Circuit breaker

Abstract

This invention provides a circuit breaker that can change the load on a movable leaf spring without using a clamp to hold the front end of the movable leaf spring in place. The circuit breaker (100) has a tripping device (40) that drives a switching mechanism (30) that separates a fixed contact (27) and a movable contact (23). If an overcurrent flows through a conductive member (6), the fixed yoke (41a) of the tripping device (40) is magnetized. The movable leaf (1) is attracted by the magnetized fixed yoke (41a) and rotates about a pivot (5). When no overcurrent flows, the movable leaf (1) is pulled away from the fixed yoke (41a) by the movable leaf spring (2). The fixed end (2b) of the movable leaf spring (2) is locked with a spring retainer (3). The spring retainer (3) is engaged with a fixing member (4) to which the fixing yoke (41a) is fixed in any of the multiple mounting slots (3b) arranged in the direction from the power supply side terminal (24) to the load side terminal (25).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to tripping devices for circuit breakers such as wiring circuit breakers and residual current circuit breakers. Background Technology

[0002] Circuit breakers typically have instantaneous tripping characteristics, requiring a specified current of approximately 8 to 16 times the rated current to initiate instantaneous tripping. Therefore, a structure that uses the electromagnetic force generated when an overcurrent occurs to actuate a movable piece linked to the main contact opening and closing mechanism is commonly used. The operating current of the movable piece can be adjusted by applying force to the movable piece in the opposite direction to the electromagnetic force, thus adjusting the load on the movable piece spring. However, to avoid the movable piece spring from resetting, methods for increasing or decreasing the spring load by changing the position of the spring's fixed end are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure where the engagement point of the magnet frame and the herringbone spring is variable.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-192365

[0004] However, in the existing circuit breakers described above, when changing the load on the movable leaf spring, it is necessary to use a clamp to hold the locking part at the front end of the movable leaf spring in a narrow space to move it, which presents a problem of poor operability. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention addresses the aforementioned problem by providing a circuit breaker that can change the load on a movable leaf spring without using a clamp that holds the front end of the movable leaf spring in place.

[0006] The circuit breaker of the present invention includes: a fixed contact connected to a connection terminal; a movable contact configured to contact and separate from the fixed contact; and a tripping device assembled on a conductive member disposed between one connection terminal and another connection terminal, which drives an opening and closing mechanism that separates the fixed contact and the movable contact when an overcurrent flows through the conductive member. In this circuit breaker, the tripping device includes: a fixed member that fixes a fixed yoke magnetized by an overcurrent flowing through the conductive member; a movable piece having an attracted portion opposite to the fixed yoke and rotatably supported; a movable piece spring having a coil portion, a movable end extending from the coil portion abutting against the movable piece and applying force to the attracted portion in a direction pulling it away from the fixed yoke; and a spring retainer having a fixed end positioning portion that locks the fixed end extending from the coil portion of the movable piece spring to the other, and locking it with the fixed member in any of a plurality of mounting slots arranged in a direction from one connection terminal side to the other connection terminal side.

[0007] The circuit breaker of the present invention includes: a fixed contact connected to a connection terminal; a movable contact configured to contact and separate from the fixed contact; and a tripping device assembled on a conductive member disposed between one connection terminal and another connection terminal, which drives an opening and closing mechanism that separates the fixed contact and the movable contact when an overcurrent flows through the conductive member. In this circuit breaker, the tripping device includes: a fixed member that fixes a fixed yoke magnetized by an overcurrent flowing through the conductive member; a movable plate having an attracted portion opposite to the fixed yoke and rotatably supported; a movable plate spring having a coil portion, a movable end extending from the coil portion abutting against the movable plate and applying force to the attracted portion in a direction pulling it away from the fixed yoke; and a spring slider having a fixed end positioning portion that engages a fixed end extending from the coil portion of the movable plate spring at any position on an inclined portion that gradually approaches the other connection terminal.

[0008] The effects of the invention

[0009] According to the circuit breaker of the present invention, by changing the mounting groove of the spring holder that is locked to the fixed part while keeping the fixed end of the movable leaf spring locked in the spring holder unchanged, the load of the movable leaf spring can be changed without using a clamp that holds the fixed end of the movable leaf spring and moves it, thereby improving the efficiency of the operation of adjusting the operating current.

