Patent Description:
The circuit breaker described in PTL <NUM> includes: at least one conductor designed to be connected to an electric circuit; a housing; a matrix; a punch; and an actuator using a pyrotechnic device. The actuator is designed to move the punch from a first position to a second position when ignited. The punch and the matrix break the at least one electrical conductor into at least two separate portions when the punch moves from the first position to the second position.

<CIT> discloses a disconnect device according to the preamble of independent claim <NUM>.

In such a disconnect device as the circuit breaker described in PTL <NUM>, when a conductor is broken while a large current is flowing through the conductor, an arc is sometimes generated at the broken part.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a disconnect device in which it is possible to accelerate extinction of an arc.

A disconnect device according to the invention is defined in appended claim <NUM>. Further optional features are defined in the dependent claims.

Hereinafter, a disconnect device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As illustrated in <FIG>, disconnect device <NUM> of the present exemplary embodiment includes conductor <NUM>, cooling body <NUM>, and housing <NUM>.

Conductor <NUM> is connected to an external conductive path. Through conductor <NUM>, a current supplied from an external conductive path can flow. At least a part of conductor <NUM> is accommodated in internal space <NUM> of housing <NUM>.

Cooling body <NUM> is disposed in internal space <NUM> of housing <NUM>. Cooling body <NUM> cools an arc generated in internal space <NUM>.

For example, when conductor <NUM> is broken in internal space <NUM> while a current is flowing through conductor <NUM>, an arc may be generated in internal space <NUM>. Cooling body <NUM> comes into contact with the arc generated in internal space <NUM>. As a result, the arc is cooled, and extinction of the arc is accelerated. When the arc comes into contact with cooling body <NUM>, a metal gas included in the arc adheres to cooling body <NUM>. Therefore, since cooling body <NUM> is provided, it is possible to reduce an increase in a pressure in internal space <NUM> caused by the generation of the arc.

Cooling body <NUM> includes porous body <NUM>. Porous body <NUM> constituting cooling body <NUM> is configured with at least one of a metal oxide and an inorganic oxide.

Porous body <NUM> in the present disclosure may be one member having a large number of fine pores, or may be an aggregate of one or a plurality of members arranged so as to form gaps in the one member or between the one member and other members (which members themselves may or may not have pores). Porous body <NUM> in disconnect device <NUM> of the present exemplary embodiment is an aggregate of a plurality of fibers <NUM> (see <FIG>). In disconnect device <NUM> of the present exemplary embodiment, porous body <NUM> is deformable. Fibers <NUM> constituting porous body <NUM> are also deformable. Porous body <NUM> may be configured with only fibers <NUM>, or may further have one or a plurality of side chain parts branched from fibers <NUM>. In the present disclosure, whether or not porous body <NUM> includes side chain parts, it is expressed that "porous body <NUM> has a fibrous structure".

As described above, in disconnect device <NUM> of the present exemplary embodiment, cooling body <NUM> for cooling the arc includes porous body <NUM>. Therefore, the surface area can be increased, and the arc can easily come in contact with cooling body <NUM>. As a result, disconnect device <NUM> of the present exemplary embodiment can accelerate extinction of the arc. Note that, in the present disclosure, to accelerate extinction of an arc can include to shorten a duration of a generated arc or to reduce energy of the generated arc.

In addition, a metal oxide and an inorganic oxide hardly generate gas even when melted. Therefore, when porous body <NUM> constituting cooling body <NUM> is configured with at least one of a metal oxide and an inorganic oxide as in disconnect device <NUM> of the present exemplary embodiment, cooling body <NUM> is less likely to generate a gas even when being melted by heat of the arc. Therefore, even if an arc is generated in internal space <NUM>, a pressure in internal space <NUM> of housing <NUM> is less likely to increase. Therefore, with disconnect device <NUM> of the present exemplary embodiment, it is possible to reduce occurrence of a problem caused by an increase in the pressure in internal space <NUM>.

Disconnect device <NUM> of the present exemplary embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to <FIG>.

Disconnect device <NUM> includes conductor <NUM>, cooling body <NUM>, housing <NUM>, and in addition, restriction member <NUM>, drive mechanism <NUM>, and operation pin <NUM>. Conductor <NUM> includes first terminal portion <NUM>, second terminal portion <NUM>, and separation portion <NUM>.

Disconnect device <NUM> is provided in, for example, an electric vehicle or the like. Disconnect device <NUM> is provided, for example, in an electric circuit connecting between a power supply of an electric vehicle and a motor, and switches between supplying and not-supplying of a current from the power supply to the motor. An operation of drive mechanism <NUM> in disconnect device <NUM> is controlled by, for example, a controller such as an electronic control unit (ECU) provided in the electric vehicle.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a direction which is a moving direction of operation pin <NUM> and in which operation pin <NUM> and conductor <NUM> face each other (vertical direction in <FIG>) is referred to as an up-and-down direction, a side of conductor <NUM> as viewed from operation pin <NUM> is referred to as a lower side, and a side of operation pin <NUM> as viewed from conductor <NUM> is referred to as an upper side. A direction which is a longitudinal direction of conductor <NUM> and in which first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM> are arranged (right-and-left direction in <FIG>) is referred to as a right-and-left direction. In addition, a direction orthogonal to both the up-and-down direction and the right-and-left direction (a direction orthogonal to the paper surface of <FIG>) is referred to as a front-and-rear direction. Note that these directions are for convenience of description of the structure of disconnect device <NUM>, and do not specify the orientation or the like of disconnect device <NUM> when disconnect device <NUM> is used. Note that in the present disclosure, the description will be given using terms indicating directions such as "up", "down", "upper", and "lower". However, these terms merely indicate a relative positional relationship, and do not limit the present disclosure.

Conductor <NUM> is formed of, for example, copper. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, conductor <NUM> is formed in a rectangular plate shape having a thickness in the up-and-down direction. As illustrated in <FIG>, first terminal portion <NUM>, second terminal portion <NUM>, and separation portion <NUM> have the same width (a dimension in the front-and-rear direction) and thickness (a dimension in the up-and-down direction).

First terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM> are portions of conductor <NUM> which are each to be electrically connected to an external conductive path (an electric circuit of an electric vehicle). Each of first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM> has, for example, a through-hole. Each of first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM> can be electrically connected to an external conductive path by passing a bolt through the through-hole and coupling the bolt to a terminal of the external conductive path. First terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM> do not have to have a through-hole, and any terminal structure can be adopted.

