Circuit breaker
The circuit breaker addresses the challenge of distinguishing multiple power line connection states with a simple design, ensuring accurate display and reducing complexity and assembly time.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KAWAMURA ELECTRIC INC
- Filing Date
- 2022-11-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-27
AI Technical Summary
Existing circuit breakers struggle to distinguish and display the connection status of multiple power lines with a simple configuration, leading to potential tripping of main breakers due to identical power line connection states, and complex mechanisms increase component complexity and assembly time.
A circuit breaker design featuring multiple terminals, a rotating main body, a display unit, and a rotating part with operating parts that engage to visually display the power line connection states, allowing for accurate differentiation without complex mechanisms.
The circuit breaker effectively distinguishes and displays multiple power line connection states with a simple configuration, reducing component complexity and assembly time while preventing main breaker tripping.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a circuit breaker.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, a circuit breaker capable of visually recognizing the connection state of a power line has been known. The circuit breaker described in Patent Document 1 includes a housing provided with a display window, a plurality of terminals movable with respect to the housing, a terminal body, two switching knobs provided vertically, a display means, and a display piece spring for biasing the display means. The display means has a shaft portion pivotally supported rotatably in a case body, and a display portion and an operating portion protruding radially from the shaft portion. In the 200V connection state, no force is applied to the operating portion, the display portion faces the display window, and the display portion appears red from the outside. In the 100V connection state, the terminal body of the upper switching knob rotates upward and the conductive bar of the neutral pole is inserted. The terminal body pushes the operating portion against the biasing force of the display piece spring, the display portion moves away from the display window, and the display portion appears white from the outside.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] By changing the state of the combination of positions of multiple terminals that can be connected to a power line (hereinafter referred to as "power line connection state"), it is possible to change the power line through which power flows on the power supply side of a circuit breaker. In the circuit breaker described in Patent Document 1, even if the power line connection state is different, the voltage value in the circuit may be the same. If the same power line connection state is adopted in multiple circuit breakers, power will flow only through the same power line on the power supply side of multiple circuit breakers. As a result, for example, if the number of circuit breakers adopting the same power line connection state exceeds a predetermined number, the main breaker installed on the power supply side of the circuit breakers may trip.
[0005] Therefore, in order to suppress the tripping of the main circuit breaker, it is necessary to suppress the bias in the connection status of power lines. However, in the circuit breaker of Patent Document 1, the same display format is used for the connection status of two or more power lines that show the same voltage value in the circuit, so it may be difficult for workers to easily determine which power line connection status is being used. On the other hand, if a complex mechanism or structure is adopted to distinguish between the connection statuses of multiple power lines, problems arise with the dimensional accuracy of structural components, leading to an increase in the number of parts, assembly man-hours, and space required.
[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a circuit breaker that can distinguish and display the connection status of multiple power lines in a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] A circuit breaker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of terminals that change the connection state of a plurality of power lines by moving, a main body that can rotate around a pivot axis, a display unit provided on the main body along the rotational circumferential direction for visually displaying the state of the plurality of terminals, a rotating part having a first operating part provided at a position different from the pivot axis in the rotational radial direction of the main body, and an output part having a second operating part that is linked to the movement of the plurality of terminals, wherein the first operating part engages with the second operating part and rotates the main body around the pivot axis in conjunction with the movement of the second operating part.
[0008] This circuit breaker comprises multiple terminals, an output unit having a first operating part, a main body, a display unit, and a rotating unit having a second operating part. The connection state of the power line is changed by the movement of at least one terminal. The movement of at least one terminal causes the first operating part to move in conjunction, and the second operating part, which engages with the first operating part, also moves in conjunction. As a result, the second operating part rotates the main body around the pivot axis, so that the display unit provided on the main body can visually display the changed state of the terminal. The display of the state of multiple terminals changes in accordance with the movement of the terminals. Therefore, this circuit breaker can distinguish and display the state of multiple terminals, i.e., multiple connection states between the circuit breaker and the power line. Here, since the rotating unit rotates around the pivot axis by the first operating part, the output unit and the display unit can be linked to each other according to the positional relationship between them without the need for a complex mechanism. Also, because the rotating unit rotates in accordance with the movement of the output unit, the display unit can be accurately moved in the rotational direction. Therefore, the display unit can accurately distinguish and display the connection status of multiple power lines without requiring complex mechanisms or high dimensional precision of components. Thus, this circuit breaker can distinguish and display the connection status of multiple power lines with a simple configuration.
[0009] In a circuit breaker according to one embodiment, either the first operating part or the second operating part has an operating shaft provided along the extending direction of the pivot shaft, and the other of the first operating part and the second operating part that does not have an operating shaft may have an operating bearing part that rotatably supports the operating shaft.
[0010] In a circuit breaker according to one embodiment, the first operating part has an operating shaft, and the second operating part has an operating bearing part, and the operating bearing part may support the operating shaft so as to be movable in directions intersecting the extending direction of the operating shaft and the movement direction of the plurality of terminals, respectively. In this case, the operating shaft and the operating bearing part can appropriately change the amount of rotation in the rotation direction of the main body around the pivot axis according to the distance the output part moves, and the display part can appropriately display the status of the plurality of terminals. Furthermore, the display part 50 can display the status of the plurality of terminals simply by the linkage between the movement of the output part and the rotation of the pivot part. For this reason, this circuit breaker can suppress the increase in the number of components for displaying the status of the plurality of terminals, that is, the plurality of connection states between the circuit breaker and the power line, and can reduce the man-hours required for manufacturing the circuit breaker.
[0011] In a circuit breaker according to one embodiment, the operating bearing portion may be an opening that penetrates along the extending direction of the operating shaft. In this case, since the operating shaft is housed within the operating bearing portion, the oscillation of the operating shaft can be suppressed, and the rotating portion and the output portion can be more appropriately linked.
[0012] A circuit breaker according to one embodiment has a display window that allows a portion of the display unit to be viewed from the outside, and comprises a housing unit that houses at least a portion of a plurality of terminals, a rotating unit, and an output unit, a rotating shaft, and a rotating bearing unit that rotatably supports the rotating shaft. Either the rotating unit or the housing unit may have a rotating shaft, and the other of the rotating unit and housing unit that does not have a rotating shaft may have a rotating bearing unit. In this case, the operator can visually confirm the status of the plurality of terminals displayed by the display unit within the display window.
[0013] A circuit breaker according to one embodiment includes two terminals that can be positioned in three locations, and the state of the multiple terminals may include three states relating to the positions of the multiple terminals positioned based on the connection states of multiple power lines. In this case, since the display of the terminal state changes based on the moving position of at least one terminal, even if there are two or more power lines in the circuit that exhibit the same voltage value, for example, an operator can easily distinguish and visually identify the three power line connection states corresponding to the positions of the two terminals. Therefore, this circuit breaker can display the connection states of three power lines separately. [Effects of the Invention]
[0014] According to the circuit breaker described herein, the connection status of multiple power lines can be distinguished and displayed with a simple configuration. [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 housing section and multiple terminals according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing an example of multiple terminals, an output section, and a rotating section according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing an example of multiple terminals and an output section provided at a first connection position with respect to a conductive bar. [Figure 5] This is a front view showing an example of multiple terminals and output sections provided at a second connection position with respect to a conductive bar. [Figure 6] This is a front view showing an example of multiple terminals and output sections provided at a third connection position with respect to a conductive bar. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing an example of a display unit for multiple terminals provided at the first connection position. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing an example of a display unit for multiple terminals located at a second connection point. [Figure 9]It is a perspective view showing an example of a display unit for a plurality of terminals provided at a third connection position.
