is not bent, the area of the movable electrode 7A that contacts the liquid metal 5 can be increased without increasing the amount of movement of the movable electrode 7A in the insertion direction. It can be stabilized. Further, when the area of the movable electrode 7A in contact with the liquid metal 5 is the same as the structure in which the end portion 71A of the movable electrode 7A is not bent, the amount of movement in the insertion direction of the movable electrode 7A is reduced. The contact switching device 1A can be downsized in the insertion direction of the movable electrode 7A.

図4は、本発明の実施例3にかかる接点開閉装置の概略構成および動作を説明するための部分断面図、図5は、実施例3にかかる接点開閉装置のケース体を示す平面図である。   FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining a schematic configuration and operation of the contact switching apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a case body of the contact switching apparatus according to the third embodiment. .

本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Bでは、図4に示すように、可動電極7Bの端部71Bに該端部71Bを液面5aに対して鋭角(すなわちレ字状)に屈曲させた接触部72Bが設けられている。接触部72Bは、長手方向外側に向けて屈曲形成されている。接触部72Bには、液体金属5に濡れにくい表面部9Bが設けられている。   In the contact switching apparatus 1B according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a contact portion obtained by bending the end portion 71B of the movable electrode 7B at an acute angle (that is, a letter shape) with respect to the liquid surface 5a. 72B is provided. The contact portion 72B is bent toward the outside in the longitudinal direction. The contact portion 72B is provided with a surface portion 9B that is difficult to wet the liquid metal 5.

図5に示すように、外部磁場発生手段10は、ケース体2の短手方向(図5では上下方向、以下、短手方向と称す)に開口部4を挟むように配置されている。外部磁場発生手段10は、液面5a上近傍に短手方向の外部磁場11を発生させる。外部磁場発生手段10としては、例えば、電磁石や永久磁石等を採用することができる。   As shown in FIG. 5, the external magnetic field generation means 10 is arranged so as to sandwich the opening 4 in the short direction of the case body 2 (the vertical direction in FIG. 5, hereinafter referred to as the short direction). The external magnetic field generation means 10 generates an external magnetic field 11 in the short direction near the liquid surface 5a. As the external magnetic field generating means 10, for example, an electromagnet or a permanent magnet can be employed.

以上の構成によれば、本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Bでは、オンのときは、図4(a)に示すように、接触部72B,72Bが各液体収容部3,3の液体金属5,5に接触することで、固定電極6,6間を液体金属5,5および可動電極7Bを介して電気的に接続し、図4中矢印A方向に電流が流れて通電する。そして、オンからオフに切り換える際には、図4(b)に示すように、アクチュエータによって可動電極7Bを上方に向けて移動させ、可動電極7Bと液体金属5とを離間させる。このとき、可動電極7Bの屈曲部71Bbと液面5aとの間にアーク12が発生した場合、アーク12は、外部磁場発生手段10により発生させた外部磁場11によって、発生地点である屈曲部71Bbから先端部71Baに向けて導かれる(図4(b)中矢印B)。そして、可動電極7Bと液面5aとの間隙(ギャップ)が大きくなる先端部71Baにアーク12が導かれることで通電が切られる。   According to the above configuration, in the contact switching device 1B according to the present embodiment, when it is on, as shown in FIG. 4A, the contact portions 72B and 72B are the liquid metals 5 of the liquid storage portions 3 and 3, respectively. , 5 is electrically connected between the fixed electrodes 6 and 6 via the liquid metals 5 and 5 and the movable electrode 7B, and a current flows in the direction of arrow A in FIG. When switching from on to off, as shown in FIG. 4B, the movable electrode 7B is moved upward by the actuator to separate the movable electrode 7B and the liquid metal 5 from each other. At this time, when the arc 12 is generated between the bending portion 71Bb of the movable electrode 7B and the liquid surface 5a, the arc 12 is generated by the external magnetic field 11 generated by the external magnetic field generating means 10, and the bending portion 71Bb is a generation point. To the tip 71Ba (arrow B in FIG. 4B). And electricity supply is cut | disconnected by the arc 12 being guide | induced to front-end | tip part 71Ba where the gap | interval (gap) of the movable electrode 7B and the liquid level 5a becomes large.

