Conductive bar, circuit breaker, distribution board, and method for manufacturing conductive bar

Abstract

To provide a conductive bar capable of facilitating installation.SOLUTION: A conductive bar 1 is a conductive bar used for a circuit breaker 10 that interrupts electric current. The conductive bar 1 comprises an elongated conductor connected to a wire through which electric current flows, and a sensor fixed to the conductor that performs detection related to the electric current.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a conductive bar, a circuit breaker, a distribution board, and a method for manufacturing a conductive bar, and more particularly to a conductive bar used in a circuit breaker that interrupts current, a circuit breaker including a conductive bar, a distribution board including a circuit breaker, and a method for manufacturing a conductive bar. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a mounting terminal block that is used in a circuit breaker and is capable of measuring a current flowing in an electric path (conductor). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-78290 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventionally, bus bars have been provided for use in circuit breakers. In circuit breakers using bus bars, in order to accurately measure current, it is necessary to place a current sensor at a predetermined position relative to the conductor through which the current flows, which makes installation difficult.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a conductive bar, a circuit breaker, a distribution board, and a method for manufacturing the conductive bar that can facilitate installation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A conductive bar according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a conductive bar used in a circuit breaker that interrupts a current, the conductive bar including a longitudinal conductor connected to an electric wire through which the current flows, and a sensor fixed to the conductor for detecting the current.

[0007] A circuit breaker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the conductive bar and a circuit breaker body to which the conductive bar is attached.

[0008] A distribution board according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the circuit breaker and a distribution board main body that houses the circuit breaker.

[0009] A manufacturing method of a conductive bar according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a manufacturing method by bending the conductive bar. The conductor has a longitudinal plate shape. The conductive bar further includes a plurality of protrusions formed on a main surface of the conductor along the longitudinal direction of the conductor. The sensor includes a substrate having a plurality of insertion holes into which the protrusions are respectively inserted, and a plurality of ring-shaped sensor elements mounted on the substrate so as to surround the insertion holes. The conductive bar further includes a fixing portion that fixes the substrate to the conductor when the protrusions are inserted into the insertion holes, respectively. The conductor is a first conductor connected to a first electric wire, and the conductive bar further includes a second conductor connected to a second electric wire. The plurality of protrusions are a plurality of first protrusions formed on a first main surface of the first conductor along the longitudinal direction of the first conductor. The conductive bar further includes a plurality of second protrusions formed on a second main surface of the second conductor along the longitudinal direction of the second conductor. The plurality of insertion holes are a plurality of first insertion holes into which the plurality of first protrusions are respectively inserted, and the substrate is further formed with a plurality of second insertion holes into which the plurality of second protrusions are respectively inserted. The plurality of sensor elements are a plurality of first sensor elements mounted on the substrate so as to surround the plurality of first insertion holes, respectively. The sensor further includes a plurality of second sensor elements, each having a ring shape, mounted on the substrate so as to surround the plurality of second insertion holes, respectively. The fixing portion fixes the substrate to the first conductor and the second conductor with the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions inserted into the plurality of first insertion holes and the plurality of second insertion holes, respectively. The plurality of first insertion holes and the plurality of second insertion holes are arranged in two rows along a first direction such that the first insertion holes and the second insertion holes alternate in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The fixing portion fixes the substrate to the first conductor and the second conductor with the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions inserted into the plurality of first insertion holes and the plurality of second insertion holes, respectively, so that the first protrusions and the second protrusions are staggered in the second direction.The first conductor and the second conductor are arranged such that the longitudinal directions of the first conductor and the second conductor are aligned with the first direction, and such that the first main surface of the first conductor and the second main surface of the second conductor face a first orientation along the second direction. Each of the plurality of first protrusions has a first portion extending from the first main surface in the first direction along a third direction intersecting with each of the first and second directions, a second portion extending from a tip of the first portion in a direction from the first main surface toward the second main surface along the second direction, and a third portion extending from the tip of the second portion in the first direction along the third direction. Each of the plurality of second protrusions has a fourth portion extending from the second main surface in the first direction along the third direction, a fifth portion extending from a tip of the fourth portion in a direction from the second main surface toward the first main surface along the second direction, and a sixth portion extending from a tip of the fifth portion in the first direction along the third direction. Each of the plurality of first protrusions is integral with the first conductor and has a rectangular shape extending from the first main surface in the first direction along the third direction. Each of the plurality of second protrusions is integral with the second conductor and has a rectangular shape extending from the second main surface in the first direction along the third direction. The manufacturing method by bending the conductive bar includes a first insertion step of inserting the plurality of first protrusions into the plurality of first insertion holes; a second insertion step of inserting the plurality of second protrusions into the plurality of second insertion holes; a first bending step of bending each of the plurality of first protrusions inserted into the plurality of first insertion holes into a shape consisting of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion; and a second bending step of bending each of the plurality of second protrusions inserted into the plurality of second insertion holes into a shape consisting of the fourth portion, the fifth portion, and the sixth portion.

[0010] A manufacturing method of a conductive bar according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a manufacturing method of the conductive bar by welding the conductive bar. The conductor has a longitudinal plate shape. The conductive bar further includes a plurality of protrusions formed on a main surface of the conductor along the longitudinal direction of the conductor. The sensor includes a substrate having a plurality of insertion holes into which the protrusions are respectively inserted, and a plurality of sensor elements each having a ring shape and mounted on the substrate so as to surround the insertion holes. The conductive bar further includes a fixing portion that fixes the substrate to the conductor when the protrusions are inserted into the insertion holes, respectively. The conductor is a first conductor connected to a first electric wire, and the conductive bar further includes a second conductor connected to a second electric wire. The plurality of protrusions are a plurality of first protrusions formed on a first main surface of the first conductor along the longitudinal direction of the first conductor. The conductive bar further includes a plurality of second protrusions formed on a second main surface of the second conductor along the longitudinal direction of the second conductor. The plurality of insertion holes are a plurality of first insertion holes into which the plurality of first protrusions are respectively inserted, and the substrate is further formed with a plurality of second insertion holes into which the plurality of second protrusions are respectively inserted. The plurality of sensor elements are a plurality of first sensor elements mounted on the substrate so as to surround the plurality of first insertion holes, respectively. The sensor further includes a plurality of second sensor elements, each having a ring shape, mounted on the substrate so as to surround the plurality of second insertion holes, respectively. The fixing portion fixes the substrate to the first conductor and the second conductor with the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions inserted into the plurality of first insertion holes and the plurality of second insertion holes, respectively. The plurality of first insertion holes and the plurality of second insertion holes are arranged in two rows along a first direction such that the first insertion holes and the second insertion holes alternate in a second direction intersecting the first direction.the fixing portion fixes the substrate to the first conductors and the second conductors in a state in which the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions are inserted into the plurality of first insertion holes and the plurality of second insertion holes, respectively, such that the first protrusions and the second protrusions are staggered in the second direction, the first conductors and the second conductors are arranged such that the longitudinal directions of the first conductors and the second conductors are aligned along the first direction and the first main surface of the first conductor and the second main surface of the second conductor face a first orientation along the second direction. Each of the plurality of first protrusions has a first portion extending from the first main surface in the first direction along a third direction intersecting each of the first direction and the second direction, a second portion extending from a tip of the first portion in a direction from the first main surface toward the second main surface along the second direction, and a third portion extending from a tip of the second portion in the first direction along the third direction. Each of the plurality of second protrusions has a fourth portion extending from the second main surface in the first direction along the third direction, a fifth portion extending from a tip of the fourth portion in a direction from the second main surface toward the first main surface along the second direction, and a sixth portion extending from a tip of the fifth portion in the first direction along the third direction. Each of the plurality of first protrusions is separate from the first conductor and has a rectangular shape extending from the first main surface in the first direction along the third direction. Each of the plurality of second protrusions is separate from the second conductor and has a rectangular shape extending from the second main surface in the first direction along the third direction.The manufacturing method by bending the conductive bar includes a first bending step of bending each of the plurality of first protrusions into a first shape consisting of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion; a second bending step of bending each of the plurality of second protrusions into a second shape consisting of the fourth portion, the fifth portion, and the sixth portion; a first insertion step of inserting the plurality of first protrusions bent into the plurality of first insertion holes; a second insertion step of inserting the plurality of second protrusions bent into the second shape into the plurality of second insertion holes; a first welding step of integrating each of the plurality of first protrusions inserted into the plurality of first insertion holes with the first conductor by welding; and a welding step of integrating each of the plurality of second protrusions inserted into the plurality of second insertion holes with the second conductor by welding. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The conductive bar, circuit breaker, distribution board, and method for manufacturing a conductive bar according to the present disclosure have the advantage of facilitating installation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a distribution board equipped with a circuit breaker using a conductive bar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the conductive bar. [Figure 3] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a conductor provided in the conductive bar, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a sensor fixed to the conductive bar. [Figure 4] Figure 4A is a top view of the first conductor and the second conductor provided in the conductive bar of the first variant, Figure 4B is an oblique view of the first conductor and the second conductor, and Figure 4C is an oblique view showing a state in which a plurality of first protrusions formed on the first conductor and a plurality of second protrusions formed on the second conductor are inserted into a plurality of insertion holes formed in a row on the substrate of the sensor provided in the conductive bar. [Figure 5]Figure 5A is an oblique view of the first conductor and the second conductor provided in the conductive bar of the second modified example, Figure 5B is an oblique view showing a state in which a plurality of first protrusions formed on the first conductor and a plurality of second protrusions formed on the second conductor are inserted into a plurality of first insertion holes and a plurality of second insertion holes formed in two rows on the substrate of the sensor provided in the conductive bar, and Figure 5C is an oblique view showing a state in which the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions inserted into the plurality of first insertion holes and the plurality of second insertion holes are bent. [Figure 6] Figure 6A is an oblique view showing a plurality of bent first protrusions and a plurality of bent second protrusions of the same, which are separate from the first conductor and the second conductor of the same, Figure 6B is an oblique view of the first conductor and the second conductor of the same, and Figure 6C is an oblique view of the first conductor and the second conductor, which are integrated by welding with the plurality of bent first protrusions and the plurality of bent second protrusions of the same. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] (1) Overview First, an overview of a conductive bar 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, and 3B.

