Circuit breaker

Abstract

To provide a circuit breaker which can distinctively display connection states of a plurality of power lines with a simple structure.SOLUTION: A connection part 40 is formed by a member which has flexibility and is non-stretchable. Since the member forming the connection part 40 has flexibility, an output part 30 and a display part 50 can be linked to each other according to a physical relationship therebetween without providing a complicated mechanism. Further, since the member forming the connection part 40 is a non-stretchable member, the display part 50 can be moved accurately according to a distance that the output part 30 moves. Therefore, the display part 50 can distinctively display connection states of a plurality of power lines with high accuracy without needing a complicated mechanism and dimensional accuracy of components.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

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 on a case body, and a display portion and an operating portion protruding radially from the shaft portion. In the 200V connection state, no force is applied to the operating portion, the display portion faces the display window, and the display portion appears red from the outside. In the 100V connection state, the terminal body of the upper switching knob rotates upward and the conductive bar of the neutral pole is inserted. The terminal body pushes the operating portion against the biasing force of the display piece spring, the display portion moves away from the display window, and the display portion appears white from the outside.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By changing the combination of positions of multiple terminals 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 states are 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 relating to one aspect of this disclosure includes a plurality of terminals that change the connection state of a plurality of power lines by moving, an output unit that is linked to the movement of the plurality of terminals, a display unit that visually displays the state of the terminals, and a connecting unit that connects the output unit and the display unit, wherein the connecting unit is made of a flexible and non-stretchable material.

[0008] This circuit breaker comprises multiple terminals, an output unit, a coupling unit, and a display unit. The connection state of the power line is changed by the movement of at least one terminal. The output unit is activated by the movement of at least one terminal, and the display unit connected to the output unit via the coupling unit is also activated. As a result, the display unit can visually display the changed state of the terminal. The display of the state of multiple terminals changes in accordance with the movement of the terminals. Therefore, this circuit breaker can distinguish and display the state of multiple terminals, i.e., multiple connection states between the circuit breaker and the power line. Here, the coupling unit is made of a flexible yet non-stretchable material. Because the material constituting the coupling unit 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. Also, because the material constituting the coupling unit 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 states of multiple power lines without requiring a complex mechanism or dimensional precision of parts. Therefore, with a simple configuration, it is possible to display the connection status of multiple power lines separately.

[0009] The display unit may be constructed from a separate component from the connecting unit. In this case, it becomes possible to select components suitable for displaying the status of multiple terminals as the components of the display unit. This improves the reliability of the display function.

[0010] The output section may be constructed from a separate component from the connecting section. In this case, it becomes possible to select a component suitable for coordinating with the movement of multiple terminals as the component constituting the output section. This improves the reliability of the display function.

[0011] The first direction in which the output section slides and the second direction in which the display section slides intersect, and the connecting section may be curved between the output section and the display section. In this case, it is possible to suppress the circuit breaker from becoming larger in a particular direction and to miniaturize the circuit breaker. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] 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]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a side view showing an example of a circuit breaker according to an embodiment with the right-side case removed. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing an example of a housing section and multiple terminals according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing an example of multiple terminals, an output section, and a rotating section according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing an example of multiple terminals and an output section provided at a first connection position with respect to a conductive bar. [Figure 5] This is a front view showing an example of multiple terminals and output sections provided at a second connection position with respect to a conductive bar. [Figure 6] This is a front view showing an example of multiple terminals and output sections provided at a third connection position with respect to a conductive bar. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing an example of a display unit for multiple terminals provided at the first connection position. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the output unit, display unit, and connection unit in the state shown, viewed from diagonally below. [Figure 9] 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. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing an example of the status of the display unit for multiple terminals provided at the second connection location. [Figure 11] This is a schematic side view showing an example of the status of the display unit for multiple terminals provided at the second connection location. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing an example of the status of the display unit for multiple terminals located at the third connection point. [Figure 13] This is a schematic side view showing an example of the status of the display unit for multiple terminals located at the third connection position. [Figure 14] It is a schematic side view showing an output part, a connecting part, and a display part of a circuit breaker according to a modified example. [Figure 15] It is a schematic side view showing an output part, a connecting part, and a display part of a circuit breaker according to a modified example. [Figure 16] It is a schematic side view showing an output part, a connecting part, and a display part of a circuit breaker according to a modified example.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] 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 duplicate descriptions are not repeated. The dimensional ratios in the drawings do not necessarily match those in the description. Terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", and "back" are based on the illustrated state and are for convenience.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of a state where the right case of the circuit breaker according to the embodiment is removed. The X direction and the Y direction in the figure are horizontal directions, and the Z direction is a vertical direction. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are axial directions orthogonal to each other in a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system. Hereinafter, the direction along the XY plane is also referred to as the horizontal direction, and the Z direction is also referred to as the vertical direction.