以上本実施例によっても、可動電極7Bの液体金属5と接触する部位に液体金属5に濡れにくい表面部9Bを有し、可動電極7Bの端部71Bに接触部72Bが設けられているので、上記実施例1および2と同様の効果を得ることができる。さらに、本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Bでは、接触部72Bを液面5aに対して鋭角に屈曲させ、液面5a上近傍に接触部72Bに水平方向で直交する方向の外部磁場11を発生させるようにした。このため、可動電極7Bと液体金属5とを離間させる際に屈曲部71Bbと液面5aとの間にアーク12が発生した場合、アーク12を可動電極7Bと液面5aとの間隙が大きくなる先端部71Baに向けて導いてアーク12を速やかに切断できるので、オン/オフを切り換える際の応答性(スイッチング特性)を良くすることができる。   As described above, according to the present embodiment, the surface portion 9B that is difficult to get wet with the liquid metal 5 is provided at the portion that contacts the liquid metal 5 of the movable electrode 7B, and the contact portion 72B is provided at the end portion 71B of the movable electrode 7B. The same effects as in the first and second embodiments can be obtained. Further, in the contact switching device 1B according to the present embodiment, the contact portion 72B is bent at an acute angle with respect to the liquid surface 5a, and an external magnetic field 11 in a direction perpendicular to the contact portion 72B in the horizontal direction is generated near the liquid surface 5a. I tried to make it. Therefore, when the arc 12 is generated between the bent portion 71Bb and the liquid surface 5a when the movable electrode 7B and the liquid metal 5 are separated from each other, the gap between the movable electrode 7B and the liquid surface 5a is increased. Since the arc 12 can be quickly cut by being guided toward the tip 71Ba, the response (switching characteristics) when switching on / off can be improved.

図6は、本発明の実施例4にかかる接点開閉装置の概略構成を示す部分断面図である。   FIG. 6: is a fragmentary sectional view which shows schematic structure of the contact switching apparatus concerning Example 4 of this invention.

本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Cでは、可動電極7Cの端部71Cは液面5aに向けて円錐状(先細り)に形成されている。端部71Cには、液体金属5に濡れにくい表面部9Cが設けられている。   In the contact switching apparatus 1C according to the present embodiment, the end portion 71C of the movable electrode 7C is formed in a conical shape (tapered) toward the liquid surface 5a. The end portion 71 </ b> C is provided with a surface portion 9 </ b> C that is difficult to get wet with the liquid metal 5.

以上本実施例によっても、可動電極7Cの液体金属5と接触する部位に液体金属5に濡れにくい表面部9Cを有するので、上記実施例1と同様の効果を得ることができる。さらに、本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Cでは、可動電極7Cの端部71Cを液面5aに向けて先細りに形成した。このため、可動電極7Cを液体金属5に接触させる際に液面5aに酸化被膜等が形成されていても可動電極7Cを液体金属5に容易に挿入することができる。また、可動電極7Cの端部71Cは、粘性の強い液体金属5にも容易に挿入することができる。一方、可動電極7Cと液体金属5とを離間させる際に可動電極7Cの液体金属5に接触する面積を漸減させることができ、可動電極7Cと液体金属5とが速やかに離間されるので、オン/オフを切り換える際の応答性(スイッチング特性)を良くすることができる。   As described above, also in this embodiment, since the surface portion 9C that is difficult to get wet with the liquid metal 5 is provided at the portion of the movable electrode 7C that contacts the liquid metal 5, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in the contact switching apparatus 1C according to the present embodiment, the end portion 71C of the movable electrode 7C is tapered toward the liquid surface 5a. Therefore, when the movable electrode 7C is brought into contact with the liquid metal 5, the movable electrode 7C can be easily inserted into the liquid metal 5 even if an oxide film or the like is formed on the liquid surface 5a. Further, the end portion 71C of the movable electrode 7C can be easily inserted into the liquid metal 5 having a high viscosity. On the other hand, when the movable electrode 7C and the liquid metal 5 are separated from each other, the area of the movable electrode 7C that contacts the liquid metal 5 can be gradually reduced, and the movable electrode 7C and the liquid metal 5 are quickly separated from each other. Responsiveness (switching characteristics) when switching between / off can be improved.

図7は、本発明の実施例5にかかる接点開閉装置の概略構成を示す部分断面図、図8は、本発明の実施例5にかかる接点開閉装置の可動電極の端部を示す図である。   FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the contact switching apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an end portion of the movable electrode of the contact switching apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. .

本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Dでは、図8に示すように、可動電極7Dの端部71Dは、液面5aに向けて円錐状に形成されている。可動電極7Dの端部71Dには、液体金属5に濡れにくい表面部9Dが設けられている。さらに、可動電極7Dの先端部71Daには、液体金属5に濡れやすい第2表面部13が設けられている。   In the contact switching apparatus 1D according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the end portion 71D of the movable electrode 7D is formed in a conical shape toward the liquid surface 5a. The end portion 71D of the movable electrode 7D is provided with a surface portion 9D that is difficult to wet the liquid metal 5. Furthermore, a second surface portion 13 that is easily wetted by the liquid metal 5 is provided at the distal end portion 71Da of the movable electrode 7D.

