Circuit breakers and distribution boards

Abstract

To provide a circuit breaker capable of improving the workability of wiring work.SOLUTION: A circuit breaker A1 has a terminal block B1 to be electrically connected to a conductor of the primary wire. The terminal block B1 includes a first terminal board, a second terminal board 60, a spring member, a case 5, and a connecting conductor 61. The second terminal board 60 conducts to the first terminal board. The spring member gives a contact pressure to the conductor in the direction of contact with the first terminal board. The case 5 houses the first terminal board and the spring member. The connecting conductor 61 electrically connects the second terminal board 60 placed outside the case 5 and the first terminal board. At least a part of the connecting conductor 61 is derived outside of the case 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a circuit breaker and a distribution board, and more particularly, to a circuit breaker having a primary feed circuit and a distribution board including the circuit breaker.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in a residential distribution board, a primary feed circuit may be provided on the primary side (power supply side) of the main breaker (also referred to as the main switch). The primary feed circuit is provided to continue power supply even when the main breaker trips due to an abnormality such as an overcurrent or a leakage current in specific load devices such as a residential information board, a fire detector, and an electric lock installed in each household of an apartment house.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a primary feed circuit terminal unit and a residential distribution board (hereinafter referred to as a residential board) including the primary feed circuit terminal unit. The residential board described in Patent Document 1 includes a main switch (circuit breaker), a plurality of branch switches connected to the secondary side of the main switch, and a primary feed circuit terminal unit connected to the primary side of the main switch.

[0004] Three screw terminals are provided on the primary side of the main switch. The primary feed circuit terminal unit includes connection terminals respectively connected to two screw terminals (the screw terminal of the neutral pole and the screw terminal of the voltage pole) on the primary side of the main switch. That is, the conductor of the primary side wire and the connection terminal of the primary feed circuit terminal unit are connected to the screw terminals on the primary side of the main switch.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the conventional example described in Patent Document 1, the primary terminal of the main switch (circuit breaker) is a screw terminal, so the conductor of the primary wire and the connection terminal of the primary feed circuit terminal unit must be fastened together. Therefore, there is a need to improve the workability of the wiring work at the main switch (circuit breaker).

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a circuit breaker and a distribution board that can improve the workability of wiring work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A circuit breaker according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a terminal block electrically connected to a conductor of a primary wire, a contact portion inserted in the circuit between the terminal block and the secondary terminal, and an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the contact portion. The terminal block comprises a first terminal plate, a second terminal plate, a spring member, Adjustment member and The device comprises a case and a connecting conductor. The first terminal plate is electrically connected to the circuit. The second terminal plate is electrically connected to the first terminal plate. The spring member applies contact pressure to the conductor in a direction that brings it into contact with the first terminal plate. The adjusting member adjusts the contact pressure by moving in a direction that deforms the spring member. The case includes the first terminal board, The spring member and the adjustment member The case houses the terminals. The connecting conductor electrically connects the second terminal board and the first terminal board, which are located outside the case. The adjusting member is rotatably housed in the case and is configured to adjust the contact pressure by changing the amount of deformation of the spring member as it moves in the axial direction in response to rotation. At least a portion of the connecting conductor is led out of the case.

[0009] A distribution board according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a circuit breaker and a box housing the circuit breaker. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The circuit breakers and distribution boards disclosed herein have the effect of improving the workability of wiring work. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a front view of a circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the same circuit breaker. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a circuit block diagram of the same circuit breaker. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the terminal block of the circuit breaker shown above. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a front view of the terminal block shown above with the case cover removed. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the fixing member in the terminal block shown above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a front view of the terminal block shown above with the case cover removed, in which the fixing portion of the fixing member secures the adjustment member. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the main part of the terminal block shown above, with the case cover removed, in a state where the fixing portion of the fixing member of the fixing member is fixing the adjustment member. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the terminal block shown above with the case cover removed, in which the fixing portion of the fixing member secures the adjustment member. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a front view with the case cover removed, showing the terminal block shown above with the wires connected. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the same circuit breaker with the second housing omitted. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the same circuit breaker, with the first housing omitted. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the same circuit breaker with the first housing omitted. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a front view of a distribution board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, a circuit breaker and a distribution board according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, each drawing described in the following embodiments is a schematic diagram, and the respective ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of each component do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Note that the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made according to the design and the like as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0013] (1) Overview The circuit breaker A1 according to the embodiment has a terminal block B1, a contact part A11, and an opening / closing mechanism part A12 (see FIGS. 1 - 3). The circuit breaker A1 according to the embodiment is used, for example, as a main switch (also called a main breaker) of a residential distribution board (hereinafter referred to as a residential board). However, the present disclosure is applicable not only to circuit breakers but also to all switching devices including switches and circuit breakers.

[0014] The terminal block B1 is electrically connected to the conductor W10 of the primary-side electric wire W1 (see FIG. 10). The contact part A11 is inserted into the circuit A16 between the terminal block B1 and the secondary-side terminal A15 (see FIG. 3). The opening / closing mechanism part A12 opens and closes the contact part A11.

[0015] The terminal block B1 includes a first terminal plate 1, a second terminal plate 60, a spring member 2, a case 5, and a connection conductor 61 (see FIGS. 4, 5, and 11).

[0016] The first terminal plate 1 is electrically connected to the circuit A16. The second terminal plate 60 is electrically connected to the first terminal plate 1. The spring member 2 applies a contact pressure in a direction that contacts the first terminal plate 1 with respect to the conductor W10.

