Terminal device, switchgear, circuit breaker, and distribution board

Abstract

To suppress deformation of a lever.SOLUTION: A terminal device B1 includes a terminal board 1, a spring member 2, an adjustment member 3, a regulating member 40, a lever (second lever 42), and a protrusion 506. The terminal board 1 is electrically connected to an electric circuit between a secondary side terminal and the same. The spring member 2 gives a contact pressure to the conductor of the primary wire in a direction approaching the terminal board 1. The adjustment member 3 moves in an axial direction to change the deformation amount of the spring member 2. The regulating member 40 regulates the movement of the adjustment member 3 in a second direction DR2 opposite a first direction DR1 that is the direction approaching the spring member 2 in the axial direction of the adjustment member 3. The lever regulates the movement of the regulating member 40. The protrusion 506 is placed between the spring member 2 and the lever.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to terminal devices, switches, circuit breakers, and distribution boards, and more particularly to a terminal device including a spring member, a switch including the terminal device, a circuit breaker including the switch, and a distribution board including the circuit breaker.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a main breaker including a screw terminal for wire connection and a screwless terminal unit connected to the screw terminal for wire connection.

[0003] The screwless terminal unit includes a screw terminal insertion bar connected to the screw terminal for wire connection of the main breaker, a screwless terminal electrically connected to the screw terminal insertion bar, and a resin case that houses the screw terminal insertion bar and the screwless terminal. The screw terminal insertion bar of the screwless terminal unit is connected to the screw terminal for wire connection of the main breaker, and a wire is connected to the screwless terminal of the screwless terminal unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a terminal device, a switch, a circuit breaker, and a distribution board capable of suppressing deformation of a lever.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A terminal device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a terminal block, a spring member, an adjustment member, a restricting member, a lever, and a protruding portion. The terminal block is electrically connected to a circuit between the secondary side terminals. The spring member applies a contact pressure in a direction approaching the terminal block to the conductor of the primary side electric wire. The adjustment member changes the amount of deformation of the spring member by moving in the axial direction. The restricting member restricts the movement of the adjustment member in a second direction opposite to a first direction, which is a direction approaching the spring member, in the axial direction of the adjustment member. The lever restricts the movement of the restricting member. The protruding portion is disposed between the spring member and the lever.

[0007] A switch according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the terminal device, a contact portion, and an opening / closing mechanism portion. The contact portion is inserted into the circuit between the terminal device and the secondary side terminals. The opening / closing mechanism portion opens and closes the contact portion.

[0008] A circuit breaker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the switch and a tripping device. The tripping device forcibly opens the contact portion via the opening / closing mechanism portion.

[0009] A distribution board according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the circuit breaker and a box. The box houses the circuit breaker.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the terminal device, switch, circuit breaker, and distribution board according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress deformation of the lever.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, the terminal device, switch, circuit breaker, and distribution board according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings referred to in the following embodiments are schematic drawings, and the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensions, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses between the components also do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0013] (Embodiment) (1) Overview First, the overview of the terminal device B1, switch D1, circuit breaker A1, and distribution board C1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the terminal device B1 according to the embodiment includes a terminal plate 1, a spring member 2, an adjustment member 3, a regulation member 40, a second lever 42 (lever), and a protruding portion 506. The terminal plate 1 is electrically connected to an electric circuit A16 (see FIG. 3) between the secondary-side terminal A15 (see FIG. 3). The spring member 2 applies a contact pressure in a direction approaching the terminal plate 1 to the conductor of the primary-side electric wire. The adjustment member 3 changes the deformation amount of the spring member 2 by moving in the axial direction of the adjustment member 3. The regulation member 40 regulates the movement of the adjustment member 3 in a second direction DR2 opposite to a first direction DR1, which is a direction approaching the spring member 2 in the axial direction of the adjustment member 3. The second lever 42 regulates the movement of the regulation member 40. The protruding portion 506 is disposed between the spring member 2 and the second lever 42. Here, "two components are connected" is not limited to a connection mode in which two components are directly connected, and may also include a connection mode in which two components are connected via one or more circuit components.

[0015] In the terminal device B1 according to the embodiment, the protruding portion 506 is disposed between the spring member 2 and the second lever 42. Thereby, for example, in a state where the movement of the regulation member 40 is regulated by the second lever 42, the force applied from the regulation member 40 to the second lever 42 can be received by the protruding portion 506, and as a result, the deformation of the second lever 42 can be suppressed.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3, the switch D1 according to the embodiment includes three terminal devices B1, three contact portions A11, and an opening / closing mechanism portion A12. Each of the three contact portions A11 is inserted into a corresponding one of the three electric circuits A16. Each of the three electric circuits A16 is an electric circuit between one of the three terminal devices B1 and a corresponding one of the three secondary-side terminals A15. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the circuit breaker A1 according to the embodiment includes the switch D1 and a tripping device A14. The tripping device A14 opens the three contact portions A11 via the opening / closing mechanism portion A12. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the distribution board C1 according to the embodiment includes the circuit breaker A1 and a box C10. The box C10 houses the circuit breaker A1.

