Circuit breakers and distribution boards

Abstract

To increase the assembly property.SOLUTION: A circuit breaker includes: at least one main contact point; an opening-closing mechanism for opening or closing the at least one main contact point; a pulling-off device 6 for releasing the opening-closing mechanism and automatically opening the at least one main contact point; and an abnormality detector. The abnormality detector causes the pulling-off device 6 to operate so that the at least one main contact point will automatically open when the detector detects generation of an abnormality in a wire electrically connected to the main contact point. The abnormality detector 7 has at least three circuit boards including a first circuit board 71, a second circuit board 72, and a third circuit board 73. The first circuit board 71 is mechanically and electrically connected to the third circuit board 73. The second circuit board 72 is electrically and mechanically connected to the third circuit board 73.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

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 molded case circuit breaker described in Patent Document 1 will be exemplified. The molded case circuit breaker described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as the conventional example) comprises a fixed contact and a movable contact, a mechanism that moves the movable contact so as to contact and separate from the fixed contact, a tripping mechanism, a measurement main board that measures the load current, and a current alarm output unit. The current alarm output unit outputs an alarm when the load current measured by the measurement main board increases.

[0003] The conventional example also includes a housing that houses the above components and has a power supply side terminal at one end that is electrically connected to a power supply and a load side terminal at the other end.

[0004] Furthermore, in the conventional example, a mechanism is provided in the center of the housing, a relay board constituting a current alarm output unit is arranged between the mechanism and the power supply side terminal, and a main measurement board is arranged between the mechanism and the load side terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-288100 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the conventional example, two boards (anomaly detection device), a main measurement board and a relay board, are arranged on both ends of the housing, sandwiching the mechanism and contact parts (fixed contacts and movable contacts). Therefore, in the conventional example, the main measurement board and the relay board must be electrically connected by wiring, which can reduce assembly efficiency.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a circuit breaker and a distribution board that can be easily assembled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A circuit breaker according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes 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, and an abnormality detection device. The abnormality detection device operates the tripping device to automatically open the main contacts when it detects an abnormality in wiring to which the main contacts are electrically connected. The abnormality detection device has three or more circuit boards including a first circuit board, a second circuit board, and a third circuit board. The first circuit board is mechanically and electrically connected to the third circuit board. The second circuit board is mechanically and electrically connected to the third circuit board.

[0009] 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]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, there is an effect that the ease of assembly can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a circuit breaker according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the circuit breaker. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the circuit breaker shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of the main part of the circuit breaker, with the cover omitted. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the circuit breaker, with the body omitted. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the main part of the circuit breaker, omitting the body. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tripping device in the circuit breaker. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the tripping device in the circuit breaker. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a circuit block diagram of the abnormality detection device in the circuit breaker of the above embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the circuit breaker, with a portion of the abnormality detection device and the tripping device omitted. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded front perspective view of the circuit breaker, with a portion of the abnormality detection device and the tripping device omitted. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the circuit breaker, with a portion of the abnormality detection device and the tripping device omitted. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded rear perspective view of the circuit breaker, with a portion of the abnormality detection device and the tripping device omitted. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a front view of a distribution board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a circuit block diagram of an abnormality detection device in a circuit breaker according to the first modification. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the circuit breaker of the second modification, with a portion of the abnormality detection device and the tripping device omitted. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a circuit block diagram of the abnormality detection device in the circuit breaker of the above embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] A circuit breaker A1 and a distribution board B1 according to an embodiment 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.

[0013] (1) Overview 1 and 2, a circuit breaker A1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes one or more main contacts, a switching mechanism 4 that opens and closes the main contacts, a tripping device (second tripping device) 6 that releases the switching mechanism 4 to automatically open the main contacts, and an abnormality detection device 7. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the main contacts include fixed contacts 20A and 20B and movable contacts 21A and 21B. The movable contacts 21A and 21B are in separable contact with the fixed contacts 20A and 20B, respectively. The switching 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) 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), and from the closed position to the open position.

[0014] The abnormality detection device 7 operates the tripping device 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.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 9, the abnormality detection device 7 has three or more circuit boards including a first circuit board 71, a second circuit board 72, and a third circuit board 73. As shown in Figs. 9 to 13, the first circuit board 71 is mechanically and electrically connected to the third circuit board 73. Furthermore, the second circuit board 72 is mechanically and electrically connected to the third circuit board 73. Here, "mechanically connected" means a connection in a state of being mechanically fixed, and includes not only a direct connection but also an indirect connection via, for example, an intermediate member.