[0017] The case 5 houses the first terminal plate 1 and the spring member 2. The connection conductor 61 electrically connects the second terminal plate 60 disposed outside the case 5 and the first terminal plate 1. At least a part of the connection conductor 61 is led out of the case 5. <s

[0018] However, the circuit breaker A1 according to this embodiment can form a primary feed circuit with a second terminal plate 60 that is electrically connected to the first terminal plate 1 via a connecting conductor 61. Moreover, since the circuit breaker A1 according to this embodiment electrically connects the conductor W10 and the first terminal plate 1 with a spring member 2, it is not necessary to fasten the conductor W10 of the primary side wire W1 and the connection terminal of the terminal unit for the primary feed circuit together with a screw, as in the conventional example. As a result, the circuit breaker A1 according to this embodiment can improve the workability of the wiring work.

[0019] Furthermore, the distribution board C1 according to the embodiment includes a circuit breaker A1 according to the embodiment and a box C10 that houses the circuit breaker A1 according to the embodiment.

[0020] The distribution board C1 according to this embodiment is equipped with a circuit breaker A1 according to this embodiment, which improves the work efficiency of wiring work.

[0021] (2) Details of the circuit breaker according to the embodiment The circuit breaker A1 according to this embodiment (hereinafter abbreviated as circuit breaker A1) comprises three terminal blocks B1, three contact parts A11, and a switching mechanism A12, as shown in Figures 1-3. The circuit breaker A1 further comprises a tripping device A14 and a housing 7 that houses the three terminal blocks B1, the three contact parts A11, the switching mechanism A12, and the tripping device A14. The circuit breaker A1 is a three-pole earth leakage circuit breaker with neutral line phase loss protection function and is used as the main switch in a single-phase three-wire residential panel. However, the circuit breaker A1 may have fewer than three poles or four or more poles, or it may be a circuit breaker that does not have at least one of the neutral line phase loss protection function and the earth leakage interruption function.

[0022] The contact section A11 has a fixed contact electrically connected to the first terminal plate 1 of the terminal block B1 and a movable contact electrically connected to the secondary terminal A15 (see Figure 3). The movable contact can move between a closed state in which it contacts and conducts electricity with the fixed contact and an open state where it is separated from the fixed contact by a sufficient insulating distance.

[0023] The switching mechanism A12 can open and close the contact section A11 by moving the movable contact in response to the operation of the operating handle A17. When the tripping device A14 detects that an abnormal current such as an overload current, short circuit current, or leakage current is flowing through the circuit A16, it forcibly opens the three contact sections A11 via the switching mechanism A12. In addition, if the tripping device A14 detects that the neutral wire is out of phase, it also forcibly opens the three contact sections A11 via the switching mechanism A12.

[0024] The housing 7 comprises a first housing 71 and a second housing 72 (see Figure 2). Both the first housing 71 and the second housing 72 are formed from molded synthetic resins that have electrical insulating properties.

[0025] The first housing 71 is formed in a box shape by a first body 711 and a first cover 712. The first body 711 is formed in a box shape with an open front. The first cover 712 is formed in a box shape with an open rear. The first cover 712 is placed over the front of the first body 711, and the first body 711 and the first cover 712 are joined by appropriate methods such as screws to constitute the first housing 71. The first housing 71 houses components other than the three terminal blocks B1 (three contact parts A11, opening / closing mechanism A12, tripping device A14, secondary terminal A15, electrical circuit A16, operating handle A17, etc.). However, a part of the operating handle A17 is exposed from the front of the first housing 71 (the front of the first cover 712) (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0026] The second housing 72 is formed in a box shape by the second body 721 and the second cover 722. The second body 721 is formed in a box shape with an open front. Three recesses 7210 are provided side by side on the front of the second body 721 (see Figure 2). One terminal block B1 is housed in each of these three recesses 7210. The second cover 722 is formed in a box shape with an open rear. Three windows 7220 are provided side by side on the front of the second cover 722 (see Figure 2). The second cover 722 is placed over the front of the second body 721, and the second body 721 and the second cover 722 are joined by appropriate methods such as screws to form the second housing 72. Note that parts of the three terminal blocks B1 are exposed through the three windows 7220 provided on the front of the second cover 722 (see Figure 1). Furthermore, three outlets 723 are provided on the side of the second housing 72. These three outlets 723 are arranged in a stepped pattern along the front-to-back direction of the second housing 72 (see Figure 2). A portion of the second terminal board 60 (described later) of each of the three terminal blocks B1 is pulled out from these three outlets 723 (see Figure 1).

[0027] Furthermore, a support base 73 made of synthetic resin is integrally formed on the second body 721 (see Figures 1 and 2). The support base 73 has three support parts 730 and a rectangular mounting part 731. The three support parts 730 are each formed in the shape of a rectangular prism of different heights and protrude forward from the front of the mounting part 731. However, the three support parts 730 are arranged in a stepped manner in order of increasing height. These three support parts 730 each support one of the second terminal plates 60 of the three terminal blocks B1 (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0028] (2-1) Terminal block The configuration of terminal block B1 described below is common to all three terminal block B1s. In the following description, the front, back, up, down, and left / right directions indicated by arrows in Figure 4 are defined as the front, back, up, down, and left / right directions of terminal block B1. However, these directions do not limit the usage state of terminal block B1.

[0029] Terminal block B1 comprises a first terminal plate 1, a spring member 2, an adjustment member 3, a fixing member 4, and a case 5. Terminal block B1 further comprises a feed terminal block 6 and a display member 8.

