Circuit breakers and distribution boards

Abstract

To provide a circuit breaker capable of improving the workability in wire connection work.SOLUTION: A circuit breaker A1 has a terminal block B1 to be electrically connected to a conductor of a primary side wire. The terminal block B1 includes a first terminal board 1, a spring member 2, an adjustment member 3, a fixing member 4, and a case 5. The fixing member 4 has an operation part 40 and a fixed part 41. The operation part 40 is to be operated to press outside of the case 5. The fixed part 41 is configured to move when the operation part 40 is pressed, and when the fixing member 4 is positioned at a fixing position, fix the adjustment member 3. At least a part of the operation part 40 protrudes out of the case 5 from an opening 510 of a housing part 51 when the fixing member 4 is not in the fixing position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

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 quick-connect terminal and a distribution board including the circuit breaker.

Background Art

[0002] A circuit breaker has a terminal portion to which an electric wire is connected. The terminal portion includes a screw terminal that electrically and mechanically connects a terminal plate and a conductor of an electric wire using a screw, and a quick-connect terminal (screwless terminal) that electrically and mechanically connects a terminal plate and a conductor of an electric wire using a spring.

[0003] As a conventional example of a terminal portion composed of quick-connect terminals, the series terminals described in Patent Document 1 are exemplified. The series terminals described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as the conventional example) include a spring tightening element having a conductor rail portion, a tension frame, a coil spring, and an operation cylinder. The operation cylinder is supported by the tension frame or the conductor rail portion so as to be rotatable by a thread and position-fixed in the extending direction of the operation cylinder. The operation cylinder is disposed substantially within the internal space of the tension frame in a tightened state in which at least a conductor (a conductor of an electric wire) is sandwiched by the thread thereof. The thread of the operation cylinder meshes with the thread of an operation portion coupled to the tension frame or the conductor rail portion in order to rotate the operation cylinder and relatively move the tension frame with respect to the conductor rail portion.

[0004] The conductor rail portion has a tunnel thin plate. The tunnel thin plate starts from the conductor rail portion, extends in part parallel to the conductor rail portion, and is bent to provide a connection space between the conductor rail portion.

[0005] By moving the operating cylinder and compressing the coil spring, the conductor of the electric wire can be inserted into the connection space. A rotation stopper is provided to maintain the state in which the conductor can be inserted into the connection space. The rotation stopper engages with the operating cylinder and restricts its movement. After the conductor is inserted into the connection space, when the engagement between the rotation stopper and the operating cylinder is released, the spring force of the compressed coil spring moves the operating cylinder, and the conductor of the electric wire is sandwiched between the clamping edge of the tension frame and the conductor rail portion. As a result, the conductor of the electric wire and the conductor rail portion are electrically and mechanically connected. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-4111 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Incidentally, in the conventional example described above, the rotation stopper is inserted into a receiving opening provided in the insulating material housing so as to be able to move back and forth. However, since the surface (operating surface) of the rotation stopper is almost flush with the surface of the insulating material housing, when a person pushes the rotation stopper in with their finger, it is necessary to insert part of the finger into the receiving opening, which made the work in the wire connection work difficult.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a circuit breaker and a distribution board that can improve work efficiency in wire connection work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] 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 terminal plate, a spring member, an adjustment member, a fixing member, and a case. The terminal plate is electrically connected to the circuit. The spring member applies contact pressure to the conductor in a direction that brings it into contact with the terminal plate. The adjustment member adjusts the contact pressure by moving in a direction that deforms the spring member. The fixing member is movable between a fixed position that fixes the adjustment member and an unfixed position that allows the adjustment member to move without being fixed. The case houses the terminal plate, the spring member, the adjustment member, and the fixing member. 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. The case comprises a guide path and a housing section. The guide path guides the conductor from an insertion opening provided on the surface of the case to a housing space in which the terminal board is housed. The housing section opens onto the surface of the case and movably houses the fixing member. The fixing member comprises an operating section and a fixing section. The operating section is pressed from outside the case. The fixing section moves when the operating section is pressed and fixes the adjustment member when the fixing member is in the fixed position. At least a portion of the operating section protrudes out of the case through the opening when the fixing member is not in the fixed position.

[0010] 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]

[0011] The circuit breaker and distribution board of this disclosure have the effect of improving work efficiency in wire connection work. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [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 front view of a distribution board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, circuit breakers and distribution boards according to embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the figures described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of this disclosure. This disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of this disclosure can be achieved.

[0014] (1) Overview The circuit breaker A1 according to the embodiment has a terminal block B1, a contact portion A11, and an opening / closing mechanism portion 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 trunk 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.

