Circuit breaker

Abstract

To provide a circuit breaker which can separately display the connection states of a plurality of power lines by a simple configuration.SOLUTION: The circuit breaker includes: a plurality of terminals each having a protrusion unit extending along a first direction, the terminals changing the connection states of a plurality of power lines by moving in a second direction vertical to the first direction; an output unit having a guidance unit and a plurality of contact units, the guidance unit including a protrusion unit movable along the second direction in the guidance unit and the contact units being provided in the guidance unit and contacting with the protrusion unit in association with movement of at least one of the plurality of terminals; and a display unit for visually displaying the states of the plurality of terminals in association with the movement of the output unit. At least one protrusion unit is in contact with at least one different contact unit according to the state of the plurality of terminals.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

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, 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 projecting 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 comprises a plurality of terminals, each having a projection extending along a first direction, which changes the connection state of a plurality of power lines by moving along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a guide section inside which the projections can move along the second direction; an output section provided in the guide section and having a plurality of contact portions that contact the projections in conjunction with the movement of at least one of the plurality of terminals; and a display section that visually displays the state of the plurality of terminals in conjunction with the movement of the output section, wherein at least one projection contacts at least one different contact portion for each state of the plurality of terminals.

[0008] This circuit breaker comprises a plurality of terminals, an output unit having a guide section and a plurality of contact sections, and a display unit. 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 at least one projection to contact at least one contact section, which differs depending on the state of the plurality of terminals. Since the combination of contact between the projection and the contact section differs depending on the state of the plurality of terminals, the output unit moves according to the state of the plurality of terminals. Therefore, the output unit can appropriately synchronize with the display unit according to the state of the plurality of terminals. Since the display of the state of the plurality of terminals changes in accordance with the movement of the terminals, the operator can easily distinguish and visually confirm the connection state of each power line. Thus, this circuit breaker can distinguish and display the connection state of multiple power lines with a simple configuration.

[0009] In a circuit breaker according to one embodiment, the guide portion penetrates along a first direction and opens along a second direction, and the multiple contact portions may each face the guide portion and be positioned opposite each other with the guide portion in the second direction. In this case, by providing the guide portion in the output section, the output section of the circuit breaker can be made lighter.

[0010] A circuit breaker according to one embodiment includes two terminals that can be positioned in three locations as multiple terminals, and the guide section has two openings arranged side by side along a second direction. The state of the multiple terminals may be three states relating to the positions of the multiple terminals arranged based on the connection state of multiple power lines. In this case, by providing two openings, the output section can distinguish between the states of two terminals and link the display section accordingly. For example, even if there are two or more power lines in the circuit that show the same voltage value, the operator can easily distinguish between the connection states of the three power lines. Therefore, this circuit breaker can display the connection states of the three power lines separately.

[0011] A circuit breaker according to one embodiment comprises a main body that is rotatable around a pivot axis and has a display unit provided along the rotational circumferential direction, 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 a position regulating part provided in the rotational circumferential direction relative to the rotating part and restricting the rotation of the rotating part, and an output unit having a second operating part, the first operating part engaging with the second operating part, and the main body may rotate around the pivot axis in conjunction with the movement of the second operating part in the second direction. In this case, the output unit rotates the rotating part, so that the display unit can distinguish and display the state of multiple terminals. Since the rotating part 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 providing a complex mechanism. In addition, the rotation of the rotating part in accordance with the movement of the output unit allows the display unit to be accurately moved in the rotational circumferential 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 parts. In addition, the position regulating unit restricts the rotation of the rotating unit, so that the rotating unit rotates within an appropriate range in accordance with the movement of the output unit.

[0012] In a circuit breaker according to one embodiment, the position restricting portion is provided on both sides of the rotating portion in the circumferential direction of rotation of the rotating portion, and the movement of the output portion and the rotation of the rotating portion may be restricted by at least one of the protrusions of the multiple terminals and the position restricting portion. In this case, since the movement of the output portion and the rotation of the rotating portion are within an appropriate range, the status of the multiple terminals can be displayed appropriately.

