Terminal devices, switches, circuit breakers, and distribution boards

Abstract

To provide a terminal device easy to cancel restraint due to a link mechanism, a switch, a circuit breaker, and a distribution board.SOLUTION: A terminal device B1 comprises a terminal board 1, a spring member 2, an adjustment member 3 and a link mechanism 4. The spring member 2 applies contact pressure to an electric wire W1. The adjustment member 3 varies a variation amount of the spring member 2 by moving in an axial direction. The link mechanism 4 restrains or cancels restraint of axial movement of the adjustment member 3. The adjustment member 3 pushes the spring member 2 in a first axial direction DR1. The spring member 2 has an adjustment member push part 201 for pushing the adjustment member 3 in a second direction DR2, and a conductor push part 202 for pushing a conductor in the second direction DR2. The link mechanism 4 has a restraining part 401 capable of restraining movement of the adjustment member 3 or the adjustment member push part 201, and a cancellation part (display part 403) moved by a tool. When the cancellation part moves under a second condition for restraining movement of the adjustment member 3 in the second direction DR2, the restraint by the restraining part 401 is cancelled.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal device, a switch, a circuit breaker, and a distribution board, and more particularly to a terminal device having a spring member, a switch having the terminal device, a circuit breaker having the switch, and a distribution board having the circuit breaker.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a main breaker provided with a screw terminal for wire connection (hereinafter referred to as a conventional example) and a screwless terminal unit connected to the screw terminal for wire connection.

[0003] The screwless terminal unit has a screw terminal insertion bar connected to the screw terminal for wire connection of the main breaker, a screwless terminal electrically connected to the screw terminal insertion bar, and a resin case that houses the screw terminal insertion bar and the screwless terminal. The screw terminal insertion bar of the screwless terminal unit is connected to the screw terminal for wire connection of the main breaker, and a wire is connected to the screwless terminal of the screwless terminal unit.

[0004] When connecting a wire to the screwless terminal, an operator first inserts a tool through a tool insertion hole formed in the resin case, and presses and moves the screwless terminal with the tool. A wire insertion hole is formed in the screwless terminal. By pressing and moving the screwless terminal with the tool by the operator, the wire insertion hole overlaps with a wire insertion port formed in the resin case. In this state, the operator inserts the wire into the wire insertion port and the wire insertion hole, and pulls out the tool from the tool insertion hole. Then, the inner edge of the wire insertion hole presses the wire by the restoring force of the screwless terminal, and the wire is pressed against the screw terminal insertion bar and electrically connected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] In conventional main circuit breakers, the wiring process was difficult because the worker had to insert a tool into the resin case while simultaneously inserting the wires into the resin case.

[0007] One might consider moving the screwless terminal to maintain a state where the wire insertion hole and the wire insertion opening overlap. However, once this state is achieved, it is troublesome to move the screwless terminal again to return it to a state where the wire insertion hole and the wire insertion opening do not overlap, especially if the wire is not inserted immediately.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide terminal devices, switches, circuit breakers, and distribution boards that facilitate the release of restrictions imposed by link mechanisms. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A terminal device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a terminal plate, a spring member, an adjustment member, a link mechanism, and a case. The terminal plate is electrically connected to an electrical circuit between it and a secondary terminal. The spring member applies contact pressure to the conductor of the primary wire in a direction that brings it into contact with the terminal plate. The adjustment member changes the amount of deformation of the spring member by moving in the axial direction. The link mechanism restricts and releases the axial movement of the adjustment member. The case houses the terminal plate, the spring member, the adjustment member, and the link mechanism. One of the axial directions is designated as the first direction and the other as the second direction. The adjustment member is movable between a first position in the axial direction and a second position which is a position on the first direction side of the first position. The adjustment member can push the spring member in the first direction and be pushed in the second direction by the spring member. The spring member has an adjustment member pressing portion that pushes the adjustment member in the second direction, and a conductor pressing portion that pushes the conductor in the second direction. The adjustment member pressing portion and the conductor pressing portion are movable in the axial direction in conjunction with each other. The case has a wire insertion hole into which the electric wire is inserted, and an opening separate from the wire insertion hole. The link mechanism has a restricting portion and a release portion. The restricting portion can restrict the movement of the adjustment member or the adjustment member pressing portion in the second direction. The release portion is moved by a tool inserted through the opening. The link mechanism can change between a first state in which the movement of the adjustment member in the first direction at the first position is not restricted, and a second state in which the restricting portion restricts the movement of the adjustment member or the adjustment member pressing portion that pushes the adjustment member at the second position in the second direction. When the release portion is moved by a tool in the second state, the restriction by the restricting portion in the second state is released.