Separation portion <NUM> of conductor <NUM> is a portion connecting between first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM>. First terminal portion <NUM>, second terminal portion <NUM>, and separation portion <NUM> are integrally formed. In the longitudinal direction of conductor <NUM>, first terminal portion <NUM>, separation portion <NUM>, and second terminal portion <NUM> are arranged in this order.

Conductor <NUM> has two grooves <NUM> arranged in the longitudinal direction of conductor <NUM>. Each groove <NUM> is formed on first surface F1 of the following two surfaces: first surface F1 (see <FIG>) of conductor <NUM>; and second surface F2 (see <FIG>) opposite to first surface F1. First surface F1 faces operation pin <NUM>. Hereinafter, "first surface F1" is sometimes referred to as "upper surface F1". A depth direction of each groove <NUM> is along a thickness direction of conductor <NUM>. In the present exemplary embodiment, the thickness direction of conductor <NUM> is the up-and-down direction. Each of two grooves <NUM> has a partially cylindrical shape (arc shape) when viewed from above. Two grooves <NUM> are formed concentrically. Two grooves <NUM> have the same outer (the side far from the center) diameter and the same inner (the side close to the center) diameter.

Two grooves <NUM> define boundary portion <NUM> between first terminal portion <NUM> and separation portion <NUM>, and boundary portion <NUM> between second terminal portion <NUM> and separation portion <NUM>. Boundary portions <NUM> have a rupture strength less than or equal to rupture strengths of first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM>. The rupture strength of boundary portions <NUM> is less than or equal to a rupture strength of separation portion <NUM>. Therefore, boundary portions <NUM> are more easily broken than the other part of conductor <NUM>.

Housing <NUM> is formed of, for example, resin. Housing <NUM> has a space (internal space <NUM>) therein. Internal space <NUM> is a sealed space isolated from the outside of housing <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, housing <NUM> includes first body <NUM>, second body <NUM>, third body <NUM>, fourth body <NUM>, first holder <NUM>, and second holder <NUM>.

First body <NUM> has a rectangular box shape. At the center of an upper surface of first body <NUM>, there is formed recess <NUM> that has an inner peripheral surface with a circular cross section and is opened on the upper side. A bottom surface of recess <NUM> is a curved surface.

Second body <NUM> has a rectangular box shape. Second body <NUM> is stacked on the upper surface of first body <NUM>. At the center of second body <NUM>, there is formed through-hole <NUM> having a circular cross section and extending in the up-and-down direction. Through-hole <NUM> has a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of recess <NUM> of first body <NUM>.

In an upper surface of second body <NUM>, recess <NUM> having a diameter larger than the diameter of through-hole <NUM> is formed around through-hole <NUM>. In recess <NUM>, a lower side part of first holder <NUM> is fitted. In a lower surface of second body <NUM> (the surface in contact with the upper surface of first body <NUM>), there is formed an annular recess. In this recess is fitted O-ring <NUM>.

In the upper surface of second body <NUM>, there are formed fitting recesses extending in the right-and-left direction. In the fitting recesses is fitted a lower side part of conductor <NUM>.

Third body <NUM> has a rectangular box shape. Third body <NUM> is stacked on the upper surface of second body <NUM>. At the center of third body <NUM>, there is formed through-hole <NUM> having a circular cross section and extending in the up-and-down direction.

On a lower surface of third body <NUM>, recess <NUM> having a diameter larger than the diameter of through-hole <NUM> is formed around through-hole <NUM>. In this recess <NUM> is fitted an upper side part of first holder <NUM>.

In the lower surface of third body <NUM>, there are formed fitting recesses extending in the right-and-left direction. In these fitting recesses is fitted an upper side part of conductor <NUM>.

Fourth body <NUM> has a shape in which are combined a rectangular box-shaped portion and a columnar portion formed on an upper surface of the rectangular box-shaped portion. Fourth body <NUM> is stacked on an upper surface of third body <NUM>.

At the center of fourth body <NUM>, there is formed a through-hole extending in the up-and-down direction. In a lower surface of fourth body <NUM> (the surface in contact with the upper surface of third body <NUM>), there is formed an annular recess. In this recess is fitted O-ring <NUM>.

First holder <NUM> is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape whose axis is along the up-and-down direction. First holder <NUM> has through-hole <NUM> extending in the up-and-down direction at the center of first holder <NUM>. Through-hole <NUM> includes first hole <NUM> and second hole <NUM> that are connected to each other in the up-and-down direction. First hole <NUM> has a circular cross section. First hole <NUM> extends in the up-and-down direction and has a constant diameter along the up-and-down direction. A diameter of first hole <NUM> is substantially equal to the diameter of through-hole <NUM> of second body <NUM>. Second hole <NUM> has a circular cross section. Second hole <NUM> extends upward from an upper end of first hole <NUM>, and has a tapered hole shape whose diameter is gradually larger toward the upper side. That is, an inner peripheral surface of first holder <NUM> has, at the upper end thereof, a partially conical inclined surface whose diameter is gradually smaller toward the lower side. A diameter of an upper end of second hole <NUM> is substantially equal to the diameter of through-hole <NUM> of third body <NUM>.

On the inner peripheral surface of first holder <NUM> (an inner surface of the through-hole <NUM>), annular step <NUM> (see <FIG>) is formed in a part where first hole <NUM> and second hole <NUM> are connected to each other.

As illustrated in <FIG>, first holder <NUM> is held between second body <NUM> and third body <NUM> in such a manner that the lower side part of first holder <NUM> is fitted in recess <NUM> of second body <NUM> and the upper side part of first holder <NUM> is fitted in recess <NUM> of third body <NUM>.

In a state where first holder <NUM> is fitted in recess <NUM>, the lower end of first hole <NUM> of first holder <NUM> and an upper end of the inner peripheral surface of through-hole <NUM> of second body <NUM> are continuous to each other. In a state where first holder <NUM> is fitted in recess <NUM>, the upper end of second hole <NUM> of first holder <NUM> and a lower end of the inner peripheral surface of through-hole <NUM> of third body <NUM> are continuous to each other.