Embodiments 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 will not be repeated. The dimensional ratios in the drawings do not necessarily match those in the description. Terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "back", etc. 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. 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 three-dimensional space orthogonal coordinate system. Hereinafter, the direction along the XY plane will also be referred to as the horizontal direction, and the Z direction will also be referred to as the vertical direction.
[0018] The circuit breaker 1 shown in FIG. 1 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 80 described later. Here, the circuit breaker 1 can take at least two states as the opening and closing states of the electric circuit, namely, an open state and a closed state. The open state is a state where the contacts are separated due to 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 where the contacts are in contact due to 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 where an abnormal state such as overcurrent, short circuit, or leakage in the electric circuit is detected, and the contacts are separated due to the action of the structure inside the circuit breaker 1, and no current flows through the electric circuit.
[0019] The circuit breaker 1 is provided, for example, in a single-phase three-wire distribution board (not shown). The circuit breaker 1 is provided on the secondary side of a main breaker (not shown) provided in the distribution board. The main breaker can connect three conductive bars (an example of a conductor) on its secondary side. The conductive bar is, for example, a bus bar. The distribution board includes at least two of the three plate-shaped conductive bars N, L1, and L2. The circuit breaker 1 can be used as a circuit breaker capable of energizing 100V power when connected to the conductive bar N of the neutral pole and the conductive bar L1 of one voltage pole, and also when connected to the conductive bar N of the neutral pole and the conductive bar L2 of the other voltage pole. Further, the circuit breaker 1 can be used as a circuit breaker capable of energizing 200V power when connected to the conductive bars L1 and L2 of both voltage poles.
[0020] The circuit breaker 1 includes a plurality of terminals 20, an output part 30, and a rotating part 40. The circuit breaker 1 further includes a housing part 10. The circuit breaker 1 may further include, for example, a zero-phase current transformer 5 that detects leakage, an electromagnetic release device 7, a printed circuit board 9, a plurality of load-side terminals 70, a plurality of contact parts 80, a contact moving part 85, and a plurality of load-side engaging parts 90. The printed circuit board 9 is assembled with a leakage detection circuit that causes the electromagnetic release device 7 to perform a tripping operation when leakage occurs. Note that the elements mounted on the printed circuit board 9 are omitted. The circuit breaker 1 includes, for example, two terminals 20A and 20B that can be arranged in three locations, two load-side terminals 70, and two contact parts 80.
[0021] The housing part 10 houses at least a part of the plurality of terminals 20, the output part 30, and the rotating part 40. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the housing part 10 is a housing that houses a part of two terminals 20A and 20B, the output part 30, the rotating part 40, the zero-phase current transformer 5, the electromagnetic release device 7, the printed circuit board 9, the plurality of load-side terminals 70, the plurality of contact parts 80, a part of the contact moving part 85, and a part of the load-side engaging parts 90, etc. The housing part 10 forms a space for housing these components inside. The housing part 10, for example, extends along the X direction in the longitudinal direction of the housing.
[0022] The housing section 10 includes, for example, a right-side case 10A (see Figure 2) and a left-side case 10B. The right-side case 10A and the left-side case 10B are arranged in order toward the positive direction (left side) of the Y-direction. The left-side case 10B fits with the right-side case 10A on its left side (negative direction of the Y-direction). When the left-side case 10B and the right-side case 10A are fitted together, all components except for a part of the two terminals 20 and a part of the release lever 93 described later are housed within the housing section 10. The right-side case 10A and the left-side case 10B are locked and fitted together by locking members such as pins. The right-side case 10A and the left-side case 10B have, for example, a substantially symmetrical configuration.
[0023] 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 load-side wires LL extending from the load device can be inserted. In this embodiment, the housing section 10 is provided with two wire insertion slots 11. Each wire insertion slot 11 is an opening that penetrates the right case 10A and the left case 10B, described later, in the X direction. In the housing section 10, the two wire insertion slots 11 are arranged toward the left side in the Y direction.
[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a housing and terminal according to the embodiment. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the housing 10 has a display window 12 that allows a part of the display unit 50, which will be described later, to be viewed from the outside. The display window 12 is an opening that has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The display window 12 is, for example, an opening that penetrates the upper part of the housing 10 in the vertical direction and connects the space inside the housing 10 with the space outside the housing 10.
[0025] The two terminals 20A and 20B change the connection state of multiple power lines by moving. The connection state of a power line is a combination of the positions of multiple terminals that can be connected to the power line. The two terminals 20A and 20B are, for example, power supply side terminals. The two terminals 20A and 20B change the connection state of three conductive bars N, L1, and L2. The two terminals 20A and 20B are terminals that can be electrically connected to a power supply. In this embodiment, the two terminals 20A and 20B 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 terminals 20A and 20B are provided is formed by a surface that extends along the vertical direction. For example, terminal 20A is located at the top of the back side of the housing 10, and terminal 20B is located at the bottom of the back side of the housing 10. In the housing 10, terminals 20A and 20B are arranged side by side along the vertical direction. In the examples shown in Figures 1 and 2, terminal 20A is located at a position where it can be connected to the neutral electrode conductive bar N, and terminal 20B is located at a position where it can be connected to the conductive bar L1 of one of the voltage electrodes. Hereafter, the positions of the two terminals 20A and 20B will be referred to as the first connection position. Details of the two terminals 20A and 20B will be described later.
[0026] Refer to Figure 1 again. The multiple load-side terminals 70 are terminals that can be electrically connected to the load device. Two of the load-side terminals 70 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. A portion of the front surface on which the two load-side terminals 70 are provided is inclined to facilitate the connection operation of the load-side wire LL extending from the load device. One of the load-side terminals 70 can be electrically connected to terminal 20A. The other load-side terminal 70 can be electrically connected to terminal 20B.
[0027] The two contact points 80 are configured to switch the opening and closing of an electrical circuit that electrically connects the power supply and the load device in accordance with the movement of the contact movement part 85. One contact point 80 electrically connects terminal 20A to one of the load-side terminals 70. The other contact point 80 electrically connects terminal 20B to the other load-side terminal 70. The two contact points 80 are positioned in the X direction between the two terminals 20 and the two load-side terminals 70. The two contact points 80 are arranged in alignment along the Y direction in the housing part 10.
[0028] Each contact section 80 has a power supply side contact 81, a load side contact 82, and a plate-shaped member 83. Each power supply side contact 81 is electrically connected to terminals 20A and 20B, respectively. Each load side contact 82 is electrically connected to each load side terminal 70. In each contact section 80, the power supply side contact 81 and the load side contact 82 can be electrically connected.
