Terminal base and circuit breaker

Abstract

To provide a terminal seat capable of attaining space saving while appropriately securing a passage in which a gas can be circulated, inside a circuit breaker, and the circuit breaker.SOLUTION: A terminal seat electrically connecting a wire which is connected to a circuit breaker with a contact, comprises: an engage plate part which is engaged with an end of the wire extending from one side together with a wire lock part; a mounting plate part on which the wire lock part is mounted; a first connecting plate part connecting the engage plate part with the mounting plate part; a contact plate part where the contact which is electrically connectable to the wire lock part is provided; and a second connecting plate part connecting the wire lock part with the contact plate part. A storage place is defined which is enclosed by the engage plate part, the mounting plate part, and the first connecting plate part and in which the wire lock part can be stored. An opening / closing space is defined which is enclosed by the mounting plate part, the contact plate part, and the second connecting plate part and which penetrates at least in an extension direction of the end of the wire and is capable of performing an opening / closing operation of the contact and the other contact.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a terminal block and a circuit breaker.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a terminal block that intervenes in the electrical connection between an electric wire and a contact in a circuit breaker has been known. Patent Document 1 discloses a leakage circuit breaker including a terminal block that enables wiring on the load side and can install a fixed contact of an opening / closing unit. The opening / closing unit has a fixed contact connected to a load-side terminal and a movable contact connected to a power-source-side terminal. An arc gas discharge port is formed at the load-side end of the central case of the leakage circuit breaker.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In circuit breakers, high-temperature gas may be generated when the movable and fixed contacts open and close. Circuit breakers with a structure similar to that described in Patent Document 1 can discharge the gas inside the case through a gas outlet provided in the case. On the other hand, in the structure described in Patent Document 1, the plate portion on which the fixed contacts are provided extends from near the bottom of the case to the terminal seat so as to shield the space (path) formed between the fixed contacts and the gas outlet through which gas can flow. As a result, this plate portion may make it difficult to discharge the gas generated inside the case. Furthermore, in the structure described in Patent Document 1, the space through which the movable and fixed contacts open and close is provided on the power supply side of the terminal seat, so the space around the terminal seat on the load side inside the circuit breaker is not effectively utilized. Thus, there is a need for space-saving designs that can appropriately ensure a path through which the gas generated in the circuit breaker can flow, while suppressing the increase in size of the circuit breaker.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a terminal base and circuit breaker that can save space while appropriately ensuring a gas flow path inside the circuit breaker. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A terminal seat relating to one aspect of the present disclosure is a terminal seat for electrically connecting a wire connected to a circuit breaker and a contact, comprising: an engagement plate portion that engages with the end of a wire extending from one side together with a wire locking portion; a mounting plate portion on which the wire locking portion is mounted; a first connecting plate portion that connects the engagement plate portion and the mounting plate portion; a contact plate portion on which a contact electrically connectable to the wire locking portion is provided; and a second connecting plate portion that connects the wire locking portion and the contact plate portion, wherein a housing space capable of housing the wire locking portion is defined surrounded by the engagement plate portion, the mounting plate portion and the first connecting plate portion, and an opening / closing space is defined surrounded by the mounting plate portion, the contact plate portion and the second connecting plate portion, which penetrates at least along the extending direction of the end of the wire, and allows opening and closing operations between contacts.

[0007] This terminal seat comprises an engagement plate portion, a mounting plate portion, a first connecting plate portion, a contact plate portion, and a second connecting plate portion. The terminal seat can accommodate a wire locking portion in a housing space surrounded by the engagement plate portion, the mounting plate portion, and the first connecting plate portion, and can engage with the end of the wire. In addition, in the opening / closing space surrounded by the mounting plate portion, the contact plate portion, and the second connecting plate portion, contacts can open and close with other contacts. Here, since the opening / closing space penetrates along the extending direction of the end of the wire, even if gas is generated when the contacts open and close, the gas can flow in the extending direction of the end of the wire. Furthermore, by defining two spaces, the housing space and the opening / closing space, the two functions of wire engagement and opening and closing of contacts can be consolidated in one place. Therefore, this terminal seat can save space inside the circuit breaker while appropriately ensuring a path for gas to flow.

[0008] In one embodiment of the terminal seat, the contact plate portion may extend along the extending direction of the end of the electric wire that engages with the electric wire locking portion, and may have a region in which the contact can be installed so as to be exposed to the opening and closing space. In this case, of the opening and closing space, at least the contact plate portion on which the contact is provided is along the extending direction of the end of the electric wire. By exposing the contact to the opening and closing space, gas that may be generated when the contact is opened and closed can be smoothly guided into the opening and closing space.

[0009] In one embodiment of the terminal seat, the engagement plate portion, the mounting plate portion, and the contact plate portion extend along the extending direction of the end of the electric wire that engages at the electric wire locking portion, the first connecting plate portion extends by connecting the respective ends of the engagement plate portion and the mounting plate portion, and the second connecting plate portion connects the respective ends of the mounting plate portion and the contact plate portion and extends along the extending direction of the first connecting plate portion. In this case, the terminal seat has a housing space and an opening / closing space, each provided along the extending direction of the end of the electric wire. Furthermore, in the terminal seat, the two spaces, the housing space and the opening / closing space, with the mounting plate portion as the boundary, are provided along the extending direction of the first connecting plate portion. This makes it possible to save space in the longitudinal direction of the circuit breaker in particular. Thus, this terminal seat can suppress wasted space within the circuit breaker and appropriately secure a housing space that engages with the electric wire and an opening / closing space where the contacts open and close with each other.

[0010] In a terminal base according to one embodiment, at least one of the engaging plate portion, mounting plate portion, contact plate portion, first connecting plate portion, and second connecting plate portion may have a connection area to which a conductor that electrically connects an electronic circuit board and an electric wire inside the circuit breaker can be connected. In this case, at least one part of the terminal base can be effectively utilized to wire to the electronic circuit board inside the circuit breaker. Therefore, this terminal base can help save space inside the circuit breaker.

[0011] In one embodiment of the terminal base, the connection area does not need to be exposed to the switching space. In this case, the conductor can be electrically connected to the terminal base without being exposed to the switching space which serves as the gas flow path. Therefore, the influence of gas on the power supply to the electronic circuit board by the conductor can be suppressed.

[0012] A circuit breaker relating to another aspect of the present disclosure comprises the terminal seat described above, a wire locking portion provided on the terminal seat and engaging with the end of a wire, a contact provided on the terminal seat and capable of contacting other contacts by opening and closing, and a housing portion having an exhaust opening that penetrates in the direction of extension of the end of the wire as viewed from the terminal seat, and housing the terminal seat, the wire locking portion, and the contact.