[0010] Furthermore, according to the circuit breaker of the present invention, by keeping the fixed end of the movable leaf spring locked in the spring slider in a constant state, the spring slider can be locked at any position on the inclined surface of the spring slider with the fixed component, thereby eliminating the need for a clamp that holds the fixed end of the movable leaf spring and moves it, thus improving the efficiency of the operation of changing the load on the movable leaf spring and adjusting the operating current. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a side sectional view showing the schematic structure of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the schematic structure of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of the tripping device of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a top view showing the schematic structure of the tripping device of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a side sectional view showing the schematic structure of the tripping device of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of the spring retainer of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of the spring retainer of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of the fixing component of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a front view showing the schematic structure of the fixing component of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a top view showing the schematic structure of the tripping device of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a top view showing the schematic structure of the tripping device of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a side sectional view showing the schematic structure of the tripping device of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 13 This is a side sectional view showing the schematic structure of the tripping device of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of the spring retainer of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 15 This is a schematic structural diagram of the spring retainer of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of the tripping device of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 17 This is a top view showing the schematic structure of the tripping device of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 18 This is a side sectional view showing the schematic structure of the tripping device of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 19 This is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of the spring slider of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 20 This is a schematic structural diagram of the spring slider of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 21 This is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of the fixing component of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 22 This is a front view showing the schematic structure of the fixing component of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 23 This is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of the adjustment component of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 24 This is a schematic structural diagram of the adjustment component of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 25 This is a top view of the tripping device of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 26 This is a top view of the tripping device of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates an example of a circuit breaker, but is not limited to this structure as long as it does not conform to the main idea. Figures 1-12 This is a diagram showing the circuit breaker in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 1 This is a side sectional view of a circuit breaker. Figure 2 It is a top view showing a partial perspective of a circuit breaker.

[0038] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the circuit breaker 100 is constructed using a frame 10, which consists of a base 11 and a cover 12 formed of insulating material. On the base 11, circuit breaker units 20, corresponding to the number of poles, are arranged at intervals, and a switching mechanism 30 is positioned above each circuit breaker unit 20. The cover 12 covers the circuit breaker units 20 and the switching mechanism 30 of each pole on the base 11, and the operating handle 31 of the switching mechanism 30 protrudes from the handle window 12a of the cover 12.

[0039] Each circuit breaking unit 20 has: a power supply side terminal 24 disposed on the base 11; a fixed contact 27 extending from the power supply side terminal 24 and having a fixed contact 21; a movable contact 22 that contacts and separates from the fixed contact 21; a movable contact 23 having the movable contact 22 at one end and being able to rotate freely and held by a crossbar 32; a tripping device 40 connected to the movable contact 23 via a movable contact holder 26; a load side terminal 25 extending from the tripping device 40; and an arc extinguishing device 50 disposed at the front end of the movable contact 23, which extinguishes the arc generated during circuit breaking by using an arc extinguishing plate 51 surrounded by the two contacts 21 and 22.

[0040] The opening and closing mechanism 30 has a known trip lever 33 driven by the tripping device 40.

[0041] Furthermore, the circuit breaking units 20 of each pole are identically constructed, and the crossbar 32 is connected to the circuit breaking units 20 of each pole and is arranged on the base 11 in an orthogonal manner to the circuit breaking units 20 of each pole. The crossbar 32 rotates around its axis via the opening and closing mechanism 30, and installs each movable contact 23 in the circuit breaking unit 20 of each pole. When the crossbar 32 rotates around its axis, the movable contact 23 of each pole rotates simultaneously. Through the rotation of the movable contact 23, the movable contact 22 contacts and separates from the fixed contact 21.

[0042] The tripping device 40 is disposed between the power supply side terminal 24 and the load side terminal 25, and is assembled on the conductive component 6 having the load side terminal 25 at one end. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the tripping device. Figure 4 This is a top view of the tripping device. Figure 5 This is a side sectional view of the tripping device. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the tripping device 40 consists of an electromagnetic tripping device 41 and a thermal tripping device 42.

