Plug-in terminal and plug-in connection structure

Abstract

To provide a plug-in terminal which can be easily manufactured by a general-purpose press brake and can excellently maintain contact pressure of two contact parts over a long period of time.SOLUTION: The plug-in terminal 10 includes two terminal elements 110, formed by bending a metal plate in a surface direction and a back surface direction thereof, and an electric conductor 120 for electrically connecting each terminal element to a power distribution apparatus. Each terminal element 110 includes a fixed portion 111 located on one end side, a first inclined portion 112 bent from the fixed portion 111 in the front surface direction, a second inclined portion 113 bent from the first inclined portion 112 in the back surface direction, and a contact portion 114 continuous with the second inclined portion 113 and located on the other end side, and the terminal elements 110 are arranged such that the back surfaces thereof face each other and are fixed in a state where one end side of the electric conductor 120 is sandwiched between the two fixed portions 111. A gap into which the bus bar can be inserted is formed between the two contact portions 114.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a plug-in terminal and a plug-in connection structure for electrically connecting a power distribution device to a bus bar for supplying electric power by a plug-in method. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, a distribution board or switchboard may include one main breaker, multiple busbars, and multiple branch breakers. The secondary side of the main breaker is electrically connected to each of the multiple branch breakers via multiple busbars. Various loads are electrically connected to the secondary side of each of the multiple branch breakers, for example, via indoor wiring. A load refers to a device that consumes power to operate. Recent distribution boards and switchboards are constructed by combining general-purpose products available on the market. Various breakers and busbars with different structures are sold as general-purpose products. Users can assemble a distribution board or switchboard that meets their needs by selecting the main breaker, branch breakers, and busbars they desire. Busbar units, which are products that combine multiple busbars, are also known. A busbar unit is configured by holding multiple busbars horizontally and vertically aligned at intervals using a bar holder made of an insulating material. Furthermore, plug-in terminals are suitable for electrically connecting the multiple busbars that make up the busbar unit to the branch breakers. The plug-in terminal has two contact portions facing each other, and is electrically connected to the bus bar by inserting the bus bar between the two contact portions.

[0003] WO 2023 / 100800 discloses a conventional plug-in terminal. The conventional plug-in terminal is configured by bending a single thin metal plate into a C-shape. Two opposing contact portions are formed on one end and the other end of the plug-in terminal. A gap is formed between the two contact portions so that a bus bar can be inserted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2023 / 100800 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventional plug-in terminals have a problem in that they cannot be manufactured using a general-purpose press brake and require the use of a special press machine. Specifically, a general-purpose press brake bends a thin metal sheet using a pointed upper die (punch) and a V-shaped lower die (die). Conventional plug-in terminals, on the other hand, are constructed by bending a single thin metal sheet into a C-shape. To manufacture a C-shaped plug-in terminal, the metal sheet must be bent significantly until a gap narrower than the thickness of the bus bar is formed between one end and the other end of the metal sheet. However, with a general-purpose press brake, the upper die abuts one or the other end of the bent metal sheet before the gap narrower than the thickness of the bus bar is formed between the one end and the other end of the metal sheet, making it impossible to bend the metal sheet into the desired C-shape. For this reason, conventional plug-in terminals could only be manufactured using a special press machine.

[0006] Furthermore, conventional plug-in terminals have the problem that the contact pressure between the two contact points on the busbar decreases with age. That is, the contact pressure between the two contact points is based on the elastic force of a thin metal plate bent into a C-shape. When a busbar is inserted between the two contact points and the gap between the two contact points continues to widen over a long period of time, the elastic force of the metal plate decreases, resulting in a decrease in the contact pressure between the two contact points.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a plug-in terminal and a plug-in connection structure that can be easily manufactured using a general-purpose press brake and that can maintain good contact pressure between two contact points for a long period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) In order to achieve the above object, the plug-in terminal of the present invention is a plug-in terminal for electrically connecting a power distribution device to a bus bar for supplying electric power by a plug-in method, and includes two terminal elements formed by bending a first metal plate in its front and back directions, and an electric conductor for electrically connecting each terminal element to the power distribution device, and each terminal element includes a fixing portion located at one end, a first inclined portion continuing from the fixing portion and bent from the fixing portion in the front direction, a second inclined portion continuing from the first inclined portion and bent from the first inclined portion in the back direction, and a contact portion continuing from the second inclined portion and located at the other end, and each terminal element is arranged so that the back faces of each terminal element face each other, and is fixed in a state where one end of the electric conductor is clamped between the two fixing portions, thereby forming a gap between the two contact portions that allows the bus bar to be inserted.

[0009] (2) Preferably, the plug-in terminal described in (1) above is provided with two support members formed by bending the second metal plate in the surface direction, each support member including a fixed support portion located on one end side and a first inclined support portion that is continuous with the fixed support portion and bent from the fixed support portion in the surface direction, and each support member is fixed to one end side of the electrical conductor together with each terminal element in a state where it is superimposed on the surface of the fixed portion and the first inclined portion of each terminal element.