[0013] This circuit breaker comprises a terminal base, a wire locking section, contacts, and a housing section. The wire locking section, together with the engagement plate of the terminal base, engages with the end of the wire, thereby supplying power to the circuit breaker. The contacts, provided on the terminal base, can electrically connect, for example, the power supply terminal and the load terminal by contacting other contacts. Because the terminal base electrically connects the wire and the contacts, power from the wire can be guided to the contacts. Since an exhaust opening is formed in the housing section, even if gas is generated due to the contact (opening and closing) of the contacts in the terminal base, the circuit breaker can discharge the gas through the opening and closing space of the terminal base to the exhaust opening in the housing section. Furthermore, by defining two spaces, the housing space and the opening and closing space, the two functions of wire engagement and contact opening and closing can be consolidated in one place. Therefore, this circuit breaker can save space while appropriately ensuring a path for gas to flow inside it. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the terminal base and circuit breaker described herein, space can be saved while appropriately ensuring a gas flow path within the circuit breaker. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a side view showing an example of a circuit breaker according to an embodiment with the right-side case removed. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing an example of a circuit breaker according to an embodiment with the right-side case removed. [Figure 3] This is a partial perspective view showing an example of the interior and terminal base of a circuit breaker according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a partial side view showing an example of the interior and terminal base of a circuit breaker according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing an example of a terminal seat according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing an example of a terminal base according to a modified example. [Figure 7]It is a perspective view showing an example of a connection area of a conducting wire in a terminal block according to a modified example.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are not repeated. The dimensional ratios in the drawings do not necessarily match those in the description. Terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", and "back" are based on the illustrated state and are for convenience.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of a state where the right case of the circuit breaker according to the embodiment is removed. FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of a state where the right case of the circuit breaker according to the embodiment is removed. The X direction and the Y direction in the figure are horizontal directions, and the Z direction is a vertical direction. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are axial directions orthogonal to each other in a rectangular coordinate system of a three-dimensional space. Hereinafter, the direction along the XY plane is also referred to as the horizontal direction, and the Z direction is also referred to as the vertical direction.

[0018] The circuit breaker 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a device interposed in an electric circuit connecting a power source and a load device, and controls the opening and closing of the electric circuit by controlling the contact and separation of a contact portion 70 described later. Here, the circuit breaker 1 can take at least two states, an open state and a closed state, as the open / closed state of the electric circuit. The open state is a state in which the contacts are separated by an action including an external operation such as an operator's operation, and no current flows through the electric circuit. The closed state is a state in which the contacts are brought into contact by an action including an external operation such as an operator's operation, and current flows through the electric circuit. The circuit breaker 1 may take a trip state as the open state of the electric circuit. The trip state is a state in which an abnormal state such as overcurrent, short circuit, or leakage in the electric circuit is detected, and the contacts are separated by the action of the structure in the circuit breaker 1, and no current flows through the electric circuit.

[0019] The circuit breaker 1 includes a housing 10, a terminal block 31, a leaf spring 32 (an example of a wire locking portion), and a load side contact 72 (an example of a contact). The terminal block 31 and the leaf spring 32 may be collectively referred to as a wire engaging portion 30. The circuit breaker 1 further includes a zero-phase current transformer 5 for detecting leakage current, an electromagnetic tripping device 7, a printed circuit board 9 (an example of an electronic board), a release lever 20, a lever biasing spring 29, and a contact moving portion 60. The printed circuit board 9 is electrically connected to the electromagnetic tripping device 7 and is assembled with a leakage detection circuit that causes the electromagnetic tripping device 7 to perform a tripping operation when leakage current occurs. The printed circuit board 9 is electrically connected to the terminal block 31 via a conducting wire L. Note that the elements mounted on the printed circuit board 9 are omitted. The circuit breaker 1 further includes a plurality of contact portions 70, a plurality of power supply side terminals 80, and a plurality of load side terminals 90. The circuit breaker 1 includes, for example, two contact portions 70A and 70B, two power supply side terminals 80A and 80B, and two load side terminals 90A and 90B. A part of the wire engaging portion 30 is, for example, configured to be provided at each of the load side terminals 90A and 90B. Details will be described later.

[0020] The housing 10 houses at least a part of the release lever 20 and the wire engaging portion 30. The housing 10 of the present embodiment is, for example, a housing that houses components such as a part of the release lever 20, the wire engaging portion 30, the zero-phase current transformer 5, the electromagnetic tripping device 7, the printed circuit board 9, the contact moving portion 60, the plurality of contact portions 70, the plurality of power supply side terminals 80, and the plurality of load side terminals 90. The housing 10 extends, for example, along the X direction in the longitudinal direction of the housing.

[0021] The housing section 10 includes, for example, a right-side case (not shown), a central case 10B shown in Figure 1, and a left-side case 10C. The right-side case, central case 10B, and left-side case 10C are arranged in order toward the left side in the Y direction (positive Y direction). The central case 10B is positioned between the right-side case and the left-side case 10C, fitting with the right-side case on the right side (negative Y direction) and fitting with the left-side case 10C at its left end. By fitting the right-side case, central case 10B, and left-side case 10C together, each component except for a part of the operating lever 61 and a part of the release lever 20 described later is housed within the housing section 10. The right-side case, central case 10B, and left-side case 10C each have locking parts that can lock into each other when fitted together. The right-side case and left-side case 10C are formed substantially symmetrically.

[0022] The housing section 10 is provided with a plurality of wire insertion slots 11 on the front side (positive direction in the X direction) into which the wire EL (see Figure 4) extending from the load device can be inserted. For example, two wire insertion slots 11A and 11B are provided. The wire insertion slots 11A and 11B are openings that penetrate the right case, the central case 10B, and the left case 10C in the X direction, respectively. In the housing section 10, the wire insertion slots 11A and 11B are arranged in order toward the left side in the Y direction.

[0023] The multiple power supply terminals 80 are terminals that can be electrically connected to a power supply. In this embodiment, the two power supply terminals 80A and 80B are arranged on the surface (back) of the housing 10 facing the negative direction in the X direction. The back surface on which the two power supply terminals 80A and 80B are provided is formed as a surface that extends along the vertical direction. For example, power supply terminal 80A is located on the upper part of the back side of the right case and the central case 10B, and power supply terminal 80B is located on the upper part of the back side of the central case 10B and the left case 10C. In the housing 10, the power supply terminals 80A and 80B are arranged in order toward the left in the Y direction.

[0024] Multiple load-side terminals 90 are terminals that can be electrically connected to a load device. Two load-side terminals 90A and 90B are arranged on the front surface of the housing 10 facing the positive direction in the X direction and are aligned along the Y direction. On the front side of the housing 10, the load-side terminals 90A and 90B are arranged in order toward the left in the Y direction. A portion of the front surface where the two load-side terminals 90A and 90B are provided is formed at an angle to facilitate the connection operation of the electric wire EL (see Figure 4) extending from the load device. Load-side terminal 90A can be electrically connected to power supply-side terminal 80A. Load-side terminal 90B can be electrically connected to power supply-side terminal 80B.

[0025] Figure 3 is a partial perspective view showing an example of the interior and terminal seat of a circuit breaker according to the embodiment. Each contact portion 70 shown in Figures 2 and 3 is configured to switch the opening and closing of an electrical circuit that can electrically connect a power source and a load device in accordance with the movement of the contact moving portion 60. Contact portion 70A electrically connects the power source side terminal 80A and the load side terminal 90A, respectively. Contact portion 70B electrically connects the power source side terminal 80B and the load side terminal 90B, respectively. The contact portions 70 are arranged between each power source side terminal 80 and each load side terminal 90 in the X direction. The contact portions 70A and 70B are arranged in order toward the left in the Y direction. Each contact portion 70 has, for example, a power source side contactor 71 (an example of another contactor), a load side contactor 72, and a plate-shaped member 73.

[0026] Contact section 70A includes a power supply side contact 71A, a load side contact 72A, and a plate-shaped member 73A. Contact section 70B includes, for example, a power supply side contact 71B, a load side contact 72B, and a plate-shaped member 73B. The power supply side contacts 71A and 71B are electrically connected to power supply side terminals 80A and 80B, respectively. The load side contacts 72A and 72B are electrically connected to load side terminals 90A and 90B, respectively. In contact section 70A, the power supply side contact 71A and the load side contact 72A are electrically connectable, and in contact section 70B, the power supply side contact 71B and the load side contact 72B are electrically connectable.