[0016] According to the circuit breaker A1 of this embodiment, the first circuit board 71 and the second circuit board 72 are electrically connected via the third circuit board 73, so there is no need to electrically connect the first circuit board 71 and the second circuit board 72 by wiring. This makes it possible to improve the ease of assembly of the circuit breaker A1 of this embodiment. Furthermore, because the first circuit board 71 and the second circuit board 72 are mechanically fixed via the third circuit board 73, the stability of the first circuit board 71, the second circuit board 72, and the third circuit board 73 is improved.

[0017] 14, 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] (2) Details Hereinafter, the circuit breaker A1 according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0021] 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, and an abnormality detection device 7. In the following explanation, the up / down, front / rear, and left / right directions indicated by arrows in Figure 1 etc. 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 convenience of explanation and are not intended to limit the directions in which the circuit breaker A1 is actually used.

[0022] (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.

[0023] 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, and the abnormality detection device 7 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 and 3).

[0024] 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 surface, front surface, and rear surface of the housing 1, respectively (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.

[0025] A rectangular window 13 is formed in the approximate center in the left-right direction on the upper side of the housing 1 (see FIG. 2). A handle 40 of the opening / closing mechanism 4 is disposed inside this window 13 so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 1.

[0026] Furthermore, a rectangular through-hole 14 is provided on the upper side of the body 1 to the right of the window 13 (see FIG. 2). The through-hole 14 passes through the upper side of the body 1 and communicates with the interior of the body 1.

[0027] (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). The movable contact 21A is fixed to the tip of the movable contactor 22A, and the movable contact 21B is fixed to the tip of the movable contactor 22B.

[0028] The movable contactor 22A is formed in the shape of a strip made of metal (see FIG. 6). The movable contactor 22B is formed by bending both longitudinal ends of a strip made of metal in opposite directions along the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the strip (see FIG. 3). The thickness of the strip forming the movable contactor 22B is thinner than the thickness of the strip forming the movable contactor 22A.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 5, fixed contact 20A is provided at an end of first terminal plate 31A of first terminal portion 3A. As shown in Fig. 3, fixed contact 20B is provided at an end of second terminal plate 32A of first terminal portion 3A. These two fixed contacts 20A and 20B are housed in housing 1 so as to be adjacent to each other in the front-to-rear direction.

[0030] (2.3) First terminal section As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] (2.4)Second terminal section As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the second terminal portion 3B has a first blade receiving spring 31B and a second blade receiving spring 32B (see Figures 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The second blade receiving spring 32B is accommodated in the center of the right end of the housing 1. The second blade receiving spring 32B is electrically connected to a conductor inserted into the middle socket 12B of the housing 1 (the conductive bar of the other voltage pole of the distribution board B1). The second blade receiving spring 32B may also be accommodated in the upper right end of the housing 1. In this case, the second blade receiving spring 32B is electrically connected to a conductor inserted into the top socket 12A of the housing 1 (the conductive bar of the neutral pole of the distribution board B1).

[0038] In this way, the first blade receiving spring 31B and the second blade receiving spring 32B are connected to the power system AC1 (see FIG. 9) via the distribution board B1.

[0039] (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.

[0040] 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).

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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).

[0043] Link 43 is formed into a U-shape from a rod-shaped metal material. 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).

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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).

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 the bimetal 50B of the first tripping device 5 (see FIG. 4).

[0052] (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.

[0053] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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. 5). The middle portion of the bimetal 50A is electrically connected to the right end of the movable contact 22A via a braided wire 23A (see FIG. 5). 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 portion of the bimetal 50B is electrically connected to a first protrusion 661 (described later) of a conductive plate 66 connected to the movable contact 22B via the braided wire 23B (see FIG. 4).

[0058] 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 on 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 on 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.

[0059] (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.

[0060] 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 651, 652, and a conductor plate 66 (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The central piece 640 of the spring member 64 is coupled to the movable core 61 by crimping a protrusion 610 inserted into 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. 7). 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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. 8).

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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 651, 652 is inserted into each of these rectangular holes 623. That is, each of the pair of protrusions 622 holds one of the terminal pins 651, 652 (see FIG. 7).

[0070] 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. 8).

[0071] 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. 7). Two terminals 630 of the coil 63 are electrically connected to terminal pins 651, 652 that are respectively held by a pair of protrusions 622 of the coil bobbin 62 (see FIG. 7).

[0072] 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 protrusion 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 (see FIG. 4). As a result, the switching mechanism 4 is released and the two main contacts are automatically opened.

[0073] (2.8) Anomaly detection device (2.8.1) Circuit configuration of the abnormality detection device 9 shows the circuit configuration of the abnormality detection device 7. The abnormality detection device 7 has a first circuit 7A, a second circuit 7B, and a third circuit 7C.

