Circuit breakers and distribution boards

Abstract

To provide a circuit breaker capable of visually checking the connection status of wires, and a distribution board.SOLUTION: The circuit breaker has a terminal block B1 that is electrically connected to a conductor of a primary side wire; a contact part inserted into an electrical path between the terminal block B1 and a secondary terminal; and an opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the contacts. The terminal block B1 includes a terminal board, a spring member 2, an adjustment screw 3, a display member 8, and a case 5. The terminal board is electrically connected to an electric circuit. The spring member 2 gives a contact pressure to the conductor in the contacting direction with the terminal board. The adjustment screw 3 is rotatably arranged to adjust the contact pressure by changing the amount of deformation of the spring member 2 by moving in the axial direction according to the rotation. The display member 8 displays the connection status of the conductor to the terminal board by rotating in conjunction with the rotation of adjustment screw 3. The case 5 houses the terminal board, the spring member 2, the adjustment screw 3, and the display member 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a circuit breaker and a distribution board, and more particularly to a circuit breaker having quick-connect terminals and a distribution board including the circuit breaker. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a main breaker (hereinafter referred to as a conventional example) equipped with screw terminals for connecting electric wires, and a screwless terminal unit connected to the screw terminals for connecting electric wires.

[0003] The screwless terminal unit has a screw terminal insertion bar that is connected to the wire connection screw terminal of the trunk breaker, screwless terminals that are electrically connected to the screw terminal insertion bar, and a resin case that covers the screw terminal insertion bar and screwless terminals. The screw terminal insertion bar of the screwless terminal unit is connected to the wire connection screw terminal of the trunk breaker, and electric wires are connected to the screwless terminal of the screwless terminal unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-201404 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the conventional trunk breaker, it was not possible to visually check the connection state of the electric wires to the screwless terminals of the screwless terminal unit (terminal block).

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a circuit breaker and a distribution board that allow visual confirmation of the connection state of electric wires to terminal blocks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A circuit breaker according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a terminal block electrically connected to a conductor of a primary-side electric wire, a contact portion inserted into an electric path between the terminal block and a secondary-side terminal, and an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the contact portion. The terminal block includes a terminal plate, a spring member, an adjusting screw, an indicator member, and a case. The terminal plate is electrically connected to the electric path. The spring member applies contact pressure to the conductor in a direction that causes the conductor to contact the terminal plate. The adjusting screw is rotatably arranged and moves axially in response to rotation, thereby changing the deformation of the spring member and adjusting the contact pressure. The indicator member rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the adjusting screw to indicate the connection state of the conductor to the terminal plate. The case houses the terminal plate, the spring member, the adjusting screw, and the indicator member.

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

[0009] According to the present disclosure, the connection state of the electric wire to the terminal block can be visually confirmed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the circuit breaker. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the circuit breaker. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram of the circuit breaker. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a terminal block included in the circuit breaker. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal block. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fixing member in the terminal block. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a front view of the terminal block with the fixing member moved to the fixing position, with the second housing removed. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the terminal block with the fixing member moved to the fixing position and the second housing removed. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the main part of the terminal block in a state where the fixing member of the terminal block has been moved to a fixing position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a front view of the terminal block with the fixing member moved to the unlocked position and the second housing removed. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front view of the device with the second housing removed, showing a state in which electric wires are connected to the terminal block. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a front view of the terminal block in a state where the fixing member is moved to the unlocked position. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a front view of the terminal block in a state where the fixing member has been moved to a fixing position. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a front view of the terminal block of the same as above, showing a state in which electric wires are connected to the terminal block. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a front view of a distribution board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] 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.

[0012] (1) Overview The circuit breaker A1 according to the embodiment includes a terminal block B1, a contact portion A11, and a switching mechanism portion A12 (see FIGS. 1 to 4).

[0013] The terminal block B1 is electrically connected to the conductor W10 of the primary-side electric wire W1 (see FIGS. 12 and 15). The contact portion A11 is inserted into an electric path A16 between the terminal block B1 and the secondary-side terminal A15 (see FIG. 4). The switching mechanism portion A12 opens and closes the contact portion A11.

[0014] The terminal block B1 includes a terminal board (hereinafter referred to as a first terminal board 1), a spring member 2, an adjusting screw 3, a display member 8, and a case 5 (see FIGS. 6, 8, and 11).

[0015] The first terminal board 1 is electrically connected to the electrical path A16.

[0016] Spring member 2 applies contact pressure to conductor W10 in a direction in which conductor W10 comes into contact with first terminal plate 1 (the direction indicated by arrow F1 in FIG. 8, ie, upward in FIG. 8).

[0017] The adjusting screw 3 is arranged to be rotatable, and moves in the axial direction in response to rotation, thereby changing the amount of deformation of the spring member 2 and adjusting the contact pressure.

[0018] The indicator 8 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the adjusting screw 3, thereby indicating the connection state of the conductor W10 to the first terminal board 1.

[0019] The case 5 accommodates the first terminal board 1, the spring member 2, the adjusting screw 3, and the display member 8.

[0020] Here, "connection" of two components is not limited to a connection in which the two components are directly connected, but may also include a connection in which the two components are connected via one or more circuit components. Furthermore, the "connection state" displayed by the display member 8 includes at least a state in which the conductor W10 is connected to the first terminal board 1 and a state in which the conductor W10 is not connected to the first terminal board 1. The display member 8 may also display the thickness of the conductor W10 connected to the first terminal board 1.

[0021] In the following description, the front-to-back, up-down, and left-to-right directions indicated by arrows in Figures 1, 2, and 5 are defined as the front-to-back, up-down, and left-to-right directions of the circuit breaker A1 and the terminal block B1. However, these directions do not limit the usage state of the circuit breaker A1 and the terminal block B1.

[0022] The circuit breaker A1 according to the embodiment is used, for example, as a main switch (also called a trunk breaker) of a residential distribution panel (hereinafter referred to as a residential panel). When the circuit breaker A1 is used as a main switch, a secondary terminal A15 of the circuit breaker A1 is connected to a plurality of branch switches housed in the residential panel.

[0023] According to the circuit breaker A1 of this embodiment, the display member 8 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the adjusting screw 3 that adjusts the contact pressure, so that the connection state of the conductor W10 to the first terminal board 1 can be displayed based on the position of the display member 8. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a circuit breaker A1 that allows the connection state of the electric wire W1 to the terminal block B1 to be visually confirmed.