[0010] (3) Preferably, in the plug-in terminal described in (1) above, two support members are provided which are formed by bending the second metal plate in its front and back directions, and each support member includes a fixed support portion located on one end side, a first inclined support portion which is continuous with the fixed support portion and bent from the fixed support portion in the front direction, and a second inclined support portion which is continuous with the first inclined support portion and bent from the first inclined support portion in the back direction, and each support member is fixed to one end side of the electrical conductor together with each terminal element in a state where it is superimposed on the surfaces of the fixed portion, the first inclined portion, and the second inclined portion of each terminal element.

[0011] (4) To achieve the above object, the plug-in connection structure of the present invention is a plug-in connection structure comprising a plurality of bus bars for supplying electric power, a bar holder for holding the bus bars in a horizontal state and spaced apart vertically, and the plug-in terminal described in (3) above, wherein the bar holder is made of an insulating material and includes a plurality of first wall portions extending vertically, a plurality of second wall portions extending horizontally, and a plurality of insertion openings separated by the first wall portions and the second wall portions, allowing access to each bus bar through each insertion opening, and the second inclined portion of each terminal element constituting the plug-in terminal has a length that exceeds the depth dimension of the insertion opening of the bar holder, so that when the plug-in terminal is inserted into the insertion opening, the support members superimposed on each terminal element do not come into contact with the first wall portions and the second wall portions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The plug-in terminal of the present invention is composed of two terminal elements arranged with their back surfaces facing each other. Each terminal element is manufactured by bending a first metal plate in the front and back directions. Therefore, the plug-in terminal of the present invention can be easily manufactured using a general-purpose press brake.

[0013] Furthermore, by providing two support members, the plug-in terminal of the present invention can generate a biasing force on the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion of each terminal element, thereby enabling the plug-in terminal of the present invention to maintain a good contact pressure between the two contact portions for a long period of time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a plug-in terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the plug-in terminal. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the plug-in terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a plug-in terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view showing a plug-in terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a plug-in adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention and a breaker to which the plug-in adapter is electrically connected. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view showing the plug-in adapter and the breaker. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view showing the plug-in adapter and the breaker. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the plug-in adapter and the breaker. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the plug-in adapter and the breaker. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the plug-in adapter and the breaker. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the plug-in adapter. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the busbar unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the plug-in adapter and the busbar unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional plan view showing the plug-in adapter and the busbar unit. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional plan view showing the plug-in adapter and busbar unit. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the plug-in adapter and the busbar unit. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the plug-in adapter and the busbar unit. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is a plan view showing a distribution board according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a plan view showing a bus bar unit and a plurality of branch breakers that constitute the distribution board. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a partially enlarged view showing the busbar unit and the plug-in terminals that constitute the branch breaker. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A plug-in terminal, a plug-in adapter, a plug-in connection structure, and a distribution board according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments of the present invention described below, the plug-in adapter includes a plug-in terminal, and the branch breakers (power distribution devices) that make up the distribution board also include plug-in terminals. Each embodiment will be described below in the order of the plug-in terminal, the plug-in adapter, the plug-in connection structure, and the distribution board.

[0016] 1. First embodiment of plug-in terminal First, a plug-in terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In these figures, a plug-in terminal 10 is used to electrically connect a power distribution device to a bus bar for supplying power by a plug-in method. Here, the power distribution device is an electrical device for distributing power supplied from a bus bar, and corresponds to, for example, a main breaker, a branch breaker, a switch, a terminal block, etc. The plug-in method refers to a method in which an electrical connection is made by inserting a bus bar into a terminal.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the plug-in terminal 10 is made up of two terminal elements 110, an electrical conductor 120, two support members 130, a female screw 141 and a male screw 142.

[0018] <Terminal element> The two terminal elements 110 form one terminal section that enables electrical connection to one bus bar by a plug-in method. The two terminal elements 110 have the same configuration. The terminal element 110 is formed by bending a single metal plate in its front and back directions. The terminal element 110 includes a fixed section 111, a first inclined section 112, a second inclined section 113, and a contact section 114. The fixed section 111 is a horizontal section located at one end of the terminal element 110. The first inclined section 112 is continuous with the fixed section 111 and is bent from the fixed section 111 toward the front direction. The second inclined section 113 is continuous with the first inclined section 112 and is bent from the first inclined section 112 toward the back direction. The contact section 114 is continuous with the second inclined section 113 and is located at the other end of the terminal element 110. The other end of the terminal element 110 in this embodiment is bent toward the front direction.

[0019] A notch is formed in the longitudinal center of the terminal element 110, dividing the second inclined portion 113 and the contact portion 114 into two. In order to distinguish between the notches of the two terminal elements 110, the notch of the terminal element 110 located at the top in FIG. 3 is called the first notch 115. On the other hand, the notch of the terminal element 110 located at the bottom in FIG. 3 is called the second notch 116.