[0010] A switch according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a terminal device, a contact portion inserted in an electrical circuit between the terminal device and a secondary terminal, and a switching mechanism for opening and closing the contact portion.

[0011] A circuit breaker according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a switch and a tripping device that forcibly opens the contact portion via the switching mechanism.

[0012] 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]

[0013] According to the terminal device, switch, circuit breaker, and distribution board of this disclosure, it is easier to bypass restrictions imposed by the link mechanism. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view of a circuit breaker according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an external perspective view of the circuit breaker shown above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a circuit block diagram of the same circuit breaker. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view of the distribution board according to the above embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the terminal device of the circuit breaker shown above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the link mechanism of the terminal device described above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal device shown above, illustrating the wiring procedure for the terminal device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal device shown above, illustrating the wiring procedure for the terminal device. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal device shown above, illustrating the wiring procedure for the terminal device. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal device shown above, illustrating the wiring procedure for the terminal device. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal device shown above, illustrating the wiring procedure for the terminal device. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the terminal device as seen from the front side thereof. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a link mechanism included in the terminal device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal device for explaining the connection work for the terminal device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal device for explaining the connection work for the terminal device. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal device for explaining the connection work for the terminal device. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal device for explaining the connection work for the terminal device. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a link mechanism included in the terminal device according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal device for explaining the connection work for the terminal device. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal device for explaining the connection work for the terminal device. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal device for explaining the connection work for the terminal device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, the terminal device, switch, circuit breaker, and distribution board according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, each figure described in the following embodiments is a schematic figure, 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.

[0016] (1) Outline As shown in Figure 7, the terminal device B1 according to this disclosure comprises a terminal plate 1 (hereinafter referred to as the first terminal plate 1), a spring member 2, an adjustment member 3, a link mechanism 4, and a case 5.

[0017] The first terminal board 1 is electrically connected to the circuit A16 between it and the secondary terminal A15.

[0018] The spring member 2 applies contact pressure to the conductor W10 of the primary side wire W1 in a direction that brings it into contact with the first terminal plate 1.

[0019] The adjustment member 3 changes the amount of deformation of the spring member 2 by moving in the axial direction.

[0020] The link mechanism 4 restricts and releases the axial movement of the adjustment member 3.

[0021] Case 5 houses the first terminal plate 1, the spring member 2, the adjustment member 3, and the link mechanism 4.

[0022] One of the axial directions is designated as the first direction DR1, and the other direction is designated as the second direction DR2.

[0023] The adjustment member 3 is movable between a first position in the axial direction (see Figure 7) and a second position (see Figure 9) which is a position further towards the first direction DR1 than the first position. The adjustment member 3 can push the spring member 2 in the first direction DR1 and is also pushed in the second direction DR2 by the spring member 2.

[0024] The spring member 2 has an adjustment member pressing portion 201 that presses the adjustment member 3 in the second direction DR2, and a conductor pressing portion 202 that presses the conductor W10 in the second direction DR2. The adjustment member pressing portion 201 and the conductor pressing portion 202 of the spring member 2 are movable in the axial direction in conjunction with each other.

[0025] Case 5 has a wire insertion hole 500 into which the electric wire W1 is inserted, and an opening 505 separate from the wire insertion hole 500.

[0026] The link mechanism 4 includes a restricting part 401 and a release part (e.g., an indicator part 403) that is moved by a tool inserted through the opening 505. The restricting part 401 can restrict the movement of the adjustment member 3 or the adjustment member pushing part 201 in the second direction DR2. The pushed part 402 is pushed by the electric wire W1 inserted through the electric wire insertion hole 500. The link mechanism 4 can change between a first state (see Figure 7) in which the movement of the adjustment member 3, located in the first position, in the first direction DR1 is not restricted, and a second state (see Figure 9) in which the restricting part 401 restricts the movement of the adjustment member 3, located in the second position, or the adjustment member pushing part 201 that pushes the adjustment member 3, in the second direction DR2.

[0027] When the release part is moved by a tool in the second state, the restriction by the restricting part 401 in the second state is released (see Figure 10).