[0030] (2-1-1) 1st terminal board The first terminal plate 1 has a rectangular contact piece 10 and a pair of side pieces 11 that protrude in the same direction (backward) from both sides along the longitudinal direction of the contact piece 10. The contact piece 10 and the pair of side pieces 11 are integrally formed in a trough shape from a metal material such as copper or a copper alloy (see Figure 5).

[0031] Furthermore, the upper end of the contact piece 10 is bent into a V-shape. In addition, a rectangular groove 100 is provided on both the left and right ends of the contact piece 10 in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) center (see Figure 5).

[0032] (2-1-2) Spring component The spring member 2 includes a first spring 21 and a second spring 22.

[0033] The first spring 21 has a U-shaped main portion 210 and an arc-shaped contact portion 211 that protrudes from one end of the main portion 210 toward the other end. The main portion 210 and the contact portion 211 are integrally formed from a strip of metal plate (for example, a stainless steel plate).

[0034] A square hole 212 is provided in the contact pressure portion 211 (see Figure 9). The square hole 212 penetrates the portion of the contact pressure portion 211 closer to the main portion 210 in the thickness direction. The other end portion of the main portion 210 and the upper end portion of the contact piece 10 of the first terminal plate 1 are inserted through the square hole 212. Thus, when no external force is applied, the first spring 21 is maintained in a state where the upper end portion of the contact piece 10 is in contact with the rear edge of the square hole 212 in the contact pressure portion 211 (see Figure 5). Hereinafter, this state may be referred to as the first state of the spring member 2.

[0035] The second spring 22 is formed into a tong shape by bending a strip of metal plate (for example, a stainless steel plate) into a U-shape. The second spring 22 is housed inside the main part 210 of the first spring 21 (see Figure 5). Thus, the second spring 22 supplements the spring force of the first spring 21 while improving the durability of the spring member 2.

[0036] (2-1-3) Adjustment Member The adjustment member 3 has a cylindrical body 30 and a screw thread 31 integrally formed with the body 30 on its outer circumferential surface (see Figure 5). The body 30 also has a hexagonal hole 300 aligned with its axial direction (see Figure 4). Furthermore, a trapezoidal groove 301 is formed on a part of the outer circumferential surface of the body 30 (see Figure 5).

[0037] (2-1-4) Fixing member The fixing member 4 has an operating part 40, a fixing part 41, and a pair of spring parts 42 (see Figures 5 and 6). The operating part 40 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. Flanges 400 protrude from both ends in the longitudinal direction on the back surface of the operating part 40 (see Figure 6).

[0038] Each of the pair of spring portions 42 is formed in a rectangular shape. One spring portion 42 protrudes from one end in the short direction on the back of the operating portion 40 at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the back of the operating portion 40. The other spring portion 42 protrudes from the other end in the short direction on the back of the operating portion 40 at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the back of the operating portion 40.

[0039] The fixing portion 41 is formed in a prismatic shape. The fixing portion 41 protrudes from the back surface of the operating portion 40 along the direction normal to the back surface. The fixing portion 41 is located between a pair of spring portions 42 in the longitudinal direction of the back surface of the operating portion 40 (see Figure 6). The tip surface of the fixing portion 41 is curved in an arc shape, and an arc-shaped claw 410 is provided that curves along the tip surface (see Figure 6). In addition, a projection 43 is provided on the side surface of the fixing portion 41. The projection 43 is formed in a prismatic shape and protrudes from the side surface of the fixing portion 41 along the longitudinal direction of the fixing portion 41. One end surface of the projection 43 (the end surface closer to the operating portion 40) is an inclined surface that slopes away from the operating portion 40 as it moves away from the side surface of the fixing portion 41 (see Figure 6).

[0040] (2-1-5) Display Member The display member 8 has an annular display section 80 and a trapezoidal leg section 81. The leg section 81 protrudes from the rear surface of the display section 80 along the thickness direction (front-to-back direction) of the display section 80. The display section 80 and the leg section 81 are integrally formed as a molded body of synthetic resin.

[0041] (2-1-6) Feed terminal block The feed terminal block 6 includes a second terminal plate 60, a connecting conductor 61, and a fixing screw 62 (see Figures 1, 2, 11, and 12).

[0042] The second terminal board 60 has a square-shaped main piece 600, a connecting piece 601 protruding from the side end face of the main piece 600, and a fixing piece 602 protruding from the side end face of the main piece 600 (the side end face opposite to the side end face from which the connecting piece 601 protrudes) (see Figure 11). However, the main piece 600, the connecting piece 601, and the fixing piece 602 are integrally formed by punching out a metal plate such as copper or a copper alloy. The tip portion of the fixing piece 602 is provided with a circular screw insertion hole that penetrates the fixing piece 602 in the thickness direction. The threaded portion of the fixing screw 62 is inserted through this screw insertion hole (see Figure 11). The fixing piece 602 is placed on the front surface of the support portion 730 of the support base 73 and fixed to the support portion 730 by the fixing screw 62 (see Figure 1).

[0043] The connecting conductor 61 is formed in a cylindrical shape from a flexible metal (for example, copper or a copper alloy). However, the connecting conductor 61 may be covered with an electrically insulating material such as a synthetic resin. Alternatively, the connecting conductor 61 may be a flat rectangular conductor made of metal.