[0014] (1-1) Conductive bar As shown in Fig. 1, the conductive bar 1 is a conductive bar 1 used in a circuit breaker 10 that interrupts current. The conductive bar 1 is attached to a circuit breaker body, which is the main body of the circuit breaker 10. The conductive bar 1 may also be called a "bus bar with a sensor."

[0015] (1-2) Circuit breaker and current 1, the circuit breaker 10 is one or more (for example, three) circuit breakers provided in the distribution board 100. The one or more circuit breakers 10 are housed in a distribution board main body, which is the main body of the distribution board 100. However, the circuit breaker 10 may be a circuit breaker used alone, and the type of the circuit breaker 10 does not matter.

[0016] The current is an AC current. In this embodiment, the AC current is a single-phase two-wire AC current.

[0017] (1-3) Distribution board The distribution board 100 is, for example, a type that is attached to a DIN rail 200 that is attached to a wall surface, as shown in Fig. 1. However, the distribution board 100 may also be a type that is attached directly to a wall surface, and the type of distribution board 100 is not important.

[0018] (1-4) Conductive bar configuration As shown in FIG. 1, the conductive bar 1 includes a longitudinal conductor 11 and a sensor 12 fixed to the conductor 11 for detecting current.

[0019] (1-4-1) Conductor The conductor 11 is, for example, a bus bar (see FIG. 3A). The conductor 11 is connected to an electric wire through which a current flows. In this embodiment, the electric wire is an L-line through which a single-phase two-wire AC current flows.

[0020] (1-4-2) Sensor In this embodiment, the sensor 12 includes a substrate 12S (see FIG. 3B) on which a Rogowski coil is mounted as the sensor element 12a. The substrate 12S is realized by a printed circuit board. Such a printed circuit board may be called an "RC (Rogowski Coil) sensor board."

[0021] (1-4-2a) Current detection In this embodiment, the detection of the current includes measuring the current value and calculating the power value.

[0022] (1-4-2b) Printed circuit board The printed circuit board realizing the substrate 12S shown in FIG. 3B is also equipped with, in addition to the sensor element 12a that detects the current, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that measures the current value based on the detection result of the sensor element 12a, and an arithmetic circuit (microcomputer, etc.) that calculates the power value based on the measurement result of the ASIC.

[0023] By using a printed circuit board as the substrate 12S, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the conductive bar 1. Furthermore, by providing an ASIC and an arithmetic circuit on the printed circuit board, it is possible to make the conductive bar 1 multifunctional.

[0024] (1-4-3) Fixing the sensor to the conductor Fixing the sensor 12 to the conductor 11 means, for example, that the conductor 11 shown in Fig. 3A and the sensor 12 shown in Fig. 3B are fixed by the fixing portion 13 shown in Fig. 2, thereby integrating the sensor 12 with the conductor 11. The fixing portion 13 is, for example, a resin housing, and fixing is, for example, housing the sensor 12 and the conductor 11 in the resin housing. Note that, for convenience, the fixing portion 13 is depicted in Fig. 2 as a resin housing made of transparent resin, but it is generally made of opaque resin.

[0025] (1-5) Advantages In the conductive bar 1 configured as described above, the sensor 12 is fixed to the conductor 11 connected to the electric wire, so that current detection can be performed accurately simply by attaching the conductive bar 1 to the circuit breaker 10. Therefore, the conductive bar 1 can facilitate installation.

[0026] Furthermore, the circuit breaker 10 including the conductive bar 1 and the distribution board 100 including the circuit breaker 10 can also facilitate installation.

[0027] (2)Details Next, the conductive bar 1 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3A and 3B. Note that in the following, the description of the matters already mentioned will be omitted or simplified.

[0028] (2-1) Conductor details 3A, the conductor 11 has a long plate shape. The conductive bar 1 further includes a plurality of protrusions 11a protruding from the main surface 11f of the conductor 11.

[0029] (2-1-1) Multiple protrusions As shown in FIG. 3A, the plurality of protrusions 11a are formed on the main surface 11f of the conductor 11 along the longitudinal direction of the conductor 11.

[0030] (2-1-1a) Method for forming multiple protrusions In this embodiment, the multiple protrusions 11a are formed on the main surface 11f of the conductor 11 by integral molding with the conductor 11. The integral molding of the multiple protrusions 11a and the conductor 11 means, for example, manufacturing an integrated product having a similar surface shape using a mold corresponding to the surface shape of the integrated product of the multiple protrusions 11a and the plate-like conductor 11, as shown in Fig. 3A. However, the multiple protrusions 11a may also be integrated with the conductor 11 by, for example, welding.

[0031] Specifically, the protrusions 11a are arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the main surface 11f, and protrude in a direction normal to the main surface 11f, away from the main surface.

[0032] In this embodiment, the multiple protrusions 11a protrude upward along the normal direction of the main surface 11f (the up-down direction in FIG. 3A). The multiple protrusions 11a face upward when the main surface 11f is the top surface (see FIG. 3A), face backward when the main surface 11f is the rear surface, and face forward when the main surface 11f is the front surface.

[0033] (2-2) Sensor details As shown in FIG. 3B, the sensor 12 includes a substrate 12S and a plurality of sensor elements 12a.

[0034] (2-2-1) Circuit Board A plurality of insertion holes 12A are formed in the substrate 12S. A plurality of protrusions 11a are inserted into the plurality of insertion holes 12A, respectively.

[0035] (2-2-2) Multiple sensor elements The plurality of sensor elements 12a each have a ring shape and are mounted on the substrate 12S so as to surround the plurality of insertion holes 12A, respectively. Each of the plurality of sensor elements 12a is a Rogowski coil, which detects a current flowing through the protrusion 11a inserted into the insertion hole 12A and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the detected current.

