Connection Adapter and Method for Fixing Connection Adapter

Abstract

To provide a connection adapter that is highly versatile, can be attached and detached easily, and is not detached easily from a breaker, and to provide a fixing method of the connection adapter.SOLUTION: A connection adapter 1 is connected to a breaker 100 having each groove section 102 in which respective breaker terminals 103 are disposed, and includes an adapter body 2 having a first connection terminal body 10 in which a first terminal 11 is provided, a second connection terminal body 20 that includes a second terminal 21 and can travel to a side of the first connection terminal body 10, and a spring 12C provided between the first connection terminal body 10 and the second connection terminal body 20, and a first measurement cord 3A electrically connected to the first connection terminal body 10 and a second measurement cord 3B electrically connected to the second connection terminal 20, and elastic force of the spring 12C is applied to the second connection terminal body 20 in a direction opposite to the side of the first connection terminal body 10 when the second connection terminal body 20 is moved to the side of the first connection terminal body 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection adapter used by connecting to a breaker and a method for fixing the connection adapter.

Background Art

[0002] In order to check electrical conditions such as insulation and power quality, the test cord of an electrical measuring instrument is brought into contact with the breaker terminals, and the breaker is electrically maintained and inspected. So far, the confirmation of the breaker by an electrical measuring instrument has been performed by gripping the breaker terminals with an alligator clip and connecting the connection cord of the electrical measuring instrument to the breaker terminals, or by forming the end of the connection cord with a magnet and adsorbing and connecting this end to the breaker terminals. However, when the area where the breaker terminals are arranged is narrow, it is difficult to grip with an alligator clip, and when a magnet is used, it easily comes off when an external force is applied.

[0003] Regarding the connection between an electrical measuring instrument and breaker terminals, various means have been disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1). The measuring adapter described in Patent Document 1 is electrically connected to the measuring-side connection portion, and is disposed so as to penetrate slidably at a position corresponding to the energization terminal portion of the cover member, and the tip contacts the energization terminal portion of the measurement object and is electrically connected. A rod-shaped member, a covering member provided outside the cover member, covering the rod-shaped member and the measuring-side connection portion, and having an opening formed at a position corresponding to the measuring-side connection portion into which a measuring terminal is inserted and can be connected to the measuring-side connection portion, and disposed on the rod-shaped member, and a spring member that presses the rod-shaped member toward the energization terminal portion. With this measuring adapter, the measuring terminal can be easily connected to the measuring-side connection portion through the opening of the covering member, so that it is prevented from contacting other parts of the measuring adapter, and the measuring terminal of the measuring instrument can be safely connected to the energization terminal portion exposed to the outside to perform measurements such as voltage.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-180680 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] For the measuring adapter described in Patent Document 1, after attaching the cover member, the measuring terminal, which is an alligator clip, is connected to the measurement-side connection portion through the opening of the covering member, which causes laboriousness. In addition, the sizes of breakers and the distances between breaker terminals vary. When using the above-described measuring adapter or the like, it is necessary to manufacture a product suitable for the size of the breaker and the distance between breaker terminals each time, and the versatility is poor. Currently, regarding the connection between an electrical measuring instrument and a breaker terminal, there is a demand for an adapter and a fixing method of the adapter that have high versatility, can be easily attached and detached, and do not easily come off from the breaker.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a connection adapter and a fixing method of the connection adapter that have high versatility, can be easily attached and detached, and do not easily come off from the breaker. Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The connection adapter according to the present invention is connected to a breaker having a first groove portion in which a first breaker terminal body is disposed and a second groove portion in which a second breaker terminal body is disposed, and includes a first connection terminal body provided with a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal body provided with a second connection terminal and movable toward the first connection terminal body side, and an elastic member provided between the first connection terminal body and the second connection terminal body. The adapter body has a first measurement cord electrically connected to the first connection terminal body and a second measurement cord electrically connected to the second connection terminal. When the second connection terminal body is moved toward the first connection terminal body side, an elastic force of the elastic member is applied to the second connection terminal body in a direction opposite to the first connection terminal body side.