[0027] Each contact portion 70 can be switched between a closed state and an open state by the opening and closing operation of the contact movement portion 60 described later. The plate-shaped members 73A and 73B extend horizontally. The plate-shaped members 73A and 73B are each connected to the contact movement portion 60, and their front ends (the ends in the positive direction of the X direction) move vertically in accordance with the opening and closing operation of the contact movement portion 60. At their rear ends (the portions on the negative direction side (rear side) of the X direction), the plate-shaped members 73A and 73B are each connected to a spring member (not shown) at one end which is connected to the housing portion 10, and are biased upward. The power supply side contacts 71A and 71B are located at the front ends of the plate-shaped members 73A and 73B, respectively, on the lower surface, and are exposed downward. The power supply side contacts 71A and 71B are moved relative to the load side contacts 72A and 72B, respectively, by the contact movement portion 60, and can come into contact with or separate from each other. The load-side contacts 72A and 72B are fixed in position within the housing 10. The load-side contacts 72A and 72B are, for example, provided on the terminal seats 31A and 31B, described later, at the lower part of the housing 10, so as to be exposed upward.

[0028] When the power supply side contact 71A and the load side contact 72A are in contact, and when the power supply side contact 71B and the load side contact 72B are in contact, a closed state is formed in which an electrical circuit is created. When the power supply side contact 71A and the load side contact 72A are separated, or when the power supply side contact 71B and the load side contact 72B are separated, an open state is formed in which an electrical circuit is not created, or a tripped state is created. The contact or separation state of the power supply side contact 71A and the load side contact 72A, and the power supply side contact 71B and the load side contact 72B, respectively, is switched by the opening and closing operation of the contact movement part 60.

[0029] In the closed state, an electrical circuit is formed that electrically connects the power supply and the load device. The circuit in this embodiment is configured such that, for example, the current emitted from the power supply passes sequentially through the power supply terminal 80A, power supply contact 71A, load-side contact 72A, load-side terminal 90A, load device, load-side terminal 90B, load-side contact 72B, power supply-side contact 71B, and power supply terminal 80B, and finally returns to the power supply. Alternatively, the circuit may be configured such that the current emitted from the power supply passes sequentially through the power supply terminal 80B, power supply contact 71B, load-side contact 72B, load-side terminal 90B, load device, load-side terminal 90A, load-side contact 72A, power supply-side contact 71A, and power supply terminal 80A, and finally returns to the power supply.

[0030] Refer again to Figures 1 and 2. The contact movement unit 60 is supported so as to be movable relative to the housing unit 10 and controls the opening and closing operations of the multiple contact units 70. The contact movement unit 60 has an operating lever 61 and an opening / closing mechanism 62 connected to the plate-shaped member 73. The operating lever 61 is a jig that can perform opening and closing operations on the electrical circuit, i.e., energizing (on) and disconnecting (off) operations. When the operating lever 61 is grasped by an operator and rotated in one direction around the pivot axis, the opening / closing mechanism 62 moves downward, causing the plate-shaped members 73A and 73B to move downward, respectively, bringing the power supply side contacts 71A and 71B into contact with the load side contacts 72A and 72B, and closing the electrical circuit. When the operating lever 61 is grasped by the operator and rotated in the other direction around the pivot axis, the opening / closing mechanism 62 moves upward, causing the plate-shaped members 73A and 73B to move upward, separating the power supply side contacts 71A and 71B from the load side contacts 72A and 72B, and opening the electrical circuit.

[0031] Figure 4 is a partial side view showing an example of the interior and terminal seat of a circuit breaker according to an embodiment. The wire engagement portion 30 shown in Figures 2 to 4 is a unit that engages with the wire EL. For example, the circuit breaker 1 has a plurality of wire engagement portions 30. For example, in the housing portion 10, two wire engagement portions 30A and 30B are arranged in order toward the left side in the Y direction. A part of the wire engagement portion 30A constitutes the load-side terminal 90A, and a part of the wire engagement portion 30B constitutes the load-side terminal 90B. Each wire engagement portion 30 has, for example, a terminal seat 31 and a leaf spring 32. That is, the wire engagement portion 30A has a terminal seat 31A and a leaf spring 32A, and the wire engagement portion 30B has, for example, a terminal seat 31B and a leaf spring 32B. Hereinafter, we will focus on one wire engagement portion 30 (wire engagement portion 30A in the drawings) in the explanation. The wire engagement portion 30A and the wire engagement portion 30B have the same configuration.

[0032] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a terminal seat according to the embodiment. The terminal seat 31 shown in Figures 3 to 5 electrically connects the electric wire EL connected to the circuit breaker 1 and the load-side contact 72. The terminal seat 31 engages with the electric wire EL, which can be connected to the load device, together with the leaf spring 32, and electrically connects the electric wire to the load-side terminal 90. The end of the electric wire EL inserted into the terminal seat 31 extends, for example, along the X direction. The terminal seat 31 is a member formed, for example, by bending a single metal plate. In the terminal seat 31, a housing space 31a capable of housing the leaf spring 32 and an opening / closing space 31b capable of opening and closing the power supply-side contact 71 and the load-side contact 72 are defined. The housing space 31a and the opening / closing space 31b each penetrate along the X direction and are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The housing space 31a is formed on the back side of the electric wire insertion opening 11 (see Figure 4). The storage space 31a opens, for example, to the right. The opening / closing space 31b is formed below the storage space 31a. The opening / closing space 31b opens, for example, to the left. Details of each part of the terminal seat 31 will be described later.

[0033] The leaf spring 32 engages with the electric wire EL at the terminal seat 31. The leaf spring 32 is, for example, a member formed by curving a metal plate. The main surface of the leaf spring 32 faces upward, and the width direction of the main surface is aligned with the Y direction. The leaf spring 32 is housed in the housing space 31a. The leaf spring 32 engages with a part of the terminal seat 31 to hold and grip the electric wire EL. The specific configuration of the leaf spring 32 will be described later.

[0034] The release levers 20 shown in Figures 3 and 4 are used to release the engagement of the electric wire EL within the housing 10 of the circuit breaker 1, and a portion of them is housed within the housing 10. The release levers 20 are provided, for example, on the rear side of the wire insertion opening 11 (see Figure 4). For example, the circuit breaker 1 is equipped with multiple release levers 20. For example, in the housing 10, two release levers 20A and 20B are arranged in order toward the left side in the Y direction. Release lever 20A is used to release the engagement of the electric wire EL in the electric wire engagement part 30A, and release lever 20B is used to release the engagement of the electric wire EL in the electric wire engagement part 30B. The following description will focus on one of the release levers 20. Release levers 20A and 20B have the same configuration.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, a pivot shaft 21 is provided at the lower part of the release lever 20. The pivot shaft 21 is, for example, fixed to the release lever 20 in a way that prevents rotation. The pivot shaft 21 may be configured as a part of the release lever 20, or as a separate component that can be connected to the release lever 20. The pivot shaft 21 extends along the Y direction and has a cylindrical shape. The pivot shaft 21 is, for example, rotatably connected to the central case 10B below the wire insertion port 11.

[0036] Refer again to Figures 3 and 4. The release lever 20 comprises a main body 22, an engagement release part 23, an operating part 24, and an interference part 25. The main body 22 is rotatable in a first direction R1 and a second direction R2 about the pivot axis 21. The first direction R1 is, for example, the direction of rotation when releasing the engagement of the electric wire EL in the circumferential direction of rotation. The second direction R2 is one direction biased by the lever biasing spring 29 and the locking part 32a of the leaf spring 32 described later, and is the opposite direction to the first direction R1 in the circumferential direction of rotation of the main body 22. The pivot axis 21 is fixed to the lower end of the main body 22. A part of the main body 22 protrudes outward from the housing part 10 in the radial direction C of rotation. The radial direction C of rotation refers to the radial direction of a circle centered on the pivot axis 21. The outer side in the radial direction C refers to the side of the main body 22 that is away from the pivot axis 21 in the radial direction C of rotation.