[0016] 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 part 80 described later. Here, the circuit breaker 1 can take at least two states, an open state and a closed state, as the open / closed state of the electric circuit. The open state is a state in which the contacts are separated by an action including an external operation such as an operator's operation, and no current flows through the electric circuit. The closed state is a state in which the contacts are in contact by an action including an external operation such as an operator's operation, and current flows through the electric circuit. The circuit breaker 1 may take the trip state as the open state of the electric circuit. The trip state is a state in which an abnormal state such as overcurrent, short circuit, or leakage in the electric circuit is detected, and the contacts are separated by the action of the structure inside the circuit breaker 1, and no current flows through the electric circuit.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The circuit breaker 1 comprises a plurality of terminals 20, an output unit 30, a display unit 50, and a connecting 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.

[0019] The housing section 10 houses at least a portion of the multiple terminals 20, the output section 30, the display section 50, and the connecting 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 display section 50, the connecting 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The two terminals 20A and 20B change the connection state of multiple power lines by moving. The connection state of a power line is a combination of the positions of multiple terminals connected to the power line. The two terminals 20A and 20B are, for example, power supply side terminals. The two terminals 20A and 20B change the connection state of three conductive bars N, L1, and L2. The two terminals 20A and 20B are terminals that can be electrically connected to a power supply. In this embodiment, the two terminals 20A and 20B are arranged on the surface (back) of the housing 10 facing the negative direction in the X direction. The back surface on which the two terminals 20A and 20B are provided is formed by a surface that extends along the vertical direction. For example, terminal 20A is located at the top of the back side of the housing 10, and terminal 20B is located at the bottom of the back side of the housing 10. In the housing 10, terminals 20A and 20B are arranged side by side along the vertical direction. In the examples shown in Figures 1 and 2, terminal 20A is located at a position where it can be connected to the neutral electrode conductive bar N, and terminal 20B is located at a position where it can be connected to the conductive bar L1 of one of the voltage electrodes. Hereafter, the positions of the two terminals 20A and 20B will be referred to as the first connection position. Details of the two terminals 20A and 20B will be described later.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The following describes the housing section 10, the two terminals 20A and 20B, the output section 30, the display section 50, and the connecting section 40. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a plurality of terminals, an output section, a display section, and a connecting 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 negative direction of the Y direction and formed along the vertical direction. Guide member 13B has, for example, a groove that is recessed toward the positive direction of the Y direction and formed along the vertical direction.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Figure 4 is a front view showing an example of a plurality of terminals and an output section provided at a first connection position with respect to a conductive bar. As shown in Figure 4, each terminal body 21 has a projection 28. That is, the plurality of terminals 20A, 20B each have projections 28A, 28B. The projections 28 move in accordance with the vertical movement of each terminal body 21. The projections 28 are plate-shaped members that extend in the X and Y directions. For example, the projections 28 protrude from the X-direction front surface of the lower part of the terminal body 21 toward the X-direction front side. For example, the lower end surface 28b of projection 28A and the lower end surface 28d of projection 28B are provided along the lower end surfaces of terminal bodies 21, 21, respectively. For example, the upper end surface 28a of projection 28A and the upper end surface 28c of projection 28B are provided along the lower end surface 28b of projection 28A and the lower end surface 28d of projection 28B, respectively.