In each of right and left side walls of first holder <NUM>, there is formed through-hole <NUM> that passes through the corresponding side wall in the right-and-left direction. A cross-sectional shape of through-holes <NUM> is substantially the same as a cross-sectional shape of conductor <NUM>. Conductor <NUM> is held by first holder <NUM> by being inserted in right and left through-holes <NUM> of first holder <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the diameter of first hole <NUM> of through-hole <NUM> of first holder <NUM> is substantially equal to a diameter of grooves <NUM> of conductor <NUM>. More specifically, the diameter of first hole <NUM> is smaller than an outer diameter of grooves <NUM> and larger than an inside diameter of grooves <NUM>. Conductor <NUM> is held by first holder <NUM> at a position where grooves <NUM> face the inner surface of first hole <NUM>. In other words, regarding conductor <NUM>, an end of first terminal portion <NUM> closer to separation portion <NUM> and an end of second terminal portion <NUM> closer to separation portion <NUM> are held by housing <NUM> (first holder <NUM>).

In a state where conductor <NUM> passes through through-hole <NUM> and first holder <NUM> is fitted in recesses <NUM>, <NUM>, conductor <NUM> is fitted in the fitting recess in the upper surface of second body <NUM> and in the fitting recess in the lower surface of third body <NUM> (see <FIG>).

Separation portion <NUM> of conductor <NUM> is accommodated in internal space <NUM> of housing <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, conductor <NUM> is disposed such that separation portion <NUM> faces a lower surface of operation pin <NUM>. Regarding conductor <NUM>, an end part of first terminal portion <NUM> on the opposite side to separation portion <NUM> and an end part of second terminal portion <NUM> on the opposite side to separation portion <NUM> are exposed to the outside of housing <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, on an outer peripheral surface of first holder <NUM>, first holder <NUM> has, in a periphery of a part where through-hole <NUM> is formed, a larger diameter portion having a larger diameter than the other part of the outer peripheral surface. The diameter of the larger diameter portion is smaller at a position farther away from through-hole <NUM> (further upward or downward). The larger diameter portion improves strength of first holder <NUM>.

First holder <NUM> may be formed of a material having higher heat resistance than a material of second body <NUM> and a material of third body <NUM>.

Second holder <NUM> is disposed in the through-hole of fourth body <NUM>. An outer peripheral surface of second holder <NUM> has such a shape that the outer peripheral surface of second holder <NUM> is along an inner peripheral surface of the through-hole of fourth body <NUM>.

Second holder <NUM> has recess <NUM> that has an inner peripheral surface having a circular cross section and is opened on the lower side. The inner peripheral surface of recess <NUM> has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of through-hole <NUM> of third body <NUM>. In a state where second holder <NUM> is disposed in fourth body <NUM>, the lower end of the inner peripheral surface of recess <NUM> of second holder <NUM> and an upper end of the inner peripheral surface of through-hole <NUM> of third body <NUM> are continuous to each other.

In addition, second holder <NUM> includes cylindrical accommodation wall <NUM> at an upper end thereof. Inside accommodation wall <NUM>, there is disposed gas generator <NUM> for drive mechanism <NUM>. Between accommodation wall <NUM> and gas generator <NUM>, there is disposed O-ring <NUM>. Internal space <NUM> of housing <NUM> is sealed with gas generator <NUM> disposed on accommodation wall <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, internal space <NUM> (sealed space) of housing <NUM> includes first space SP1 and second space SP2. First space SP1 and second space SP2 are continuous to each other.

First space SP1 is a space surrounded by the followings: a part, of the inner surface of through-hole <NUM> of first holder <NUM>, on the upper side with respect to conductor <NUM> (before being broken); the inner surface of through-hole <NUM> of third body <NUM>; the inner surface of recess <NUM> of second holder <NUM>; and a lower surface of gas generator <NUM>. That is, first space SP1 of internal space <NUM> is a space on the upper side of conductor <NUM>. In first space SP1 is disposed operation pin <NUM>.

Second space SP2 is a space surrounded by the followings: a part, of the inner surface of through-hole <NUM> of first holder <NUM>, on the lower side with respect to conductor <NUM> (before being broken); the inner surface of through-hole <NUM> of second body <NUM>; and the inner surface of recess <NUM> of first body <NUM>. That is, second space SP2 of internal space <NUM> is a space on the lower side of conductor <NUM>. Second space SP2 is a space where separation portion <NUM> separated from first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM> is to be accommodated. For this reason, hereinafter, second space SP2 is also referred to as "accommodation space SP20".

Drive mechanism <NUM> includes gas generator <NUM>. Drive mechanism <NUM> moves operation pin <NUM> in conjunction with a pressure of gas generated by gas generator <NUM>. Gas generator <NUM> is disposed inside accommodation wall <NUM>. Gas generator <NUM> generates gas by combustion of fuel <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, gas generator <NUM> includes fuel <NUM>, case <NUM>, two pin electrodes <NUM> for energizing, and heat generating element <NUM>.

Case <NUM> has a hollow columnar shape. Case <NUM> has an internal space at its lower end. The internal space of case <NUM> accommodates fuel <NUM> and heat generating element <NUM>. Regarding case <NUM>, for example, a cross groove is formed in a lower side wall constituting the internal space, and a part where the groove is formed is more easily broken than the other part.

Fuel <NUM> burns and generates gas when the temperature rises. Fuel <NUM> is gunpowder such as nitrocellulose, lead azide, black gunpowder, or glycidyl azide polymer.

Two pin electrodes <NUM> are held by case <NUM>. A first end of each of two pin electrodes <NUM> is exposed to the outside of housing <NUM>. The first ends are upper ends of pin electrodes <NUM>. A second end of each of two pin electrodes <NUM> is connected to heat generating element <NUM>. The second ends are lower ends of pin electrodes <NUM>. That is, heat generating element <NUM> is positioned between two pin electrodes <NUM>. Heat generating element <NUM> generates heat by being energized. Heat generating element <NUM> is, for example, a nichrome wire, an alloy wire containing iron, chromium, and aluminum, or another type of wire.

Gas generator <NUM> generates gas by burning fuel <NUM>. More specifically, in gas generator <NUM>, when a current is supplied between two pin electrodes <NUM>, heat generating element <NUM> generates heat to increase a temperature of fuel <NUM> around heat generating element <NUM>. As a result, fuel <NUM> burns and generates gas.

As shown in <FIG>, operation pin <NUM> is disposed in internal space <NUM> of housing <NUM>. Operation pin <NUM> is disposed between gas generator <NUM> and separation portion <NUM>. Operation pin <NUM> has electrical insulating properties. Operation pin <NUM> includes, for example, a resin as a material.