[0028] Here, "connection" of two components is not limited to a connection where the two components are directly connected, but may also include a connection where the two components are connected via one or more circuit components.

[0029] In the following explanation, the front, back, up, down, and left / right directions indicated by arrows in the attached diagram are defined as the front, back, up, down, and left / right directions of circuit breaker A1 and terminal device B1, respectively. However, these directions do not limit the operating conditions of circuit breaker A1 and terminal device B1.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1-4, the switch D1 according to this disclosure comprises a terminal device B1, a contact portion A11 inserted in the circuit A16 between the terminal device B1 and the secondary terminal A15, and a switching mechanism A12 that opens and closes the contact portion A11.

[0031] The circuit breaker A1 according to this disclosure comprises a switch D1 and a tripping device A14 that forcibly opens the contact portion A11 via a switching mechanism A12. The circuit breaker A1 according to this disclosure is used, for example, as the main switch (also called a main breaker) of a residential distribution board (hereinafter referred to as a residential board). When the circuit breaker A1 is used as the main switch, the secondary terminal A15 of the circuit breaker A1 is connected to a plurality of branch switches housed in the residential board.

[0032] The distribution board C1 according to this disclosure comprises a circuit breaker A1 and a box C10 that houses the circuit breaker A1.

[0033] In the terminal device B1, switch D1, circuit breaker A1, and distribution board C1 related to this disclosure, the restrictions imposed by the link mechanism are easily released.

[0034] (2) Details of the circuit breaker according to the first embodiment The circuit breaker A1 according to the first embodiment (hereinafter abbreviated as circuit breaker A1) comprises three terminal devices B1, three contact parts A11, and a switching mechanism A12, as shown in Figures 1-3 and 5. The circuit breaker A1 further comprises a tripping device A14 and an outer case 7. The outer case 7 houses the terminal devices B1, the contact parts A11, and the switching mechanism A12. More specifically, the outer case 7 houses the three terminal devices 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 wire phase loss protection function and is used as the main switch in a single-phase three-wire residential panel. However, circuit breaker A1 may be a circuit breaker with fewer than 3 poles or 4 or more poles, or it may be a circuit breaker that does not have one or both of the neutral wire phase loss protection function and the earth leakage interruption function, or it may be a disconnector.

[0035] The contact portion A11 has a fixed contact electrically connected to the first terminal plate 1 of the terminal device B1 and a movable contact electrically connected to the secondary terminal A15 (see Figure 3). Alternatively, the first terminal plate 1 of the terminal device B1 may have a movable contact and the secondary terminal A15 may have a fixed contact. The movable contact is capable of moving between a closed state, where it is in contact with the fixed contact and conducting electricity, and an open state, where it is separated from the fixed contact by a sufficient insulating distance.

[0036] The opening / closing 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. The terminal device B1, the contact section A11, and the opening / closing mechanism A12 constitute the switch D1.

[0037] 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 points A11 via the switching mechanism A12. Furthermore, if the tripping device A14 detects that the neutral wire is out of phase, it also forcibly opens the three contact points A11 via the switching mechanism A12.

[0038] The outer case 7 comprises a third housing 71 and a fourth housing 72, which are obtained by dividing the outer case 7 at a second abutment surface PL2. More specifically, the outer case 7 is constructed by joining the third housing 71 and the fourth housing 72, which are obtained by dividing the outer case 7 into two halves front to back along a second abutment surface PL2 parallel to the front surface of the outer case 7 (see Figures 1-3). Here, "parallel" means that the two surfaces are not limited to being perfectly parallel, but may include a state in which the two surfaces intersect at an angle of a few degrees. Also, the second abutment surface PL2 is not limited to being a single plane, but may be an abutment surface in which multiple planes parallel to the front surface of the outer case 7 are connected in stages.

[0039] The third housing 71 and the fourth housing 72 are both formed from molded synthetic resin having electrical insulating properties. The third housing 71 is formed in the shape of a box with an open front. The fourth housing 72 is formed in the shape of a box with an open rear. The fourth housing 72 is placed over the front of the third housing 71, and the third housing 71 and the fourth housing 72 are joined together by appropriate methods such as screws to form the outer case 7.

