Circuit breakers and distribution boards

Abstract

To provide a circuit breaker capable of improving the workability of assembly work.SOLUTION: A circuit breaker A1 includes: one or more main contacts (fixed contacts 20A, 20B, movable contacts 21A, 21B); a switching mechanism 4 that opens and closes the main contact; a second tripping device 6 that automatically opens the main contact by releasing the switching mechanism 4; an anomaly detection unit 7; a support member 8; and a body 1. The anomaly detection unit 7 has a first circuit board 71 and a second circuit board 72 and controls the second tripping device 6 so that te main contact is automatically opened when an abnormality is detected in the wiring to which a main contact is electrically connected. The support member 8 supports the first circuit board 71 and the second circuit board 72. The body 1 accommodates the main contacts, the switching mechanism 4, the second tripping device 6, the anomaly detection unit 7, and the support member 8. The support member 8 has a fixed portion 820 fixed to the body 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a circuit breaker and a distribution board, and more particularly to a circuit breaker having a circuit board housed in a case, and a distribution board having the circuit breaker as an internal device. [Background technology]

[0002] As a conventional example, the earth leakage breaker (circuit breaker) described in Patent Document 1 is exemplified. The earth leakage breaker described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as the conventional example) houses an earth leakage detection unit having a circuit board in a case. A zero-phase current transformer (ZCT) is attached to the circuit board of the earth leakage detection unit. The circuit board is supported by the case so that its longitudinal ends are fitted into grooves provided in the inner wall of the case. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-129112 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the case of a structure in which the circuit boards are directly supported by the case (housing) as in the above-mentioned conventional example, as the number of circuit boards increases, there is a high possibility that the workability of the assembly work will decrease.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a circuit breaker and a distribution board that can improve the workability of assembly work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A circuit breaker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes one or more main contacts, a switching mechanism for opening and closing the main contacts, a trip device for automatically opening the main contacts by releasing the switching mechanism, an abnormality detection device, a support member for supporting the circuit board, and a housing. The abnormality detection device has one or more circuit boards and controls the trip device to automatically open the main contacts when it detects an abnormality in wiring electrically connected to the main contacts. The housing accommodates the main contacts, the switching mechanism, the trip device, the abnormality detection device, and the support member. The support member has a fixing portion that is fixed to the housing. The abnormality detection device includes a plurality of the circuit boards arranged on either side of the support member, and one or more electric wires electrically connecting the plurality of circuit boards to each other. The support member has an electric wire support portion that supports the electric wires. A circuit breaker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes one or more main contacts, a switching mechanism for opening and closing the main contacts, a tripping device for automatically opening the main contacts by releasing the switching mechanism, an abnormality detection device, a support member for supporting the circuit board, and a housing. The abnormality detection device has one or more circuit boards and controls the tripping device to automatically open the main contacts when it detects an abnormality in wiring electrically connected to the main contacts. The housing accommodates the main contacts, the switching mechanism, the tripping device, the abnormality detection device, and the support member. The support member has a fixing portion fixed to the housing. The abnormality detection device includes: an indicator element mounted on the circuit board that uses light to indicate whether an abnormality in the wiring has been detected; and a light-guiding member made of a light-guiding material that guides the light emitted from the indicator element and radiates it outside the housing. The support member has a light-guiding member support portion that supports the light-guiding member. A circuit breaker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes one or more main contacts, a switching mechanism for opening and closing the main contacts, a trip device for automatically opening the main contacts by releasing the switching mechanism, an abnormality detection device, a support member for supporting the circuit board, and a housing. The abnormality detection device has one or more circuit boards and controls the trip device to automatically open the main contacts when it detects an abnormality in wiring electrically connected to the main contacts. The housing accommodates the main contacts, the switching mechanism, the trip device, the abnormality detection device, and the support member. The support member has a fixing portion fixed to the housing and a support portion for supporting the trip device.

[0007] A distribution board according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a main switch, a plurality of branch switches, and a cabinet that houses the main switch and the plurality of branch switches, wherein at least one of the main switch and the plurality of branch switches is the circuit breaker. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The circuit breaker and distribution board of the present disclosure have the advantage of being able to improve the workability of assembly work. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the circuit breaker. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the circuit breaker in a closed state, with the cover omitted. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the main parts of the circuit breaker in a closed state, with the cover omitted. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the circuit breaker in a closed state, with the body omitted. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a plan view of the main parts of the circuit breaker in a closed state, with the body omitted. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the circuit breaker in an open state, with the cover omitted. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the circuit breaker in an open state, with the body omitted. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second tripping device in the circuit breaker. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the second tripping device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a circuit block diagram of the abnormality detection device in the circuit breaker of the above embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the abnormality detection device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the second tripping device and the abnormality detection device assembled together, with some of the coils and wires omitted. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a front view showing the state in which the second tripping device and the abnormality detection device are assembled, with some of the coils and wires omitted. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a rear view showing the state in which the second tripping device and the abnormality detection device are assembled, with some of the coils and wires omitted. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a left side view showing the second tripping device and the abnormality detection device assembled together, with some of the coils and wires omitted. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a right side view showing the state in which the second tripping device and the abnormality detection device are assembled, with some of the coils and wires omitted. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the circuit breaker, in which some of the coils and wires are omitted. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a front view of a distribution board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Circuit breakers and distribution boards according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Note that the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0011] (1) Overview A circuit breaker A1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes one or more main contacts, a switching mechanism 4 for opening and closing the main contacts, a tripping device for releasing the switching mechanism 4 to automatically open the main contacts, an abnormality detection device 7, a support member 8, and a housing 1 (see FIG. 2).

[0012] The abnormality detection device 7 has one or more circuit boards, and controls the tripping device so as to automatically open the main contacts when it detects that an abnormality has occurred in the wiring to which the main contacts are electrically connected.

[0013] The support member 8 supports the circuit board. The housing 1 accommodates the main contacts, the switching mechanism 4, the tripping device, the abnormality detection device 7, and the support member 8. The support member 8 has a fixing portion 820 that is fixed to the housing 1.

[0014] The main contacts include fixed contacts 20A and 20B and movable contacts 21A and 21B. The movable contacts 21A and 21B are in detachable contact with the fixed contacts 20A and 20B. The opening / closing mechanism 4 is configured to move the movable contacts 21A and 21B from an open position (a position where a specified spatial distance is ensured from the fixed contacts 20A and 20B: see FIGS. 7 and 8) to a closed position (a position where the movable contacts 21A and 21B are in contact with the fixed contacts 20A and 20B to ensure a specified electrical continuity: see FIGS. 3 and 5), and from the closed position to the open position.

[0015] The abnormality detection device 7 is configured to detect abnormalities in the wiring, such as a ground fault, a neutral conductor open-phase fault, or an arc fault. A ground fault is a condition in which a ground fault exceeding a specified value flows from the wiring to the ground due to poor insulation or the like. A neutral conductor open-phase fault is a condition in which a neutral conductor in a single-phase three-wire circuit loses a phase for some reason, causing a voltage exceeding 100 V to be applied to a 100 V load device connected between the voltage siding and the neutral conductor.

[0016] In the present disclosure, an "arc fault" may occur due to an abnormality such as insulation deterioration or partial disconnection of an insulator in a covered electric wire used in wiring. In the present disclosure, a "partial disconnection" refers to a state in which a conductor of a wiring is partially disconnected. For example, if the conductor is a stranded wire, it refers to a state in which some of the multiple strands constituting the stranded wire are disconnected. As an example, an arc fault may include an arc discharge (so-called parallel arc discharge) occurring when a pair of conductors is short-circuited in a wiring composed of two covered electric wires. Furthermore, as another example, an arc fault may include an arc discharge (so-called series arc discharge) occurring when one of the pair of conductors is partially disconnected in a wiring composed of two covered electric wires. Note that the magnitude of the current flowing in a wiring due to a parallel arc discharge is on the order of tens to hundreds of amperes, whereas the magnitude of the current flowing in a wiring due to a series arc discharge is on the order of several amperes to 30 amperes.