[0013] A circuit breaker according to one embodiment includes a connecting part that connects an output unit and a display unit, and a position restricting part that restricts the movement of the display unit. The display unit slides and moves in a third direction intersecting a second direction. The connecting part is made of a flexible and non-stretchable material and curves between the output unit and the display unit. The position restricting part is provided in the third direction relative to the display unit and may restrict the movement of the display unit. In this case, the display unit can distinguish and display the state of multiple terminals by moving the display unit with the output unit. Here, the connecting part is made of a flexible and non-stretchable material. Because the material constituting the connecting part is flexible, it can be linked to each other according to the positional relationship between the output unit and the display unit without the need for a complex mechanism. Furthermore, because the material constituting the connecting part is non-stretchable, the display unit can be moved precisely in accordance with the movement of the output unit. Therefore, the display unit can accurately distinguish and display the connection state of multiple power lines without requiring a complex mechanism or dimensional precision of parts. Furthermore, the position regulating unit restricts the movement of the display unit, so that the display unit moves within an appropriate range in accordance with the movement of the output unit.

[0014] In a circuit breaker according to one embodiment, the position restricting unit is provided on both sides of the display unit in a third direction of the display unit, and the movement of the output unit and the movement of the display unit may be restricted by at least one of the protrusions of the multiple terminals and the position restricting unit. In this case, since the movement of the output unit and the movement of the display unit are within an appropriate range, the status of the multiple terminals can be displayed appropriately.

[0015] A circuit breaker according to one embodiment may have a display window that allows a portion of the display unit to be viewed from the outside, and may also include a housing that accommodates a plurality of terminals, an output unit, and at least a portion of the display 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. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] 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]

[0017] [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 schematic side view showing an example of the status of the display unit for multiple terminals provided at the first connection position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] 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 redundant 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", and "back" are based on the illustrated state and are for convenience.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of a state in which 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.

[0020] 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, namely, an open state and a closed state, as the opening and closing states of the electric circuit. The open state is a state in which 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 in which 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 in which 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 in the circuit breaker 1, and no current flows through the electric circuit.

[0021] Circuit breaker 1 is installed, for example, in a single-phase three-wire distribution board (not shown). Circuit breaker 1 is installed on the secondary side of a main breaker (not shown) installed in the distribution board. Three conductive bars (an example of a conductor) can be connected to the secondary side of the main breaker. Conductive bars are, for example, busbars. The distribution board is equipped with at least two of three plate-shaped conductive bars N, L1, and L2. Circuit breaker 1 can be used as a circuit breaker capable of carrying 100V of power when connected to the neutral conductive bar N and the conductive bar L1 of one of the voltage poles, and when connected to the neutral conductive bar N and the conductive bar L2 of the other voltage pole. Furthermore, circuit breaker 1 can be used as a circuit breaker capable of carrying 200V of power when connected to the conductive bars L1 and L2 of both voltage poles.

[0022] The circuit breaker 1 comprises a plurality of terminals 20, an output unit 30, and a rotating unit 40. The circuit breaker 1 further comprises a housing unit 10. The circuit breaker 1 may further comprise, for example, a zero-phase current transformer 5 for detecting ground faults, an electromagnetic tripping device 7, a printed circuit board 9, a plurality of load-side terminals 70, a plurality of contact parts 80, a contact movement unit 85, and a plurality of load-side engaging parts 90. The printed circuit board 9 incorporates a ground fault detection circuit that trips the electromagnetic tripping device 7 when a ground fault occurs. Note that the elements mounted on the printed circuit board 9 have been omitted. The circuit breaker 1 comprises, for example, two terminals 20A and 20B that can be arranged in three locations, two load-side terminals 70, and two contact parts 80.