[0042] The output unit 30 has a mechanism for transmitting the movement of the multiple terminals 20A, 20B to the display unit 50 and the connecting unit 40. In the example shown in Figure 4, the output unit 30 is formed from, for example, a single plate-shaped member. The output unit 30 is provided on the front side in the X direction of the multiple terminals 20A, 20B and on the rear side in the X direction of the wall unit 14. The output unit 30 moves in the Z direction along the wall unit 14. The output unit 30 has, for example, an output body unit 31 and an output engagement unit 32.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The output body 31 has an opening 31A through which at least a portion of the projection 28A can be inserted, and an opening 31B through which at least a portion of the projection 28B can be accommodated. The openings 31A and 31B each penetrate in the X direction. The openings 31A and 31B are, for example, rectangular openings. The width in the Y direction and the length in the Z direction of the opening 31A are greater than the width in the Y direction and the length in the Z direction of the projection 28A, respectively. The width in the Y direction and the length in the Z direction of the opening 31B are greater than the width in the Y direction and the length in the Z direction of the projection 28B, respectively.

[0045] The output engagement portion 32 is provided on the output main body portion 31 and engages with at least one of the projections 28A and 28B provided on the plurality of 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 comes into contact with the output engagement portion 32.

[0046] The output engagement portion 32 has a first contact portion 33, a second contact portion 34, a third contact portion 35, and a fourth contact portion 36. The first contact portion 33, the second contact portion 34, the third contact portion 35, and the fourth contact portion 36 extend along the Y direction. The first contact portion 33 and the second contact portion 34 face the opening 31A. In the Z direction, the first contact portion 33 and the second contact portion 34 are positioned opposite each other with the opening 31A in between. The first contact portion 33 is located on the upper part of the output body portion 31 and constitutes the upper end of the opening 31A. The upper end surface 28a of the projection 28A of the terminal 20A can contact the first contact portion 33 from below. The second contact portion 34 is located in the central part of the output body portion 31 and constitutes the lower end of the opening 31A. The lower end surface 28b of the projection 28A of terminal 20A can contact the second contact portion 34 from above.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 abuts against 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 is not in contact with 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] Figure 6 is a front view showing an example of multiple terminals and an output section provided at a third connection position with respect to a conductive bar. In the example shown in Figure 6, terminal 20A is provided at a position where it can be connected to the conductive bar L1 of one voltage pole, and terminal 20B is provided at a position where it can be connected to the conductive bar L2 of the other voltage pole. Hereinafter, the positions of the two terminals 20A and 20B will be referred to as the third connection position. In the example shown in Figure 6, when the two terminals 20A and 20B are located at the third connection position, the lower end surface 28b of the projection 28A of terminal 20A abuts against the second contact portion 34. In the Z direction, the upward movement of the output section 30 is restricted by the projection 28A. At this time, the projection 28B of terminal 20B is not in contact with the third contact portion 35 and the fourth contact portion 36. Hereinafter, the distance between the lower end surface 28d of the projection 28B and the fourth contact portion 36 will be referred to as distance D3. Hereinafter, the position of the output section 30 at this time will be referred to as the third movement position. When the two terminals 20A and 20B change from the second connection position to the third connection position, the output unit 30 moves downward by a distance D3 from the second movement position to the third movement position.

[0051] Next, the configuration of the display unit 50 and the connecting unit 40 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 7 to 13. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an example of the state of the display unit for multiple terminals provided at the first connection position. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the output unit, display unit, and connecting unit in the state shown in Figure 7, viewed from diagonally below. Figure 9 is a schematic side view showing an example of the state of the display unit for multiple terminals provided at the first connection position. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the state of the display unit for multiple terminals provided at the second connection position. Figure 11 is a schematic side view showing an example of the state of the display unit for multiple terminals provided at the second connection position. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing an example of the state of the display unit for multiple terminals provided at the third connection position. Figure 13 is a schematic side view showing an example of the state of the display unit for multiple terminals provided at the third connection position.

[0052] As shown in Figure 8, the display unit 50 is positioned above the output unit 30 in the Z direction. The display unit 50 is composed of a rectangular plate-like member parallel to the XY plane. The display unit 50 is positioned at a location spaced upward in the Z direction from the upper end portion 30a of the output unit 30. The connecting unit 40 is a member that connects the output unit 30 and the display unit 50. The connecting unit 40 is a sheet-like member having a width direction in the Y-axis direction.