[0040] As described above, the third housing 71 and the fourth housing 72, which constitute the outer case 7, house three terminal devices B1, three contact parts A11, an opening / closing mechanism A12, a tripping device A14, a secondary terminal A15, an electrical circuit A16, and an operating handle A17, etc. Three recesses 711 are provided side by side on the upper front of the third housing 71 (see Figure 2). One terminal device B1 is housed in each of these three recesses 711. Three window holes 7220 are provided side by side on the upper front of the fourth housing 72 (see Figures 1 and 2). Parts of the three terminal devices B1 are exposed through these three window holes 7220 (see Figures 1 and 2). In addition, three wire insertion holes (not shown) are provided on the upper surface of the fourth housing 72, and parts of the three terminal devices B1 are exposed through these three wire insertion holes. Here, the case 5 of the terminal device B1 is provided with a wire insertion hole 500 for inserting the conductor W10 of the primary wire W1, and the three wire insertion holes 500 of the terminal device B1 are exposed from the three wire insertion holes. Then, the wire W1 passed through the wire insertion hole of the fourth housing 72 is inserted into the interior of the terminal device B1 through the wire insertion hole 500 of the terminal device B1 and connected to the first terminal board 1.

[0041] The outer case 7 is provided with multiple openings 74 that penetrate the outer case 7 in the front-to-back direction (see Figure 1). In addition, the rear surface of the outer case 7 may be provided with mounting members for attachment to a mounting rail such as a DIN rail, allowing the worker to attach the outer case 7 to a desired position on the mounting rail.

[0042] (2-1) Terminal device The configuration of terminal device B1 described below is common to all three terminal devices B1.

[0043] As described above, terminal device B1 comprises a first terminal plate 1, a spring member 2, an adjustment member 3, a link mechanism 4, and a case 5. Terminal device B1 further comprises a display member 8.

[0044] (2-1-1) 1st terminal board The first terminal board 1 is electrically connected to the circuit A16 between it and the secondary terminal A15. The first terminal board 1 has rectangular contact pieces 10.

[0045] (2-1-2) Spring component The spring member 2 applies contact pressure to the conductor W10 of the primary side wire W1 in a direction that brings it into contact with the terminal plate 1. The spring member 2 has a U-shaped main portion 21 and an arc-shaped contact pressure portion 22 that protrudes from one end of the main portion 21 toward the other end. The main portion 21 and the contact pressure portion 22 are integrally formed from a strip-shaped metal plate (for example, a stainless steel plate).

[0046] A wire insertion opening 23 is provided in the contact pressure portion 22. The wire insertion opening 23 penetrates the portion of the contact pressure portion 22 closer to the main portion 21 in the thickness direction. In the first embodiment, the wire insertion opening 23 is rectangular when viewed in the direction through which the wire W1 passes. The other end portion of the main portion 21 and the upper end portion of the contact piece 10 of the first terminal plate 1 are inserted through the wire insertion opening 23. When no external force is applied, the spring member 2 is maintained in a state where the contact piece 10 is in contact with the rear end edge of the wire insertion opening 23 in the contact pressure portion 22 (see Figure 10). Hereinafter, this state may be referred to as the first state of the spring member 2.

[0047] The spring member 2 has an adjustment member pressing portion 201 that pushes the adjustment member 3 in the second direction DR2. The adjustment member pressing portion 201 is formed by the front end of the main portion 21.

[0048] The spring member 2 has a conductor pressing portion 202 that presses the conductor W10 in the second direction DR2. The conductor pressing portion 202 is formed by the rear inner edge of the wire insertion opening 23 formed in the contact pressure portion 22.

[0049] The adjustment member pressing portion 201 and the conductor pressing portion 202 are movable in the axial direction in conjunction with each other. That is, the portion of the main portion 21 in which the adjustment member pressing portion 201 is formed and the contact pressure portion 22 in which the conductor pressing portion 202 is formed both move in the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2 due to the elastic deformation of the spring member 2.

[0050] (2-1-3) Adjustment Member As shown in Figure 7, the adjustment member 3 changes the amount of deformation of the spring member 2 by moving in the axial direction (first direction DR1 or second direction DR2). In the first embodiment, the adjustment member 3 is made of a screw and is rotatably positioned in the case 5. The adjustment member 3 moves in the axial direction as it rotates, and by moving in the axial direction, it moves in a direction that deforms the spring member 2 (downward in Figure 7) to adjust the contact pressure.

[0051] 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. The body 30 also has a hexagonal hole 300 (see Figure 12) aligned with the axial direction of the body 30.