[0037] The release portion 23 releases the wire EL by rotating together with the main body 22 around the pivot axis 21 along the first direction R1. The release portion 23 is a part that protrudes to the left along the Y direction on the front side of the main body 22. The release portion 23 protrudes into the housing space 31a. The release portion 23 is provided on the rear side of the wire insertion opening 11. The release portion 23 is provided in a position where it can interfere with the leaf spring 32 (locking portion 32a described later). As the main body 22 rotates along the first direction R1, the release portion 23 also rotates in the first direction R1 and comes into contact with the front surface of the leaf spring 32 (locking portion 32a described later). As the main body 22 rotates along the first direction R1, the release part 23 presses the leaf spring 32 (the locking part 32a described later) in the first direction R1, releasing the locking part 32a from the electric wire EL.

[0038] The operating part 24 is located outside the rotational radial direction C relative to the disengagement part 23 and protrudes outward from the main body 22 in the rotational radial direction C. The operating part 24 protrudes outward from the housing part 10 in the rotational radial direction C, for example. The operating part 24 is, for example, a rod-shaped part extending along the Y direction. The operating part 24 is provided, for example, at the end of the outer edge 22b located on the second direction R2 side of the main body 22. When the main body 22 rotates in the first direction R1, for example, the operating part 24 is not housed in the housing part 10. The operating part 24 is a part that can be operated by an operator. Operator operation here refers to the operator applying force to the operating part 24 in the first direction R1 with an object that applies force, for example, a finger. The object that applies force may be a part of the operator's body or a tool used by the operator.

[0039] The interference portion 25 is a part that protrudes to the left along the Y direction on the rear side of the main body portion 22. The interference portion 25 protrudes into the housing space 31a. The interference portion 25 is located on the rear side relative to the wire insertion port 11 and the engagement release portion 23. When the release lever 20 is located in the housing portion 10, the interference portion 25 is located on the rear side of the leaf spring 32 (pressing portion 32b described later).

[0040] The lever biasing spring 29 restricts the movement of the release lever 20. The lever biasing spring 29 biases the release lever 20 so that the amount of movement of the release lever 20 in the first direction R1 from its initial position is within a predetermined range. In other words, the lever biasing spring 29 exerts an elastic force that biases the release lever 20 toward the second direction R2 so that the release lever 20 returns to its initial position. The initial position of the release lever 20 is, for example, the position when the front surface of the release lever 20 contacts the front inner wall of the housing 10. The release lever 20 is positioned in this initial position by the lever biasing spring 29 when, for example, the electric wire EL is not inserted into the housing 10. The release lever 20 remains in this initial position until, for example, the end of the electric wire EL is inserted into the housing 10 and contacts the interference portion 25. By biasing the release lever 20 toward the second direction R2, the lever biasing spring 29 ensures that the amount of rotational movement of the release lever 20 toward the first direction R1 due to the operator's pressure is within a predetermined range. After the electric wire EL is inserted into the housing 10, the lever biasing spring 29 biases the release lever 20 in the second direction R2, causing the interference portion 25 to contact the electric wire EL so as to bias it toward the engagement plate portion 31c of the terminal seat 31, which will be described later. After the release lever 20 has finished moving due to the operator's pressing in the first direction R1, the release lever 20 is biased back to its initial position.

[0041] The lever biasing spring 29 is provided, for example, at the upper part of the housing 10, on the rear side of the wire insertion opening 11. The lever biasing spring 29 is partially exposed outside the housing 10 of the circuit breaker 1, and the other part is housed inside the housing 10. One end of the lever biasing spring 29 is connected, for example, to the upper part of the housing 10. The other end of the lever biasing spring 29 is connected, for example, to the upper part of the main body 22 of the release lever 20. For example, the circuit breaker 1 is equipped with a plurality of lever biasing springs 29. For example, in the housing 10, two lever biasing springs 29A and 29B are arranged in order toward the left side in the Y direction (see Figure 3). The lever biasing springs 29A and 29B have the same configuration.

[0042] The details of the wire engagement portion 30 and the release lever 20 will be described below. The terminal seat 31 in the wire engagement portion 30 shown in Figures 4 and 5 is a member that is bent in an S-shape when viewed from the back side to the front side. The terminal seat 31 has an engagement plate portion 31c, a mounting plate portion 31d, a first connecting plate portion 31e, a contact plate portion 31f, and a second connecting plate portion 31g.

[0043] The engaging plate portion 31c, the mounting plate portion 31d, and the contact plate portion 31f extend along the extending direction of the end of the electric wire EL that engages with the leaf spring 32. For example, the engaging plate portion 31c, the mounting plate portion 31d, and the contact plate portion 31f are plate-shaped portions that extend along the horizontal direction (or a plane that is inclined upward in front of the plane extending in the horizontal direction). For example, the engaging plate portion 31c, the mounting plate portion 31d, and the contact plate portion 31f are arranged in order downward. The first connecting plate portion 31e and the second connecting plate portion 31g are plate-shaped portions that extend along the X direction (the extending direction of the end of the electric wire EL) and the Z direction. For example, the first connecting plate portion 31e and the second connecting plate portion 31g are arranged in order downward.

[0044] The engaging plate portion 31c engages with the end of the electric wire EL extending from one side, together with the leaf spring 32. In this embodiment, the engaging plate portion 31c, together with the leaf spring 32, clamps the end of the electric wire EL extending from the front side to the back side. The mounting plate portion 31d supports the leaf spring 32. The first connecting plate portion 31e connects the engaging plate portion 31c and the mounting plate portion 31d. "Connected" means, for example, that the parts are continuous with a single metal plate. The first connecting plate portion 31e extends by connecting the respective ends of the engaging plate portion 31c and the mounting plate portion 31d. The first connecting plate portion 31e is fixed, for example, to the left end of the engaging plate portion 31c and the left end of the mounting plate portion 31d. The connection between the left end of the engaging plate portion 31c and the upper end of the first connecting plate portion 31e, and the connection between the left end of the mounting plate portion 31d and the lower end of the first connecting plate portion 31e, may be a corner or a curved portion, respectively.

[0045] A load-side contact 72 is provided on the contact plate portion 31f. The contact plate portion 31f has a region in which the load-side contact 72 can be installed so as to be exposed to the opening / closing space 31b. For example, the contact plate portion 31f has a region in which the load-side contact 72 can be installed at the rear end of the upper surface. The second connecting plate portion 31g connects the mounting plate portion 31d and the contact plate portion 31f. The second connecting plate portion 31g extends, for example, by connecting the respective ends of the mounting plate portion 31d and the contact plate portion 31f. The second connecting plate portion 31g is fixed to the right end of the mounting plate portion 31d and the right end of the contact plate portion 31f. The connection between the right end of the mounting plate portion 31d and the upper end of the second connecting plate portion 31g, and the connection between the right end of the contact plate portion 31f and the lower end of the second connecting plate portion 31g, may be corners or curved sections, respectively. The load-side contact 72 can be electrically connected to the leaf spring 32 via the mounting plate portion 31d, the second connecting plate portion 31g, and the contact plate portion 31f. That is, the current from the load-side contact 72 flows in the order of the contact plate portion 31f, the second connecting plate portion 31g, the mounting plate portion 31d, the first connecting plate portion 31e, and the engaging plate portion 31c, and flows to the electric wire EL that engages with the engaging plate portion 31c of the electric wire engaging portion 30, and is supplied to the load device.