[0074] The second circuit 7B includes a power supply circuit Ct3 and a fuse F1. The power supply circuit Ct3 is configured to step down an AC voltage of 100V or 200V supplied from the power system AC1 via two main contacts to an AC voltage of several tens of volts. The power supply circuit Ct3 supplies the stepped-down AC voltage to the first circuit 7A. The fuse F1 melts to protect the power supply circuit Ct3 when the magnitude of the current flowing through the power supply circuit Ct3 exceeds an upper limit for a certain period of time. The connection point between the fuse F1 and the power supply circuit Ct3 is connected to a switching element SW1 of the third circuit 7C. In other words, the second circuit 7B supplies the AC voltage supplied from the power system AC1 to the third circuit 7C via the fuse F1.

[0075] The first circuit 7A has a processing circuit Ct1, an AC / DC conversion circuit Ct2, and two LEDs (a first LED 714 and a second LED 715).

[0076] The AC / DC conversion circuit Ct2 is configured to convert an AC voltage of several tens of volts output from the power supply circuit Ct3 of the second circuit 7B into a DC voltage of several volts. The DC voltage output from the AC / DC conversion circuit Ct2 is supplied to the processing circuit Ct1 as a control voltage Vcc.

[0077] The processing circuit Ct1 transmits a control signal to the third circuit 7C. The processing circuit Ct1 mainly includes a microcontroller. The processing circuit Ct1 detects high-frequency components of the AC current flowing through the main contacts. Based on the detected high-frequency components, the processing circuit Ct1 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the wiring to which the main contacts are electrically connected. Here, the abnormality reported in the wiring to which the main contacts are electrically connected includes, for example, the occurrence of an arc (arc fault). In this disclosure, an "arc fault" can occur due to an abnormality such as insulation deterioration or partial disconnection of the insulator of the coated electric wire used in the wiring. In this disclosure, a "partial disconnection" refers to a state in which the conductor of the wiring is partially disconnected. For example, if the conductor is a stranded wire, it refers to a state in which one of the multiple wires constituting the stranded wire is disconnected. For example, an arc fault can include an arc discharge (so-called parallel arc discharge) caused by a short circuit between a pair of conductors when the wiring is composed of two coated electric wires. As another example, an arc fault may occur when one of the pair of conductors in a wiring composed of two insulated electric wires is partially broken, causing an arc discharge (so-called series arc discharge). While the magnitude of the current flowing through the wiring due to parallel arc discharge is on the order of tens to hundreds of amperes, the magnitude of the current flowing through the wiring due to series arc discharge is on the order of several amperes to 30 amperes. That is, the processing circuit Ct1 determines whether the detected high-frequency component has characteristics of a series arc discharge and whether the detected high-frequency component has characteristics of a parallel arc discharge. The processing circuit Ct1 detects an arc fault in the wiring (branch wiring) electrically connected to the first terminal 3A by determining whether the detected high-frequency component has characteristics of a series arc discharge or a parallel arc discharge. However, the detection method by which the processing circuit Ct1 detects an arc fault is not limited to the above-described detection method. For example, a detection method may be used in which the presence or absence of an arc discharge is detected by comparing the value of the current flowing through the main contact with a threshold value. When the processing circuit Ct1 detects an arc fault in the branch wiring electrically connected to the first terminal portion 3A, it transmits a control signal to the third circuit 7C. The processing circuit Ct1 may also detect a ground fault, a neutral wire open-phase fault, etc.A leakage current fault is a condition in which a leakage current exceeding the specified value flows from the wiring to the ground due to poor insulation, etc. A neutral conductor open-phase fault is a condition in which the neutral conductor in a single-phase three-wire circuit is open-phase for some reason, causing a voltage exceeding 100V to be applied to 100V load equipment connected between the voltage siding and the neutral conductor.

[0078] The two LEDs are, for example, a first LED 714 that is a green LED and, for example, a second LED 715 that is a red LED. Both of these two LEDs are driven by the processing circuit Ct1. The first LED 714 is driven to emit green light when the processing circuit Ct1 does not detect an abnormality such as an arc fault. On the other hand, the second LED 715 is driven to emit red light when the processing circuit Ct1 detects 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 714, and can notify that an abnormality has occurred by emitting red light from the second LED 715.

[0079] The third circuit 7C includes a switching element SW1, which is preferably a semiconductor switching element such as a thyristor, although the switching element SW1 may also be an electromagnetic relay.

[0080] The switching element SW1 is turned on and off by the processing circuit Ct1 of the first circuit 7A. Specifically, the switching element SW1 is turned on and off based on a control signal from the processing circuit Ct1, causing the second trip device 6 to operate. The switching element SW1 is electrically connected in series with the coil 63 of the second trip device 6. When the switching element SW1 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 SW1 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 Ct1 of the first circuit 7A can control the tripping operation of the second trip device 6 by turning on and off the switching element SW1 of the third circuit 7C.

