Circuit breaker

Abstract

The invention provides a circuit breaker capable of accurately and easily confirming the fusing condition of a fuse so as to improve the working efficiency of fuse inspection. A disconnection detection device (51) having an annular connection body (52) and an optical sensor is connected to a lower portion of a circuit breaker main body (2), the optical sensor detects a disconnection display portion (32) of a fuse cylinder (3) which falls to a disconnection position due to fuse fusing, an insertion gap (54) through which the disconnection display portion (32) of the fuse cylinder (3) can be inserted is provided inside the annular connection body (52), and the insertion gap (54) is provided inside the annular connection body (52) and through which the disconnection display portion (32) of the fuse cylinder (3) can be inserted. The light sensor is formed by a light-emitting part (53a) and a light-receiving part (53b) which are arranged on the annular connecting body (52) in an opposite manner through the insertion gap (54). According to the above structure, the fusing condition of the fuse wire can be accurately and easily checked, so that the working efficiency of checking the fusing is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a circuit breaker for protecting the primary side of a transformer in a high-voltage power distribution line. Background Technology

[0002] Circuit breakers used to protect the primary side of transformers in high-voltage power distribution lines typically have a circuit breaker body with a downward-opening insertion port and a fuse tube fitted into an internal receiving area located inside the circuit breaker body via the insertion port. When the fuse blows, a breakage indicator on the fuse tube protrudes downward from the insertion port, allowing the blown fuse to be observed from the outside. For example, Patent Document 1 has proposed a circuit breaker with this configuration.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-76162 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0006] Furthermore, since circuit breakers are typically located on top of utility poles or steel towers, checking whether the fuse has blown is usually done by visual inspection from below the pole, either directly or using binoculars. In this type of inspection, the relatively large distance between the operator and the circuit breaker increases the risk of misidentification. This is especially true in inclement weather conditions such as rain or snow, which make visual inspection difficult and further exacerbate the problem.

[0007] Furthermore, since the circuit breaker is installed at a high position on the steel tower, it is necessary to use binoculars or climb the steel tower for observation. However, climbing the steel tower is a high-altitude operation, which makes the operation cumbersome and complicated, prolongs the operation time, and reduces the efficiency of the operation.

[0008] This invention proposes a circuit breaker that can accurately and easily check the fuse's melting status, thereby improving the efficiency of the fuse inspection process.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] This invention relates to a circuit breaker, characterized by comprising a fuse tube on which a fuse is mounted and a circuit breaker body having an internal receiving area for assembling the fuse tube via a insertion port with a lower opening. The fuse tube, assembled in the internal receiving area, has a break-out detection device within the circuit breaker, which includes a break-out display section. The break-out display section is movable vertically between an energized position within the internal receiving area and a break-out position protruding downwards from the internal receiving area. When the fuse is energized, it is located in the energized position; when the fuse is blown, it descends from the energized position to the break-out position. The break-out detection device detects the break-out display section as it descends from the energized position to the break-out position.

[0011] The circuit breaker of the present invention includes a wire breakage detection device disposed in the lower part of the circuit breaker body. The device comprises an annular connecting body having an insertion gap inside which a wire breakage display portion that can be inserted into a fuse cylinder that has descended to the wire breakage position is inserted; and a photosensitive sensor having a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part disposed opposite to each other in the annular connecting body through the insertion gap, and detecting the wire breakage display portion that has descended to the wire breakage position by emitting light from the light-emitting part to the light-receiving part.

[0012] Here, the circuit breaker body can be a slightly cylindrical object or a slightly rectangular box-shaped object. Similarly, the ring-shaped connector of the open circuit detection device can be a slightly circular ring or a slightly rectangular ring. When the circuit breaker body is slightly cylindrical, a slightly circular ring-shaped connector is preferred, while when the circuit breaker body is the box-shaped object, a slightly rectangular ring-shaped connector is preferred.