第2表面部13は、可動電極7の表面に対し、導電性を有するシリコーン系コーティング加工を施すことによって液体金属5に濡れやすくなっている。すなわち、第2表面部13では、液体金属5に対する濡れ性が高くなっている。なお、第2表面部は、他のコーティング加工,あるいは鏡面加工等の様々な方法で液体金属5に濡れやすくすることができる。   The second surface portion 13 is easily wetted with the liquid metal 5 by applying a conductive silicone coating to the surface of the movable electrode 7. That is, the second surface portion 13 has high wettability with respect to the liquid metal 5. The second surface portion can be easily wetted by the liquid metal 5 by various methods such as other coating processing or mirror processing.

以上本実施例によっても、可動電極7Dの液体金属5と接触する部位に液体金属5に濡れにくい表面部9Dを有し、可動電極7Dの端部71Dを液面5aに向けて先細りに形成しているので、上記実施例1および4と同様の効果を得ることができる。さらに、本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Dでは、可動電極7Dの先端部71Daに液体金属5に濡れやすい第2表面部13を設けたため、可動電極7Dが液体金属5に濡れやすくなり可動電極7Dの接触抵抗を安定させることができる。   As described above, according to the present embodiment, the surface portion 9D that is difficult to get wet with the liquid metal 5 is provided at the portion of the movable electrode 7D that contacts the liquid metal 5, and the end portion 71D of the movable electrode 7D is tapered toward the liquid surface 5a. Therefore, the same effect as in the first and fourth embodiments can be obtained. Further, in the contact switching apparatus 1D according to the present embodiment, the second surface portion 13 that easily wets the liquid metal 5 is provided at the distal end portion 71Da of the movable electrode 7D. Therefore, the movable electrode 7D is easily wetted by the liquid metal 5. The contact resistance can be stabilized.

図9は、本発明の実施例6にかかる接点開閉装置の概略構成を示す部分断面図、図10は、本発明の実施例6にかかる接点開閉装置の可動電極の端部を示す図である。   FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a contact switching apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an end portion of a movable electrode of the contact switching apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. .

本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Eでは、図9に示すように、可動電極7Eの端部71Eは、液面5aに向けて先細りの円錐台状に形成されている。可動電極7Eの先端部71Eaには、液面5aに対向する平面部14が設けられている。平面部14を含む端部71Eには、液体金属5に濡れにくい表面部9Eが設けられている。なお、平面部14を設けた端部71Eの表面積は、図10中破線で示す円錐状の仮想先端部71Ebを有する場合の表面積と比べて大きくなるように設定されている。   In the contact switching apparatus 1E according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the end 71E of the movable electrode 7E is formed in a truncated cone shape that tapers toward the liquid surface 5a. A flat surface portion 14 facing the liquid surface 5a is provided at the distal end portion 71Ea of the movable electrode 7E. The end portion 71E including the flat portion 14 is provided with a surface portion 9E that is difficult to wet the liquid metal 5. Note that the surface area of the end portion 71E provided with the flat surface portion 14 is set to be larger than the surface area in the case of having the conical virtual tip end portion 71Eb indicated by the broken line in FIG.

以上本実施例によっても、可動電極7Eの液体金属5と接触する部位に液体金属5に濡れにくい表面部9Eを有し、可動電極7Eの端部71Eを液面5aに向けて先細りに形成しているので、上記実施例1および4と同様の効果を得ることができる。さらに、本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Eでは、先細りに形成した可動電極7Eの先端部71Eaに液面5aに対向する平面部14を設けたため、可動電極7Eの液体金属5に接触する面積が大きくなり、可動電極7Eの接触抵抗を安定させることができる。   As described above, according to the present embodiment, the surface portion 9E that is difficult to get wet with the liquid metal 5 is provided at the portion of the movable electrode 7E that contacts the liquid metal 5, and the end portion 71E of the movable electrode 7E is tapered toward the liquid surface 5a. Therefore, the same effect as in the first and fourth embodiments can be obtained. Further, in the contact switching device 1E according to the present embodiment, the flat portion 14E facing the liquid surface 5a is provided at the tip portion 71Ea of the movable electrode 7E that is tapered, so that the area of the movable electrode 7E that contacts the liquid metal 5 is increased. As a result, the contact resistance of the movable electrode 7E can be stabilized.