[0020] Two circular through holes 111a are formed in the fixing portion 111 of the terminal element 110. A male screw 142 for fixing the two terminal elements 110 to one end of the electrical conductor 120 is inserted into each through hole 111a. The male screw 142 is fastened to the female screw 141. The two terminal elements 110 are arranged with their back surfaces facing each other, and are fixed in a state in which one end of the electrical conductor 120 is sandwiched between the two fixing portions 111. This forms a gap between the contact portions 114 of the two terminal elements 110 that allows a bus bar to be inserted.

[0021] The two contact portions 114 facing each other vertically in FIG. 2 exert contact pressure on a bus bar inserted between them based on the elastic force of the metal plate constituting the terminal element 110. Furthermore, the first inclined portion 112 can move around the boundary line between it and the fixed portion 111 as a fulcrum. The second inclined portion 113 can move around the boundary line between it and the first inclined portion 112 as a fulcrum. As a result, the two contact portions 114 facing each other vertically in FIG. 2 enable electrical connection by a plug-in method to bus bars having various thickness dimensions.

[0022] <Electrical conductor> The electrical conductor 120 serves to electrically connect the two terminal elements 110 to the power distribution device. The electrical conductor 120 of this embodiment is formed by bending a single metal plate in both the front and back directions. The electrical conductor 120 serves as a spacer to form a gap between the contact portions 114 of the two terminal elements 110, allowing a bus bar to be inserted therethrough. Therefore, the metal plate constituting the electrical conductor 120 preferably has a thickness that optimizes the gap between the two contact portions 114. Furthermore, the thickness of the electrical conductor 120 can be adjusted depending on the thickness of the bus bar to be electrically connected by the plug-in method. This changes the gap between the contact portions 114 of the two terminal elements 110. As a result, the plug-in terminal 10 of this embodiment enables electrical connection to a wide range of bus bars, from those with small thicknesses to those with large thicknesses, by the plug-in method.

[0023] The electrical conductor 120 includes a first fixing portion 121 and a second fixing portion 122. The first fixing portion 121 is a horizontal portion located at one end of the electrical conductor 120. The shape of the first fixing portion 121 corresponds to the shape of the fixing portion 111 of the terminal element 110. Two circular first through holes 121a are formed in the first fixing portion 121. The two first through holes 121a correspond to the two through holes 111a formed in the fixing portion 111 of the terminal element 110. On the other hand, the second fixing portion 122 is a horizontal portion located at the other end of the electrical conductor 120. The shape of the second fixing portion 122 corresponds to the shape of a terminal portion of the electrical distribution device (see, for example, reference numeral 32 in FIG. 9 ). One circular second through hole 122a is formed in the second fixing portion 122. The second through hole 122a corresponds to the through hole of the terminal portion of the electrical distribution device.

[0024] To supply power, a plurality of bus bars corresponding to the number of poles in the power distribution system are used. The plurality of bus bars are arranged at different heights. The electrical conductors 120 have height dimensions corresponding to the specific bus bars to which the plug-in terminals 10 are electrically connected. The plug-in terminals 10 electrically connected to the plurality of bus bars each have an electrical conductor 120 with a different height dimension.

[0025] Although the electrical conductor 120 in this embodiment is formed by bending a metal plate, the electrical conductor is not limited to this configuration. For example, the electrical conductor may be an electric wire having a diameter that allows a gap to be formed between the contact portions 114 of the two terminal elements 110 so that a bus bar can be inserted therein.

[0026] <Supporting member> The two support members 130 are components for supporting the contact pressure exerted on the bus bar by the contact portions 114 of the two terminal elements 110. The two support members 130 have the same configuration. The support member 130 is formed by bending a single metal plate in both the front and back directions. Here, the metal plate constituting the support member 130 preferably has high rigidity, and more preferably has high thermal conductivity.

[0027] The support member 130 includes a fixed support portion 131, a first inclined support portion 132, and a second inclined support portion 133. The fixed support portion 131 is a horizontal portion located on one end side of the support member 130. The first inclined support portion 132 is continuous with the fixed support portion 131 and is bent from the fixed support portion 131 toward the front surface. The second inclined support portion 133 is continuous with the first inclined support portion 132 and is bent from the first inclined support portion 132 toward the back surface.

[0028] Two circular through holes 131a are formed in the fixed support portion 131 of the support member 130. The two through holes 131a correspond to the two through holes 111a formed in the fixed portion 111 of the terminal element 110. Each of the two support members 130 is fixed to the first fixed portion 121 of the electrical conductor 120 together with each terminal element 110 in a state where it is overlapped on the surface of the fixed portion 111, the first inclined portion 112, and the second inclined portion 113 of each terminal element 110. A male screw 142 is inserted into each of the through holes 131a of the two support members 130. The male screw 142 is fastened to the female screw 141.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2 , the first inclined support portion 132 of the support member 130 is pressed against the surface of the first inclined portion 112 of the terminal element 110 to support the elastic force of the first inclined portion 112. The second inclined support portion 133 of the support member 130 is pressed against the surface of the second inclined portion 113 of the terminal element 110 to support the elastic force of the second inclined portion 113. This increases the contact pressure that the contact portions 114 of the two terminal elements 110 exert on the bus bar. The increased contact pressure of the two terminal portions 114 due to the highly rigid support member 130 is maintained well over a long period of time. Furthermore, heat generated by the passage of current through the terminal element 110 is transferred to the support member 130, which is pressed against the surface of the terminal element 110, and is released to the outside from the surfaces of the first inclined support portion 132 and the second inclined support portion 133.