[0023] The housing section 10 houses at least a portion of the multiple terminals 20, the output section 30, and the rotating section 40. In the example shown in Figure 1, the housing section 10 is a housing that houses components such as a portion of two terminals 20A and 20B, the output section 30, the rotating section 40, the zero-phase current transformer 5, the electromagnetic tripping device 7, the printed circuit board 9, multiple load-side terminals 70, multiple contact sections 80, a portion of the contact movement section 85, and a portion of the load-side engagement section 90. The housing section 10 forms a space inside that houses these components. For example, the housing section 10 has a longitudinal direction that extends along the X direction.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The two terminals 20A and 20B change the connection state of multiple power lines by moving along the Z direction (an example of a second direction). The connection state of the power lines is a state relating to the combination of positions of multiple terminals that can be connected to the power lines. 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 upper part of the back side of the housing 10, and terminal 20B is located at the lower part 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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 of the plurality of terminals 20A, 20B has a projection 28 extending along the X direction (an example of a first direction). Each terminal body 21 has a projection 28. That is, each of the plurality of terminals 20A, 20B has 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 extending 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.

[0046] The output unit 30 has a mechanism for transmitting the movement of the multiple terminals 20A and 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 located on the front side of the multiple terminals 20A and 20B in the X direction, and on the rear side of the wall 14 in the X direction. The output unit 30 moves along the wall 14 in the Z direction.

[0047] The output unit 30 has a guide portion 39 and a contact portion 32. The output unit 30 further has, for example, an output body portion 31. 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.

[0048] The guide portion 39 guides the projections 28A and 28B so that they can move along the Z direction. The inside of the guide portion 39 allows the projections 28A and 28B to move along the Z direction. The guide portion 39, for example, penetrates along the X direction and opens along the Z direction. The guide portion 39 has two openings 31A and 31B arranged side by side along the Z direction. The output body portion 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 along 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.

[0049] The contact portion 32 is provided on the guide portion 39 and contacts at least one of the projections 28A and 28B in conjunction with the movement of at least one of the multiple terminals 20A and 20B. When at least one of the projections 28A and 28B moves in the vertical direction, at least one of the projections 28A and 28B contacts the contact portion 32.

[0050] The contact 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 are examples of multiple contact portions. The first contact portion 33, the second contact portion 34, the third contact portion 35, and the fourth contact portion 36 each face the openings 31A and 31B of the guide portion 39 and are positioned opposite each other in the Z direction, straddling the openings 31A and 31B of the guide portion 39. 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 across the opening 31A. The first contact portion 33 is located on the upper part of the output body 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 31 and constitutes the lower end of the opening 31A. The lower end surface 28b of the projection 28A of the terminal 20A can contact the second contact portion 34 from above.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 a second connection position to a third connection position, the output unit 30 moves downward by a distance D3 from the second movement position to the third movement position. In this way, at least one projection 28A, 28B contacts at least one different contact portion 32 for each state of the multiple terminals 20A, 20B.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] As shown in Figure 4, when the 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 operator 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 the 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] As shown in Figure 5, when the 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, the second display unit 52, and the 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 operator 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: the location of the two terminals 20A and 20B at the second connection position; the insertion of conductive bars N and L2 into the two terminals 20A and 20B; and the insertion of conductive bars N and L2 into the two terminals 20A and 20B.

[0076] 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.

[0077] As shown in Figure 6, when the 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, the second display unit 52, and the third display unit 53, and the third display unit 53 is displayed in the display window 12 when viewed from above. The display on the third display unit 53 allows the operator 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: the location of the two terminals 20A and 20B at the third connection position; the insertion of conductive bars L1 and L2 into the two terminals 20A and 20B; and the insertion of conductive bars L1 and L2 into the two terminals 20A and 20B.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] Furthermore, as described above, the movement of the output unit 30 and the rotation of the rotating unit 40 are restricted by at least one of the protrusions 28A, 28B of the multiple terminals 20A, 20B and the position restricting unit 16. For example, when the multiple terminals 20A, 20B are in the first connection position, the upward movement of the output unit 30, which is linked to the rotating unit 40, is restricted by the rotating unit 40 contacting the first restricting unit 17, and the downward movement of the output unit 30 is restricted by the protrusion 28B contacting the third contact unit 35. For example, when the multiple terminals 20A, 20B are in the second connection position, the upward movement of the output unit 30 is restricted by the protrusion 28B contacting the fourth contact unit 36, and the downward movement of the output unit 30 is restricted by the protrusion 28A contacting the first contact unit 33. For example, when multiple terminals 20A and 20B are located at the third connection position, the projection 28A contacts the second contact portion 34, restricting the upward movement of the output unit 30, while the rotating portion 40 contacts at least one of the second restricting portion 18 and the third restricting portion 19, restricting the downward movement of the output unit 30, which is linked to the rotating portion 40.