図11は、本発明の実施例7にかかる接点開閉装置の可動電極の端部を示す断面図である。   FIG. 11: is sectional drawing which shows the edge part of the movable electrode of the contact switching apparatus concerning Example 7 of this invention.

本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Fでは、可動電極7Fの液体金属5に接触する部位(本実施例では端部71F)に凹部15Fが設けられている。凹部15Fは、可動電極7Fの先端部71Faに液面5aに対向して略円筒状に凹設されている。凹部15Fを含む可動電極7Fの端部71Fには、液体金属5に濡れにくい表面部9Fが設けられている。   In the contact switching device 1F according to the present embodiment, a concave portion 15F is provided at a portion (in the present embodiment, an end portion 71F) that contacts the liquid metal 5 of the movable electrode 7F. The recess 15F is recessed in a substantially cylindrical shape facing the liquid surface 5a at the tip 71Fa of the movable electrode 7F. The end portion 71F of the movable electrode 7F including the concave portion 15F is provided with a surface portion 9F that is difficult to wet the liquid metal 5.

以上の構成によれば、可動電極7Fを液体金属5に挿入した際に液体金属5が凹部15F内に流入して内壁15Faに接触する。   According to the above configuration, when the movable electrode 7F is inserted into the liquid metal 5, the liquid metal 5 flows into the recess 15F and contacts the inner wall 15Fa.

以上本実施例によっても、可動電極7Fの液体金属5と接触する部位に液体金属5に濡れにくい表面部9Fを有するので、上記実施例1と同様の効果を得ることができる。さらに、本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Fでは、可動電極7Fの端部71Fに凹部15Fを設けたため、可動電極7Fを液体金属5に挿入した際に液体金属5が凹部15F内に流入して内壁15Faに接触することで、可動電極7Fの液体金属5に接触する面積が大きくなり、可動電極7Fの接触抵抗を安定させることがきる。また、凹部15Fは可動電極7Fの端部71F(液体金属5に接触する部位)の体積を減らすので、可動電極7Fを液体金属5に挿入した際の液面5aの上昇が抑えられ、液体収容部3から開口部4を介して液体金属5が流出することを抑制できる。   As described above, also in this embodiment, since the surface portion 9F that is hard to get wet with the liquid metal 5 is provided at the portion of the movable electrode 7F that comes into contact with the liquid metal 5, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, in the contact switching apparatus 1F according to the present embodiment, the recess 15F is provided at the end portion 71F of the movable electrode 7F, so that the liquid metal 5 flows into the recess 15F when the movable electrode 7F is inserted into the liquid metal 5. By contacting the inner wall 15Fa, the area of the movable electrode 7F that contacts the liquid metal 5 is increased, and the contact resistance of the movable electrode 7F can be stabilized. Further, since the concave portion 15F reduces the volume of the end portion 71F of the movable electrode 7F (the portion in contact with the liquid metal 5), the rise of the liquid surface 5a when the movable electrode 7F is inserted into the liquid metal 5 is suppressed, and the liquid is stored. The liquid metal 5 can be prevented from flowing out from the portion 3 through the opening 4.

図12は、本発明の実施例8にかかる接点開閉装置の可動電極の端部を示す断面図である。   FIG. 12: is sectional drawing which shows the edge part of the movable electrode of the contact switching apparatus concerning Example 8 of this invention.

本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Gでは、一端が外部に開口し、且つ、他端が凹部15Gに開口する連通路16が可動電極7Gの端部71Gに設けられている。連通路16は、凹部15G内と外部とを連通する貫通穴として形成されている。凹部15Gを含む可動電極7Gの端部71Gには、液体金属5に濡れにくい表面部9Gが設けられている。   In the contact switching apparatus 1G according to the present embodiment, a communication path 16 having one end opened to the outside and the other end opened to the recess 15G is provided in the end 71G of the movable electrode 7G. The communication path 16 is formed as a through hole that communicates the inside of the recess 15G with the outside. The end portion 71G of the movable electrode 7G including the concave portion 15G is provided with a surface portion 9G that is difficult to wet with the liquid metal 5.