[0081] (2.8.2) Structure of the anomaly detection device The abnormality detection device 7 has a first circuit board 71, a second circuit board 72, a third circuit board 73, a light guide member 75, and a power supply connection plate 76 (see FIGS. 3 and 5).

[0082] The first circuit board 71, the second circuit board 72, and the third circuit board 73 are each formed of a rigid printed wiring board.

[0083] The first circuit board 71 is mounted with circuit elements (such as a processing circuit Ct1 and an AC / DC conversion circuit Ct2) that constitute the first circuit 7A. Although not shown, a first LED 714 and a second LED 715 are mounted on the top of the first circuit board 71 so as to be aligned in the front-to-back direction. The second circuit board 72 is mounted with circuit elements (such as a power supply circuit Ct3 and a fuse F1) that constitute the second circuit 7B. The third circuit board 73 is mounted with circuit elements (such as a switching element SW1) that constitute the third circuit 7C.

[0084] First, the mechanical connection state of first circuit board 71, second circuit board 72, and third circuit board 73 will be described below.

[0085] 10 to 13, a fitting groove 711 is provided in the rear portion of the first circuit board 71, cutting out toward the front. Further, a fitting portion 731 having a narrower width in the up-down direction than other portions of the third circuit board 73 is provided on the right side of the third circuit board 73. The fitting portion 731 is formed by providing a fitting groove 732 on the upper left side of the third circuit board 73. Note that in FIGS. 10 to 13, illustrations of the circuit elements, movable contactor 22B, and coil 63 mounted on each of the first circuit board 71, second circuit board 72, and third circuit board 73 are omitted.

[0086] First circuit board 71 is mechanically connected to third circuit board 73 by fitting fitting portion 731 into fitting groove 711. At this time, the upper portion (protruding portion 712) of fitting groove 711 of first circuit board 71 is fitted into fitting groove 732.

[0087] In a state where first circuit board 71 is mechanically connected to third circuit board 73, first circuit board 71 intersects with third circuit board 73. In this embodiment, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, first circuit board 71 is, for example, perpendicular to third circuit board 73 in a state where first circuit board 71 is mechanically connected to third circuit board 73. Note that "perpendicular" here refers to a relationship in which the angle between the two is within a range of a few degrees (for example, less than 5 degrees) around 90 degrees, in addition to a case in which the two are strictly perpendicular to each other.

[0088] Further, a fitting groove 721 that is cut out toward the front is provided at the rear of the second circuit board 72. Further, a fitting portion 733 that is narrower in the up-down direction than other portions of the third circuit board 73 is provided at the left side of the third circuit board 73. The fitting portion 733 is formed by providing a fitting groove 734 on the upper left side of the third circuit board 73 and a fitting groove 735 on the lower left side of the third circuit board 73.

[0089] The second circuit board 72 is mechanically connected to the third circuit board 73 by fitting the fitting portion 733 into the fitting groove 721. At this time, the upper portion (protruding portion 722) of the fitting groove 721 on the second circuit board 72 is fitted into the fitting groove 734, and the lower portion (protruding portion 723) of the fitting groove 721 on the second circuit board 72 is fitted into the fitting groove 735.

[0090] In a state where the second circuit board 72 is mechanically connected to the third circuit board 73, the second circuit board 72 intersects with the third circuit board 73. In this embodiment, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the second circuit board 72 is, for example, perpendicular to the third circuit board 73 in a state where the second circuit board 72 is mechanically connected to the third circuit board 73.

[0091] In this way, first circuit board 71, second circuit board 72, and third circuit board 73 are mechanically connected so that first circuit board 71 and second circuit board 72 face each other in a U-shape when viewed from above and below. By arranging the circuit elements of each board inside the U-shape of connected first circuit board 71, second circuit board 72, and third circuit board 73, space can be saved.

[0092] Here, first circuit board 71, second circuit board 72, and third circuit board 73 are housed in a space surrounded by first tripping device 5, second tripping device 6, and second terminal unit 3B within housing 1 (see FIGS. 3 and 5). Of first circuit board 71, second circuit board 72, and third circuit board 73, second circuit board 72 is disposed in a position closest to the main contacts. In other words, first circuit board 71 facing second circuit board 72 is disposed on the second terminal unit 3B side, which is opposite the main contacts. This reduces the effect of noise generated around the main contacts, etc., on first circuit board 71 (first circuit 7A).

[0093] Next, the electrical connection state of first circuit board 71, second circuit board 72, and third circuit board 73 will be described below.