[0008] The connection adapter according to the present invention is characterized in that a first spring member that presses a first connection terminal toward a first breaker terminal side is provided inside a first connection terminal body, and a second spring member that presses a second connection terminal toward a second breaker terminal side is provided inside a second connection terminal body.

[0009] The connection adapter according to the present invention is characterized in that a first connection terminal and a first measurement cord, and a second connection terminal and a second measurement cord are each connected by a flexible wire, and the wire is provided in a curved state.

[0010] The connection adapter according to the present invention is characterized in that conductive cap members each having a flat plate portion are provided at the tip portions of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal.

[0011] The connection adapter according to the present invention is characterized in that a slide portion is formed in a first connection terminal body, a slide member inserted into the slide portion is provided in a second connection terminal body, and a pressing portion is formed in an adapter body. By pressing the pressing portion, the second connection terminal body is slid toward the first connection terminal body side.

[0012] The connection adapter according to the present invention is characterized in that a rubber member is provided at least on a side portion of the second connection terminal body, and when fixed to a breaker, the second connection terminal body abuts against a second groove portion via the rubber member.

[0013] The fixing method of the connection adapter according to the present invention is a method of fixing the above connection adapter to a breaker. By the elastic force of the elastic member, the first connection terminal body presses the wall portion of the first groove portion, and the second connection terminal body presses the wall portion of the second groove portion, thereby being fixed to the breaker. In a state where the second connection terminal body is moved toward the first connection terminal body side, the first connection terminal body is fitted into the first groove portion, and the second connection terminal body is fitted into the second groove portion. By doing so, the first spring member presses the first connection terminal toward the first breaker terminal side, and the second spring member presses the second connection terminal toward the second breaker terminal side, so that the first connection terminal is electrically connected to the first breaker terminal, and the second connection terminal is electrically connected to the second breaker terminal, respectively.

Effect of the Invention

[0014] The connection adapter according to the present invention has an adapter body having a first connection terminal body provided with a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal body provided with a second connection terminal and movable toward the first connection terminal body side, and an elastic member provided between the first connection terminal body and the second connection terminal body. When the second connection terminal body is moved toward the first connection terminal body side, the elastic force of the elastic member is applied to the second connection terminal body in the direction opposite to the first connection terminal body side. The connection adapter according to the present invention can be operated with one hand and can be connected to a plurality of breaker terminals at the same time, so that no labor is required. By using the above elastic member, this connection adapter can be surely fixed to the breaker and can be easily attached to and detached from the breaker. Further, the connection adapter according to the present invention can easily adjust the position of the connection terminal body according to the shape of the breaker, so that it can correspond to all breaker sizes and has high versatility.