[0030] 2. Second embodiment of plug-in terminal FIG. 4 shows a plug-in terminal 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The plug-in terminal 10 of the second embodiment includes a support member 130 having a different configuration from that of the first embodiment described above. The two support members 130 shown in FIG. 4 have the same configuration. The support member 130 is formed by bending a single metal plate in the direction of its surface. The support member 130 includes a fixed support portion 131 and a first inclined support portion 132. The support member 130 of the second embodiment does not include the second inclined support portion 133 shown in FIG. 2.

[0031] The first inclined support portion 132 of the support member 130 is pressed against the surface of the first inclined portion 112 of the terminal element 110 and supports the elastic force of the first inclined portion 112 and the second inclined portion 113. This increases the contact pressure that the contact portions 114 of the two terminal elements 110 exert on the bus bar. The contact pressure between the two terminal portions 114, which is increased by the highly rigid support member 130, is maintained well over a long period of time. Furthermore, heat generated by the passage of current through the terminal element 110 is transferred to the support member 130, which is pressed against the surface of the terminal element 110, and is released to the outside from the surface of the first inclined support portion 132. Although the support member 130 of the second embodiment is less effective than the support member 130 of the first embodiment including the second inclined support portion 133, it is still able to increase the contact pressure between the contact portions 114 of the two terminal elements 110 and release heat from the two terminal elements 110.

[0032] 3. Third embodiment of plug-in terminal 5 shows a plug-in terminal 10 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Unlike the first and second embodiments described above, the plug-in terminal 10 of the third embodiment does not include the support member 130. Even if the support member 130 is omitted from the components of the plug-in terminal 10, the plug-in terminal 10 can still be electrically connected to bus bars having various thicknesses by a plug-in method.

[0033] 4. Plug-in Adapter Embodiment Next, a plug-in adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 12. In these figures, the plug-in adapter 1 of this embodiment is compatible with, for example, a single-phase three-wire power distribution system, and includes three plug-in terminals 10 corresponding to the three poles of the single-phase three-wire system. Each plug-in terminal 10 has the same configuration as that shown in Figures 1 to 3, and is thus designated by the same reference numerals as the plug-in terminals 10 of the first embodiment described above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, a breaker 3 is exemplified as the power distribution device to which the plug-in adapter 1 is electrically connected.

[0034] 6 to 8 show the plug-in adapter 1 of this embodiment and a breaker 3 to which the plug-in adapter 1 is electrically connected. The plug-in adapter 1 includes three plug-in terminals 10 and a case 20 made of an insulating material that houses each plug-in terminal 10.

[0035] As shown in Figures 6 and 9, the case 20 is divided into a lower case element 210 and an upper case element 220. The lower case element 210 and the upper case element 220 are combined to form the vertical front wall 21 of the case 20. As shown in Figure 7, the front wall 21 is formed with three openings 21A, 21B, and 21C for allowing the terminal elements 110 of each plug-in terminal 10 to protrude forward beyond the front wall 21. Each of the openings 21A, 21B, and 21C has a rectangular outline extending in the horizontal direction. The openings 21A, 21B, and 21C are located at different heights corresponding to the three bus bars, respectively.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 7, the lower case element 210 has a first front wall element 211 that forms the lower portion of the vertical front wall 21 of the case 20. The upper case element 220 has a second front wall element 221 that forms the upper portion of the front wall 21. As shown in FIG. 10, three first opening elements 212 are formed in the first front wall element 211. Each first opening element 212 forms most of the rectangular outline of each opening 21A, 21B, 21C, excluding the entire bottom side and the top portions of the left and right sides. Meanwhile, three second opening elements 222 are formed in the second front wall element 221. Each second opening element 222 forms the entire top side and a small portion of the top portions of the left and right sides of the rectangular outline of each opening 21A, 21B, 21C. The first opening elements 212 and the second opening elements 222 are combined together to form three rectangular openings 21A, 21B, and 21C.

[0037] 7 and 9, the terminal elements 110 of the three plug-in terminals 10 protrude forward from the openings 21A, 21B, and 21C of the front wall 21. The electrical conductors 120 of each plug-in terminal 10 are electrically connected to the three terminal portions 32 of the breaker 3 disposed behind the front wall 21. The electrical conductors 120 are fixed to the terminal portions 32 of the breaker 3 with male screws 33.