[0043] The electromagnetic tripping device 41 includes: a fixed yoke 41a, which is fixed to a fixed component 4, and is magnetized when an overcurrent flows through a conductive component 6; a movable piece 1, which is attracted to the fixed yoke 41a, which is magnetized during a momentary circuit break, and drives the tripping lever 33; a movable piece spring 2, which applies force to the movable piece 1; and a rotating shaft 5, which provides axial support for the movable piece 1 via the fixed component 4. Additionally, the electromagnetic tripping device 41 includes a spring retainer 3 that holds the movable piece spring 2, and the spring retainer 3 is mounted on the fixed component 4.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, the thermal trip device 42 includes: a heater 42a extending from the conductive member 6; and a thermal element 7, which is connected to the heater 42a via a rivet 41e (in... Figure 5 (as shown in the illustration) and fixed to the fixed yoke 41a and the fixed component 4.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, the movable piece 1 has: a flat, attracted portion 1a, which is disposed opposite to the fixed yoke 41a; a pair of wrists 1b, which extend upward from both sides of the attracted portion 1a and are opposite to each other; and an operating piece 1c, which protrudes from a front end that extends further upward from one of the pair of wrists 1b. The operating piece 1c presses the release lever 33 upon release. Through holes are formed in the opposing wrists 1b for the insertion and penetration of the rotating shaft 5.

[0046] The movable leaf spring 2 is, for example, a double-torsion type torsion coil spring. The movable leaf spring 2 has: a pair of coil portions 2c wound around a rotation axis 5; a movable end 2a extending from one side of the pair of coil portions 2c; and a pair of fixed ends 2b extending from the pair of coil portions 2c to the other side. The movable end 2a abuts against the attracted portion 1a of the movable leaf 1, and the pair of fixed ends 2b are locked at the fixed end positioning portion 3a of the spring holder 3 to determine its position. The movable leaf spring 2 is positioned in the direction that pulls the attracted portion 1a of the movable leaf 1 away from the fixed yoke 41a, i.e., in... Figure 5 Apply force clockwise to the paper.

[0047] If an overcurrent, such as a short-circuit current, flows through the conductive component 6 and the heater 42a, the magnetic flux generated by the overcurrent magnetizes the fixed yoke 41a, and the attracted portion 1a of the movable piece 1 is instantaneously attracted by the fixed yoke 41a. The movable piece 1 rotates about the rotation shaft 5 against the force applied by the movable piece spring 2, and the operating piece 1c presses the trip lever 33 along with this rotation, causing the circuit breaker 100 to trip and perform a circuit breaking action.

[0048] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the spring retainer 3. Figure 7 (a) is a top view of the spring retainer 3. Figure 7 (b) is a side view of the spring retainer 3. Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the spring retainers 3 are provided with planar portions 3c, which are approximately rectangular in shape when viewed from above, spaced apart from each other. Multiple mounting slots 3b are formed on each planar portion 3c, extending from one side to the other. The planar portions 3c are connected by side portions 3d perpendicular to them. A pair of hook-shaped fixing end positioning portions 3a are provided at the front end extending obliquely from the planar portions 3c.

[0049] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a fixed component. Figure 9 This is a front view of the fixing component. The fixing component 4 has: a plate-shaped fixing portion 4a that fixes to the fixing yoke 41a; a back portion 4b extending upward from the fixing portion 4a with a central opening; and a pair of side portions 4c that are bent at both ends of the back portion 4b so that they face each other. A pair of mounting portions 4d are formed on the back portion 4b to lock the spring retainer 3. The mounting portions 4d are, for example, through holes that pass through the back portion 4b. Additionally, shaft holes are formed on the pair of side portions 4c for inserting the rotation shaft 5 of the movable piece 1. Multiple rivet holes are formed on the fixing portion 4a for inserting rivets 41e.

[0050] The mounting slot 3b of the spring retainer 3 is mounted on the mounting portion 4d of the fixing member 4. With the fixed end 2b of the movable leaf spring 2 engaged with the fixed end positioning portion 3a, force is applied to the power supply terminal 24 by the movable leaf spring 2. The flat portion 3c of the spring retainer 3, under the force applied by the movable leaf spring 2, is arranged approximately parallel to the conductive member 6, which has a load-side terminal 25 at one end. Furthermore, multiple mounting slots 3b are arranged in the direction from the load-side terminal 25 toward the power supply terminal 24. Moreover, any mounting slot 3b engages with the mounting portion 4d of the fixing member 4, holding the spring retainer 3 to the fixing member 4. Since the spring retainer 3 is under force from the movable leaf spring 2, it is possible to prevent the spring retainer 3 from detaching from the fixing member 4 due to vibration or the like.