[0017] The abnormality detection device 7 has one or more circuit boards (a first circuit board 71, a second circuit board 72) that constitute a circuit for detecting wiring abnormalities (e.g., arc faults), a circuit for controlling the tripping device, a power supply circuit for supplying power to these circuits, and the like.

[0018] Therefore, in the circuit breaker A1 according to the embodiment, instead of directly supporting the circuit board of the abnormality detection device 7 on the housing 1, a support member 8 is provided for supporting the circuit board, and the support member 8 is fixed to the housing 1 by a fixing portion 820 of the support member 8 (see FIG. 18). As a result, the circuit breaker A1 according to the embodiment can improve the workability of the assembly work compared to when the circuit board is directly attached to the housing 1.

[0019] 19, a distribution board B1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a main switch B10, a plurality of branch switches B11, and a cabinet B12 that houses the main switch B10 and the plurality of branch switches B11. At least one of the main switch B10 and the plurality of branch switches B11 is the circuit breaker A1 according to an embodiment.

[0020] The distribution board B1 according to the embodiment is, for example, a residential distribution board (sometimes abbreviated as residential board) used mainly as a service entrance device for a house, etc., in a single-phase three-wire 100 / 200V AC 50 Hz or 60 Hz electric circuit. However, the distribution board of the present disclosure is not limited to a residential distribution board.

[0021] The cabinet B12 is formed in a rectangular box shape and made of an electrically insulating synthetic resin material. The cabinet B12 is installed, for example, on a wall inside a house. A main switch B10 is housed at one horizontal end (left end) of the cabinet B12. Also, within the cabinet B12, a plurality of branch switches B11 are housed adjacent to (to the right of) the main switch B10, separated into two upper and lower rows. The main switch B10 and the plurality of branch switches B11 are electrically connected via a plurality of bus bars. The plurality of bus bars are made up of strip-shaped conductors (sometimes called conductive bars). The plurality of bus bars include two bus bars (voltage siding conductive bars) corresponding to two voltage sidings of a single-phase three-wire circuit and one bus bar (neutral siding conductive bar) corresponding to one neutral siding of the single-phase three-wire circuit. Of the multiple branch switches B11, the branch switch B11 that branches off a 100V branch circuit from the bus is electrically connected to the conductive bar of one voltage siding and the conductive bar of the neutral siding, and of the multiple branch switches B11, the branch switch B11 that branches off a 200V branch circuit from the bus is electrically connected to the conductive bars of two voltage sidings.

[0022] (2) Details Hereinafter, the circuit breaker A1 according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0023] The circuit breaker A1 according to the embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as the circuit breaker A1) comprises a body 1, a contact unit 2, a first terminal unit 3A, a second terminal unit 3B, an opening / closing mechanism 4, a first tripping device 5, a second tripping device 6, an abnormality detection device 7, and a support member 8 (see FIGS. 1 to 8). In the following description, the up / down, front / rear, and left / right directions indicated by arrows in FIG. 1 are defined as the up / down, front / rear, and left / right directions of the circuit breaker A1. However, the up / down, front / rear, and left / right directions of the circuit breaker A1 are defined for the sake of convenience in the description and are not intended to limit the directions in which the circuit breaker A1 is actually used.

[0024] (2-1) Body The housing 1 is generally formed in a box shape with a thickness in the front-to-rear direction that is sufficiently smaller than its height in the up-down direction and its width in the left-to-right direction. The housing 1 has a body 10 made of synthetic resin that forms the rear half of the housing 1, and a cover 11 made of synthetic resin that forms the front half of the housing 1 (see Figures 1 and 2). In other words, the housing 1 is formed by joining the body 10 and the cover 11 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0025] The first terminal unit 3A is accommodated in the left end portion of the housing 1. The second terminal unit 3B is accommodated in the right end portion of the housing 1. The contact unit 2, the switching mechanism 4, the first tripping device 5, the second tripping device 6, the abnormality detection device 7, and the support member 8 are accommodated in the housing 1 between the left end portion where the first terminal unit 3A is accommodated and the right end portion where the second terminal unit 3B is accommodated (see FIGS. 2 to 5).

[0026] The upper part of the left side surface of the housing 1 is open to expose part of the first terminal portion 3A (see FIG. 2). In addition, the right end of the housing 1 is provided with three sockets 12A, 12B, and 12C that are open on the right side, front, and rear surfaces of the housing 1 (see FIG. 1). These three sockets 12A, 12B, and 12C are aligned at equal intervals in the vertical direction on the right end of the housing 1.

[0027] A rectangular window 13 is formed in the upper side of the housing 1, approximately in the center in the left-right direction (see FIG. 2). A handle 40 of the opening / closing mechanism 4, which will be described later, is disposed inside this window 13 so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 1.

[0028] Furthermore, a circular first hole 14A and a rectangular second hole 14B are provided in the upper surface of the body 1 to the right of the window 13, and are aligned in the front-to-rear direction (see FIG. 2). A circular third hole 14C is provided at the right end of the upper surface of the body 1. All three of these holes (first hole 14A, second hole 14B, and third hole 14C) penetrate the upper surface of the body 1 and communicate with the interior of the body 1.

[0029] (2-2) Contact part The contact section 2 has two sets of main contacts and two movable contactors 22A, 22B. One set of main contacts has a fixed contact 20A and a movable contact 21A (see FIG. 5), and the other set of main contacts has a fixed contact 20B and a movable contact 21B (see FIG. 3). One movable contact 21A is fixed to the tip of one movable contactor 22A, and the other movable contact 21B is fixed to the tip of the other movable contactor 22B.

[0030] One movable contactor 22A is formed in a strip shape from a metal material. The other movable contactor 22B is formed by bending both longitudinal ends of a metal strip in opposite directions along the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the strip (see FIGS. 3 and 7). The thickness of the strip forming the movable contactor 22B is smaller than the thickness of the strip forming the movable contactor 22A.

[0031] One fixed contact 20A is provided at an end of a first terminal plate 31A of a first terminal unit 3A (described later). The other fixed contact 20B is provided at an end of a second terminal plate 32A of the first terminal unit 3A (described later). These two fixed contacts 20A, 20B are housed in the housing 1 so as to be adjacent to each other in the front-to-rear direction (see FIG. 5).

[0032] (2-3) First terminal section The first terminal portion 3A has a partition member 30A, a first terminal plate 31A, a second terminal plate 32A, two lock springs 33A, and two release levers 34A.

[0033] The partition member 30A is made of an electrically insulating synthetic resin material and is housed in the left end portion of the housing 1. The left end portion of the housing 1 is divided by the partition member 30A into a front housing space and a rear housing space.

[0034] First terminal board 31A is accommodated in the rear accommodation space. Fixed contact 20A is provided at an end of first terminal board 31A. Second terminal board 32A is accommodated in the front accommodation space. Fixed contact 20B is provided at an end of second terminal board 32A. However, the end of second terminal board 32A is located outside the front accommodation space.

[0035] The first terminal board 31A, together with one lock spring 33A and one release lever 34A, constitutes a screwless terminal. Similarly, the second terminal board 32A, together with another lock spring 33A and another release lever 34A, constitutes a screwless terminal.

[0036] The two screwless terminals of the first terminal portion 3A are each electrically and mechanically connected to a conductor inserted into two insertion holes 300A provided in the partition member 30A, and the electrical and mechanical connection with the conductor can be released when each release lever 34A is operated.

[0037] (2-4)Second terminal section The second terminal portion 3B has a first blade receiving spring 31B, a second blade receiving spring 32B, and a slide member 33B (see FIGS. 3 and 5). The first blade receiving spring 31B and the second blade receiving spring 32B are both formed into a shape resembling the Greek letter "Ω (omega)" by bending a metal strip-shaped plate material.

[0038] The first blade receiving spring 31B is housed in the lower right end of the housing 1. The first blade receiving spring 31B is electrically connected to a conductor (a conductive bar of one voltage pole of the distribution board B1) inserted into the lowest socket 12C of the housing 1.