[0038] 8 and 10 , a pair of first insulating wall portions 213 extending forward is formed in the first front wall element 211 of the lower case element 210, corresponding to each of the three first opening elements 212. The pair of first insulating wall portions 213 cover the lower surfaces of the two divided terminal elements 110 of each plug-in terminal 10 protruding forward from each of the openings 21A, 21B, and 21C of the front wall 21. Meanwhile, a pair of second insulating wall portions 223 extending forward is formed in the second front wall element 221 of the upper case element 220, corresponding to each of the three second opening elements 222. The pair of second insulating wall portions 223 cover the upper surfaces of the two divided terminal elements 110 of each plug-in terminal 10 protruding forward from each of the openings 21A, 21B, and 21C of the front wall 21.

[0039] 7, a third notch 214 extending parallel to the first insulating wall portions 213 is formed between the pair of first insulating wall portions 213 of the lower case element 210. Meanwhile, a fourth notch 224 extending parallel to the second insulating wall portions 223 is formed between the pair of second insulating wall portions 223 of the upper case element 220. The third notch 214 and the fourth notch 224 correspond to the first notch 115 and the second notch 116 formed in each of the two terminal elements 110 constituting one plug-in terminal 10. When the terminal element 110 protrudes forward from each opening 21A, 21B, 21C of the front wall 21, the first notch 115, the second notch 116, the third notch 214, and the fourth notch 224 overlap in the vertical direction, forming a gap that penetrates the pair of first insulating wall portions 213, the two terminal elements 110, and the pair of second insulating wall portions 223.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 11 , a first protrusion 215 protruding upward is formed at the center of each first opening element 212 of the lower case element 210. Meanwhile, a second protrusion 225 protruding downward is formed at the center of each second opening element 222 of the upper case element 220. The first protrusion 215 and the second protrusion 225 have widths slightly smaller than the widths of the first notches 115 and the second notches 116 formed in each of the two terminal elements 110 constituting one plug-in terminal 10. The first protrusion 215 is inserted into the second notch 116 of the lower terminal element 110 of the two terminal elements 110 constituting one plug-in terminal 10. Meanwhile, the second protrusion 225 is inserted into the first notch 115 of the upper terminal element 110 of the two terminal elements 110 constituting one plug-in terminal 10. As a result, the three plug-in terminals 10 are fixed accurately and horizontally in the openings 21A, 21B, and 21C of the front wall 21.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, each first insulating wall portion 213 of the lower case element 210 is composed of one horizontal wall element (first wall element) 213a and three vertical wall elements (second wall elements) 213b, 213c, and 213d. The horizontal wall element 213a extends forward from the lower edge of the first opening element 212 formed in the first front wall element 211 of the lower case element 210. The horizontal wall element 213a has a total length that exceeds the tip of the lower of the two terminal elements 110 that make up one plug-in terminal 10. Meanwhile, the three vertical wall elements 213b, 213c, and 213d are continuously formed so as to surround three sides of the horizontal wall element 213a. The vertical wall element 213b protrudes upward from the front edge of the horizontal wall element 213a. The vertical wall element 213c protrudes upward from the left edge of the horizontal wall element 213a, and the vertical wall element 213d protrudes upward from the right edge of the horizontal wall element 213a.

[0042] Each second insulating wall portion 223 of the upper case element 220 is composed of one horizontal wall element (third wall element) 223a and three vertical wall elements (fourth wall elements) 223b, 223c, and 223d. The horizontal wall element 223a extends forward from the upper edge of the second opening element 222 formed in the second front wall element 221 of the upper case element 220. The horizontal wall element 223a has a total length that exceeds the tip of the upper terminal element 110 of the two terminal elements 110 that constitute one plug-in terminal 10. Meanwhile, the three vertical wall elements 223b, 223c, and 223d are continuously formed so as to surround three sides of the horizontal wall element 223a. The vertical wall element 223b protrudes downward from the front edge of the horizontal wall element 223a. The vertical wall element 223c protrudes downward from the left edge of the horizontal wall element 223a. The vertical wall element 223d protrudes upward from the right edge of the horizontal wall element 223a.

[0043] The first insulating wall portion 213 having the above-described configuration covers the lower surface of the lower terminal element 110 of the two terminal elements 110 protruding from each of the openings 21A, 21B, and 21C of the front wall 21, and surrounds the front end, left side, and right side of the lower terminal element 110. Similarly, the second insulating wall portion 223 having the above-described configuration covers the upper surface of the upper terminal element 110 of the two terminal elements 110 protruding from each of the openings 21A, 21B, and 21C of the front wall 21, and surrounds the front end, left side, and right side of the upper terminal element 110. The first insulating wall portion 213 and the second insulating wall portion 223 protect each terminal element 110 from contact or collision when a bus bar is inserted between the contact portions 114 of the two terminal elements 110. In particular, the tips of the two terminal elements 110 are effectively guarded by the two vertical wall elements 213b and 223b, preventing deformation of the terminal elements 110.