[0046] In the terminal seat 31, a housing space 31a is defined, surrounded by the engaging plate portion 31c, the mounting plate portion 31d, and the first connecting plate portion 31e. That is, the housing space 31a is the space surrounded by the lower surface of the engaging plate portion 31c, the upper surface of the mounting plate portion 31d, and the right side of the first connecting plate portion 31e. The housing space 31a is open to the right when viewed from the first connecting plate portion 31e. In addition, in the terminal seat 31, an opening / closing space 31b is defined, surrounded by the mounting plate portion 31d, the contact plate portion 31f, and the second connecting plate portion 31g. That is, the opening / closing space 31b is the space surrounded by the lower surface of the mounting plate portion 31d, the upper surface of the contact plate portion 31f, and the left side of the second connecting plate portion 31g. The opening / closing space 31b is open to the left when viewed from the second connecting plate portion 31g. The components of the contact portion 70 are housed within the opening / closing space 31b. The load-side contact 72, which is provided on the contact plate portion 31f, is located at the lower part of the opening / closing space 31b, and as the power supply-side contact 71 moves from above by the contact movement portion 60, the two contacts, approach each other, or move apart.

[0047] At least one of the engaging plate portion 31c, mounting plate portion 31d, first connecting plate portion 31e, contact plate portion 31f, and second connecting plate portion 31g has a connection area 33 to which a conductor L that electrically connects the printed circuit board 9 (see Figure 1) and the electric wire EL inside the circuit breaker 1 can be connected. In the circuit breaker 1 of this embodiment, the connection area 33 is provided, for example, in the second connecting plate portion 31g. The connection area 33 is not exposed in the opening / closing space 31b. That is, the connection area 33 is provided on the surface exposed to the right side of the second connecting plate portion 31g. One end of the conductor L is connected to the printed circuit board 9, and a connection portion LP is provided at the other end of the conductor L. The connection portion LP is provided in the connection area 33, for example, by soldering.

[0048] Refer to Figures 1 and 2. Here, an exhaust opening 10a is formed in the central case 10B of the housing 10. The exhaust opening 10a penetrates in the direction of extension of the end of the electric wire EL inserted into the electric wire insertion port 11, as viewed from the terminal seat 31. That is, the exhaust opening 10a is a hole that penetrates along the X direction. The exhaust opening 10a communicates, for example, the opening / closing space 31b with the space outside the housing 10. The exhaust opening 10a is continuous with part or all of the opening / closing space 31b along the X direction. The exhaust opening 10a is provided at the same position in the Y direction and vertical direction as part or all of the opening / closing space 31b.

[0049] Refer again to Figures 3 and 4. The leaf spring 32 has a locking portion 32a for locking the electric wire EL, a pressing portion 32b for pressing the electric wire EL against the engagement plate portion 31c of the terminal seat 31, and an extending portion 32c located between the locking portion 32a and the pressing portion 32b. The locking portion 32a is located on the front side, and the pressing portion 32b is located on the rear side. The extending portion 32c extends horizontally and is placed on the mounting plate portion 31d. The locking portion 32a extends, for example, from the front end of the extending portion 32c so as to be inclined upward toward the rear side. The locking portion 32a is, for example, a part that can be deformed to be inclined toward the rear side. The pressing portion 32b extends, for example, from the rear end of the extending portion 32c so as to be inclined upward and curved so as to be inclined downward. That is, the pressing portion 32b has a curved portion that protrudes upward.

[0050] The end of the electric wire EL inserted through the wire insertion port 11 (see Figure 3) enters the housing space 31a of the terminal seat 31, pressing the upper part of the locking portion 32a toward the rear side, thereby widening the area between the engaging plate portion 31c and the locking portion 32a, and moving through this area to the rear side of the locking portion 32a. The end of the electric wire EL comes into contact with the curved portion of the pressing portion 32b, deforming the pressing portion 32b downward by at least the diameter of the electric wire EL. The locking portion 32a catches on the electric wire EL toward the upward and rear side, thereby suppressing the forward movement of the electric wire EL. The electric wire EL is positioned so as to be sandwiched between the upper end of the locking portion 32a, the curved portion of the pressing portion 32b, and the lower surface of the engaging plate portion 31c. In this way, the electric wire EL is electrically connected to the terminal seat 31 by the leaf spring 32.

[0051] When pulling out the electric wire EL from the electric wire socket 11 (see Figure 3), the operator presses the operating part 24 of the release lever 20 in the first direction R1 with a force greater than the elastic force in the second direction R2 by the lever biasing spring 29, causing the engagement release part 23 to rotate in the first direction R1 and come into contact with the front surface of the locking part 32a of the leaf spring 32. Further rotation of the release lever 20 in the first direction R1 causes the engagement release part 23 to tilt the locking part 32a toward the rear and downward, making the area between the engagement plate 31c and the locking part 32a larger than the diameter of the electric wire EL. As a result, the catching (engagement) of the electric wire EL by the locking part 32a and the contact of the electric wire EL with the engagement plate 31c are eliminated, allowing the operator to pull the electric wire EL forward and pull it out of the electric wire socket 11. After the electric wire EL is removed, the operator stops pressing on the operating section 24, and the release lever 20 is biased in the second direction R2 by the elastic force of the lever biasing spring 29 and the locking portion 32a of the leaf spring 32.

[0052] The main body 22 of the release lever 20 has, for example, a plate-shaped central portion 22a that extends in the X direction and the vertical direction. The central portion 22a is positioned to the right of the engaging plate portion 31c and the mounting plate portion 31d of the terminal seat 31, so as to cover the housing space 31a. That is, the central portion 22a is positioned along the extending direction of the first connecting plate portion 31e and the second connecting plate portion 31g. The lower part of the central portion 22a is inclined so as to protrude towards the front side as it goes downwards. For example, a pivot shaft 21 is fixed to the lower end of the central portion 22a.

[0053] The main body portion 22 has an outer edge portion 22b located outside the main body portion 22 in the radial direction C of rotation. The outer edge portion 22b is located outside the central portion 22a in the radial direction C of rotation and is provided at the upper end of the central portion 22a. The outer edge portion 22b rotates, for example, to slide along the outer edge of the housing portion 10 when the main body portion 22 rotates. When the main body portion 22 rotates in the first direction R1, for example, the rear portion of the outer edge portion 22b is sequentially housed in the housing portion 10.

[0054] The operating portion 24 protrudes outward in the radial direction C from a part of the outer edge portion 22b. The operating portion 24 is, for example, a portion that protrudes outward in the radial direction C from the end of the outer edge portion 22b located on the second direction R2 side (front side) of the main body portion 22. For example, the operating portion 24 is inclined toward the first direction R1 in the vertical direction. For example, with respect to one end of the front surface of the operating portion 24, the other end of the front surface of the operating portion 24 is located toward the first direction R1. For example, the back surface of the operating portion 24 extends outward along the radial direction C. The upper corner of the operating portion 24 may be partially cut out. The operating portion 24 has, for example, a recess that is indented toward the first direction R1.

