JP2016170861A - Electric circuit switching device and electric circuit switching system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small-sized, lightweight, and low-cost electric circuit switching device.SOLUTION: Disclosed is an electric circuit switching device 100 which includes: a fixed terminal 10; a moving terminal 12 relatively movable to the fixed terminal 10; a contact 14 provided in the fixed terminal 10 or the moving terminal 12; a first actuator 16 which generates recovery force in a direction of connecting the moving terminal 12 to the fixed terminal 10; and a second actuator 16 which generates the recovery force in a direction of releasing the moving terminal 12 from the fixed terminal 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric circuit switching device and an electric circuit switching system using a shape memory alloy.

  Generally, an electromagnetic relay is used when an electric circuit is automatically switched or remotely operated. However, since the electromagnetic relay has a structure in which the contact is connected / disconnected by the attractive force of the electromagnet, the excitation power is always consumed to maintain the state. In addition, since the contact is basically point contact, the contact resistance during energization is large, the power loss is large, and there is a risk of heating or welding of contacts when an excessive current flows. In addition, an electromagnet for driving the contact and a return spring are necessary, which increases the size of the apparatus and the manufacturing cost.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses an electrical switching device that remotely operates an open / close handle of a circuit breaker by means of two shape memory alloy coil springs having opposing acting forces. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a bistable electric switch in which a toggle switch that is held at two stable and symmetrical positions by a snap action spring is configured, and the switch is switched by a shape memory alloy wire.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-51022 JP 2014-53125 A

  In the electrical switching device using a coil spring made of shape memory alloy, the opening / closing handle for human operation was originally retrofitted to be operated by two coil springs made of shape memory alloy. An actuator that generates an acting force for operating the device is required, the apparatus is large, and the manufacturing cost increases.

  In addition, in an electric circuit switching device using the shape restoring force of the wire of shape memory alloy, an acting force is required to move the contact point to the opposite stable point opposite to the spring for stabilizing the state. The shape memory alloy wire, which is an actuator, becomes larger and the manufacturing cost increases.

  Moreover, since the contact point is a point contact in any device, like an electromagnetic relay, the contact resistance when energized is large, the power loss is large, and there is a risk of heating or contact welding when excessive current flows. is there. Further, when the surface of the contact is oxidized, the contact resistance increases and the power loss may further increase.

  One aspect of the present invention includes a first terminal, a second terminal movable relative to the first terminal, a contact provided on the first terminal or the second terminal, and the second terminal. A first shape memory alloy that generates recovery force in a direction to connect a terminal to the first terminal; and a second shape memory alloy that generates recovery force in a direction to release the second terminal from the first terminal. The electrical circuit switching device is characterized in that the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected or released by heating the first shape memory alloy and the second shape memory alloy.

  The second terminal further includes a third terminal, the second terminal is movable relative to the third terminal, and is released from the third terminal in a state where the second terminal and the first terminal are connected. It is preferable that when the second terminal and the third terminal are connected, the second terminal and the third terminal are released from the first terminal.

  Here, it is preferable that at least one of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal includes a plurality of terminals.

  In addition, it is preferable that at least one of the first shape memory alloy and the second shape memory alloy receives a heat generated by a flowing current and generates a restoring force.

  Further, it is preferable that the contact functions as a fuse that is blown by a flowing current.

  Further, either one of the first terminal and the second terminal has a structure sandwiching the other terminal, and the other terminal is interposed between the contacts provided on the first terminal or the second terminal. By inserting, the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected, and the insertion force for inserting the other terminal between the contacts is such that the one terminal causes the other terminal to It is preferable that the pressure is smaller than the sandwiched pressure.

  At least one of the first terminal and the second terminal is provided with a piezoelectric element, and the first terminal and the second terminal are pressed together by the piezoelectric element when the first terminal and the second terminal are connected. Is preferred.