[0036] (2-3) Fixed part The conductive bar 1 further includes a fixing portion 13 as shown in Fig. 2. As described above, the fixing portion 13 is a resin housing that houses the conductor 11 and the sensor 12. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 3B, the fixing portion 13 houses the conductor 11 and the sensor 12 in a state in which the multiple protrusions 11a of the conductor 11 are inserted into the multiple insertion holes 12A of the substrate 12S, thereby fixing the substrate 12S and therefore the sensor 12 to the conductor 11.

[0037] (2-4) Specific examples of sensors In this example, the substrate 12S is a printed circuit board, and the multiple insertion holes 12A are formed in the printed circuit board 12S. As shown in Fig. 3B, the multiple sensor elements 12a are mounted on the printed circuit board 12S so as to surround the multiple insertion holes 12A, respectively. Each of the multiple sensor elements 12a outputs an electric signal corresponding to the current flowing through the protrusion 11a inserted into the insertion hole 12A.

[0038] According to this example, the sensor 12 can be made thinner, and the conductive bar 1 can be made thinner.

[0039] As described above, the conductive bar 1 of this embodiment further includes a fixing portion 13, which fixes the substrate 12S to the conductor 11 with the multiple protrusions 11a of the conductor 11 respectively inserted into the multiple insertion holes 12A of the substrate 12S.

[0040] In such a conductive bar 1, the multiple protrusions 11a of the conductor 11 are inserted into the multiple insertion holes 12A of the substrate 12S and fixed in a predetermined position relative to the multiple sensor elements 12a, so that simply by attaching the conductive bar 1 to the circuit breaker 10, detection of multiple currents corresponding to the multiple protrusions 11a can be performed.

[0041] Therefore, for example, as shown in Figure 1, even when the distribution board 100 is equipped with multiple circuit breakers 10 and the conductor 11 of the conductive bar 1 is connected to multiple electric wires corresponding to the multiple circuit breakers 10, installation can be made easier.

[0042] (3) Variations Next, various modifications of the conductive bar 1, including first to third modifications, will be described.

[0043] (3-1) Commonalities between the first to third modified examples First, common points between the first to third modified examples will be described with reference to Figures 4A to 6C. Figures 4A to 4C correspond to the first modified example, Figures 5A to 5C correspond to the second modified example, and Figures 6A to 6C correspond to the third modified example, respectively.

[0044] The current in the first to third modified examples is a single-phase three-wire AC current. The circuit breaker 10 is a single-phase three-wire AC circuit breaker 10, and is interposed between three electric wires, namely, the N wire, the L1 wire, and the L2 wire.

[0045] The detection related to current in the first to third modified examples includes measurement of a current value related to the L1 line, measurement of a current value related to the L2 line, calculation of a power value, and detection of a ground fault.

[0046] The current value for the L1 line is measured by an ASIC based on an electrical signal from a first sensor element 12a (described later), and the current value for the L2 line is measured by an ASIC based on an electrical signal from a second sensor element 12b (described later).

[0047] The power value is calculated by a calculation circuit based on at least one of the measurement results of the current value for the L1 line and the measurement results of the current value for the L2 line, and the leakage current is detected by the calculation circuit based on both the measurement results of the current value for the L1 line and the measurement results of the current value for the L2 line.

[0048] (3-1-1) First conductor In the first to third modified examples, the conductor 11 described above is a first conductor 11A as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, 5A, and 6B and 6C. The first conductor 11A is connected to a first electric wire. The first electric wire is one of the L1 wire and the L2 wire (for example, the L1 wire). In other words, the first conductor 11A in the first to third modified examples is a bus bar for the L1 wire.

[0049] (3-1-2) Second conductor The conductive bar 1 in the first to third modified examples further includes a second conductor 11B as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, 5A, and 6B and 6C. The second conductor 11B is connected to a second electric wire. The second electric wire is the other of the L1 line and the L2 line (for example, the L2 line). In other words, the second conductor 11B in the first to third modified examples is a bus bar for the L2 line.

[0050] (3-1-3) A plurality of first protrusions In the first to third modified examples, the above-mentioned plurality of protrusions 11a are the plurality of first protrusions 11a as shown in Figures 4A to 4C, 5A to 5C, and 6A and 6C. The plurality of first protrusions 11a are formed on the first main surface 11Af of the first conductor 11A along the longitudinal direction of the first conductor 11A.

[0051] (3-1-4) A plurality of second protrusions The conductive bar 1 in the first to third modified examples further includes a plurality of second protrusions 11b as shown in Figures 4A to 4C, 5A to 5C, and 6A and 6C. The plurality of second protrusions 11b are formed on the second main surface 11Bf of the second conductor 11B along the longitudinal direction of the second conductor 11B.

[0052] (3-1-5) A plurality of first insertion holes In the first to third modified examples, the above-mentioned multiple insertion holes 12A are multiple first insertion holes 12A as shown in Fig. 4C, 5B, and 5C. Multiple first protrusions 11a are inserted into the multiple first insertion holes 12A, respectively.

[0053] (3-1-6) A plurality of second insertion holes The substrate 12S in the first to third modified examples is further formed with a plurality of second insertion holes 12B as shown in Fig. 4C, 5B and 5C. A plurality of second protrusions 11b are inserted into the plurality of second insertion holes 12B, respectively.

[0054] (3-1-7) A plurality of first sensor elements In the first to third modified examples, the above-mentioned plurality of sensor elements 12b are the plurality of first sensor elements 12a as shown in Fig. 4C, 5B and 5C. The plurality of first sensor elements 12a are mounted on the substrate 12S so as to surround the plurality of first insertion holes 12A, respectively.

[0055] (3-1-8) A plurality of second sensor elements The sensor 12 in the first to third modified examples further includes a plurality of second sensor elements 12b as shown in Fig. 4C and Fig. 5B and Fig. 5C. Each of the second sensor elements 12b has a ring shape and is mounted on the substrate 12S so as to surround each of the second insertion holes 12B.

[0056] (3-1-9) Fixed part The fixing portion 13 in the first to third modified examples fixes the substrate 12S to the first conductor 11A and the second conductor 11B with the multiple first protrusions 11a and the multiple second protrusions 11b inserted into the multiple first insertion holes 12A and the multiple second insertion holes 12B, respectively.

[0057] (3-1-10) Advantages According to the first to third modifications, it is possible to provide a conductive bar 1 that can detect the current flowing through each of the first electric wire and the second electric wire, and thus detect leakage current, simply by attaching it to the circuit breaker 10.

[0058] (3-2) Differences between the first, second, and third modified examples As is clear from a comparison of Figures 4A to 4C with Figures 5A to 6C, there are differences between the first modified example and the second and third modified examples, for example, with regard to the arrangement of the plurality of first insertion holes 12A and the plurality of second insertion holes 12B (described later). The difference in arrangement here is that, in the first modified example, the arrangement of the plurality of first insertion holes 12A and the plurality of second insertion holes 12B is a single row arrangement (described later in detail) as shown in Figure 4C, whereas in the second and third modified examples, the arrangement is a double row arrangement (described later in detail) as shown in Figures 5B and 5C.

[0059] Furthermore, there are differences between the first modified example and the second and third modified examples in terms of the shapes of the first protruding portions 11 a and the second protruding portions 11 b, which are related to the differences in the arrangement of the first insertion holes 12 A and the second insertion holes 12 B. The difference in shape here refers to the fact that the first protruding portions 11 a and the second protruding portions 11 b have an L-shape and an inverted L-shape (details will be described later) as shown in Fig. 4B in the first modified example, whereas they have an N-shape and an inverted N-shape (details will be described later) as shown in Fig. 5C in the second and third modified examples.

[0060] On the other hand, there are no structural differences between the second and third modified examples, such as differences in arrangement and shape, but differences exist in the manufacturing methods. Therefore, when explaining the structure of the second modified example, the drawings of the third modified example (FIGS. 6A to 6C) may be used. Also, when explaining the structure of the third modified example, FIG. 5C of the second modified example may be used.

[0061] (3-3) Details of the first modified example (3-3-1) Arrangement of the plurality of first insertion holes and the plurality of second insertion holes: Arrangement in a row In this modification, the plurality of first insertion holes 12A and the plurality of second insertion holes 12B are arranged in a line such that the first insertion holes 12A and the second insertion holes 12B are adjacent to each other, as shown in FIG. 4C.