[0024] Moreover, the distribution board C1 according to the embodiment includes the circuit breaker A1 according to the embodiment and a box C10 that houses the circuit breaker A1 according to the embodiment (see FIG. 16).

[0025] The distribution board C1 according to the embodiment includes the circuit breaker A1 according to the embodiment, and therefore it is possible to visually check the connection state of the electric wire W1 to the terminal block B1 included in the circuit breaker A1.

[0026] (2) Details of the circuit breaker according to the embodiment As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , a circuit breaker A1 according to an embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as the circuit breaker A1) includes three terminal blocks B1, three contact units A11, and a switching mechanism A12. The circuit breaker A1 also includes a tripping device A14 and an outer case 7. The outer case 7 houses the terminal block B1, the contact units A11, and the switching mechanism A12. More specifically, the outer case 7 houses the three terminal blocks B1, the three contact units A11, the switching mechanism A12, and the tripping device A14. The circuit breaker A1 is a three-pole earth leakage breaker with a neutral phase loss protection function and is used as a main switch in a single-phase three-wire residential panel. However, the circuit breaker A1 may be a circuit breaker with fewer than three poles or four or more poles, a circuit breaker without either or both of the neutral phase loss protection function and the earth leakage breaker function, or a disconnecting switch.

[0027] The contact portion A11 has a fixed contact electrically connected to the first terminal plate 1 of the terminal block B1 and a movable contact electrically connected to the secondary terminal A15 (see FIG. 4). Note that the movable contact may be provided on the first terminal plate 1 of the terminal block B1, and the fixed contact may be provided on the secondary terminal A15. The movable contact is movable between a closed state in which it is in contact with and conductive to the fixed contact, and an open state in which it is separated from the fixed contact by a sufficient insulating distance.

[0028] The switching mechanism A12 can open and close the contacts A11 by moving the movable contacts in response to operation of the operating handle A17. When the trip device A14 detects that an abnormal current such as an overload current, a short-circuit current, or a leakage current is flowing through the electric circuit A16, it forcibly opens the three contacts A11 via the switching mechanism A12. In addition, when the trip device A14 detects that the neutral conductor is open, it also forcibly opens the three contacts A11 via the switching mechanism A12.

[0029] The outer case 7 includes a third housing 71 and a fourth housing 72, which are formed by dividing the outer case 7 by a second mating surface PL2. More specifically, the outer case 7 is configured by joining the third housing 71 and the fourth housing 72, which are formed by dividing the outer case 7 into two halves, front and rear, along the second mating surface PL2 parallel to the front surface of the outer case 7 (see FIGS. 1 to 3). Here, the term "parallel" means that the two surfaces are not necessarily perfectly parallel, but may also mean that the two surfaces intersect at an angle of several degrees. Furthermore, the second mating surface PL2 is not necessarily a single plane, but may be a mating surface formed by a series of multiple planes parallel to the front surface of the outer case 7.

[0030] The third housing 71 and the fourth housing 72 are both formed from a molded body of electrically insulating synthetic resin. The third housing 71 is formed in a box shape with an open front face. The fourth housing 72 is formed in a box shape with an open rear face. The fourth housing 72 is placed over the front face of the third housing 71, and the third housing 71 and the fourth housing 72 are joined together by an appropriate method such as screwing to form the outer case 7.

[0031] As described above, the third housing 71 and the fourth housing 72 constituting the outer case 7 house three terminal blocks B1, three contact sections A11, the switching mechanism section A12, the tripping device A14, the secondary terminal A15, the electrical circuit A16, and the operating handle A17. Three recesses 711 are provided side by side on the front surface of the upper part of the third housing 71 (see FIG. 3). Each of these three recesses 711 houses one terminal block B1. Three window holes 7220 are provided side by side on the front surface of the upper part of the fourth housing 72 (see FIGS. 1 to 3). Parts of the three terminal blocks B1 are exposed through these three window holes 7220 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Three wire insertion holes 722 are provided on the top surface of the fourth housing 72, and parts of the three terminal blocks B1 are exposed through these three wire insertion holes 722. Here, the case 5 of the terminal block B1 is provided with a wire insertion hole 500 for inserting the conductor W10 of the primary-side wire W1, and the wire insertion holes 500 of the three terminal blocks B1 are exposed from the three wire insertion holes 722. Thus, the wire W1 passed through the wire insertion hole 722 of the fourth housing 72 is inserted into the interior of the terminal block B1 from the wire insertion hole 500 of the terminal block B1 and connected to the first terminal board 1. In addition, a draw-out opening 723 (see FIG. 3) is provided on the side surface of the fourth housing 72, and a portion of each second terminal board 60 (described later) of the three terminal blocks B1 is drawn out from the draw-out opening 723 (see FIG. 2).

[0032] The circuit breaker A1 also includes a support base 73 made of synthetic resin that supports the second terminal plates 60 of the feeder terminal block 6, which will be described later (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The support base 73 has three support portions 730 and a rectangular mounting portion 731. The three support portions 730 are each formed in the shape of a rectangular pillar with a different height, and protrude forward from the front surface of the mounting portion 731. However, the three support portions 730 are arranged in a staircase-like manner in descending order of height. These three support portions 730 support one second terminal plate 60 of each of the three terminal blocks B1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0033] In addition, the third housing 71 is provided with a protruding wall 712 (see Figure 3) that fits into a withdrawal opening 723 provided on the side of the fourth housing 72, and when the third housing 71 and the fourth housing 72 are joined together, a portion of the second terminal board 60 described later is held between the protruding wall 712 and the withdrawal opening 723.

[0034] However, the second terminal board 60 (feeder terminal block 6 described later) and support base 73 of each terminal block B1 are necessary components when providing a primary side feeder terminal in the circuit breaker A1. Therefore, if the circuit breaker A1 does not require a primary feeder terminal, the feeder terminal block 6 and support base 73 of each terminal block B1 are also unnecessary.

[0035] The outer case 7 is provided with a plurality of through holes 74 that penetrate the outer case 7 in the front-to-rear direction (see FIG. 1). An operator can fix the outer case 7 of the circuit breaker A1 to the mounting plate arranged on the bottom surface of the box C10 by screwing fixing screws passed through the plurality of through holes 74 into the mounting plate. An attachment member for attaching the outer case 7 to a mounting rail such as a DIN rail may be provided on the rear surface of the outer case 7, allowing an operator to attach the outer case 7 to a desired position on the mounting rail.

[0036] (2-1) Terminal block The configuration of the terminal block B1 described below is common to the three terminal blocks B1.