  In addition, it is preferable that heating means for heating the first shape memory alloy and the second shape memory alloy in the plurality of electric circuit switching devices are arranged in a matrix.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electric circuit switching device and an electric circuit switching system that are small, light, and low in cost.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the electric circuit switching apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the movement terminal and contact in embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing explaining the connection state of the electric circuit switching apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the connection state of the electric circuit switching apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the structural example of the contact in embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structural example of the contact in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the electric circuit switching apparatus in the modification 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the connection state of the electric circuit switching apparatus in the modification 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the autonomous disconnection of the electric circuit switching apparatus in the modification 1 of this invention. It is a front view which shows the structural example of the contact in the modification 2 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structural example of the contact in the modification 2 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the effect | action of the contact in the modification 2 of this invention. It is a front view which shows the structural example of the contact in the modification 3 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structural example of the contact in the modification 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of application of the electric circuit switching apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of application of the electric circuit switching apparatus in embodiment of this invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electric circuit switching device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a fixed terminal 10 (10a, 10b), a moving terminal 12, a contact 14 (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d), and an actuator 16 (16a). , 16b, 16c, 16d). FIG. 1A shows a front view of the electric circuit switching device 100, and FIG. 1B shows a top view of the electric circuit switching device 100.

  The fixed terminals 10 (10a, 10b) are electrical terminals whose positions are fixed. In the present embodiment, two fixed terminals 10a and 10b are provided in order for the electric circuit switching device 100 to function as a changeover switch. The fixed terminals 10a and 10b are made of a conductive material. The fixed terminal 10a and the fixed terminal 10b are each formed in a strip shape, and are arranged in parallel with a predetermined interval. The fixed terminals 10a and 10b are fixed to the housing of the electric circuit switching device 100, for example.

  The moving terminal 12 is a terminal that can move relative to the fixed terminal 10 (10a, 10b). The main body of the moving terminal 12 is formed by an electrical terminal made of a conductive material and an insulator. The moving terminal 12 is provided with a contact 14 made of a conductive material. The moving terminal 12 mechanically supports a contact 14 that forms an electrical connection with the fixed terminal 10.

  In this embodiment, as shown in the front view of FIG. 2A and the enlarged top view of FIG. 2B, the insulator of the moving terminal 12 includes two oval plate-like members 12a and plate-like members. 12b face each other and connected by a connecting portion 12e with a predetermined gap. The connecting portion 12e is provided along the long axis of the plate-like members 12a and 12b. Further, a groove 12c into which an actuator 16 (16a, 16b) described later is inserted is provided at the outer peripheral edge of the plate-like member 12a. Further, a groove 12d into which an actuator 16 (16c, 16d) described later is inserted is provided on the outer peripheral edge of the plate-like member 12b.

  The moving terminal 12 is provided with electrical terminals 12f, 12g, 12h, and 12i made of a conductive material on the inner surface of the concave portion formed by the plate-like member 12a, the plate-like member 12b, and the connecting portion 12e. The electrical terminals 12f, 12g, 12h, and 12i are formed by being attached to or embedded in either the plate member 12a or the plate member 12b, respectively. Although not shown, the electrical terminal 12f and the electrical terminal 12g, and the electrical terminal 12h and the electrical terminal 12i are electrically short-circuited, and a connection line is wired from them to the outside. The electrical terminal 12f and the electrical terminal 12h are configured by parallel plates, but may be configured by a U-shaped conductor. The same applies to the electrical terminal 12g and the electrical terminal 12i.

  The contacts 14 (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) are conductive members, and are provided between the electrical terminals 12f, 12h and the electrical terminals 12g, 12i. The contact 14 is preferably composed of, for example, a metal material such as copper, silver, or gold, or a member plated with a metal material. In the present embodiment, the contact 14a and the contact 14b are formed on the surfaces of the electrical terminal 12f and the electrical terminal 12g along the major axis direction symmetrically with respect to the major axis (connecting portion 12e). The contact 14c and the contact 14d are formed on the surfaces of the electrical terminal 12h and the electrical terminal 12i along the major axis direction in line symmetry with the major axis (connecting portion 12e) in between. Further, the contact 14a formed on the electrical terminal 12f and the contact 14c formed on the electrical terminal 12h face each other, and the contact 14b formed on the electrical terminal 12g and the contact 14d formed on the electrical terminal 12i communicate with each other. Arranged to face each other. The distance between the contact 14a and the contact 14c is a distance at which the fixed terminal 10a can be inserted, and the distance between the contact 14b and the contact 14d is a distance at which the fixed terminal 10b can be inserted.