[0055] The interference portion 25 contacts, approaches, or moves away from the electric wire EL in accordance with the rotation of the release lever 20. When the electric wire EL is inserted into the housing portion 10 via the electric wire insertion port 11, the electric wire EL inserted on the rear side of the pressing portion 32b of the leaf spring 32 comes into contact with the interference portion 25, causing the release lever 20 to rotate in the first direction R1 by at least the diameter of the electric wire EL, and is positioned between the engagement plate portion 31c of the terminal seat 31 (described later) and the interference portion 25. At this time, the electric wire EL is inserted by being pressed toward the rear side in a manner that exceeds the elastic force biasing it toward the second direction R2 by the lever biasing spring 29. After insertion, the interference portion 25 is biased toward the second direction R2 by the lever biasing spring 29 and contacts or approaches the end of the electric wire EL. The circuit breaker 1 may determine the connection status of the electric wire EL based on the position of the interference portion 25 and display the connection status on a display device (not shown). When the operator presses the operating part 24 of the release lever 20 in the first direction R1, the interfering part 25 moves away from the end of the electric wire EL.

[0056] The following describes the discharge of gas generated at the contact portion 70 of the circuit breaker 1. At the contact portion 70, when the power supply side contact 71 and the load side contact 72 come into contact and the contact is closed, or when the power supply side contact 71 and the load side contact 72 are separated by the contact movement portion 60 and the contact is opened from the closed state, a high-temperature arc column may be formed between the power supply side contact 71 and the load side contact 72 for a predetermined time. In this case, the surface of the power supply side contact 71 and the surface of the load side contact 72 melts due to the high-temperature arc column, generating metal ions, and these metal ions scatter into the air, generating a conductive gas called arc gas. This conductive gas is, for example, a high-temperature gas that is generated when a current exceeding a predetermined current value flows through the contact portion 70. If this conductive gas remains in the contact portion 70, there is a possibility that current will flow between the power supply side contact 71 and the load side contact 72 even if they are not in contact. For this reason, it is necessary to discharge the conductive gas from inside the circuit breaker 1.

[0057] In the circuit breaker 1 of this embodiment, the opening / closing space 31b, which houses each component of the contact portion 70, penetrates in the X direction and communicates with the space outside the housing portion 10 through an exhaust opening 10a located on the front side when viewed from the contact portion 70. At this time, since there is no structure within the opening / closing space 31b that obstructs the exhaust opening 10a, the conductive gas generated at the contact portion 70 is smoothly discharged to the outside of the housing portion 10.

[0058] As described above, the circuit breaker 1 and terminal seat 31 of this embodiment can save space while appropriately securing a path for gas to flow inside the circuit breaker 1. The terminal seat 31 comprises an engagement plate portion 31c, a mounting plate portion 31d, a first connecting plate portion 31e, a contact plate portion 31f, and a second connecting plate portion 31g. The terminal seat 31 can accommodate a leaf spring 32 (an example of a wire locking portion) in the housing space 31a surrounded by the engagement plate portion 31c, the mounting plate portion 31d, and the first connecting plate portion 31e, and can engage with the end of a wire. In addition, in the opening / closing space 31b surrounded by the mounting plate portion 31d, the contact plate portion 31f, and the second connecting plate portion 31g, the load-side contact 72 (an example of a contact) and the power supply-side contact 71 (an example of another contact) can be opened and closed. Here, since the switching space 31b penetrates along the X direction (an example of the direction in which the end of the electric wire EL extends), even if gas is generated when the load-side contact 72 and the power supply-side contact 71 are switched on or off, the gas can flow in the X direction. Furthermore, by defining two spaces, the housing space 31a and the switching space 31b, the two functions of engaging the electric wire EL and switching the contacts together can be consolidated in one place. Therefore, this terminal seat 31 can save space inside the circuit breaker 1 while appropriately securing a path through which gas can flow.

[0059] Furthermore, the contact plate portion 31f extends along the extending direction of the end of the electric wire that engages with the leaf spring 32, and has a region in which the load-side contact 72 can be installed so as to be exposed to the opening / closing space 31b. In this case, of the opening / closing space 31b, at least the contact plate portion 31f on which the load-side contact 72 is provided is along the extending direction of the end of the electric wire. By exposing the load-side contact 72 to the opening / closing space 31b, gas that may be generated when the load-side contact 72 and the power supply-side contact 71 are opened and closed can be smoothly guided into the opening / closing space 31b.

[0060] Furthermore, the engaging plate portion 31c, the mounting plate portion 31d, and the contact plate portion 31f extend along the extending direction of the end of the electric wire EL that engages with the leaf spring 32, the first connecting plate portion 31e extends by connecting the respective ends of the engaging plate portion 31c and the mounting plate portion 31d, and the second connecting plate portion 31g connects the respective ends of the mounting plate portion 31d and the contact plate portion 31f and extends along the extending direction of the first connecting plate portion 31e. In this case, the terminal seat 31 is provided with a housing space 31a and an opening / closing space 31b, each along the X direction (an example of the extending direction of the end of the electric wire EL). Also, in the terminal seat 31, the two spaces, the housing space 31a and the opening / closing space 31b, are provided along the vertical direction (an example of the extending direction of the first connecting plate portion 31e) with the mounting plate portion 31d as the boundary. This makes it possible to save space in the longitudinal direction of the circuit breaker 1 (the direction connecting the power supply terminal 80 and the load terminal 90, in this embodiment the X direction). Therefore, this terminal seat 31 can reduce wasted space within the circuit breaker 1 and appropriately secure the housing space 31a for engaging with the electric wire EL and the opening / closing space 31b for opening and closing the contacts.

[0061] Furthermore, at least one of the engaging plate portion 31c, mounting plate portion 31d, contact plate portion 31f, first connecting plate portion 31e, and second connecting plate portion 31g has a connection area 33 to which a conductor L can be connected to electrically connect the printed circuit board 9 (an example of an electronic circuit board) and the electric wire EL inside the circuit breaker 1. In this case, at least one part of the terminal seat 31 (the second connecting plate portion 31g in this embodiment) can be effectively utilized to wire to the printed circuit board 9 inside the circuit breaker 1. That is, the existing part of the terminal seat 31 can be utilized without providing a new part elsewhere for connecting the conductor L. Therefore, this terminal seat 31 can save space inside the circuit breaker 1.

[0062] Furthermore, the connection area 33 is not exposed to the switching space 31b. In this case, the conductor L can be electrically connected to the terminal seat 31 without being exposed to the switching space 31b, which is the gas flow path. Therefore, the influence of gas on the power supply to the printed circuit board 9 by the conductor L can be suppressed.

[0063] Furthermore, the terminal seat 31 is a component formed by bending a single metal plate. In this case, the terminal seat 31 can be formed simply by cutting out the shape of the terminal seat 31 in its unfolded state from a single metal plate and bending it. Since there is no need to perform special processes such as joining other metal components to the metal plate when creating this terminal seat, the number of steps is reduced and the terminal seat 31 can be easily manufactured.

[0064] Furthermore, the circuit breaker 1 includes the terminal seat 31 described above, a leaf spring 32 provided on the terminal seat 31 that engages with the end of the electric wire EL, a load-side contact 72 provided on the terminal seat 31 that can contact the power supply-side contact 71 by opening and closing, and a housing section 10 having an exhaust opening 10a that penetrates in the direction of extension of the end of the electric wire EL when viewed from the terminal seat 31, and housing the terminal seat 31, the leaf spring 32, and the load-side contact 72. The leaf spring 32, together with the engaging plate portion 31c of the terminal seat 31, engages with the end of the electric wire EL, thereby supplying power to the circuit breaker 1. The load-side contact 72, provided on the terminal seat 31 and in contact with the power supply-side contact 71, can electrically connect, for example, the power supply-side terminal 80 and the load-side terminal 90. Because the terminal seat 31 electrically connects the electric wire and the load-side contact 72, power from the electric wire EL can be guided to the load-side contact 72. Since the housing section 10 has an exhaust opening 10a, even if gas is generated at the terminal seat 31 due to contact (opening and closing) between contacts, the circuit breaker 1 can discharge the gas through the opening and closing space 31b of the terminal seat 31 and out through the exhaust opening 10a of the housing section 10. Furthermore, by defining two spaces, the housing space 31a and the opening and closing space 31b, the terminal seat 31 can consolidate the two functions of engaging the electric wire EL and opening and closing between contacts into one location. Therefore, this circuit breaker 1 can save space while appropriately ensuring a path for gas to flow inside it.