Operation pin <NUM> includes a first columnar portion, a second columnar portion, and a third columnar portion. The first columnar portion has a columnar shape and is located on a side close to separation portion <NUM> (on the lower side). The third columnar portion has a columnar shape having an outside diameter larger than a diameter of the first columnar portion, and is located on a side farther from separation portion <NUM> (on the upper side). The second columnar portion connects between the first columnar portion and the third columnar portion and has a truncated cone shape that gradually increases in diameter from the first columnar portion toward the third columnar portion. That is, as shown in <FIG>, outer peripheral surface <NUM> of operation pin <NUM> includes first side surface <NUM> corresponding to an outer surface of the first columnar portion, second side surface (inclined surface) <NUM> corresponding to an outer surface of the second columnar portion, and third side surface <NUM> corresponding to an outer surface of the third columnar portion.

First side surface <NUM> has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of first hole <NUM> of through-hole <NUM> of first holder <NUM>. Third side surface <NUM> has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the inner peripheral surface of recess <NUM> of second holder <NUM>, and substantially equal to the diameter of through-hole <NUM> of third body <NUM>. Second side surface (inclined surface) <NUM> has an inclination substantially equal to an inclination of second hole <NUM> of through-hole <NUM> of first holder <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in an outer peripheral surface of the third columnar portion of operation pin <NUM>, there is formed an annular recess. In this recess is disposed O-ring <NUM> (see <FIG>). An outer edge of O-ring <NUM> is in contact with the inner surface of recess <NUM>. By frictional force between O-ring <NUM> and operation pin <NUM> and between O-ring <NUM> and second holder <NUM>, operation pin <NUM> is held in first space SP1 of housing <NUM>. In an upper surface of operation pin <NUM>, there is formed recess <NUM>.

Operation pin <NUM> is disposed in first space SP1 of housing <NUM> such that a first surface (upper surface) in the height direction faces gas generator <NUM>. In a state where operation pin <NUM> is disposed in place, an airtight space (pressurizing chamber <NUM>) is formed in housing <NUM> to be surrounded by recess <NUM> of operation pin <NUM>, the lower surface of gas generator <NUM>, and the inner surface of recess <NUM> (see <FIG>).

Operation pin <NUM> has a height (a dimension in the up-and-down direction) smaller a dimension of first space SP1 in the up-and-down direction. Operation pin <NUM> is disposed in first space SP1 of housing <NUM> such that a gap (hereinafter, also referred to as "gap space SP11") is created between a top of operation pin <NUM> (a surface facing separation portion <NUM> of conductor <NUM>, in other words, a lower surface) in the moving direction and conductor <NUM>.

Cooling body <NUM> is disposed in internal space <NUM> of housing <NUM>. Cooling body <NUM> has electrical insulating properties. In disconnect device <NUM> of the present exemplary embodiment, cooling body <NUM> is disposed in both first space SP1 and second space SP2 in internal space <NUM>. That is, cooling body <NUM> is disposed on both sides in the thickness direction (up-and-down direction) of conductor <NUM> (separation portion <NUM>) in internal space <NUM>. Cooling body <NUM> is disposed around conductor <NUM>. Cooling body <NUM> is in contact with conductor <NUM> (separation portion <NUM>). Cooling body <NUM> is disposed in a projection region of separation portion <NUM> in the moving direction of operation pin <NUM>.

More specifically, in first space SP1, cooling body <NUM> is disposed in the gap (gap space SP11) between conductor <NUM> (separation portion <NUM>) and operation pin <NUM>. Cooling body <NUM> is disposed in entire gap space SP11. Hereinafter, a portion of cooling body <NUM> disposed in gap space SP11 is also referred to as first cooling body <NUM>. First cooling body <NUM> is in contact with an upper surface of conductor <NUM> (separation portion <NUM>).

In addition, cooling body <NUM> is disposed in second space SP2 (accommodation space SP20). Cooling body <NUM> is disposed in entire accommodation space SP20. Hereinafter, a portion of cooling body <NUM> disposed in accommodation space SP20 is also referred to as second cooling body <NUM>. Second cooling body <NUM> is in contact with a lower surface of conductor <NUM> (separation portion <NUM>).

Cooling body <NUM> may be disposed in a space between each side surface of conductor <NUM> and an inner peripheral surface of housing <NUM>.

As described above, cooling body <NUM> includes porous body <NUM>. Porous body <NUM> constituting cooling body <NUM> contains at least one of a metal oxide and an inorganic oxide. In the present description, a material of porous body <NUM> (cooling body <NUM>) is at least one of a metal oxide and an inorganic oxide.

The metal oxide as a material of cooling body <NUM> includes, for example, at least one of aluminum oxide, zirconia oxide, and iron oxide. The inorganic oxide as a material of cooling body <NUM> contains, for example, at least one of silicon oxide, zinc oxide, and magnesium oxide. The metal oxide or inorganic oxide as the material of cooling body <NUM> is preferably a substance that does not generate gas even when melted. Note that the expression "no gas is generated even when melted" is not limited to generating no gas at all even when melted, and gas may be slightly generated as long as the gas does not affect a performance of disconnect device <NUM> (for example, to an extent that the pressure in internal space <NUM> is not excessively increased).

In disconnect device <NUM> of the present exemplary embodiment, the material of cooling body <NUM> contains aluminum oxide (Al<NUM>O<NUM>) and silicon oxide (SiO<NUM>) as main components. The ratio of aluminum oxide to silicon oxide is, for example, in the range of from about <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM> inclusive. The material of cooling body <NUM> may include, for example, mullite (aluminosilicate mineral).

In disconnect device <NUM> of the present exemplary embodiment, as described above, porous body <NUM> constituting cooling body <NUM> is constituted by a plurality of fibers <NUM>. In this description, fibers <NUM> are so-called mineral wool, and more particularly alumina fibers mainly composed of aluminum oxide. For example, an average diameter (fiber diameter) of the mineral wool is about several µm to several tens of µm, and the density (true specific gravity) is about <NUM>/cm<NUM> to <NUM>/cm<NUM>.

The materials of first cooling body <NUM> and second cooling body <NUM> may be the same or different from each other. Between first cooling body <NUM> and second cooling body <NUM>, a ratio between aluminum oxide and silicon oxide may be the same or different. In disconnect device <NUM> of the present exemplary embodiment, first cooling body <NUM> and second cooling body <NUM> are formed of the same material (aluminum oxide and silicon oxide), and the ratios between aluminum oxide and silicon oxide are the same.