[0037] As described above, the terminal block B1 includes the first terminal board 1, the spring member 2, and the case 5. The terminal block B1 further includes the adjusting screw 3, the fixing member 4, the feeding terminal block 6, and the display member 8.

[0038] (2-1-1) 1st terminal board The first terminal board 1 has a rectangular contact piece 10 and a pair of side pieces 11 that protrude in the same direction (rearward) from both longitudinal sides of the contact piece 10. The contact piece 10 and the pair of side pieces 11 are integrally formed into a rectangular gutter shape from a metal material such as copper or a copper alloy (see Figures 6 and 11).

[0039] The upper end of the contact piece 10 is bent into a V-shape. Furthermore, a rectangular groove 100 is provided on each of the left and right ends of the center of the contact piece 10 in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) (see FIG. 11).

[0040] (2-1-2) Spring material The spring member 2 includes a first spring 21 and a second spring 22 .

[0041] The first spring 21 has a U-shaped main portion 210 and an arc-shaped contact pressure portion 211 that protrudes from one tip of the main portion 210 to the other tip. The main portion 210 and the contact pressure portion 211 are integrally formed from a strip-shaped metal plate (for example, a stainless steel plate).

[0042] A square hole 212 is provided in the pressure contact portion 211 (see FIGS. 6 and 9). The square hole 212 penetrates a portion of the pressure contact portion 211 closer to the main portion 210 in the thickness direction. The other tip portion of the main portion 210 and the upper end portion of the contact piece 10 of the first terminal board 1 are inserted into the square hole 212. Thus, when no external force is applied, the first spring 21 is maintained in a state in which the upper end portion of the contact piece 10 abuts against the rear edge of the square hole 212 in the pressure contact portion 211 (see FIG. 8). Hereinafter, this state may be referred to as the first state of the spring member 2.

[0043] The second spring 22 is formed in a tongue shape by bending a strip-shaped metal plate (for example, a stainless steel plate) into a U-shape. The second spring 22 is housed inside the main portion 210 of the first spring 21 (see FIGS. 6 and 8). Thus, the second spring 22 supplements the spring force of the first spring 21 while improving the durability of the spring member 2.

[0044] (2-1-3) Adjustment screw The adjustment screw 3 is rotatably disposed in the case 5. The adjustment screw 3 moves in the axial direction in response to rotation, and by moving in the axial direction, it moves in a direction that deforms the spring member 2 (downward in FIG. 8 ), thereby adjusting the contact pressure.

[0045] The adjusting screw 3 has a cylindrical main body 30 and threads 31 formed integrally with the main body 30 on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 30 (see FIGS. 6 and 8). The main body 30 also has a hexagonal hole 300 along the axial direction of the main body 30 (see FIG. 10). Furthermore, a trapezoidal recess (hereinafter referred to as a groove 301) is formed in part of the outer peripheral surface of the main body 30 along the axial direction of the main body 30 (see FIG. 8).

[0046] (2-1-4) Fixing member The fixing member 4 is movable between a fixed position (see FIGS. 8-10) where the adjusting screw 3 is fixed and an unlocked position (see FIG. 11) where the adjusting screw 3 is movable without being fixed. More specifically, when the adjusting screw 3 has moved in a direction that deforms the spring member 2, the fixing member 4 moves to the fixed position to fix the adjusting screw 3. In other words, when the fixing member 4 has moved to the fixed position, the state in which the adjusting screw 3 has moved in a direction that deforms the spring member 2 is maintained.

[0047] The fixed member 4 has an operating portion 40, a fixed portion 41, and a pair of spring portions 42 (see FIGS. 6 to 8). The operating portion 40 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Flanges 400 protrude from both ends of the rear surface of the operating portion 40 in the longitudinal direction (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0048] The pair of spring portions 42 are each formed in a rectangular shape. One spring portion 42 protrudes from one end in the short side direction on the back surface of the operating unit 40 at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the back surface of the operating unit 40. The other spring portion 42 protrudes from the other end in the short side direction on the back surface of the operating unit 40 at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the back surface of the operating unit 40.

[0049] The fixed portion 41 is formed in a prismatic shape. The fixed portion 41 protrudes from the back surface of the operating unit 40 in a direction normal to the back surface. The fixed portion 41 is located between a pair of spring portions 42 in the longitudinal direction of the back surface of the operating unit 40 (see FIG. 7). The tip surface of the fixed portion 41 is curved in an arc, and an arc-shaped claw 410 is provided that curves along the tip surface (see FIG. 7). A protrusion 43 is provided on the side surface of the fixed portion 41. The protrusion 43 is formed in a prismatic shape and protrudes from the side surface of the fixed portion 41 in the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion 41. One end surface of the protrusion 43 (the end surface closer to the operating unit 40) is an inclined surface that slopes away from the operating unit 40 as it moves away from the side surface of the fixed portion 41 (see FIG. 7).

[0050] The operating unit 40 of the fixing member 4 is pushed from outside the case 5. The fixing unit 41 moves when the operating unit 40 is pushed, and fixes the adjusting screw 3 when the fixing member 4 is in the fixed position. At least a portion of the operating unit 40 protrudes outside the case 5 from the opening 510 of the accommodating portion 51 when the fixing member 4 is not in the fixed position. Furthermore, when the terminal block B1 is housed in the outer case 7, the operating unit 40 of the fixing member 4 is exposed from a window hole 7220 of the outer case 7. That is, an opening (window hole 7220) through which at least a portion of the fixing member 4 is exposed is provided in the outer case 7, and in this embodiment, the operating unit 40 of the fixing member 4 is exposed from the opening (window hole 7220).

[0051] (2-1-5) Display material The display member 8 has an annular display unit 80 and trapezoidal legs 81 that are protrusions. The legs 81 protrude from the rear surface of the display unit 80 in the thickness direction (front-to-back direction) of the display unit 80, and are inserted into grooves 301 of the adjustment screw 3. The display member 8 is arranged in a rotatable state relative to the case 5, and rotates together with the adjustment screw 3 in conjunction with the rotation of the adjustment screw 3. The display unit 80 and the legs 81 are integrally formed as a synthetic resin molded body.