[0029] The plate-shaped member 83 is connected to the contact movement part 85, and its front end (the end in the positive direction of the X direction) moves vertically in accordance with the opening and closing operation of the contact movement part 85. The power supply side contact 81 is located on the lower surface of the front end of the plate-shaped member 83 and is exposed downwards. The power supply side contact 81 moves relative to the load side contact 82 by the contact movement part 85, and can come into contact with or separate from each other. The load side contact 82 is fixed in position within the housing part 10. The load side contact 82 is provided, for example, on the terminal seat 91 described later, in the lower part of the housing part 10, so as to be exposed upwards.
[0030] At each contact point 80, a closed state is formed when the power supply side contact 81 and the load side contact 82 are in contact, creating an electrical circuit. At at least one of the two contact points 80, an open state or a tripped state is formed when the power supply side contact 81 and the load side contact 82 are separated, resulting in no electrical circuit being formed. The contact or separated state of the power supply side contact 81 and the load side contact 82 is switched by the opening and closing operation of the contact movement part 85. In the closed state, an electrical circuit is formed that electrically connects the power supply and the load device.
[0031] The contact movement unit 85 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 80. The contact movement unit 85 has an operating lever 86 and an opening / closing mechanism unit 87 connected to the plate-shaped member 83. The operating lever 86 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 86 is grasped by an operator and rotated in one direction around the pivot axis, the opening / closing mechanism unit 87 moves downward, moving each plate-shaped member 83 downward, bringing each power supply side contact 81 into contact with each load side contact 82, and closing the electrical circuit. When the operating lever 86 is grasped by an operator and rotated in the other direction around the pivot axis, the opening / closing mechanism unit 87 moves upward, moving each plate-shaped member 83 upward, separating each power supply side contact 81 from each load side contact 82, and opening the electrical circuit. The opening / closing mechanism unit 87 has, for example, a separator.
[0032] Multiple load-side engaging parts 90 are units that engage with load-side wires LL. The circuit breaker 1 has, for example, two load-side engaging parts 90. The two load-side engaging parts 90 are arranged on the front side in the X direction in the housing part 10 and are aligned along the Y direction. A portion of each load-side engaging part 90 constitutes each load-side terminal 70. Each load-side engaging part 90 has, for example, a terminal seat 91, a leaf spring 92, and a release lever 93.
[0033] The terminal seat 91 is configured to engage with the end of the load-side wire LL. In the circuit breaker 1, the load-side wire LL may or may not be engaged. The terminal seat 91 electrically connects the load-side wire LL connected to the circuit breaker 1 with the load-side contact 82. The terminal seat 91 engages with the load-side wire LL, which can be connected to the load device together with the leaf spring 92, and electrically connects the load-side wire LL with the load-side terminal 70. The end of the load-side wire LL inserted into the terminal seat 91 extends, for example, along the X direction. The terminal seat 91 is, for example, a member formed by bending a single metal plate. In the terminal seat 91, a housing space capable of accommodating the leaf spring 92 and an opening / closing space capable of opening and closing the power supply-side contact 81 and the load-side contact 82 are defined, respectively.
[0034] The leaf spring 92 engages with the load-side wire LL at the terminal seat 91. The leaf spring 92 is, for example, a member formed by curving a metal plate. The main surface of the leaf spring 92 faces upward, and the width direction of the main surface is aligned with the Y direction. The leaf spring 92 is housed within the accommodation space of the terminal seat 91. The leaf spring 92 engages with a part of the terminal seat 91 to clamp and hold the load-side wire LL.
[0035] The release lever 93 is used to release the engagement of the load-side wire LL inserted into the housing 10 of the circuit breaker 1. The release lever 93 is provided, for example, on the rear side of the wire insertion opening 11, and a portion of it is housed within the housing 10. When the load-side wire LL is engaged at the terminal seat 91, the release lever 93 rotates toward the rear side in the X direction around its axis of rotation, thereby releasing the engagement of the load-side wire LL.
[0036] The details of each component will be described below, in the order of housing section 10, two terminals 20A and 20B, output section 30, and rotating section 40. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of multiple terminals, an output section, and a rotating section according to the embodiment. The housing section 10 shown in Figures 2 and 3 has a guide section 13 that can guide the terminals 20A and 20B in the vertical direction. The guide section 13 has a pair of guide members 13A and 13B. In the housing section 10, the pair of guide members 13A and 13B are arranged side by side along the Y direction. The pair of guide members 13A and 13B are, for example, guide rails that extend along the vertical direction. Guide member 13A has, for example, a groove that is recessed toward the right and formed along the vertical direction. Guide member 13B has, for example, a groove that is recessed toward the left and formed along the vertical direction.
[0037] A wall portion 14 is formed in the left case 10B of the housing section 10. The wall portion 14 extends in the Y and Z directions. In the right case 10A, a wall portion is also provided in a position symmetric to the wall portion 14 in the Y direction (not shown). In the Y direction, a gap is formed between the wall portion of the right case 10A and the wall portion 14 of the left case 10B.
[0038] Each of the two terminals 20A and 20B has a terminal body 21, a movable body 22, a terminal fitting 23, and a conductor plate 24. The terminal body 21 is provided on the outside of the rear side of the housing 10. The terminal body 21 has a box shape and has an opening 21p that opens to the rear side in the X direction and to the Y direction. On the rear side in the X direction of the terminal body 21, the upper and lower parts face each other with the opening 21p in between. The upper and lower parts are integrally connected on the front side in the X direction.
[0039] A movable body 22 is provided on the front surface of the terminal body 21 in the X direction. The movable body 22 engages with the guide portion 13 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The movable body 22 is, for example, a plate-shaped member that extends along the Y and Z directions. The movable body 22 is movably fitted into grooves formed in the pair of guide members 13A and 13B, respectively.
[0040] A terminal fitting 23 is provided on the terminal body portion 21. The terminal fitting 23 is provided, for example, on the portion of the terminal body portion 21 that is exposed to the opening 21p. The terminal fitting 23 is formed, for example, by bending or curving an elastically deformable and conductive metal plate. The terminal fitting 23 is open to the rear side in the X direction and in the Y direction. The terminal fitting 23 has, for example, a roughly C-shape. The terminal fitting 23 is formed as a plug-in type terminal that can be connected simply by inserting one of the conductive bars N, L1, or L2 arranged in the distribution board.
[0041] Conductor plates 24, 24 extend from the terminal fittings 23, 23 of terminals 20A, 20B. The conductor plates 24 are plate-shaped members that extend in the X and Z directions. The conductor plates 24, 24 are inserted into the gap formed between the wall portion of the right case 10A and the wall portion 14 of the left case 10B of the housing portion 10, and extend from the wall portion 14 toward the front side in the X direction.