[0053] The connecting portion 40 is positioned to curve between the output unit 30 and the display unit 50. The connecting portion 40 extends in the Z direction on the output unit 30 side. This portion has a thickness direction in the X direction. The lower end 40a of the connecting portion 40 in the Z direction on the output unit 30 side is joined to the upper end 30a of the output unit 30. The end 40a of the connecting portion 40 is joined to the front surface 30b of the output unit 30 in the X direction. The connecting portion 40 extends in the X direction on the display unit 50 side. This portion has a thickness direction in the Z direction. The rear end 40b of the connecting portion 40 in the X direction on the display unit 50 side is joined to the rear end 50a of the display unit 50 in the X direction. The end 40b of the connecting portion 40 is joined to the lower surface 50c of the display unit 50 in the Z direction.

[0054] The output unit 30 slides in the first direction SD1. As described above, the output unit 30 slides in the Z direction in accordance with the movement of terminals 20A and 20B, so the first direction SD1 is parallel to the Z direction. The display unit 50 slides in the second direction SD2. The display unit 50 slides in the X direction in accordance with the movement of the output unit 30, so the second direction SD2 is parallel to the X direction. The connecting unit 40 converts the driving force of the output unit 30 in the first direction SD1 into the second direction SD2 and transmits it to the display unit 50.

[0055] The connecting portion 40 is made of a flexible yet non-stretchable material. The flexible material is one that bends without bending between the display portion 50 and the output portion 30, and has enough elasticity to allow the bent portion to move in accordance with the movement of the display portion 50 and the output portion 30. The non-stretchable material is one that does not stretch or contract in the planar direction under the force generated when the terminal 20 moves. A resin sheet may be used as such a material. As a resin material, for example, a heat-resistant insulating sheet such as vulcanized fiber, Nomex, or Lumirror (polyester film) may be used.

[0056] The display unit 50 may be made of a separate component from the connecting unit 40. The output unit 30 may be made of a separate component from the connecting unit 40. A separate component is a component that is not integrally formed with the connecting unit 40, but is made as a separate part and joined by a mechanical joining method or an adhesive joining method. The output unit 30 and the display unit 50 may be made of a different material than the connecting unit 40, and their thickness and width (dimension in the Y direction) may also be different from those of the connecting unit 40. In addition, the display unit 50 and the output unit 30 may be made of a different resin or the same material as the connecting unit 40.

[0057] The display unit 50 visually displays the status of multiple terminals 20A and 20B. As shown in Figure 7, the display unit 50 is exposed to the outside through the display window 12. A first display unit 51, a second display unit 52, and a third display unit 53 are formed on the upper surface 50d of the display unit 50. The first display unit 51, the second display unit 52, and the third display unit 53 are arranged sequentially in the negative direction of the X direction along the sliding direction of the display unit 50. That is, on surface 50d, 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 extend along the Y direction.

[0058] 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. The differences in form are not limited to differences in color, but may include characters or figures, 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.

[0059] 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 black. 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 white. 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 red.

[0060] The display window 12 provided in the housing section 10 is opened to a size that exposes at least a portion of each of the first display section 51, the second display section 52, and the third display section 53. 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 X direction is set to be less than or equal to the width (dimension in the X direction) of each of the first display section 51, the second display section 52, and the third display section 53. The length of the display window 12 in the Y direction is set to be less than or equal to the Y dimension of the display section 50.

[0061] As shown in Figure 9, the housing section 10 has a slide housing section 60 that houses and guides the display section 50 so that the display section 50 is exposed to the outside through the display window 12. Note that Figure 9 exaggerates the thickness of the connecting section 40 and the thickness of the display sections 51, 52, and 53 to facilitate understanding of the structure. Accordingly, the shape of the housing section 10 is also simplified in the description. The slide housing section 60 comprises an upper wall section 61, a lower wall section 62, a front wall section 63, a rear wall section 64, and a guide section 66. The upper wall section 61 covers the display section 50 from above and has a display window 12. The lower wall section 62 covers the display section 50 from below. The lower wall section 62 comprises a front section 62A located in front of the output section 30 and a rear section 62B located behind the output section 30. The front section 62A supports the display section 50 from below. The rear portion 62B is positioned at a location separated below the display portion 50. The guide portion 66 has an internal space that curves in accordance with the curved shape of the curved connecting portion 40, so as to guide the movement of the curved connecting portion 40.