[0081] As described above, the circuit breaker 1 of this embodiment comprises a plurality of terminals 20A, 20B, an output unit 30 having a guide portion 39 and a plurality of contact portions 32 (first contact portion 33, second contact portion 34, third contact portion 35, and fourth contact portion 36), and a display unit 50. The connection state of the power line is changed by the movement of at least one of the plurality of terminals 20A, 20B. Due to the movement of this at least one terminal, at least one of the projections 28A, 28B contacts at least one contact portion 32 which differs depending on the state of the plurality of terminals 20A, 20B. Since the combination of contact between the projections 28A, 28B and the contact portions 32 differs depending on the state of the plurality of terminals 20A, 20B, the output unit 30 moves according to the state of the plurality of terminals 20A, 20B. For this reason, the output unit 30 can appropriately synchronize the display unit 50 according to the state of the plurality of terminals 20A, 20B. Since the status indicators for multiple terminals 20A and 20B change in accordance with the movement of at least one of terminals 20A and 20B, the operator can easily distinguish and visually confirm the connection status of each power line. Therefore, this circuit breaker 1 can display the connection status of multiple power lines separately.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] Furthermore, the guide portion 39 penetrates along the X direction and opens along the Z direction, and the multiple contact portions 32 each face the guide portion 39 and are positioned opposite each other with the guide portion 39 in the Z direction. In this case, by providing the guide portion 39 in the output portion 30, the output portion 30 of the circuit breaker 1 can be made lighter.

[0085] Furthermore, the circuit breaker 1 has two terminals 20A and 20B that can be positioned in three locations as multiple terminals, and the guide section 39 has two openings 31A and 31B arranged side by side along the Z direction, and the state of the multiple terminals 20A and 20B is one of three states relating to the position of the multiple terminals arranged based on the connection state of multiple power lines. In this case, by providing the two openings 31A and 31B, the output section 30 can distinguish between the states of the two terminals and link the display section 50 accordingly. For example, 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 1 can display the connection states of the power lines separately.

[0086] Furthermore, the circuit breaker 1 comprises a main body 41 that is rotatable around a pivot shaft 49 and has a display unit 50 provided along the rotational circumferential direction, a rotating part 40 having a first operating part 60 provided at a position different from the pivot shaft 49 in the rotational radial direction of the main body 41, and a position restricting part 16 provided in the rotational circumferential direction relative to the rotating part 40 to restrict the rotation of the rotating part 40. The output unit 30 has a second operating part 37, and the first operating part 60 engages with the second operating part 37 and rotates the main body 41 around the pivot shaft 49 in conjunction with the movement of the second operating part 37 in the Z direction. In this case, the output unit 30 rotates the rotating part 40 so that the display unit 50 can distinguish and display the states of multiple terminals 20A and 20B. Furthermore, at least one position restricting unit 16 restricts the rotation of the rotating unit 40, so that the rotating unit 40 rotates within an appropriate range in accordance with the movement of the output unit 30.

[0087] The position restricting section 16 is provided on both sides of the rotating section 40 in the rotational direction of the rotating section 40, and the movement of the output section 30 and the rotation of the rotating section 40 are restricted by at least one of the protrusions 28A, 28B of the multiple terminals 20A, 20B and the position restricting section 16. In this case, the movement of the output section 30 and the rotation of the rotating section 40 are kept within an appropriate range, so that the state of the multiple terminals 20A, 20B can be displayed appropriately.

[0088] [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 display section 50, and does not need to house other components.

[0089] 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. The display unit 50 may be formed integrally with the rotating unit 40.