[0044] The connecting conductor 61 electrically connects the first terminal board 1 and the second terminal board 60. One end of the connecting conductor 61 is electrically and mechanically connected to the tip portion (the V-shaped bent portion) of the contact piece 10 of the first terminal board 1 by soldering, welding, or other appropriate method. The other end of the connecting conductor 61 is electrically and mechanically connected to the connecting piece 601 of the second terminal board 60 by soldering, welding, or other appropriate method.

[0045] (2-1-7) Case Case 5 is formed in a box shape in which the width from left to right is sufficiently shorter than the width from front to back and the height from top to bottom (see Figure 4). Case 5 has a case body 5A and a case cover 5B, which are two halves of Case 5 divided in the center in the left-right direction. Case 5 is assembled by engaging multiple engaging parts provided on the case cover 5B with engaged parts provided on the case body 5A.

[0046] Case 5 is provided with a first housing space 501, a second housing space 502, and a third housing space 503 (see Figure 5). The first housing space 501 houses the first terminal board 1. The first housing space 501 is connected to an insertion opening 500 on the top surface of Case 5 by a guide path 50 provided in the upper rear part of Case 5. The guide path 50 guides the conductor W10 of the electric wire W1 inserted from the insertion opening 500 into the space surrounded by the contact piece 10 and a pair of side pieces 11 of the first terminal board 1.

[0047] The second housing space 502 houses the spring member 2. The second housing space 502 is provided with a spring support portion 53 that supports the spring member 2. When viewed from the left and right directions, the spring support portion 53 is formed in a shape in which a rectangular plate-like portion protrudes from the circumferential surface of a cylinder (see Figure 5). The spring support portion 53 supports the spring member 2 by being positioned inside the main portion 210 of the first spring 21 and the second spring 22.

[0048] The third housing space 503 houses the adjustment member 3 and the display member 8. The third housing space 503 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an opening 5030 on the front of the case 5. Furthermore, a screw groove 504 that engages with the screw threads 31 of the adjustment member 3 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the third housing space 503 (see Figure 7). In addition, a retaining groove 505 is formed at the front end portion of the third housing space 503 for rotatably holding the display portion 80 of the display member 8 (see Figure 5). The display member 8 is housed in the third housing space 503 by inserting the peripheral portion of the display portion 80 into the retaining groove 505 and inserting the legs 81 into grooves 301 provided in the body 30 of the adjustment member 3.

[0049] When the adjustment member 3, housed in the third storage space 503, is rotated counterclockwise from outside the case 5, it moves from the third storage space 503 toward the second storage space 502. At this time, the display member 8 rotates together with the adjustment member 3 via the legs 81 inserted into the groove 301, but the display unit 80 does not move from the third storage space 503 toward the second storage space 502 because it is rotatably held in the holding groove 505. In other words, the rotation angle of the display unit 80 visible from the opening 5030 of the case 5 is proportional to the amount of movement of the adjustment member 3 in the front-rear direction (the amount it moves between the third storage space 503 and the second storage space 502). Therefore, the display unit 80 can display the front-rear position of the adjustment member 3 by its rotation angle.

[0050] Case 5 further has a housing section 51 for housing the fixing member 4 (see Figure 5). An opening 510 of the housing section 51 is provided on the front of Case 5. The housing section 51 is also connected to a third housing space 503. The housing section 51 movably houses the fixing member 4 such that the operating section 40 protrudes out of Case 5 through the opening 510 and the tip (lower end) of the fixing section 41 faces the third housing space 503 (see Figure 5). The pair of spring sections 42 of the fixing member 4 are in contact with the inner wall of the housing section 51. Therefore, the fixing member 4 receives a force from the pair of spring sections 42 in the direction that causes the operating section 40 to protrude out of the opening 510. However, Case 5 has a restricting section 52 that restricts the movement of the fixing member 4 in the direction that causes the operating section 40 to protrude out of Case 5 through the opening 510. The restricting section 52 is composed of the inner wall of the space in the housing section 51 in which the projection 43 of the fixing member 4 is movably housed. In other words, the restricting section 52 restricts the movement of the fixing member 4 by causing the projection 43 of the fixing member 4 to strike the inner wall (see Figure 5).

[0051] Furthermore, two accommodating recesses 54 are provided in front of the insertion opening 500 on the upper surface of the case 5 (see Figure 4). These two accommodating recesses 54 are formed in the shape of grooves that penetrate the case 5 in the left-right direction. Each of the accommodating recesses 54 is capable of accommodating the connecting conductor 61 of the feed terminal block 6 (see Figure 2).

[0052] Furthermore, a through-hole 55 through which the connecting conductor 61 is inserted is provided on the left side of case 5 (the side of case cover 5B) (see Figures 4 and 11). However, the connecting conductor 61 is not shown in Figure 4.

[0053] (2-2) Procedure for wiring terminal blocks Next, we will explain the procedure for connecting the electric wire W1 to terminal block B1 (wiring work).

[0054] First, the worker rotates the adjustment member 3 counterclockwise using a tool such as a hex wrench. By rotating the adjustment member 3 counterclockwise, it moves in a direction from the third storage space 503 toward the second storage space 502 (hereinafter referred to as the first direction D1) (see Figure 5). As the adjustment member 3 moves toward the first direction D1, it flexes the spring member 2.

[0055] When the display unit 80, which rotates in conjunction with the adjustment member 3, reaches a predetermined position (hereinafter referred to as the locked position), the operator pushes the operating unit 40 to move the fixing member 4 into the case 5. The position of the fixing member 4 when the operating unit 40 is not pushed and the fixing member 4 is furthest from the adjustment member 3 is called the unfixed position (see Figure 5).