[0051] Figure 10 This is a top view of the tripping device with the spring retainer and fixing components disengaged. (Example) Figure 10 As shown, the spring retainer 3 can extend in the direction of the multiple mounting slots 3b, i.e., in Figure 10 When the paper moves downward, the locking mechanism of the mounting slot 3b and the mounting part 4d disengages, and the spring retainer 3 can move it toward the power supply side terminal 24 or the load side terminal 25.

[0052] Figure 11 , Figure 12These are top views and side sectional views of the tripping device in a state where the spring retainer is moved towards the load-side terminal and locked. In this state, the fixed end 2b of the movable leaf spring 2 and... Figure 4 Compared to the state shown, the movement towards the load-side terminal 25 increases the force applied to the movable piece 1 until a greater electromagnetic force is applied, at which point the movable piece 1 stops moving. As a result, the instantaneous tripping current can be increased.

[0053] Here, the spring retainer 3 is preferably made of synthetic resin material. Therefore, after the operating current test is performed, the spring retainer 3 is prevented from becoming too hot, and without a cooling time, the operator can safely disengage the mounting slot 3b of the spring retainer 3 from the mounting portion 4d of the fixing component 4.

[0054] Furthermore, the side where the mounting groove 3b is formed in the flat portion 3c of the spring retainer 3 is preferably the side close to the wrist 1b of the pair of wrists 1b of the movable piece 1 that is provided with the operating piece portion 1c. This prevents interference with the operating piece portion 1c when the mounting groove 3b of the spring retainer 3 and the mounting portion 4d of the fixing member 4 are disengaged.

[0055] In addition, Figure 6 , Figure 7 The example shown is a spring retainer 3 with two flat portions 3c spaced apart from each other, but it may also have more flat portions 3c, each forming a mounting groove 3b.

[0056] In addition, Figure 6 , Figure 7 The image shows an example of multiple mounting slots 3b of the spring retainer 3 extending from one side of the flat portion 3c toward the other side, but any shape that allows for elastic deformation to engage with the mounting portion 4d of the fixing member 4 is acceptable. For example, one of the two flat portions 3c may form a mounting slot 3b from one side toward the other side, and the other flat portion 3c may form a mounting slot 3b from the other side toward one side.

[0057] As described above, in the circuit breaker 100 according to this embodiment, the tripping device 40 has a spring retainer 3. The spring retainer 3 has a fixed end positioning part 3a that locks the fixed end 2b extending from the coil part 2c of the movable leaf spring 2, and locks against the back part 4b of the fixing member 4 at any of the plurality of mounting slots 3b arranged in the direction from the power supply side terminal 24 toward the load side terminal 25. When adjusting the operating current, by moving the spring retainer 3, the locking of the mounting slot 3b with the mounting part 4d of the fixing member 4 is disengaged, and the device is installed in another mounting slot 3b that is different from the locked mounting slot 3b.

[0058] As described above, by changing the mounting groove 3b that engages with the fixed member 4 by moving the spring retainer 3 while keeping the fixed end 2b of the movable leaf spring 2 locked in the spring retainer 3, the load on the movable leaf spring 2 can be changed without using a clamp that holds the fixed end 2b of the movable leaf spring 2 and moves it. This improves the efficiency of adjusting the operating current. Furthermore, it prevents the pair of fixed ends 2b of the movable leaf spring 2 from being fixed in different positions and allows them to be set to the desired load. Also, by changing the load on the movable leaf spring 2 without direct contact, the operating current for momentary tripping can be easily changed. Furthermore, by adjusting the operating current without moving the initial position of the movable leaf 1, the adjustment range can be increased while keeping the distance between the movable leaf 1 and the main contact opening / closing mechanism constant.

[0059] Implementation method 2.

[0060] Figure 13 This is a side sectional view showing the schematic structure of the tripping device of the circuit breaker in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the spring retainer of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 15 This is a schematic structural diagram of the spring retainer of the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, (a) showing a top view and (b) showing a side view.

[0061] In the circuit breaker 100 of Embodiment 1, an example is shown in which a plurality of mounting slots 3b are formed parallel to the planar portion 3c of the spring retainer 3. However, in the circuit breaker 101 of this embodiment, a plurality of mounting slots 301b are formed vertically from the planar portion 301c of the spring retainer 301. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1, while the similarities will be omitted as appropriate.