[0015] The fixing method of the connection adapter according to the present invention is such that the first connection terminal body presses the wall portion of the first groove portion, and the second connection terminal body presses the wall portion of the second groove portion, respectively, by the elastic force of the elastic member of the connection adapter. Therefore, the connection adapter can be reliably fixed to the breaker, and the connection adapter can be prevented from coming off the breaker. Further, in the fixing method of the connection adapter according to the present invention, with the second connection terminal body moved to the first connection terminal body side, the first connection terminal body is fitted into the first groove portion, and the second connection terminal body is fitted into the second groove portion, respectively. Thus, the first spring member presses the first connection terminal toward the first breaker terminal side, and the second spring member presses the second connection terminal toward the second breaker terminal side. Therefore, the first connection terminal is reliably electrically connected to the first breaker terminal, and the second connection terminal is reliably electrically connected to the second breaker terminal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] The connection adapter according to this embodiment is fixed to and connected to electrical equipment or a leakage circuit breaker. In this embodiment, the object to be connected is a breaker, which is a leakage circuit breaker, and will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. Note that the front-rear direction X, the left-right direction Y, and the height direction Z are defined based on the state of the connection adapter in FIG. 2.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the breaker 100 includes a breaker body 101, three groove portions 102 formed at the end of the breaker body 101, and connection terminals (breaker terminals) 103 fixed to these groove portions 102. This connection terminal 103 is formed by a screw.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the connection adapter 1 includes an adapter body 2 and a plurality of measurement cords 3 connected to the adapter body 2. A plug 4 is attached to the tip of each measurement cord 3 (FIG. 6), and these plugs 4 are connected to a measuring instrument (not shown). As shown in FIG. 4(a), the adapter body 2 includes a first connection terminal body 10 having a first terminal (first connection terminal) 11, a second connection terminal body 20 having a second terminal (second connection terminal) 21 and disposed on one side of the first connection terminal body 10, and a third connection terminal body 30 having a third terminal (third connection terminal) 31 and disposed on the other side of the first connection terminal body 10. The second connection terminal body 20 and the third connection terminal body 30 are disposed opposite to each other with the first connection terminal body 10 interposed therebetween. The width of each connection terminal body 10, 20, 30 is designed to be smaller than the width of the corresponding groove portion 102 of the breaker 100. Further, a first measurement cord 3A is connected to the first connection terminal body 10, a second measurement cord 3B is connected to the second connection terminal body 20, and a third measurement cord 3C is connected to the third connection terminal body 30, respectively.

[0020] The first connection terminal body 10 has a housing 12 and a plate member 12A provided in front of the housing 12. As shown in Fig. 4(a), two slide holes 12B are formed in the plate member 12A. A slide member (movable piece) 22A of the second connection terminal body 20 is inserted into one of the slide holes 12B, and a slide member (movable piece) 32A of the third connection terminal body 30 shown in Fig. 4(b) is inserted into the other slide hole 12B. The second connection terminal body 20 and the third connection terminal body 30 are connected to the first connection terminal body 10.

[0021] The second connection terminal body 20 has a housing 22, a slide member 22A formed at the lower part of the housing 22, a pressing part 28 formed at the right side part in front of the housing 22, and a pair of partition pieces 22B formed at the left side part in front of the housing 22 (Fig. 4(a)). A spring 12C is provided between the partition pieces 22B. Also, a rubber member 29 is provided at the right side part of the second connection terminal body 20.

[0022] The third connection terminal body 30 has a housing 32, a slide member 32A, a pressing part 38 formed at the left side part in front of the housing 32, and a pair of partition pieces 32B formed at the right side part in front of the housing 32. A spring 12D is provided between the partition pieces 32B. A rubber member 39 is provided at the left side part of the third connection terminal body 30.

[0023] The second connection terminal body 20 and the third connection terminal body 30 can slide in the left - right direction Y by the respective slide members 22A, 32A moving in the respective slide holes 12B. Also, the springs 12C, 12D as elastic members are provided on the plate member 12A. The spring 12C is provided between the first connection terminal body 10 and the second connection terminal body 20, and the spring 12D is provided between the first connection terminal body 10 and the third connection terminal body 30 respectively. These springs 12C, 12D expand and contract in the left - right direction Y. Therefore, when the second connection terminal body 20 is slid toward the first connection terminal body 10 side, an elastic force of the spring 12C is applied to the second connection terminal body 20 in the right direction opposite to the first connection terminal body 10 side. When the third connection terminal body 30 is slid toward the first connection terminal body 10 side, an elastic force of the spring 12D is applied to the third connection terminal body 30 in the left direction opposite to the first connection terminal body 10 side.