[0094] The first circuit board 71 is electrically connected to the third circuit board 73. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, terminals C8 and C9, which are input terminals of the AC-DC conversion circuit Ct2 formed on the first circuit board 71, are electrically connected to terminals C1 and C2 formed on the third circuit board 73. A terminal C10 formed on the first circuit board 71 is electrically connected to a terminal C3 formed on the third circuit board 73. The terminal C10 is an output terminal for a control signal from the processing circuit Ct1. The terminal C3 is an input terminal for a control signal to the third circuit 7C (switching element SW1). That is, the control signal output from the processing circuit Ct1 is input to the switching element SW1 via the terminal C10, the terminal C3, and a signal transmission path Ls1 formed by printed wiring on the third circuit board 73. Here, terminals C8 and C9 are electrically connected to terminals C1 and C2 at mechanical connection portion G1 between first circuit board 71 and third circuit board 73, and terminals C10 and C3 are electrically connected at connection portion G1. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, mechanical connection portion G1 between first circuit board 71 and third circuit board 73 includes a contact portion J1 between fitting portion 731 and fitting groove 711 and a contact portion J2 between protrusion 712 and fitting groove 732. For example, terminals C8 and C9 are electrically connected to terminals C1 and C2 by being soldered at connection portion G1. Furthermore, terminals C10 and C3 are electrically connected by being soldered at connection portion G1.

[0095] The second circuit board 72 is electrically connected to the third circuit board 73. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9 , terminals C11 and C12, which are output terminals of the power supply circuit Ct3 formed on the second circuit board 72, are electrically connected to terminals C4 and C5 formed on the third circuit board 73. Terminals C13 and C14 formed on the second circuit board 72 are electrically connected to terminals C6 and C7 formed on the third circuit board 73. A switching element SW1 is connected between terminals C6 and C7. When the switching element SW1 is on, terminals C6 and C7 are conductive, and when the switching element SW1 is off, terminals C6 and C7 are cut off. Terminal C13 is electrically connected to the connection point between the fuse F1 and the power supply circuit Ct3 by a second power supply path Le2 formed by printed wiring on the second circuit board 72. Terminal C14 is electrically connected to terminal C15, which is a land formed around through-hole H1 on the surface of second circuit board 72 (described later). Terminals C11 and C12 are electrically connected to terminals C4 and C5, respectively, at mechanical connection portion G2 between second circuit board 72 and third circuit board 73, and terminals C13 and C14 are electrically connected to terminals C6 and C7, respectively, at mechanical connection portion G2. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, connection portion G2 includes a contact portion J3 between fitting portion 733 and fitting groove 721, a contact portion J4 between protrusion 722 and fitting groove 734, and a contact portion J5 between protrusion 723 and fitting groove 735. For example, terminals C11 and C12 are electrically connected to terminals C4 and C5 by soldering at connection portion G2. Furthermore, each of the terminals C13 and C14 and each of the terminals C6 and C7 are electrically connected by soldering at the connection portion G2.

[0096] Terminals C1 and C4 are electrically connected by wiring S1, which is arranged (formed) on the third circuit board 73 by printed wiring. Terminals C2 and C5 are electrically connected by wiring S2, which is arranged (formed) on the third circuit board 73 by printed wiring. As a result, AC voltage output from terminals C11 and C12, which are output terminals of the power supply circuit Ct3, is input to terminals C8 and C9, which are input terminals of the AC-DC conversion circuit Ct2, via wiring S1 and S2. In other words, wiring S1 and wiring S2 arranged on the third circuit board 73 form a power supply path Le1 from the second circuit 7B to the first circuit 7A. In other words, a power supply path (first power supply path) Le1 from the second circuit 7B to the first circuit 7A is arranged on the third circuit board 73. Therefore, the circuit breaker A1 reduces the possibility of a wire breakage and occupies less space within the housing 1 compared to when the second circuit 7B and the first circuit 7A are connected by electric wires. Here, the first power supply path Le1, the second power supply path Le2, and the signal transmission path Ls1 may be arranged on the same surface of the third circuit board 73, or the power supply paths (the first power supply path Le1 and the second power supply path Le2) and the signal transmission path Ls1 may be arranged on the front and back surfaces of the third circuit board 73, respectively.

[0097] Terminal C17 formed on the second circuit board 72 is electrically connected to the first blade receiving spring 31B via the bimetal 50A, the movable contact 21A, and the movable contactor 22A. Terminal C18 formed on the second circuit board 72 is electrically connected to the second blade receiving spring 32B via the bimetal 50B, the movable contact 21B, and the movable contactor 22B. In other words, AC voltage is supplied to terminals C17 and C18 from power system AC1. Terminals C17 and C18 are electrically connected to the power supply circuit Ct3. Terminal C19 formed on the second circuit board 72 is electrically connected to the second blade receiving spring 32B via the power supply connection plate 76 (see FIG. 4) and the movable contactor 22B that contacts the power supply connection plate 76. In other words, terminal C19 is electrically connected to terminal C18.