[0017] Since the switch D1, the circuit breaker A1, and the distribution board C1 according to the embodiment are provided with the terminal device B1, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the second lever 42.

[0018] (2) Details Next, the details of the terminal device B1, the switch D1, the circuit breaker A1, and the distribution board C1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

[0019] In the following description, the front, rear, up, down, left, and right directions indicated by the arrows in the accompanying drawings are defined as the front, rear, up, down, left, and right directions of the circuit breaker A1 and the terminal device B1. However, these directions are not intended to limit the directions of use of the circuit breaker A1 and the terminal device B1. Also, the arrows indicating "front", "rear", "up", "down", "left", and "right" in the accompanying drawings are merely for explanation and do not have any physical entity.

[0020] (2.1) Distribution board The distribution board C1 according to the embodiment is, for example, a residential distribution board (hereinafter also referred to as "residential board"). As shown in FIG. 6, the distribution board C1 includes a circuit breaker A1 and a box C10 that houses the circuit breaker A1. When the distribution board C1 is a residential board, the circuit breaker A1 is used, for example, as a main switch (also called a main trunk breaker). In this case, the secondary side terminal A15 (see FIG. 3) of the circuit breaker A1 is connected to a plurality of branch switches housed in the residential board. Although the distribution board C1 is exemplified by a residential board, it may be a distribution board other than a residential board, for example, a cabinet-type distribution board used in an office, a store, a factory, etc.

[0021] The box C10 is formed in a rectangular box shape with an open front made of synthetic resin. Note that the box C10 is not limited to being made of synthetic resin and may be made of metal. The box C10 is attached to an indoor building material, for example, a wall inside a house. Although not shown, the front of the box C10 is closably closed by a cover attached to the box C10.

[0022] The circuit breaker A1 is housed at a position slightly to the left from the center in the left - right direction within the box C10. Inside the box C10, three busbars and a plurality of branch breakers (branch switches) are housed in the space on the right side of the circuit breaker A1.

[0023] The three busbars are each composed of conductive bars formed in a rectangular plate shape by copper or a copper alloy. The three busbars are arranged side by side at equal intervals along the depth direction of the box C10 at the center in the up - down direction within the box C10. The three busbars are electrically connected one by one to the three secondary - side terminals A15 of the circuit breaker A1.

[0024] The plurality of branch breakers are arranged above and below the three busbars and are electrically connected to any two of the three busbars.

[0025] (2.2) Switch, Circuit Breaker As shown in FIG. 3, the switch D1 according to the embodiment includes three terminal devices B1, three contact portions A11, and a switching mechanism portion A12. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the circuit breaker A1 according to the embodiment includes the switch D1, a disconnector A14, three secondary - side terminals A15, and a case 7. The case 7 houses the switch D1 (three terminal devices B1, three contact portions A11, and the switching mechanism portion A12) and the disconnector A14.

[0026] The circuit breaker A1 is, for example, a three - pole residual current circuit breaker with a neutral - line open - phase protection function and is used as the main switch in a single - phase three - wire residential switchboard. However, the circuit breaker A1 may be a circuit breaker with less than three poles or four or more poles, or a circuit breaker that does not have one or both of the neutral - line open - phase protection function and the residual current protection function, or a circuit breaker.

[0027] Each of the three contact portions A11 has a fixed contact electrically connected to the terminal plate 1 of the corresponding one of the three terminal devices B1, and a movable contact electrically connected to the corresponding one of the three secondary terminals A15 (see FIG. 3). That is, the contact portion A11 is inserted into the circuit A16 between the terminal device B1 and the secondary terminal A15. The movable contact is movable between a closed position in which it is in contact conduction with the fixed contact and an open position in which it is separated from the fixed contact by a sufficient insulation distance. Note that in the contact portion A11, the movable contact may be electrically connected to the terminal plate 1 of the terminal device B1, and the fixed contact may be electrically connected to the secondary terminal A15.

[0028] The opening / closing mechanism portion A12 can open and close the contact portion A11 by moving the movable contact in response to the operation of the operation handle A17 (see FIG. 4).

[0029] When the disconnector A14 detects that an abnormal current such as an overload current, a short-circuit current, or a leakage current is flowing in the circuit A16, the disconnector A14 forcibly opens the three contact portions A11 via the opening / closing mechanism portion A12. Also, when the disconnector A14 detects that the neutral line is open-phase, the disconnector A14 forcibly opens the three contact portions A11 via the opening / closing mechanism portion A12.