[0052] The adjustment member 3 is movable between a first position in the axial direction (see Figure 7) and a second position (see Figure 9) which is further towards the first direction DR1 than the first position. The adjustment member 3 can be rotated by a tool inserted into the hexagonal hole 300, thereby pushing the spring member 2 toward the first direction DR1. In addition, the adjustment member 3 can be pushed toward the second direction DR2 by the adjustment member pushing portion 201 of the spring member 2 when no tool is inserted into the hexagonal hole 300.

[0053] In the first embodiment, the adjustment member 3 was made of a screw, but the adjustment member 3 does not have to be made of a screw. That is, the adjustment member 3 does not move axially while moving helically, but moves linearly axially. Also, the adjustment member 3 may have parts that can be operated by a tool, such as holes, recesses, and protrusions of other shapes instead of the hexagonal hole 300.

[0054] (2-1-4) Case Case 5 houses the first terminal plate 1, the spring member 2, the adjustment member 3, and the link mechanism 4. As shown in Figure 5, Case 5 is formed in a box shape with a width from left to right that is sufficiently shorter than the width from front to back and the height from top to bottom. Case 5 comprises a first housing 5A and a second housing 5B, which are obtained by dividing Case 5 with a first abutting surface PL1. More specifically, Case 5 has a first housing 5A and a second housing 5B, which are obtained by dividing Case 5 into two by a first abutting surface PL1 that passes through the center in the left-right direction. The first abutting surface PL1 may pass through the center of the wire insertion hole 500 that opens on the front of Case 5, or it may be offset from the center position in the left-right direction of Case 5. In the first embodiment, the normal direction of the first abutting surface PL1 and the normal direction of the second abutting surface PL2 intersect.

[0055] Case 5 is assembled by snapping together multiple engaging parts (not shown) provided on the second housing 5B with multiple engaged parts (not shown) provided on the first housing 5A. The engaging parts are hooks with claws at their tips. The engaged parts are engagement holes with stepped portions into which the claws at the tips of the engaging parts catch. When the first housing 5A and the second housing 5B are brought together at the first abutting surface PL1, the multiple engaging parts snap together with the multiple engaged parts, thereby joining the first housing 5A and the second housing 5B.

[0056] As shown in Figure 7, the case 5 is provided with a first housing space 501, a second housing space 502, and a third housing space 503. The first housing space 501 houses the first terminal board 1. The first housing space 501 is connected to a wire insertion hole 500 opening on the top surface of the case 5 by a guide path 50 provided in the upper rear part of the case 5. The guide path 50 guides the conductor W10 of the wire W1 inserted from the wire insertion hole 500 to the space where the first terminal board 1 is located.

[0057] 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. The spring support portion 53 supports the spring member 2 by being positioned inside the main portion 21 of the spring member 2.

[0058] 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. Furthermore, a screw groove 504 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the third housing space 503 that engages with the screw threads 31 of the adjustment member 3.

[0059] Furthermore, a through-hole 55 through which a connecting conductor is inserted is provided on the left side of case 5 (the side of the second housing 5B) (see Figure 5).

[0060] When the adjustment member 3, housed in the third housing space 503, is rotated counterclockwise from outside the case 5, it moves from the third housing space 503 toward the second housing space 502.

[0061] (2-1-5) Linkage mechanism As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the link mechanism 4 restricts and releases the axial movement of the adjustment member 3. The link mechanism 4 has a restricting part 401 and a pushing part 402. The restricting part 401 can restrict the movement of the adjustment member 3 or the adjustment member pushing part 201 in the second direction DR2. The pushing part 402 is pushed by the electric wire W1 inserted through the electric wire insertion hole 500.

[0062] The link mechanism 4 includes a first lever 41 that is pushed by the electric wire W1, a second lever 42 that restricts the movement of the restricting part 401 or has the restricting part 401, and a connecting member 43 that connects the first lever 41 and the second lever 42.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the first lever 41 is a first lever 41A having a shaft portion 410A in the middle that is rotatably supported by the case 5. The pressed portion 402 is composed of a pressed member separate from the first lever 41A. In the first state, the first lever 41A has a pressed portion 411A at the end on the first direction DR1 side that is pressed by the pressed portion 402, and a display portion 403 at the end on the second direction DR2 side.