[0056] When the operator stops the counterclockwise rotation of the adjustment member 3 with a tool, the adjustment member 3, under the spring force of the spring member 2, rotates clockwise and moves in the opposite direction to the first direction D1 (hereinafter referred to as the second direction D2). Then, the claw 410 of the fixing part 41 catches on the body 30 of the adjustment member 3, which has moved to the second direction D2 (see Figure 8). As a result, the adjustment member 3 is fixed by the fixing member 4 (see Figure 7). Here, the position of the fixing member 4 when it is fixing the adjustment member 3 is called the fixed position (see Figure 7). When the fixing member 4 is in the fixed position, the first spring 21 of the spring member 2 is pressed against the adjustment member 3 and bends, so the square hole 212 of the first spring 21 connects with the guide path 50 of the case 5 (see Figure 9).

[0057] The worker inserts the conductor W10 of the electric wire W1 into the guide path 50 through the insertion opening 500 of the case 5. A slit 56 is provided that leads from the guide path 50 to the surface (front) of the case 5 (see Figure 9). The worker should insert the electric wire W1 into the insertion opening 500 until the insulator W11 of the electric wire W1 is visible through the slit 56. At this point, the conductor W10 of the electric wire W1 has reached the inside of the first terminal board 1 (see Figure 10).

[0058] Next, the worker uses a tool to rotate the adjustment member 3 counterclockwise. This moves the adjustment member 3 to the first orientation D1, and the claws 410 of the fixing part 41 detach from the main body 30. When the claws 410 of the fixing part 41 detach from the main body 30 of the adjustment member 3, the fixing member 4 moves from the fixed position to the unfixed position due to the spring force of the pair of spring parts 42. Then, when the worker stops rotating the adjustment member 3 counterclockwise with the tool, the adjustment member 3 moves to the second orientation D2 while rotating clockwise due to the spring force of the spring member 2. Then, the edge of the square hole 212 of the contact pressure part 211 of the first spring 21 contacts the conductor W10, and the conductor W10 is pressed against the contact piece 10 of the first terminal plate 1 by the spring force of the spring member 2 (the combined force of the spring force of the first spring 21 and the spring force of the second spring 22) (see Figure 10). As a result, the conductor W10 of the electric wire W1 and the first terminal board 1 are electrically and mechanically connected, and the edge of the square hole 212 of the contact portion 211 contacts the conductor W10, thereby preventing the electric wire W1 from coming loose.

[0059] The above procedure completes the connection of wire W1 to terminal block B1.

[0060] (2-3) Detailed description of the second enclosure Next, the detailed configuration of the second housing 72, which houses the three terminal blocks B1 in the circuit breaker A1, will be described with reference to Figures 11-13. In the following description, the front-to-back, up-and-down, and left-to-right directions indicated by arrows in Figure 12 are defined as the front-to-back, up-and-down, and left-to-right directions of the circuit breaker A1 and the second housing 72, respectively.

[0061] As already explained, the three terminal blocks B1 have a common configuration except for the feed terminal block 6 that each has.

[0062] The terminal block B1 located in the center of the second enclosure 72 in the left-right direction is responsible for the electrical connection between the neutral pole circuit A16 and the neutral pole wire W1 of the single-phase three-wire circuit. The two terminal blocks B1 located at both the left and right ends of the second enclosure 72 are responsible for the electrical connection between the two voltage pole circuits A16 and the two voltage pole wires W1 of the single-phase three-wire circuit.

[0063] The connecting conductor 61 of the feed terminal block 6 of the leftmost terminal block B1 (hereinafter referred to as the leftmost feed terminal block 6) is shorter than the connecting conductor 61 of the feed terminal block 6 of the central terminal block B1 (hereinafter referred to as the central feed terminal block 6) and the feed terminal block 6 of the rightmost terminal block B1 (hereinafter referred to as the rightmost feed terminal block 6).

[0064] The second terminal plate 60 of the leftmost feed terminal block 6 has a connecting piece 601 protruding from the upper end of the right side of the main piece 600, and a fixing piece 602 protruding from the lower end of the left side of the main piece 600 (see Figures 11 and 12). The second terminal plate 60 of the central feed terminal block 6 has a connecting piece 601 protruding from the lower end of the right side of the main piece 600, and a fixing piece 602 protruding from the upper end of the left side of the main piece 600 (see Figures 11 and 12). The second terminal plate 60 of the rightmost feed terminal block 6 has a connecting piece 601 protruding from the vertical center of the right side of the main piece 600, and a fixing piece 602 protruding from the vertical center of the left side of the main piece 600 (see Figures 11 and 12).

[0065] The three second terminal boards 60 are arranged from front to back in the following order: the second terminal board 60 of the central feed terminal block 6, the second terminal board 60 of the rightmost feed terminal block 6, and the second terminal board 60 of the leftmost feed terminal block 6. The fixing piece 602 of the second terminal board 60 in the central feed terminal block 6 is fixed to the frontmost support part 730 of the support base 73 with fixing screws 62. The fixing piece 602 of the second terminal board 60 in the leftmost feed terminal block 6 is fixed to the rearmost support part 730 of the support base 73 with fixing screws 62. The fixing piece 602 of the second terminal board 60 in the rightmost feed terminal block 6 is fixed to the middle support part 730 of the support base 73 with fixing screws 62.