[0062] like Figure 14 , Figure 15 As shown, the spring retainer 301 has a planar portion 301c that is generally rectangular in shape when viewed from above. Multiple protrusions 301d are arranged on the planar portion 301c, standing vertically from the generally rectangular surface, with mounting grooves 301b formed between adjacent protrusions 301d. At the front end extending from the planar portion 301c, the spring retainer 301 has a pair of hook-shaped fixing end positioning portions 301a.

[0063] like Figure 13As shown, the fixed end 2b of the movable leaf spring 2 is engaged with the fixed end positioning part 301a, and the spring retainer 301 is subjected to force by the movable leaf spring 2 toward the power supply side terminal 24. Under the force applied by the movable leaf spring 2, the flat part 301c of the spring retainer 301 is arranged substantially parallel to the conductive member 6 on which the load side terminal 25 is formed. Furthermore, a plurality of mounting slots 301b are arranged in the direction from the power supply side terminal 24 toward the load side terminal 25. Moreover, any mounting slot 301b engages with the fixing member 4. The spring retainer 301 is supported by a support spring 302. One end of the support spring 302 is mounted to the spring retainer 301, and the other end is mounted to the fixing member 4.

[0064] The spring retainer 301 can extend in the direction of the plurality of mounting slots 301b, i.e. Figure 13 The spring retainer 301 moves downward on the paper surface. When moving downward, the mounting groove 301b and the locking component 4 disengage, and the spring retainer 301 can move towards the power supply side terminal 24 or the load side terminal 25.

[0065] As described above, in the circuit breaker 101 according to this embodiment, the tripping device 40 has a spring retainer 301. The spring retainer 301 has a fixed end positioning part 301a that locks the fixed end 2b extending from the coil portion 2c of the movable leaf spring 2, and locks with the back portion 4b of the fixing member 4 at any of the plurality of mounting slots 301b arranged in the direction from the power supply side terminal 24 toward the load side terminal 25. When adjusting the operating current, by moving the spring retainer 301, the locking of the mounting slot 301b with the mounting portion 4d of the fixing member 4 is disengaged. By installing in a different mounting slot 301b than the locked mounting slot 301b, the load applied by the movable leaf spring 2 to the movable leaf 1 is changed.

[0066] As described above, by moving the spring retainer 301 while keeping the fixed end 2b of the movable leaf spring 2 locked in the spring retainer 301 unchanged, the mounting groove 301b that locks into the fixed member 4 is altered. This eliminates the need for a clamp that holds the fixed end 2b of the movable leaf spring 2 and moves it, thus improving the efficiency of adjusting the operating current. Furthermore, by preventing the pair of fixed ends 2b of the movable leaf spring 2 from being fixed in different positions, the desired load can be set. Also, by changing the load of the movable leaf spring 2 without direct contact, the operating current for momentary tripping can be easily changed. Furthermore, by adjusting the operating current without moving the initial position of the movable leaf spring 1, the adjustment range can be increased while keeping the distance between the movable leaf spring 1 and the main contact opening / closing mechanism constant.

[0067] Implementation method 3.

[0068] Figures 16-26 This is a diagram illustrating the circuit breaker according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the tripping device. Figure 17 This is a top view of the tripping device. Figure 18 This is a side sectional view of the tripping device. In the circuit breaker 102 of this embodiment, a spring slider 8 is provided instead of the spring retainer 3 of the circuit breaker 100 of embodiment 1. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from embodiment 1, while the similarities will be omitted as appropriate.

[0069] The circuit breaker 102 includes: a fixed contact 27 connected to a power supply side terminal 24; a movable contact 23 configured to contact and separate from the fixed contact 27; and a tripping device 60 assembled on a conductive member 6 disposed between the power supply side terminal 24 and the load side terminal 25, which trips the circuit when an overcurrent flows through the conductive member 6.

[0070] The tripping device 60 consists of an electromagnetic tripping device 61 and a thermal tripping device 42. The electromagnetic tripping device 61 includes: a fixed yoke 41a, which is fixed to a fixed component 4; the fixed yoke 41a is magnetized when an overcurrent flows through a conductive component 6; a movable piece 1, which is attracted to the fixed yoke 41a, which is magnetized during a momentary circuit break, and drives the tripping lever 33; a movable piece spring 2, which applies force to the movable piece 1; and a rotating shaft 5, which provides axial support for the movable piece 1 via the fixed component 4. Additionally, the electromagnetic tripping device 61 has a spring slider 8 that holds the fixed end 2b of the movable piece spring 2; the spring slider 8 is mounted on the fixed component 4. Furthermore, an adjusting component 9 is installed between the spring slider 8 and the fixed component 4.