以上本実施例によっても、可動電極7Gの液体金属5と接触する部位に液体金属5に濡れにくい表面部9Gおよび凹部15Gを有するので、上記実施例1および7と同様の効果を得ることができる。さらに、本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Gでは、凹部15Gと外部とを連通する連通路16を可動電極7Gの端部71Gに設けたため、液体金属5が凹部15G内に流入する際に凹部15G内にある空気を連通路16を介して外部に逃がすことができるので、液体金属5が凹部15G内に流入しやすくなる。   As described above, this embodiment also has the surface portion 9G and the concave portion 15G that are hard to get wet with the liquid metal 5 in the portion of the movable electrode 7G that comes into contact with the liquid metal 5, so that the same effects as those of the first and seventh embodiments can be obtained. . Furthermore, in the contact switching device 1G according to the present embodiment, the communication path 16 that communicates the recess 15G with the outside is provided in the end 71G of the movable electrode 7G, so that when the liquid metal 5 flows into the recess 15G, the recess 15G Since the air inside can be released to the outside through the communication path 16, the liquid metal 5 easily flows into the recess 15G.

図13は、本発明の実施例9にかかる接点開閉装置の概略構成および動作を説明するための部分断面図である。   FIG. 13: is a fragmentary sectional view for demonstrating schematic structure and operation | movement of the contact switching apparatus concerning Example 9 of this invention.

本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Hでは、図13に示すように、可動電極7Hの端部71Hには、開口部4に嵌合するように上方視線で略長方形の板状に形成された蓋部17Hが一体に設けられている。可動電極7Hの先端部71Haは、液面5aに向けて円錐状に形成されており、この先端部71Haに液体金属5に濡れにくい表面部9Hが設けられている。   In the contact switching apparatus 1H according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the end 71H of the movable electrode 7H is a lid formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape as viewed from above so as to fit into the opening 4. The part 17H is provided integrally. The tip portion 71Ha of the movable electrode 7H is formed in a conical shape toward the liquid surface 5a, and the tip portion 71Ha is provided with a surface portion 9H that is difficult to wet the liquid metal 5.

以上の構成によれば、本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Hでは、オフのときは、図13(a)に示すように、可動電極7Hと液体金属5とは離間した位置にあり固定電極6,6間は電気的に切断されている。そして、オフからオンに切り換える際には、図13(b)に示すように、アクチュエータによって可動電極7Hを下方に向けて移動させ、可動電極7Hの先端部71Haが各液体収容部3,3の液体金属5,5に接触することで、固定電極6,6間は液体金属5,5および可動電極7Hを介して電気的に接続し、通電される。このとき、蓋部17Hによって開口部4は閉塞され、蓋部17Hの下面部17Haは液体金属5に接触する。   According to the above configuration, in the contact switching apparatus 1H according to the present embodiment, when it is off, as shown in FIG. 13A, the movable electrode 7H and the liquid metal 5 are separated from each other and the fixed electrode 6 is located. , 6 are electrically disconnected. When switching from off to on, as shown in FIG. 13 (b), the movable electrode 7H is moved downward by the actuator, and the tip 71Ha of the movable electrode 7H is moved to each of the liquid storage portions 3 and 3. By contacting the liquid metals 5 and 5, the fixed electrodes 6 and 6 are electrically connected via the liquid metals 5 and 5 and the movable electrode 7 </ b> H and are energized. At this time, the opening 4 is closed by the lid 17H, and the lower surface 17Ha of the lid 17H is in contact with the liquid metal 5.

以上本実施例によっても、可動電極7Hの液体金属5と接触する部位に液体金属5に濡れにくい表面部9Hを有するので、上記実施例1と同様の効果を得ることができる。さらに、本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Hでは、可動電極7Hに開口部4を閉塞する蓋部17Hを設けたため、オンするときには、蓋部17Hにより開口部4が閉塞され、液体収容部3から開口部4を介して液体金属5が流出することを抑制できる。   As described above, also in this embodiment, since the surface portion 9H that is difficult to get wet with the liquid metal 5 is provided at the portion of the movable electrode 7H that contacts the liquid metal 5, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in the contact switching device 1H according to the present embodiment, the lid 17H that closes the opening 4 is provided on the movable electrode 7H. Therefore, when the switch is turned on, the opening 4 is closed by the lid 17H, and the liquid container 3 The liquid metal 5 can be prevented from flowing out through the opening 4.

また、本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Hによれば、蓋部17Hを可動電極7Hの一部として構成したため、蓋部17Hの下面部17Haが液体金属5に接触することで、可動電極7Hの液体金属5に接触する面積が大きくなり、可動電極7Hの接触抵抗を安定させることができる。   Further, according to the contact switching apparatus 1H according to the present embodiment, the lid portion 17H is configured as a part of the movable electrode 7H, and therefore, the lower surface portion 17Ha of the lid portion 17H comes into contact with the liquid metal 5, thereby The area in contact with the liquid metal 5 is increased, and the contact resistance of the movable electrode 7H can be stabilized.