[0042] Refer again to Figure 1. The circuit breaker 1 may further include two bimetallic strips 25, two movable electromagnetic strips 26, and a tripping member 27. Each of the two bimetallic strips 25 and the two movable electromagnetic strips 26 are arranged in alignment along the Y direction in the housing 10. Each conductor plate 24 is connected to each bimetallic strip 25 and each movable electromagnetic strip 26 via wires on the front side of the conductor plate 24 in the X direction. Each bimetallic strip 25 detects overcurrent. Each movable electromagnetic strip 26 detects short circuit. Each bimetallic strip 25 and each movable electromagnetic strip 26 are positioned facing upward in the Z direction and are mounted to deform upward or rotate when an overcurrent or short circuit current is detected. Each bimetallic strip 25 and each movable electromagnetic strip 26, together with the electromagnetic tripping device 7, constitute an abnormality detection unit that detects abnormalities in the electrical circuit. The release member 27 transmits the operation of the electromagnetic release device 7, the bimetallic piece 25, and the movable electromagnetic piece 26 to the contact movement unit 85, and releases the latch of the contact movement unit 85 to perform the disconnection operation.
[0043] Figure 4 is a front view showing an example of a plurality of terminals and an output section provided at a first connection position with respect to a conductive bar. As shown in Figure 4, each terminal body 21 has a projection 28. That is, the plurality of terminals 20A, 20B each have projections 28A, 28B. The projections 28 move in accordance with the vertical movement of each terminal body 21. The projections 28 are plate-shaped members that extend in the X and Y directions. For example, the projections 28 protrude from the X-direction front surface of the upper part of the terminal body 21 toward the X-direction front side. For example, the upper end surface 28a of projection 28A and the upper end surface 28c of projection 28B are provided along the upper end surfaces of the terminal body 21, 21, respectively. For example, the lower end surface 28b of projection 28A and the lower end surface 28d of projection 28B are provided along the upper end surface 28a of projection 28A and the upper end surface 28c of projection 28B, respectively.
[0044] The output unit 30 has a mechanism for transmitting the movement of the multiple terminals 20A, 20B to the rotating unit 40. In the example shown in Figure 4, the output unit 30 is formed from, for example, a single plate-shaped member. The output unit 30 is provided on the front side in the X direction of the multiple terminals 20A, 20B and on the rear side in the X direction of the wall 14. The output unit 30 moves in the Z direction along the wall 14. The output unit 30 has, for example, an output body 31 and an output engaging part 32.
[0045] The output body portion 31 is a plate-shaped portion that extends along the Y and Z directions. The output body portion 31 is provided on the front surface of each movable body 22 provided on a plurality of terminals 20A, 20B. The output body portion 31 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction between, for example, a pair of guide members 13A, 13B. The output body portion 31 is not fitted into, for example, grooves provided on the pair of guide members 13A, 13B.
[0046] The output body 31 has an opening 31A through which at least a portion of the projection 28A can be inserted, and an opening 31B through which at least a portion of the projection 28B can be accommodated. The openings 31A and 31B each penetrate in the X direction. The openings 31A and 31B are, for example, rectangular openings. The width in the Y direction and the length in the Z direction of the opening 31A are greater than the width in the Y direction and the length in the Z direction of the projection 28A, respectively. The width in the Y direction and the length in the Z direction of the opening 31B are greater than the width in the Y direction and the length in the Z direction of the projection 28B, respectively.
[0047] The output engagement portion 32 is provided on the output main body portion 31 and engages with at least one of the projections 28, 28 provided on the plurality of terminals 20A, 20B. When at least one of the projections 28A, 28B moves in the vertical direction, at least one of the projections 28A, 28B comes into contact with the output engagement portion 32.
[0048] The output engagement portion 32 has a first contact portion 33, a second contact portion 34, a third contact portion 35, and a fourth contact portion 36. The first contact portion 33, the second contact portion 34, the third contact portion 35, and the fourth contact portion 36 extend along the Y direction. The first contact portion 33 and the second contact portion 34 face the opening 31A. In the Z direction, the first contact portion 33 and the second contact portion 34 are positioned opposite each other with the opening 31A in between. The first contact portion 33 is located on the upper part of the output body portion 31 and constitutes the upper end of the opening 31A. The upper end surface 28a of the projection 28A of the terminal 20A can contact the first contact portion 33 from below. The second contact portion 34 is located in the central part of the output body portion 31 and constitutes the lower end of the opening 31A. The lower end surface 28b of the projection 28A of terminal 20A can contact the second contact portion 34 from above.
[0049] The third contact portion 35 and the fourth contact portion 36 face the opening 31B. In the Z direction, the third contact portion 35 and the fourth contact portion 36 are located opposite each other across the opening 31B. The third contact portion 35 is located in the central part of the output body portion 31 and constitutes the upper end of the opening 31B. The second contact portion 34 and the third contact portion 35 are, for example, the upper and lower ends of the part of the output body portion 31 located between the opening 31A and the opening 31B, respectively. The upper end surface 28c of the projection 28B of the terminal 20B can contact the third contact portion 35 from below. The fourth contact portion 36 is located in the lower part of the output body portion 31 and constitutes the lower end of the opening 31B. The lower end surface 28d of the projection 28B of the terminal 20B can contact the fourth contact portion 36 from above.
[0050] The engagement between the two terminals 20A and 20B and the output unit 30 for each connection state of the conductive bar will be described below. In the example shown in Figure 4, when the two terminals 20A and 20B are located in the first connection position, the upper end surface 28c of the projection 28B of terminal 20B contacts the third contact portion 35. In the Z direction, the downward movement of the output unit 30 is restricted by the projection 28B. At this time, the projection 28A of terminal 20A does not contact the first contact portion 33 and the second contact portion 34. In the opening 31A, the projection 28A is located on the side of the first contact portion 33 rather than the second contact portion 34. Hereinafter, the distance between the upper end surface 28a of the projection 28A and the first contact portion 33 will be referred to as distance D1. Hereinafter, the position of the output unit 30 at this time will be referred to as the first movement position.
[0051] Figure 5 is a front view showing an example of multiple terminals and an output section provided at a second connection position with respect to a conductive bar. In the example shown in Figure 5, terminal 20A is provided at a position where it can be connected to the neutral conductive bar N, and terminal 20B is provided at a position where it can be connected to the other voltage conductive bar L2. Hereinafter, the positions of the two terminals 20A and 20B will be referred to as the second connection position. In the example shown in Figure 5, when the two terminals 20A and 20B are located at the second connection position, the upper end surface 28a of the projection 28A of terminal 20A abuts against the first contact portion 33, and the lower end surface 28d of the projection 28B of terminal 20B abuts against the fourth contact portion 36. In the Z direction, the upward and downward movement of the output section 30 is restricted by the projections 28A and 28B. Hereinafter, the position of the output section 30 at this time will be referred to as the second movement position. When the two terminals 20A and 20B change from the first connection position to the second connection position, the output unit 30 moves downward by a distance D1 from the first movement position to the second movement position.