[0013] In the aforementioned configuration of the present invention, when a fuse blows, a photosensitive sensor detects the broken wire display unit, which has dropped to the broken wire position due to the blown fuse. Therefore, the detection result can be output externally to notify management personnel, or an alarm can be triggered via a predetermined alarm method (such as illuminating a light or emitting a sound). As described above, the configuration that uses a photosensitive sensor to detect and notify or alarm allows for accurate and easy inspection of fuse blown conditions. Furthermore, it suppresses the problem of misidentification of the broken wire display unit in conventional configurations, and eliminates the need for high-altitude operations. Therefore, according to the configuration of the present invention, the inspection of fuse blown conditions can be performed accurately and easily, significantly improving the efficiency of this inspection operation.

[0014] Furthermore, since this invention uses a light sensor to detect when the wire breakage indicator has dropped to the breakage position due to a blown fuse, even if the light sensor malfunctions, it is possible to visually check whether the breakage indicator is in the breakage position. In other words, this invention has the advantage of being able to check for blown fuses even if the light sensor malfunctions.

[0015] The circuit breaker of the present invention proposes that the annular connecting body of the wire breakage detection device is composed of two rings divided into left and right rings, one of which is provided with the light-emitting part and the other ring is provided with the light-receiving part.

[0016] According to the aforementioned configuration, the installation and removal of the ring-shaped connector to the lower part of the circuit breaker body can be performed relatively easily. Furthermore, by installing the ring-shaped connector, the light-emitting and light-receiving parts of the optical sensor can be appropriately arranged facing each other. This facilitates maintenance of the wire breakage detection device. Moreover, for example, the wire breakage detection device of this configuration can be easily retrofitted onto an existing circuit breaker, thereby constructing the circuit breaker of the present invention by retrofitting this wire breakage detection device.

[0017] The circuit breaker of the present invention is proposed to be an annular connecting body of a wire breakage detection device, having a translucent protective member that extends laterally inside between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of a light sensor and separates the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part from the insertion gap; wherein at least one of the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the light sensor and the protective member is configured to be laterally movable.

[0018] Because the protective component is translucent, light emitted from the light-emitting part can pass through the protective component appropriately and reach the light-receiving part. Here, when the fuse blows, a small explosion occurs in the internal receiving area, causing smoke or dust to adhere to the walls of the internal receiving area. However, in the through-hole communicating with the internal receiving area, the protective component protects the light-emitting and light-receiving parts of the light sensor, preventing smoke and other contaminants from adhering to them, and also preventing damage caused by the impact of the fuse blowing. Thus, the light sensor can accurately and stably detect the broken wire display for a longer period, while extending the replacement cycle of the broken wire detection device, thereby significantly reducing the maintenance and replacement costs of the broken wire detection device. With this configuration, when the fuse blows, only the fuse holder needs to be replaced to reliably produce the aforementioned effects of the present invention achieved by the light sensor.

[0019] Furthermore, this configuration allows at least one of the light-emitting and light-receiving portions of the optical sensor and the protective member to move laterally, thereby changing their relative positions. Therefore, for example, if the portion of the light-emitting or light-receiving portion facing the protective member is contaminated or scratched, causing poor detection by the optical sensor, the relative positions of these two portions can be changed to place the uncontaminated portion in a designated position, thus maintaining a normal detectable state. This further improves the aforementioned effect of the optical sensor in detecting broken display sections over a longer period.

[0020] The circuit breaker of the present invention is configured such that the annular connecting body of the wire breakage detection device is circular, and the protective component is disposed inside between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the optical sensor, forming a circular shape along the inner peripheral surface of the annular connecting body; wherein, at least one of the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the optical sensor and the protective component is configured to be able to rotate coaxially with the central axis of the annular connecting body.

[0021] One advantage of the aforementioned configuration is that the mechanism for adjusting the relative position between the protective component and the light-emitting and light-receiving components is extremely simplified, thereby reducing the workload of changing the relative positions.

[0022] Invention Effects

[0023] According to the circuit breaker of the present invention, as described above, the fuse failure status can be checked accurately and easily, thereby significantly improving the efficiency of the fuse inspection operation. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a front view of circuit breaker 1 in Embodiment 1.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of circuit breaker 1.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a longitudinal sectional view of circuit breaker 1.

[0027] Figure 4 These are (A) bottom view and (B) three-dimensional schematic diagram of the wire breakage detection device 51.