[0066] The left side wall of the second body 721 of the second housing 72 is formed in a stepped shape that protrudes forward from top to bottom (see Figures 12 and 13). The left side wall of the second cover 722 of the second housing 72 is formed in a stepped shape that is cut out forward from top to bottom (see Figures 12 and 13). When the second body 721 and the second cover 722 are joined and the left side wall of the second cover 722 and the left side wall of the second body 721 abut, three outlets 723 are formed in the left side wall of the second housing 72 (see Figure 13). Of these three outlets 723, the uppermost outlet 723 is located furthest back, and the lowermost outlet 723 is located furthest forward. The remaining outlet 723 is located between the other two outlets 723 in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The connecting piece 601 of the second terminal board 60 in the leftmost feed terminal block 6 is pulled out from the uppermost (furthest back) outlet 723. Furthermore, the connecting piece 601 of the second terminal board 60 in the central feed terminal block 6 is pulled out from the lowest (forward) outlet 723. In addition, the connecting piece 601 of the second terminal board 60 in the rightmost feed terminal block 6 is pulled out from the outlet 723 located in the center vertically and horizontally. However, the positions of the connecting pieces 601 on the three second terminal boards 60 are offset vertically. Therefore, when the second housing 72 is viewed from the front, the main pieces 600 of the three second terminal boards 60 overlap (see Figure 1).

[0067] (2-4) Advantages of the circuit breaker according to the embodiment As described above, in circuit breaker A1, the second terminal plate 60 of the feed terminal block 6 is located outside the case 5 of terminal block B1, and a portion of the connecting conductor 61 that electrically connects the second terminal plate 60 to the first terminal plate 1 is also led outside the case 5 (see Figure 11). Moreover, terminal block B1 is configured to electrically connect the first terminal plate 1 and the conductor W10 of the electric wire W1 without using screws. Therefore, circuit breaker A1 does not require the connection terminals of the primary feed circuit terminal unit and the conductor W10 of the primary side electric wire W1 to be fastened together with screws, as in conventional examples, thus improving the workability of the wiring work. In terminal block B1, the adjustment member 3 is fixed by a fixing member 4 to adjust the contact pressure of the spring member 2. Therefore, compared to the case where the spring member 2 is bent by the electric wire W1 (conductor W10) inserted into the guide path 50, circuit breaker A1 can improve the workability of the wiring work in connecting the conductor W10 of the electric wire W1 to the first terminal plate 1.

[0068] Furthermore, the second terminal plates 60 of the three feed terminal blocks 6 do not protrude beyond the outline of the case 5 when viewed from the normal direction (left-right direction) of one side (left side) of the case 5 (see Figure 12). Therefore, even when the circuit breaker A1 is housed in the box C10 of the distribution board C1, as will be described later, the three second terminal plates 60 do not protrude beyond the front of the circuit breaker A1, and it can be easily housed in the box C10.

[0069] Furthermore, the circuit breaker A1 has a housing 7 that accommodates three terminal blocks B1, three contact parts A11, and a switching mechanism A12. Therefore, compared to the case where the contact parts A11 and the switching mechanism A12 are housed within the case 5 of the terminal block B1, the workability of the assembly work of the circuit breaker A1 can be improved. Moreover, since the three terminal blocks B1 are housed in the housing 7 (second housing 72), the workability of the assembly work of the circuit breaker A1 can be further improved.

[0070] Furthermore, the circuit breaker A1 has three second terminal boards 60, each comprising three terminal blocks B1, arranged outside the housing 7 in a single line parallel to one side (left side) of the housing 7 (see Figure 1). Therefore, the circuit breaker A1 can easily connect internal components such as earth leakage circuit breakers to the primary feed circuit composed of the three second terminal boards 60.

[0071] Incidentally, the enclosure 7 (second enclosure 72) is provided with three outlets 723 from which the connecting pieces 601 of the three second terminal boards 60 are pulled out (see Figure 13). These three outlets 723 are arranged so that they do not overlap when viewed from the direction in which the three second terminal boards 60 are lined up in a row (front-to-back direction). Therefore, the enclosure 7 (second enclosure 72) can be assembled by connecting the two parts (second body 721 and second cover 722) in the front-to-back direction. As a result, the circuit breaker A1 can improve the workability in the assembly work of the enclosure 7.

[0072] Here, of the three terminal blocks B1, the second terminal plate 60 of the terminal block B1 that is electrically connected to the neutral conductor of the single-phase three-wire circuit is positioned furthest from the bottom (rear) surface of the housing 7 than the second terminal plates 60 of the other two terminal blocks B1 (see Figure 11). In other words, the primary feed circuit of the circuit breaker A1 has a second terminal plate 60 for the neutral pole and two second terminal plates 60 for the voltage poles, with the second terminal plate 60 for the neutral pole positioned in front of the two second terminal plates 60 for the two voltage poles. This arrangement of the second terminal plates 60 is the same as the arrangement of the busbar (conductive bar) that is electrically connected to the secondary side terminal A15 of the circuit breaker A1, as will be described later. Therefore, the circuit breaker A1 can easily connect internal components such as breakers that can be connected to the secondary side busbar (conductive bar) to the primary feed circuit.

[0073] (3) Details of the distribution board according to the embodiment The distribution board C1 according to this embodiment (hereinafter abbreviated as distribution board C1) comprises a circuit breaker A1 used as the main breaker and a box C10 that houses the circuit breaker A1 (see Figure 14). Although distribution board C1 is exemplified as a residential distribution board, it may also be a distribution board other than a residential distribution board, for example, a cabinet-type distribution board used in offices, shops, factories, etc.