[0044] 5. Plug-in Connection Structure Next, a plug-in connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 18. In this embodiment, how the three plug-in terminals 10 of the plug-in adapter 1 described above are electrically connected to the three bus bars 41 that constitute the bus bar unit 4 shown in Figure 13 will be described.

[0045] First, the busbar unit 4 shown in FIG. 13 will be described. As shown in FIG. 13, the busbar unit 4 includes four busbars 41, two bar holders 42, and one top cover 43. Each bar holder 42 and the top cover 43 are made of an insulating material. The bar holders 42 are arranged with their back surfaces facing each other, sandwiching the four busbars 41 between them. Each bar holder 42 holds the four busbars 41 horizontally and lined up vertically with a gap between them. The top cover 43 connects the tops of the two bar holders 42 together.

[0046] The two bar holders 42 have the same configuration. Each bar holder 42 is composed of a plurality of first wall portions 421, a plurality of second wall portions 422, a plurality of insertion openings 423, and a plurality of protective portions 424. The first wall portions 421 are walls extending vertically. The second wall portions 422 are walls extending horizontally. The insertion openings 423 are spaces with rectangular cross sections formed by the intersection of the first wall portions 421 and the second wall portions 422 (see the dashed lines in FIG. 13). The plurality of insertion openings 423 are arranged in a matrix, and each insertion opening 423 is located at a height corresponding to one of the four bus bars 41. One of the four bus bars 41 can be accessed through each insertion opening 423.

[0047] The protective portion 424 is located at the vertical center of the insertion opening 423 and extends horizontally. The cross section of the protective portion 424 is triangular. The protective portion 424 has an upper surface that slopes upward from its tip, a lower surface that slopes downward from its tip, and a vertical back surface. The back surface of the protective portion 424 faces the end surface of the side portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the bar holder 41. Such a protective portion 424 prevents the user's fingers from touching the bus bar 41 through the insertion opening 423. Furthermore, the slopes of the upper and lower surfaces of the protective portion 424 cause two terminal members 110 inserted into the insertion opening 423 to open up and down and guide them to the sides of the bus bar 41.

[0048] Next, a plug-in connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in Fig. 14, the two terminal elements 110 of each plug-in terminal 10 constituting the plug-in adapter 1 are inserted into the respective insertion openings 423 of the bar holder 42 together with the first insulating wall portion 213 and the second insulating wall portion 223 of the case 20, and are electrically connected to the respective bus bars 41.

[0049] 15 to 18 are partial cross-sectional plan views of the plug-in adapter 1 and the busbar unit 4. In the plug-in connection structure of this embodiment, each plug-in terminal 10 constituting the plug-in adapter 1 is electrically connected to one of the busbars 41 by two types of connection configurations.

[0050] In the first connection mode, one plug-in terminal 10 is inserted into one insertion opening 423 of the bar holder 42, and this plug-in terminal 10 is electrically connected to the bus bar 41. The first connection mode is shown in the plug-in terminal 10 located at the bottom in Fig. 15, Figs. 16 and 17.

[0051] On the other hand, in the second connection mode, one plug-in terminal 10 is inserted halfway between two adjacent insertion openings 423 of the bar holder 42, and this plug-in terminal 10 is electrically connected to the bus bar 41. The second connection mode is shown in Fig. 15 with the plug-in terminals 10 positioned first and second from the top, and in Fig. 18.

[0052] 18, the first wall portion 421 of the bar holder 42 is inserted into the first notch 115, the second notch 116, the third notch 214, and the fourth notch 224 (see FIG. 7) formed in the two terminal elements 110, the first insulating wall 213, and the second insulating wall 223. As a result, half of the two terminal elements 110 constituting one plug-in terminal 10 are inserted into two adjacent insertion openings 423 of the bar holder 42, together with half of the first insulating wall portion 213 and the second insulating wall portion 223. As a result, the two terminal elements 110 constituting one plug-in terminal 10 are electrically connected to one bus bar 41.

[0053] In the plug-in connection structure of this embodiment, the plug-in terminal 20 accommodated in the case 20 is electrically connected to the busbar unit 4. However, the plug-in terminal 10 can be used alone, without the case 20. That is, the plug-in terminal 10 is fixed to each terminal portion 32 of the breaker 3 with the male screws 33 and inserted into the insertion opening 423 of the bar holder 42 while exposed to the outside. In such a case, the second inclined portions 113 of the two terminal elements 110 shown in FIG. 2 preferably have a length that exceeds the depth dimension D of the insertion opening 423 of the bar holder 42 shown in FIG. 14. This prevents the support members 130 overlapping the terminal elements 110 from contacting the first wall portion 421 and the second wall portion 422 of the bar holder 42 when the plug-in terminal 10 is inserted into the insertion opening 423 of the bar holder 42. That is, deformation of the terminal elements 110 is prevented.