[0090] For example, the guide portion 39 does not have to penetrate along the X direction and have to be open along the Z direction. The guide portion 39 may also be a recessed portion (groove) that is recessed along the X direction. In the output portion 30, multiple openings 31A, 31B are not required to be formed as the guide portion 39. The guide portion 39 may have one opening. In this case, the first contact portion 33, the second contact portion 34, the third contact portion 35, and the fourth contact portion 36 may each be a portion that extends and protrudes from the output body portion 31 along the Y direction.

[0091] The positions on which the protrusions 28A and 28B are provided on the terminals 20A and 20B are not limited. The protrusions 28A and 28B may be provided on the left or right side of the multiple terminals 20A and 20B, or they may be provided in the center or lower part of the multiple terminals 20A and 20B. In this case, the output section 30 is provided in the direction in which the protrusions 28A and 28B protrude from the multiple terminals 20A and 20B. For example, the output section 30 may extend in the vertical direction and in a direction that intersects the wall section 14 of the housing section 10.

[0092] For example, the position restricting unit 16 may be provided on either side of the rotating unit 40 in the rotational circumferential direction of the rotating unit 40. The position restricting unit 16 can restrict the movement of the rotating unit 40 on at least one side.

[0093] For example, the display unit 50 does not have to be provided on the rotating unit 40. Figure 7 is a schematic side view showing an example of the state of the display unit for a plurality of terminals provided at the first connection position. The modified circuit breaker 1A shown in Figure 7 includes a connecting unit 140 that connects the output unit 130 and the display unit 150, and a front wall 163 and a rear wall 164 (an example of a position restricting unit) of a slide housing unit 160 that restricts the movement of the display unit 150. Hereinafter, in the configuration of the circuit breaker 1 according to the embodiment and the configuration of the modified circuit breaker 1A, if the reference numerals are different from each other but have the same name, the description of the same function will be omitted.

[0094] The output unit 130 slides in the Z direction (an example of a second direction), similar to the output unit 30 in the embodiment. The display unit 150 slides in a third direction. The third direction is a direction that intersects the second direction. The third direction may be the same direction as the X direction (an example of a first direction), or it may be along the X direction or the Y direction. The display unit 150 slides in the X direction, for example, in accordance with the movement of the output unit 130.

[0095] The display unit 150 is composed of rectangular plate-shaped members extending along the X and Y directions. The display unit 150 is positioned, for example, at a location spaced upward in the Z direction from the upper end of the output unit 130. A first display unit 151, a second display unit 152, and a third display unit 153 are formed on the upper surface of the display unit 150. The first display unit 151, the second display unit 152, and the third display unit 153 are arranged sequentially toward the rear side along the sliding direction (X direction) of the display unit 150. That is, on the upper surface of the display unit 150, the second display unit 52 is positioned between the first display unit 51 and the third display unit 53. The boundaries of the first display unit 51, the second display unit 52, and the third display unit 53 each extend along the Y direction.

[0096] The connecting portion 140 converts the driving force of the output portion 130 in the Z direction into the X direction and transmits it to the display portion 150. The connecting portion 140 is curved between the output portion 130 and the display portion 150. The connecting portion 140 extends in the Z direction on the output portion 130 side. The connecting portion 140 is, for example, a sheet-like member having a width direction in the Y direction. The connecting portion 140 extends in the Z direction on the output portion 130 side. This portion has a thickness direction in the X direction. The lower end 140a of the connecting portion 140 in the Z direction on the output portion 130 side is joined near the upper end of the output portion 30. The connecting portion 140 extends in the X direction on the display portion 150 side. This portion has a thickness direction in the Z direction. The rear end 140b of the connecting portion 140 on the display portion 150 side is joined to the front end of the display portion 150.

[0097] The connecting portion 140 is made of a flexible yet non-stretchable material. The flexible material is one that bends without bending between the display portion 150 and the output portion 130, and has enough elasticity to allow the bent portion to move in accordance with the movement of the display portion 150 and the output portion 130. The non-stretchable material is one that does not stretch or contract in the planar direction when subjected to the force generated when the multiple terminals 20A and 20B move.