In disconnect device <NUM> of the present exemplary embodiment, the density of cooling body <NUM> is about <NUM>/cm<NUM> to <NUM>/cm<NUM>. A percentage of void (percentage of gaps included in cooling body <NUM> to a volume of cooling body <NUM>) of cooling body <NUM> is, for example, about <NUM>% to <NUM>%. Therefore, cooling body <NUM> is compressively deformable when external force is applied. When cooling body <NUM> is disposed to be in contact with conductor <NUM>, cooling body <NUM> preferably has such a density that cooling body <NUM> is not crushed by its own weight and is not separated from conductor <NUM>. However, such a density that cooling body <NUM> is not crushed by its own weight and is not separated from conductor <NUM> can depend on a volume of cooling body <NUM>, a frictional force between cooling body <NUM> and the inner surface of internal space <NUM> of housing <NUM>, and the like.

First cooling body <NUM> and second cooling body <NUM> may have the same density or different densities. In disconnect device <NUM> of the present exemplary embodiment, first cooling body <NUM> has higher density than second cooling body <NUM>. In other words, the density of cooling body <NUM> is higher in the portion (first cooling body <NUM>) disposed in the gap (gap space SP11) than in the portion (second cooling body <NUM>) disposed in accommodation space SP20. In disconnect device <NUM> of the present exemplary embodiment, the filling rate of the alumina fibers is different between first cooling body <NUM> and second cooling body <NUM>, so that the density of first cooling body <NUM> is higher than the density of second cooling body <NUM> (see <FIG>).

Restriction member <NUM> is disposed in internal space <NUM> of housing <NUM>. Restriction member <NUM> is disposed in first space SP1. Restriction member <NUM> has electrical insulating properties. In this description, restriction member <NUM> is made of resin.

Restriction member <NUM> has a disk shape. Restriction member <NUM> has an outside diameter larger than the diameter of first hole <NUM>. The outside diameter of restriction member <NUM> is substantially equal to a diameter of annular step <NUM> of first holder <NUM>. Restriction member <NUM> is fitted in step <NUM> and is thus held by first holder <NUM>. Restriction member <NUM> is disposed between operation pin <NUM> and conductor <NUM> (separation portion <NUM>). Restriction member <NUM> is disposed between operation pin <NUM> and cooling body <NUM> (first cooling body <NUM>). Restriction member <NUM> separates first space SP1 into gap space SP11 and disposition space SP12 in which operation pin <NUM> is disposed. Since restriction member <NUM> is disposed in place, first cooling body <NUM> disposed in gap space SP11 is less likely to move toward disposition space SP12. In short, restriction member <NUM> restricts a movement of cooling body <NUM>.

In a surface (upper surface), of restriction member <NUM>, facing operation pin <NUM>, there is formed groove <NUM> concentric with an outer edge of restriction member <NUM> as viewed from above. Groove <NUM> has a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the lower surface of operation pin <NUM>. Groove <NUM> faces an outer edge of the lower surface of operation pin <NUM>. When receiving force in a thickness direction (up-and-down direction), restriction member <NUM> is easily broken at a portion of groove <NUM>. Note that, regarding restriction member <NUM>, instead of or in addition to groove <NUM>, there may be formed, in a surface (lower surface) facing first cooling body <NUM>, a groove similar to groove <NUM>.

Operation pin <NUM> is driven by drive mechanism <NUM>. Operation pin <NUM> is driven by the pressure of the gas generated by gas generator <NUM> and moves in a moving direction (downward) toward conductor <NUM>.

Operation pin <NUM> is driven by drive mechanism <NUM> and moves downward, thereby separating separation portion <NUM> from at least one of first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM>. In the present description, operation pin <NUM> separates separation portion <NUM> from both first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, operation pin <NUM> breaks conductor <NUM>, thereby separating separation portion <NUM> from first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM>. Operation pin <NUM> pushes separation portion <NUM> from above (in this description, via first cooling body <NUM> and restriction member <NUM>), thereby separating separation portion <NUM> from first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM>. As a result, first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM> are separated apart from each other.

Next, an operation method of disconnect device <NUM> is described with reference to <FIG>.

When no current is supplied between pin electrodes <NUM> of gas generator <NUM> and drive mechanism <NUM> is not driven, first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM> are electrically connected through separation portion <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Therefore, conductor <NUM> functions as a conductive path, and a current supplied from external conductive paths electrically connected to first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM> flows through conductor <NUM>.

When a controller or the like of an electric vehicle supplies a current between two pin electrodes <NUM>, drive mechanism <NUM> is driven, so that heat generating element <NUM> connected to pin electrodes <NUM> generates heat. The heat generated by heat generating element <NUM> ignites fuel <NUM>, so that fuel <NUM> burns to generate gas. The gas increases a pressure in the internal space accommodating fuel <NUM> of case <NUM>, thus breaks the wall (lower wall) constituting the internal space, and is introduced into pressurizing chamber <NUM> through the broken part to increase a pressure in pressurizing chamber <NUM>. Due to the pressure of the gas in pressurizing chamber <NUM>, force acts on operation pin <NUM> in a direction toward separation portion <NUM> (downward).

Operation pin <NUM> is driven against the frictional force of O-ring <NUM> and is moved downward (moving direction), and the lower surface of operation pin <NUM> pushes restriction member <NUM> downward. Restriction member <NUM> pushed by operation pin <NUM> is broken at groove <NUM>.

Operation pin <NUM> moves downward and pushes first cooling body <NUM> (via restriction member <NUM>) downward from above. First cooling body <NUM> is pushed by operation pin <NUM> and is therefore compressed (reduced in volume) in the up-and-down direction.

Operation pin <NUM> further moves downward and pushes separation portion <NUM> of conductor <NUM> (via restriction member <NUM> and via compressed first cooling body <NUM>) from above. Separation portion <NUM> is pushed by operation pin <NUM>, so that, as illustrated in <FIG>, conductor <NUM> is broken at groove <NUM> at boundary portion <NUM> between first terminal portion <NUM> and separation portion <NUM> and at groove <NUM> at boundary portion <NUM> between second terminal portion <NUM> and separation portion <NUM>. As a result, separation portion <NUM> is separated apart from first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM>, and first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM> are therefore opened apart from each other. Separation portion <NUM> separated from first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM> is pushed by operation pin <NUM> and enters accommodation space SP20 therebelow.

After separating separation portion <NUM> from first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM>, operation pin <NUM> further moves downward and pushes second cooling body <NUM> from above (via the followings: restriction member <NUM>; compressed first cooling body <NUM>; and separation portion <NUM>). Second cooling body <NUM> is compressed (or reduced in volume) by being pushed by operation pin <NUM>.