[0030] The case 7 includes a third housing 71 and a fourth housing 72 obtained by dividing the case 7 at the second butting surface PL2. More specifically, the case 7 is configured by coupling a third housing 71 and a fourth housing 72 obtained by dividing the case 7 into front and rear parts along the second butting surface PL2 parallel to the front surface of the case 7 (see FIG. 5). Here, "two surfaces are parallel" is not limited to the case where the two surfaces are completely parallel, and may include a state where the two surfaces intersect at an angle of about several degrees. Also, the second butting surface PL2 is not limited to being a single plane, and may be a butting surface in which a plurality of planes parallel to the front surface of the case 7 are successively connected.

[0031] Both the third housing 71 and the fourth housing 72 are molded bodies of synthetic resin having electrical insulation properties. The third housing 71 is formed in a box shape with an open front. The fourth housing 72 is formed in a box shape with an open rear. The fourth housing 72 is placed over the front of the third housing 71, and the third housing 71 and the fourth housing 72 are coupled by an appropriate method such as screwing to form the case 7.

[0032] In the case 7 composed of the third housing 71 and the fourth housing 72, in addition to the three terminal devices B1, the three contact portions A11, the opening / closing mechanism portion A12, and the extraction device A14, a part of the secondary-side terminal A15, a circuit A16, and a part of the operation handle A17 are further accommodated.

[0033] On the front surface of the upper part of the third housing 71, three recesses 711 are provided side by side along the left-right direction (see Fig. 5). Each of the three recesses 711 houses one terminal device B1. On the front surface of the upper part of the fourth housing 72, three window holes 7220 are provided side by side along the left-right direction (see Figs. 4 and 5). A part of the corresponding terminal device B1 among the three terminal devices B1 is exposed from each of the three window holes 7220 (see Figs. 4 and 5).

[0034] Also, on the upper surfaces of the third housing 71 and the fourth housing 72, three wire insertion holes straddling both the third housing 71 and the fourth housing 72 are provided. A part of the corresponding terminal device B1 among the three terminal devices B1 is exposed from each of the three wire insertion holes. Here, as will be described later, the case 5 of the terminal device B1 is provided with a wire insertion hole 500 (see Figs. 1 and 2) for inserting the conductor of the primary-side wire. The wire insertion hole 500 of the corresponding terminal device B1 among the three terminal devices B1 is exposed from each of the three wire insertion holes. Then, the wire passed through the wire insertion hole of the fourth housing 72 is inserted into the terminal device B1 from the wire insertion hole 500 of the terminal device B1 and connected to the terminal board 1.

[0035] Note that the case 7 is provided with a plurality of openings 74 penetrating the case 7 in the front-rear direction (see Fig. 4). Further, an attachment member for attaching to an attachment rail such as a DIN rail may be provided on the rear surface of the case 7. In this case, the operator can attach the case 7 to a desired position on the attachment rail.

[0036] (2.3) Terminal device The configuration of the terminal device B1 described below is a configuration common to the three terminal devices B1.

[0037] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the terminal device B1 includes a terminal plate 1, a spring member 2, an adjustment member 3, a link mechanism 4, and a case 5.

[0038] (2.3.1) Terminal plate The terminal plate 1 is electrically connected to the circuit A16 between the secondary side terminals A15. The terminal plate 1 has a rectangular contact piece 10.

[0039] (2.3.2) Spring member The spring member 2 applies a contact pressure in a direction approaching the terminal plate 1 to the conductor of the primary side electric wire. The spring member 2 has a U-shaped main portion 21 and an arcuate contact pressure portion 22 protruding from one tip of the main portion 21 toward the other tip. The main portion 21 and the contact pressure portion 22 are integrally formed by a strip-shaped metal plate (for example, a stainless steel plate).

[0040] The contact pressure portion 22 has a wire insertion port 23. The wire insertion port 23 penetrates the portion of the contact pressure portion 22 closer to the main portion 21 in the thickness direction of the contact pressure portion 22. The wire insertion port 23 is, for example, rectangular when viewed from the wire insertion direction. Further, the other tip portion of the main portion 21 and the upper end portion of the contact piece 10 of the terminal plate 1 are inserted into the wire insertion port 23. The spring member 2 is maintained in a state where the contact piece 10 abuts against the rear edge of the wire insertion port 23 in the contact pressure portion 22 (hereinafter, also referred to as the "first state") when no external force is applied.

[0041] The spring member 2 has an adjustment member pressing portion 201 that presses the adjustment member 3 in the second direction DR2. The adjustment member pressing portion 201 is constituted by the front end portion of the main portion 21.