[0054] 6. Distribution board embodiment Next, a distribution board according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 19 to 21. As shown in Fig. 19, the distribution board 5 of this embodiment includes a main breaker 51, a busbar unit 4, and first to third branch breakers 52, 53, and 54. A plug-in terminal 10 is fixed to the terminal portions 522 and 532 of the first and second branch breakers 52 and 53, respectively, with male screws. In this embodiment, the plug-in terminal 10 has the same configuration as that shown in Figs. 1 to 3, and the same reference numerals as those of the plug-in terminal 10 of the first embodiment described above are used, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 20 , three branch breakers 52, 53, and 54 have housings 521, 531, and 541 with different widths W1, W2, and W3. For example, the width W1 of the housing 521 of the first branch breaker 52 is 105 mm. The width W2 of the housing 531 of the second branch breaker 53 is 90 mm. The width W3 of the housing 541 of the third branch breaker 54 is 75 mm. Widths of 105 mm, 90 mm, and 75 mm are common to many breaker products popular in Japan. Specifically, the inventors of the present invention investigated breaker products in Japan and found that the widths of breaker products published by Japanese manufacturers are often either 105 mm, 90 mm, or 75 mm. The present applicant also manufactures and sells multiple breaker products with widths of 105 mm, 90 mm, and 75 mm.

[0056] The distribution board 5 of this embodiment is characterized by the dimensions of each insertion opening 423 of the bar holder 42 constituting the busbar unit 4 and each terminal element 110 of the plug-in terminal 10. In this embodiment, the dimensions of the insertion opening 423 and the terminal elements 110 are designed taking into consideration the different width dimensions W1, W2, W3 of the housings 521, 531, 541 of the three branch breakers 52, 53, 54. The characteristic dimensions of the insertion opening 423 and the terminal elements 110 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 20 , the distance L1 between the centers C1 of two adjacent insertion openings 423 of the bar holder 42 is an integer multiple of the greatest common divisor X of the width dimensions W1, W2, and W3 of the housings 521, 531, and 541 of the three branch breakers 52, 53, and 54. As described above, the width dimension W1 is 105 mm, the width dimension W2 is 90 mm, and the width dimension W3 is 75 mm. Therefore, the greatest common divisor X of the width dimensions W1, W2, and W3 is 15 mm. In this embodiment, the distance L1 between the centers C1 of two adjacent insertion openings 423 is 30 mm, which is twice the greatest common divisor X (15 mm). The distance L1 is equal to the sum of the width dimension of one insertion opening 423 and the thickness dimension of the first wall portion 421 separating the two insertion openings 423.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 21, the distance L2 between the center C2 of one half of the terminal element 110 of each plug-in terminal 10 and the center C1 of the insertion opening 423 into which this one half of the terminal element 110 is inserted is set to 0.5 times the greatest common divisor X.

[0059] Due to the above-mentioned relationships of greatest common divisor X, distance L1=2X, and distance L2=0.5X, it is possible to install three branch breakers 52, 53, 54 having housings 521, 531, 541 with different widths W1, W2, W3 side by side without any gaps. As shown in Fig. 20, each of the plug-in terminals 10 of the first and second branch breakers 52, 53 and the plug-in terminal 60 of the third branch breaker 54 is inserted into one insertion opening 423 or straddling two adjacent insertion openings 423.

[0060] Here, the width dimension W1 of the housing 521 of the first branch breaker 52 is an odd multiple (7X) of the greatest common divisor X. In such a first branch breaker 52, at least one plug-in terminal 10 is configured to be inserted halfway across two adjacent insertion openings 423. As a result, half of the plug-in terminal 10 of the second branch breaker 53 adjacent to the first branch breaker 52 is inserted into one insertion opening 423 into which half of the plug-in terminal 10 of the first branch breaker 52 is inserted.

[0061] 7. Action and Effects Each plug-in terminal 10 according to the first to third embodiments is composed of two terminal elements 110 arranged with their back surfaces facing each other. Each terminal element 110 is manufactured by bending a metal plate in the front and back directions. Therefore, each plug-in terminal 10 according to the first to third embodiments can be easily manufactured using a general-purpose press brake.

[0062] Furthermore, the plug-in terminal 10 according to the first and second embodiments is provided with two support members 130, which allows a biasing force to be generated in the first inclined portion 112 and the second inclined portion 113 of each terminal element 110. Therefore, the plug-in terminal 10 according to the first and second embodiments is provided with two support members 130, which allows the contact pressure of the two contact portions 114 to be maintained satisfactorily for a long period of time.

[0063] The plug-in adapter 1 according to this embodiment is configured to house multiple plug-in terminals 10 in a case 20 that can be separated into a lower case element 210 and an upper case element 220. The terminal elements 110 of each plug-in terminal 10 protrude from three openings 21A, 21B, and 21C formed by combining the lower case element 210 and the upper case element 220. Therefore, in the plug-in adapter 1 according to this embodiment, each plug-in terminal 10 can be easily replaced by simply removing the upper case element 220 from the lower case element 210.