[0062] (3-3-2) Fixing to the first and second conductors of the board The fixing portion 13 fixes the substrate 12S to the first conductor 11A and the second conductor 11B in a state in which the multiple first protrusions 11a and the multiple second protrusions 11b are inserted into the multiple first insertion holes 12A and the multiple second insertion holes 12B, respectively, so that the first protrusions 11a and the second protrusions 11b are adjacent to each other (see Figure 4C).

[0063] For example, when the substrate 12S and the first conductor 11A and the second conductor 11B are in a positional relationship as shown in Figure 4C, the substrate 12S and the first conductor 11A and the second conductor 11B are housed in a resin housing (see Figure 2), which is an example of the fixing portion 13, thereby fixing the substrate 12S to the first conductor 11A and the second conductor 11B.

[0064] (3-3-3) Details of the first and second conductors More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, the first conductor 11A and the second conductor 11B are arranged so that the longitudinal directions of the first conductor 11A and the second conductor 11B are aligned along a first direction (left-right direction in FIG. 4A, etc.; the same applies below), and so that the first main surface 11Af of the first conductor 11A and the second main surface 11Bf of the second conductor 11B face each other in a second direction (front-back direction in FIG. 4A, etc.; the same applies below) that intersects with the first direction (left-right direction).

[0065] That is, the first conductor 11A and the second conductor 11B are arranged parallel to each other with the first principal surface 11Af and the second principal surface 11Bf facing each other.

[0066] (3-3-4) Details of the first protrusion: L-shaped As shown in FIG. 4B , each of the multiple first protrusions 11a has an L-shape composed of a first portion 111a and a second portion 112a. The L-shape here refers to the shape of the first protrusion 11a when viewed from one side of a first direction (left-right direction) (rightward in FIG. 4B and other figures; the same applies hereinafter). The first portion 111a extends along a second direction (front-rear direction) from the first main surface 11Af toward the second main surface 11Bf (frontward in FIG. 4B and other figures; the same applies hereinafter). The second portion 112a extends from the tip of the first portion 111a in a first direction (upward in FIG. 4B and other figures; the same applies hereinafter) along a third direction (upward-downward in FIG. 4B and other figures; the same applies hereinafter) that intersects with both the first direction (left-right direction) and the second direction (front-rear direction).

[0067] (3-3-5) Details of the second protrusion: Inverted L-shape As shown in FIG. 4B, each of the second protrusions 11b has an inverted L-shape composed of a third portion 111b and a fourth portion 112b. The inverted L-shape here refers to the shape of the second protrusion 11b when viewed from one side (right) in the first direction (left-right direction). The inverted L-shape is symmetrical to the L-shape with respect to a line along the third direction (up-down direction). The third portion 111b extends along the second direction (front-rear direction) from the second main surface 11Bf toward the first main surface 11Af (rearward in FIG. 4B and other figures; the same applies below). The fourth portion 112b extends along the third direction (up-down direction) from the tip of the third portion 111b in the first direction (upward).

[0068] (3-3-6) Advantages This modification provides a slim, longitudinal conductive bar 1 that can detect electrical leakage simply by attaching it to the circuit breaker 10. It also simplifies the structure of the first conductor 11A and the second conductor 11B that correspond to the substrate 12S on which the plurality of first insertion holes 12A and the plurality of second insertion holes 12B are arranged in a row.

[0069] In detail, in this modified example, the first conductor 11A and the second conductor 11B are arranged so that the longitudinal directions of the first conductor 11A and the second conductor 11B are aligned along a first direction (left-right direction) and so that they are closely opposed to each other in a second direction (front-back direction) that intersects with the first direction (left-right direction) (see Figure 4A).

[0070] Each of the first protrusions 11a and the second protrusions 11b has a portion extending in a first direction (upward) along a third direction (up-down direction) intersecting the first direction (left-right direction) and the second direction (front-rear direction), that is, a second portion 112a and a fourth portion 112b (see FIG. 4B). This allows the first protrusions 11a and the second protrusions 11b to be inserted into a plurality of insertion openings on the distribution board 100 or the circuit breaker 10 side.

[0071] Each of the plurality of first protrusions 11a has a portion extending in a second direction (front) from the first conductor 11A toward the second conductor 11B along the second direction (front-rear direction), that is, first portion 111a, and each of the plurality of second protrusions 11b has a portion extending in a third direction (rear) from the second conductor 11B toward the first conductor 11A along the second direction (front-rear direction), that is, third portion 111b (see FIG. 4B). This improves compatibility with the row arrangement of the plurality of first insertion holes 12A and the plurality of second insertion holes 12B (see FIG. 4C), and ultimately with the row arrangement of the plurality of insertion openings on the distribution board 100 or the circuit breaker 10 side.

[0072] However, if at least one of the multiple first protrusions 11a and the multiple second protrusions 11b has a portion (first portion 111a and third portion 111b) extending in the second direction (front) or the third direction (rear) along the second direction (front-to-back direction), the effect of improving compatibility with the arrangement of multiple insertion ports on the distribution board 100 or circuit breaker 10 side (not limited to a single row arrangement) can be achieved.

[0073] (3-4) Details of the second modified example (3-4-1) Arrangement of the plurality of first insertion holes and the plurality of second insertion holes: Arrangement in two rows In this modified example, the multiple first insertion holes 12A and the multiple second insertion holes 12B are arranged in two rows along the first direction (left-right direction) so that the first insertion holes 12A and the second insertion holes 12B alternate in the second direction (front-back direction), as shown in Figures 5B and 5C.

[0074] (3-4-2) Fixing to the first and second conductors of the board The fixing portion 13 fixes the substrate 12S to the first conductor 11A and the second conductor 11B in a state in which the multiple first protrusions 11a and the multiple second protrusions 11b are inserted into the multiple first insertion holes 12A and the multiple second insertion holes 12B, respectively, so that the first protrusions 11a and the second protrusions 11b are staggered in the second direction (see Figure 5B).

[0075] For example, when the substrate 12S and the first conductor 11A and the second conductor 11B are in a positional relationship as shown in Figure 5B, the substrate 12S and the first conductor 11A and the second conductor 11B are housed in a resin housing (see Figure 2), which is an example of the fixing portion 13, thereby fixing the substrate 12S to the first conductor 11A and the second conductor 11B.

[0076] (3-4-3) Bending of the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions After the substrate 12S is fixed to the first conductor 11A and the second conductor 11B, each of the multiple first protrusions 11a and multiple second protrusions 11b is bent into a shape as shown in Figure 5C (N-shaped and inverted N-shaped: described below) so as to fit the arrangement of the insertion openings on the distribution board 100 side where the conductive bar 1 is to be attached.

[0077] (3-4-4) Details of the first and second conductors The first conductor 11A and the second conductor 11B are arranged so that the longitudinal directions of the first conductor 11A and the second conductor 11B are aligned along a first direction (left-right direction), and so that the first main surface 11Af of the first conductor 11A and the second main surface 11Bf of the second conductor 11B face in a first direction (upward) along a second direction (front-rear direction).

[0078] That is, the first conductor 11A and the second conductor 11B are arranged parallel to each other with the first main surface 11Af and the second main surface 11Bf facing in the same direction (upward).

[0079] (3-4-5) Details of the first protrusion: N-shaped As shown in FIG. 6A, each of the multiple first protrusions 11a has an N-shape consisting of a first portion 111a, a second portion 112a, and a third portion 113a. The N-shape here refers to the shape of the first protrusion 11a when viewed from one side (right) of the first direction (left-right direction). The first portion 111a extends in a first direction (upward) from the first main surface 11Af along a third direction (up-down direction). The third direction (up-down direction) intersects with the first direction (left-right direction) and the second direction (front-rear direction). The second portion 112a extends in a second direction (front-rear direction) from the tip of the first portion 111a from the first main surface 11Af toward the second main surface 11Bf (front: second direction). The third portion 113a extends in the first direction (upward) from the tip of the second portion 112a along the third direction (up-down direction).