[0098] The slide housing section 160 shown in Figure 7 is provided in the housing section 100. The housing section 100 has a slide housing section 160 that houses and guides the display section 150 so that the display section 150 is exposed to the outside through the display window 112. A part of the slide housing section 160 forms the display window 112. Note that in Figure 7, the thickness of the connecting section 140, as well as the thicknesses of the first display section 151, the second display section 152, and the third display section 153 are emphasized to facilitate understanding of the structure. Accordingly, the shape of the slide housing section 160 is also depicted in a simplified manner.

[0099] The slide housing section 160 comprises an upper wall section 161, a lower wall section 162, a front wall section 163, a rear wall section 164, and a guide section 166. The upper wall section 161 covers the display section 150 from above and has a display window 112. The lower wall section 162 covers the display section 150 from below. The lower wall section 162 comprises a front portion 162A positioned in front of the output section 130 and a rear portion 162B positioned behind the output section 130. The front portion 162A supports the display section 150 from below. The rear portion 162B is positioned at a location spaced downward from the display section 50. The guide section 166 has an internal space that curves in accordance with the curved shape of the curved connecting section 140 to guide its movement.

[0100] The front wall portion 163 and the rear wall portion 164, which serve as position restricting sections, are provided in the X direction (an example of a third direction) relative to the display unit 150, and restrict the movement of the display unit 150. The front wall portion 163 and the rear wall portion 164 are, for example, part of the housing portion 100 and are walls to which the display unit 150 can abut. The front wall portion 163 and the rear wall portion 164 are provided, for example, in positions opposite each other in the X direction, with the display unit 150 in between. Note that the position restricting sections do not have to be provided on both sides of the display unit in the X direction, but only on either end side of the display unit 150 in the X direction, and either the front wall portion 163 or the rear wall portion 164 may be provided. Either the front wall portion 163 or the rear wall portion 164 provided as a position restricting section can restrict the movement of the display unit 50.

[0101] Next, the operation of the output unit 130, the connecting unit 140, and the display unit 150 in the modified circuit breaker 1A will be described. First, the case of moving from the second or third connection position to the first connection position will be described. When the two terminals 20A and 20B are located at the first connection position, the output unit 130 moves upward in the Z direction. Accordingly, the end 140a of the connecting unit 140 on the output unit 130 side moves upward in the Z direction. Also, the end 140b of the connecting unit 140 on the display unit 150 side moves to the rear side. As a result, the display unit 150 moves to the rear side in the X direction. The rear end 150a of the display unit 150 in the X direction comes into contact with the rear wall 164, which is a position restricting unit. As a result, the movement of the display unit 150 to the rear side in the X direction is restricted. At this position, the first display unit 151 of the display unit 150 is positioned below the display window 112. Therefore, the color of the first display unit 151 is displayed in the display window 112.

[0102] In this way, when multiple terminals 20A and 20B are in the first connection position, the display unit 150 abuts against the rear wall 164, restricting the upward movement of the output unit 130 which is linked to the display unit 150, and the projection 28B abuts against the third contact portion 35, restricting the downward movement of the output unit 30.

[0103] Next, we will explain the case where the connection moves from the first connection position to the second connection position. When the two terminals 20A and 20B are located at the second connection position, the output unit 130 moves downward in the Z direction. Accordingly, the end 140a of the connecting unit 140 on the output unit 130 side moves downward in the Z direction. Also, the end 140b of the connecting unit 140 on the display unit 150 side moves forward in the X direction. As a result, the display unit 150 moves forward in the X direction. At this position, the second display unit 152 of the display unit 150 is positioned below the display window 112. Therefore, the color of the second display unit 152 is displayed in the display window 112. When multiple terminals 20A and 20B are located at the second connection position, the upward movement of the output unit 30 is restricted by the projection 28B contacting the fourth contact part 36, and the downward movement of the output unit 30 is restricted by the projection 28A contacting the first contact part 33.