[0064] The display unit 403 faces the outside of case 5 through an opening 505 (see Figure 5) formed in case 5. The display unit 403 moves in conjunction with the movement of the pressed part 402 to indicate that the electric wire W1 has been inserted to a predetermined length through the electric wire insertion hole 500. The display unit 403 faces the outside of outer case 7 through the opening 505 of case 5 and the opening 74 of outer case 7 (see Figures 1 and 12). The display unit 403 also indicates whether it is in the first state or the second state.

[0065] The second lever 42 is a second lever 42A having a shaft portion 420A that is rotatably supported by the case 5 at the end facing the second direction DR2 in the first state.

[0066] The restricting portion 401 is formed on the restricting member 40A. The restricting member 40A has a shaft portion 404A in the middle that is rotatably supported by the case 5, has the restricting portion 401 at one end, and the other end is an end portion 405A whose movement is restricted by the second lever 42A.

[0067] The connecting member 43 is a rod-shaped connecting member 43A. One end of the connecting member 43A is inserted into a groove 412A formed on the first-direction DR1 side of the shaft portion 410A of the first lever 41A, and is rotatably connected to the first lever 41A. The other end of the connecting member 43A is inserted into a groove 421A formed on the first-direction DR1 side of the shaft portion 420A of the second lever 42A, and is rotatably connected to the second lever 42A.

[0068] The link mechanism 4 includes an elastic member 44 that applies force to the first lever 41, an elastic member 45 that applies force to the second lever 42, and an elastic member 46 that applies force to the restricting portion 401.

[0069] In the first embodiment, the elastic member 44 is composed of a coil spring 44A that applies an upward force (a clockwise moment to the first lever 41A in Figure 7) to the portion of the first lever 41A that is on the first direction DR1 side of the shaft portion 410A. The elastic member 45 is composed of a torsion coil spring 45A that applies an upward force (a clockwise moment to the second lever 42A in Figure 7) to the portion of the second lever 42A that is on the first direction DR1 side of the shaft portion 420A. The elastic member 46 is composed of a torsion coil spring 46A that applies a force of the first direction DR1 (a counterclockwise moment to the regulating member 40A in Figure 7) to the regulating portion 401 of the regulating member 40A.

[0070] The link mechanism 4 is capable of changing between a first state and a second state. The first state is a state in which the movement of the adjustment member 3, which is located in the first position, toward the first direction DR1 is not restricted, as shown in Figure 7.

[0071] The second state, as shown in Figure 9, refers to a state in which the restricting unit 401 restricts the movement of the adjustment member 3 located in the second position or the adjustment member pressing unit 201 that presses the adjustment member 3 toward the second direction DR2.

[0072] In the second state, when the pressed portion 402 is pushed by the electric wire W1 and moves, the restriction by the restricting portion 401 in the second state is released (see Figure 10), and the conductor pressing portion 202 moves to the second direction DR2 and pushes the conductor W10 to the second direction DR2 (see Figure 11).

[0073] (2-2) Procedure for wiring terminals Next, we will explain the procedure for connecting the electric wire W1 to the terminal device B1 (wiring work).

[0074] As shown in Figure 7, in the first state, the contact piece 10 is maintained in contact with the conductor pressing portion 202 at the rear edge of the wire insertion opening 23 of the spring member 2. Also in the first state, the portion of the contact pressure portion 22 of the spring member 2 that is on the first-direction DR1 side of the wire insertion opening 23 crosses the guide path 50, preventing the wire W1 from entering the back of the guide path 50, and also suppressing the entry of dirt and foreign matter into the back of the guide path 50. In other words, the portion of the contact pressure portion 22 of the spring member 2 that is on the first-direction DR1 side of the wire insertion opening 23 functions as a closing portion (lid).

[0075] From this state, in order to connect the conductor W10 of the electric wire W1 to the first terminal board 1, the worker rotates the adjustment member 3 counterclockwise using a tool such as a hex wrench. As shown in Figure 8, by rotating the adjustment member 3 counterclockwise, it moves to the first direction DR1 toward the second housing space 502 from the third housing space 503. As the adjustment member 3 moves to the first direction DR1, it flexes the spring member 2. At this time, the restricting portion 401 of the restricting member 40A is pressed against the adjustment member 3 by the torsion coil spring 46A, and when the front end of the adjustment member 3 moves to the first direction DR1, the restricting portion 401 pushes the front end of the adjustment member 3 toward the first direction DR1.