  The actuator 16 (16 a, 16 b, 16 c, 16 d) is a driving unit that moves the moving terminal 12 relative to the fixed terminal 10. In the present embodiment, the actuator 16 is made of a wire shape memory alloy. The diameter of the actuator 16 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.01 mm or more and 5 mm or less. As the shape memory alloy, for example, a nickel (Ni) -titanium (Ti) alloy can be used. Part of the actuator 16a and the actuator 16b is inserted into a groove 12c formed in the plate-like member 12a of the moving terminal 12, and the plate-like member 12a is sandwiched from both sides by the tension. A part of the actuator 16c and the actuator 16d is inserted into a groove 12d formed in the plate-like member 12b of the moving terminal 12, and the plate-like member 12b is sandwiched from both sides by the tension.

  The fixed terminal 10 and the moving terminal 12 are such that the connecting portion 12e of the moving terminal 12 is positioned between the fixed terminals 10a and 10b, and the fixed terminals 10a and 10b are positioned between the plate-like member 12a and the plate-like member 12b. Be placed. With such an arrangement, the recovery force of the actuator 16a and the actuator 16c and the recovery force of the actuator 16b and the actuator 16d are caused to function as a relay facing each other.

  By applying current to the actuators 16a and 16c and heating them, a contraction recovery force is generated in the actuators 16a and 16c, and the moving terminal 12 moves to the fixed terminal 10b side. At this time, as shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 1 and 3A (the cross-section along the line AA in FIG. 1), the fixed terminal 10b is inserted into the gap between the contact 14b and the contact 14d and fixed. Terminal 10b is electrically connected to contact 14b and contact 14d. Further, since the contact 14b and the contact 14d are connected to the electrical terminal 12g and the electrical terminal 12i, the fixed terminal 10b is connected to the electrical terminal 12g and the electrical terminal 12i. On the other hand, the fixed terminal 10a is removed from the gap between the contact 14a and the contact 14c, and the fixed terminal 10a, the contact 14a, and the contact 14c are electrically disconnected. Therefore, the fixed terminal 10a, the electrical terminal 12f, and the electrical terminal 12h are also electrically disconnected.

  Further, the current to the actuators 16a and 16c is stopped and the actuators 16b and 16d are energized and heated, whereby a contraction recovery force is generated in the actuators 16b and 16d, and the moving terminal 12 moves to the fixed terminal 10a side. . At this time, as shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 4 and 3B (the cross-section along the line AA in FIG. 4), the fixed terminal 10a is inserted into the gap between the contact 14a and the contact 14c and fixed. Terminal 10a is electrically connected to contact 14a and contact 14c. Further, since the contact 14a and the contact 14c and the electrical terminal 12f and the electrical terminal 12h are in the connected state, the fixed terminal 10a, the electrical terminal 12f and the electrical terminal 12h are also in the connected state. On the other hand, the fixed terminal 10b is removed from the gap between the contact 14b and the contact 14d, and the fixed terminal 10b, the contact 14b, and the contact 14d are electrically disconnected. Therefore, the fixed terminal 10b, the electrical terminal 12g, and the electrical terminal 12i are also electrically disconnected.

  Thus, by controlling the current to the actuator 16a and the actuator 16c or the actuator 16b and the actuator 16d, the electrical connection between the fixed terminal 10a, the electrical terminal 12f and the electrical terminal 12h, and the electrical connection between the fixed terminal 10b and the electrical terminal The electrical connection between the target terminal 12g and the electrical terminal 12i can be switched exclusively.

  Here, the contact 14 is preferably a multi-contact type contact. For example, as shown in the plan view of FIG. 5 and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6 (cross-section along the line BB in FIG. 5), the contact 14 has a plurality of louvers 20 made of thin conductor members at both ends thereof. It is preferable to use a continuously connected ladder shape. Each of the louvers 20 includes a convex region 22 that is processed so as to form a mountain shape in a curved shape from the peripheral portion toward the central portion. Then, the protruding region 22 of the contact 14a and the protruding region 22 of the contact 14c face each other, and the protruding region 22 of the contact 14b and the protruding region 22 of the contact 14d face each other. Fixed on top. At this time, it is preferable that the space between the convex region 22 of the contact 14a and the contact 14c and between the convex region 22 of the contact 14b and the contact 14d is slightly smaller than the thickness of the fixed terminal 10a and the fixed terminal 10b, respectively. is there.