[0015] The terminal block B1 is electrically connected to the conductor W10 of the primary-side electric wire W1 (see FIG. 10). The contact portion 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 portion A12 opens and closes the contact portion A11.

[0016] The terminal block B1 includes a terminal plate (first terminal plate 1), a spring member 2, an adjustment member 3, a fixing member 4, and a case 5 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0017] The first terminal plate 1 is electrically connected to the circuit A16. The spring member 2 applies a contact pressure in a direction (upward in FIG. 5) that contacts the first terminal plate 1 with respect to the conductor W10. The adjustment member 3 adjusts the contact pressure by moving in a direction (downward in FIG. 5) that deforms the spring member 2. The fixing member 4 is movable between a fixing position (see FIG. 7) for fixing the adjustment member 3 and a non-fixing position (see FIG. 5) that allows the adjustment member 3 to move without being fixed.

[0018] The case 5 houses the first terminal plate 1, the spring member 2, the adjustment member 3, and the fixing member 4. The case 5 has a guide path 50 and a housing portion 51 (see FIG. 5). The guide path 50 guides the conductor W10 from the insertion port 500 provided on the surface of the case 5 to the housing space 501 where the first terminal plate 1 is housed. The housing portion 51 opens on the surface of the case 5 and houses the fixing member 4 so that it can move.

[0019] The fixing member 4 has an operating part 40 and a fixing part 41. The operating part 40 is pressed from outside the case 5. The fixing part 41 moves when the operating part 40 is pressed, and fixes the adjustment member 3 when the fixing member 4 is in the fixed position. At least a portion of the operating part 40 protrudes out of the case 5 through the opening 510 of the housing part 51 when the fixing member 4 is not in the fixed position.

[0020] However, in the circuit breaker A1 according to this embodiment, when the fixing member 4 is not in the fixed position, that is, when the fixing part 41 is not fixing the adjustment member 3, at least a part of the operating part 40 protrudes out of the case 5 from the opening 510 of the housing part 51 (see Figures 4 and 5). Therefore, in the circuit breaker A1 according to this embodiment, compared to the conventional example where the surface of the rotation stopper is substantially flush with the surface of the insulating material housing, it is easier to press the operating part 40 with a person's finger when moving the fixing member 4 to the fixed position. As a result, the circuit breaker A1 according to this embodiment can improve workability in the connection work of the electric wire W1.

[0021] 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 (see Figure 11).

[0022] The distribution board C1 according to this embodiment is equipped with a circuit breaker A1 according to this embodiment, which improves the work efficiency in connecting the electric wires W1.

[0023] (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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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).

[0028] 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).

[0029] 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).

[0030] However, the second terminal plate 60 (feed terminal block 6, described later) and support base 73 of each terminal block B1 are necessary components when a primary feed terminal is provided on the circuit breaker A1. Therefore, if a primary feed terminal is not required on the circuit breaker A1, the feed terminal block 6 and support base 73 of each terminal block B1 are also unnecessary.

[0031] (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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] (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).

[0034] 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).

[0035] (2-1-2) Spring component The spring member 2 includes a first spring 21 and a second spring 22.

[0036] 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).

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] (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).

[0040] (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).

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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).

[0043] (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.

[0044] (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 and 2).

[0045] 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 2). 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. 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).

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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 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.

[0048] (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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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).

[0054] 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).

[0055] 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 Figure 4). However, the connecting conductor 61 is not shown in Figure 4.

[0056] (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).

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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).

[0059] 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).

[0060] 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).

[0061] 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.

[0062] The above procedure completes the connection of wire W1 to terminal block B1.

[0063] (2-3) Advantages of the circuit breaker according to the embodiment As described above, in the circuit breaker A1, a portion of the operating part 40 of the fixing member 4 protrudes out of the case 5 through the opening 510 of the housing 51 when the fixing member 4 is not in the fixed position (see Figure 5). Therefore, compared to the conventional example where the surface of the rotation stopper is almost flush with the surface of the insulating material housing, the circuit breaker A1 makes it easier to press the operating part 40 with a person's finger when moving the fixing member 4 to the fixed position. As a result, the circuit breaker A1 can improve workability in the connection work (wiring work) of the electric wire W1.

[0064] Furthermore, the fixing member 4 has a spring portion 42 that applies spring force in a direction that causes at least a part of the operating portion 40 to protrude outside the case 5. Therefore, when the fixing portion 41 does not fix the adjustment member 3, the circuit breaker A1 can automatically move the fixing member 4 to the unfixed position by the spring force of the spring portion 42. In other words, the circuit breaker A1 does not require a person to operate the operating portion 40 to move the fixing member 4 from the fixed position to the unfixed position, thus further improving the workability of connection work. In this embodiment, the fixing member 4 has a pair of spring portions 42, but there may be one spring portion 42 or three or more.