[0062] Next, the operation of the output unit 30, the connecting unit 40, and the display unit 50 will be described. First, the case of moving from the second or third connection position to the first connection position will be described. As shown in Figure 9, when the two terminals 20A and 20B are located at the first connection position, the output unit 30 moves upward in the Z direction. Accordingly, the end 40a of the connecting unit 40 on the output unit 30 side moves upward in the Z direction. Also, the end 40b of the connecting unit 40 on the display unit 50 side moves backward in the X direction. As a result, the display unit 50 moves backward in the X direction. The rear end 50a of the display unit 50 in the X direction comes into contact with the rear wall 64. This restricts the movement of the display unit 50 backward in the X direction. At this position, the first display unit 51 of the display unit 50 is positioned below the display window 12. Therefore, the color of the first display unit 51 is displayed in the display window 12 (see Figure 7).

[0063] Next, we will explain the case of moving from the first connection position to the second connection position. As shown in Figure 11, when the two terminals 20A and 20B are located at the second connection position, the output unit 30 moves downward in the Z direction. Accordingly, the end 40a of the connecting unit 40 on the output unit 30 side moves downward in the Z direction. Also, the end 40b of the connecting unit 40 on the display unit 50 side moves forward in the X direction. As a result, the display unit 50 moves forward in the X direction. At this position, the second display unit 52 of the display unit 50 is positioned below the display window 12. Therefore, the color of the second display unit 52 is displayed in the display window 12 (see Figure 10).

[0064] Next, we will explain the case of moving from the second connection position to the third connection position. As shown in Figure 13, when the two terminals 20A and 20B are located at the third connection position, the output unit 30 moves downward in the Z direction. Accordingly, the end 40a of the connecting unit 40 on the output unit 30 side moves downward in the Z direction. Also, the end 40b of the connecting unit 40 on the display unit 50 side moves forward in the X direction. As a result, the display unit 50 moves forward in the X direction. The front end 50b of the display unit 50 in the X direction comes into contact with the front wall 63. This restricts the forward movement of the display unit 50 in the X direction. At this position, the third display unit 53 of the display unit 50 is positioned below the display window 12. Therefore, the color of the third display unit 53 is displayed in the display window 12 (see Figure 12).

[0065] Next, the operation and effects of the circuit breaker 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0066] The circuit breaker 1 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of terminals 2A, an output unit 30, a connecting unit 40, and a display unit 50. The connection state of the power line is changed by the movement of at least one terminal 2. The output unit 30 is activated in conjunction with the movement of at least one terminal 2, and the display unit 50, which is connected to the output unit 30 via the connecting unit 40, is also activated in conjunction. As a result, the display unit 50 can visually display the changed state of the terminal 2. The display of the states of multiple terminals 2 changes in accordance with the movement of the terminals 2. Therefore, this circuit breaker 1 can distinguish and display the states of multiple terminals 2, that is, multiple connection states between the circuit breaker 1 and the power line. Here, the connecting unit 40 is made of a flexible yet non-stretchable member. Because the member constituting the connecting unit 40 is flexible, it can be linked to each other according to the positional relationship between the output unit 30 and the display unit 50 without the need for a complex mechanism. Furthermore, since the components constituting the connecting section 40 are non-stretchable, the display section 50 can be precisely moved in accordance with the movement of the output section 30. Therefore, the display section 50 can accurately distinguish and display the connection status of multiple power lines without requiring complex mechanisms or high dimensional precision of parts. Thus, it is possible to distinguish and display the connection status of multiple power lines with a simple configuration.

[0067] The display unit 50 may be constructed from a separate component from the connecting unit 40. In this case, it becomes possible to select a component suitable for displaying the status of multiple terminals 2 as the component of the display unit 50. This improves the reliability of the display function. For example, a component suitable for forming each of the display units 51, 52, and 53 is selected for the display unit 50. If seals are used to form each of the display units 51, 52, and 53, a component that is easy to attach the seals to is selected.