[0080] (3-4-6) Details of the second protrusion: Inverted N-shape As shown in FIG. 6A, each of the second protrusions 11b has an inverted N shape composed of a fourth portion 111b, a fifth portion 112b, and a sixth portion 113b. The inverted N shape here refers to the shape of the second protrusion 11b when viewed from one side (right) in the first direction (left-right direction). The inverted N shape is symmetrical to the N shape with respect to a line along the third direction (up-down direction). The fourth portion 111b extends in a first direction (upward) from the second main surface 11Bf along the third direction (up-down direction). The fifth portion 112b extends from the tip of the fourth portion 111b along the second direction (front-rear direction) from the second main surface 11Bf toward the first main surface 11Af (rearward: third direction). The sixth portion 113b extends in the first direction (upward) from the tip of the fifth portion 112b along the third direction (up-down direction).

[0081] (3-4-7) Bending manufacturing method The manufacturing method of the conductive bar 1 in this modification is a manufacturing method by bending. The manufacturing method by bending is a method of manufacturing the conductive bar 1 having a plurality of Z-shaped first protrusions 11a and a plurality of Z-shaped second protrusions 11b as shown in Fig. 5C by inserting and fixing a plurality of plate-shaped first protrusions 11a which are previously integrated with the first conductors 11A (for example, integrally formed by casting) and a plurality of plate-shaped second protrusions 11b which are previously integrated with the second conductors 11B (for example, integrally formed by casting) into a plurality of first insertion holes 12A and a plurality of second insertion holes 12B, respectively, and then bending the same.

[0082] 5A, each of the first protrusions 11a is integral with the first conductor 11A and has a rectangular shape extending in the first direction (upward) from the first main surface 11Af along the third direction (upward). Each of the second protrusions 11b is integral with the second conductor 11B and has a rectangular shape extending in the first direction (upward) from the second main surface 11Bf along the third direction (upward).

[0083] (3-4-8) Details of the bending manufacturing method The manufacturing method of the conductive bar 1 by bending includes a first insertion step, a second insertion step, a first bending step, and a second bending step. In the first insertion step, as shown in FIG. 5B, the first protrusions 11a are inserted into the first insertion holes 12A. In the second insertion step, as shown in FIG. 5B, the second protrusions 11b are inserted into the second insertion holes 12B. In the first bending step, each of the first protrusions 11a inserted into the first insertion holes 12A is bent into a shape consisting of a first portion 111a, a second portion 112a, and a third portion 113a as shown in FIG. 5C. In the second bending step, each of the second protrusions 11b inserted into the second insertion holes 12B is bent into a shape consisting of a fourth portion 111b, a fifth portion 112b, and a sixth portion 113b as shown in FIG. 5C.

[0084] According to the manufacturing method using bending, the manufacturing of the conductive bar 1 can be facilitated.

[0085] (3-4-9) Advantages This modification provides a compact, longitudinal conductive bar 1 that can detect electrical leakage simply by attaching it to the circuit breaker 10. It also simplifies the structure of the first conductors 11A and second conductors 11B that correspond to the substrate 12S on which the plurality of first insertion holes 12A and the plurality of second insertion holes 12B are arranged in two rows.

[0086] In detail, in this modified example, the first conductor 11A and the second conductor 11B are arranged so that the longitudinal directions of the first conductor 11A and the second conductor 11B are aligned along a first direction (left-right direction) and so that they face each other at a predetermined distance in a second direction (front-back direction) that intersects with the first direction (left-right direction) (see Figure 5A).

[0087] Each of the second protrusions 11b has a portion extending in the first direction (upward) along a third direction (up-down direction) that intersects with each of the first direction (left-right direction) and the second direction (front-rear direction), that is, a third portion 113a and a sixth portion 113b. This makes it possible to insert the multiple first protrusions 11a and the multiple second protrusions 11b into multiple insertion openings on the distribution board 100 or the circuit breaker 10 side.

[0088] Each of the plurality of first protrusions 11a has a portion extending in a second direction (forward) from the first conductor 11A toward the second conductor 11B along the second direction (front-rear direction), that is, second portion 112a, and each of the plurality of second protrusions 11b has a portion extending in a third direction (backward) from the second conductor 11B toward the first conductor 11A along the second direction (front-rear direction), that is, fifth portion 112b. This improves compatibility with the two-row arrangement of the plurality of insertion ports on the distribution board 100 or the circuit breaker 10 side (see FIGS. 5B and 5C).

[0089] However, if at least one of the multiple first protrusions 11a and the multiple second protrusions 11b has a portion (second portion 112a or fifth portion 112) extending in the second direction (front) or the third direction (rear) along the second direction (front-to-back direction), the effect of improving compatibility with the arrangement of multiple insertion ports on the distribution board 100 or circuit breaker 10 side (not limited to a two-row arrangement) can be achieved.

[0090] (3-5) Third Modification The conductive bar 1 in this modification has the same structure as the conductive bar 1 in the second modification (see FIG. 5C). The difference between the conductive bar 1 in this modification and the conductive bar 1 in the second modification lies in the manufacturing method.

[0091] The manufacturing method of the conductive bar 1 in this modification is a manufacturing method by welding. The manufacturing method by welding is a method in which the plurality of plate-shaped first protrusions 11a, which are separate from the first conductors 11A, and the plurality of plate-shaped second protrusions 11b, which are separate from the second conductors 11B, are each bent into a shape as shown in Fig. 6A in advance, and the first conductors 11A and the second conductors 11B, as shown in Fig. 6B, are arranged under the substrate 12S at positions along the arrangement of the plurality of first insertion holes 12A and the arrangement of the plurality of second insertion holes 12B, and the substrate 12S, the first conductors 11A, and the second conductors 11B are housed and fixed in a resin housing, which is an example of the fixing unit 13, and then the plurality of bent first protrusions 11a and the plurality of bent plate-shaped second protrusions 11b (see Fig. 6A) are welded to the first conductors 11A and the second conductors 11B in the resin housing, respectively, to manufacture the conductive bar 1 as shown in Fig. 5C.

[0092] Specifically, each of the first protrusions 11a is separate from the first conductor 11A and has a rectangular shape extending in the first direction (upward) from the first main surface 11Af along the third direction (upward). Each of the second protrusions 11b is separate from the second conductor 11B and has a rectangular shape extending in the first direction (upward) from the second main surface 11Bf along the third direction (upward).

[0093] (3-5-1) Details of welding manufacturing method The manufacturing method of the conductive bar 1 by welding includes a first bending step, a second bending step, a first inserting step, a second inserting step, a first welding step, and a welding step. In the first bending step, each of the multiple first protrusions 11a is bent into a first shape consisting of a first portion 111a, a second portion 112a, and a third portion 113a as shown in FIG. 6A. In the second bending step, each of the multiple second protrusions 11b is bent into a second shape consisting of a fourth portion 111b, a fifth portion 112b, and a sixth portion 113b as shown in FIG. 6A. In the first inserting step, the multiple first protrusions 11a bent into the first shape are inserted into the multiple first insertion holes 12A. In the second inserting step, the multiple second protrusions 11b bent into the second shape are inserted into the multiple second insertion holes 12B. In the first welding step, each of the first protrusions 11a inserted into the first insertion holes 12A is integrated with the first conductor 11A shown in Fig. 6B by welding, as shown in Fig. 6C. In the second welding step, each of the second protrusions 11b inserted into the second insertion holes 12B is integrated with the second conductor 11B shown in Fig. 6B by welding, as shown in Fig. 6C.

[0094] According to the manufacturing method using welding, the manufacturing of the conductive bar 1 can be facilitated.

[0095] (3-5-2) Advantages This modification provides the same advantages as the second modification.

[0096] (3-6) Other Modifications (3-6-1) Modified printed circuit board The printed circuit board (board 12S) that realizes the sensor 12 may be a sensor board of various types on which a sensor element other than a Rogowski coil is mounted. Examples of sensor elements other than a Rogowski coil include, but are not limited to, a current transformer (CT) and a shunt resistor.

[0097] The sensor element may be mounted on the printed circuit board, and the ASIC, arithmetic circuit, etc. may be mounted on a separate board.