[0039] The second blade receiving spring 32B is held by a holding portion 330B of a slide member 33B. The slide member 33B has a strip-shaped protrusion 331B that protrudes downward from the rear end of the holding portion 330B, and a cylindrical projection 332B that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the holding portion 330B. The holding portion 330B, the protrusion 331B, and the projection 332B are integrally formed as a molded body made of electrically insulating synthetic resin.

[0040] The slide member 33B is housed at the right end of the housing 1 so as to be movable up and down. Specifically, the slide member 33B is movable between a position (first position) in which the second blade receiving spring 32B held by the holding portion 330B faces the topmost insertion port 12A of the housing 1 and a position (second position) in which the second blade receiving spring 32B faces the middle insertion port 12B of the housing 1. In the first position, the protrusion 332B of the slide member 33B is inserted into the third hole 14C of the housing 1, and in the second position, the protrusion 332B of the slide member 33B is positioned below the third hole 14C of the housing 1. Therefore, it is possible to indicate whether the second blade receiving spring 32B is in the first position or the second position based on the relative positional relationship between the third hole 14C and the protrusion 332B.

[0041] When the second blade receiving spring 32B is in the first position, it is electrically connected to the conductor inserted into the top socket 12A of the body 1 (the conductive bar of the neutral pole of the distribution board B1). When the second blade receiving spring 32B is in the second position, it is electrically connected to the conductor inserted into the middle socket 12B of the body 1 (the conductive bar of the other voltage pole of the distribution board B1).

[0042] (2-5) Opening and closing mechanism The opening and closing mechanism 4 is configured to open and close two main contacts (the fixed contact 20A and the movable contact 21A, and the fixed contact 20B and the movable contact 21B) by driving the movable contactors 22A and 22B.

[0043] The opening / closing mechanism 4 includes a handle 40, a crossbar 41, a lever 42, a link 43, a tripping plate 44, an interlocking plate 45, and a plurality of springs (see FIGS. 2 to 6).

[0044] The handle 40 has a handle body 400, an operating piece 401, and a pair of rotating shafts 402. The handle body 400 is formed in a roughly cylindrical shape. The operating piece 401 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape and protrudes in a tangential direction from the outer circumferential surface of the handle body 400. The pair of rotating shafts 402 protrude in the front-rear direction from both front and rear end surfaces of the handle body 400. The handle body 400, the operating piece 401, and the pair of rotating shafts 402 are integrally formed as a synthetic resin molded body.

[0045] The handle 40 is rotatably held relative to the housing 1 by inserting a pair of rotating shafts 402, one into each of shaft holes provided on the inner surfaces of the body 10 and the cover 11. The operating piece 401 is disposed within a window 13 provided on the upper surface of the housing 1. The handle 40 is biased by a first spring 47A in a direction that moves the operating piece 401 away from the window 13 (see FIG. 6).

[0046] Link 43 is made of a rod-shaped metal material and is formed into a U-shape. One end of link 43 is inserted into bearing hole 403 provided in the lower part of handle body 400 (see FIGS. 2 to 4).

[0047] The lever 42 has a lever body 420 and a pair of bearing pieces 421. The lever body 420 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate. The pair of bearing pieces 421 are each formed in a U-shape and protrude downward from both the front and rear ends of the longitudinal center of the lever body 420. The other end of the link 43 is inserted into the pair of bearing pieces 421, so that the lever 42 is connected to the handle 40 via the link 43.

[0048] The crossbar 41 is formed in a roughly triangular prism shape. The crossbar 41 has a pair of rotation shafts 410 protruding from both the front and rear side surfaces (see FIG. 6). The pair of rotation shafts 410 are inserted into bearing holes provided on the inner surfaces of the body 10 and the cover 11, respectively, so that the crossbar 41 is rotatably held relative to the housing 1. A spring receiving portion 411 and a first holding groove 412 are provided in the center of the rear side surface (body 10 side) of the crossbar 41 (see FIG. 6). The first holding groove 412 is connected to the spring receiving portion 411. A second holding groove 413 is provided in the lower part of the front side surface (cover 11 side) of the crossbar 41 (see FIG. 4).

[0049] The crossbar 41 holds the movable contactor 22A inserted in the first holding groove 412, and also holds the movable contactor 22B inserted in the second holding groove 413. The movable contactor 22A is biased upward by the spring force of a coil spring (second spring 47B) housed in the spring housing portion 411. The second spring 47B applies contact pressure against the fixed contact 20A to the movable contact 21A via the movable contactor 22A.

[0050] Furthermore, the crossbar 41 is subjected to a rotational force in a direction that pulls the movable contacts 21A, 21B away from the fixed contacts 20A, 20B due to the spring force of a coil spring (third spring 47C) that is housed in a compressed state at the bottom in the center of the left-right direction within the body 1.

[0051] The tripping plate 44 has a shaft portion 440, a latch portion 441, a first leg portion 442, and a second leg portion 443 (see FIGS. 4 and 6). The shaft portion 440, the latch portion 441, the first leg portion 442, and the second leg portion 443 are integrally formed as a synthetic resin molded body.

[0052] The shaft 440 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The latch 441 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape and protrudes upward from the shaft 440. A hook 444 is provided at the upper end of the latch 441, onto which the right end of the lever body 420 can be hooked. The first leg 442 is formed in an L-shape and protrudes downward from the rear of the lower part of the shaft 440. The second leg 443 is formed in an L-shape and protrudes downward from the front of the lower part of the shaft 440.

[0053] The tripping plate 44 is rotatably held relative to the housing 1 by inserting both ends of the shaft portion 440 into bearing holes provided on the inner surfaces of the body 10 and the cover 11, respectively.

[0054] The interlocking plate 45 is formed in an L-shape. A shaft hole is provided in the corner of the interlocking plate 45. The interlocking plate 45 is rotatably supported by the partition wall member 54 by inserting a shaft provided in the partition wall member 54 of the first tripping device 5 (described later) into the shaft hole. In addition, a protrusion 451 is provided on the upper part of the interlocking plate 45, which faces the lower end of a bimetal 50B of the first tripping device 5 (described later) (see FIG. 4).

[0055] (2-6) First tripping device The first tripping device 5 is configured to monitor the load current flowing through each of the two main contacts separately, and when an overload current flows through either of the main contacts for a predetermined period of time or longer, it releases the switching mechanism 4, automatically opening the two main contacts.

[0056] The first tripping device 5 has two bimetals 50A and 50B, two conductive plates 51A and 51B, two adjusting plates 52A and 52B, two adjusting screws 53A and 53B, and one partition member 54.

[0057] Each of the two bimetals 50A and 50B is formed in an L-shape, and its upper end is fixed to the right end of the lower surface of the two adjusting plates 52A and 52B. Each of the two adjusting plates 52A and 52B is formed in a rectangular shape from a thin metal plate. The left end of each of the two adjusting plates 52A and 52B is fixed to the left end of the lower surface of each of the two conductive plates 51A and 51B. Each of the two conductive plates 51A and 51B is formed in a rectangular shape from a metal plate that is sufficiently thicker than the two adjusting plates 52A and 52B. In other words, the two adjusting plates 52A and 52B can be displaced up and down around the left end fixed to the two conductive plates 51A and 51B as a fulcrum.

[0058] A screw hole is provided at the right end of each of the two conductive plates 51A and 51B. An adjustment screw 53A is screwed into each screw hole. The lower ends of the two adjustment screws 53A and 53B are in contact with the right ends of the two adjustment plates 52A and 52B, respectively. In other words, the amount of displacement of the two adjustment plates 52A and 52B relative to the two conductive plates 51A and 51B (the lower end positions of the two bimetals 50A and 50B) can be adjusted depending on the amount that the two adjustment screws 53A and 53B protrude from the lower surfaces of the two conductive plates 51A and 51B.