[0098] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , two through holes H1 and H2 aligned in the front-to-rear direction penetrate the lower part of the second circuit board 72. An end of a rear terminal pin 651 of the second tripping device 6 is inserted into the through hole H1. As shown in FIG. 9 , the end of the terminal pin 651 inserted into the through hole H1 is solder-joined to a terminal C15, which is a land formed around the through hole H1 on the surface of the second circuit board 72. The terminal C15 is electrically connected to a terminal C14 by a printed wiring formed on the second circuit board 72. Furthermore, an end of a front terminal pin 652 of the second tripping device 6 is inserted into the through hole H2. As shown in FIG. 9 , the end of the terminal pin 652 inserted into the through hole H2 is solder-joined to a terminal C16, which is a land formed around the through hole H2 on the surface of the second circuit board 72. The terminal C16 is electrically connected to a terminal C19 by a printed wiring formed on the second circuit board 72. In this way, the second circuit board 72 is mechanically and electrically connected to the second tripping device 6. This makes it possible to maintain a long connection distance between the first circuit board 71 and the second tripping device 6, thereby reducing the effect of noise generated in the second tripping device 6 on the first circuit board 71 (first circuit 7A).

[0099] As shown in Fig. 4, the power supply connection plate 76 has a base plate 760, a connection piece extending rearward from an end of the base plate 760, and a contact piece 762 bent obliquely upward from the end of the base plate 760. The base plate 760, the connection piece, and the contact piece 762 are integrally formed by bending a single metal plate. The connection piece is electrically connected to the second circuit board 72 (second circuit 7B) by an electric wire (not shown). More specifically, the connection piece is connected to a terminal C19 formed on the second circuit board 72.

[0100] The power supply connection plate 76 is disposed below the center of the movable contactor 22B (see FIG. 4). When the switching mechanism 4 connects the movable contactor 21B to the fixed contactor 20B, the movable contactor 22B, which is bent downward by the crossbar 41 of the switching mechanism 4, comes into contact with the 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 second blade receiving spring 32B via the movable contactor 22B and the main contacts. 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.

[0101] The light-guiding member 75 is made of a translucent synthetic resin such as an acrylic resin or a polycarbonate resin. The light-guiding member 75 has a first light-guiding portion 751 and a second light-guiding portion 752 (see FIG. 3). The tip surface (bottom end surface) of the first light-guiding portion 751 faces the first LED 714 and the second LED 715 and serves as an incident surface for light emitted from the first LED 714 and the second LED 715. The light emitted from the first LED 714 and the second LED 715 is guided by the first light-guiding portion 751 and emitted from the second light-guiding portion 752. The light emitted from the second light-guiding portion 752 is emitted to the outside of the housing 1 through the through-hole 14.

[0102] (2.8.3) Operation of the anomaly detection device The operation of the abnormality detection device 7 will be described below. In the following description, it is assumed that, as an initial state, both of the main contacts are closed and the processing circuit Ct1 has not detected an arc fault. That is, in the initial state, the power supply connection plate 76 is electrically connected to the power system AC1 via the movable contactor 22B and the main contacts, and the terminal C19 (see FIG. 9) connected to the power supply connection plate 76 is electrically connected to the power system AC1.

[0103] In the initial state, the second circuit 7B supplies power to the first circuit 7A via a first power supply path Le1 formed on the third circuit board 73. The second circuit 7B also supplies power to the third circuit 7C (switching element SW1) via a second power supply path Le2 formed on the second circuit board 72. Here, in the initial state, the processing circuit Ct1 has not detected an arc fault, so the switching element SW1 is off. In other words, in the initial state, no excitation current flows through the second trip device 6.

[0104] When the processing circuit Ct1 detects an arc fault, it sends a control signal to the switching element SW1.

[0105] The switching element SW1 is switched from off to on based on the control signal received from the processing circuit Ct1. When the switching element SW1 is turned on, power is supplied to the second trip device 6 from the power system AC1, and an excitation current flows through the second trip device 6.

[0106] When an exciting current flows through the coil 61, the second tripping device 6 releases the switching mechanism 4, opening the two main contacts.

[0107] When the two main contacts are in the open state, the power connection plate 76 and the movable contactor 22B are out of contact, so that the terminal C19 is disconnected from the power system AC1 and no exciting current flows through the second trip device 6.