  When the fixed terminal 10a contacts the contact 14a and the contact 14c, the fixed terminal 10a is pressed against the apex side of the convex region 22 by inserting the fixed terminal 10a between the contact 14a and the contact 14c. The convex region 22 is deformed by the elastic force of the member, and the fixed terminal 10a and the contacts 14a and 14c are in surface contact. At the same time, the contact 14a and the contact 14c are pressed against the electrical terminal 12f and the electrical terminal 12h to come into surface contact. Therefore, a low contact resistance connection state is established from the fixed terminal 10a to the electrical terminal 12f and the electrical terminal 12h. Similarly, when the fixed terminal 10b comes into contact with the contact 14b and the contact 14d, the fixed terminal 10b is inserted between the contact 14b and the contact 14d, so that the fixed terminal 10b is placed on the apex side of the convex region 22. Is pressed, the convex region 22 is deformed by the elastic force of the member, and the fixed terminal 10b, the contact 14b and the contact 14d are in surface contact. At the same time, the contact 14b and the contact 14d are pressed against the electrical terminal 12g and the electrical terminal 12i to come into surface contact. Therefore, a low contact resistance connection state is established between the fixed terminal 10b and the electrical terminal 12g and the electrical terminal 12i.

  At the time of contact, the fixed terminal 10 is pressed against the contact surface with the contact 14 with a constant force, and the contact pressure is held in a stable state by the elastic force of the member. Therefore, once the fixed terminal 10 is inserted between the two contacts 14, the fixed terminal 10 does not come out even if the force from the actuator 16 is not received, and the electrical connection is made even if the power supply to the actuator 16 is stopped. The state can be maintained. In addition, the electric circuit switching device 100 that is resistant to vibration and impact can be obtained.

  Further, each of the plurality of louvers 20 forms an independent contact surface, and the contact resistance is reduced by contacting in parallel. Therefore, the voltage drop at the contact surface can be suppressed, and the increase in the contact surface temperature can be reduced. Further, by forming the louver 20 into a corrugated shape, a plurality of convex regions are also present with respect to the fixed terminal 10, and the contact resistance can be further reduced with multi-surface contact. Further, a self-cleaning effect can be obtained in which the fixed terminal 10 and the contact 14 and the oxide film and the like on the contact surfaces of the contact 14 and the electrical terminals 12f to 12i are removed at the time of insertion and removal.

  The contact 14 is preferably formed of a material obtained by silver plating beryllium copper in order to obtain high tension and high electrical conductivity. By applying silver plating to the surface of the contact 14, the insertion pressure of the fixed terminal 10 can be lowered due to the low friction coefficient (0.32) of silver. Thereby, durability with respect to the insertion and removal of the fixed terminal 10 can be improved, and the life of the electric circuit switching device 100 can be extended. On the other hand, as described above, when the fixed terminal 10 is inserted between the contacts 14, the connection state with the fixed terminal 10 can be stably maintained by the elastic force of the contacts 14.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the fixed terminal 10 is sandwiched between the two contacts 14 to make contact, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a force for pressing the fixed terminal 10 against the contact 14 is given. Any configuration may be used.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the contact 14 is provided on the movable terminal 12, but the contact 14 may be provided on the fixed terminal 10. That is, the contact surface may be connected or released by the contact 14 provided on at least one of the fixed terminal 10 and the moving terminal 12 by moving the moving terminal 12 relative to the fixed terminal 10. .

  Further, in this embodiment, the actuator 16 is heated by passing a current directly, but a separate heating means such as a heater may be provided in the vicinity of the actuator 16.

<Modification 1>
As shown in FIG. 7, the electric circuit switching device 102 according to the first modification of the present invention includes only a pair of contacts 14a and 14b, an electric terminal 12f, and an electric terminal 12g along the long axis of the moving terminal 12. Prepare. 7A is a front view of the electric circuit switching device 102, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC.