[0098] (3-6-2) Modifications of the Multiple First Protrusions and the Multiple Second Protrusions Each of the plurality of first protrusions 11a and the plurality of second protrusions 11b (see FIG. 5C) may not need to be bent depending on the arrangement of the insertion openings in distribution board 100. In other words, when the arrangement of the insertion openings in distribution board 100 corresponds to the plurality of first protrusions 11a and the plurality of second protrusions 11b before bending, for example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the first bending step and the second bending step in each of the manufacturing method by bending described above and the manufacturing method by welding described above are unnecessary.

[0099] The intervals between the plurality of first protrusions 11a and the intervals between the plurality of second protrusions 11b do not have to be equal.

[0100] In the two-row arrangement of the multiple first insertion holes 12A and the multiple second insertion holes 12B (see Figures 5B and 5C), the first insertion holes 12A and the second insertion holes 12B do not have to be arranged alternately, but may, for example, be arranged along the second direction (front-to-back direction).

[0101] (3-6-3) Modified examples of fixing parts The fixing portion 13 is not limited to a resin housing, and may be realized, for example, by a housing made of a material other than resin. A housing made of a material other than resin is, for example, a housing made of an insulator other than resin. Examples of insulators other than resin include, but are not limited to, ceramic and glass. Alternatively, the fixing portion 13 may be realized by a member other than a housing. Examples of members other than a housing include, but are not limited to, an insulating adhesive that bonds the conductor 11 and the sensor 12, and a holding member (for example, a clamp made of an insulator) that holds the conductor 11 and the sensor 12 in a fixed state.

[0102] (3-6-4) Modifications of current and wires The current described in the overview and details may be a three-phase, three-wire AC current. In this case, the electric wire may be any of the L1 to L3 wires through which the three-phase, three-wire AC current flows. The circuit breaker 10 is a circuit breaker 10 for three-phase, three-wire AC current, and is interposed between the L1, L2, and L3 wires.

[0103] The conductive bar 1 may further include a third conductor connected to the L3 line, in addition to the first conductor 11A connected to the L1 line and the second conductor 11B connected to the L2 line (see FIGS. 5B and 5C). In this case, the conductive bar 1 further includes a plurality of third protrusions protruding from a third main surface of the third conductor. In addition to the plurality of first insertion holes 12A and the plurality of second insertion holes 12B (see FIGS. 5B and 5C), the substrate 12S is further formed with a plurality of third insertion holes into which the plurality of third protrusions are inserted.

[0104] The first insertion holes 12A, the second insertion holes 12B, and the third insertion holes are arranged in three rows along the first direction (left-right direction) such that the first insertion holes 12A, the second insertion holes 12B, and the third insertion holes are aligned in the second direction (front-rear direction). However, in the three-row arrangement, the first insertion holes 12A, the second insertion holes 12B, and the third insertion holes do not have to be aligned in the second direction (front-rear direction), and may be aligned in a direction inclined with respect to the second direction (front-rear direction).

[0105] A plurality of third sensor elements are mounted on the substrate 12S, surrounding the plurality of third insertion holes. The ASIC measures the current value corresponding to the L1 line, the current value corresponding to the L2 line, and the current value corresponding to the L3 line based on the electrical signal from the first sensor element 12a, the electrical signal from the second sensor element 12b, and the electrical signal from the third sensor element. The arithmetic circuit calculates the power value based on at least one of the three measured current values. The arithmetic circuit also detects the occurrence of a ground fault based on all three measured current values.

[0106] (4) Summary The conductive bar 1 according to the first aspect is a conductive bar 1 used in a circuit breaker 10 that interrupts electric current. The conductive bar 1 includes a longitudinal conductor 11 connected to an electric wire through which an electric current flows, and a sensor 12 fixed to the conductor 11 for detecting the electric current.

[0107] According to this embodiment, in the conductive bar 1, the sensor 12 is fixed to the conductor 11 connected to the electric wire by the fixing portion 13, so that current detection can be accurately performed simply by attaching the conductive bar 1 to the circuit breaker 10. Therefore, installation can be simplified.

[0108] In the conductive bar (1) according to the second aspect, the conductor (11) of the first aspect has a longitudinal plate shape. The conductive bar (1) further includes a plurality of protrusions (11a). The plurality of protrusions (11a) are formed on a main surface (11f) of the conductor (11) along the longitudinal direction of the conductor (11). The sensor (12) includes a substrate (12S) and a plurality of sensor elements (12a). The substrate (12S) is formed with a plurality of insertion holes (12A) into which the plurality of protrusions (11a) are respectively inserted. The plurality of sensor elements (12a) each have a ring shape and are mounted on the substrate (12S) so as to surround the plurality of insertion holes (12A). The conductive bar (1) further includes a fixing portion (13). The fixing portion (13) fixes the substrate (12S) to the conductor (11) in a state where the plurality of protrusions (11a) are inserted into the plurality of insertion holes (12A), respectively.

[0109] According to this aspect, the conductive bar 1 has the plurality of protrusions 11 a of the conductor 11 inserted into the plurality of insertion holes 12A of the substrate 12S and fixed at predetermined positions relative to the plurality of sensor elements 12 a, so that detection of a plurality of currents corresponding to the plurality of protrusions 11 a can be performed simply by attaching the conductive bar 1 to the circuit breaker 10. Therefore, even when the conductor 11 is connected to a plurality of electric wires, installation can be simplified.

[0110] In the conductive bar (1) according to the third aspect, in the second aspect, the conductor (11) is a first conductor (11A) connected to a first electric wire. The conductive bar (1) further includes a second conductor (11B) connected to a second electric wire. The plurality of protrusions (11a) are a plurality of first protrusions (11a). The plurality of first protrusions (11a) are formed on a first main surface (11Af) of the first conductor (11A) along the longitudinal direction of the first conductor (11A). The conductive bar (1) further includes a plurality of second protrusions (11b). The plurality of second protrusions (11b) are formed on a second main surface (11Bf) of the second conductor (11B) along the longitudinal direction of the second conductor (11B). The plurality of insertion holes (12A) are a plurality of first insertion holes (12A). The first protrusions (11a) are inserted into the first insertion holes (12A), respectively. The substrate (12S) is further formed with a plurality of second insertion holes (12B). The second protrusions (11b) are inserted into the second insertion holes (12B), respectively. The sensor elements (12b) are the first sensor elements (12a). The first sensor elements (12a) are mounted on the substrate (12S) so as to surround the first insertion holes (12A), respectively. The sensor (12) further has a plurality of second sensor elements (12b). The second sensor elements (12b) are each ring-shaped and are mounted on the substrate (12S) so as to surround the second insertion holes (12B), respectively. The fixing portion (13) fixes the substrate (12S) to the first conductor (11A) and the second conductor (11B) with the multiple first protrusions (11a) and the multiple second protrusions (11b) inserted into the multiple first insertion holes (12A) and the multiple second insertion holes (12B), respectively.

[0111] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a conductive bar (1) that can detect the current flowing through each of the first electric wire and the second electric wire, and thus can also detect leakage current, simply by attaching it to the circuit breaker (10).

[0112] In the conductive bar (1) according to the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the plurality of first insertion holes (12A) and the plurality of second insertion holes (12B) are arranged in a row so that the first insertion holes (12A) and the second insertion holes (12B) are adjacent to each other. The fixing portion (13) fixes the substrate (12S) to the first conductors (11A) and the second conductors (11B) in a state in which the plurality of first protrusions (11a) and the plurality of second protrusions (11b) are inserted into the plurality of first insertion holes (12A) and the plurality of second insertion holes (12B), respectively, so that the first protrusions (11a) and the second protrusions (11b) are adjacent to each other.

[0113] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a slim, longitudinal conductive bar (1) that can detect electrical leakage simply by attaching it to the circuit breaker (10).