[0052] Figure 6 is a front view showing an example of multiple terminals and an output section provided at a third connection position with respect to a conductive bar. In the example shown in Figure 6, terminal 20A is provided at a position where it can be connected to the conductive bar L1 of one voltage pole, and terminal 20B is provided at a position where it can be connected to the conductive bar L2 of the other voltage pole. Hereinafter, the positions of the two terminals 20A and 20B will be referred to as the third connection position. In the example shown in Figure 6, when the two terminals 20A and 20B are located at the third connection position, the lower end surface 28b of the projection 28A of terminal 20A abuts against the second contact portion 34. In the Z direction, the upward movement of the output section 30 is restricted by the projection 28A. At this time, the projection 28B of terminal 20B is not in contact with the third contact portion 35 and the fourth contact portion 36. Hereinafter, the distance between the lower end surface 28d of the projection 28B and the fourth contact portion 36 will be referred to as distance D3. Hereinafter, the position of the output section 30 at this time will be referred to as the third movement position. When the two terminals 20A and 20B change from the second connection position to the third connection position, the output unit 30 moves downward by a distance D3 from the second movement position to the third movement position.
[0053] The output unit 30 has a second operating unit 37 that is linked to the movement of a plurality of terminals 20A, 20B. The second operating unit 37 has an operating bearing unit 38 that rotatably supports the operating shaft 61, which will be described later. The operating bearing unit 38 is, for example, an opening that penetrates in the X direction, which is the extending direction of the operating shaft 61. The operating bearing unit 38 may also be a recess capable of accommodating the tip of the operating shaft 61. The operating bearing unit 38 is, for example, an opening that extends along the Y direction. The operating bearing unit 38 is, for example, provided above the openings 31A, 31B and at the upper end of the output main unit 31.
[0054] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the rotating part 40 is provided above terminals 20A and 20B. The rotating part 40 is provided on the rear side of the operating bearing part 38 of the output unit 30. The rotating part 40 displays the status of the multiple terminals 20A and 20B with respect to the circuit breaker 1. The rotating part 40 switches the display according to the status of the multiple terminals 20A and 20B in conjunction with the movement of the output unit 30. The status of the multiple terminals 20A and 20B includes three states relating to the positions of the multiple terminals 20A and 20B arranged based on the connection status of conductive bars N, L1, L2 (an example of multiple power lines). The status of the multiple terminals 20A and 20B refers, for example, to information regarding the first connection position, second connection position, and third connection position described above.
[0055] The rotating part 40 has a main body 41, a display part 50, and a first operating part 60. The main body 41 is, for example, a plate-shaped part that extends along the Y and Z directions. The main body 41 has a substantially fan-shaped form. The main body 41 has a front surface 42 and a back surface 43 that extend along the Y and Z directions, and an outer peripheral surface 44, a first surface 45, a second surface 46, and a third surface 47 that extend along the Y direction. The front surface 42 and the back surface 43 share edges included in the outer peripheral surface 44, the first surface 45, the second surface 46, and the third surface 47, respectively. The first surface 45 and the second surface 46 are surfaces that connect the outer peripheral surface 44 and the third surface 47. At least a part of the outer peripheral surface 44 faces the display window 12. The outer peripheral surface 44 is an arc-shaped surface. The first surface 45, the second surface 46, and the third surface 47 have a substantially planar shape. When multiple terminals 20A and 20B are in the second connection position, the third surface 47 is a surface that extends along the X and Y directions.
[0056] The main body portion 41 is rotatable about a pivot axis 49. In the example shown in Figure 3, the rotating portion 40 has a pivot axis 49. The pivot axis 49 extends from the back surface 43 of the main body portion 41 toward the back side in the X direction. The pivot axis 49 is located on the left side and at the bottom of the main body portion 41. For example, the pivot axis 49 is located at the corner of the back surface 43, between the first surface 45 and the third surface 47. The pivot axis 49 may be formed integrally with the main body portion 41.
[0057] The pivot shaft 49 is rotatably supported by a pivot bearing section 15 (see Figure 3) provided in the housing section 10. In the example shown in Figure 3, only the portion of the pivot bearing section 15 provided in the left case 10B that supports only the left portion of the pivot shaft 49 is shown. However, in the right case 10A, a pivot bearing section (not shown) with a shape symmetrical to the pivot bearing section 15 is provided, supporting the right portion of the pivot shaft 49. This pivot bearing section is provided in symmetrical positions on either side of the pivot shaft 49 in the Y and Z directions. The pivot bearing section of the right case 10A and the pivot bearing section 15 of the left case 10B support the pivot shaft 49 so that it cannot move in the Y and Z directions, but can rotate around an axis along the X direction.
[0058] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the display unit 50 is provided on the main body 41 along the rotational circumferential direction and visually displays the status of multiple terminals 20A and 20B. The display unit 50 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 44 of the main body 41 and is exposed to the outside through the display window 12.
[0059] The display unit 50 has a first display unit 51, a second display unit 52, and a third display unit 53. The first display unit 51, the second display unit 52, and the third display unit 53 are arranged sequentially from left to right along the rotational circumferential direction of the main body unit 41. That is, on the outer peripheral surface 44, the second display unit 52 is positioned between the first display unit 51, which is positioned on the far right, and the third display unit 53, which is positioned on the far left. The first display unit 51, the second display unit 52, and the third display unit 53 are provided in regions obtained by dividing the outer peripheral surface 44 into three sections in the rotational circumferential direction. The boundaries of the first display unit 51, the second display unit 52, and the third display unit 53 each extend along the X direction.
[0060] The first display section 51, the second display section 52, and the third display section 53 are formed, for example, by painting their outer surfaces 44 in different colors. Figures 4 to 6 exaggerate the thickness of the first display section 51, the second display section 52, and the third display section 53 to facilitate understanding of the structure. The differences in form are not limited to differences in color, but may include letters or graphics, etc., as long as it is recognizable from the outside that the first display section 51, the second display section 52, and the third display section 53 are displayed in different forms.
[0061] The first display unit 51 indicates that the two terminals 20A and 20B are in a first connection position. The first display unit 51 is, for example, a part of the outer surface 44 that is painted light gray. The second display unit 52 indicates that the two terminals 20A and 20B are in a second connection position. The second display unit 52 is, for example, a part of the outer surface 44 that is painted darker gray than the first display unit 51. The third display unit 53 indicates that the two terminals 20A and 20B are in a third connection position. The third display unit 53 is, for example, a part of the outer surface 44 that is painted darker gray than the second display unit 52. The type of color is not limited.
[0062] The display window 12 provided in the housing section 10 is opened to a size such that at least a portion of each of the first display section 51, the second display section 52, and the third display section 53 is exposed. The operator can visually confirm the display (color) of each of the first display section 51, the second display section 52, and the third display section 53 through the display window 12. The width of the display window 12 in the Y direction is set to be less than or equal to the length in the rotational circumferential direction of each of the first display section 51, the second display section 52, and the third display section 53. The depth of the display window 12 in the X direction is set to be less than or equal to the thickness of the main body section 41 and less than or equal to the width of the outer peripheral surface 44 in the X direction.