  By applying current to the actuators 16a and 16c and heating them, a contraction recovery force is generated in the actuators 16a and 16c, and the moving terminal 12 moves to the fixed terminal 10b side. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the fixed terminal 10b is inserted into the gap between the contact 14a and the contact 14b, and the fixed terminal 10b is electrically connected to the contact 14a and the contact 14b. Further, since the contacts 14a and 14b and the electrical terminals 12f and 12g are in a connected state, the fixed terminal 10b, the electrical terminals 12f and the electrical terminal 12g are in a connected state. On the other hand, the fixed terminal 10a is removed from the gap between the contact 14a and the contact 14b, and the fixed terminal 10a, the contact 14a, and the contact 14b are electrically disconnected. Therefore, the fixed terminal 10a is electrically disconnected from the electrical terminal 12f and the electrical terminal 12g. Further, the current to the actuators 16a and 16c is stopped and the actuators 16b and 16d are energized and heated, whereby a contraction recovery force is generated in the actuators 16b and 16d, and the moving terminal 12 moves to the fixed terminal 10a side. . At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the fixed terminal 10a is inserted into the gap between the contact 14a and the contact 14b, and the fixed terminal 10a is electrically connected to the contact 14a and the contact 14b. As described above, since the contact 14a and the contact 14b and the electrical terminal 12f and the electrical terminal 12g are in the connected state, the fixed terminal 10a, the electrical terminal 12f and the electrical terminal 12g are in the connected state. On the other hand, the fixed terminal 10b is removed from the gap between the contact 14a and the contact 14b, and the fixed terminal 10b, the contact 14a, and the contact 14b are electrically disconnected. Therefore, the fixed terminal 10b is electrically disconnected from the electrical terminal 12f and the electrical terminal 12g.

  In this way, by controlling the current to the actuator 16a and the actuator 16c or the actuator 16b and the actuator 16d, the electrical connection between the fixed terminal 10a and the fixed terminal 10b and the electrical terminal 12f and the electrical terminal 12g is exclusive. Can be switched automatically.

  Here, in a state in which the contact 14a and the contact 14b are connected to the fixed terminal 10a or the fixed terminal 10b, the Joule heat generated by the current flowing through these contact surfaces is easily transmitted to the actuator 16. For example, in a state where the contact 14a and the contact 14b are connected to the fixed terminal 10a or the fixed terminal 10b, it is preferable that the arrangement, shape, and size are such that the contact 14a and the contact 14b are located in the vicinity of the actuator 16. .

  By adopting such a configuration, an overcurrent flows on the contact surface between the contact 14a and the contact 14b and the fixed terminal 10a or the fixed terminal 10b, and when the contact surface is overheated, the heat is transmitted to the actuator 16. As a result, a restoring force is generated in the actuator 16 and the contact surface is released autonomously.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when an overcurrent flows in a state where the fixed terminal 10b is connected to the contact 14a and the contact 14b, heat generated on the contact surface is transmitted to the actuator 16b and the actuator 16d, and the actuator 16b , 16d generates contraction recovery force, and the moving terminal 12 moves to the fixed terminal 10a side. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the fixed terminal 10b is removed from the gap between the contact 14a and the contact 14b, and the fixed terminal 10b, the contact 14a, and the contact 14b are cut autonomously.

<Modification 2>
In the second modification of the present invention, the contact 14 is provided with a fuse function. In this modification, as shown in the front view of FIG. 10 and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 11 (cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 10), the fuse portion 24 is provided in the contact 14. The fuse portion 24 is provided on both sides of the louver 20 and is a region where the minimum width Wf is narrower than the minimum width Wl of the louver 20 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the fuse portion 24 is formed in a convex shape with respect to the surface of the moving terminal 12, and the end portion is in contact with only the insulator (12 a, 12 b) of the moving terminal 12. It is preferable that the height of the fuse portion 24 is approximately the same as the height of the convex region 22, and the gap between the two contacts 14 facing each other is slightly smaller than the thickness of the fixed terminal 10.

  When the fixed terminal 10 and the contact 14 are in contact with each other, the fixed terminal 10 and the fuse portion 24 are first in contact with each other as shown in FIG. At this time, when an excessive current exceeding the fusing threshold flows on the contact surface, the fuse portion 24 formed with a narrow width is blown. On the other hand, when the fixed terminal 10 and the contact 14 are disconnected, the fixed terminal 10 and the fuse portion 24 are finally in contact with each other. At this time, when an excessive current exceeding the fusing threshold flows on the contact surface, the fuse portion 24 formed with a narrow width is blown. As a result, the occurrence of an arc or the like due to an excessive current is suppressed, the insulation state is quickly secured, and the device is protected.