[0024] Next, the internal structure of the first connection terminal body 10 will be described. Note that since the internal structures of the second connection terminal body 20 and the third connection terminal body 30 are the same as that of the first connection terminal body 10 except for the shape of the internal space, the description of the internal structures of the second connection terminal body 20 and the third connection terminal body 30 will be omitted.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 5(a), the inside of the first connection terminal body 10 is partitioned into a first space 10A and a second space 10B. The first space 10A occupies most of the internal space, and the second space 10B is formed at the lower rear of the housing 12. Inside the first connection terminal body 10, there are provided a rod-shaped first terminal 11 having a stopper portion 18, a spring member 13 provided around the first terminal 11, a wire 14 connected to the first measurement cord 3A, and a crimp terminal 15 connecting the wire 14 and the first terminal 11. Further, a conductive cap member 16 having a flat circular plate 16A is attached to the tip of the first terminal 11. The conductive cap member 16, the first terminal 11, the crimp terminal 15, the wire 14, and the first measurement cord 3A are electrically connected.

[0026] The first terminal 11 is disposed outside the housing 12, in the second space 10B, and in the first space 10A. Specifically, one tip of the first terminal 11 is exposed on the first space 10A side, and the other tip is exposed outside the housing 12. The tip side of the first terminal 11 exposed outside the housing 12 contacts the connection terminal 103 of the breaker 100. A compression coil spring is used for the spring member 13, and a spring member 13 having a natural length substantially the same as the height of the second space 10B is used. Note that the second terminal 21 and the third terminal 31 also have a similar structure.

[0027] The tip of the first measurement cord 3A and the wire 14 are connected by soldering, and a heat shrinkable tube 17 is provided around the connection portion. A flexible wire can be used for the wire 14, and it is connected to the first measurement cord 3A and the crimp terminal 15 in a state of being curved in an S shape. The area of the circular plate 16A is larger than the cross-sectional area of the first terminal 11, and this circular plate 16A is in surface contact with the connection terminal 103.

[0028] Next, a fixing method for fixing the connection adapter 1 according to the present embodiment to the breaker 100 and a connection method for connecting the respective terminals 11, 21, 31 to the connection terminal 103 of the breaker 100 will be described.

[0029] First, the pressing portion 28 of the second connection terminal body 20 is pressed leftward, and the pressing portion 38 of the third connection terminal body 30 is pressed rightward (FIG. 2). Then, while sliding the second connection terminal body 20 and the third connection terminal body 30 toward the first connection terminal body 10 side, the positions of the respective connection terminal bodies 10, 20, 30 are adjusted to match the shape of the breaker 100 so as to correspond to the position of the groove portion 102 of the breaker 100. When sliding, an elastic force is applied to the second connection terminal body 20 from the spring 12C in the rightward direction, and an elastic force is applied to the third connection terminal body 30 from the spring 12D in the leftward direction. The sliding of the second connection terminal body 20 and the third connection terminal body 30 is performed with one hand.

[0030] Next, the respective connection terminal bodies 10, 20, 30 whose positions have been adjusted are respectively fitted into the corresponding groove portions 102, and the pressing on the pressing portions 28, 38 is released. Then, due to the elastic forces of the springs 12C, 12D, the second connection terminal body 20 presses the wall portion of the fitted groove portion 102 via the rubber member 29, and similarly, the third connection terminal body 30 presses the wall portion of the fitted groove portion 102 via the rubber member 39, whereby the connection adapter 1 is fixed to the breaker 100 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0031] When each connection terminal body 10, 20, 30 is fitted into each groove portion 102, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the conductive cap material 16 (circular plate 16A) exposed to the outside abuts against the connection terminal 103, and further, the first terminal 11 is pushed upward. When the first terminal 11 is pushed upward, the first terminal 11 is pushed into the second space 10B, the spring member 13 contracts, and an elastic force is applied downward from the spring member 13 to the stopper portion 18 of the first terminal 11. Then, the conductive cap material 16 attached to the first terminal 11 abuts against the connection terminal 103 and is electrically connected. Also, the second terminal 21 and the third terminal 31 are also abutted against the connection terminal 103 by the same mechanism.