[0065] [Differentiation] Although various exemplary embodiments have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made. For example, in addition to the circuit breaker 1, a circuit breaker system comprising at least one power supply and load device may be formed integrally.

[0066] For example, in the circuit breaker 1, the number of power supply side terminals 80 and load side terminals 90 of the contact portion 70 is not limited. The contact portion 70 may have one or more power supply side terminals 80, and may have one or more load side terminals 90. In this case, the number of power supply side contacts 71 and load side contacts 72 is also not limited.

[0067] The contact plate portion 31f does not have to extend along the extending direction of the end of the electric wire EL that engages with the leaf spring 32. The contact plate portion 31f may have an area that can be installed such that at least the space in which the load-side contact 72 is exposed communicates with the opening / closing space 31b.

[0068] The engaging plate portion 31c, the mounting plate portion 31d, and the contact plate portion 31f do not have to extend along the extending direction of the end of the electric wire EL that engages with the leaf spring 32. The second connecting plate portion 31g does not have to extend along the extending direction of the first connecting plate portion 31e. In this case, it is sufficient that the mounting plate portion 31d, the contact plate portion 31f, and the second connecting plate portion 31g define the opening / closing space 31b so that the opening / closing space 31b communicates with the exhaust opening 10a. Each of the engaging plate portion 31c, the mounting plate portion 31d, the first connecting plate portion 31e, the contact plate portion 31f, and the second connecting plate portion 31g may be curved or bent in part. Each of the engaging plate portion 31c, the mounting plate portion 31d, the first connecting plate portion 31e, the contact plate portion 31f, and the second connecting plate portion 31g may have an opening in part for weight reduction or connection with other members.

[0069] The engaging plate portion 31c, the mounting plate portion 31d, the contact plate portion 31f, the first connecting plate portion 31e, and the second connecting plate portion 31g do not necessarily have a connection area 33 to which a conductor L can be connected. In this embodiment, the second connecting plate portion 31g had a connection area 33, but the connection area 33 may be provided in any of the other engaging plate portion 31c, the mounting plate portion 31d, the contact plate portion 31f, and the first connecting plate portion 31e, or it may be provided in multiple parts of the engaging plate portion 31c, the mounting plate portion 31d, the contact plate portion 31f, the first connecting plate portion 31e, and the second connecting plate portion 31g.

[0070] The connection area 33 may be exposed to the opening / closing space 31b. In this case, the connection area 33 may be provided at a different position from the exhaust opening 10a, for example, in the Y direction or vertical direction. This makes it possible to provide it at a position spaced apart from the gas discharge path. Alternatively, the contact plate portion 31f may be provided above the engaging plate portion 31c, and the second connecting plate portion 31g may be connected and fixed to the engaging plate portion 31c and the contact plate portion 31f. In this case, the opening / closing space 31b is defined above the accommodating space 31a.

[0071] The terminal seat 31 does not have to be a component formed by bending a single metal plate. In this case, the terminal seat 31 may be formed from multiple metal components. The terminal seat 31 may be in the shape of a bent metal plate, or it may be in the shape of a curved metal plate.

[0072] The shape of the terminal seat 31 is not limited to the shape of the embodiment described above, and may be, for example, the following shape. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an example of a modified terminal seat. In the modified example, components that have the same name as those in the embodiment but differ only in reference numeral have the same function as those in the embodiment unless otherwise specified. Figure 6(a) is a partial plan view showing an example of a modified terminal seat. The terminal seat 131 shown in Figure 6(a) and the terminal seat 31 according to the embodiment differ in the position where the second connecting plate portion 31g is connected to the mounting plate portion 31d and the contact plate portion 31f, and the shape of the mounting plate portion 31d is different.

[0073] The terminal seat 131 is, for example, a member that is bent in an E-shape when viewed from the back side toward the front side. The terminal seat 131 has an engaging plate portion 131c, a mounting plate portion 131d, a first connecting plate portion 131e, a contact plate portion 131f, and a second connecting plate portion 131g. The accommodating space 131a is the space enclosed by the lower surface of the engaging plate portion 131c, the upper surface of the upper part of the mounting plate portion 131d, and the right side of the first connecting plate portion 131e. The second connecting plate portion 131g is fixed to the left end of the mounting plate portion 131d and the left end of the contact plate portion 131f. The opening / closing space 131b is the space enclosed by the lower surface of the lower part of the mounting plate portion 131d, the upper surface of the contact plate portion 131f, and the right side of the second connecting plate portion 131g. The opening / closing space 131b is open to the right when viewed from the second connecting plate portion 131g. When a connection area 133 is provided in the second connecting plate portion 131g, the connection area 133 is provided on the surface exposed on the left side of the second connecting plate portion 131g so that it is not exposed in the opening / closing space 131b. The mounting plate portion 131d has a surface that extends horizontally (or a plane that is inclined upward in front of a plane that extends horizontally) and has a shape that is bent downwards. The mounting plate portion 131d extends to the right by a predetermined length from the point where it is connected to the lower end of the first connecting plate portion 131e, and then bends downwards (curves) and extends to the left so that it can be connected to the upper end of the second connecting plate portion 131g. Because the mounting plate portion 131d has this shape, the terminal seat 131 can be formed simply by cutting out the shape of the terminal seat 131 in its unfolded state from a single metal plate and bending (curving) it.

[0074] Figure 6(b) is a partial plan view showing an example of a modified terminal seat. The terminal seat 231 shown in Figure 6(b) and the terminal seat 31 according to the embodiment differ in the position where the second connecting plate portion 31g connects to the mounting plate portion 31d and the contact plate portion 31f, and the shape of the mounting plate portion 31d is different. The terminal seat 231 is, for example, a member that is bent in an E shape when viewed from the back side toward the front side. The terminal seat 231 has an engagement plate portion 231c, a mounting plate portion 231d, a first connecting plate portion 231e, a contact plate portion 231f, and a second connecting plate portion 231g. The second connecting plate portion 231g is continuous with the first connecting plate portion 231e. The accommodating space 231a is the space enclosed by the lower surface of the engagement plate portion 231c, the upper surface of the mounting plate portion 231d, and the right side of the first connecting plate portion 231e. The second connecting plate portion 231g is fixed to the lower end of the first connecting plate portion 231e and the left end of the contact plate portion 231f. The opening / closing space 231b is the space enclosed by the lower surface of the mounting plate portion 231d, the upper surface of the contact plate portion 231f, and the right side of the second connecting plate portion 231g. The opening / closing space 231b is open to the right when viewed from the second connecting plate portion 231g. When a connection area 233 is provided in the second connecting plate portion 231g, it is provided on the left side of the second connecting plate portion 231g so that the connection area 233 is not exposed to the opening / closing space 231b.

[0075] Furthermore, the mounting plate portion 231d consists of multiple parts extending horizontally (or a plane inclined upward in front of a plane extending horizontally). These multiple parts are provided along the X direction. The mounting plate portion 231d extends to the right from multiple positions at the lower end of the first connecting plate portion 231e. In Figure 6(b), the mounting plate portion 231d is provided with two parts at the lower end of the first connecting plate portion 231e, extending to the right from two positions in the X direction that sandwich the second connecting plate portion 231g. As a result, the opening and closing space 231b is opened upward from between these two parts. Note that since the leaf spring 32 is placed on these two parts on the mounting plate portion 231d, it does not serve as an exhaust path for gas at the contact point. Since the mounting plate portion 231d and the second connecting plate portion 231g have the aforementioned shape, the terminal seat 231 can be formed simply by cutting out the shape of the terminal seat 231 in its unfolded state from a single metal plate and bending (curving) it.