<Modification 3>
In the third modification of the present invention, as shown in the front view of FIG. 13 and the top view of FIG. 14, the electric circuit switching device 104 is a combination of the U-shaped fixed terminal 10 and the plate-like moving terminal 12.

  The fixed terminal 10a includes a U-shaped insulating member as viewed from above and electrical terminals 30a and 30c arranged on the inner inner surface of the insulating member so as to face each other. Similarly, the fixed terminal 10b includes a U-shaped insulator as viewed from above and electrical terminals 30b and 30d disposed on the inner inner surface of the insulating member so as to face each other. The fixed terminal 10a and the fixed terminal 10b are disposed so that the U-shaped openings face each other. The electrical terminals 30a and 30c are electrically short-circuited and connected to external wiring. The electrical terminal 30b and the electrical terminal 30d are electrically short-circuited and connected to external wiring.

  The moving terminal 12 includes electrical terminals 12f, 12g, 12h, and 12i and contacts 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d at both ends of a plate-like insulator. Similarly to the electric circuit switching device 100 of the above-described embodiment, the electric terminal 12f and the electric terminal 12g, and the electric terminal 12h and the electric terminal 12i are electrically short-circuited, and a connection line is connected to the outside from them. Wired. Contacts 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d are provided on electrical terminals 12f, 12g, 12h, and 12i, respectively.

  The actuator 16a and the actuator 16b are inserted into the groove formed in the moving terminal 12, and the moving terminal 12 is sandwiched from both sides by the tension.

  By applying current to the actuator 16a and heating it, a contraction recovery force is generated in the actuator 16a, and the moving terminal 12 moves to the fixed terminal 10b side. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the contact 14b and the contact 14d provided on the moving terminal 12 are inserted into the gap between the electrical terminal 30b and the electrical terminal 30d of the fixed terminal 10b, and the fixed terminal 10b Electrical terminal 30b and electrical terminal 30d are electrically connected to contact 14b and contact 14d. Further, since the contact 14b and the contact 14d and the electrical terminal 12g and the electrical terminal 12i are in a connected state, the electrical terminal 30b and the electrical terminal 30d of the fixed terminal 10b, the electrical terminal 12g and the electrical terminal 12i are connected. Connected. On the other hand, the contact 14a and the contact 14c of the moving terminal 12 are removed from the gap between the electrical terminal 30a and the electrical terminal 30c of the fixed terminal 10a, and the electrical terminal 30a and the electrical terminal 30c of the fixed terminal 10a, the contact 14a and the contact 14c, Is electrically disconnected. Therefore, the electrical terminals 30a and 30c of the fixed terminal 10a and the electrical terminals 12f and 12h are also electrically disconnected.

  Further, when the current to the actuator 16a is stopped and the actuator 16b is energized and heated, a contraction recovery force is generated in the actuator 16b, and the moving terminal 12 moves to the fixed terminal 10a side. At this time, the contact 14a and the contact 14c provided on the moving terminal 12 are inserted into the gap between the electrical terminal 30a and the electrical terminal 30c of the fixed terminal 10a, and the electrical terminal 30a and the electrical terminal 30c of the fixed terminal 10a The contacts 14a and 14c are electrically connected. Further, since the contact 14a and the contact 14c and the electrical terminal 12f and the electrical terminal 12h are in a connected state, the electrical terminal 30a and the electrical terminal 30c of the fixed terminal 10a, the electrical terminal 12f and the electrical terminal 12h are connected. Connected. On the other hand, the contact 14b and the contact 14d of the moving terminal 12 are separated from the gap between the electrical terminal 30b and the electrical terminal 30d of the fixed terminal 10b, and the electrical terminal 30b and the electrical terminal 30d of the fixed terminal 10b, the contact 14b and the contact 14d, Is electrically disconnected. For this reason, the electrical terminals 30b and 30d of the fixed terminal 10b and the electrical terminals 12g and 12i are also electrically disconnected.

  In this way, the electrical connection can be switched exclusively by controlling the current to the actuator 16a or the actuator 16b.