図14は、本発明の実施例10にかかる接点開閉装置の概略構成および動作を説明するための部分断面図である。   FIG. 14: is a fragmentary sectional view for demonstrating schematic structure and operation | movement of the contact switching apparatus concerning Example 10 of this invention.

本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Iでは、可動電極7Iは、両先端部71Ia,71Iaを露出させて絶縁部材8Iに覆われている。本実施例では、絶縁部材8Iの下端部8Iaが蓋部17Iとして構成されている。絶縁部材8Iの下端部8Iaは、開口部4に嵌合するように断面長方形状に形成されている。絶縁部材8Iの下端部8Iaから露出された可動電極7Iの先端部71Iaには、液体金属5に濡れにくい表面部9Iが設けられている。   In the contact switching apparatus 1I according to the present embodiment, the movable electrode 7I is covered with the insulating member 8I with both the end portions 71Ia and 71Ia exposed. In the present embodiment, the lower end portion 8Ia of the insulating member 8I is configured as a lid portion 17I. The lower end portion 8Ia of the insulating member 8I is formed in a rectangular cross section so as to fit into the opening 4. A front end portion 71Ia of the movable electrode 7I exposed from the lower end portion 8Ia of the insulating member 8I is provided with a surface portion 9I that is difficult to wet the liquid metal 5.

以上の構成によれば、本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Iでは、オフのときは、図14(a)に示すように、可動電極7Iと液体金属5とは離間した位置にあり固定電極6,6間は電気的に切断されている。そして、オフからオンに切り換える際には、図14(b)に示すように、アクチュエータによって可動電極7Iを下方に向けて移動させ、可動電極7Iの先端部71Iaが各液体収容部3,3の液体金属5,5に接触することで、固定電極6,6間は液体金属5,5および可動電極7Iを介して電気的に接続し、通電される。このとき、蓋部17Iによって開口部4は閉塞される。   According to the above configuration, in the contact switching apparatus 1I according to the present embodiment, when it is off, as shown in FIG. , 6 are electrically disconnected. When switching from off to on, as shown in FIG. 14 (b), the movable electrode 7I is moved downward by the actuator, and the tip 71Ia of the movable electrode 7I By contacting the liquid metals 5 and 5, the fixed electrodes 6 and 6 are electrically connected via the liquid metals 5 and 5 and the movable electrode 7 </ b> I and are energized. At this time, the opening 4 is closed by the lid 17I.

以上本実施例によっても、可動電極7Iの液体金属5と接触する部位に液体金属5に濡れにくい表面部9Iを有するので、上記実施例1と同様の効果を得ることができる。さらに、本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Iでは、可動電極7Iを覆う絶縁部材8Iの下端部8Iaを蓋部17Iとして構成したため、オンするときには蓋部17Iにより開口部4が閉塞され、液体収容部3から開口部4を介して液体金属5が流出することを抑制できる。また、本実施例にかかる接点開閉装置1Iでは、蓋部17Iが絶縁部材8Iの一部として構成されているので、絶縁部材8Iと蓋部17Iとを別個に設ける場合に比べて、装置構成を簡素化できる。   As described above, also in this embodiment, since the surface portion 9I that is hard to get wet with the liquid metal 5 is provided at the portion of the movable electrode 7I that comes into contact with the liquid metal 5, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, in the contact switching device 1I according to the present embodiment, the lower end portion 8Ia of the insulating member 8I covering the movable electrode 7I is configured as the lid portion 17I. Therefore, when the switch is turned on, the opening portion 4 is closed by the lid portion 17I. It is possible to suppress the liquid metal 5 from flowing out through the opening 4 from 3. Further, in the contact switching device 1I according to the present embodiment, since the lid portion 17I is configured as a part of the insulating member 8I, the device configuration is compared with the case where the insulating member 8I and the lid portion 17I are provided separately. It can be simplified.

以上、本発明の好適な実施例について説明したが、本発明は上記実施例には限定されず、種々の変形が可能である。例えば、ケース体,液体収容部,開口部,固定電極,可動電極の形状等は種々のものを採用できる。また、上記実施例では、単一のケース体に複数の液体収容部を設けているが、複数のケース体にそれぞれ液体収容部を設けるようにしてもよい。また、上記実施例では、アクチュエータを可動電極に連結し、可動電極を移動させるようにしているが、アクチュエータをケース体に連結し、ケース体を移動させるようにしてもよい。このように、上記実施例に基づいて当業者によりなされる他の実施例、実施の形態および運用技術等は全て本発明の範疇に含まれる。   The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made. For example, various shapes such as a case body, a liquid container, an opening, a fixed electrode, and a movable electrode can be adopted. Moreover, in the said Example, although the several liquid accommodating part was provided in the single case body, you may make it provide a liquid accommodating part in a some case body, respectively. In the above embodiment, the actuator is connected to the movable electrode and the movable electrode is moved. However, the actuator may be connected to the case body and the case body may be moved. As described above, other examples, embodiments, operation techniques, and the like made by those skilled in the art based on the above examples are all included in the scope of the present invention.