[0074] Box C10 is formed from synthetic resin in a rectangular box shape with an open front. Box C10 is attached to indoor building materials, such as the walls of a house. Although not shown in the illustration, the front of Box C10 can be closed by opening and closing a door attached to Box C10.

[0075] Circuit breaker A1 is housed in box C10, slightly to the left of the center in the left-right direction. Within box C10, three busbars and multiple branch breakers (branch switches) are housed in the space to the right of circuit breaker A1. However, the busbars and branch breakers are not shown in Figure 14.

[0076] Each of the three busbars is composed of a conductive bar formed in the shape of a rectangular plate from copper or a copper alloy. The three busbars are arranged in the center of the box C10 in the vertical direction, at equal intervals along the depth direction of the box C10. Each of the three busbars is electrically connected to one of the three secondary terminals A15 of the circuit breaker A1.

[0077] Multiple branch circuit breakers are positioned above and below the three busbars and are electrically connected to any two of the three busbars.

[0078] Furthermore, within box C10, an internal component for the primary feed circuit (e.g., a circuit breaker) is housed in the space to the left of circuit breaker A1. The circuit breaker for the primary feed circuit is, for example, a ground fault circuit breaker, and is electrically connected to any two of the three second terminal boards 60 of circuit breaker A1. The primary feed circuit is used, for example, to supply power to a receiver for apartment buildings as stipulated in Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Ordinance No. 40 of 2005.

[0079] However, since the distribution board C1 is equipped with a circuit breaker A1, it is not necessary to fasten the conductor W10 of the primary wire W1 and the connection terminal of the primary feed circuit terminal unit together with a screw, thereby improving the work efficiency of the wiring work.

[0080] (4) Summary A circuit breaker (A1) according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a terminal block (B1) electrically connected to a conductor (W10) of a primary wire (W1), a contact portion (A11) inserted into a circuit (A16) between the terminal block (B1) and a secondary terminal (A15), and a switching mechanism (A12) for opening and closing the contact portion (A11). The terminal block (B1) includes a first terminal plate (1), a second terminal plate (60), a spring member (2), a case (5), and a connecting conductor (61). The first terminal plate (1) is electrically connected to the circuit (A16). The second terminal plate (60) is electrically connected to the first terminal plate (1). The spring member (2) applies contact pressure to the conductor (W10) in a direction that brings it into contact with the first terminal plate (1). The case (5) houses the first terminal board (1) and the spring member (2). The connecting conductor (61) electrically connects the first terminal board (1) to the second terminal board (60), which is located outside the case (5). At least a portion of the connecting conductor (61) is led out of the case (5).

[0081] In the first embodiment of the circuit breaker (A1), the second terminal board (60) is positioned outside the case (5), and a portion of the connecting conductor (61) that electrically connects the second terminal board (60) to the first terminal board (1) is led out outside the case (5). Moreover, in the first embodiment of the circuit breaker (A1), the first terminal board (1) and the conductor (W10) of the electric wire (W1) are electrically connected without using screws. As a result, in the first embodiment of the circuit breaker (A1), it is not necessary to fasten the conductor of the primary side electric wire and the connecting terminal of the terminal unit for the primary feed circuit together with screws, as in the conventional example, thus improving the workability of the wiring work.

[0082] A circuit breaker (A1) according to a second aspect of this disclosure can be realized by combining it with the first aspect. In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the second aspect, it is preferable that the second terminal board (60) does not protrude outside the contour of the case (5) when viewed from the direction normal to one side of the case (5).

[0083] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the second embodiment can be easily housed in a box (C10) of a distribution board (C1) or the like.

[0084] A circuit breaker (A1) according to a third aspect of this disclosure may be realized in combination with the first or second aspect. Preferably, the circuit breaker (A1) according to the third aspect further comprises a housing (7) housing a terminal block (B1), a contact portion (A11), and a switching mechanism portion (A12).

[0085] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the third embodiment can improve the workability of the assembly process compared to the case in which the contact portion (A11) and the switching mechanism portion (A12) are housed within the case (5) of the terminal block (B1).

[0086] A circuit breaker (A1) according to a fourth aspect of this disclosure can be realized by combining it with a third aspect. In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the fourth aspect, the housing (7) preferably accommodates a plurality of terminal blocks (B1).

[0087] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the fourth embodiment can further improve the workability of the assembly process.

[0088] A circuit breaker (A1) according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure can be realized by combining it with a fourth aspect. In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the fifth aspect, it is preferable that the multiple second terminal boards (60) provided by the multiple terminal blocks (B1) are arranged outside the housing (7). It is preferable that the multiple second terminal boards (60) are arranged in a line parallel to one side of the housing (7).

[0089] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the fifth embodiment allows for easy connection of internal components such as branch switches to a plurality of second terminal boards (60) that constitute the primary feed circuit.

[0090] A circuit breaker (A1) according to a sixth aspect of this disclosure can be realized by combining it with a fifth aspect. In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the sixth aspect, the housing (7) preferably has a plurality of outlets (723) that each lead out a portion of a plurality of second terminal boards (60) or a plurality of connecting conductors (61). The plurality of outlets (723) are preferably arranged so as not to overlap when viewed from the direction in which the plurality of second terminal boards (60) are lined up in a row.

[0091] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the sixth embodiment can improve workability during the assembly of the housing (7).

[0092] A circuit breaker (A1) according to a seventh aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with a fifth or sixth aspect. In a circuit breaker (A1) according to a seventh aspect, it is preferable that the second terminal plate (60) of one terminal block (B1) that is electrically connected to the neutral conductor of a single-phase three-wire circuit is positioned furthest from the bottom surface of the housing (7) than the second terminal plates (60) of the other terminal blocks (B1).