[0071] The attracted part 1a of the movable plate 1 abuts against the movable end 2a of the movable plate spring 2. The movable plate spring 2 pulls the attracted part 1a away from the fixed yoke 41a in the direction that... Figure 18 A clockwise force is applied to the paper surface. Additionally, the fixed end 2b of the movable leaf spring 2 is engaged with the fixed end positioning part 8a of the spring slider 8.

[0072] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the spring slider. Figure 20 (a) is a top view of the spring slider, and (b) is a side view of the spring slider. Figure 19 , 20As shown, the spring slider 8 includes a sidewall portion 8b and a flat portion 8c that extends vertically from the upper edge of the sidewall portion 8b. Additionally, a pair of hook-shaped fixing end positioning portions 8a are provided at the front ends extending vertically from both sides of the lower edge of the sidewall portion 8b. The front end of the flat portion 8c, opposite to the sidewall portion 8b, has a beveled portion 8d that gradually moves away from the sidewall portion 8b in a direction opposite to the pair of fixing end positioning portions 8a.

[0073] Figure 21 This is a perspective view showing a fixed component. Figure 22 This is a front view of the fixing component 4. The fixing component 4 has: a fixing portion 4a for fixing a yoke 41a; a back portion 4b extending upward from the fixing portion 4a with a central opening; and a pair of side portions 4c, which are bent at both ends of the back portion 4b so that they face each other. A sliding hole 4e is formed on the back portion 4b of the fixing component 4, extending in the opposite direction of the pair of side portions 4c. Below the sliding hole 4e, a pair of insertion holes 4f are formed on the back portion 4b of the fixing component 4, arranged in the opposite direction of the pair of side portions 4c.

[0074] In addition, a plurality of rivet holes for inserting rivets 41e are formed in the fixed connection portion 4a. In addition, shaft holes for inserting the rotation shaft 5 of the movable piece 1 are provided in a pair of side portions 4c.

[0075] Figure 23 This is a perspective view showing the adjustment component. Figure 24 (a) is a top view of the adjustment component. Figure 24 (b) is a side view of the adjustment component. Figure 24 (c) is a bottom view of the adjustment component. The adjustment component 9 has: a side portion 9b; an operating gripping portion 9a extending vertically from above the side portion 9b; and a protrusion 9c extending vertically from below the operating gripping portion 9a from the side portion 9b. Additionally, the adjustment component 9 has an abutment portion 9d on the opposite side of the side portion 9b, which is inclined relative to the side portion 9b and abuts against the abutment portion 9d of the spring slider 8. The abutment portion 9d of the adjustment component 9 is inclined relative to the side portion 9b at the same angle as the inclined portion 8d of the spring slider 8.

[0076] The adjusting member 9 is mounted on the fixing member 4 in a manner that allows it to move along the extending direction of the sliding hole 4e. The adjusting member 9 has its operating gripping part 9a contacting the upper edge of the back surface portion 4b of the fixing member 4, and its protruding part 9c inserted into the sliding hole 4e. That is, the adjusting member 9 is mounted such that it clamps the upper edge of the back surface portion 4b of the fixing member 4 and the sliding hole 4e. With the adjusting member 9 mounted on the fixing member 4, the inclined part 8d of the spring slider 8 abuts against the abutting part 9d of the adjusting member 9, and a portion of the flat part 8c is inserted into the sliding hole 4e. Furthermore, a pair of fixed end positioning parts 8a of the spring slider 8 are respectively inserted into a pair of insertion holes 4f of the fixing member 4.

[0077] like Figure 17 As shown, the inclined portion 8d of the spring slider 8 is positioned in a direction opposite to the pair of fixed end positioning portions 8a, gradually approaching from the power supply side terminal 24 side towards the load side terminal 25 side. The adjusting member 9 adjusts the operating gripping portion 9a by... Figure 17 The spring slider 8 moves downwards on the paper surface, thereby sliding along the extending direction of the sliding hole 4e of the fixing member 4. Through this sliding, the inclined portion 8d of the spring slider 8 is pressed by the abutment portion 9d of the adjusting member 9, and the spring slider 8 moves to the load side terminal 25 side or the power supply side terminal 24 side. That is, the spring slider 8 is configured such that it can slide in the direction from the power supply side terminal 24 toward the load side terminal 25 or from the load side terminal 25 toward the power supply side terminal 24 by the adjusting member 9.