[0032] Next, the operation and effect of the connection adapter 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0033] The connection adapter 1 according to the present embodiment can slide the second connection terminal body 20 and the third connection terminal body 30 toward the first connection terminal body 10 side, adjust the positions of the connection terminal bodies 10, 20, 30, and fit the connection terminal bodies 10, 20, 30 into the corresponding groove portions 102, respectively. At this time, due to the elastic forces of the springs 12C and 12D, the second connection terminal body 20 and the third connection terminal body 30 press the wall portions of the groove portions 102, so that the connection adapter 1 is fixed to the breaker 100. Therefore, the connection adapter 1 is firmly fixed to the breaker 100 and does not easily come off from the breaker 100. Accordingly, the state in which the connection adapter 1 is connected to the breaker 100 (a fitting state that does not easily come off) can be maintained for a long time, and it is possible to prevent re-measurement during the recording of the inspection.

[0034] The connection adapter 1 can be operated with one hand, can be simultaneously connected to the three connection terminals 103 of the breaker 100, and the other hand can be used to operate the measuring instrument, so that no labor is involved. This connection adapter 1 can be easily fixed to the breaker 100 regardless of the proficiency of the user. Also, when removing the connection adapter 1, it can be easily removed by pressing the pressing portions 28 and 38 again, and the connection adapter 1 can be easily attached to and detached from the breaker 100.

[0035] Since the connection adapter 1 according to this embodiment can easily adjust the positions of the respective connection terminal bodies 10, 20, and 30, it can be used for breakers with different intervals between the connection terminals 103 and can accommodate all breaker sizes, so it has high versatility.

[0036] In the connection adapter 1 according to this embodiment, when each connection terminal body 10, 20, 30 is fitted into each groove portion 102 and the first terminal 11 is pushed upward, an elastic force is applied downward from the spring member 13 to the stopper portion 18 of the first terminal 11. Then, the conductive cap material 16 is surely brought into contact with the connection terminal 103 and electrically connected. In this way, since the first terminal 11 is always pressed against the connection terminal 103 by the spring member 13, it is possible to prevent poor contact. Similarly, the second terminal 21 and the third terminal 31 are also always pressed against the connection terminal 103.

[0037] Since the first terminal 11 of the connection adapter 1 according to this embodiment is attached with a conductive cap material 16 having a circular plate 16A larger than the cross-sectional area of the first terminal 11, it makes surface contact with each connection terminal 103 and is surely electrically connected. Further, since this conductive cap material 16 can be attached and detached, it can be easily replaced when worn.

[0038] In the connection adapter 1, the wire 14 is connected to the first measurement cord 3A and the crimp terminal 15 in a state of being bent in an S shape and can easily move upward and downward. Therefore, the upward and downward movement of the first terminal 11 becomes smooth. When the connection adapter 1 is fixed to the breaker 100, the rubber members 29, 39 on the side portions of the second connection terminal body 20 and the third connection terminal body 30 are in close contact with the wall portions of the respective groove portions 102. Since the rubber members 29, 39 have a large friction coefficient, the adhesion between the side portions of the second connection terminal body 20 and the third connection terminal body 30 and the respective groove portions 102 can be increased, and the connection adapter 1 can be firmly fixed to the breaker 100.

[0039] The springs 12C and 12D, which are elastic members, constantly apply a force that spreads in the left - right direction Y to the second connection terminal body 20 and the third connection terminal body 30. Then, in the fixing method of the connection adapter 1, since the second connection terminal body 20 and the third connection terminal body 30 press the wall portions of the respective groove portions 102, the connection adapter 1 can be securely fixed to the breaker 100.

[0040] Also, by fitting each connection terminal body 10, 20, 30 into each groove portion 102, a force is applied to each terminal 11, 21, 31 from the spring member 13 provided around it toward the connection terminal 103 side (downward) of the breaker 100. Then, each connection terminal body 10, 20, 30 is pressure - welded to the connection terminal 103. Therefore, in the connection method of the connection adapter 1, each connection terminal body 10, 20, 30 and the connection terminal 103 can be securely electrically connected.