[0059] The two conductive plates 51A, 51B are each held in a partition member 54 made of an electrically insulating synthetic resin molded body. The partition member 54 has a flat partition 540 and peripheral walls 541 that protrude from the periphery of the partition 540 to both sides of the partition 540 in the thickness direction (front-rear direction) of the partition 540. The partition member 54 accommodates the bimetal 50A, the conductive plate 51A, and the adjusting plate 52A in a first recess 542 surrounded by the rear surface of the partition 540 and the peripheral wall 541. The partition member 54 also accommodates the bimetal 50B, the conductive plate 51B, and the adjusting plate 52B in a second recess 543 surrounded by the front surface of the partition 540 and the peripheral wall 541. A shaft to be inserted into a shaft hole of the interlocking plate 45 protrudes forward from the lower part of the front surface of the partition 540.

[0060] Here, the upper end of one bimetal 50A is electrically connected to the first blade receiving spring 31B of the second terminal 3B via a first conductor 34B made of braided wire (see FIG. 6). The middle part of the bimetal 50A is electrically connected to the right end of the movable contact 22A via a braided wire 23A (see FIG. 6). The upper end of the other bimetal 50B is electrically connected to the second blade receiving spring 32B of the second terminal 3B via a second conductor 35B made of braided wire (see FIG. 3). The middle part of the bimetal 50B is electrically connected to a first protrusion 661 (described later) of a conductor plate 66 connected to the movable contact 22B via the braided wire 23B (see FIG. 4).

[0061] Thus, when an overload current flows through one bimetal 50A for a predetermined period of time or longer, the bimetal 50A is displaced due to a temperature rise caused by the overload current, pushing the trip plate 44 to rotate counterclockwise (see FIG. 6), and the trip plate 44 is released from the latch of the lever 42. As a result, the switching mechanism 4 is released and the two main contacts are automatically opened. On the other hand, when an overload current flows through the other bimetal 50B for a predetermined period of time or longer, the bimetal 50B is displaced due to a temperature rise caused by the overload current, rotating the interlocking plate 45 counterclockwise (see FIG. 4), and the interlocking plate 45 releases the latch of the lever 42 caused by the trip plate 44. As a result, the switching mechanism 4 is released and the two main contacts are automatically opened.

[0062] (2-7) Second tripping device The second tripping device 6 is configured to release the opening / closing mechanism 4 and automatically open the two main contacts when a short-circuit current flows through one of the main contacts (fixed contact 20B, movable contact 21B) and when controlled by the abnormality detection device 7.

[0063] The second tripping device 6 has a fixed core 60, a movable core 61, a coil bobbin 62, a coil 63, a spring member 64, a pair of terminal pins 65, and a conductor plate 66 (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0064] The fixed core 60 is formed in a U-shape from a magnetic material such as silicon steel plate, and has a rectangular main piece 600 and a pair of side pieces 601 protruding downward from both ends of the main piece 600. A recess 602 is provided on each end of the upper surface of the main piece 600.

[0065] The movable core 61 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate and is made of the same magnetic material as the fixed core 60. Two protrusions 610 are provided on the upper surface of the movable core 61.

[0066] The spring member 64 has a central piece 640, a pair of side pieces 641, and a connecting piece 642. However, the central piece 640, the pair of side pieces 641, and the connecting piece 642 are integrally formed by bending a thin metal plate.

[0067] The central piece 640 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate. Two holes 6400 are provided at the tip (left end) of the central piece 640. The connecting piece 642 is formed in the shape of a strip that is longer in the front-to-rear direction than the central piece 640, and protrudes downward from one longitudinal end (right end) of the central piece 640. The pair of side pieces 641 are each formed in the shape of a quadrangular flat plate. The pair of side pieces 641 protrude leftward and upward from both ends of the longitudinal direction (front-to-rear direction) of the connecting piece 642. A locking piece 6410 is provided at the upper end of each side piece 641.

[0068] The central piece 640 of the spring member 64 is coupled to the movable core 61 by crimping the protrusions 610 inserted into the two holes 6400. The pair of side pieces 641 of the spring member 64 are arranged along the outer surfaces of the pair of side pieces 601 of the fixed core 60, and the locking pieces 6410 at the upper ends of each side piece 641 are engaged with the recesses 602 of each side piece 601 of the fixed core 60, thereby coupling to the fixed core 60 (see FIG. 9). At this time, the magnetic poles at the tips (lower ends) of each side piece 601 of the fixed core 60 face the movable core 61 in the vertical direction.

[0069] The conductive plate 66 has a U-shaped main piece 660, a first protruding piece 661 protruding upward from the tip of the upper part of the main piece 660, a second protruding piece 662 protruding forward from the center of the main piece 660, and a third protruding piece 663 protruding forward from the front end of the lower part of the main piece 660. The main piece 660, the first protruding piece 661, the second protruding piece 662, and the third protruding piece 663 are integrally formed by bending a metal plate material such as copper or a copper alloy.

[0070] Here, the first protrusion 661 is electrically connected to one end of the braided wire 23B, the other end of which is connected to the middle part of the bimetal 50B (see FIG. 4), and the third protrusion 663 is mechanically and electrically connected to the right end of the movable contactor 22B (see FIG. 10).

[0071] The coil bobbin 62 has a U-shaped main body 620, a pair of flanges 621 protruding outward from both ends (front and rear ends) of the main body 620, a pair of protrusions 622 protruding upward from the tip (left end) of the upper part of each flange 621, and a pair of fitting pieces 624. The main body 620, the pair of flanges 621, the pair of protrusions 622, and the pair of fitting pieces 624 are integrally formed as an electrically insulating synthetic resin molded body.

[0072] Each of the pair of protrusions 622 has a rectangular hole 623 penetrating in the front-to-rear direction. One end of a pair of L-shaped terminal pins 65 is inserted into each of these rectangular holes 623. In other words, each of the pair of protrusions 622 holds one terminal pin 65 (see FIG. 9).

[0073] The pair of fitting pieces 624 are formed in the shape of long rectangular columns and protrude outward from the right ends of the upper surfaces of the pair of flange portions 621 (see FIG. 10).

[0074] The coil 63 is wound around a body 620 of a coil bobbin 62 that houses the main piece 600 of the fixed core 60 inside (see FIG. 9). Two terminals 630 of the coil 63 are electrically connected to two terminal pins 65, one each held by a pair of protrusions 622 of the coil bobbin 62 (see FIG. 9).

[0075] Here, the upper part of the main piece 660 of the conductor plate 66 is sandwiched between the coil bobbin 62 around which the coil 63 is wound and the movable core 61. Therefore, a current flowing between the first projection piece 661 and the movable contact 22B generates a magnetic flux passing through the fixed core 60 and the movable core 61. When an extremely large current such as a short-circuit current flows, the electromagnetic attraction force acting between the pair of side pieces 601 of the fixed core 60 and the movable core 61 exceeds the spring force of the center piece 640 of the spring member 64, and the movable core 61 is attracted to the fixed core 60. At this time, the free end (left end) of the movable core 61 pushes upward the right end of the interlocking plate 45 of the switching mechanism 4, rotating the interlocking plate 45 and releasing the latch of the lever 42 by the trip plate 44 via the interlocking plate 45. As a result, the switching mechanism 4 is released and the two main contacts are automatically opened.

[0076] Furthermore, when an exciting current flows through the coil 63, the fixed core 60 becomes an electromagnet, and the movable core 61 is attracted to the fixed core 60. As a result, the switching mechanism 4 is released and the two main contacts are automatically opened.

[0077] (2-8) Abnormality detection device (2-8-1) Circuit configuration of the abnormality detection device 11 shows the circuit configuration of the abnormality detection device 7. The abnormality detection device 7 has a power supply block 7A and a control block 7B.

[0078] The power supply block 7A has a power supply circuit 711 and a fuse 712. The power supply circuit 711 is configured to step down an AC voltage of 100 V or 200 V supplied from the power system AC1 via two main contacts to an AC voltage of several tens of volts. The fuse 712 protects the power supply circuit 711 by blowing when the magnitude of the current flowing through the power supply circuit 711 exceeds an upper limit for more than a certain period of time.

[0079] The control block 7B has a processing circuit 721, an AC / DC conversion circuit 722, a switching element 723, two LEDs (a first LED 724 and a second LED 725), and an operation input reception unit 726.