[0078] Figure 25 This is a top view of the tripping device with the adjusting component moved to approximately the center in the width direction. Figure 26 This is a top view of the tripping device with the adjusting component moved further. In this state, the fixed end 2b of the movable plate spring 2 moves further toward the load-side terminal 25, thus increasing the force applied to the movable plate 1 until the movable plate 1 stops moving due to the stronger electromagnetic force. As a result, the instantaneous tripping current can be increased.

[0079] Here, the fixed end 2b of the movable leaf spring 2 always applies force to the spring slider 8 towards the power supply terminal 24, thus... Figure 25 The downward sliding load acts on the adjusting member 9. The adjusting member 9 is preferably configured to adjust the coefficient of friction of the part in contact with the fixed member 4 or the spring slider 8 so that it does not move due to vibration or the like.

[0080] Here, the spring slider 8 is preferably made of synthetic resin material. Therefore, after checking the operating current, the spring slider 8 is prevented from becoming too hot, and without setting a cooling time, the operator can safely disengage the spring slider 8 from the locking mechanism 4.

[0081] As described above, in the circuit breaker 102 according to this embodiment, the tripping device 60 has a spring slider 8. The spring slider 8 has a fixed end positioning part 8a that locks the fixed end 2b extending from the coil part 2c of the movable leaf spring 2, and has a beveled part 8d that extends from the power supply side terminal 24 towards the load side terminal 25. The beveled part 8d locks with the back part 4b of the fixing member 4 at any position. When adjusting the operating current, the spring slider 8 is moved, changing the position of the beveled part 8d that locks with the fixing member 4, thereby changing the load exerted by the movable leaf spring 2 on the movable leaf 1.

[0082] As described above, by moving the spring slider 8 while keeping the fixed end 2b of the movable leaf spring 2 locked to the spring slider 8, and locking it at any position on the inclined surface of the spring slider, the load on the movable leaf spring 2 can be changed without using a clamp that holds the fixed end 2b of the movable leaf spring 2 and moves it, thus improving the efficiency of the operation of adjusting the operating current. Furthermore, it prevents the pair of fixed ends 2b of the movable leaf spring 2 from being fixed in different positions, allowing for the setting of the desired load. Additionally, by changing the load on the movable leaf spring 2 without direct contact, the operating current of instantaneous tripping can be easily changed. Furthermore, by adjusting the operating current without moving the initial position of the movable leaf 1, the adjustment range can be increased while keeping the distance between the movable leaf 1 and the main contact opening and closing mechanism constant. Moreover, in this embodiment, by sliding the spring slider 8, the load on the movable leaf spring 2 can be gradually changed, allowing for the setting of the optimal load corresponding to the operating current.

[0083] Furthermore, in embodiments 1 to 3, an example is shown in which a fixed contact 27 is connected to the power supply side terminal 24 and a movable contact 23 is connected to the load side terminal 25, but it is also possible to connect the movable contact 23 to the power supply side terminal 24 and the fixed contact 27 to the load side terminal 25.

[0084] In addition, in embodiments 1 to 3, an example of a double torsion spring 2 is shown, but it can also be a single torsion spring.

[0085] In addition, in embodiments 1 to 3, an example is shown in which the movable piece 1 is inserted through the rotating shaft 5, but the movable piece 1 can be rotated as long as it can be configured to not use the rotating shaft 5.

[0086] In addition, in embodiments 1 to 3, examples are shown where the fixing member 4 and the rotating shaft 5 are separate components, but the rotating shaft 5 that can rotatably support the movable piece 1 can also be formed by a part of the fixing member 4.

[0087] Furthermore, within the scope of this invention, the various embodiments can be freely combined, or the various embodiments can be appropriately modified or omitted.