[0042] The spring member 2 further has a conductor pressing portion 202 that presses the conductor of the primary side electric wire in the second direction DR2. The conductor pressing portion 202 is constituted by the inner end edge on the rear side of the wire insertion port 23 formed in the contact pressure portion 22.

[0043] The adjustment member pressing portion 201 and the conductor pressing portion 202 can move in the axial direction of the adjustment member 3 in conjunction with each other. That is, the portion of the main portion 21 where the adjustment member pressing portion 201 is formed and the contact pressure portion 22 where the conductor pressing portion 202 is formed both move in the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2 due to the elastic deformation of the spring member 2.

[0044] (2.3.3) Adjustment member As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the adjustment member 3 changes the amount of deformation of the spring member 2 by moving in the axial direction (the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2) of the adjustment member 3. The adjustment member 3 includes, for example, a screw and is arranged to be rotatable within the case 5. The adjustment member 3 moves in the axial direction of the adjustment member 3 in response to rotation, and by moving in the axial direction of the adjustment member 3, the position of the conductor pressing portion 202 of the spring member 2 is adjusted.

[0045] The adjustment member 3 has a columnar main body 30 and a thread 31 integrally formed with the main body 30 on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 30. A hexagonal hole is formed in the front surface of the main body 30 along the axial direction of the main body 30. Here, the axial direction of the adjustment member 3 is the axial direction of the main body 30.

[0046] The adjustment member 3 can move between a first position in the axial direction (see FIG. 1) and a second position that is on the first direction DR1 side of the first position (see FIG. 2). The adjustment member 3 can be rotated by a tool inserted into the hexagonal hole to press the spring member 2 in the first direction DR1. Further, when no tool is inserted into the hexagonal hole, the adjustment member 3 is pressed in the second direction DR2 by the adjustment member pressing portion 201 of the spring member 2.

[0047] Note that the adjusting member 3 is not limited to a screw that moves axially while moving in a spiral shape. For example, it may be one that moves axially in a straight line. Further, the adjusting member 3 may be formed with a portion that is operated by a tool, such as a hole, recess, or protrusion of a different shape, instead of a hexagonal hole.

[0048] (2.3.4) Case The case 5 houses the terminal board 1, the spring member 2, the adjusting member 3, the restricting member 40, the second lever 42, and the protruding portion 506. As shown in FIG. 7, the case 5 is formed in a box shape in which the left - right width is sufficiently shorter than the front - rear width and the up - down height. The case 5 includes a first housing 5A and a second housing 5B that are divided by a first butting surface PL1 of the case 5. More specifically, the case 5 includes a first housing 5A and a second housing 5B that are divided into two by a first butting surface PL1 passing through the center in the left - right direction of the case 5. Note that the first butting surface PL1 may pass through the center of the wire insertion hole 500 that opens on the upper surface of the case 5, or may be offset from the center position in the left - right direction of the case 5. The normal direction of the first butting surface PL1 intersects (is orthogonal to) the normal direction of the second butting surface PL2.

[0049] The case 5 is assembled by snap - in coupling a plurality of engaging portions provided on the second housing 5B to a plurality of engaged portions provided on the first housing 5A. The engaging portion is a hook with a claw provided at the tip. The engaged portion is an engaging hole provided with a stepped portion where the claw at the tip of the engaging portion catches. When the first housing 5A and the second housing 5B are butted against each other at the first butting surface PL1, the plurality of engaging portions are snap - in coupled to the plurality of engaged portions respectively, and the first housing 5A and the second housing 5B are coupled.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, Case 5 has a first accommodation space 501, a second accommodation space 502, and a third accommodation space 503. The first accommodation space 501 is a space for accommodating the terminal board 1. The first accommodation space 501 is connected to a wire insertion hole 500 opened on the upper surface of the case 5 by a guide path 50 provided in the upper rear portion within the case 5. The guide path 50 guides the conductor of the wire inserted from the wire insertion hole 500 to the space where the terminal board 1 is disposed.

[0051] The second accommodation space 502 is a space for accommodating the spring member 2. In the second accommodation space 502, a spring support portion 53 for supporting the spring member 2 is provided. The spring support portion 53 is formed in a shape in which a rectangular plate-like portion protrudes from the circumferential surface of a cylinder when viewed in the left-right direction. The spring support portion 53 supports the spring member 2 by being disposed inside the main portion 21 of the spring member 2.

[0052] The third accommodation space 503 is a space for accommodating the adjustment member 3. The third accommodation space 503 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Further, a screw groove 504 (see FIG. 2) that engages with the thread 31 of the adjustment member 3 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the third accommodation space 503.