[0104] Next, we will explain the case where the connection moves from the first or second connection position to the third connection position. When the two terminals 20A and 20B are located at the third connection position, the output unit 130 moves downward in the Z direction. Accordingly, the end 140a of the connecting unit 140 on the output unit 130 side moves downward in the Z direction. Also, the end 140b of the connecting unit 140 on the display unit 150 side moves forward in the X direction. As a result, the display unit 150 moves forward in the X direction. The front end 150b of the display unit 150 in the X direction comes into contact with the front wall 163, which is a position restricting part. As a result, the forward movement of the display unit 150 in the X direction is restricted. At this position, the third display unit 153 of the display unit 150 is positioned below the display window 112. Therefore, the color of the third display unit 153 is displayed in the display window 112.

[0105] In this way, when multiple terminals 20A and 20B are located at the third connection position, the projection 28A contacts the second contact portion 34, restricting the upward movement of the output unit 30, while the display unit 150 contacts the front wall portion 163, restricting the downward movement of the output unit 130, which is linked to the display unit 50.

[0106] As described above, in the modified circuit breaker 1A, the output unit 130 moves the display unit 150, allowing the display unit 150 to distinguish and display the status of multiple terminals 20A and 20B. Here, the connecting unit 140 is made of a flexible and non-stretchable material. Because the material constituting the connecting unit 140 is flexible, it can be linked to the output unit 130 and the display unit 150 according to their positional relationship without the need for a complex mechanism. Furthermore, because the material constituting the connecting unit 140 is non-stretchable, the display unit 150 can be moved precisely in accordance with the movement of the output unit 130. Therefore, the display unit 150 can accurately distinguish and display the connection status of multiple power lines without requiring a complex mechanism or dimensional precision of parts. In addition, the front wall unit 163 and rear wall unit 164, which are position restricting parts, restrict the movement of the display unit 150, so that the display unit 150 moves within an appropriate range in accordance with the movement of the output unit 130.

[0107] Furthermore, in the modified circuit breaker 1A, the front wall portion 163 and the rear wall portion 164, which are position restricting portions, are provided on both sides of the display portion 150 in the X direction (an example of a third direction) of the display portion 150, and the movement of the output portion 130 and the movement of the display portion 150 are restricted by at least one of the protrusions 28A, 28B of the multiple terminals 20A, 20B and the position restricting portions (front wall portion 163 and rear wall portion 164). In this case, the movement of the output portion and the movement of the display portion are kept within an appropriate range, so that the status of multiple terminals can be displayed appropriately.

[0108] Herein, various exemplary embodiments included in this disclosure are described below in [Embodiment 1] to [Embodiment 8].

[0109] [Form 1] Multiple terminals, each having a projection extending along a first direction, which change the connection state of multiple power lines by moving along a second direction intersecting the first direction, The interior includes a guide section on which the projection can move along the second direction, and an output section provided on the guide section, having a plurality of contact portions that contact the projection in conjunction with the movement of at least one of the plurality of terminals. A display unit that visually displays the status of the multiple terminals in conjunction with the movement of the output unit, Equipped with, At least one of the projections contacts at least one of the contact portions, which differs for each state of the plurality of terminals. Circuit breaker. [Form 2] The guide portion penetrates along the first direction and opens along the second direction, The circuit breaker according to [Embodiment 1], wherein each of the plurality of contact portions faces the guide portion and is positioned opposite to each other in the second direction, with the guide portion in between. [Form 3] It has two terminals that can be placed in three locations, as multiple terminals. The guide section has two openings arranged side by side along the second direction, The circuit breaker according to [Embodiment 2], wherein the states of the plurality of terminals are three states relating to the positions of the plurality of terminals arranged based on the connection state of the plurality of power lines. [Form 4] A rotating part having a main body that is rotatable around a pivot axis and the display portion is provided along the rotational circumferential direction, and a first operating portion provided at a position different from the pivot axis in the rotational radial direction of the main body, A position restricting part is provided in the rotational circumferential direction relative to the rotating part, and restricts the rotation of the rotating part. Equipped with, The output unit has a second operating unit, 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 in the second direction. A circuit breaker described in any one of the following descriptions: [Form 1] to [Form 3]. [Form 5] The position restricting portion is provided on both sides of the rotating portion in the rotational circumferential direction of the rotating portion. The circuit breaker according to [Embodiment 4], wherein the movement of the output section and the rotation of the rotating section are restricted by at least one of the protrusions of the plurality of terminals and the position restricting sections. [Form 6] A connecting unit that connects the output unit and the display unit, A position restricting unit that restricts the movement of the aforementioned display unit, Equipped with, The display unit slides and moves in a third direction that intersects the second direction. The connecting portion is made of a flexible yet non-stretchable material and curves between the output portion and the display portion. The position regulating unit is provided in the third direction relative to the display unit and restricts the movement of the display unit, as described in any one of [Embodiment 1] to [Embodiment 3]. [Form 7] The position regulating section is provided on both sides of the display section in the third direction of the display section, The circuit breaker according to [Embodiment 6], wherein the movement of the output unit and the movement of the display unit are restricted by at least one of the protrusions of the plurality of terminals and the position restricting units. [Form 8] A circuit breaker according to any one of [Embodiment 1] to [Embodiment 7], comprising a display window that allows a portion of the display unit to be viewed from the outside, and a housing that accommodates the plurality of terminals, the output unit, and at least a portion of the display unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1,1A...Circuit breaker, 10,100...Housing section, 12,112...Display window, 16...Position regulating section, 17...First regulating section, 18...Second regulating section, 19...Third regulating section, 20,20A,20B...Terminals, 28,28A,28B...Protrusions, 30,130...Output section, 31...Output main body section, 32...Contact section, 33...First contact section, 34...Second contact section Part, 35...Third contact part, 36...Fourth contact part, 37...Second operating part, 39...Guiding part, 40...Rotating part, 41...Main body part, 49...Rotating shaft, 50, 150...Display part, 60...First operating part, 61...Operating shaft, 140...Connecting part, 163...Front wall part (an example of a position regulating part), 164...Rear wall part (an example of a position regulating part), L1, L2, N...Conductive bar.