[0063] The first working part 60 engages with the second working part 37 and rotates the main body 41 around the pivot axis 49 in conjunction with the movement of the second working part 37 in the Z direction. The first working part 60 is provided in the main body 41 at a position different from the position of the pivot axis 49. This different position is a position spaced apart from the pivot axis 49 in the rotational radial direction of the main body 41. In the example shown in Figure 3, the pivot part 40 has a working axis 61 as the first working part 60. The working axis 61 may be formed integrally with the main body 41. The working axis 61 extends from the front surface 42 of the main body 41 toward the front side in the X direction. The working axis 61 is provided in the right side and lower part of the main body 41. For example, the working axis 61 is provided in the corner of the front surface 42, sandwiched between the second surface 46 and the third surface 47.
[0064] The operating shaft 61 is located in the main body 41 at a position different from the position where the pivot shaft 49 is located, to the right of the pivot shaft 49. The distance between the pivot shaft 49 and the operating shaft 61 in the Y direction is appropriately set according to the size of the main body 41 (outer surface 44). The smaller this distance, the larger the ratio of the angle at which the main body 41 rotates around the pivot shaft 49 to the distance the output unit 30 moves.
[0065] The operating shaft 61 is rotatably supported by an operating bearing section 38 provided in the output section 30. The operating bearing section 38 supports the operating shaft 61 so that it can move in directions that intersect the X direction, which is the direction in which the operating shaft 61 extends, and the Z direction, which is the direction in which the multiple terminals 20A and 20B move. In the example shown in Figure 4, the operating bearing section 38 is open along the Y direction, so that the operating shaft 61 can be supported so that it can move in the Y direction. The operating shaft 61 is inserted into the operating bearing section 38 from the rear side in the X direction toward the front side. The operating bearing section 38 supports the operating shaft 61 so that it cannot move in the Z direction, but the operating shaft 61 can rotate around an axis along the X direction. As the main body section 41 rotates, the operating shaft 61 moves within the operating bearing section 38 along the Y direction.
[0066] The housing 10 houses the rotating part 40 such that the display part 50 is exposed to the outside through the display window 12. The circuit breaker 1 further includes a position restricting part 16 provided in the rotational direction relative to the rotating part 40 to restrict the rotation of the rotating part 40. The position restricting part 16 is provided on both sides of the rotating part 40 in the rotational direction of the rotating part 40. The position restricting part 16 has, for example, a portion that abuts against the first surface 45, the second surface 46, or the third surface 47 of the rotating part 40. In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the position restricting part 16 is provided, for example, in the housing 10.
[0067] The position regulating section 16 has a first regulating section 17, a second regulating section 18, and a third regulating section 19. The first regulating section 17 contacts the first surface 45 and restricts the rotation of the rotating section 40. The first regulating section 17 is provided on the left side of the left case 10B. The first regulating section 17 is, for example, a part of the left case 10B and has a surface that extends along the X direction. This surface is, for example, inclined so that it is positioned upward as it moves to the left. This surface is capable of contacting the first surface 45.
[0068] The second restricting portion 18 contacts the third surface 47 to restrict the rotation of the rotating portion 40. The second restricting portion 18 is provided in the left case 10B to the right and below the first restricting portion 17. The second restricting portion 18 is, for example, a part of the left case 10B and has a surface that extends along the X direction. This surface is, for example, inclined so that it is located upward as it moves to the left. This surface is capable of contacting the third surface 47.
[0069] The third restricting portion 19 contacts the second surface 46 to restrict the rotation of the rotating portion 40. The third restricting portion 19 is provided in the right-side case 10A at a position opposite the second restricting portion 18 in the Y direction. The third restricting portion 19 is, for example, a part of the right-side case 10A and has a surface that extends along the X direction. This surface is, for example, inclined so that it is located upward as it moves to the right. This surface is capable of contacting the second surface 46. The second restricting portion 18 and the third restricting portion 19 are, for example, spaced apart in the Y direction. That is, an opening is provided between the second restricting portion 18 and the third restricting portion 19. The angle at which the second restricting portion 18 and the third restricting portion 19 are inclined is set according to the angle formed by the second surface 46 and the third surface 47 of the rotating portion 40.
[0070] The following describes the movement of the rotating part 40 in relation to the positions of the multiple terminals 20A and 20B and the movement of the output unit 30. As shown in Figure 4, when the multiple terminals 20A and 20B are located at the first connection position, the rotating part 40 comes into contact with the first restricting part 17, and rotation to the left (clockwise rotation in Figure 4) is restricted. The rotating part 40 can rotate, for example, until the operating shaft 61 is above the rotating shaft 49 by a predetermined height in the Z direction. Hereinafter, the position of the rotating part 40 when the first display unit 51 is displayed in the display window 12 will be referred to as the first rotation position.
[0071] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an example of a display unit for multiple terminals provided at a first connection position. As shown in Figure 7, when two terminals 20A and 20B are located at the first connection position, the first display unit 51 is located at the top of the first display unit 51, the second display unit 52, and the third display unit 53, and the first display unit 51 is displayed in the display window 12 when viewed from above. The display on the first display unit 51 allows the worker to confirm information regarding the connection status of the power lines. The information regarding the connection status of the power lines includes at least one aspect of the following: that two terminals 20A and 20B are located at the first connection position; that conductive bars N and L1 can be inserted into the two terminals 20A and 20B; and that conductive bars N and L1 are inserted into the two terminals 20A and 20B.
[0072] For example, when multiple terminals 20A and 20B move from a first connection position to a second connection position, the output unit 30 moves from the first movement position to the second movement position. As a result of this movement, the operating bearing unit 38 moves downward by a distance D1, and the operating shaft 61 supported by the operating bearing unit 38 rotates downward around the pivot axis 49 by an angle corresponding to the distance D1. As a result, the first surface 45 of the pivot unit 40 separates from the first restricting unit 17. At this time, the position restricting unit 16 does not restrict the rotation of the pivot unit 40. The upward and downward movement of the output unit 30 is restricted by the projections 28A and 28B, and thus the rotation of the pivot unit 40 is also restricted. The pivot unit 40 rotates, for example, until the operating shaft 61 is at the same position (height) as the pivot axis 49 in the Z direction. Hereinafter, the position of the rotating part 40 when the second display unit 52 is displayed in the display window 12 will be referred to as the second rotation position.
[0073] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing an example of a display unit for multiple terminals provided at a second connection position. As shown in Figure 8, when two terminals 20A and 20B are located at the second connection position, the second display unit 52 is located at the top of the first display unit 51, second display unit 52, and third display unit 53, and the second display unit 52 is displayed in the display window 12 when viewed from above. The display on the second display unit 52 allows the worker to confirm information regarding the connection status of the power lines. The information regarding the connection status of the power lines includes at least one aspect of the following: that two terminals 20A and 20B are located at the second connection position; that conductive bars N and L2 can be inserted into the two terminals 20A and 20B; and that conductive bars N and L2 are inserted into the two terminals 20A and 20B.