At this time, in conductor <NUM>, when separation portion <NUM> is separated from first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM>, an arc is sometimes generated between the separated portions of conductor <NUM>. The arc can be generated, for example, to connect first terminal portion <NUM> and separation portion <NUM>, or to connect between second terminal portion <NUM> and separation portion <NUM>. In <FIG>, broken lines schematically represent arc A1 generated between first terminal portion <NUM> and separation portion <NUM> and arc A2 generated between second terminal portion <NUM> and separation portion <NUM>.

As described above, between separation portion <NUM> and operation pin <NUM>, first cooling body <NUM> constituted by porous body <NUM> exists. Therefore, arcs A1, A2 may pass through the gaps in first cooling body <NUM> and come into contact with porous body <NUM> (alumina fiber) constituting first cooling body <NUM>. Arcs A1, A2 being in contact with first cooling body <NUM> can be cooled with their heat absorbed by first cooling body <NUM>. As a result, extinction of arcs A1, A2 is accelerated.

In accommodation space SP20 in which separated separation portion <NUM> is accommodated, there is disposed second cooling body <NUM> constituted by porous body <NUM>. Part of arcs A1, A2 can go around toward second cooling body <NUM> having a high percentage of void and come into contact with porous body <NUM> (alumina fiber) constituting second cooling body <NUM>. Arcs A1, A2 being in contact with second cooling body <NUM> can be cooled with their heat absorbed by second cooling body <NUM>. As a result, extinction of arcs A1, A2 is accelerated.

In short, regarding cooling body <NUM>, when separation portion <NUM> is separated from at least one of first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM> in a state where a current is flowing through conductor <NUM>, operation pin <NUM> further moves and stops moving at a position where inclined surface <NUM> of operation pin <NUM> comes into contact with an inner surface of second hole <NUM> of first holder <NUM> of housing <NUM> (see <FIG>). That is, housing <NUM> restricts an excessive movement of operation pin <NUM>. In short, housing <NUM> includes, on a wall surface forming a space (first space SP1) for accommodating operation pin <NUM>, a restriction portion (the inner surface of second hole <NUM>) that restricts an excessive movement of operation pin <NUM>.

When operation pin <NUM> stops moving, the first columnar portion of operation pin <NUM> is interposed between first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM>. Therefore, operation pin <NUM> insulates electrically between first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM>.

As described above, disconnect device <NUM> of the present exemplary embodiment includes cooling body <NUM>. Cooling body <NUM> is disposed in internal space <NUM> of housing <NUM> and cools the arc or arcs generated in internal space <NUM>. As a result, even if an arc is generated in internal space <NUM>, cooling body <NUM> cools the arc, so that extinction of the arc is accelerated.

In addition, cooling body <NUM> has porous body <NUM> constituted by at least one of a metal oxide and an inorganic oxide. In particular, porous body <NUM> is configured with a plurality of fibers <NUM> and is deformable. Therefore, cooling body <NUM> can have a large surface area, and the arc easily comes into contact with cooling body <NUM>, so that it is possible to further accelerate extinction of the arc. In addition, since cooling body <NUM> is porous body <NUM> including fibers <NUM>, handleability of disconnect device <NUM> is improved.

Note that when operation pin <NUM> is driven in a state where no current is flowing through conductor <NUM> or in a state where a magnitude of a current flowing through conductor <NUM> is small, an arc is not generated in some cases even if conductor <NUM> is broken.

The above-described exemplary embodiment is merely one of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, variations of the above-described exemplary embodiment will be listed. The variations described below can be applied in appropriate combination. Note that, hereinafter, the above exemplary embodiment may be referred to as a "basic example".

Disconnect device 1A of the present variation will be described with reference to <FIG>. In disconnect device 1A of the present variation, the same components as those of disconnect device <NUM> of the basic example are assigned the same reference marks, and the description thereof is appropriately omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG>, disconnect device 1A does not include restriction member <NUM> (see <FIG>). The lower end of operation pin <NUM> is fitted in first hole <NUM> of through-hole <NUM>, and this structure restricts an upward movement of cooling body <NUM> (first cooling body <NUM>). The other components are the same as those of disconnect device <NUM>.

In disconnect device 1A of the present variation, first cooling body <NUM> is in contact with the lower surface of operation pin <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited to this arrangement, and first cooling body <NUM> does not have to be in contact with the lower surface of operation pin <NUM>.

Also in disconnect device 1A of the present variation, cooling body <NUM> can accelerate extinction of the arc in the same way as disconnect device <NUM>. Since restriction member <NUM> is omitted, the configuration is simplified.

However, when first cooling body <NUM> includes fibers <NUM>, it is preferable that restriction member <NUM> be provided from the viewpoint of ease of at least one of positioning and initial placement of first cooling body <NUM>.

Disconnect device 1B of the present variation will be described with reference to <FIG>. In disconnect device 1B of the present variation, the same components as those of disconnect device <NUM> of the basic example are assigned the same reference marks, and the description thereof is appropriately omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in disconnect device 1B, cooling body <NUM> is disposed only in first space SP1 (more specifically, in gap space SP11), and is not disposed in second space SP2 (accommodation space SP20). That is, cooling body <NUM> includes first cooling body <NUM>, but does not include second cooling body <NUM> (see <FIG>). Disconnect device 1B includes second restriction member <NUM> in addition to a first restriction member serving as restriction member <NUM>.

Second restriction member <NUM> has the same disk shape as restriction member <NUM>, and has an annular groove on an upper surface in the same manner as restriction member <NUM>. Second restriction member <NUM> is fitted in an annular groove formed in the inner peripheral surface of first holder <NUM> and is thus held by first holder <NUM>. Second restriction member <NUM> is disposed in internal space <NUM> of housing <NUM> to be in contact with the lower surface of conductor <NUM>. Second restriction member <NUM> partitions between first space SP1 and second space SP2. Second restriction member <NUM> restricts a movement (downward movement) of cooling body <NUM> (first cooling body <NUM>).

Also in disconnect device 1B of the present variation, cooling body <NUM> (first cooling body <NUM>) can accelerate extinction of the arc in the same way as disconnect device <NUM>. Further, since second cooling body <NUM> is omitted, the configuration can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Second restriction member <NUM> may be disposed to be in contact with the upper surface of conductor <NUM>, in other words, between cooling body <NUM> (first cooling body <NUM>) and conductor <NUM>.