Claims

1. Multiple terminals, each having a projection extending along a first direction, which change the connection state of multiple power lines by moving along a second direction intersecting the first direction, The interior includes a guide section on which the projection can move along the second direction, and an output section provided on the guide section, having a plurality of contact portions that contact the projection in conjunction with the movement of at least one of the plurality of terminals. A display unit that visually displays the status of the multiple terminals in conjunction with the movement of the output unit, Equipped with, At least one of the projections contacts at least one of the contact portions, which differs for each state of the plurality of terminals. Circuit breaker.

2. The guide portion penetrates along the first direction and opens along the second direction, The circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of contact portions faces the guide portion and is provided at positions that face each other with respect to the guide portion in the second direction.

3. It has two terminals that can be placed in three locations, as multiple terminals. The guide section has two openings arranged side by side along the second direction, The circuit breaker according to claim 2, wherein the states of the plurality of terminals are three states relating to the positions of the plurality of terminals arranged based on the connection state of the plurality of power lines.

4. A rotating part having a main body that is rotatable about a pivot axis and the display part is provided along the rotational circumferential direction, and a first operating part provided at a position different from the pivot axis in the rotational radial direction of the main body, A position restricting part is provided in the rotational circumferential direction relative to the rotating part, and restricts the rotation of the rotating part. Equipped with, The output unit has a second operating unit, 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 in the second direction. A circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The position restricting portion is provided on both sides of the rotating portion in the rotational circumferential direction of the rotating portion. The circuit breaker according to claim 4, wherein the movement of the output section and the rotation of the rotating section are restricted by at least one of the protrusions of the plurality of terminals and the position restricting sections.

6. A connecting unit that connects the output unit and the display unit, A position restricting unit that restricts the movement of the aforementioned display unit, Equipped with, The display unit slides and moves in a third direction that intersects the second direction. The connecting portion is made of a flexible yet non-stretchable material and curves between the output portion and the display portion. The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the position regulating unit is provided in the third direction relative to the display unit and restricts the movement of the display unit.

7. The position regulating section is provided on both sides of the display section in the third direction of the display section, The circuit breaker according to claim 6, wherein the movement of the output unit and the movement of the display unit are restricted by at least one of the protrusions of the plurality of terminals and the position restricting units.

8. A circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising 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 output unit, and the display unit.

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