1,1A,1B,1C,1D,1E,1F,1G,1H,1I 接点開閉装置
2 ケース体
3 液体収容部
4 開口部
5 液体金属
5a 液面
6 固定電極
7,7A,7B,7C,7D,7E,7F,7G,7H,7I 可動電極
72A,72B 接触部
8,8I 絶縁部材
9,9A,9B,9C,9D,9E,9F,9G,9H,9I 表面部
10 外部磁場発生手段
11 外部磁場
12 アーク
13 第2表面部
14 平面部
15 凹部
16 連通路
17H,17I 蓋部
1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I Contact switchgear 2 Case body 3 Liquid container 4 Opening 5 Liquid metal 5a Liquid level 6 Fixed electrode 7, 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D , 7E, 7F, 7G, 7H, 7I Movable electrode 72A, 72B Contact portion 8, 8I Insulating member 9, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 9F, 9G, 9H, 9I Surface portion 10 External magnetic field generating means 11 External Magnetic field 12 Arc 13 Second surface portion 14 Plane portion 15 Recessed portion 16 Communication path 17H, 17I Lid portion

Claims (15)

液体金属が充填された液体収容部、および該液体収容部とケース外部とを連通する開口部を有するケース体と、
前記液体金属に接触する固定電極と、
前記開口部を介して前記液体金属に接離可能に設けられるとともに、少なくとも前記液体金属と接触する部位の一部に前記液体金属に濡れにくい表面部を有する可動電極とを備え、
前記開口部を介して前記可動電極を前記液体金属と接触する位置に移動させ、前記固定電極と前記可動電極とを前記液体金属を介して電気的に接続すること
を特徴とする接点開閉装置。
A liquid container filled with a liquid metal, and a case body having an opening communicating the liquid container and the outside of the case;
A fixed electrode in contact with the liquid metal;
A movable electrode provided so as to be able to contact and separate from the liquid metal through the opening, and having a surface portion that is difficult to wet the liquid metal at least in part of a portion that contacts the liquid metal;
The contact opening / closing device, wherein the movable electrode is moved to a position in contact with the liquid metal through the opening, and the fixed electrode and the movable electrode are electrically connected through the liquid metal.
請求項1に記載の接点開閉装置において、
前記液体収容部,前記開口部および前記固定電極をそれぞれ複数備え、
前記可動電極は棒状部材の両端部を屈曲させてコ字状に形成されており、
前記開口部を介して前記可動電極を前記各液体金属と接触する位置に移動させ、前記液体金属および前記可動電極を介して前記固定電極間を電気的に接続すること
を特徴とする接点開閉装置。
The contact switching device according to claim 1,
A plurality of the liquid container, the opening, and the fixed electrode, respectively,
The movable electrode is formed in a U shape by bending both ends of a rod-shaped member,
A contact switching device characterized in that the movable electrode is moved to a position in contact with each liquid metal through the opening, and the fixed electrode is electrically connected through the liquid metal and the movable electrode. .
請求項1または2に記載の接点開閉装置において、
前記表面部が前記可動電極の表面に対し、導電性を有するフッ素系コーティング加工を施すことによって形成されていること
を特徴とする接点開閉装置。
In the contact switching device according to claim 1 or 2,
The contact opening / closing device, wherein the surface portion is formed by performing a conductive fluorine coating on the surface of the movable electrode.
請求項1または2に記載の接点開閉装置において、
前記表面部が前記可動電極の表面に対し、面粗し加工を施すことによって形成されていること
を特徴とする接点開閉装置。
In the contact switching device according to claim 1 or 2,
The contact switching device according to claim 1, wherein the surface portion is formed by subjecting the surface of the movable electrode to surface roughening.
請求項1乃至請求項4のうち、いずれか1項に記載の接点開閉装置において、
前記可動電極の端部に該端部を前記液体金属の液面に対して平行に屈曲させた接触部が設けられていること
を特徴とする接点開閉装置。
In the contact switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A contact opening / closing device characterized in that an end portion of the movable electrode is provided with a contact portion that is bent in parallel to the liquid surface of the liquid metal.
請求項1乃至請求項4のうち、いずれか1項に記載の接点開閉装置において、
前記可動電極の端部に該端部を前記液体金属の液面に対して鋭角に屈曲させた接触部が設けられており、
前記液体金属の液面上近傍に前記接触部に水平方向で直交する方向の外部磁場を発生させる外部磁場発生手段を備えること
を特徴とする接点開閉装置。
In the contact switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A contact portion is provided at an end portion of the movable electrode, the end portion being bent at an acute angle with respect to the liquid surface of the liquid metal,
An external magnetic field generating means for generating an external magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the contact portion in the horizontal direction near the liquid metal surface.