[0080] The AC / DC conversion circuit 722 is configured to convert an AC voltage of several tens of volts output from the power supply circuit 711 into a DC voltage of several volts. The DC voltage output from the AC / DC conversion circuit 722 is supplied to the processing circuit 721 as a control voltage Vcc.

[0081] The processing circuit 721 mainly includes a microcontroller. The processing circuit 721 detects high-frequency components of the AC current flowing through the main contacts. The processing circuit 721 determines whether the detected high-frequency components have characteristics of a series arc discharge and whether they have characteristics of a parallel arc discharge. The processing circuit 721 detects an arc fault in the wiring (branch wiring) electrically connected to the first terminal 3A by determining that the detected high-frequency components have characteristics of a series arc discharge or a parallel arc discharge. However, the detection method by which the processing circuit 721 detects an arc fault is not limited to the above-described detection method. For example, a detection method may be used in which the value of the current flowing through the main contacts is compared with a threshold value to determine whether an arc discharge has occurred and thereby detect an arc fault.

[0082] The switching element 723 is preferably a semiconductor switching element such as a thyristor. The switching element 723 is turned on and off by the processing circuit 721. The switching element 723 is electrically connected in series with the coil 63 of the second trip device 6. When the switching element 723 is turned on, an excitation current flows through the coil 63, causing the second trip device 6 to perform a tripping operation. When the switching element 723 is turned off, no excitation current flows through the coil 63, causing the second trip device 6 to not perform a tripping operation. In other words, the processing circuit 721 can control the tripping operation of the second trip device 6 by turning the switching element 723 on and off.

[0083] The two LEDs are a first LED 724 which is a green LED and a second LED 725 which is a red LED. Both of these two LEDs are driven by the processing circuit 721. The first LED 724 is driven to emit green light when the processing circuit 721 has not detected an abnormality such as an arc fault. On the other hand, the second LED 725 is driven to emit red light when the processing circuit 721 has detected an abnormality such as an arc fault. In other words, the abnormality detection device 7 can notify that no abnormality has occurred by emitting green light from the first LED 724, and can notify that an abnormality has occurred by emitting red light from the second LED 725.

[0084] When the operation input receiving unit 726 receives an operation input, which will be described later, it outputs a reception signal to the processing circuit 721. When the reception signal is input, the processing circuit 721 turns on the switching element 723 to cause the second tripping device 6 to perform a tripping operation, as when an abnormality such as an arc fault is detected, and also drives the second LED 725 to emit red light. In other words, the processing circuit 721 is configured to perform an operation test when an abnormality is detected when the operation input receiving unit 726 receives an operation input.

[0085] (2-8-2) Structure of the abnormality detection device Fig. 12 shows an exploded perspective view of the abnormality detection device 7. The abnormality detection device 7 has a first circuit board 71, a second circuit board 72, an operation member 73, a movable plate 74, a light-guiding member 75, and a power supply connection plate 76. However, Fig. 12 does not show the power supply circuit of the power supply block 7A, the processing circuit 721, AC / DC conversion circuit 722, switching element 723, and operation input reception unit 726 of the control block 7B.

[0086] First circuit board 71 is formed in the shape of a roughly rectangular flat plate, and has a power supply circuit 711 and fuse 712 of power supply block 7A mounted on its mounting surface (the surface on the right side). Also, first circuit board 71 is provided with a plurality of through holes 713A to 713H.

[0087] A pair of terminal pins 65 of the second tripping device 6 are inserted into the two through holes 713A, 713B located at the bottom, one by one (see FIG. 13). Then, the tip portions of the terminal pins 6 protruding from the mounting surface of the first circuit board 71 through the two through holes 713A, 713B are soldered to the mounting surface of the first circuit board 71.

[0088] Conductors at one end of two electric wires 77A and 77B are inserted into two through holes 713C and 713D located directly above two through holes 713A and 713B, respectively (see FIG. 12). Then, the conductors at one end of each of electric wires 77A and 77B protruding from the mounting surface of first circuit board 71 through through holes 713C and 713D are soldered to the mounting surface of first circuit board 71. The conductors at the other end of these two electric wires 77A and 77B are electrically connected to power supply connection plate 76, as will be described later.

[0089] The conductor of one end of one electric wire 77C is inserted into through-hole 713E located at the rear of the top (see FIG. 12). The conductor of one end of electric wire 77C protruding from the mounting surface of first circuit board 71 through through-hole 713E is soldered to the mounting surface of first circuit board 71. The conductor of the other end of electric wire 77C is electrically connected to the upper end of one bimetal 50A of first tripping device 5 (see FIG. 6).

[0090] Conductors at one end of three electric wires 77D, 77E, 77F are inserted into three through holes 713F, 713G, 713H located in the center, one by one. Then, the conductors at one end of each of electric wires 77D, 77E, 77F protruding from the rear surface (left surface) of the mounting surface of first circuit board 71 through through holes 713F, 713G, 713H are soldered to the rear surface of the mounting surface of first circuit board 71. Furthermore, the conductors at the other ends of these three electric wires 77D, 77E, 77F are electrically connected to second circuit board 72 of control block 7B, as described below (see FIGS. 11 and 12).

[0091] A recess is provided on the upper end surface of first circuit board 71, and contact point 714 is formed in this recess. This contact point 714 can come into contact with the tip portion of movable plate 74, which will be described later.

[0092] The power supply connection plate 76 has a base plate 760, a connection piece 761 that stands straight up from the end of the base plate 760, and a contact piece 762 that is bent diagonally upward from the end of the base plate 760 (see FIG. 12). The base plate 760, connection piece 761, and contact piece 762 are integrally formed by bending a single metal plate. The conductors of two electric wires 77A and 77B are electrically connected to the connection piece 761.

[0093] The power supply connection plate 76 is disposed below the center of the movable contactor 22B (see FIGS. 13 to 16). When the switching mechanism 4 connects the movable contactor 21B to the fixed contactor 20B, the movable contactor 22B is bent downward by the crossbar 41 of the switching mechanism 4 and comes into contact with a contact piece 762 of the power supply connection plate 76 (see FIG. 4). In other words, when the main contacts (the fixed contactor 20B and the movable contactor 21B) are closed, the power supply connection plate 76 is electrically connected to the power system AC1 via the movable contactor 22B and the main contacts.

[0094] The second circuit board 72 is formed in a roughly rectangular flat plate shape. However, the width dimension in the short side direction (front-to-back direction) of the second circuit board 72 is approximately equal to the width dimension in the short side direction of the first circuit board 71, and the width dimension in the long side direction (up-down direction) of the second circuit board 72 is larger than the width dimension in the long side direction of the first circuit board 71.

[0095] The second circuit board 72 also has a protrusion 720 protruding from one end (upper end) in the longitudinal direction. A first LED 724 and a second LED 725 are mounted on the mounting surface (left surface) of the protrusion 720 so as to be aligned in the front-to-rear direction (see FIG. 12). Furthermore, one end of the movable plate 74 is mechanically and electrically connected to a portion of the protrusion 720 above the first LED 724 and second LED 725.

[0096] A rectangular groove 727 is provided at each of the front and rear ends of the second circuit board 72 at approximately the center in the longitudinal direction. Three through holes 728A, 728B, and 728C are provided in the center of the second circuit board 72 in the longitudinal direction (up and down direction). The conductors at the other ends of three electric wires 77D, 77E, and 77F are inserted into these three through holes 728A, 728B, and 728C, respectively. The conductors at one end of each of the electric wires 77D, 77E, and 77F protruding from the back surface (right surface) of the mounting surface of the second circuit board 72 through the through holes 728A, 728B, and 728C are soldered to the back surface of the mounting surface of the second circuit board 72.

[0097] The movable plate 74 has a connection piece 740 connected to the second circuit board 72, an inclined piece 741 protruding obliquely upward from one end (left end) of the connection piece 740, and a terminal piece 742 protruding in the width direction (rearward) of the inclined piece 741 from the upper end of the inclined piece 741. The tip portion of the terminal piece 742 is bent obliquely downward.