[0108] (3) Variations The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, and various modifications can be made to the above embodiment depending on the design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0109] Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0110] (3.1) Variation 1 This modified example 1 differs from the above embodiment in that the first power supply line Le1, which is the power supply line from the second circuit 7B to the first circuit 7A, also serves as part of the second power supply line Le2 from the second circuit 7B to the third circuit 7C. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0111] Specifically, in this first modification, as shown in FIG. 15, a wiring S3 connected to the third circuit 7C (switching element SW1) branches from an intermediate point P1 on a wiring S1 included in the first power supply path Le1. That is, in this first modification, the second power supply path Le2 from the second circuit 7B to the third circuit 7C includes a section on the wiring S1 from a terminal C4 on the wiring S1 to the intermediate point P1, and the wiring S3. The wiring S3 is formed integrally with the wiring S1 by, for example, printed wiring. In this way, by partially sharing the first power supply path Le1 and the second power supply path Le2, the board area of ​​the third circuit board 73 can be reduced.

[0112] (3.2) Variation 2 This variant example 2 differs from the above embodiment and variant example 1 in that it further includes a spacer member SP1 that has electrical insulation properties and separates the second circuit board 72 from the first circuit board 71, and the first power supply path Le1 from the second circuit 7B to the first circuit 7A is arranged inside the spacer member SP1.

[0113] 16, the spacer member SP1 is a rectangular cylindrical member made of an electrically insulating material (for example, a resin material). The spacer member SP1 is placed in the space between a first circuit board 71 and a second circuit board 72 that face each other. One end of the rectangular cylindrical spacer member SP1 in the axial direction is fixed to the first circuit board 71, and the other end of the rectangular cylindrical spacer member SP1 in the axial direction is fixed to the second circuit board 72. In other words, the first circuit board 71 and the second circuit board 72 are spaced apart with the spacer member SP1 sandwiched therebetween.

[0114] 17, in the present modification 2, the wiring S1 and wiring S2, which are the first power supply path Le1, are arranged inside (inside the rectangular cylindrical shape of) a spacer member SP1 fixed to the first circuit board 71 and the second circuit board 72. In this case, the wiring S1 and wiring S2 are formed of rigid bodies such as pins. As a result, the spacer member SP1 can separate the first circuit board 71 and the second circuit board 72 and insulate the first power supply path Le1 from the outside, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0115] (3.3) Other Modifications Other modifications of the embodiment are listed below. The following modifications may be implemented in appropriate combination.

[0116] The processing circuit Ct1 in the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system is primarily composed of a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program stored in the memory of the computer system to realize the functions of the processing circuit Ct1 in the present disclosure. The program may be pre-stored in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided in a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer system, such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits, such as ICs and LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, very large-scale integrations (VLSIs), or ultra-large-scale integrations (ULSIs). Furthermore, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are programmable after the LSI is manufactured, or logic devices that allow the reconfiguration of internal connections or circuit partitions within the LSI, can also be used as processors. The electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip or distributed across multiple chips. The chips may be integrated into one device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0117] (4) Summary As described above, the circuit breaker (A1) according to the first aspect includes one or more main contacts, a switching mechanism (4) that opens and closes the main contacts, a trip device (6) that releases the switching mechanism (4) to automatically open the main contacts, and an abnormality detection device (7). The abnormality detection device (7) operates the trip device (6) to automatically open the main contacts when it detects an abnormality in the wiring to which the main contacts are electrically connected. The abnormality detection device (7) has three or more circuit boards including a first circuit board (71), a second circuit board (72), and a third circuit board (73). The first circuit board (71) is mechanically and electrically connected to the third circuit board (73). The second circuit board (72) is mechanically and electrically connected to the third circuit board (73).

[0118] According to this embodiment, the first circuit board (71) and the second circuit board (72) do not need to be electrically connected by wiring, which improves assembly efficiency. Also, the first circuit board (71) and the second circuit board (72) are mechanically fixed via the third circuit board (73), which improves stability.

[0119] In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the first circuit board (71) intersects with the third circuit board (73), and the second circuit board (72) intersects with the third circuit board (73).

[0120] According to this embodiment, space can be saved by arranging the circuit elements mounted on each board in the space formed by the first circuit board (71), the second circuit board (72), and the third circuit board (73).

[0121] In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the third aspect, in the second aspect, the first circuit board (71) is perpendicular to the third circuit board (73), and the second circuit board (72) is perpendicular to the third circuit board (73).

[0122] According to this embodiment, space can be saved by arranging the circuit elements mounted on each board in the space formed by the first circuit board (71), the second circuit board (72), and the third circuit board (73).

[0123] In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the fourth aspect, in the first aspect, the first circuit board (71) has a first circuit (7A) that transmits a control signal to the third circuit board (73). The third circuit board (73) has a third circuit (7C) that operates the trip device (6) based on the control signal from the first circuit (7A). The second circuit board (72) has a second circuit (7B) that supplies power to the first circuit (7A) and the third circuit (7C).

[0124] According to this embodiment, the tripping device (6) can be operated automatically.

[0125] In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the first circuit (7A) transmits a control signal to the third circuit (7C) when an abnormality is detected.

[0126] According to this embodiment, when an abnormality is detected, the tripping device (6) can be automatically operated.