[0052] An opening 5030 exposing the display member 8 is provided on the surface of the case 5 that houses the display member 8. The opening 5030 is a circular opening, and the display unit 80 of the display member 8 is exposed through the opening 5030. A marker 82 is provided on the portion of the display member 8 that is exposed through the opening 5030 (the front surface of the display unit 80). The display member 8 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the adjusting screw 3, so that the marker 82 provided on the display unit 80 moves circumferentially in accordance with the rotation of the display member 8. Here, a status indicator 90 that displays the connection status of the conductor W10 in accordance with the position of the marker 82 is provided on the periphery of the opening 5030 on the surface of the case 5, within the movement range of the marker 82. In other words, the connection status of the conductor W10 can be displayed based on the positional relationship between the marker 82 and the status indicator 90 when the display member 8 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the adjusting screw 3.

[0053] In this embodiment, the display member 8 is provided with a protrusion (leg 81), and the adjusting screw 3 is provided with a recess (groove 301) into which the protrusion (leg 81) is inserted; however, the adjusting screw 3 may be provided with a protrusion, and the display member 8 may be provided with a recess into which the protrusion is inserted. In other words, it is sufficient that a protrusion is provided on one of the display member 8 and the adjusting screw 3, and a recess into which the protrusion is inserted so as to be movable along the axial direction is provided on the other of the display member 8 and the adjusting screw 3. This allows the display member 8 to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the adjusting screw 3.

[0054] (2-1-6) Feed terminal block The feeder terminal block 6 has a second terminal plate 60 and a fixing screw 62 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0055] The second terminal board 60 has a rectangular main piece 600, a connecting piece 601 protruding from a side end face of the main piece 600, and a fixing piece 602 protruding from a side end face of the main piece 600 (the side end face opposite the side end face from which the connecting piece 601 protrudes) (see FIG. 1). The main piece 600, connecting piece 601, and fixing piece 602 are integrally formed by punching a metal plate such as copper or a copper alloy. A circular screw insertion hole penetrating the fixing piece 602 in the thickness direction is provided at the tip of the fixing piece 602. The threaded portion of a fixing screw 62 is inserted into this screw insertion hole. The fixing piece 602 is placed on the front surface of a support portion 730 of the support base 73 and fixed to the support portion 730 by the fixing screw 62 (see FIG. 1).

[0056] The second terminal plate 60 is electrically connected to the first terminal plate 1 via a connecting conductor (not shown) formed into a cylindrical shape from a flexible metal (for example, copper or a copper alloy). One end of the connecting conductor is electrically and mechanically connected to the contact piece 10 of the first terminal plate 1 by an appropriate method such as soldering or welding. The other end of the connecting conductor is electrically and mechanically connected to the connecting piece 601 of the second terminal plate 60 by an appropriate method such as soldering or welding. The connecting conductor may be covered with an insulator having electrical insulating properties, such as synthetic resin.

[0057] (2-1-7) Case The case 5 is formed in a box shape whose left-to-right width is sufficiently shorter than its front-to-back width and its top-to-bottom height (see FIGS. 3 and 5). The case 5 includes a first housing 5A and a second housing 5B, which are formed by dividing the case 5 by a first mating surface PL1. More specifically, the case 5 includes the first housing 5A and the second housing 5B, which are formed by dividing the case 5 by the first mating surface PL1 (see FIG. 2), which passes through the center in the left-to-right direction. The first mating surface PL1 preferably passes through the center of an opening 5030 on the front surface of the case 5, but may be offset from the center in the left-to-right direction of the case 5. In this embodiment, the normal direction of the first mating surface PL1 and the normal direction of the second mating surface PL2 intersect. The direction of the contact pressure applied by the spring member 2 to the conductor W10 of the primary-side electric wire W1 (indicated by arrow F1 in FIG. 8) is parallel to the first mating surface PL1.

[0058] The case 5 is assembled by snap-in coupling a plurality of engaging portions 57 (see FIG. 6) provided on the second housing 5B to a plurality of engaged portions 58 (see FIG. 6) provided on the first housing 5A. The engaging portions 57 are hooks with claws at their tips. The engaged portions 58 are engaging holes with steps onto which the claws at the tips of the engaging portions 57 can be hooked. When the first housing 5A and the second housing 5B are butted together at the first butting surface PL1, the engaging portions 57 snap-in to the engaged portions 58, respectively, thereby coupling the first housing 5A and the second housing 5B together.

[0059] 6, the second housing 5B is provided with three engaging portions 57 that couple with the three engaged portions 58 of the first housing 5A, but the number of engaging portions 57 and engaged portions 58 can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the first housing 5A may be provided with a plurality of engaging portions 57 that couple with the plurality of engaged portions 58 provided on the second housing 5B, respectively. That is, it is only necessary that one of the first housing 5A and the second housing 5B is provided with an engaging portion 57 that snaps into connection with the engaged portion 58 provided on the other of the first housing 5A and the second housing 5B, and the first housing 5A and the second housing 5B can be assembled without the need for tools.

[0060] A first accommodating space 501, a second accommodating space 502, and a third accommodating space 503 are provided within the case 5 (see FIG. 8). The first accommodating space 501 accommodates the first terminal board 1. The first accommodating space 501 is connected to an electric wire insertion hole 500 that opens on the top surface of the case 5 by a guide path 50 provided in the upper rear part of the case 5. The guide path 50 guides the conductor W10 of the electric wire W1 inserted through the electric wire insertion hole 500 into a space surrounded by the contact piece 10 and the pair of side pieces 11 of the first terminal board 1.

[0061] The second housing space 502 houses the spring member 2. A spring support portion 53 that supports the spring member 2 is provided in the second housing space 502 (see FIG. 11). When viewed from the left and right, the spring support portion 53 is formed in a shape in which a rectangular plate-like portion protrudes from the peripheral surface of a cylinder. The spring support portion 53 supports the spring member 2 by being disposed inside the main portion 210 of the first spring 21 and the second spring 22.

[0062] The third housing space 503 houses the adjusting screw 3 and the display member 8. The third housing space 503 is cylindrical and has an opening 5030 on the front surface of the case 5. A thread groove 504 that mates with the threads 31 of the adjusting screw 3 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the third housing space 503 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). Furthermore, a holding groove 505 that rotatably holds the display unit 80 of the display member 8 is formed on the front end portion of the third housing space 503 (see FIGS. 6 and 10). The display member 8 is housed in the third housing space 503 with the peripheral portion of the display unit 80 inserted into the holding groove 505 and the legs 81 inserted into the grooves 301 provided in the main body 30 of the adjusting screw 3.