[0098] The operating member 73 is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole. The lower end of the operating member 73 is bifurcated. The operating member 73 is inserted into a first hole 14A provided in the housing 1, and a step 730 provided at the lower end is hooked onto the periphery of the first hole 14A inside the housing 1, thereby attaching the operating member 73 to the housing 1 so as to be movable in the vertical direction (see FIG. 5). The operating member 73 faces the tip of the terminal piece 742 of the movable plate 74 in the vertical direction inside the housing 1. In other words, when the operating member 73 is pressed, the terminal piece 742 is pushed by the operating member 73 moving downward relative to the housing 1 and bends downward. When the operating member 73 is no longer pressed, the spring force of the terminal piece 742, which returns to its original state, causes the operating member 73 to move upward and return to its original position.

[0099] The light guide member 75 is made of a translucent synthetic resin such as an acrylic resin or a polycarbonate resin, and includes a first light guide portion 751, a second light guide portion 752, a positioning portion 753, and a support portion 754.

[0100] The second light guiding portion 752 is formed in a prismatic shape. The first light guiding portion 751 is inclined obliquely downward from one end (lower end) of the second light guiding portion 752 in the longitudinal direction. The tip end surface (lower end surface) of the first light guiding portion 751 is formed in a semicylindrical shape and serves as an incident surface for light emitted from the first LED 724 and the second LED 725. The positioning portion 753 is formed in a prismatic shape and protrudes from the rear side surface of the lower end of the first light guiding portion 751 (see FIG. 12). The support portion 754 is formed in a quadrangular plate shape and protrudes from the front side surface of the upper end of the first light guiding portion 751. A recess 755 into which the upper end of the first circuit board 71 is fitted is provided on the lower surface of the support portion 754 (see FIGS. 12 to 14).

[0101] Thus, light emitted from the first LED 724 and the second LED 725 enters the first light guiding section 751 from the incident surface, is guided from the first light guiding section 751 to the second light guiding section 752, and is emitted to the outside of the light guiding member 75 from the tip end surface (upper end surface) of the second light guiding section 752. Here, the movable plate 74 is disposed so as to face the upper surface of the first light guiding section 751 at a small distance (see FIGS. 14 and 15 ). Therefore, even if part of the light guided to the first light guiding section 751 is emitted to the outside of the light guiding member 75 from the upper surface of the first light guiding section 751, at least part of the emitted light is reflected by the surface (lower surface) of the inclined piece 741 of the movable plate 74 and re-enters the first light guiding section 751. As a result, light leaking to the outside of the light guiding member 75 is reduced, and the light emitted from the second light guiding section 752 is increased, thereby improving visibility.

[0102] (2-9) Support member The support member 8 supports two circuit boards (first circuit board 71 and second circuit board 72) of the abnormality detection device 7. It is preferable that the support member 8 further supports the second tripping device 6.

[0103] The support member 8 has a main body 80, a pillar portion 81, a base portion 82, a first projecting wall 83, a second projecting wall 84, a side wall 85, an upper wall 86, and a lower wall 87 (see FIG. 12). However, the main body 80, the pillar portion 81, the base portion 82, the first projecting wall 83, the second projecting wall 84, the side wall 85, the upper wall 86, and the lower wall 87 are integrally formed as a synthetic resin molded body.

[0104] The main body 80 is formed in a rectangular column shape having a recess 804. The main body 80 is provided with three insertion holes (a first insertion hole 801, a second insertion hole 802, and a third insertion hole 803) that penetrate the main body 80 in the left-right direction.

[0105] The pillar portion 81 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape and protrudes upward from the upper surface of the main body 80. A side wall 85, an upper wall 86, and a lower wall 87 are provided at the upper end of the pillar portion 81. The side wall 85 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape and protrudes upward from the rear upper end of the pillar portion 81. A rectangular positioning hole 850 penetrates the side wall 85 in the front-to-rear direction. The upper wall 86 is formed in a prismatic shape and protrudes forward from the right end of the upper part of the front surface of the side wall 85. The lower wall 87 is also formed in a prismatic shape and protrudes forward from the front surface of the upper part of the pillar portion 81.

[0106] Here, a tip portion (lower end portion) of a first light guiding portion 751 of the light guiding member 75 is housed in a space surrounded by the side wall 85, the upper wall 86, and the lower wall 87. Furthermore, the light guiding member 75 is positioned relative to the support member 8 by inserting a positioning portion 753 of the light guiding member 75 into a positioning hole 850 provided in the side wall 85. That is, in the embodiment, the side wall 85, the upper wall 86, and the lower wall 87 form a light guiding member support portion that supports the light guiding member 75.

[0107] The base 82 is formed in a rectangular gutter shape. The base 82 is connected to the lower end of the main body 80 with its opening facing downward. One fixing portion 820 is provided on each of the front and rear surfaces of the base 82. Each fixing portion 820 is formed in a rectangular column shape and protrudes forward and rearward from the lower end of the front surface of the base 82 and the lower end of the rear surface of the base 82, respectively. In addition, one support portion 821 is provided on each of the front and rear ends of the underside of the base 82. Each support portion 821 is composed of two ribs 821A, 821B. One rib 821A is formed in a rectangular column shape and protrudes in the opposite direction to the fixing portion 820 at both the front and rear ends of the base 82. The other rib 821B is formed in a rectangular column shape and protrudes downward from both the front and rear ends of the inner bottom surface of the base 82. These support portions 821 support the second tripping device 6 via the coil bobbin 62 by engaging with two mating pieces 624 provided on the coil bobbin 62 of the second tripping device 6, as described below.

[0108] The first projecting wall 83 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate, and projects upward from the rear end of the upper surface of the base portion 82. As will be described later, the first conductor 34B is inserted into and supported in the space surrounded by the first projecting wall 83 and the recessed portion 804 of the main body 80 (see FIG. 5).

[0109] The second projecting wall 84 is formed in an L-shaped prism shape and projects forward from the upper end on the front surface of the main body 80. As will be described later, the second conductor 35B is inserted into and supported in the space surrounded by the second projecting wall 84 and the front surface of the main body 80 (see FIG. 3).

[0110] (2-10) Assembly procedure for the abnormality detection device Next, the assembly procedure for the abnormality detection device 7 will be described. In the manufacturing process of the circuit breaker A1, the abnormality detection device 7 is assembled in the following procedure and then housed in the housing 1. However, the assembly procedure described below is just an example, and it is possible to omit some steps or change the order of some steps.

[0111] The worker performing the assembly work (hereinafter referred to as the worker) inserts the two terminal pins 65 of the second tripping device 6 into the two through holes 713A, 713B of the first circuit board 71, one by one, and solders each terminal pin 65 to the first circuit board 71.

[0112] Then, the worker inserts three electric wires 77D, 77E, and 77F, each having one end of its conductor soldered to the first circuit board 71, into the first insertion hole 801, the second insertion hole 802, and the third insertion hole 803 in the main body 80 of the support member 8. Furthermore, while sliding the second tripping device 6 from left to right relative to the support member 8, the worker fits the two fitting pieces 624 of the coil bobbin 62 into the two support portions 821 provided on the base portion 82 of the support member 8 (see FIG. 18 ).

[0113] Then, the worker inserts the three electric wires 77D, 77E, 77F that have been inserted through the first insertion hole 801, the second insertion hole 802, and the third insertion hole 803 into the three through holes 728A, 728B, 728C of the second circuit board 72. Furthermore, the worker solders the conductors on one end of each of the electric wires 77D, 77E, 77F that protrude from the back surface (right surface) of the mounting surface of the second circuit board 72 through the through holes 728A, 728B, 728C to the back surface of the mounting surface of the second circuit board 72.