Disconnect device 1C of the present variation will be described with reference to <FIG>. In disconnect device 1C of the present variation, the same components as those of disconnect device <NUM> of the basic example are assigned the same reference marks, and the description thereof is appropriately omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in disconnect device 1C, cooling body <NUM> is disposed only in second space SP2 (more specifically, in accommodation space SP20), and is not disposed in first space SP1 (gap space SP11). That is, cooling body <NUM> includes second cooling body <NUM>, but does not include first cooling body <NUM> (see <FIG>). In addition, in disconnect device 1C, a lower surface of operation pin 8C directly faces (or is in contact with) separation portion <NUM> of conductor <NUM>. Therefore, when driven by drive mechanism <NUM>, operation pin 8C directly pushes conductor <NUM> while being in contact with conductor <NUM>, thereby separating separation portion <NUM> from first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM>.

Also in disconnect device 1C of the present variation, cooling body <NUM> (second cooling body <NUM>) can accelerate extinction of the arc in the same way as disconnect device <NUM>. Further, since first cooling body <NUM> is omitted, the configuration can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Disconnect device 1D of the present variation will be described with reference to <FIG>. In disconnect device 1D of the present variation, the same components as those of disconnect device <NUM> of the basic example are assigned the same reference marks, and the description thereof is appropriately omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in disconnect device 1D, second cooling body <NUM> is disposed not in entire accommodation space SP20 but only in a region close to conductor <NUM> in accommodation space SP20. Disconnect device 1D includes second restriction member <NUM> in addition to the first restriction member serving as restriction member <NUM>.

Second restriction member <NUM> has the same disk shape as restriction member <NUM>, and has an annular groove in an upper surface in the same manner as restriction member <NUM>. Second restriction member <NUM> is fitted in annular groove <NUM> (see <FIG>) formed in the inner peripheral surface of second space SP2 of housing <NUM>, and is thus held by housing <NUM>. Second restriction member <NUM> separates second space SP2 into two spaces (a space in which second cooling body <NUM> is disposed, and a space in which second cooling body <NUM> is not disposed). Second restriction member <NUM> restricts a movement (downward movement) of cooling body <NUM> (second cooling body <NUM>).

Also in disconnect device 1D of the present variation, cooling body <NUM> can accelerate extinction of the arc in the same way as disconnect device <NUM>. Further, since part of second cooling body <NUM> is omitted, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

In the present variation, first cooling body <NUM> may be omitted in the same manner as in disconnect device 1C of the third variation.

Disconnect device 1E of the present variation will be described with reference to <FIG>.

Disconnect device 1E of the present variation is a so-called fuse.

Disconnect device 1E includes conductor 2E, housing 9E, and cooling body 3E.

Housing 9E has electrical insulating properties. Housing 9E is formed in a rectangular box shape. Housing 9E has internal space 90E therein.

Conductor 2E includes first terminal portion 21E, second terminal portion 22E, and blow-out portion 24E.

First terminal portion 21E and second terminal portion 22E are each connected to an external conductive path. First terminal portion 21E and second terminal portion 22E are held by housing 9E.

Blow-out portion 24E is accommodated in internal space 90E of housing 9E. Blow-out portion 24E is blown out due to generation of heat when a current larger than or equal to an allowable value flows.

Cooling body 3E is disposed in internal space 90E of housing 9E. Cooling body 3E is disposed in entire internal space 90E. Cooling body 3E is in contact with conductor 2E. Cooling body 3E is in contact with blow-out portion 24E. Cooling body 3E includes porous body <NUM> (see <FIG>). Porous body <NUM> is configured with at least one of a metal oxide and an inorganic oxide.

In disconnect device 1E of the present variation, when a current large than or equal to an allowable value flows through conductor 2E, blow-out portion 24E is blown out due to generation of heat. As a result, first terminal portion 21E and second terminal portion 22E are separated apart from each other. When blow-out portion 24E is blown out in a state where a current is flowing through conductor 2E, an arc may be generated between blown-out parts on conductor 2E. The thus generated arc comes into contact with cooling body 3E, and the heat thereof can be absorbed. In other words, cooling body 3E cools the arc generated in internal space 90E. As a result, extinction of the arc is accelerated.

Also in disconnect device 1E of the present variation, cooling body 3E can accelerate extinction of the arc in the same way as disconnect device <NUM>.

In one variation, operation pin <NUM>, 8C may be configured with a plurality of members. Regarding operation pin <NUM>, 8C, for example, the first columnar portion, the second columnar portion, and the third columnar portion may be configured with different members formed of different materials. Portions of operation pin <NUM>, 8C that do not face conductor <NUM> (first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM>) after a movement of operation pin <NUM>, 8C, for example, the second columnar portion and the third columnar portion do not have to have electrical insulating properties.

In one variation, the shape of operation pin <NUM>, 8C is not limited to the exemplified shape, and may be, for example, any polygonal columnar shape.

In one variation, the diameter of grooves <NUM> and the diameter of operation pin <NUM>, 8C may be smaller than the diameter of first hole <NUM> of first holder <NUM>. Specifically, the following configuration may be employed: entire boundary portions <NUM> of conductor <NUM> (portions to be broken in conductor <NUM>) are located in internal space <NUM> of housing <NUM>; and part of first terminal portion <NUM> (an end part closer to separation portion <NUM>) and part of second terminal portion <NUM> (an end portion closer to separation portion <NUM>) are also located in internal space <NUM>. In this case, cooling body <NUM> may be in contact with boundary portions <NUM> and at least part of first terminal portion <NUM> and part of second terminal portion <NUM>.

In one variation, cooling body <NUM> does not have to be in contact with conductor <NUM>.

In one variation, first cooling body <NUM> does not have to be compressively deformable.

In one variation, grooves <NUM> may be formed on second surface F2 of conductor <NUM> instead of or in addition to first surface F1 of conductor <NUM>. In other words, grooves <NUM> may be formed on either of the upper surface and the lower surface of conductor <NUM>.

In one variation, disconnect device <NUM>, 1A to 1E may include a permanent magnet for stretching the generated arc. For example, the permanent magnet may be disposed in a space in housing <NUM>, 9E, or may be embedded in housing <NUM>, 9E.

In one variation, first terminal portion <NUM>, second terminal portion <NUM>, and separation portion <NUM> do not have to be formed of integrated conductor <NUM>.

In one variation, drive mechanism <NUM> is not limited to gas generator <NUM>. Drive mechanism <NUM> may be any mechanism that can separate apart between first terminal portion <NUM> and second terminal portion <NUM> from each other.

In one variation, cooling body <NUM> may be disposed in a region other than the projection region of operation pin <NUM>, 8C. For example, cooling body <NUM> may be disposed in a recess formed in an inner wall surface of second space SP2 of housing <NUM>.