[0063] When the adjusting screw 3 accommodated in the third housing space 503 is rotated counterclockwise from outside the case 5, the adjusting screw 3 moves from the third housing space 503 toward the second housing space 502. At this time, the display member 8 rotates together with the adjusting screw 3 via the leg 81 inserted in the groove 301. However, because the display unit 80 is rotatably held in the holding groove 505, the display member 8 does not move from the third housing space 503 to the second housing space 502. In other words, the case 5 includes the holding groove 505 as a holding portion that rotatably holds the display member 8 while restricting the axial movement of the display member 8. As a result, even if the adjusting screw 3 moves rearward in response to rotation, the display member 8 does not move rearward, and the distance from the opening 5030 to the display unit 80 does not change, reducing the possibility that the marker 82 provided on the display unit 80 becomes difficult to see. Note that, although the holding portion is realized by the holding groove 505 in this embodiment, the holding portion is not limited to the holding groove 505 and can be changed as appropriate.

[0064] Here, the rotation angle of the display unit 80 visible from the opening 5030 of the case 5, i.e., the rotation angle (amount of movement) of the marker 82 provided on the display unit 80, is proportional to the amount of movement of the adjusting screw 3 in the front-to-rear direction (the amount of movement between the third housing space 503 and the second housing space 502). Therefore, the display unit 80 can display the position of the adjusting screw 3 in the front-to-rear direction based on the rotation angle.

[0065] A status indicator 90 is provided on the periphery of the opening 5030 on the surface (front) of the case 5, within the range of movement of the marker 82, to indicate the connection status of the conductor W10 according to the position of the marker 82. The status indicator 90 is formed in the shape of a band that curves in an arc. The status indicator 90 is formed by an appropriate method, such as printing, engraving, or attaching a sticker.

[0066] Here, the connection states of the conductor W10 displayed by the state display unit 90 include at least a first state, a second state, and a third state. The first state is a state in which the conductor W10 cannot be inserted between the first terminal board 1 and the spring member 2. The second state is a state in which the conductor W10 can be inserted between the first terminal board 1 and the spring member 2, but the conductor W10 is not held between the first terminal board 1 and the spring member 2. The third state is a state in which the conductor W10 is held between the first terminal board 1 and the spring member 2. The first and second states are states in which the conductor W10 is not connected between the first terminal board 1 and the spring member 2, and the third state is a state in which the conductor W10 is connected between the first terminal board 1 and the spring member 2.

[0067] 13 is a front view of the terminal block B1 when the connection state of the conductor W10 is in the first state, with the marker 82 located at the right end of its movement range. In the state display unit 90, the area at the right end facing the marker 82 when the connection state of the conductor W10 is in the first state becomes a first display area 90A indicating that the connection state is in the first state.

[0068] 14 is a front view of the terminal block B1 when the connection state of the conductor W10 is in the second state, with the marker 82 located at the left end of its movement range. In the state display unit 90, the leftmost area facing the marker 82 when the connection state of the conductor W10 is in the second state becomes the second display area 90B, which indicates that the connection state is in the second state.

[0069] 15 is a front view of the terminal block B1 when the connection state of the conductor W10 is in the third state, and the marker 82 faces the third display area 90C between the first display area 90A and the second display area 90B in the state display unit 90. Here, when the connection state of the conductor W10 is in the third state, the rotation angle of the adjusting screw 3 changes depending on the thickness of the conductor W10, and the thicker the conductor W10, the closer the marker 82 is to the second display area 90B in the third display area 90C. In other words, the amount of rotation of the display member 8 when the conductor W10 is held between the first terminal board 1 and the spring member 2 corresponds to the thickness of the conductor W10.

[0070] As described above, the state display unit 90 can display whether the state is the first state, the second state, or the third state, depending on the position of the marker 82. This allows the worker to visually confirm the connection state of the conductor W10 to the terminal block B1 based on the position of the marker 82, and can perform the work of connecting the conductor W10 to the terminal block B1 while checking the connection state of the conductor W10 based on the position of the marker 82.

[0071] In the status display unit 90, the first display area 90A, the second display area 90B, and the third display area 90C have different display modes. For example, the first display area 90A is white, the second display area 90B is yellow, and the third display area 90C is red. This allows the worker to easily check the connection status of the conductor W10 based on the color of the area facing the marker 82 in the status display unit 90. The display modes may be different by using different shades of color in the first display area 90A, the second display area 90B, and the third display area 90C, making it easier for the worker to visually grasp the connection status of the conductor W10.

[0072] Furthermore, the marker 82 provided on the display member 8 has a first end closer to the status display unit 90 that is narrower than a second end opposite the first end. In the example shown in FIG. 13 , the marker 82 is triangular with its apex pointing toward the status display unit 90, and the width of the apex, which is the first end, is narrower than the width of the base, which is the second end. This has the advantage that a user of the circuit breaker A1 can easily determine which part of the status display unit 90 the marker 82 faces, making it easier to visually grasp the current connection state of the conductor W10. Note that the shape of the marker 82 is preferably, for example, a V-shape tapering toward the status display unit 90, and in this embodiment, it is a triangle. As described above, in this embodiment, the shape of the marker 82 is a V-shape tapering toward the status display unit 90, making it easy to determine which part of the status display unit 90 the marker 82 faces.

[0073] The case 5 further has a storage section 51 that stores the fixed member 4 (see FIGS. 6 and 8). An opening 510 of the storage section 51 is provided on the front surface of the case 5. The storage section 51 is also connected to the third storage space 503. The storage section 51 movably stores the fixed member 4 so that the operating unit 40 protrudes from the opening 510 to the outside of the case 5 and the tip (lower end) of the fixed unit 41 faces the third storage space 503 (see FIGS. 6 and 8). The pair of spring portions 42 of the fixed member 4 contact the inner wall of the storage section 51. Therefore, the fixed member 4 receives a force from the pair of spring portions 42 in a direction that causes the operating unit 40 to protrude from the opening 510. However, the case 5 has a restricting portion 52 (see FIG. 11), which restricts movement of the fixed member 4 in a direction that causes the operating unit 40 to protrude from the opening 510 to the outside of the case 5. The restricting portion 52 is configured by the inner wall of the space in which the protrusion 43 of the fixing member 4 is movably accommodated in the accommodation portion 51. In other words, the restricting portion 52 restricts the movement of the fixing member 4 by the protrusion 43 of the fixing member 4 abutting against the inner wall.

[0074] Furthermore, two accommodating recesses 54 are provided in front of the wire insertion holes 500 on the top surface of the case 5 (see FIGS. 3 and 5). These two accommodating recesses 54 are formed in the shape of grooves that penetrate the case 5 in the left-right direction. Each accommodating recess 54 can accommodate a connecting conductor of the feeder terminal block 6.