[0114] In the conductive bar (1) according to the fifth aspect, the first conductor (11A) and the second conductor (11B) are arranged such that the longitudinal directions of the first conductor (11A) and the second conductor (11B) are aligned along a first direction, and such that the first main surface (11Af) of the first conductor (11A) and the second main surface (11Bf) of the second conductor (11B) face each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction. Each of the plurality of first protrusions (11a) has a first portion (111a) and a second portion (112a). The first portion (111a) extends along the second direction from the first main surface (11Af) toward the second main surface (11Bf). The second portion (112a) extends in a first direction from the tip of the first portion (111a) along a third direction intersecting each of the first and second directions. Each of the multiple second protrusions (11b) has a third portion (111b) and a fourth portion (112b). The third portion (111b) extends in a direction (rearward) from the second main surface (11Bf) toward the first main surface (11Af) along the second direction. The fourth portion (112b) extends in the first direction from the tip of the third portion (111b) along the third direction.

[0115] According to this aspect, the structure of the first conductor (11A) and the second conductor (11B) corresponding to the substrate (12S) on which a plurality of first insertion holes (12A) and a plurality of second insertion holes (12B) are arranged in a row can be simplified.

[0116] In the conductive bar (1) according to the sixth aspect, in the third aspect, the plurality of first insertion holes (12A) and the plurality of second insertion holes (12B) are arranged in two rows along a first direction such that the first insertion holes (12A) and the second insertion holes (12B) alternate in a second direction. The second direction is a direction intersecting the first direction. The fixing portion (13) fixes the substrate (12S) to the first conductors (11A) and the second conductors (11B) in a state in which the plurality of first protrusions (11a) and the plurality of second protrusions (11b) are inserted into the plurality of first insertion holes (12A) and the plurality of second insertion holes (12B), respectively, such that the first protrusions (11a) and the second protrusions (11b) alternate in the second direction.

[0117] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a compact longitudinal conductive bar (1) that can detect electrical leakage simply by attaching it to the circuit breaker (10).

[0118] In the conductive bar (1) according to the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the first conductor (11A) and the second conductor (11B) are arranged such that the longitudinal directions of the first conductor (11A) and the second conductor (11B) are aligned along the first direction, and the first main surface (11Af) of the first conductor (11A) and the second main surface (11Bf) of the second conductor (11B) face a first direction along the second direction. Each of the multiple first protrusions (11a) has a first portion (111a), a second portion (112a), and a third portion (113a). The first portion (111a) extends from the first main surface (11Af) in a first direction along the third direction. The third direction is a direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction. The second portion (112a) extends from the tip of the first portion (111a) along the second direction, from the first main surface (11Af) toward the second main surface (11Bf). The third portion (113a) extends from the tip of the second portion (112a) in the first direction, from the tip of the second portion (112a) along the third direction. Each of the multiple second protrusions (11b) has a fourth portion (111b), a fifth portion (112b), and a sixth portion (113b). The fourth portion (111b) extends from the second main surface (11Bf) in the first direction, from the third direction. The fifth portion (112b) extends from the tip of the fourth portion (111b) along the second direction, from the second main surface (11Bf) toward the first main surface (11Af). The sixth portion (113b) extends in the first direction from the tip of the fifth portion (112b) along the third direction.

[0119] According to this embodiment, the structure of the first conductor (11A) and the second conductor (11B) corresponding to the substrate (12S) on which a plurality of first insertion holes (12A) and a plurality of second insertion holes (12B) are arranged in two rows can be simplified.

[0120] In the conductive bar (1) according to the eighth aspect, in the third aspect, the first conductor (11A) and the second conductor (11B) are arranged so that the longitudinal directions of the first conductor (11A) and the second conductor (11B) are aligned along a first direction and face each other in a second direction intersecting with the first direction. Each of the plurality of first protrusions (11a) and the plurality of second protrusions (11b) has a portion (second portion 112a and fourth portion 112b in the first modification; third portion 113a and sixth portion 113b in the second and third modifications) extending in a first direction along a third direction intersecting with each of the first and second directions. At least one of the multiple first protrusions (11a) and the multiple second protrusions (11b) has a portion extending in the second direction or the third direction along the second direction (in the first variant, the first portion 111a and the third portion 111b; in the second and third variants, the second portion 112a and the fifth portion 112b).

[0121] According to this aspect, each of the plurality of first protrusions (11a) and the plurality of second protrusions (11b) has a portion extending in a first direction along the third direction (the second portion 112a and the fourth portion 112b in the first modified example; the third portion 113a and the sixth portion 113b in the second and third modified examples), which enables the plurality of first protrusions (11a) and the plurality of second protrusions (11b) to be inserted into a plurality of insertion openings on the circuit breaker (10). Furthermore, at least one of the plurality of first protrusions (11a) and the plurality of second protrusions (11b) has a portion extending in a second direction or a third direction along the second direction (the first portion 111a and the third portion 111b in the first modified example; the second portion 112a and the fifth portion 112b in the second and third modified examples), which improves compatibility with the arrangement of the plurality of insertion openings on the circuit breaker (10).

[0122] In the conductive bar (1) of the ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, each of the multiple first protrusions (11a) has a portion extending in a second direction along the second direction, which is the direction from the first conductor (11A) to the second conductor (11B) (in the first variant, first portion 111a; in the second and third variants, second portion 112a), and each of the multiple second protrusions (11b) has a portion extending in a third direction along the second direction, which is the direction from the second conductor (11B) to the first conductor (11A) (in the first variant, third portion 111b; in the second and third variants, fifth portion 112b).

[0123] According to this aspect, each of the plurality of first protrusions (11a) has a portion extending in a second direction along the second direction (first portion 111a in the first variant; second portion 112a in the second and third variants), and each of the plurality of second protrusions (11b) has a portion extending in a third direction along the second direction (third portion 111b in the first variant; fifth portion 112b in the second and third variants), thereby improving compatibility with a single-row or double-row arrangement of the plurality of insertion ports on the circuit breaker (10) side.

[0124] In the conductive bar (1) according to a tenth aspect, in any one of the second to ninth aspects, the substrate (12S) is a printed circuit board, and the plurality of insertion holes (12A) are formed in the printed circuit board (12S). The plurality of sensor elements (12a) are mounted on the printed circuit board (12S) so as to surround the plurality of insertion holes (12A), respectively.

[0125] According to this embodiment, the conductive bar (1) can be made thinner.

[0126] A circuit breaker (10) according to an eleventh aspect includes the conductive bar (1) according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, and a circuit breaker body to which the conductive bar (1) is attached.

[0127] According to this aspect, the construction can be facilitated.

[0128] A distribution board (100) according to a twelfth aspect includes the circuit breaker (10) according to the eleventh aspect and a distribution board body that houses the circuit breaker (10).

[0129] According to this aspect, the construction can be facilitated.

[0130] A manufacturing method of a conductive bar (1) according to a thirteenth aspect is a manufacturing method by bending the conductive bar (1) of the seventh aspect. Each of the plurality of first protrusions (11a) is integral with the first conductor (11A) and has a rectangular shape extending in a first direction from the first main surface (11Af) along the third direction. Each of the plurality of second protrusions (11b) is integral with the second conductor (11B) and has a rectangular shape extending in a first direction from the second main surface (11Bf) along the third direction. The manufacturing method of the conductive bar (1) by bending includes a first insertion step of inserting a plurality of first protrusions (11a) into a plurality of first insertion holes (12A), a second insertion step of inserting a plurality of second protrusions (11b) into a plurality of second insertion holes (12B), a first bending step of bending each of the plurality of first protrusions (11a) inserted into the plurality of first insertion holes (12A) into a shape consisting of a first portion (111a), a second portion (112a), and a third portion (113a), and a second bending step of bending each of the plurality of second protrusions (11b) inserted into the plurality of second insertion holes (12B) into a shape consisting of a fourth portion (111b), a fifth portion (112b), and a sixth portion (113b).

[0131] According to this aspect, the manufacturing process can be simplified.