The following aspects are disclosed based on the above-described exemplary embodiment, variations, and the like.

Disconnect device <NUM> (1A to 1E) of an aspect of the present disclosure includes: conductor <NUM> (2E) connectable to an external conductive path, housing <NUM> (9E) including and internal space <NUM> (90E) and accommodating at least a part of conductor <NUM> (2E); and cooling body <NUM> (3E) that is disposed in internal space <NUM> (90E) and cools an arc generated in internal space <NUM> (90E). Cooling body <NUM> (3E) includes porous body <NUM> configured with at least one of a metal oxide and an inorganic oxide.

According to this aspect, cooling body <NUM> (3E) has a large surface area, and cooling body <NUM> (3E) easily comes into contact with an arc. Therefore, it is possible to accelerate extinction of the arc. In addition, even when an arc occurs in internal space <NUM> (90E), it is possible to reduce an increase in pressure in internal space <NUM> (90E) of housing <NUM> (9E).

In disconnect device <NUM> (1A to 1E) of another aspect, porous body <NUM> has a fibrous structure and is deformable.

With this aspect, a percentage of void of cooling body <NUM> (E) can be adjusted.

In disconnect device <NUM> (1A to 1E) of another aspect, cooling body <NUM> (3E) is in contact with conductor <NUM> (2E).

With this aspect, when an arc is generated from conductor <NUM> (2E), the arc easily comes into contact with cooling body <NUM> (3E), so that extinction of the arc is accelerated.

Disconnect device <NUM> (1A to 1D) of another aspect further includes: gas generator <NUM> that generates gas by combustion of fuel; and operation pin <NUM> (8C) that is accommodated in internal space <NUM>, is disposed above conductor <NUM>, and is caused to move downward by a pressure of the gas generated in gas generator <NUM>. Conductor <NUM> includes a terminal portion (first terminal portion <NUM>, second terminal portion <NUM>) and separation portion <NUM>. The terminal portion (first terminal portion <NUM>, second terminal portion <NUM>) is held by housing <NUM> and is connected to an external conductive path. Separation portion <NUM> is accommodated in internal space <NUM> of housing <NUM> and becomes separated from the terminal portion (first terminal portion <NUM>, second terminal portion <NUM>), as operation pin <NUM> (8C) moves downward. Cooling body <NUM> cools an arc generated when separation portion <NUM> is separated from the terminal portion (first terminal portion <NUM>, second terminal portion <NUM>).

This aspect makes it possible to accelerate extinction of an arc generated when the terminal portion (first terminal portion <NUM>, second terminal portion <NUM>) and separation portion <NUM> are separated.

In disconnect device <NUM>(1A, 1C, 1D) of another aspect, the internal space <NUM> has accommodation space SP20 to accommodate separation portion <NUM> to be separated from the terminal portion (first terminal portion <NUM>, second terminal portion <NUM>), and cooling body <NUM> is disposed in accommodation space SP20.

This aspect makes it possible to accelerate extinction of the arc.

In disconnect device <NUM> (1A, 1B, 1D) of another aspect, operation pin <NUM> is disposed apart from separation portion <NUM>, and at least a part of cooling body <NUM> is disposed between operation pin <NUM> and separation portion <NUM>.

In disconnect device <NUM> (1A, 1D) of another aspect, internal space <NUM> has accommodation space SP20 to accommodate separation portion <NUM> to be separated from terminal portion (first terminal portion <NUM>, second terminal portion <NUM>). Operation pin <NUM> is disposed apart from separation portion <NUM> of conductor <NUM>, and cooling body <NUM> is disposed between operation pin <NUM> and separation portion <NUM> and is disposed in accommodation space SP20.

In disconnect device <NUM> (1A, 1D) of another aspect, a density of first cooling body <NUM> disposed between operation pin <NUM> and separation portion <NUM> is larger than a density of second cooling body <NUM> disposed in accommodation space SP20.

In disconnect device <NUM> (1A to 1D) of another aspect, cooling body <NUM> and separation portion <NUM> are disposed to overlap each other when viewed from above.

In disconnect device <NUM> (1A to 1D) of another aspect, cooling body <NUM> is compressed, as operation pin (<NUM>, 8C) moves downward.

This aspect makes cooling body (<NUM>) less likely to obstruct the movement of operation pin (<NUM>, 8C).

Disconnect device <NUM> (1A to 1D) of another aspect further includes second restriction member <NUM> that is disposed in internal space <NUM> of housing <NUM> and restricts the movement of cooling body <NUM>.

With this aspect, cooling body <NUM> can be disposed easily.

In disconnect device 1E of another aspect, conductor 2E includes a blow-out portion 24E that is blown out when a current larger than or equal to an allowable value flows.

In disconnect device <NUM> (1A to 1E) of another aspect, the metal oxide contains at least one of aluminum oxide, zirconia oxide, and iron oxide.

Disconnect device <NUM> (1A to 1E) of a 14th aspect is configured such that, in any one of the 1st to 13th aspects, the inorganic oxide contains at least one of silicon oxide, zinc oxide, and magnesium oxide.

Claim 1:
A disconnect device (<NUM>, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D) comprising:
a conductor (<NUM>) connectable to an external conductive path;
a housing (<NUM>) including an internal space (<NUM>), the internal space (<NUM>) accommodating at least a part of the conductor (<NUM>); and
a cooling body (<NUM>) that is disposed in the internal space (<NUM>) and configured to cool an arc generated in the internal space (<NUM>), wherein
the cooling body (<NUM>) includes a porous body (<NUM>) configured with at least one of a metal oxide and an inorganic oxide;
a gas generator (<NUM>) configured to generate gas by combustion of fuel; and
an operation pin (<NUM>, 8C) that is accommodated in the internal space (<NUM>), is disposed above the conductor (<NUM>), and is caused to move downward by a pressure of the gas generated in the gas generator (<NUM>), wherein
the conductor (<NUM>) includes a terminal portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a separation portion (<NUM>),
the terminal portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) is held by the housing (<NUM>) and is connected to the external conductive path,
the separation portion (<NUM>) is accommodated in the internal space (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) and becomes separated from the terminal portion (<NUM>, <NUM>), as the pin (<NUM>, 8C) moves downward, and
the cooling body (<NUM>) configured to cool an arc generated when the separation portion (<NUM>) is separated from the terminal portion (<NUM>, <NUM>),
characterized in that
the porous body (<NUM>) has a fibrous structure and is deformable.