[0075] Furthermore, an insertion hole 55 through which a connecting conductor is inserted is provided on the left side surface of the case 5 (the side surface of the second housing 5B) (see FIG. 5).

[0076] An observation hole 56 (see FIGS. 5 and 8 ) connected to the guide path 50 is provided on the front surface of the case 5. The outer case 7 is provided with a window 7220 through which at least a portion of the observation hole 56 (in this embodiment, the entire observation hole 56) is exposed. As shown in FIG. 15 , the observation hole 56 allows the primary electric wire W1 to be visually observed from an observation direction (direction of arrow DR2) that intersects with the insertion direction (direction of arrow DR1) of the primary electric wire W1 when the primary electric wire W1 is inserted into the case 5 through the electric wire insertion hole 500. Here, the observation hole 56 is provided at a position where the tip portion of the insulator W11 can be seen when the electric wire W1, from which a specified amount of the insulator W11 has been stripped, is inserted into the electric wire insertion hole 500 and the conductor W10 of the electric wire W1 is inserted to a predetermined position relative to the first terminal plate 1.

[0077] (2-2) Wiring procedure for terminal blocks Next, the procedure for connecting the electric wire W1 to the terminal block B1 (wire connection procedure) will be described.

[0078] In the first state in which the electric wire W1 is not connected to the terminal block B1, the upper end portion of the contact piece 10 is kept in contact with the rear edge of the rectangular hole 212 of the spring member 2 (see FIG. 11). Also, the display member 8 is rotated to a position in which the marker 82 faces the first display area 90A of the status display unit 90 (see FIG. 13).

[0079] From this state, in order to connect the conductor W10 of the electric wire W1 to the first terminal board 1, the worker rotates the adjusting screw 3 counterclockwise using a tool such as a hex wrench. By rotating the adjusting screw 3 counterclockwise, the adjusting screw 3 moves in a direction from the third housing space 503 toward the second housing space 502 (hereinafter referred to as the first direction D1) (see FIG. 11). The adjusting screw 3 deflects the spring member 2 as it moves in the first direction D1.

[0080] When marker 82 on display unit 80, which rotates in conjunction with adjusting screw 3, reaches second display area 90B on the left edge (see FIG. 14), the operator presses operating unit 40 to move fixing member 4 in a direction that advances it into case 5. Note that the position of fixing member 4 when operating unit 40 is not pressed and fixing member 4 is farthest from adjusting screw 3 is called the non-fixed position (see FIG. 11).

[0081] When the operator stops the counterclockwise rotation of the adjusting screw 3 with the tool while pressing the operating portion 40, the adjusting screw 3, receiving the spring force of the spring member 2, rotates clockwise and moves in a direction opposite to the first direction D1 (hereinafter referred to as the second direction D2). Then, the claw 410 of the fixing portion 41 is caught on the body 30 of the adjusting screw 3 that has moved in the second direction D2 (see FIGS. 8-10). As a result, the adjusting screw 3 is fixed by the fixing member 4 (see FIG. 8). Here, the position of the fixing member 4 when the fixing member 4 fixes the adjusting screw 3 is referred to as the fixed position (see FIG. 8). When the fixing member 4 is in the fixed position, the first spring 21 of the spring member 2 is pushed and deflected by the adjusting screw 3, and the square hole 212 of the first spring 21 is connected to the guide path 50 of the case 5 (see FIG. 9). At this time, the conductor W10 of the electric wire W1 is in a state (second state) in which it can be inserted between the spring member 2 and the first terminal board 1, and the marker 82 of the display unit 80 faces the second display area 90B.

[0082] When the worker determines that the marker 82 has been switched to the second state because it is positioned opposite the second display area 90B, the worker inserts the conductor W10 of the electric wire W1 into the guide path 50 from the electric wire insertion hole 500 of the case 5. At this time, the worker simply inserts the electric wire W1 into the electric wire insertion hole 500 until the insulator W11 of the electric wire W1 is visible through the observation hole 56. If the insulator W11 is visible through the observation hole 56 as shown in FIG. 15, the conductor W10 of the electric wire W1 has reached the inside of the first terminal board 1, and the electric wire W1 can be reliably connected to the first terminal board 1 (see FIG. 12).

[0083] Next, the worker uses a tool to rotate the adjusting screw 3 counterclockwise. This moves the adjusting screw 3 in the first direction D1, and the claw 410 of the fixing portion 41 disengages from the main body 30. When the claw 410 of the fixing portion 41 disengages from the main body 30 of the adjusting screw 3, the fixing member 4 moves from the fixed position to the unlocked position due to the spring force of the pair of spring portions 42. When the worker stops rotating the adjusting screw 3 counterclockwise with the tool, the adjusting screw 3 moves in the second direction D2 while rotating clockwise due to the spring force of the spring member 2. Then, the edge of the square hole 212 of the contact pressure portion 211 of the first spring 21 abuts on the conductor W10, and the spring force of the spring member 2 (the combined force of the spring force of the first spring 21 and the spring force of the second spring 22) presses the conductor W10 against the contact piece 10 of the first terminal board 1 (see FIG. 12 ). As a result, the conductor W10 of the electric wire W1 and the first terminal plate 1 are electrically and mechanically connected, and the edge of the rectangular hole 212 of the pressure contact portion 211 abuts against the conductor W10, thereby preventing the electric wire W1 from coming off.

[0084] Here, the adjustment screw 3 stops at a position where the edge of the rectangular hole 212 of the spring member 2 abuts the conductor W10. The amount of rotation of the adjustment screw 3 corresponds to the thickness of the conductor W10, and the indicator 8 stops at a position where the marker 82 faces the third display region 90C of the status indicator 90. The position of the marker 82 also corresponds to the thickness of the conductor W10. The thicker the conductor W10, the closer the marker 82 stops to the second display region 90B. Therefore, the operator can determine the thickness of the conductor W10 connected to the terminal block B1 from the position of the marker 82. For example, if the conductor W10 is a stranded wire and only a portion of the stranded wire is inserted between the first terminal board 1 and the spring member 2, the position of the marker 82 predicted from the thickness of the conductor W10 will differ from the actual stop position of the marker 82. Therefore, the operator can determine, based on the actual stop position of the marker 82, whether only a portion of the conductor W10 is connected to the first terminal board 1.

[0085] The above steps complete the process of connecting the electric wire W1 to the terminal block B1.