[0041] As described above, the present embodiment has been explained. However, in addition to this, as long as the gist of the present invention is not deviated from, it is possible to select the configurations exemplified in the above - described embodiment or to appropriately change to other configurations. For example, in the present embodiment, a configuration for moving the connection terminal bodies on both sides has been described, but it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which only the connection terminal body on one side is slid.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0042] 1 Connection adapter 2 Adapter body 3 Measurement code 3A First measurement code 3B Second measurement code 3C Third measurement code 4 Plug 10 First connection terminal body 10A First space 10B Second space 11 First terminal (first connection terminal) 12, 22, 32 Housing 12A Plate material 12B Slide hole 12C, 12D Spring 13 Spring member 14 Wire 15 Crimp terminal 16 Conductive cap material 16A Circular plate 17 Heat shrinkable tube 18 Stopper part 20 Second connection terminal body 21 Second terminal (second connection terminal) 22A, 32A Slide member (movable piece) 22B, 32B Partition piece 28, 38 Pressing part 29, 39 Rubber member 30 Third connection terminal body 31 Third terminal (third connection terminal) 100 Breaker 101 Breaker body 102 Groove part 103 Connection terminal (breaker terminal) X Front - rear direction Y Left - right direction Z Height direction

Claims

1. A connection adapter connected to a breaker having a first groove portion in which a first breaker terminal is disposed and a second groove portion in which a second breaker terminal is disposed, including an adapter body having a first connection terminal body provided with a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal body provided with a second connection terminal and movable toward the first connection terminal body side, and an elastic member provided between the first connection terminal body and the second connection terminal body, a first measurement cord electrically connected to the first connection terminal body and a second measurement cord electrically connected to the second connection terminal, wherein when the second connection terminal body is moved toward the first connection terminal body side, an elastic force of the elastic member is applied to the second connection terminal body in a direction opposite to the first connection terminal body side, characterized in that it is a connection adapter.

2. A first spring member that presses the first connection terminal toward the first breaker terminal side is provided inside the first connection terminal body, a second spring member that presses the second connection terminal toward the second breaker terminal side is provided inside the second connection terminal body, characterized in that it is the connection adapter according to claim 1.

3. The first connection terminal and the first measurement cord, and the second connection terminal and the second measurement cord are each connected by a flexible wire, and this wire is provided in a curved state, characterized in that it is the connection adapter according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. Conductive cap members having flat plate portions are respectively provided at the tip ends of the first connection terminal body and the second connection terminal body, characterized in that it is the connection adapter according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. A slide hole is formed in the first connection terminal body, a slide member inserted into the slide hole is provided in the second connection terminal body, and a pressing portion is formed in the adapter body, by pressing this pressing portion, the second connection terminal body is slid toward the first connection terminal body side, characterized in that it is the connection adapter according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. A rubber member is provided at least on the side portion of the second connection terminal body, when fixed to the breaker, the second connection terminal body abuts against the second groove portion via the rubber member, characterized in that it is the connection adapter according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. A method for fixing a connection adapter according to claim 2 to the breaker, Press the second connection terminal body, move the second connection terminal body toward the first connection terminal body, and then fit the first connection terminal body into the first groove portion and the second connection terminal body into the second groove portion. After that, release the pressure applied to the second connection terminal. Due to the elastic force of the elastic member, the first connection terminal body presses against the wall portion of the first groove portion, and the second connection terminal body presses against the wall portion of the second groove portion, and the connection adapter is fixed to the breaker. The first spring member presses the first connection terminal toward the first breaker terminal, and the second spring member presses the second connection terminal toward the second breaker terminal, so that the first connection terminal is electrically connected to the first breaker terminal and the second connection terminal is electrically connected to the second breaker terminal, respectively. A method for fixing a connection adapter, characterized by the above.

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