[0088] Explanation of the label

[0089] 1. Movable plate, 1a. Attracted part, 1b. Wrist, 1c. Operating plate part, 2. Movable plate spring, 2a. Movable end, 2b. Fixed end, 2c. Coil part, 3. Spring retainer, 3a. Fixed end positioning part, 3b. Mounting groove, 3c. Flat part, 3d. Side part, 4. Fixing component, 4a. Fixed connection part, 4b. Back side part, 4c. Side part, 4d. Mounting part, 4e. Sliding hole, 4f. Insertion hole, 5. Rotating shaft, 6. Conductive component, 7. Thermodynamic element, 8. Spring slider, 8a. Fixed end positioning part, 8b. Side wall part, 8c. Flat part, 8d. Angled part, 9. Adjusting component, 9a. Operating gripping part, 9b. Side Face, 9c protrusion, 9d abutment, 10 frame, 11 base, 12 cover, 12a handle window, 20 circuit breaker unit, 21 fixed contact, 22 movable contact, 23 movable contact element, 24 power supply side terminal, 25 load side terminal, 26 movable contact element holder, 30 opening and closing mechanism, 31 operating handle, 32 crossbar, 33 tripping lever, 40 tripping device, 41 electromagnetic tripping device, 41a fixed yoke, 42 thermal tripping device, 42a heater, 50 arc extinguishing device, 60 tripping device, 100, 101, 102 circuit breakers.

Claims

1. A circuit breaker comprising: a fixed contact connected to a connection terminal; a movable contact configured to contact and separate from the fixed contact; and a tripping device assembled on a conductive member disposed between the one connection terminal and another connection terminal, which drives an opening and closing mechanism that separates the fixed contact and the movable contact when an overcurrent flows through the conductive member. The circuit breaker is characterized by, The tripping device has the following features: A fixing component that secures a fixed yoke that has been magnetized by an overcurrent flowing through the conductive component; A movable piece having an attracted portion opposite to the fixed yoke, and rotatably supported; A movable leaf spring has a coil portion, and a movable end extending from the coil portion abuts against the movable leaf, applying force to the attracted portion in a direction pulling it away from the fixed yoke; and A spring retainer having a fixed end positioning portion that engages with a fixed end extending from the coil portion of the movable leaf spring to the other, and engaging with the fixed member in any of a plurality of mounting slots arranged in a direction from one connection terminal side toward the other connection terminal side.

2. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable leaf spring has a pair of coil portions, and the spring retainer has a pair of fixed end positioning portions that lock a pair of fixed ends extending from the pair of coil portions of the movable leaf spring to the other.

3. The circuit breaker according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The spring retainer is made of synthetic resin.

4. The circuit breaker according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The spring retainer has planar portions spaced apart from each other, and the plurality of mounting slots are formed on one side of the planar portions and extend from the one side toward the opposite side.

5. The circuit breaker according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fixing component has a mounting portion that serves as a through hole, the flat portion is inserted into the mounting portion, and any one of the plurality of mounting slots of the spring retainer engages with the mounting portion.

6. The circuit breaker according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The spring retainer has a flat portion and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the flat portion, with the mounting grooves formed between adjacent protrusions.

7. The circuit breaker according to claim 6, characterized in that, The spring retainer is supported by a support spring mounted on the opposite side of the flat portion to the side where the plurality of protrusions are provided.

8. A circuit breaker comprising: a fixed contact connected to a connection terminal; a movable contact configured to contact and separate from the fixed contact; and a tripping device assembled on a conductive member disposed between the one connection terminal and another connection terminal, which drives an opening and closing mechanism that separates the fixed contact and the movable contact when an overcurrent flows through the conductive member. The circuit breaker is characterized by, The tripping device has the following features: A fixing component that secures a fixed yoke that has been magnetized by an overcurrent flowing through the conductive component; A movable piece having an attracted portion opposite to the fixed yoke, and rotatably supported; A movable leaf spring has a coil portion, and a movable end extending from the coil portion abuts against the movable leaf, applying force to the attracted portion in a direction pulling it away from the fixed yoke; and A spring slider having a fixed end positioning portion that engages a fixed end extending from the coil portion of the movable leaf spring to the other side, and engaging the fixed member at any position on an inclined portion that gradually approaches the other connection terminal side.

9. The circuit breaker according to claim 8, characterized in that, A sliding hole is formed in the fixing component for inserting a portion of the inclined portion of the spring slider. An adjustment component is provided in the sliding hole to abut against the inclined portion of the spring slider. By moving the adjustment component along the sliding hole, the spring slider is moved to the side of one connection terminal or the other connection terminal.

Images