[0028] Figure 5 These are (A) a longitudinal sectional view and (B) a three-dimensional schematic diagram after partial sectioning of the wire breakage detection device 51.

[0029] Figure 6 These are (A) a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the protective component 61 viewed from above and (B) a three-dimensional schematic diagram viewed from below.

[0030] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing (A) the state of the fuse cylinder 3's wire breakage indicator 32 being in the energized position and (B) the state of being in the wire breakage position.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a front view of the circuit breaker 71 in Embodiment 2.

[0032] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing a partial cross-section of circuit breaker 71.

[0033] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram showing the wire breakage detection device 81.

[0034] Symbol Explanation

[0035] 1.71 Circuit Breaker

[0036] 2 Circuit breaker body

[0037] 3. Fuse tube

[0038] 12 Internal storage area

[0039] 13 Insertion port

[0040] 32 Disconnection Display Unit

[0041] 51, 81 Wire breakage detection device

[0042] 52, 82 Annular Connectors

[0043] 53a Light-emitting unit (light sensor)

[0044] 53b Light-receiving section (light sensor)

[0045] 54, 88 Insert through gap

[0046] 61, 91 Protective components

[0047] 82a, 82b Semi-circular torus (ring) Detailed Implementation

[0048] Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Example 1

[0050] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the circuit breaker 1 of Embodiment 1 has a circuit breaker body 2, which includes a slightly cylindrical ceramic body 11, an upper stress cone 21 joined to the upper end of the ceramic body 11, a lower stress cone 22 joined to the lower end of the ceramic body 11, and a lower cover 5 installed at the lower end of the ceramic body 11. Furthermore, the fuse tube 3 is detachably assembled into an internal receiving area 12 formed inside the circuit breaker body 2 (see...). Figure 3 Specifically, the fuse cylinder 3 is assembled into the internal receiving area 12 via a downward-opening insertion port 13 at the lower part of the circuit breaker body 2. It should be noted that the fuse cylinder 3 is equipped with a fuse (not shown). Furthermore, a mounting fitting 8 is installed on the ceramic body 11, which is securely connected to the arm of the utility pole (not shown). Since the ceramic body 11, the upper stress cone 21, the lower stress cone 22, and the mounting fitting 8 can all be conventionally known components, further details are omitted. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-282998 discloses a known example of such a ceramic body 11.

[0051] Furthermore, a circular wire breakage detection device 51 is installed below the lower cover 5 of the circuit breaker body 2. More specifically, the ceramic body 11, the lower cover 5, and the wire breakage detection device 51 constituting the circuit breaker body 2 are aligned with the central axis L of the ceramic body 11 (see [reference]). Figure 3 Centered on the center, arranged coaxially, the internal accommodating area 12 is connected to the insertion port 13 and the insertion gap 54 formed in the wire breakage detection device 51.

[0052] Here, as Figure 3 As shown, the lower cover 5 comprises an annular upper connecting tube 6a connected to the ceramic body 11, an annular flange 6b extending obliquely downward from the lower end of the upper connecting tube 6a in a skirt-like shape, and an annular lower connecting tube 6c coupled to the lower end of the annular flange 6b. The wire breakage detection device 51 is connected to the lower connecting tube 6c. This lower cover 5 is interconnected in the vertical direction, forming the insertion port 13. It should be noted that the wire breakage detection device 51 is a key part of the present invention, and its details will be described in detail later.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the fuse tube 3 has a fuse tube body 31 on which a fuse (not shown) is mounted, and a cylindrical wire breakage display unit 32 disposed at the lower part of the fuse tube body 31 in a vertically movable manner. The wire breakage display unit 32 can be positioned at a lower limit of the wire breakage position (…). Figure 7 (B) and the energized position above the broken wire location ( Figure 7 (A) The fuse can move between these positions and is pushed to the broken wire position by the force of a spring embedded in the lower part of the fuse cylinder body 31. Furthermore, the broken wire indicator 32 resists the force of the spring and remains in the energized position by the fuse lead of the fuse installed inside the fuse cylinder body 31 (see [link]). Figure 7 (A)). That is, when the fuse installed on the fuse tube body 31 is in an energized state, the wire breakage indicator 32 remains in the energized position, and when the fuse melts, the wire breakage indicator 32 will drop to the wire breakage position under the force of the spring (see [link]). Figure 7 (B)).