[0053] When the adjustment member 3 accommodated in the third accommodation space 503 is rotated counterclockwise (leftward) from the outside of the case 5, it moves from the third accommodation space 503 toward the second accommodation space 502.

[0054] Case 5 further has a protruding portion 506. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the protruding portion 506 protrudes from the inner wall surface of the first housing 5A toward the second housing 5B. That is, the protruding portion 506 is a part of the case 5. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the protruding portion 506 is in the shape of a rectangular plate that is longer in the vertical direction than in the front-rear direction in a plan view from the left-right direction. Note that the protruding portion 506 may be longer in the front-rear direction than in the vertical direction in a plan view from the left-right direction. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the protruding portion 506 is hatched, but this hatching is only for easy identification of the protruding portion 506 and other parts, and does not indicate that the protruding portion 506 is a cross section.

[0055] (2.3.5) Link mechanism As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 8, the link mechanism 4 regulates and releases the axial movement of the adjustment member 3. The link mechanism 4 includes a regulating member 40 and a pressed portion 402. The regulating member 40 has a shaft portion 404 rotatably supported by the case 5 in an intermediate portion, a regulating portion 401 at one end portion, and an end portion 405 at the other end portion whose movement is restricted by the second lever 42. The regulating portion 401 can restrict the movement of the adjustment member 3 or the adjustment member pressing portion 201 in the second direction DR2. That is, the regulating member 40 restricts the movement of the adjustment member 3 in the second direction DR2, which is opposite to the first direction DR1, which is the direction approaching the spring member 2 in the axial direction of the adjustment member 3. The pressed portion 402 is pressed by the electric wire inserted through the electric wire insertion hole 500.

[0056] The link mechanism 4 further includes a first lever 41, a second lever 42, and a connecting member 43. The first lever 41 is pressed by the conductor of the electric wire inserted through the electric wire insertion hole 500. The second lever 42 restricts the movement of the regulating member 40. The connecting member 43 connects the first lever 41 and the second lever 42.

[0057] The first lever 41 has a shaft portion 410 rotatably supported by the case 5 at its middle portion. The pushed portion 402 is constituted by a pushed member separate from the first lever 41. In the first state, the first lever 41 has a pushed portion 411 pushed by the pushed portion 402 at the end on the first direction DR1 side, and a display portion 403 at the end on the second direction DR2 side.

[0058] The display portion 403 faces the outside of the case 5 through an opening 505 (see FIG. 7) formed in the case 5. The display portion 403 moves in conjunction with the movement of the pushed portion 402, and displays whether or not an electric wire is inserted from the electric wire insertion hole 500.

[0059] The second lever 42 has a shaft portion 420 rotatably supported by the case 5 at the end on the second direction DR2 side in the first state. The second lever 42 also has a stepped portion 422. The stepped portion 422 is provided on the facing surface (the upper surface in FIG. 2) with the regulating portion 401. The second lever 42 has the end portion 405 on the second lever 42 side of the regulating member 40 placed thereon (see FIG. 2) in a state where the regulating portion 401 of the regulating member 40 regulates the movement of the adjusting member 3.

[0060] The connecting member 43 is, for example, U-shaped. One end portion of the connecting member 43 is inserted into a groove portion 412 (see FIG. 8) formed in a portion on the first direction DR1 side rather than the shaft portion 410 of the first lever 41, and is rotatably connected to the first lever 41. The other end portion of the connecting member 43 is inserted into a groove portion 421 (see FIG. 8) formed in a portion on the first direction DR1 side rather than the shaft portion 420 of the second lever 42, and is rotatably connected to the second lever 42.

[0061] The link mechanism 4 further has elastic members 44, 45, 46. The elastic member 44 applies a force to the first lever 41. The elastic member 45 applies a force to the second lever 42. The elastic member 46 applies a force to the regulating member 40.

[0062] The elastic member 44 is, for example, a coil spring that applies an upward force (a clockwise moment to the first lever 41 in FIG. 1) to a portion of the shaft portion 410 of the first lever 41 on the first direction DR1 side. The elastic member 45 is, for example, a torsion coil spring that applies an upward force (a clockwise moment to the second lever 42 in FIG. 1) to a portion of the shaft portion 420 of the second lever 42 on the first direction DR1 side. The elastic member 46 is, for example, a torsion coil spring that applies a force in the first direction DR1 (a counterclockwise moment to the regulating member 40 in FIG. 1) to the regulating portion 401 of the regulating member 40.