[0076] Next, the worker uses a tool to further rotate the adjustment member 3 counterclockwise. As a result, as shown in Figure 9, the end portion 405A of the restricting member 40A pushes downward the portion of the second lever 42A that is on the first direction DR1 side relative to the shaft portion 420A, causing it to catch on the stepped portion 422A formed on the second lever 42A. This restricts the movement of the end portion 405A toward the first direction DR1 and also restricts the movement of the restricting portion 401 toward the second direction DR2, resulting in the second state.

[0077] The main portion 21 of the spring member 2 is pushed toward the first direction DR1, and the wire insertion opening 23 formed in the contact pressure portion 22 is positioned within the guide path 50 of the case 5.

[0078] Next, the worker inserts the electric wire W1 into the guide path 50 through the electric wire insertion hole 500 of the case 5. As shown in Figure 10, the electric wire W1 enters the back of the guide path 50 through the electric wire insertion opening 23 of the spring member 2. As a result, the tip of the electric wire W1 pushes the pressed part 402, and the pressed part 402 pushes the pressed part 411A downwards, causing the first lever 41A to rotate so that the portion of the first direction DR1 side of the shaft portion 410A of the first lever 41A moves downwards. The second lever 42A moves downwards via the connecting member 43A due to the first lever 41A, causing the stepped portion 422A to detach from the end portion 405A of the regulating member 40A, and allowing the end portion 405A to move toward the first direction DR1.

[0079] As the adjustment member pressing portion 201 of the spring member 2 pushes the adjustment member 3 in the second direction DR2, the adjustment member 3 moves in the second direction DR2 while pressing the restricting portion 401, as shown in Figure 11. The conductor pressing portion 202 of the contact pressure portion 22 of the spring member 2 pushes the conductor W10 in the second direction DR2, and the conductor W10 is sandwiched between the conductor pressing portion 202 and the first terminal plate 1, fixing the electric wire W1 in a state where it is electrically and mechanically connected to the first terminal plate 1, and preventing the electric wire W1 from coming loose.

[0080] By attaching a marker or other indicator to the display unit 403, the angle of the first lever 41A can be determined by the position of the indicator, and the position of the pressed portion 411A, that is, the position of the end of the electric wire W1 (conductor W10) that presses the pressed portion 411A via the pressed portion 402, can be determined. This makes it possible to confirm that the electric wire W1 has been inserted to a predetermined length through the electric wire insertion hole 500.

[0081] The above procedure completes the connection of wire W1 to terminal device B1.

[0082] Furthermore, the worker may stop the wiring work after performing the work until the device reaches the second state. In this case, since the wire insertion opening 23 of the spring member 2 is located in the guide path 50 in the second state, there is a risk that dust and foreign objects that enter through the wire insertion hole 500 may enter deep into the guide path 50. For this reason, the worker needs to perform the work to release the second state and return to the first state.

[0083] To release the second state and return to the first state, instead of the operator pushing the pressed part 402 with the electric wire W1 to move the first lever 41A, the operator can move the first lever 41A with a tool. The operator can release the second state by inserting a tool through the opening 74 of the outer case 7 (see Figures 1 and 12) and the opening 505 of the case 5 (see Figure 5) and moving a part of the first lever 41A, such as the display part 403 or the part of the first lever 41A that is on the first-direction DR1 side of the shaft part 410A. In other words, the part of the first lever 41A that is operated by a tool inserted through the opening 74 of the outer case 7 and the opening 505 of the case 5, such as the display part 403, functions as a release part.

[0084] (2-3) Advantages of the terminal device according to the first embodiment As described above, in the terminal device B1, when it is set to the second state, the electric wire W1 is inserted through the electric wire insertion hole 500 and the electric wire W1 pushes the pressed part 402, and the link mechanism 4 releases the restriction by the restricting part 401 in the second state (see Figure 10). As a result, the conductor pressing part 202 moves to the second direction DR2 and pushes the conductor W10 to the second direction DR2 (see Figure 11), and the connection is made. Therefore, the worker can complete the connection by simply inserting the electric wire W1 through the electric wire insertion hole 500 without requiring any other work. In the first embodiment, the worker does not need to handle both the tool and the electric wire W1 as in the conventional method, making the connection work easier.

[0085] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the second lever 42A has a shaft portion 420A at the end on the second-direction DR2 side and a groove portion 421A into which the other end of the connecting member 43A is inserted at the end on the first-direction DR1 side, making it easier to increase the distance between the fulcrum and the point of force application. As a result, the force required to release the restriction of the restricting portion 401 against the pushing force of the electric wire W1 into the pressed portion 402 is reduced, and situations in which the restriction by the restricting portion 401 is not released even when the electric wire W1 is inserted are less likely to occur.