[0054] like Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown in (A), with the fuse tube 3 assembled in the internal receiving area 12 of the circuit breaker body 2, the energized position of the disconnection display unit 32 is set within this internal receiving area 12. On the other hand, as... Figure 7As shown in (B), the broken wire position is set at a position protruding downward from the insertion gap 54 of the broken wire detection device 51 mounted on the circuit breaker body 2. As described above, when the fuse of the circuit breaker 1 in this embodiment blows, the broken wire display part 32 of the fuse tube 3 protrudes downward from the insertion gap 54 of the broken wire detection device 51 via the insertion port 13 of the internal receiving area 12, making the broken wire display part 32 visible to the naked eye from the outside. Here, a reflective identification strip (not shown) of a specific color is affixed to the outer peripheral surface of the broken wire display part 32, making it easy to confirm visually. Furthermore, since this fuse tube 3 can be a conventionally known fuse tube, its detailed description is omitted.

[0055] Next, the key parts of the present invention will be described.

[0056] As described above, in this embodiment 1, the circuit breaker 1 is formed by mounting a circular wire breakage detection device 51 on the circuit breaker body 2. In the configuration of embodiment 1, the wire breakage detection device 51 is securely connected to the lower cover 5 by screws (not shown).

[0057] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the wire breakage detection device 51 of Embodiment 1 includes a ring-shaped connecting body 52, a light-emitting part 53a and a light-receiving part 53b of a light sensor disposed on the ring-shaped connecting body 52, an output device (not shown) that performs specific signal output control based on the detection signal from the light sensor, and a battery (not shown) that powers the light sensor and the output device. Furthermore, a ring-shaped protective component 61 (see [link to documentation]) is also provided on the ring-shaped connecting body 52. Figure 6 ( ), used to protect the light-emitting part 53a and the light-receiving part 53b that constitute the optical sensor.

[0058] The annular connector 52 is formed in an annular shape, with a through-hole 54 extending vertically inside. Inside the annular connector 52, a continuous sliding hole 57 is formed circumferentially along its inner circumferential surface. This sliding hole 57 has a main sliding portion 57a ​​with a rectangular cross-section, an upper guide groove 57b communicating with the upper end of the main sliding portion 57a, and a lower guide groove 57c communicating with the lower end of the main sliding portion 57a. The lower guide groove 57c opens on the lower surface of the annular connector 52. This sliding hole 57 is located radially near the inner circumferential surface of the annular connector 52.

[0059] Furthermore, inside the annular connector 52, there are mounting chambers 55, 55 respectively, located at opposite positions across the insertion gap 54. Each mounting chamber 55 is positioned radially outward from the main sliding portion 57a ​​of the sliding hole portion 57. On the inner circumferential surface of the annular connector 52, windows 56, 56, which connect the mounting chambers 55, 55 and the insertion gap 54 via the main sliding portion 57a, form openings facing each other. The light-emitting portion 53a of the light sensor is installed in one mounting chamber 55, and the light-receiving portion 53b of the light sensor is installed in the other mounting chamber 55. Light emanating from the light-emitting portion 53a is received by the light-receiving portion 53b through the windows 56, 56.

[0060] In the sliding hole 57 of this annular connector 52, the protective member 61 is configured to rotate circumferentially. Here, as... Figure 6 As shown, the protective component 61 has a main protective periphery 62 formed by a curved plate with a predetermined vertical range, an upper insertion through-periphery 63a protruding upward from the upper edge of the main protective periphery 62, and a lower insertion through-periphery 63b protruding downward from the lower edge of the main protective periphery 62. Furthermore, the lower insertion through-periphery 63b is provided with an operating piece 64 protruding downward from its lower end. The upper insertion through-periphery 63a and the lower insertion through-periphery 63b are formed along the main protective periphery 62, and the operating piece 64 is formed by protruding downward from a portion of the circumferential direction of the lower insertion through-periphery 63b. Here, in the protective component 61 provided in the annular connector 52, the main protective periphery 62 is rotatably mounted inside the main sliding portion 57a ​​of the sliding hole portion 57, the upper insertion through-periphery 63a is rotatably mounted inside the upper guide groove portion 57b, and the lower insertion through-periphery 63b is rotatably mounted inside the lower guide groove portion 57c. Furthermore, the operating plate 64 protrudes downwards from the annular connector 52 via the lower guide groove 57c. By having an operator grasp the operating plate 64 and move the protective member 61 along the lower guide groove 57c, the protective member 61 can be rotated circumferentially relative to the annular connector 52. Additionally, the protective member 61 is arranged coaxially with respect to the central axis of the annular connector 52 (corresponding to the central axis L).