  Here, it is preferable to provide the piezoelectric elements 32a and 32b on the fixed terminal 10a and the fixed terminal 10b. The piezoelectric elements 32a and 32b can be, for example, piezoelectric ceramics. By applying a voltage to the piezoelectric elements 32a and 32b, the fixed terminal 10a and the fixed terminal 10b can be deformed by applying a mechanical force. In this modification, the piezoelectric elements 32a and 30b are provided so that the gap between the insulators of the U-shaped fixed terminal 10a and the fixed terminal 10b can be narrowed or widened by the piezoelectric elements 32a and 30b.

  By providing the piezoelectric elements 32a and 32b, when the moving terminal 12 is inserted into the fixed terminal 10a or the fixed terminal 10b, the U-shaped opening can be widened so that the insertion can be performed smoothly. On the other hand, after insertion of the moving terminal 12, the U-shaped opening of the fixed terminal 10a or the fixed terminal 10b is narrowed, and the contact 14a and the contact 14c and the electrical terminal 30a and the electrical terminal 30c, or the contact 14b and the contact The pressing pressure of 14d, the electrical terminal 30b, and the electrical terminal 30d can be increased.

<Electric circuit switching system>
Hereinafter, an electric circuit switching system to which the electric circuit switching device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described.

  In the example of FIG. 15, a plurality of electric circuit switching devices 100 are arranged in a matrix, and currents flowing through the actuator 16 by the row control transistors Trr1, Trr2,... And the column control transistors Trc1, Trc2,. It is set as the structure which controls. .. Are arranged in a matrix by turning on one of the row control transistors Trr1, Trr2,... And any one of the column control transistors Trc1, Trc2,. The connection can be switched by selecting one of the plurality of electric circuit switching devices 100.

  In the example of FIG. 16, a plurality of electric circuit switching devices 102 are arranged in series and connected to the switching control circuit 200 so that current can flow independently to each actuator 16. As a result, it is possible to disconnect the faulty part of the battery connected to the inverter 202 or the like, change the number of batteries, and control the power supply voltage.

  The application range of the electric circuit switching device according to the present invention is not limited to the above example, and can be applied to various electric circuits.

  10 (10a, 10b) Fixed terminal, 12 Moving terminal, 12a, 12b Plate member, 12c, 12d Groove, 12e Connection part, 14 (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) Contact, 16 (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d ) Actuator, 20 louvers, 22 convex region, 24 fuse portion, 30 (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) electrical terminal, 32 (32a, 32b) piezoelectric element, 100, 102 electrical circuit switching device, 200 switching control circuit 202 Inverter.

Claims (8)

A first terminal;
A second terminal movable relative to the first terminal;
A contact provided on the first terminal or the second terminal;
A first shape memory alloy that generates a restoring force in a direction to connect the second terminal to the first terminal;
A second shape memory alloy that generates a restoring force in a direction to release the second terminal from the first terminal;
With
An electric circuit switching device characterized in that the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected or released by heating the first shape memory alloy and the second shape memory alloy. The electric circuit switching device according to claim 1,
And a third terminal
The second terminal is movable relative to the third terminal, and is released from the third terminal in a state where the second terminal and the first terminal are connected, and the second terminal An electric circuit switching device, wherein the electric circuit switching device is released from the first terminal in a state where the first terminal is connected to the third terminal. The electric circuit switching device according to claim 2,
The electric circuit switching device, wherein at least one of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal includes a plurality of terminals. The electric circuit switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An electric circuit switching device, wherein at least one of the first shape memory alloy and the second shape memory alloy receives a heat generated by a flowing current to generate a restoring force. The electric circuit switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The electrical circuit switching device according to claim 1, wherein the contact functions as a fuse blown by a flowing current. The electric circuit switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Either one of the first terminal and the second terminal has a structure sandwiching the other terminal,
The first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected by inserting the other terminal between the contacts provided on the first terminal or the second terminal,
The electric circuit switching device according to claim 1, wherein an insertion force for inserting the other terminal between the contacts is smaller than a pressure at which the other terminal is sandwiched by the one terminal. The electric circuit switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
At least one of the first terminal and the second terminal is provided with a piezoelectric element, and the first terminal and the second terminal are pressed together by the piezoelectric element when the first terminal and the second terminal are connected. An electrical circuit switching device. A plurality of electric circuit switching devices according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
An electric circuit switching system, wherein heating means for heating the first shape memory alloy and the second shape memory alloy in the plurality of electric circuit switching devices are arranged in a matrix.

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