[0074] For example, when multiple terminals 20A and 20B move from a second connection position to a third connection position, the output unit 30 moves from the second movement position to the third movement position. As a result of this movement, the operating bearing unit 38 moves downward by a distance D3, and the operating shaft 61 supported by the operating bearing unit 38 rotates downward around the pivot axis 49 by an angle corresponding to the distance D3. The pivot unit 40 rotates until it comes into contact with at least one of the second restricting unit 18 and the third restricting unit 19, and its rotation is restricted. In the example shown in Figure 6, when the output unit 30 moves to the third movement position, for example, the second surface 46 of the pivot unit 40 comes into contact with the third restricting unit 19, and the third surface 47 comes into contact with the second restricting unit 18. The pivot unit 40 comes into contact with the second restricting unit 18 and the third restricting unit 19, and its rotation to the right (counterclockwise rotation in Figure 5) is restricted. The rotating part 40 can rotate, for example, until the operating shaft 61 is lower than the rotating shaft 49 by a predetermined height in the Z direction. Hereinafter, the position of the rotating part 40 when the third display unit 53 is displayed in the display window 12 will be referred to as the third rotation position.
[0075] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a display unit for multiple terminals located at a third connection position. As shown in Figure 9, when two terminals 20A and 20B are located at the third connection position, the third display unit 53 is located at the top of the first display unit 51, second display unit 52, and third display unit 53, and is displayed in the display window 12 when viewed from above. The display on the third display unit 53 allows the worker to confirm information regarding the connection status of the power lines. The information regarding the connection status of the power lines includes at least one aspect of the following: that two terminals 20A and 20B are located at the third connection position; that conductive bars L1 and L2 can be inserted into the two terminals 20A and 20B; and that conductive bars L1 and L2 are inserted into the two terminals 20A and 20B.
[0076] When at least one of the multiple terminals 20A, 20B moves from a predetermined position to the first connection position, the second connection position, and the third connection position, the movement of the output unit 30 and the rotating unit 40 is achieved by combining the above-described movements or moving in the opposite direction.
[0077] Thus, when multiple terminals 20A and 20B are located in the first connection position, the output unit 30 is located in the first movement position, and the rotating unit 40 is located in the first rotation position. When multiple terminals 20A and 20B are located in the second connection position, the output unit 30 is located in the second movement position, and the rotating unit 40 is located in the second rotation position. When multiple terminals 20A and 20B are located in the third connection position, the output unit 30 is located in the third movement position, and the rotating unit 40 is located in the third rotation position.
[0078] As described above, the circuit breaker 1 of this embodiment comprises a plurality of terminals 20A, 20B, an output unit 30 having a second operating unit 37, a main body 41, a display unit 50, and a rotating unit 40 having a first operating unit 60. The connection state of conductive bars N, L1, L2 (an example of a power line) is changed when at least one of the plurality of terminals 20A, 20B moves. Changing the connection state of conductive bars N, L1, L2 means changing the conductive bar connected to the circuit breaker 1. The second operating unit 37 is activated by the movement of at least one of the plurality of terminals 20A, 20B, and the first operating unit 60, which engages with the second operating unit 37, is also activated. As a result, the first operating unit 60 rotates the main body 41 around the rotating axis 49, so that the display unit 50 provided on the main body 41 can visually display the changed state of the plurality of terminals 20A, 20B. The status display of multiple terminals 20A and 20B changes in accordance with the movement of at least one of the multiple terminals 20A and 20B.
[0079] Here, when the same power line connection state is adopted by multiple circuit breakers, power flows only through the same power line on the power supply side of multiple circuit breakers. As a result, if the number of circuit breakers adopting the same power line connection state exceeds a predetermined number, the main breaker installed on the power supply side of the circuit breakers may trip. Therefore, in order to suppress the tripping of the main breaker, it is necessary to suppress the bias in the power line connection state. However, even if the power line connection states are different, if other circuit breakers show the same voltage value in the circuit, it may not be easy for an operator to determine which power line connection state is being adopted.
[0080] Even if there are two or more power line connection states showing the same voltage value in an electrical circuit including the circuit breaker 1 of this embodiment, the operator can easily distinguish and visually identify the power line connection state of each circuit breaker 1. Therefore, this circuit breaker 1 can distinguish and display the states of multiple terminals 20A, 20B, that is, multiple connection states between the circuit breaker 1 and conductive bars N, L1, L2. The operator can check the display on the display unit 50 of the circuit breaker 1 and connect the circuit breaker 1 and conductive bars N, L1, L2 in a way that suppresses bias in the power line connection state.
[0081] Furthermore, the first operating part 60 has an operating shaft 61, and the second operating part 37 has an operating bearing part 38, which supports the operating shaft 61 so that it can move in a direction (Y direction) that intersects the extending direction of the operating shaft 61 (X direction) and the movement direction of the multiple terminals 20A, 20B (Z direction). Since the rotating part 40 rotates around the rotating shaft 49 by the first operating part 60, it is possible to link the output part 30 and the display part 50 according to their positional relationship without providing a complex mechanism. Also, as the rotating part 40 rotates in accordance with the movement of the output part 30, the display part 50 can be accurately moved in the rotational circumferential direction. As a result, the display part 50 can accurately distinguish and display the connection status of multiple power lines without requiring a complex mechanism or dimensional precision of parts. Specifically, the operating shaft 61 and the operating bearing 38 can appropriately change the amount of rotation of the main body 41 around the pivot shaft 49 according to the distance D1, D3, and D1+D3 by which the output unit 30 moves, and the display unit 50 can appropriately display the status of multiple terminals 20A and 20B. Furthermore, the display unit 50 can display the status of multiple terminals 20A and 20B simply by the linkage between the movement of the output unit 30 in the Z direction and the rotation of the pivot unit 40. As a result, this circuit breaker 1 can reduce the number of components required to display the status of multiple terminals 20A and 20B, i.e., multiple connection states between the circuit breaker 1 and power lines, and can also reduce the number of components that require a lot of assembly work, such as springs, thereby reducing the man-hours required to manufacture the circuit breaker 1. As described above, this circuit breaker can distinguish and display the connection status of multiple power lines with a simple configuration.
[0082] Furthermore, the operating bearing portion 38 is an opening that penetrates along the extending direction (X direction) of the operating shaft 61. In this case, since the operating shaft 61 is housed within the operating bearing portion 38, the oscillation of the operating shaft 61 is suppressed, and the output portion 30 and the rotating portion 40 can be linked together more appropriately.
[0083] Furthermore, the circuit breaker 1 has a display window 12 that allows a portion of the display unit 50 to be viewed from the outside, and includes a housing 10 that houses at least a portion of the multiple terminals 20A, 20B, the rotating unit 40, and the output unit 30, a rotating shaft 49, and a rotating bearing unit 15 that rotatably supports the rotating shaft 49. In this case, the operator can visually confirm the status of the multiple terminals 20A, 20B displayed by the display unit 50 within the display window 12.