[0061] As described above, the protective member 61, disposed on the annular connector 52, is located between the windows 56, 56 and the respective housing chambers 55, 55 of the annular connector 52. The main protective periphery 62 of the protective member 61 blocks the communication between the housing chambers 55, 55 and the insertion gap 54, separated by the windows 56, 56. Thus, the light-emitting part 53a and the light-receiving part 53b installed in each housing chamber 55, 55 are protected by the main protective periphery 62 of the protective member 61. Here, the protective member 61 is formed of a light-transmitting material, so the light-receiving part 53b can appropriately receive light emitted from the light-emitting part 53a. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protective member 61 has a mechanism that allows it to rotate circumferentially relative to the annular connector 52 at intervals. This rotation interval is set to be greater than the circumferential width of the windows 56 of the housing chambers 55. With such a mechanism, the relative position of the protective member 61 with respect to the windows 56 can be changed each time the protective member 61 rotates at the intervals. Furthermore, conventionally known mechanisms can be used as the mechanism for rotating at certain intervals. For example, a configuration in which a protrusion provided on one of the annular connector 52 and the protective member 61 gently engages with a plurality of recesses provided at certain intervals on the other.

[0062] Furthermore, the output device and the battery are respectively installed at locations in the annular connector 52 that differ from the mounting chambers 55, 55. Additionally, an alarm light (not shown) with an LED is installed in the annular connector 52, and the alarm light's illumination is controlled by a signal output from the output device. That is, in this embodiment, the light sensor is operated and controlled to cause the light-emitting part 53a to emit light continuously or intermittently, and signals indicating that the light-emitting part 53a is emitting light and signals indicating that the light-receiving part 53b is receiving light are respectively input to the output device. Furthermore, when the output device receives a signal from the light-emitting part 53a but no signal from the light-receiving part 53b, the alarm light is illuminated by outputting a predetermined signal to the alarm light.

[0063] Next, the working principle of the above-mentioned wire breakage detection device 51 will be explained.

[0064] like Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown in (A), in this embodiment 1, when the circuit breaker 1 is energized, the open circuit indicator 32 of the fuse cylinder 3 is in the energized position. In this state, in the open circuit detection device 51, the light-emitting part 53a of the optical sensor emits light continuously or intermittently, and the light is received by the light-receiving part 53b. Therefore, the output device does not output a signal to the alarm light, and the alarm light does not emit light (remains in an off state).

[0065] On the other hand, when the fuse in the fuse cylinder 3 melts, the wire breakage indicator 32 of the fuse cylinder 3 will change from the energized position to the wire breakage position. For example... Figure 7As shown in (B), at the broken wire location, the broken wire display unit 32 protrudes downwards through the insertion gap 54 of the broken wire detection device 51, thus blocking the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 53a. Consequently, the output device cannot input a signal from the light-receiving unit 53b, and therefore outputs a signal to the alarm light, causing it to illuminate. As described above, when the fuse blows, the alarm light illuminates, allowing the operator to accurately and easily confirm the broken fuse status by observing its illumination. Here, the alarm light is easily observed from a relatively distant location, making it readily visible even below the utility pole where the circuit breaker 1 is installed.