[0065] Furthermore, since the spring portion 42 is formed integrally with the operating portion 40, the circuit breaker A1 can improve workability when housing the fixing member 4 in the case 5 and assembling the terminal block B1.

[0066] Furthermore, case 5 has a restricting portion 52. The restricting portion 52 restricts the movement of the fixing member 4 in a direction that causes at least a portion of the operating portion 40 to protrude out of case 5 from the opening 510 (in a direction that moves from a non-fixed position to a fixed position). Thus, by restricting the movement of the fixing member 4 with the restricting portion 52 of case 5, the circuit breaker A1 can prevent the operating portion 40 from protruding more than necessary from the opening 510 of case 5, and prevent the fixing member 4 from falling out of case 5 through the opening 510.

[0067] Furthermore, the direction of movement of the adjustment member 3 (first direction D1 and second direction D2) is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the fixed member 4. However, "perpendicular" here is not limited to the case where the angle at which the direction of movement of the adjustment member 3 and the direction of movement of the fixed member 4 intersect is 90 degrees, but includes angles that are considered substantially "perpendicular," for example, an angle of 90 degrees ± 3 to 5 degrees. Thus, the circuit breaker A1 can improve the operability of the operating unit 40 by making the direction of movement of the adjustment member 3 perpendicular to the direction of movement of the fixed member 4.

[0068] Incidentally, case 5 has a bottom surface (rear surface in the embodiment) and a side surface (top surface in the embodiment) on which the opening 510 is provided. The direction of movement of the fixing member 4 intersects with the bottom surface of case 5 (see Figure 5). The inclination angle of the direction of movement of the fixing member 4 with respect to the bottom surface of case 5 is preferably in the range of 15 to 30 degrees. Since the circuit breaker A1 has the direction of movement of the fixing member 4 intersecting with the bottom surface of case 5, the operability of the operating section 40 can be further improved.

[0069] Furthermore, the circuit breaker A1 has a housing 7 that accommodates the terminal block B1, the contact section A11, and the switching mechanism section A12. In other words, since the circuit breaker A1 has a double structure in which the case 5 of the terminal block B1 is housed in the housing 7, the workability of the assembly process can be improved compared to the case in which the terminal block B1 is directly housed in the housing 7 without the case 5.

[0070] (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 11). 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 an office, store, factory, etc.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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 11.

[0073] 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.

[0074] Multiple branch circuit breakers are positioned above and below the three busbars and are electrically connected to any two of the three busbars.

[0075] Furthermore, within box C10, a breaker for the primary feed circuit may be housed in the space to the left of circuit breaker A1. The 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.

[0076] However, since the distribution board C1 is equipped with a circuit breaker A1, it is possible to improve the work efficiency when connecting the electric wire W1 to the primary terminals (three terminal blocks B1) of the circuit breaker A1.

[0077] (4) Summary A circuit breaker (A1) according to a first aspect of this disclosure includes a terminal block (B1) electrically connected to a conductor (W10) of a primary wire (W1). The circuit breaker (A1) according to the first aspect includes a contact portion (A11) inserted into an electrical circuit (A16) between the terminal block (B1) and a secondary terminal (A15), and an opening / closing mechanism (A12) for opening and closing the contact portion (A11). The terminal block (B1) includes a terminal plate (first terminal plate 1), a spring member (2), an adjustment member (3), a fixing member (4), and a case (5). The terminal plate is electrically connected to the electrical circuit (A16). The spring member (2) applies contact pressure to the conductor (W10) in a direction that brings it into contact with the terminal plate. The adjustment member (3) adjusts the contact pressure by moving in a direction that deforms the spring member (2). The fixing member (4) is movable between a fixed position for fixing the adjustment member (3) and an unfixed position that allows the adjustment member (3) to move without being fixed. The case (5) houses the terminal plate, the spring member (2), the adjustment member (3), and the fixing member (4). The case (5) has a guide path (50) and a housing section (51). The guide path (50) 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 terminal plate is housed. The housing section (51) opens on the surface of the case (5) and movably houses the fixing member (4). The fixing member (4) has an operating section (40) and a fixing section (41). The operating section (40) is operated by pressing from outside the case (5). The fixing part (41) moves when the operating part (40) is pressed, and fixes the adjustment member (3) when the fixing member (4) is in the fixed position. At least a portion of the operating part (40) protrudes out of the case (5) through the opening (510) of the housing part (51) when the fixing member (4) is not in the fixed position.