[0114] Thus, the abnormality detection device 7 can support the first circuit board 71 and the second circuit board 72 through the three electric wires 77D, 77E, and 77F that electrically connect the first circuit board 71 and the second circuit board 72 by inserting the three electric wires 77D, 77E, and 77F, respectively, into the first insertion hole 801, the second insertion hole 802, and the third insertion hole 803 provided in the main body 80. Furthermore, the worker inserts the upper end of the first circuit board 71 into the recess 755 of the support portion 754 of the light guiding member 75 supported by the support member 8 (see FIGS. 13 and 14). In other words, the first circuit board 71 and the second circuit board 72 supported by the support member 8 are positioned relative to each other by the light guiding member 75.

[0115] Furthermore, by fitting two fitting pieces 624 of the coil bobbin 62 into two support portions 821 provided on the base portion 82 of the support member 8, the second tripping device 6 can be supported by the support member 8. By supporting the second tripping device 6 on the support member 8, the second tripping device 6 and the abnormality detection device 7 can be housed together in the housing 1, as will be described later, and the workability of the assembly work can be improved.

[0116] The assembly work of the abnormality detection device 7 is completed through the above steps. Note that, when the abnormality detection device 7 is in an assembled state, the tip of the terminal piece 742 of the movable plate 74 faces the contact 714 provided on the upper end of the first circuit board 71. When the terminal piece 742 is bent downward by the operation member 73 being pressed, the tip of the terminal piece 742 comes into contact with the contact 714 of the first circuit board 71, establishing electrical continuity. In other words, the abnormality detection device 7 can accept an operation input by pressing the operation member 73, as the movable plate 74 and the contact 714 come into contact and establish electrical continuity.

[0117] (2-11) Assembly procedure for housing the abnormality detection device in the body Next, we will explain the assembly procedure for housing the anomaly detection device 7 assembled according to the above-mentioned assembly procedure in the housing 1. However, the assembly procedure explained below is just an example, and it is possible to omit some steps or change the order of some steps.

[0118] First, the worker performs wiring work using the first conductor 34B, the second conductor 35B, the plurality of electric wires 77A to 77F, and the two braided wires 23A and 23B for the contact unit 2, the second terminal unit 3B, the first tripping device 5, the second tripping device 6, and the abnormality detection device 7. The worker then inserts the two braided wires 23A and 23B into tubes 15 made of synthetic resin, and supports one tube 15 on each of the first projecting wall 83 and the second projecting wall 84 of the support member 8.

[0119] Next, the worker assembles the movable contactor 22A, the opening / closing mechanism 4, the first tripping device 5, the second tripping device 6, the abnormality detection device 7, and the support member 8 into the body 10. At this time, the worker inserts the fixing portion 820 provided at the rear end of the base portion 82 of the support member 8 into the groove 103 provided on the inner surface of the body 10 (see FIG. 18 ). In other words, the support member 8 is fixed to the body 10 by inserting the fixing portion 820 into the groove 103 of the body 10.

[0120] Then, after assembling various springs and the like, the worker joins the cover 11 to the body 10 to assemble the housing 1. At this time, the worker inserts the fixing portion 820 provided at the front end of the base portion 82 of the support member 8 into the groove 113 provided on the inner surface of the cover 11 (see FIG. 18 ). That is, by inserting the fixing portion 820 into the groove 113 of the cover 11, the support member 8 is fixed to the cover 11, and finally, the support member 8 is fixed to the housing 1 by the two fixing portions 820.

[0121] Through the above steps, the assembly work of assembling the circuit breaker A1 by housing the abnormality detection device 7 in the housing 1 is completed.

[0122] (3) Advantages of the embodiment As described above, the circuit breaker A1 is housed in the housing 1 with the first circuit board 71 and the second circuit board 72 of the abnormality detection device 7 supported by the support member 8. When the support member 8 is housed in the housing 1, the pair of fixing parts 820 are fixed to the body 10 and the cover 11 of the housing 1, respectively, thereby fixing the support member 8 to the housing 1 (see FIG. 18).

[0123] Therefore, the circuit breaker A1 can improve the workability of the assembly work of housing and assembling the abnormality detection device 7 in the housing 1 compared to when the circuit board of the abnormality detection device 7 is directly supported on the housing 1.

[0124] Furthermore, in the circuit breaker A1, one braided wire 34B and one braided wire 35B (conductors) are supported by each of the first projecting wall 83 and the second projecting wall 84 of the support member 8 (see FIGS. 3 and 5). Therefore, the circuit breaker A1 can stabilize the positions of the braided wires 34B and 35B within the case body 1. Furthermore, the support member 8 supports one braided wire 34B and one braided wire 35B by each of the first projecting wall 83 and the second projecting wall 84. Therefore, in the circuit breaker A1, the positions of the braided wires 34B and 35B within the case body 1 can be further stabilized compared to when two braided wires 34B and 35B are supported by one projecting wall.

[0125] Here, the abnormality detection device 7 includes a first circuit board 71 and a second circuit board 72 arranged to sandwich a support member 8 therebetween, and three electric wires 77D, 77E, and 77F that electrically connect the first circuit board 71 and the second circuit board 72. These three electric wires 77D, 77E, and 77F are inserted one by one into a first insertion hole 801, a second insertion hole 802, and a third insertion hole 803 formed in a main body 80 of the support member 8. In other words, the support member 8 supports the first circuit board 71 and the second circuit board 72 arranged on both the left and right sides of the main body 80 via the three electric wires 77D, 77E, and 77F. Therefore, in the circuit breaker A1, the first circuit board 71 and the second circuit board 72 are supported by the support member 8 without using screws or the like, which further improves the workability of the assembly work.

[0126] Furthermore, in the circuit breaker A1, when the operating member 73 is operated from outside the body 1 and the operation input receiving unit 726 receives the operation input, the abnormality detection device 7 performs an operation test when an abnormality is detected, so that the operation test of the abnormality detection device 7 can be easily carried out.

[0127] Here, the abnormality detection device 7 can indicate with light whether or not a wiring abnormality has been detected by controlling the light emission of the first LED 724 and the second LED 725. The abnormality detection device 7 guides the light emitted from the first LED 724 and the second LED 725 to the light-guiding member 75 and emits it to the outside of the housing 1, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the design of the second circuit board 72 on which the first LED 724 and the second LED 725 are mounted. Furthermore, the abnormality detection device 7 supports the light-guiding member 75 on the light-guiding member support portions (side wall 85, upper wall 86, lower wall 87) of the support member 8, thereby improving the visibility of the light-guiding member 75 when viewed from the outside of the housing 1.

[0128] (4) Summary A circuit breaker (A1) according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes one or more main contacts (fixed contacts 20A, 20B, movable contacts 21A, 21B), a switching mechanism (4) that opens and closes the main contacts, a trip device (second trip device 6) that releases the switching mechanism (4) to automatically open the main contacts, an abnormality detection device (7), a support member (8), and a housing (1). The abnormality detection device (7) has one or more circuit boards (first circuit board 71, second circuit board 72) and controls the trip device to automatically open the main contacts when it detects an abnormality in wiring to which the main contacts are electrically connected. The support member (8) supports the circuit boards. The housing (1) houses the main contacts, the switching mechanism (4), the trip device, the abnormality detection device (7), and the support member (8). The support member (8) has a fixing portion (820) that is fixed to the housing (1).

[0129] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the first aspect includes a support member (8) that supports a circuit board, and is fixed to the body (1) by a fixing portion of the support member (8). This improves the workability of the assembly work compared to when the circuit board is directly attached to the body (1).

[0130] A circuit breaker (A1) according to a second aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the first aspect. The circuit breaker (A1) according to the second aspect preferably further includes a conductor (braided wires 34B, 35B) housed in the housing (1) and forming part of an electrical path that electrically connects the wiring and the main contacts. The support member (8) preferably has a conductor support portion (first projecting wall 83, second projecting wall 84) that supports the conductor.

[0131] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the second aspect can stabilize the position of the conductor in the housing (1).

[0132] A circuit breaker (A1) according to a third aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the second aspect. The circuit breaker (A1) according to the third aspect preferably includes a plurality of conductors. The support member (8) preferably has a plurality of conductor support portions that support the plurality of conductors one by one.

[0133] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the third aspect can further stabilize the position of the conductor in the housing (1).