[0093] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the seventh embodiment allows for easy connection of internal components such as branch breakers to the primary feed circuit.

[0094] A circuit breaker (A1) according to the eighth aspect of this disclosure can be realized by combination with any of the first to seventh aspects. In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the eighth aspect, the terminal block (B1) preferably comprises an adjustment member (3) and a fixing member (4). The adjustment member (3) preferably adjusts the contact pressure by moving in a direction that deforms the spring member (2). The fixing member (4) preferably moves between a fixed position that fixes the adjustment member (3) and an unfixed position that allows the adjustment member (3) to move without being fixed. The adjustment member (3) and the fixing member (4) preferably house in a case (5). The case (5) preferably has a guide path (50) and a housing section (51). The guide path (50) preferably guides the conductor (W10) from an insertion opening (500) provided on the surface of the case (5) to a housing space (first housing space 501) in which the first terminal board (1) is housed. The housing section (51) preferably opens to the surface of the case (5) and movably houses the fixing member (4). The fixing member (4) preferably has an operating section (40) and a fixing section (41). The operating section (40) is preferably pressed from outside the case (5). The fixing section (41) moves when the operating section (40) is pressed, and it is preferable that the adjustment member (3) is fixed when the fixing member (4) is in the fixed position.

[0095] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the eighth embodiment can improve the workability of the wiring work in which the conductor (W10) of the electric wire (W1) is connected to the first terminal board (1) by fixing the adjustment member (3) with the fixing member (4) and adjusting the contact pressure of the spring member (2).

[0096] A distribution board (C1) according to the ninth aspect of this disclosure comprises a circuit breaker (A1) according to any of the first to eighth aspects, and a box (C10) housing the circuit breaker (A1).

[0097] The distribution board (C1) according to the ninth embodiment does not require the connection terminals of the primary side wire conductors and the primary feed circuit terminal unit to be fastened together with screws, as in the conventional example, thereby improving the workability of the wiring work. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] A1 Circuit breaker A11 Contact part A12 Opening / closing mechanism A15 Secondary terminal A16 Electrical circuit B1 Terminal Block C1 Distribution Board C10 Box D1 First orientation D2 Second orientation W1 electric wire W10 conductor 1 1st terminal board (terminal board) 2 Spring member 3 Adjustment Member 4 Fixing members 5 cases 7 cabinets 40 Control section 41 Fixed part 50 Guide Route 51 Storage Unit 60 2nd terminal board 61 Connecting conductor 500 insertion slots 501 First Containment Space (Containment Space) 723 Drawer

Claims

1. A terminal block that is electrically connected to the conductor of the primary side wire, A contact portion inserted into the circuit between the terminal block and the secondary terminal, An opening and closing mechanism that opens and closes the aforementioned contact portion, It has, The aforementioned terminal block is A first terminal board electrically connected to the aforementioned circuit, A second terminal board that is electrically connected to the first terminal board, A spring member that applies contact pressure to the conductor in a direction that brings it into contact with the first terminal plate, An adjustment member that adjusts the contact pressure by moving in a direction that deforms the spring member, A case housing the first terminal plate, the spring member, and the adjustment member, A connecting conductor is provided which electrically connects the second terminal board and the first terminal board, which are located outside the case. Equipped with, The adjusting member is rotatably housed in the case and is configured to adjust the contact pressure by changing the amount of deformation of the spring member as it rotates and moves in the axial direction. At least a portion of the connecting conductor is led out of the case. Circuit breaker.

2. The second terminal board, when viewed from the direction normal to one side of the case, does not protrude outside the contour of the case. The circuit breaker according to claim 1.

3. The housing further comprises the terminal block, the contact portion, and the opening / closing mechanism portion. The circuit breaker according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The housing accommodates a plurality of the terminal blocks, The circuit breaker according to claim 3.

5. The plurality of second terminal boards provided by the plurality of terminal blocks are arranged outside the housing, The plurality of second terminal boards are arranged in a line parallel to one side of the housing. The circuit breaker according to claim 4.

6. The housing has a plurality of outlets for bringing out a portion of the plurality of second terminal boards or a plurality of the connecting conductors to the outside, The plurality of outlets are arranged so that they do not overlap when viewed from the direction in which the plurality of second terminal boards are lined up in a row. The circuit breaker according to claim 5.

7. Of the plurality of terminal blocks, the second terminal plate of one terminal block that is electrically connected to the neutral conductor of a single-phase three-wire circuit is positioned furthest from the bottom surface of the housing than the second terminal plates of the other plurality of terminal blocks. The circuit breaker according to claim 5.

8. The aforementioned terminal block is A fixing member that is movable between a fixed position for fixing the adjustment member and an unfixed position that allows the adjustment member to move without being fixed, Equipped with, The aforementioned fixing member is housed in the case. The aforementioned case is, A guide path for guiding the conductor from an insertion opening provided on the surface of the case to a housing space in which the first terminal board is housed, An opening on the surface of the case and a housing portion that movably accommodates the fixing member, It has, The aforementioned fixing member is An operating part that is pressed from outside the case, The operating part moves when the operating part is pressed, and the fixing part fixes the adjustment member when the fixing member is in the fixed position, Having, The circuit breaker according to claim 1 or 2.

9. A circuit breaker according to claim 1 or 2, A box housing the circuit breaker, Equipped with, Distribution board.

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