[0066] Furthermore, in the wire breakage detection device 51 of this embodiment, since the light-emitting part 53a and the light-receiving part 53b of the optical sensor are protected by the protective member 61, it is possible to prevent contaminants such as smoke and dust from adhering to the light-emitting part 53a and the light-receiving part 53b. At the same time, it can suppress damage to the light-emitting part 53a and the light-receiving part 53b caused by the impact when the fuse melts. In addition, the protective member 61 can change the exposed part in the insertion gap 54 through the windows 56, 56 by operating its operating plate 64. In this way, when the exposed part facing the windows 56, 56 is contaminated or damaged, by rotating the operating plate 64, the uncontaminated or damaged part can become the new exposed part. Here, in this embodiment, since the protective member 61 can be rotated at regular intervals, the uncontaminated or damaged part can be appropriately used as the exposed part each time it is rotated. Therefore, when replacing the fuse or performing an inspection, the operation of the protection component 61 can suppress malfunctions of the optical sensor, thereby ensuring that the function of detecting fuse breakage is performed accurately and stably.

[0067] As described above, according to the circuit breaker 1 of this embodiment, the fuse breakage status can be accurately and easily observed by the illumination of the alarm light. Therefore, it eliminates the need for direct visual inspection of the breakage display unit as in the conventional configuration described above, reducing the necessity for high-altitude operations. Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, accurate observation can be performed even in inclement weather such as rain and snow. In addition, since the breakage detection device 51 of this embodiment detects the breakage display unit 32, which has dropped to the breakage position due to fuse melting, by means of a light sensor, another advantage is that even if the light sensor malfunctions (such as a power outage or a failure), the condition of the fuse can be checked by checking whether the breakage display unit 32 is in the breakage position.

[0068] Furthermore, since the configuration of Embodiment 1 includes a light-transmitting protective member 61 that protects the light-emitting portion 53a and the light-receiving portion 53b of the light sensor, it can prevent dirt from adhering and causing damage, allowing the light-emitting portion 53a and the light-receiving portion 53b to be used for a longer period of time, thereby reducing the workload and increased costs associated with maintenance. Moreover, since this protective member 61 is configured to rotate circumferentially, the exposed portion through the insertion gap 54 via the windows 56, 56 can be changed by rotating the protective member 61. Therefore, by changing the exposed portion by rotating the protective member 61, malfunctions of the light sensor due to contamination or damage to the exposed portion can be prevented.

[0069] Furthermore, since the wire breakage detection device 51 of this embodiment 1 has a battery for powering the light sensor (light-emitting part 53a and light-receiving part 53b), another advantage is that it can accurately check the wire breakage status of the fuse when disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes occur.

[0070] Example 2

[0071] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in Embodiment 2, a circular wire breakage detection device 81 is installed on the lower part of the lower cover 5 of the circuit breaker body 2. Furthermore, since the circuit breaker body 2 is the same as in Embodiment 1, the same constituent elements are marked with the same symbols, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0072] like Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the wire breakage detection device 81 of this embodiment 2 has an annular connecting body 82 composed of two semicircular rings 82a and 82b divided into left and right sides, a light-emitting part 53a of a photosensor provided on one side of the semicircular ring 82a, a light-receiving part 53b of the photosensor provided on the other side of the semicircular ring 82b, arc-shaped protective members 91 and 91 respectively provided on each semicircular ring 82a and 82b to protect the light-emitting part 53a and the light-receiving part 53b, an output device (not shown) that performs output control of a predetermined signal based on the detection signal from the photosensor, and a battery (not shown) that powers the photosensor and the output device.

[0073] The semicircular rings 82a and 82b are composed of semicircular rings 83 and 84, and external portions 84 respectively provided on each semicircular ring 83. Furthermore, the left and right semicircular rings 82a and 82b are pivotally connected by a connecting means (e.g., a hinge) at one end, and forming connecting mechanisms 87a and 87b at their other ends. The annular connector 82 forms a closed annular state by aligning the other ends of these semicircular rings 82a and 82b with each connecting mechanism 87a and 87b; by disengaging the connecting mechanisms 87a and 87b, each semicircular ring 82a and 82b is in an open state. When the annular connector 82 is in the open state, the external portions 84 and 84 of each semicircular ring 82a and 82b cover the lower cover 5 of the circuit breaker body 2, and are fixed to the lower cover 5 by the connecting mechanisms 87a and 87b. Furthermore, by disengaging the coupling mechanisms 87a and 87b, the annular connector 82 can be detached from the lower cover 5. Additionally, in the annular closed state, a through-hole 88, extending vertically, is formed inside the annular connector 82.