[0064] The distribution board 5 according to this embodiment includes a bar holder 42 that holds four bus bars 41. The bar holder 42 is formed with a plurality of insertion openings 423 that allow access to each bus bar 41. The length of each insertion opening 423 is such that the distance between the centers C1 of two adjacent insertion openings 423 is twice the greatest common divisor X of the width dimensions W1, W2, and W3 of the housings 521, 531, and 541 of the three branch breakers 52, 53, and 54. Therefore, the distribution board 5 according to this embodiment can install the three branch breakers 52, 53, and 54 having housings 521, 531, and 541 with different width dimensions W1, W2, and W3 side by side without any gaps, thereby enabling miniaturization by reducing dead space. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1 plug-in adapter 10 Plug-in terminals 110 Terminal Elements 111 Fixed part 111a Through hole 112 1st slope 113 2nd slope part 114 Contact point 115 First notch 116 Second notch 120 Electrical Conductor 121 1st fixed part 121a 1st through hole 122 Second fixed part 122a 2nd through hole 130 Support member 131 Fixed support part 131a Through hole 132 1st inclined support part 133 Second inclined support part 141 Female thread 142 Male thread 20 cases 21 Front wall 21A 1st opening 21B 2nd opening 21C 3rd opening 210 Lower case element 211 1st front wall element 212 First Aperture Element 213 First insulating wall 213a Horizontal wall element (1st wall element) 213b, 213c, 213d Vertical wall element (second wall element) 214 Third notch 215 1st protrusion 220 Upper case element 221 2nd front wall element 222 Second Aperture Element 223 Second insulating wall 223a Horizontal wall element (3rd wall element) 223b, 223c, 223d Vertical wall element (4th wall element) 224 Fourth notch 225 2nd protrusion 3 Breaker (power distribution equipment) 31 Housing 32 Terminal section 33 Male thread 4 Busbar Unit 41 Busbar 42 Bar holder 421 1st wall section 422 2nd wall section 423 Insertion port 424 Protection Department 43 Top cover 5 Distribution board 51 Main breaker 52 First branch breaker (power distribution equipment) 521 Housing 522 Terminal section 53 Second branch breaker (power distribution equipment) 531 Housing 532 Terminal section 54 Third branch breaker (power distribution equipment) 541 Housing 542 Terminal section 60 plug-in terminals C1 Center of insertion slot C2 Center of half of terminal element D Depth of insertion slot L1 Distance between the centers of two adjacent insertion slots L2 The distance between the center of the half of the terminal element and the center of the insertion opening into which this half of the terminal element is inserted. W1, W2, W3 Housing width dimensions X is the greatest common denominator of the housing width dimensions

Claims

1. A plug-in terminal for electrically connecting a power distribution device to a bus bar for supplying electric power by a plug-in method, two terminal elements formed by bending a first metal plate in a front surface direction and a back surface direction thereof; and an electric conductor for electrically connecting each terminal element to the power distribution device; Each terminal element includes a fixed portion located on one end side, a first inclined portion continuous with the fixed portion and bent from the fixed portion toward the front surface, a second inclined portion continuous with the first inclined portion and bent from the first inclined portion toward the back surface, and a contact portion continuous with the second inclined portion and located on the other end side, A plug-in terminal in which each terminal element is arranged with its back surface facing each other and is fixed in a state in which one end of the electrical conductor is clamped between the two fixing portions, thereby forming a gap between the two contact portions into which the bus bar can be inserted.

2. two support members formed by bending a second metal plate in a direction toward its surface; Each support member includes a fixed support portion located on one end side, and a first inclined support portion that is continuous with the fixed support portion and bent from the fixed support portion toward the surface, The plug-in terminal according to claim 1 , wherein each support member is fixed to one end of the electrical conductor together with each terminal element in a state where the support member is superimposed on the surfaces of the fixing portion and the first inclined portion of each terminal element.

3. two support members formed by bending a second metal plate in a front surface direction and a back surface direction thereof; each support member includes a fixed support portion located on one end side, a first inclined support portion continuous with the fixed support portion and bent from the fixed support portion toward the front surface, and a second inclined support portion continuous with the first inclined support portion and bent from the first inclined support portion toward the back surface, 2. The plug-in terminal according to claim 1, wherein each support member is fixed to one end side of the electrical conductor together with each terminal element in a state where the support member is superimposed on the surfaces of the fixing portion, the first inclined portion, and the second inclined portion of each terminal element.

4. A plug-in connection structure comprising: a plurality of bus bars for supplying electric power; a bar holder for holding the bus bars horizontally and spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction; and the plug-in terminal according to claim 3, the bar holder is made of an insulating material and includes a plurality of first wall portions extending vertically, a plurality of second wall portions extending horizontally, and a plurality of insertion openings partitioned by the first wall portions and the second wall portions, and each bus bar can be accessed through each insertion opening; A plug-in connection structure in which the second inclined portion of each terminal element constituting the plug-in terminal has a length that exceeds the depth dimension of the insertion opening of the bar holder, thereby preventing each support member superimposed on each terminal element from contacting the first wall portion and the second wall portion when the plug-in terminal is inserted into the insertion opening.

Images