[0063] The link mechanism 4 can change its state between a first state and a second state. The first state means a state in which the movement of the adjusting member 3 located at the first position in the first direction DR1 is not restricted, as shown in FIG. 1. The second state means a state in which the regulating portion 401 restricts the movement of the adjusting member 3 located at the second position or the adjusting member pressing portion 201 that presses the adjusting member 3 in the second direction DR2, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0064] When the pressed portion 402 is pushed by the conductor of the electric wire and moves downward in the second state, the regulation by the regulating portion 401 in the second state is released, and the conductor pressing portion 202 moves in the second direction DR2 to press the conductor in the second direction DR2.

[0065] (3) Procedure for the wiring operation for the terminal device Next, the procedure for the operation (wiring operation) of connecting an electric wire to the terminal device B1 will be described.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 1, in the first state, the contact piece 10 is maintained in contact with the conductor pressing portion 202 at the rear edge of the electric wire insertion opening 23 of the spring member 2. Also, in the first state, the portion of the contact pressure portion 22 of the spring member 2 on the first direction DR1 side of the electric wire insertion opening 23 crosses the guide path 50, preventing the electric wire from entering the depth of the guide path 50 and suppressing the entry of dust and foreign matter into the depth of the guide path 50. That is, the portion of the contact pressure portion 22 of the spring member 2 on the first direction DR1 side of the electric wire insertion opening 23 functions as a closing portion (lid).

[0067] To connect the conductor of the electric wire to the terminal block 1 from the first state, the operator uses a tool such as a hexagon wrench to rotate the adjustment member 3 counterclockwise. As shown in FIG. 2, the adjustment member 3 moves in the first direction DR1 from the third accommodation space 503 toward the second accommodation space 502 by rotating counterclockwise. The adjustment member 3 deflects the spring member 2 while moving in the first direction DR1. At this time, due to the elastic force of the elastic member 46, the regulating portion 401 of the regulating member 40 is pressed against the adjustment member 3, and when the front end portion of the adjustment member 3 moves in the first direction DR1, the regulating portion 401 pushes the front end portion of the adjustment member 3 in the first direction DR1.

[0068] Subsequently, the operator further rotates the adjustment member 3 counterclockwise using the tool. Then, the end portion 405 of the regulating member 40 presses the portion on the first direction DR1 side of the shaft portion 420 of the second lever 42 downward and catches on the stepped portion 422 formed on the second lever 42, restricting the movement of the end portion 405 in the first direction DR1 and restricting the movement of the regulating portion 401 in the second direction DR2, resulting in the second state. In the second state, the main portion 21 of the spring member 2 is pushed toward the first direction DR1, and the wire insertion opening 23 formed in the contact pressure portion 22 is positioned within the guide path 50 of the case 5.

[0069] Subsequently, when the operator inserts the electric wire into the guide path 50 from the wire insertion hole 500 of the case 5, the electric wire enters the depth of the guide path 50 through the wire insertion opening 23 of the spring member 2. Then, the tip of the electric wire presses the pressed portion 402, and the pressed portion 402 presses the pressed portion 411 downward, causing the portion on the first direction DR1 side of the shaft portion 410 of the first lever 41 to move downward, so that the first lever 41 rotates. The second lever 42 moves downward by the first lever 41 via the connecting member 43, the stepped portion 422 disengages from the end portion 405 of the regulating member 40, and the end portion 405 can move in the first direction DR1.

[0070] By the adjusting member pressing portion 201 of the spring member 2 pressing the adjusting member 3 in the second direction DR2, the adjusting member 3 moves in the second direction DR2 while pressing the restricting portion 401. The conductor pressing portion 202 of the contact pressure portion 22 of the spring member 2 presses the conductor in the second direction DR2, and the conductor is sandwiched between the conductor pressing portion 202 and the terminal plate 1, and the electric wire is fixed in a state of being electrically and mechanically connected to the terminal plate 1, thereby preventing the electric wire from coming off. At this time, the operator can confirm by the display portion 403 that the electric wire is inserted from the electric wire insertion hole 500.

[0071] Through the above procedure, the wiring operation of the electric wire to the terminal device B1 is completed.

[0072] Also, after the operator performs the work until the second state is reached, the operator may cancel the wiring work. In the second state, since the electric wire insertion port 23 of the spring member 2 is located in the guide path 50, there is a possibility that dust or foreign matter that has entered from the electric wire insertion hole 500 may enter to the back of the guide path 50. For this reason, the operator needs to perform an operation to release the second state and set it to the first state.

[0073] When releasing the second state and setting it to the first state, instead of moving the first lever 41 by pressing the pressed portion 402 with the electric wire, the operator can move the first lever 41 with a tool. The operator inserts the tool through the opening 74 of the case 7 (see FIG. 4) and the opening 505 of the case 5 (see FIG. 7), and moves a part of the first lever 41, for example, the display portion 403, or a portion on the first direction DR1 side rather than the shaft portion 410 of the first lever 41, thereby releasing the second state. That is, among the first lever 41, the portion operated by the tool inserted through the opening 74 of the case 7 and the opening 505 of the case 5, such as the display portion 403, functions as a release portion.