[0132] A manufacturing method for a conductive bar (1) according to a fourteenth aspect is a manufacturing method for the conductive bar (1) of the seventh aspect by welding. Each of the plurality of first protrusions (11a) is separate from the first conductor (11A) and has a rectangular shape extending in a first direction from the first main surface (11Af) along the third direction. Each of the plurality of second protrusions (11b) is separate from the second conductor (11B) and has a rectangular shape extending in a first direction from the second main surface (11Bf) along the third direction. The manufacturing method of the conductive bar (1) includes a first bending step of bending each of the plurality of first protrusions (11a) into a first shape consisting of a first portion (111a), a second portion (112a), and a third portion (113a), a second bending step of bending each of the plurality of second protrusions (11b) into a second shape consisting of a fourth portion (111b), a fifth portion (112b), and a sixth portion (113b), and a step of inserting the plurality of first protrusions (11a) bent into the first shape into the plurality of first insertion holes (12A). The method includes a first insertion step of inserting the plurality of second protrusions (11b) bent into the second shape into the plurality of second insertion holes (12B), a first welding step of integrating each of the plurality of first protrusions (11a) inserted into the plurality of first insertion holes (12A) with the first conductor (11A) by welding, and a welding step of integrating each of the plurality of second protrusions (11b) inserted into the plurality of second insertion holes (12B) with the second conductor (11B) by welding.

[0133] According to this aspect, the manufacturing process can be simplified. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 100 Distribution board 10 Circuit Breaker 1 Conductive bar 11 Conductor 11f Main surface 11A First Conductor 11Af First principal surface 11a 1st protrusion 111a Part 1 112a 2nd part 113a 3rd part 11B Second conductor 11Bf Second principal surface 11b Second protrusion 111b Part 4 (Part 3) 112b Part 5 (Part 4) 113b Part 6 12 sensors 12S board 12A First insertion hole (insertion hole) 12B Second insertion hole 12a First sensor element (sensor element) 12b Second sensor element

Claims

1. A conductive bar used in a circuit breaker that interrupts current, a longitudinal conductor connected to the electric wire through which the current flows; a sensor fixed to the conductor for detecting the current; Conductive bar.

2. The conductor has a longitudinal plate shape, The conductor further includes a plurality of protrusions formed on a main surface thereof along a longitudinal direction of the conductor, The sensor a substrate having a plurality of insertion holes formed therein into which the plurality of protrusions are respectively inserted; a plurality of sensor elements each having a ring shape and mounted on the substrate so as to surround the plurality of insertion holes, a fixing portion that fixes the substrate to the conductor in a state in which the plurality of protrusions are inserted into the plurality of insertion holes, respectively; The conductive bar of claim 1 .

3. the conductor is a first conductor connected to a first electric wire, Further, a second conductor connected to the second wire is provided. the plurality of protrusions are a plurality of first protrusions formed on a first main surface of the first conductor along a longitudinal direction of the first conductor, a plurality of second protrusions formed on a second main surface of the second conductor along a longitudinal direction of the second conductor; the plurality of insertion holes are a plurality of first insertion holes into which the plurality of first protrusions are respectively inserted, the substrate is further formed with a plurality of second insertion holes into which the plurality of second protrusions are respectively inserted; the plurality of sensor elements are a plurality of first sensor elements mounted on the substrate so as to surround the plurality of first insertion holes, respectively; the sensor further includes a plurality of second sensor elements each having a ring shape and mounted on the substrate so as to surround the plurality of second insertion holes, the fixing portion fixes the substrate to the first conductors and the second conductors in a state in which the first protrusions and the second protrusions are inserted into the first insertion holes and the second insertion holes, respectively. The conductive bar of claim 2 .

4. the plurality of first insertion holes and the plurality of second insertion holes are arranged in a line such that the first insertion holes and the second insertion holes are adjacent to each other; the fixing portion fixes the substrate to the first conductor and the second conductor in a state in which the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions are inserted into the plurality of first insertion holes and the plurality of second insertion holes, respectively, such that the first protrusions and the second protrusions are adjacent to each other; The conductive bar of claim 3 .

5. The first conductor and the second conductor are The longitudinal direction of each of the first conductor and the second conductor is aligned along a first direction, and the first main surface of the first conductor and the second main surface of the second conductor are arranged to face each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, Each of the plurality of first protrusions is a first portion extending in a direction from the first main surface toward the second main surface along the second direction; a second portion extending in a first direction from a tip of the first portion along a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, Each of the plurality of second protrusions is a third portion extending in the second direction from the second main surface toward the first main surface; a fourth portion extending from a tip of the third portion in the first direction along the third direction, The conductive bar of claim 4.

6. the plurality of first insertion holes and the plurality of second insertion holes are arranged in two rows along a first direction such that the first insertion holes and the second insertion holes are alternated in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the fixing portion fixes the substrate to the first conductors and the second conductors in a state in which the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions are inserted into the plurality of first insertion holes and the plurality of second insertion holes, respectively, such that the first protrusions and the second protrusions are alternately arranged in the second direction; The conductive bar of claim 3 .

7. The first conductor and the second conductor are the longitudinal direction of each of the first conductor and the second conductor is aligned along the first direction; the first main surface of the first conductor and the second main surface of the second conductor are arranged to face a first orientation along the second direction, Each of the plurality of first protrusions is a first portion extending from the first main surface in the first direction along a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; a second portion extending from a tip of the first portion in a direction from the first main surface toward the second main surface along the second direction; a third portion extending from a tip of the second portion in the first direction along the third direction, Each of the plurality of second protrusions is a fourth portion extending from the second main surface in the first direction along the third direction; a fifth portion extending from a tip of the fourth portion in a direction from the second main surface toward the first main surface along the second direction; a sixth portion extending from a tip of the fifth portion in the first direction along the third direction, The conductive bar of claim 6.

8. The first conductor and the second conductor are The longitudinal direction of each of the first conductor and the second conductor is aligned along a first direction, and are arranged to face each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, each of the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions has a portion extending in a first direction along a third direction intersecting each of the first direction and the second direction; At least one of the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions has a portion extending in a second direction or a third direction along the second direction. The conductive bar of claim 3 .

9. each of the plurality of first protrusions has a portion extending in the second direction, which is a direction from the first conductor toward the second conductor, along the second direction; each of the plurality of second protrusions has a portion extending in the third direction, which is a direction from the second conductor toward the first conductor, along the second direction; The conductive bar of claim 8.

10. the substrate is a printed circuit board, the plurality of insertion holes are formed in the printed circuit board; the plurality of sensor elements are mounted on the printed circuit board so as to surround the plurality of insertion holes, respectively; The conductive bar according to any one of claims 2 to 9.

11. The conductive bar according to claim 1 ; a circuit breaker body to which the conductive bar is attached, Circuit breaker.

12. The circuit breaker according to claim 11; A distribution board body accommodating the circuit breaker. Distribution board.

13. 8. A method for manufacturing a conductive bar by bending as claimed in claim 7, comprising the steps of: Each of the plurality of first protrusions is integral with the first conductor; and a rectangular shape extending from the first main surface in the first direction along the third direction, Each of the plurality of second protrusions is integral with the second conductor; and a rectangular shape extending from the second main surface in the first direction along the third direction, a first insertion step of inserting the plurality of first protrusions into the plurality of first insertion holes; a second insertion step of inserting the second protrusions into the second insertion holes; a first bending step of bending each of the plurality of first protrusions inserted into the plurality of first insertion holes into a shape including the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion; a second bending step of bending each of the second protrusions inserted into the second insertion holes into a shape including the fourth portion, the fifth portion, and the sixth portion, A method for manufacturing a conductive bar.

14. 8. A method for manufacturing a conductive bar by welding according to claim 7, comprising the steps of: Each of the plurality of first protrusions is separate from the first conductor, and a rectangular shape extending from the first main surface in the first direction along the third direction, Each of the plurality of second protrusions is separate from the second conductor; and a rectangular shape extending from the second main surface in the first direction along the third direction, a first bending step of bending each of the plurality of first protrusions into a first shape including the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion; a second bending step of bending each of the plurality of second protrusions into a second shape including the fourth portion, the fifth portion, and the sixth portion; a first insertion step of inserting the first protrusions bent into the first shape into the first insertion holes; a second insertion step of inserting the second protrusions bent into the second shape into the second insertion holes; a first welding step of integrating each of the plurality of first protrusions inserted into the plurality of first insertion holes with the first conductor by welding; a welding step of integrating each of the second protrusions inserted into the second insertion holes with the second conductor by welding. A method for manufacturing a conductive bar.

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