[0086] (2-3) Advantages of the circuit breaker according to the embodiment As described above, in the circuit breaker A1, the display member 8 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the adjusting screw 3 that adjusts the contact pressure, so the connection state of the conductor W10 to the first terminal board 1 can be displayed based on the position of the display member 8. Therefore, in the circuit breaker A1, the worker can visually check the connection state of the electric wire W1 to the terminal block B1, and can perform the connection work of the electric wire W1 while checking the connection state of the electric wire W1.

[0087] Furthermore, the case 5 is formed with a holding groove 505 that rotatably holds the display unit 80 of the display member 8, and when the display unit 80 is held in the holding groove 505, the display member 8 is allowed to rotate while being restricted from moving in the axial direction. Therefore, even if the adjusting screw 3 moves in the axial direction, the movement of the display member 8 in the axial direction can be restricted, which has the advantage that the operator can easily see the display member 8.

[0088] In addition, the display member 8 is provided with a leg 81 (protrusion), and the adjustment screw 3 is provided with a groove 301 (recess) into which the leg 81 is inserted so that it can move along the axial direction, so that the display member 8 can be rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the adjustment screw 3.

[0089] Furthermore, in the circuit breaker A1, an opening 5030 is provided on the surface of the case 5 to expose the display member 8, so that an operator can visually check the display member 8 from outside the case 5 through the opening 5030.

[0090] In addition, a marker 82 is provided on the display member 8, and a status display section 90 is provided on the periphery of the opening 5030 on the surface of the case 5, so that the worker can check the connection status of the conductor W10 to the terminal block B1 according to the position of the marker 82.

[0091] Here, the connection state displayed by the state display unit 90 includes at least a first state, a second state, and a third state, and the worker can determine whether the connection state of the conductor W10 is the first state, the second state, or the third state depending on the position of the marker 82.

[0092] Furthermore, it is preferable that the width of the first end of the marker 82, which is closest to the status display unit 90, is narrower than the width of the second end opposite the first end, which has the advantage of making it easier to see where the marker 82 faces in relation to the status display unit 90.

[0093] Furthermore, the shape of the marker 82 is preferably a V-shape that tapers toward the status display section 90, which has the advantage that it is easy to know where on the status display section 90 the marker 82 faces.

[0094] Furthermore, in the circuit breaker A1, it is preferable that the amount of rotation of the display member 8 while the conductor W10 is held between the first terminal plate 1 and the spring member 2 corresponds to the thickness of the conductor W10. Based on the amount of rotation of the display member 8, an operator can ascertain the thickness of the conductor W10 connected to the first terminal plate 1.

[0095] In addition, the circuit breaker A1 has a terminal block B1, which houses the first terminal board 1, spring member 2, adjustment screw 3, and display member 8 in a case 5, and houses the terminal block B1, together with the contact portion A11 and opening / closing mechanism portion A12, in an outer case 7, which has the advantage of improving the workability of the assembly work.

[0096] (3) Details of the distribution board according to the embodiment A distribution board C1 according to the embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as distribution board C1) includes a circuit breaker A1 used as a main breaker and a box C10 that houses the circuit breaker A1 (see FIG. 16). Note that although the distribution board C1 is illustrated as a residential board, it may be a distribution board other than a residential board, such as a cabinet-type distribution board used in offices, stores, factories, etc.

[0097] The box C10 is made of synthetic resin and has a rectangular box shape with an open front. The box C10 is not limited to being made of synthetic resin, but may also be made of metal. The box C10 is attached to an indoor construction material, for example, a wall in a house. Although not shown in the drawings, the front of the box C10 is closed by a door attached to the box C10 that can be opened and closed.

[0098] The circuit breaker A1 is housed in a position slightly to the left of the center in the left-right direction inside the box C10. Within the box C10, three bus bars and multiple branch breakers (branch switches) are housed in the space to the right of the circuit breaker A1. However, the bus bars and branch breakers are not shown in Figure 16.

[0099] The three busbars are each made of a rectangular conductive bar made of copper or copper alloy. The three busbars are arranged at equal intervals along the depth direction of the box C10, in the vertical center of the box C10. Each of the three busbars is electrically connected to one of the three secondary terminals A15 of the circuit breaker A1.

[0100] A plurality of branch breakers are arranged above and below the three busbars and are electrically connected to any two of the three busbars.

[0101] Additionally, within the box C10, a breaker for the primary feeding circuit may be housed in the space to the left of the circuit breaker A1. The breaker for the primary feeding circuit may be, for example, a ground fault circuit interrupter, and is electrically connected to any two of the three second terminal boards 60 of the circuit breaker A1. The primary feeding circuit may be used, for example, to supply power to a receiver for an apartment building as specified in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Ordinance No. 40 of 2005.

[0102] Since the distribution board C1 is equipped with the circuit breaker A1, the connection state of the electric wire W1 to the circuit breaker A1 can be visually confirmed.

[0103] (summary) The above-described embodiments and the like disclose the following aspects.

[0104] The circuit breaker (A1) of the first embodiment has a terminal block (B1), a contact unit (A11), and a switching mechanism unit (A12). The terminal block (B1) is electrically connected to the conductor (W10) of the primary side electric wire (W1). The contact unit (A11) is inserted into an electric circuit (A16) between the terminal block (B1) and a secondary side terminal (A15). The switching mechanism unit (A12) opens and closes the contact unit (A11). The terminal block (B1) includes a terminal board (1), a spring member (2), an adjustment screw (3), a display member (8), and a case (5). The terminal board (1) is electrically connected to the electric circuit (A16). The spring member (2) applies a contact pressure to the conductor (W10) in a direction that brings it into contact with the terminal board (1). The adjusting screw (3) is rotatably arranged and moves axially in response to rotation, thereby changing the amount of deformation of the spring member (2) and adjusting the contact pressure. The indicator member (8) rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the adjusting screw (3), thereby indicating the connection status of the conductor (W10) to the terminal board (1). The case (5) accommodates the terminal board (1), the spring member (2), the adjusting screw (3), and the indicator member (8).

[0105] According to this embodiment, the indicator 8 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the adjusting screw 3 that adjusts the contact pressure, so that the connection state of the conductor W10 to the terminal board 1 can be indicated by the position of the indicator 8. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a circuit breaker A1 that allows the connection state of the electric wire W1 to the terminal block B1 to be visually confirmed.

[0106] In the circuit breaker (A1) of the second aspect, in the first aspect, the case (5) is provided with a holding portion (505) that rotatably holds the display member (8) while restricting the axial movement of the display member (8).

[0107] According to this embodiment, the position of the indicator (8) is unlikely to move in the axial direction, which has the advantage that the operator can easily see the indicator (8).