[0076] The method of connecting the conductor L connection portion LP in the connection area 33 of the terminal seat 31 is not limited to the shape of the embodiment described above, and may be, for example, the following method. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an example of a conductor connection area in a terminal seat according to a modified example. In the modified example, components that have the same name as in the embodiment but differ only in reference numeral have the same function as in the embodiment unless otherwise specified. Figure 7(a) is a perspective view showing an example of a conductor connection area in a terminal seat according to a modified example. The connection portion LPA shown in Figure 7(a) is provided in the connection area 33A, fixed to the second connecting plate portion 31g, for example by a dowel crimp. Figure 7(b) is a perspective view showing an example of a conductor connection area in a terminal seat according to a modified example. The connection portion LPB shown in Figure 7(b) is provided in the connection area 33B, fixed to the second connecting plate portion 31g, for example by a rivet.

[0077] Herein, various exemplary embodiments included in this disclosure are described below in [Embodiment 1] to [Embodiment 6].

[0078] [Form 1] A terminal base that electrically connects the wires connected to the circuit breaker to the contacts, An engagement plate portion that engages with the end of the electric wire extending from one side together with the electric wire locking portion, A mounting plate on which the aforementioned wire locking portion is placed, A first connecting plate portion that connects the engagement plate portion and the previously described mounting plate portion, A contact plate portion on which the contact that can be electrically connected to the wire locking portion is provided, A second connecting plate portion that connects the wire locking portion and the contact plate portion, Equipped with, A housing space is defined, surrounded by the engagement plate portion, the previously described mounting plate portion, and the first connecting plate portion, in which the wire locking portion can be housed inside. The mounting plate portion, the contact plate portion, and the second connecting plate portion are enclosed, and an opening / closing space is defined that penetrates at least along the extending direction of the end of the electric wire, allowing the contact to open and close with other contacts. Terminal seat. [Form 2] The terminal seat according to [Embodiment 1], wherein the contact plate portion extends along the extending direction of the end of the electric wire that engages with the electric wire locking portion, and has a region in which the contact can be installed so as to be exposed to the opening and closing space. [Form 3] The engagement plate portion, the previously described mounting plate portion, and the contact plate portion extend along the direction of extension of the end of the electric wire that engages with the electric wire locking portion. The first connecting plate portion extends by connecting the ends of the engaging plate portion and the previously described mounting plate portion, The second connecting plate portion connects the ends of the previously described mounting plate portion and the contact plate portion, and extends along the extending direction of the first connecting plate portion, as described in [Embodiment 1] or [Embodiment 2]. [Form 4] The terminal seat according to any one of [Embodiment 1] to [Embodiment 3], wherein at least one of the engagement plate portion, the mounting plate portion described above, the contact plate portion, the first connecting plate portion, and the second connecting plate portion has a connection area to which a conductor that electrically connects the electronic circuit board in the circuit breaker and the electric wire can be connected. [Form 5] The terminal seat according to [Embodiment 4], wherein the connection area is not exposed to the opening / closing space. [Form 6] A terminal base as described in any one of [Form 1] to [Form 5], A wire locking portion is provided on the terminal seat and engages with the end of the wire, A contact is provided on the terminal base and is capable of contacting other contacts by opening and closing, An exhaust opening is formed that penetrates in the direction of extension of the end of the electric wire when viewed from the terminal seat, and the terminal seat, the electric wire locking part, and the contact part are housed in a housing part, A circuit breaker equipped with the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 1...Circuit breaker, 9...Printed circuit board (an example of an electronic circuit board), 10...Housing section, 10a...Exhaust opening, 11...Wire insertion port, 20, 20A, 20B...Release lever, 21...Rotating shaft, 22...Main body, 23...Engagement release section, 24...Operating section, 30, 30A, 30B...Wire engagement section, 31, 31A, 31B...Terminal base, 31a, 131a, 231a...Housing space, 31b, 131b, 231b...Opening / closing space, 31c, 131c, 231c...Engagement plate section, 31d, 131d, 231d...Mounting plate section, 31e, 131e, 231e...First connecting plate section, 31f, 131f, 23 1f...Contact plate section, 31g, 131g, 231g...Second connecting plate section, 32, 32A, 32B...Leaf spring (an example of a wire locking section), 32a...Locking section, 32b...Pressing section, 33, 33A, 33B...Connection area, 70, 70A, 70B...Contact section, 71, 71A, 71B...Power supply side contact (an example of another contact), 72, 72A, 72B...Load side contact (an example of a contact), 80, 80A, 80B...Power supply side terminal, 90, 90A, 90B...Load side terminal, C...Radial rotation direction, EL...Wire, L...Conductor, LP, LPA, LPB...Connection section, R1...First direction, R2...Second direction.

Claims

1. A terminal base housed in the housing of a circuit breaker, which electrically connects a wire connected to the circuit breaker to a contactor, An engagement plate portion that engages with the end of the electric wire extending from one side together with the electric wire locking portion, A mounting plate on which the aforementioned wire locking portion is placed, A first connecting plate portion connects the engagement plate portion and the previously described mounting plate portion, A contact plate portion on which the contact that can be electrically connected to the wire locking portion is provided, A second connecting plate portion connects the mounting plate portion and the contact plate portion, Equipped with, A housing space is defined, surrounded by the engagement plate portion, the previously described mounting plate portion, and the first connecting plate portion, in which the wire locking portion can be housed inside. Surrounded by the mounting plate portion, the contact plate portion, and the second connecting plate portion, it penetrates at least along the extending direction of the end of the electric wire and is configured to communicate with the exhaust opening formed in the housing portion of the circuit breaker, defining an opening and closing space that allows the opening and closing operation of the contact and other contacts, At least one of the engagement plate portion, the mounting plate portion described above, the contact plate portion, the first connecting plate portion, and the second connecting plate portion has a connection area to which a conductor can be connected for electrically connecting the electronic circuit board in the circuit breaker and the electric wire. The aforementioned connection area is not exposed to the opening / closing space which serves as the gas flow path. Terminal seat.

2. The terminal seat according to claim 1, wherein the contact plate portion extends along the extending direction of the end of the electric wire that engages with the electric wire locking portion, and has a region in which the contact can be installed so as to be exposed to the opening and closing space.

3. The engagement plate portion, the previously described mounting plate portion, and the contact plate portion extend along the direction of extension of the end of the electric wire that engages with the electric wire locking portion. The first connecting plate portion extends by connecting the ends of the engaging plate portion and the previously described mounting plate portion, The terminal seat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second connecting plate portion connects the ends of the aforementioned mounting plate portion and the contact plate portion and extends along the extending direction of the first connecting plate portion.

4. A terminal seat according to claim 1 or 2, A wire locking portion is provided on the terminal seat and engages with the end of the wire, A contact is provided on the terminal base and is capable of contacting other contacts by opening and closing, An exhaust opening is formed that penetrates in the direction of extension of the end of the electric wire when viewed from the terminal seat, and the housing portion which houses the terminal seat, the electric wire locking portion and the contactor, A circuit breaker equipped with the following features.

5. The circuit breaker according to claim 4, wherein the exhaust opening in the housing is formed on the opening / closing space side of the terminal seat.

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