[0134] A circuit breaker (A1) according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with any one of the first to third aspects. In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the fourth aspect, the abnormality detection device (7) preferably has a plurality of circuit boards arranged to sandwich a support member (8) therebetween, and one or more electric wires (77D, 77E, 77F) electrically connecting the plurality of circuit boards to each other. The support member (8) preferably has an electric wire support portion (main body 80) that supports the electric wires.

[0135] In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the fourth aspect, multiple circuit boards are supported on the support member (8) via electric wires, so there is no need to use screws or the like, and the workability of the assembly work can be further improved.

[0136] A circuit breaker (A1) according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with any one of the first to fourth aspects. In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the fifth aspect, the abnormality detection device (7) preferably has an operation input reception unit (726) for receiving an operation input and is configured to control the trip device so as to automatically open the main contacts when the operation input is received. The operation input reception unit (726) preferably has an operation member (73) operable from outside the device body (1), contacts (714) provided on the circuit board, and a movable plate (74) that is displaced and contacts the contacts (714) when the operation member (73) is operated.

[0137] In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the fifth aspect, the operation test of the abnormality detection device (7) can be easily carried out.

[0138] A circuit breaker (A1) according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with any of the first to fourth aspects. In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the sixth aspect, the abnormality detection device (7) preferably includes: a display element (first LED 724, second LED 725) mounted on the circuit board and illuminating whether or not a wiring abnormality has been detected; and a light-guiding member (75) made of a light-guiding material and guiding the light emitted from the display element to radiate it outside the housing (1). The support member (8) preferably includes a light-guiding member support portion (side wall 85, upper wall 86, lower wall 87) that supports the light-guiding member (75).

[0139] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the sixth aspect can improve the visibility of the light guide member (75) when viewed from outside the housing (1).

[0140] A circuit breaker (A1) according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the sixth aspect. In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the seventh aspect, the abnormality detection device (7) preferably has an operation input reception unit (726) for receiving an operation input and is configured to control the trip device to automatically open the main contacts when the operation input is received. The operation input reception unit (726) preferably has an operation member (73) operable from outside the housing (1), contacts (714) provided on the circuit board, and a movable plate (74) that displaces and contacts the contacts (714) when the operation member (73) is operated. It is preferable that at least a portion (inclined piece 741) of the movable plate (74) be able to reflect light leaking from the light-guiding member (75) toward the light-guiding member (75).

[0141] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the seventh aspect can reduce light leaking outside the light-guiding member (75) and increase light emitted from the light-guiding member (75) to the outside of the housing (1), thereby improving visibility.

[0142] A circuit breaker (A1) according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with any one of the first to seventh aspects. In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the eighth aspect, the support member (8) preferably has a support portion (821) that supports the trip device.

[0143] In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the eighth aspect, the tripping device and the abnormality detection device (7) can be housed together in the housing (1) by supporting the tripping device on the support member (8), thereby further improving the workability of the assembly work.

[0144] A circuit breaker (A1) according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with any of the first to eighth aspects. In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the ninth aspect, it is preferable that the abnormality detection device (7) detects the presence or absence of arc discharge in the wiring.

[0145] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the ninth aspect can detect an arc fault in the wiring by the abnormality detection device (7).

[0146] A distribution board (B1) according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure includes a main switch (B10), a plurality of branch switches (B11), and a cabinet (B12) that houses the main switch (B10) and the plurality of branch switches (B11). At least one of the main switch (B10) and the plurality of branch switches (B11) is a circuit breaker (A1) according to any one of the first to ninth aspects.

[0147] The distribution board (B1) according to the tenth aspect can improve the workability of assembly work. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] A1 Circuit Breaker B1 Distribution board 1. Body 4 Opening and closing mechanism 6 Second tripping device (tripping device) 7. Anomaly detection device 8 Support member 20A fixed contact (main contact) 20B Fixed contact (main contact) 21A movable contact (main contact) 21B Movable contact (main contact) 34B braided wire (conductor) 35B braided wire (conductor) 71 First circuit board (circuit board) 72 Second circuit board (circuit board) 73 Operating member 74 Movable plate 75 Light guide member 77D wire 77E Electric wire 77F Electric wire 80 Main body (wire support part) 83 First protruding wall (conductor support part) 84 Second protruding wall (conductor support part) 85 Side wall (light guide member support portion) 86 Upper wall (light guide member support portion) 87 Lower wall (light guide member support part) 714 contacts 724 1st LED (display element) 725 Second LED (display element) 726 Operation input reception unit 741 Inclined piece (at least part of the movable plate) 820 Fixed part 821 Support part B10 Main switch B11 Branch switch B12 Cabinet

Claims

1. one or more main contacts; a switching mechanism that opens and closes the main contacts; a tripping device that releases the switching mechanism to automatically open the main contacts; an abnormality detection device having one or more circuit boards, which controls the tripping device so as to automatically open the main contacts when it detects that an abnormality has occurred in wiring to which the main contacts are electrically connected; a support member for supporting the circuit board; a housing that houses the main contacts, the switching mechanism, the tripping device, the abnormality detection device, and the support member; Equipped with the support member has a fixing portion that is fixed to the body, The abnormality detection device a plurality of the circuit boards arranged so as to sandwich the support member; one or more electric wires electrically connecting the plurality of circuit boards to each other; and The support member has a wire support portion that supports the wire. Circuit breaker.

2. One or more main contacts; a switching mechanism that opens and closes the main contacts; a tripping device that releases the switching mechanism to automatically open the main contacts; an abnormality detection device having one or more circuit boards, which controls the tripping device so as to automatically open the main contacts when it detects that an abnormality has occurred in wiring to which the main contacts are electrically connected; a support member for supporting the circuit board; a housing that houses the main contacts, the switching mechanism, the tripping device, the abnormality detection device, and the support member; Equipped with the support member has a fixing portion that is fixed to the body, The abnormality detection device a display element mounted on the circuit board for illuminating whether an abnormality in the wiring has been detected; a light-guiding member formed of a material capable of guiding the light, which guides the light emitted from the display element and radiates it outside the housing; and The support member has a light guide member support portion that supports the light guide member. Circuit breaker.

3. One or more main contacts; a switching mechanism that opens and closes the main contacts; a tripping device that releases the switching mechanism to automatically open the main contacts; an abnormality detection device having one or more circuit boards, which controls the tripping device so as to automatically open the main contacts when it detects that an abnormality has occurred in wiring to which the main contacts are electrically connected; a support member for supporting the circuit board; a housing that houses the main contacts, the switching mechanism, the tripping device, the abnormality detection device, and the support member; Equipped with the support member has a fixing portion fixed to the housing and a support portion supporting the tripping device. Circuit breaker.

4. The device further comprises a conductor housed in the housing and forming part of an electrical path electrically connecting the wiring and the main contact, The support member has a conductor support portion that supports the conductor. A circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A plurality of the conductors are provided, The support member has a plurality of conductor support portions that support the plurality of conductors one by one.

5. The circuit breaker of claim 4.

6. The abnormality detection device has an operation input receiving unit for receiving an operation input, and is configured to control the trip device so as to automatically open the main contact when the operation input is received; The operation input reception unit an operating member that can be operated from outside the container; a contact provided on the circuit board; a movable plate that is displaced and comes into contact with the contact when the operating member is operated; having A circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the abnormality detection device has an operation input receiving unit for receiving an operation input, and is configured to control the trip device so as to automatically open the main contacts when the operation input is received; The operation input reception unit an operating member that can be operated from outside the container; a contact provided on the circuit board; a movable plate that is displaced and comes into contact with the contact when the operating member is operated; and At least a part of the movable plate is capable of reflecting the light leaking from the light-guiding member toward the light-guiding member. The circuit breaker of claim 2.

8. The abnormality detection device detects the presence or absence of arc discharge in the wiring. A circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A main switch; A plurality of branch switches; a cabinet that accommodates the main switch and the plurality of branch switches; Equipped with At least one of the main switch and the plurality of branch switch is a circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Distribution board.

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