[0068] The output unit 30 may be constructed from a separate component from the connecting unit 40. In this case, it becomes possible to select a component suitable for coordinating with the movement of multiple terminals 2 as the component constituting the output unit 30. This improves the reliability of the display function.

[0069] The first direction SD1 in which the output unit 30 slides and the second direction SD2 in which the display unit 50 slides intersect with each other, and the connecting unit 40 may be curved between the output unit 30 and the display unit 50. In this case, it is possible to suppress the circuit breaker 1 from becoming larger in a particular direction and to miniaturize the circuit breaker 1.

[0070] [Differentiation] Although various exemplary embodiments have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made. For example, in addition to the circuit breaker 1, a circuit breaker system comprising at least one power supply and load device may be formed integrally.

[0071] For example, in the circuit breaker 1, the number of contacts 80, power supply terminals, and load terminals 70 is not limited. The contacts 80 may have one or more power supply terminals, and may have one or more load terminals 70. In this case, the number of power supply contacts 81 and load terminals 82 is also not limited.

[0072] For example, as shown in Figure 14, the display unit 50 may be formed from the same material as the connecting unit 40. The display unit 50 is integrally constructed with the connecting unit 40. The display unit 50 is formed by extending the sheet of the connecting unit 40 toward the rear in the X direction. Each of the display units 51, 52, and 53 is formed on the upper surface of the sheet of the display unit 50.

[0073] For example, as shown in Figure 15, the output unit 30 may be formed from the same material as the connecting unit 40. The output unit 30 is integrally configured with the connecting unit 40. The output unit 30 is formed by extending the sheet of the connecting unit 40 downward in the Z direction. In the configuration shown in Figure 15, the display unit 50, the connecting unit 40, and the output unit 30 are integrally configured.

[0074] For example, as shown in Figure 16, a slit 57 is formed in the display unit 50, and the display units 51, 52, and 53 are formed on the upper surface of the lower wall 62 of the slide housing unit 60. They are arranged in the order of third display unit 53, second display unit 52, and first display unit 51, moving towards the rear in the X direction. In addition, a display window 12 is formed in the upper wall 61, with an area corresponding to the entirety of each display unit 51, 52, and 53. In this case, in the first connection position, the slit 57 is positioned above the first display unit 51. As a result, the color of the first display unit 51 is displayed in the slit 57. In the second connection position, the slit 57 is positioned above the second display unit 52. As a result, the color of the second display unit 52 is displayed in the slit 57. In the third connection position, the slit 57 is positioned above the third display unit 53. As a result, the color of the third display unit 53 is displayed in the slit 57.

[0075] Herein, various exemplary embodiments included in this disclosure are described below in [Embodiment 1] to [Embodiment 4].

[0076] [Form 1] Multiple terminals that change the connection status of multiple power lines by moving, An output unit that is linked to the movement of the aforementioned multiple terminals, A display unit that visually displays the status of the terminals, It comprises a connecting section that connects the output section and the display section, The aforementioned connecting portion is made of a flexible yet non-stretchable material, in this circuit breaker. [Form 2] The circuit breaker according to Embodiment 1, wherein the display unit is made of a separate component from the connecting unit. [Form 3] The circuit breaker according to form 1 or 2, wherein the output section is composed of a separate component from the connecting section. [Form 4] The first direction in which the output unit slides and the second direction in which the display unit slides intersect each other. The circuit breaker according to any one of the embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the connecting portion is curved between the output portion and the display portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1...Circuit breaker, 2...Terminal, 30...Output section, 40...Connection section, 50...Display section.

Claims

1. Multiple terminals that change the connection status of multiple power lines by moving, An output unit that is linked to the movement of the aforementioned multiple terminals, A display unit that visually displays the status of the terminals, It comprises a connecting section that connects the output section and the display section, The aforementioned connecting portion is made of a flexible yet non-stretchable material, in this circuit breaker.

2. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is made of a separate component from the connecting unit.

3. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein the output section is made of a separate component from the connecting section.

4. The first direction in which the output unit slides and the second direction in which the display unit slides intersect each other. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is curved between the output portion and the display portion.

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