請求項1乃至請求項6のうち、いずれか1項に記載の接点開閉装置において、
前記可動電極の端部が前記液体金属の液面に向けて先細りに形成されていること
を特徴とする接点開閉装置。
The contact switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The contact opening / closing device, wherein an end of the movable electrode is tapered toward a liquid surface of the liquid metal.
請求項1乃至請求項7のうち、いずれか1項に記載の接点開閉装置において、
前記可動電極の少なくとも前記液体金属と接触する部位の一部に前記液体金属に濡れやすい第2表面部が設けられていること
を特徴とする接点開閉装置。
The contact switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A contact opening / closing device, wherein a second surface portion that is easily wetted by the liquid metal is provided at least in a part of the movable electrode that contacts the liquid metal.
請求項8に記載の接点開閉装置において、
前記第2表面部が前記可動電極の表面に対し、導電性を有するシリコーン系コーティング加工を施すことによって形成されていること
を特徴とする接点開閉装置。
In the contact switching device according to claim 8,
The contact opening / closing device, wherein the second surface portion is formed by applying a conductive silicone coating to the surface of the movable electrode.
請求項7に記載の接点開閉装置において、
前記可動電極の先端部に前記液体金属の液面に対向する平面部が設けられていること
を特徴とする接点開閉装置。
The contact switching device according to claim 7,
A contact opening / closing device characterized in that a flat portion facing the liquid surface of the liquid metal is provided at the tip of the movable electrode.
請求項1乃至請求項10のうち、いずれか1項に記載の接点開閉装置において、
前記可動電極の前記液体金属に接触する部位に前記液体金属が流入可能な凹部が設けられていること
を特徴とする接点開閉装置。
The contact switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A contact opening / closing device in which a concave portion into which the liquid metal can flow is provided at a portion of the movable electrode that contacts the liquid metal.
請求項11に記載の接点開閉装置において、
前記可動電極に一端が外部に開口し、且つ、他端が前記凹部に開口する連通路が設けられていること
を特徴とする接点開閉装置。
The contact switching device according to claim 11,
A contact switching device characterized in that the movable electrode is provided with a communication path having one end opened to the outside and the other end opened to the recess.
請求項1乃至請求項12のうち、いずれか1項に記載の接点開閉装置において、
前記可動電極に前記開口部を閉塞する蓋部が設けられていること
を特徴とする接点開閉装置。
The contact switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
A contact opening / closing device, wherein the movable electrode is provided with a lid for closing the opening.
請求項13に記載の接点開閉装置において、
前記蓋部が前記可動電極の一部で構成されていること
を特徴とする接点開閉装置。
The contact switching device according to claim 13,
The contact opening / closing device, wherein the lid portion is configured by a part of the movable electrode.
請求項13に記載の接点開閉装置において、
前記可動電極が絶縁部材を介して支持されており、
前記蓋部が前記絶縁部材の一部で構成されていること
を特徴とする接点開閉装置。
The contact switching device according to claim 13,
The movable electrode is supported via an insulating member;
The contact opening / closing apparatus, wherein the lid portion is formed of a part of the insulating member.
JP2009066844A 2009-03-18 2009-03-18 Contact switching device Withdrawn JP2010218977A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
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Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2009066844A JP2010218977A (en) 2009-03-18 2009-03-18 Contact switching device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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Country Link
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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2019194994A (en) * 2019-07-08 2019-11-07 イリソ電子工業株式会社 connector
US20220149549A1 (en) * 2019-03-11 2022-05-12 Kabushiki Kaisha Nihon Micronics Electrical connecting apparatus
WO2023199953A1 (en) * 2022-04-15 2023-10-19 株式会社ExH Connection device

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20220149549A1 (en) * 2019-03-11 2022-05-12 Kabushiki Kaisha Nihon Micronics Electrical connecting apparatus
JP2019194994A (en) * 2019-07-08 2019-11-07 イリソ電子工業株式会社 connector
WO2023199953A1 (en) * 2022-04-15 2023-10-19 株式会社ExH Connection device

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