[0074] Inside each of the semi-circular rings 82a and 82b, in the semi-circular ring body 83 and 83, there is a sliding hole portion 89 and 89 that is continuously arc-shaped along the inner circumferential surface of the semi-circular ring body. This sliding hole portion 89 is the same as in Embodiment 1 described above, having a main sliding portion (not shown), an upper guide groove portion (not shown), and a lower guide groove portion (not shown), wherein the lower guide groove portion opens on the lower surface of the semi-circular ring body 83 and 83. Furthermore, inside each of the semi-circular ring bodies 83 and 83, in the annular closed state, the mounting chambers 85 and 85 are respectively provided at mutually opposing positions. Each mounting chamber 85 is located radially outward of the sliding hole portion 89, and each semi-circular ring body 83 is provided with a window portion 86 that connects the mounting chamber 85 and the inner circumferential surface via the sliding hole portion 89. The windows 86 and 86 of each of the semi-circular ring bodies 83 and 83 are mutually opposing in the annular closed state. The light-emitting part 53a is provided in the setting chamber 85 on one side, and the light-receiving part 53b is provided in the setting chamber 85 on the other side. In the annular closed state, the light irradiated from the light-emitting part 53a can be received by the light-receiving part 53b through each window 86, 86.

[0075] Furthermore, each of the semi-ring bodies 83 has a protective member 91 that is movable axially within its sliding hole 89. The protective member 91 has an arc-shaped main protective portion (not shown) slidably housed within the main sliding portion of the sliding hole 89; an upper insertion portion (not shown) protruding upward from the upper edge of the main protective portion and slidably housed within the upper guide groove; a lower insertion portion (not shown) protruding downward from the lower edge of the main protective portion and slidably housed within the lower guide groove; and an operating piece portion 94 protruding downward from the lower insertion portion and projecting outward from the lower surface of the semi-ring body 83. This protective member 91 is located between the window 86 and the mounting chamber 85, and its main protective portion blocks the communication between the window 86 and the mounting chamber 85. This protects the light-emitting portion 53a and the light-receiving portion 53b installed in each mounting chamber 85. Here, since the protective component 91 is the same as in Embodiment 1 described above and is made of a light-transmitting material, the light emitted from the light-emitting part 53a can be received by the light-receiving part 53b. Furthermore, each protective component 91 can be operated by a worker gripping the operating plate 94, moving along the sliding hole 89 to change the exposed portion facing each window 86, 86.

[0076] The wire breakage detection device 81 of this embodiment 2 can be installed on the circuit breaker body 2 via the connecting mechanisms 87a and 87b of the semi-circular rings 82a and 82b of the annular connector 82, and can be removed from the circuit breaker body 2 by disengaging the connecting mechanisms 87a and 87b. As described above, installation and disassembly can be performed relatively easily. Therefore, the wire breakage detection device 81 of this embodiment 2 can also be retrofitted onto the existing lower cover 5 of the circuit breaker body 2.

[0077] As described above, since the circuit breaker detection device 81 of this embodiment 2 is the same as that of embodiment 1 except for the connection method with the lower cover 5 of the circuit breaker body 2, the circuit breaker 71 of embodiment 2 can achieve the same effect as that of embodiment 1.

[0078] Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, the semi-circular ring 82a corresponds to one ring in the present invention, and the semi-circular ring 82b corresponds to the other ring in the present invention.

[0079] This invention is not limited to the above embodiments 1 and 2. Appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this invention.

[0080] For example, in embodiments 1 and 2 described above, another configuration can be used, which includes a cover that covers the gap through which the wire breakage detection device is inserted from below. This cover can be transparent or have an opening through which the wire breakage display unit can pass. Alternatively, another configuration can be used, which employs a cover made of an elastic member with radial cuts. In the aforementioned configuration, when the wire breakage display unit descends due to the fuse melting, the cut portions are pressed downwards by the wire breakage display unit and undergo elastic deformation, causing the wire breakage display unit to protrude downwards from the gaps in each cut portion.