[0074] Here, the regulating member 40, the first lever 41, and the second lever 42 are made of, for example, synthetic resin. In the state (second state) where the adjusting member 3 is pushed into the first direction DR1 to deflect the spring member 2, the end portion 405 of the regulating member 40 on the side opposite to the regulating portion 401 side is placed on the stepped portion 422 of the second lever 42. In the second state, a force in the second direction DR2 is applied to the adjusting member 3 by the elastic force from the spring member 2, and accordingly, a clockwise rotational force is applied to the regulating member 40. Further, since the end portion 405 of the regulating member 40 and the stepped portion 422 of the second lever 42 are in contact, a force in the first direction DR1 is applied to the second lever 42. As a result, the second lever 42 may be deformed. In contrast, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a protruding portion 506 is disposed between the spring member 2 and the second lever 42. Thereby, the force applied to the second lever 42 can be received by the protruding portion 506, and as a result, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the second lever 42. Here, in the second state, it is preferable that the contact area S1 between the protruding portion 506 and the second lever 42 is within a predetermined range. The predetermined range is, for example, a range of the size of an area that does not inhibit the movement of the second lever 42 when shifting from the first state to the second state and can regulate the movement of the second lever 42 in the first direction DR1 in the second state.

[0075] Also, in the present embodiment, a gap G1 (see FIG. 1) is provided between the second lever 42 and the protruding portion 506 in a state where the end portion 405 of the regulating member 40 is not placed on the stepped portion 422 of the second lever 42. The gap G1 is preferably a gap that does not restrict the rotation of the second lever 42 when shifting from the first state to the second state. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the movement of the second lever 42 from being restricted by the protruding portion 506.

[0076] (4) Effects In the terminal device B1 according to the embodiment, a protruding portion 506 is disposed between the spring member 2 and the second lever 42. Thereby, for example, in a state where the movement of the regulating member 40 is regulated by the second lever 42, the force applied from the regulating member 40 to the second lever 42 can be received by the protruding portion 506, and as a result, deformation of the second lever 42 can be suppressed.

[0077] Further, in the terminal device B1 according to the embodiment, a gap G1 is provided between the second lever 42 and the protruding portion 506 in a state where the end portion 405 of the regulating member 40 is not placed on the stepped portion 422 of the second lever 42. Thereby, it becomes possible to prevent the movement of the second lever 42 from being restricted by the protruding portion 506.

[0078] Further, in the terminal device B1 according to the embodiment, the protruding portion 506 is a part of the case 5. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce the number of parts as compared with the case where the protruding portion 506 is a separate body from the case 5.

[0079] Further, in the terminal device B1 according to the embodiment, the contact area S1 between the protruding portion 506 and the second lever 42 is within a predetermined range. Thereby, it becomes possible to suppress deformation of the second lever 42 while not inhibiting movement of the second lever 42.

[0080] Further, in the switch D1, the circuit breaker A1, and the distribution board C1 according to the embodiment, since the terminal device B1 is provided, it becomes possible to suppress deformation of the second lever 42 and the regulating member 40.

[0081] (5) Modification The above-described embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiment can be variously modified according to design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0082] Hereinafter, modification examples of the above-described embodiment will be listed. The modification examples described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, the protruding portion 506 is integral with the first housing 5A of the case 5, but the protruding portion 506 may be separate from the case 5. Further, the shape of the protruding portion 506 is an example, and any other shape may be used as long as it can restrict the movement of the second lever 42. Furthermore, the protruding portion 506 is not limited to being made of synthetic resin and may be made of metal, for example.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, the circuit breaker A1 includes three terminal devices B1, but the number of terminal devices B1 is not limited to three and may be one, two, or four or more, for example.

[0085] (Aspect) The following aspects are disclosed in this specification.

[0086] The terminal device (B1) according to the first aspect includes a terminal plate (1), a spring member (2), an adjustment member (3), a restricting member (40), a lever (42), and a protruding portion (506). The terminal plate (1) is electrically connected to an electric circuit (A16) between the secondary-side terminal (A15). The spring member (2) applies a contact pressure in a direction approaching the terminal plate (1) to the conductor of the primary-side electric wire. The adjustment member (3) changes the amount of deformation of the spring member (2) by moving in the axial direction. The restricting member (40) restricts the movement of the adjustment member (3) in a second direction (DR2) opposite to a first direction (DR1) that is the direction approaching the spring member (2) in the axial direction of the adjustment member (3). The lever (42) restricts the movement of the restricting member (40). The protruding portion (506) is disposed between the spring member (2) and the lever (42).