[0078] In the first embodiment of the circuit breaker (A1), at least a portion of the operating part (40) protrudes out of the case (5) from the opening (510) of the housing (51) when the fixing member (4) is not in the fixed position. Therefore, in the first embodiment of the circuit breaker (A1), when moving the fixing member (4) to the fixed position, the operating part (40) can be easily pressed with a person's finger, improving work efficiency in the wire (W1) connection work.

[0079] A circuit breaker (A1) according to a second aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the first aspect. In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the second aspect, the fixing member (4) preferably further has a spring portion (42). The spring portion (42) preferably applies a spring force in a direction that causes at least a part of the operating portion (40) to protrude outside the case (5).

[0080] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the second embodiment does not require a person to operate the operating unit (40) to move the fixing member (4) from the fixed position to the unfixed position, thus further improving the workability of connection work.

[0081] A circuit breaker (A1) according to a third aspect of this disclosure can be realized by combining it with the second aspect. In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the third aspect, the spring portion (42) is preferably formed integrally with the operating portion (40).

[0082] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the third embodiment can improve workability when assembling the terminal block (B1) by housing the fixing member (4) in the case (5).

[0083] A circuit breaker (A1) according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with any of the first to third aspects. In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the fourth aspect, the case (5) preferably further has a restricting portion (52). The restricting portion (52) preferably restricts the movement of the fixing member (4) in a direction that causes at least a portion of the operating portion (40) to protrude out of the case (5) from the opening (510).

[0084] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the fourth embodiment can prevent the operating part (40) from protruding excessively from the opening (510) of the case (5), and prevent the fixing member (4) from falling out of the case (5) through the opening (510).

[0085] A circuit breaker (A1) according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure can be realized by combination with any of the first to fourth aspects. In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the fifth aspect, it is preferable that the direction of movement of the adjustment member (3) is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the fixed member (4).

[0086] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the fifth embodiment can improve the operability of the operating unit (40).

[0087] A circuit breaker (A1) according to a sixth aspect of this disclosure can be realized by combination with any of the first to fifth aspects. In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the sixth aspect, the case (5) preferably has a bottom surface and a side surface with an opening (510). It is preferable that the direction of movement of the fixing member (4) intersects with the bottom surface of the case (5).

[0088] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the sixth embodiment can improve the operability of the operating unit (40).

[0089] A circuit breaker (A1) according to the seventh aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with any of the first to sixth aspects. In the circuit breaker (A1) according to the seventh aspect, it is preferable to further have a housing (7) that houses a terminal block (B1), a contact portion (A11), and a switching mechanism portion (A12).

[0090] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the seventh embodiment can improve the workability of the assembly process compared to the case in which the terminal block (B1) is directly housed in the housing (7) without a case (5).

[0091] A distribution board (C1) according to the eighth aspect of this disclosure comprises a circuit breaker (A1) according to any of the first to seventh aspects, and a box (C10) housing the circuit breaker (A1).

[0092] The distribution board (C1) according to the eighth embodiment can improve work efficiency in the wiring (W1) connection work. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] A1 Circuit breaker A11 Contact part A12 Opening / closing mechanism A15 Secondary terminal A16 Electric 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 42 Spring section 50 Guide Route 51 Storage Unit 52 Regulatory Department 500 insertion slots 501 First Containment Space (Containment Space) 510 Aperture

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 terminal board electrically connected to the aforementioned circuit, A spring member that applies contact pressure to the conductor in a direction that brings it into contact with the terminal plate, An adjustment member that adjusts the contact pressure by moving in a direction that deforms the spring member, 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, A case for housing the terminal plate, the spring member, the adjustment member, and the fixing member, 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. The aforementioned case is, A guide path that guides the conductor from an insertion opening provided on the surface of the case to a housing space in which the 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, It has, At least a portion of the operating section protrudes out of the case from the opening when the fixing member is not in the fixed position. Circuit breaker.

2. The fixing member further has a spring portion that applies spring force in a direction that causes a portion of it to protrude outside the case. The circuit breaker according to claim 1.

3. The spring portion is formed integrally with the operating portion. The circuit breaker according to claim 2.

4. The case further includes a restricting portion that restricts the movement of the fixing member in a direction that causes a portion of it to protrude outside the case from the opening. A circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The direction of movement of the adjustment member is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the fixing member. A circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The case has a bottom surface and a side surface on which the opening is provided. The direction of movement of the fixing member intersects with the bottom surface of the case. A circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The housing further comprises the terminal block, the contact portion, and the opening / closing mechanism portion. A circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. A circuit breaker according to any of claims 1-3, A box housing the circuit breaker, Equipped with, Distribution board.

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