[0127] In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the sixth aspect, in the first aspect, the abnormality detected by the first circuit (7A) includes the occurrence of an arc in the wiring.

[0128] According to this embodiment, when the occurrence of an arc is detected, the tripping device (6) can be automatically operated.

[0129] In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the seventh aspect, in the fourth aspect, the power supply line (Le1) from the second circuit (7B) to the first circuit (7A) is arranged on the third circuit board (73).

[0130] According to this embodiment, the possibility of wire breakage is reduced and space can be saved compared to when the second circuit (7B) and the third circuit (7C) are connected by an electric wire.

[0131] In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the eighth aspect, the first power supply line (Le1) which is the power supply line (Le1) in the seventh aspect also serves as a part of the second power supply line (Le2) from the second circuit (7B) to the third circuit (7C).

[0132] According to this embodiment, the board area on the third circuit board (73) can be reduced.

[0133] The circuit breaker (A1) according to a ninth aspect is the circuit breaker of the fourth aspect, further comprising a spacer member (SP1) having electrical insulation properties and separating the second circuit board (72) from the first circuit board (71). The power supply path (Le1) from the second circuit (7B) to the first circuit (7A) is disposed inside the spacer member (SP1).

[0134] According to this embodiment, the first circuit board (71) and the second circuit board (72) can be spaced apart and the power supply path (Le1) can be insulated from the outside by the spacer member (SP1), thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0135] The circuit breaker (A1) according to a tenth aspect is the same as that of the first aspect, and further includes a housing (1) that houses the main contacts, the switching mechanism (4), the tripping device (6), and the abnormality detection device (7). Within the housing (1), of a first circuit board (71), a second circuit board (72), and a third circuit board (73), the second circuit board (72) is disposed in a position closest to the main contacts.

[0136] According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the influence of noise generated around the main contacts on the first circuit board (71).

[0137] In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the eleventh aspect, in the first aspect, the second circuit board (72) is mechanically and electrically connected to the tripping device (6).

[0138] According to this embodiment, the connection distance between the first circuit board (71) and the trip device (6) can be kept long, and the influence of noise generated in the trip device (6) on the first circuit board (71) can be reduced.

[0139] A distribution board (B1) according to a twelfth aspect 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 the first aspect.

[0140] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the ease of assembly.

[0141] The second to eleventh aspects are not essential components of the circuit breaker (A1), and may be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1. Body 4 Opening and closing mechanism 6 Second tripping device 7. Anomaly detection device 71 1st circuit board 72 2nd circuit board 73 Third circuit board 7A 1st circuit 7B 2nd circuit 7C 3rd circuit A1 Circuit Breaker B1 Distribution board B10 Main switch B11 Branch switch B12 Cabinet Le1 1st feed line Le2 2nd feed line SP1 Spacer member

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 that operates 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, the abnormality detection device has three or more circuit boards including a first circuit board, a second circuit board, and a third circuit board; the first circuit board is mechanically and electrically connected to the third circuit board; The second circuit board is mechanically and electrically connected to the third circuit board. Circuit breaker.

2. the first circuit board intersects with the third circuit board; The second circuit board intersects with the third circuit board.

10. The circuit breaker of claim 1.

3. the first circuit board is perpendicular to the third circuit board; The second circuit board is perpendicular to the third circuit board.

3. The circuit breaker of claim 2.

4. the first circuit board has a first circuit for transmitting a control signal to the third circuit board; the third circuit board has a third circuit that operates the trip device based on the control signal from the first circuit; The second circuit board has a second circuit that supplies power to the first circuit and the third circuit.

10. The circuit breaker of claim 1.

5. When the first circuit detects the abnormality, it transmits the control signal to the third circuit.

5. The circuit breaker of claim 4.

6. The abnormality includes an arc occurring in the wiring.

10. The circuit breaker of claim 1.

7. A power supply path from the second circuit to the first circuit is disposed on the third circuit board.

5. The circuit breaker of claim 4.

8. The first power supply path also serves as a part of a second power supply path from the second circuit to the third circuit.

8. The circuit breaker of claim 7.

9. a spacer member having electrical insulation properties and separating the second circuit board from the first circuit board; A power supply path from the second circuit to the first circuit is disposed inside the spacer member.

5. The circuit breaker of claim 4.

10. a housing that houses the main contacts, the switching mechanism, the trip device, and the abnormality detection device; Within the housing, of the first circuit board, the second circuit board, and the third circuit board, the second circuit board is disposed at a position closest to the main contact.

10. The circuit breaker of claim 1.

11. The second circuit board is mechanically and electrically connected to the tripping device.

10. The circuit breaker of claim 1.

12. 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 the circuit breaker according to claim 1. Distribution board.

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