[0108] In the circuit breaker (A1) of the third aspect, in the second aspect, one of the indicator member (8) and the adjusting screw (3) has a protrusion (81). The other of the indicator member (8) and the adjusting screw (3) is provided with a recess (301) into which the protrusion (81) is inserted so as to be movable in the axial direction.

[0109] According to this embodiment, the display member (8) can be rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the adjustment screw (3).

[0110] In the circuit breaker (A1) of the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, an opening (5030) is provided on the surface of the case (5) to expose the display member (8).

[0111] This embodiment has the advantage that the operator can visually recognize the indicator (8) from outside the case (5) through the opening (5030).

[0112] In the circuit breaker (A1) of the fifth aspect, a marker (82) is provided at a portion of the display member (8) exposed through the opening (5030) in the fourth aspect. A status display unit (90) that displays the connection status according to the position of the marker (82) is provided at the periphery of the opening (5030) on the surface of the case (5) within the range of movement of the marker (82).

[0113] According to this embodiment, the worker can check the connection state of the conductor (W10) to the terminal board (1) according to the position of the marker (82).

[0114] In the circuit breaker (A1) of the sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the connection states include at least a first state, a second state, and a third state. The first state is a state in which the conductor (W10) cannot be inserted between the terminal board (1) and the spring member (2). The second state is a state in which the conductor (W10) can be inserted between the terminal board (1) and the spring member (2), but the conductor (W10) is not held between the terminal board (1) and the spring member (2). The third state is a state in which the conductor (W10) is held between the terminal board (1) and the spring member (2). The state display unit (90) displays whether the state is the first state, the second state, or the third state depending on the position of the marker (82).

[0115] According to this embodiment, the worker can determine whether the connection state of the conductor (W10) is the first state, the second state, or the third state, depending on the position of the marker (82).

[0116] In the circuit breaker (A1) of the seventh aspect, in the fifth or sixth aspect, the width of the marker (82) at a first end close to the status indicating portion (90) is narrower than the width of a second end opposite to the first end.

[0117] This embodiment has the advantage that it is easy to visually grasp where on the status display section (90) the marker (82) faces.

[0118] In the circuit breaker (A1) of the eighth aspect, in the fifth or sixth aspect, the shape of the marker (82) is V-shaped and tapered toward the status indicating portion (90).

[0119] This embodiment has the advantage that it is easy to visually grasp where on the status display section (90) the marker (82) faces.

[0120] In the circuit breaker (A1) of the ninth aspect, in any of the first to eighth aspects, the amount of rotation of the indicator member (8) when the conductor (W10) is held between the terminal board (1) and the spring member (2) corresponds to the thickness of the conductor (W10).

[0121] According to this embodiment, the worker can grasp the thickness of the conductor (W10) connected to the terminal board (1) based on the amount of rotation of the indicator member (8).

[0122] The circuit breaker (A1) of the tenth aspect is any one of the first to ninth aspects, and further includes an outer case (7) that houses the terminal block (B1), the contact portion (A11), and the switching mechanism portion (A12).

[0123] According to this embodiment, the case (5) containing the terminal board (1), the spring member (2), the adjusting screw (3), and the display member (8) is housed in the outer case (7) together with the contact portion (A11) and the opening / closing mechanism portion (A12), which has the advantage of improving the workability of the assembly work.

[0124] A distribution board (C1) according to an eleventh aspect includes the circuit breaker (A1) according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, and a box (C10) that houses the circuit breaker (A1).

[0125] According to this embodiment, the connection state of the electric wire (W1) to the terminal block (B1) provided in the circuit breaker (A1) can be visually confirmed.

[0126] The configurations according to the second to tenth aspects are not essential for the circuit breaker (A1) and can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1 1st terminal board (terminal board) 2 Spring member 5 cases 7 Outer case 8 Display components 81 Leg (protrusion) 82 Marker 90 Status display section 301 Groove (recess) 505 Retaining groove (retaining part) 5030 Opening A1 Circuit Breaker A11 Contact part A12 Opening / closing mechanism A15 Secondary terminal A16 Electrical circuit B1 terminal block C1 Distribution board C10 Box W1 electric wire W10 conductor

Claims

1. a terminal block electrically connected to the conductor of the primary side electric wire; a contact portion inserted into an electrical path between the terminal block and a secondary terminal; an opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the contact portion, The terminal block comprises: a terminal board electrically connected to the electrical path; a spring member that applies a contact pressure to the conductor in a direction that causes the conductor to contact the terminal plate; an adjusting screw that is rotatably disposed and moves axially in response to rotation to change the deformation amount of the spring member and adjust the contact pressure; an indicator that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the adjusting screw to indicate a connection state of the conductor to the terminal board; a case that accommodates the terminal board, the spring member, the adjusting screw, and the display member; Equipped with Circuit breaker.

2. the case includes a holding portion that rotatably holds the display member while restricting movement of the display member in the axial direction. The circuit breaker of claim 1.

3. One of the indicator member and the adjusting screw has a protrusion, and the other of the indicator member and the adjusting screw has a recess into which the protrusion is inserted in a state where the protrusion can move along the axial direction. The circuit breaker of claim 2.

4. An opening is provided on the surface of the case to expose the display member. The circuit breaker of claim 1.

5. a marker is provided on a portion of the display member exposed through the opening, a status display unit that displays the connection status according to the position of the marker is provided on the periphery of the opening on the surface of the case within a range of movement of the marker; 5. The circuit breaker of claim 4.

6. the connection states include at least a first state in which the conductor cannot be inserted between the terminal board and the spring member, a second state in which the conductor can be inserted between the terminal board and the spring member and the conductor is not held between the terminal board and the spring member, and a third state in which the conductor is held between the terminal board and the spring member; the state display unit displays, depending on the position of the marker, whether the state is the first state, the second state, or the third state. The circuit breaker of claim 5.

7. The marker has a first end closer to the status display unit and a second end opposite the first end, the first end being narrower in width than the second end. The circuit breaker of claim 5.

8. The marker has a V-shape that tapers toward the status display section. The circuit breaker of claim 5.

9. The amount of rotation of the indicator member while the conductor is held between the terminal board and the spring member corresponds to the thickness of the conductor. The circuit breaker of claim 1.

10. an outer case that houses the terminal block, the contact portion, and the opening / closing mechanism portion; The circuit breaker of claim 1.

11. A circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 10; a box for accommodating the circuit breaker; Equipped with Distribution board.

Images