[0084] The circuit breaker 1 has two terminals 20A and 20B that can be positioned in three locations, and the state of the multiple terminals 20A and 20B includes three states relating to the position of the multiple terminals 20A and 20B, which are positioned based on the connection state of multiple conductive bars N, L1, and L2 (power lines). The three states include three states relating to the first connection position, the second connection position, and the third connection position. In this case, since the display of the state of the multiple terminals 20A and 20B changes based on the moving position of at least one of the multiple terminals 20A and 20B, even if there are two or more power line connection states showing the same voltage value in an electrical circuit including multiple circuit breakers 1, the operator can easily distinguish and visually identify the three power line connection states corresponding to the positions of the two terminals. Therefore, this circuit breaker can display the connection states of the three power lines separately.
[0085] [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 integrally formed. For example, the housing section 10 only needs to be configured to house at least a portion of the plurality of terminals 20A, 20B, the output section 30 and the rotating section 40, and does not need to house other components.
[0086] For example, in the circuit breaker 1, the number of terminals 20, load-side terminals 70, and contact portions 80 is not limited. The circuit breaker 1 may have three or more terminals 20, one or three or more load-side terminals 70, and one or three or more contact portions 80. In this case, the display unit 50 may display four or more states as the states of the multiple terminals.
[0087] For example, at least one of the output unit 30 and the rotating unit 40 does not have to be made of a single component. The second operating portion 37 of the output unit 30 does not have to be an opening and does not have to have an operating bearing portion 38. In this case, for example, the second operating portion 37 of the output unit 30 has an operating shaft, and the first operating portion 60 of the rotating unit 40 does not have to have an operating shaft 61 and may have an operating bearing portion. The operating shaft extends from the output main body 31 to the rear side in the X direction on the right side of the rotating unit 40. The rotating unit 40 may have, for example, an operating bearing portion of the first operating portion 60 that extends to the right from the second surface 46 of the main body 41 at a position different from the rotating shaft 49.
[0088] At this time, the axis of action of the second action part 37 supports the protruding part of the first action part 60 from below so as to rest on it. The axis of action of the second action part 37 pushes the protruding part of the first action part 60 upward, causing the rotating part 40 to rotate to the left (clockwise in Figure 4). As the axis of action of the second action part 37 moves downward, the protruding part of the first action part 60 on the axis of action follows and moves downward, causing the rotating part 40 to rotate to the right (counterclockwise in Figure 4).
[0089] For example, the output unit 30 and the rotating unit 40 may have a slider-crank mechanism. In this case, the output unit 30 and the rotating unit 40 may each have bearings and be configured to function as a link mechanism. For example, the operating bearing portion 38 of the output unit 30 does not have to be open. The operating bearing portion 38 may be, for example, the upper end of the output body 31. This upper end supports the operating shaft 61 of the rotating unit 40 from below.
[0090] The rotating part 40 does not necessarily have a pivot shaft 49. In this case, the housing part 10 does not necessarily have a rotating bearing part 15. The housing part 10 may have a pivot shaft, and the rotating part 40 may have a rotating bearing part.
[0091] Herein, various exemplary embodiments included in this disclosure are described below in [Embodiment 1] to [Embodiment 6].
[0092] [Form 1] Multiple terminals that change the connection status of multiple power lines by moving, A rotating part having a main body that can rotate around a pivot axis, a display unit provided on the main body along the rotational circumferential direction for visually displaying the status of the plurality of terminals, and a first operating part provided at a position different from the pivot axis in the rotational radial direction of the main body, An output unit having a second operating part that is linked to the movement of the plurality of terminals, Equipped with, The first working part engages with the second working part and rotates the main body around the pivot axis in conjunction with the movement of the second working part. Circuit breaker. [Form 2] Either the first working part or the second working part has a working shaft provided along the extending direction of the pivot shaft, The circuit breaker according to [Embodiment 1], wherein the first working part and the second working part, the one without the working shaft, have a working bearing part that rotatably supports the working shaft. [Form 3] The first working part has the working shaft, The second working part has the working bearing part, The circuit breaker according to [Embodiment 2], wherein the operating bearing portion supports the operating shaft so that it can move in directions intersecting the extending direction of the operating shaft and the movement direction of the plurality of terminals, respectively. [Form 4] The circuit breaker according to [Embodiment 2] or [Embodiment 3], wherein the operating bearing portion is an opening that penetrates along the extending direction of the operating shaft. [Form 5] The display unit has a display window that allows a portion of the display unit to be viewed from the outside, and a housing unit that houses at least a portion of the plurality of terminals, the rotating part and the output unit, The aforementioned pivot shaft and, A rotating bearing portion that rotatably supports the aforementioned rotating shaft, Equipped with, Either the rotating part or the housing part has the rotating shaft, A circuit breaker according to any one of [Embodiment 1] to [Embodiment 4], wherein the rotating part and the housing part, the other of which the rotating shaft is not provided, have the rotating bearing part. [Form 6] The aforementioned multiple terminals include two terminals that can be placed in three locations. The circuit breaker according to any one of [Embodiment 1] to [Embodiment 5], wherein the state of the plurality of terminals includes three states relating to the positions of the plurality of terminals arranged based on the connection state of the plurality of power lines. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0093] 1...Circuit breaker, 10...Housing section, 12...Display window, 15...Rotating bearing section, 20, 20A, 20B...Terminals, 30...Output section, 37...Second operating section, 38...Operating bearing section, 40...Rotating section, 41...Main body section, 49...Rotating shaft, 50...Display section, 51...First display section, 52...Second display section, 53...Third display section, 60...First operating section, 61...Operating shaft, L1, L2, N...Conductive bars.
Claims
1. Multiple terminals that change the connection status of multiple power lines by moving, A rotating part having a main body that can rotate around a pivot axis, a display unit provided on the main body along the rotational circumferential direction for visually displaying the status of the plurality of terminals, and a first operating part provided at a position different from the pivot axis in the rotational radial direction of the main body, An output unit having a second operating part that is linked to the movement of the plurality of terminals, Equipped with, The first working part engages with the second working part and rotates the main body around the pivot axis in conjunction with the movement of the second working part. Circuit breaker.
2. Either the first working part or the second working part has a working shaft provided along the extending direction of the pivot shaft, The circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein the first working part and the second working part, the one without the working shaft, have a working bearing part that rotatably supports the working shaft.
3. The first working part has the working shaft, The second operating part has the operating bearing part, The circuit breaker according to claim 2, wherein the operating bearing portion supports the operating shaft so that it can move in directions intersecting the extending direction of the operating shaft and the movement direction of the plurality of terminals, respectively.
4. The circuit breaker according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the operating bearing portion is an opening that penetrates along the extending direction of the operating shaft.
5. The display unit has a display window that allows a portion of the display unit to be viewed from the outside, and a housing unit that houses at least a portion of the plurality of terminals, the rotating part and the output unit, The aforementioned pivot shaft and, A rotating bearing portion that rotatably supports the aforementioned rotating shaft, Equipped with, Either the rotating part or the housing part has the rotating shaft, The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rotating part and the housing part, the other of which the rotating shaft is not provided, have the rotating bearing part.
6. The aforementioned multiple terminals include two terminals that can be placed in three locations. The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the state of the plurality of terminals includes three states relating to the positions of the plurality of terminals arranged based on the connection state of the plurality of power lines.