[0087] According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the lever (42).

[0088] In the terminal device (B1) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the lever (42) has a stepped portion (422). The stepped portion (422) has the end portion (405) on the lever (42) side of the regulating member (40) placed thereon in a state where the regulating member (40) regulates the movement of the adjusting member (3). The lever (42) has a gap (G1) between it and the protruding portion (506) in a state where the end portion (405) of the regulating member (40) is not placed on the stepped portion (422) of the lever (42).

[0089] According to this aspect, it becomes possible to prevent the movement of the lever (42) from being restricted by the protruding portion (506).

[0090] The terminal device (B1) according to the third aspect further includes a case (5) in the first or second aspect. The case (5) houses the terminal board (1), the spring member (2), the adjusting member (3), the regulating member (40), the lever (42), and the protruding portion (506). The protruding portion (506) is a part of the case (5).

[0091] According to this aspect, it becomes possible to reduce the number of parts as compared with the case where the protruding portion (506) is separate from the case (5).

[0092] In the terminal device (B1) according to the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the contact area (S1) between the protruding portion (506) and the lever (42) is within a predetermined range.

[0093] According to this aspect, it becomes possible to suppress the deformation of the lever (42) while not inhibiting the movement of the lever (42).

[0094] In the terminal device (B1) according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the regulating member (40) and the lever (42) are made of synthetic resin.

[0095] According to this aspect, it becomes possible to suppress the deformation of the lever (42) even when the lever (42) is likely to deform.

[0096] The switch (D1) according to the sixth aspect includes any one of the terminal devices (B1) of the first to fifth aspects, a contact portion (A11), and an opening / closing mechanism portion (A12). The contact portion (A11) is inserted into a circuit (A16) between the terminal device (B1) and the secondary-side terminal (A15). The opening / closing mechanism portion (A12) opens and closes the contact portion (A11).

[0097] According to this aspect, since the terminal device (B1) is provided, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the lever (42).

[0098] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the seventh aspect includes the switch (D1) of the sixth aspect and a tripping device (A14). The tripping device (A14) forcibly opens the contact portion (A11) via the opening / closing mechanism portion (A12).

[0099] According to this aspect, since the terminal device (B1) is provided, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the lever (42).

[0100] The distribution board (C1) according to the eighth aspect includes the circuit breaker (A1) of the seventh aspect and a box (C10). The box (C10) houses the circuit breaker (A1).

[0101] According to this aspect, since the terminal device (B1) is provided, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the lever (42).

[0102] Regarding the configurations according to the second to fifth aspects, they are not essential configurations of the terminal device (B1) and can be appropriately omitted.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0103] 1 Terminal board 2 Spring member 3 Adjusting member 5 Case 40 Regulation member 42 Second lever (lever) 405 End portion 422 Step portion 506 Protrusion A1 Circuit Breaker A11 Contact Part A12 Opening and Closing Mechanism Part A14 Tripping Device A15 Secondary Side Terminal A16 Circuit B1 Terminal Device C1 Distribution Board C10 Box D1 Switch DR1 First Direction DR2 Second Direction G1 Gap S1 Contact Area

Claims

1. A terminal block electrically connected to a circuit with a secondary-side terminal, a spring member applying a contact pressure in a direction approaching the terminal block to a conductor of a primary-side electric wire, an adjustment member that changes the amount of deformation of the spring member by moving in the axial direction, a regulating member that restricts the movement of the adjustment member in a second direction opposite to a first direction, which is a direction approaching the spring member, of the axial direction of the adjustment member, a lever that restricts the movement of the regulating member, and a protruding portion disposed between the spring member and the lever, a terminal device.

2. The lever has a stepped portion on which an end portion on the lever side of the regulating member is placed in a state where the regulating member restricts the movement of the adjustment member, and the lever has a gap between itself and the protruding portion in a state where the end portion of the regulating member is not placed on the stepped portion of the lever, The terminal device according to Claim 1.

3. further comprising a case that houses the terminal block, the spring member, the adjustment member, the regulating member, the lever, and the protruding portion, wherein the protruding portion is a part of the case, The terminal device according to Claim 1.

4. The contact area between the protruding portion and the lever is within a predetermined range, The terminal device according to Claim 1.

5. The regulating member and the lever are made of synthetic resin, The terminal device according to Claim 1.

6. The terminal device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, a contact portion inserted into the circuit between the terminal device and the secondary-side terminal, and an opening / closing mechanism portion that opens and closes the contact portion, a switch.

7. The switch according to Claim 6, and a tripping device that forcibly opens the contact portion via the opening / closing mechanism portion, a circuit breaker.

8. The circuit breaker according to Claim 7, and a box that houses the circuit breaker, a distribution board.

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