[0081] In embodiments 1 and 2 described above, although the wire breakage detection device includes a battery to power the optical sensor, it is not limited to this and a configuration that draws power from the wire can also be used. According to the aforementioned configuration, it has the excellent advantage of not requiring battery replacement due to battery life.

[0082] Furthermore, while the wire breakage detection device in Embodiments 1 and 2 described above includes an alarm light that illuminates when a wire breakage indicator is detected by a light sensor, it is not limited to this. Another configuration can also be employed, for example, one that emits electromagnetic waves indicating the detection of a wire breakage indicator. In this configuration, the electromagnetic waves are emitted intermittently when the output device receives a signal from the light-emitting part but not from the light-receiving part. With this configuration, personnel inspecting fuse breaks can accurately and easily confirm the presence of a wire breakage using a portable device capable of receiving these electromagnetic waves.

[0083] Alternatively, another configuration can be adopted, which includes sending a signal indicating a detected fuse breakage to a management device installed at a predetermined position. In this configuration, the signal is emitted when the output device receives a signal from the light-emitting part but not from the light-receiving part. With the aforementioned configuration, the fuse breakage status can be confirmed using the management device at the predetermined position.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 and 2, the way in which the disconnection detection device is installed on the lower cover of the circuit breaker body is not limited to embodiments 1 and 2, and can be modified as appropriate.

[0085] Furthermore, in embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the ceramic body of the circuit breaker is cylindrical, but it is not limited to this; it can also be formed from a box-shaped ceramic body that is slightly rectangular. Here, if the circuit breaker body is formed from a box-shaped ceramic body, it is preferable to have a rectangular ring-shaped wire breakage detection device. Since the ring-shaped connecting body in this rectangular ring-shaped wire breakage detection device is also rectangular, a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part of a light sensor are provided across the windows provided on the inner surfaces facing each other on the ring-shaped connecting body. Furthermore, a preferred configuration is that a protective member that can move laterally is provided along the inner surface where each window is provided. Even with the aforementioned configuration, by moving each protective member laterally, the exposed portion facing each window can be changed. Even with this configuration having a box-shaped circuit breaker body and a rectangular ring-shaped wire breakage detection device, the same effect as in the above embodiments can be achieved.

Claims

1. A circuit breaker, characterized in that: A circuit breaker body having a fuse tube with a fuse installed and an internal receiving area for assembling the fuse tube via a downwardly opening insertion port. The fuse cylinder assembled in the internal receiving area has a break-out detection device in the circuit breaker with a break-out display section; wherein... The broken wire display unit can move up and down between the energized position within the internal accommodating area and the broken wire position protruding downward from the internal accommodating area. When the fuse is in an energized state, it is located in the energized position, and when the fuse is in a blown state, it descends from the energized position to the broken wire position. The wire breakage detection device detects the wire breakage display unit as it moves from the energized position to the wire breakage position.

2. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circuit breaker detection device is located at the lower part of the circuit breaker body and has an annular connecting body. Inside the annular connecting body, there is an insertion gap through which the circuit breaker display part of the fuse cylinder that has been lowered to the circuit breaker position can be inserted. And a light sensor having a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part disposed opposite to each other in the annular connector body through the insertion gap, and a breakage display part that has dropped to the breakage position by emitting light from the light-emitting part to the light-receiving part.

3. The circuit breaker according to claim 2, characterized in that: The annular connector of the wire breakage detection device is composed of two rings divided into left and right sides. One ring is provided with the light-emitting part, and the other ring is provided with the light-receiving part.

4. A circuit breaker according to claim 3, characterized in that: The annular connector of the wire breakage detection device has a translucent protective component that extends laterally inside the light-emitting and light-receiving parts of the optical sensor and separates the light-emitting and light-receiving parts from the insertion gap; wherein, At least one of the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the optical sensor and the protective component is configured to be able to move laterally.

5. A circuit breaker according to claim 4, characterized in that: The annular connector of the wire breakage detection device is circular in shape, and the protective component is disposed inside the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the optical sensor, forming a ring shape along the inner circumferential surface of the annular connector; wherein... The light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the optical sensor, along with at least one of the protective components, are configured to rotate coaxially with the central axis of the annular connector.

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