[0086] Furthermore, since it has a display unit 403 that indicates when the electric wire W1 has been inserted to a predetermined length through the electric wire insertion hole 500, it is less likely that the wiring work will be completed without the electric wire W1 being inserted to a predetermined length through the electric wire insertion hole 500.

[0087] (3) Details of the circuit breaker according to the second embodiment Next, the terminal device B1, switch D1, circuit breaker A1, and distribution board C1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 17. Since the terminal device B1, switch D1, circuit breaker A1, and distribution board C1 according to the second embodiment are largely the same as those according to the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for overlapping components, and detailed explanations refer to those figures.

[0088] (3-1) Link mechanism The terminal device B1, switch D1, circuit breaker A1, and distribution board C1 according to the second embodiment differ from the terminal device B1, switch D1, circuit breaker A1, and distribution board C1 according to the first embodiment in terms of the link mechanism 4, but are otherwise the same.

[0089] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the link mechanism 4 includes a first lever 41 that is pushed by the electric wire W1, a second lever 42 that restricts the movement of the restricting part 401 or has the restricting part 401, and a connecting member 43 that connects the first lever 41 and the second lever 42. This is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0090] In the second embodiment, the first lever 41 is a first lever 41B having a shaft portion 410B in the middle that is rotatably supported by the case 5. In the first state, the first lever 41B has a pressed portion 402 at the end on the first direction DR1 side. That is, in the first embodiment, the pressed portion 402 and the first lever 41A were separate, but in the second embodiment, the pressed portion 402 is formed on the first lever 41B so that the first lever 41B and the pressed portion 402 are integrally configured.

[0091] Furthermore, in the first state, the first lever 41B has a display unit 403 at the end on the second-facing DR2 side.

[0092] The second lever 42B has a first arm 421B and a second arm 422B. In the first state, the first arm 421B has a shaft portion 423B at its end on the second-direction DR2 side that is rotatably supported by the case 5. In the first state, the first arm 421B has a connecting portion 424B at its end on the first-direction DR1 side that is rotatably connected to the second arm 422B.

[0093] In the first state, the second arm 422B has a connecting portion 425B at its end facing the second direction DR2 that is rotatably supported with the first arm 421B. In the first state, the second arm 422B has a restricting portion 401 at its end facing the first direction DR1 that is connected to a spring member and can restrict the movement of the adjustment member pushing portion 201. That is, in the first embodiment, the restricting portion 401 and the second lever 42A were separate, but in the second embodiment, the restricting portion 401 is formed on the second lever 42B (second arm 422B), so that the second lever 42B and the restricting portion 401 are integrally configured.

[0094] The connecting member 43B is rod-shaped. One end of the connecting member 43B is inserted into a groove 411B formed on the first side DR1 of the shaft portion 410B of the first lever 41B, and is rotatably connected to the first lever 41B.

[0095] In the first state, the other end of the connecting member 43B is connected to at least one of the first-direction DR1 end of the first arm 421B and the second-direction DR2 end of the second arm 422B. In the second embodiment, in the first state, the other end of the connecting member 43B is inserted into at least one of a through hole (not shown) formed in the first-direction DR1 end of the first arm 421B or a through hole (not shown) formed in the second-direction DR2 end of the second arm 422B, and is rotatably connected to the second lever 42B.

[0096] The link mechanism 4 has an elastic member 44 that applies force to the first lever 41B. The elastic member 44 is arranged around the shaft portion 410B of the first lever 41B and consists of a coil spring 44B that applies a clockwise moment to the first lever 41B in Figure 13.

[0097] The link mechanism 4 has an elastic member 45 that applies force to the second lever 42B. The elastic member 45 is arranged around the shaft portion 423B of the first arm 421B of the second lever 42B and consists of a torsion coil spring 45B that applies a clockwise moment to the first arm 421B in Figure 13.

[0098] (3-2) Procedure for wiring terminals Next, we will explain the procedure for connecting the electric wire W1 to the terminal device B1 (wiring work).

[0099] As shown in Figure 14, in the first state, the contact piece 10 is maintained in contact with the conductor pressing portion 202 at the rear end edge of the wire insertion opening 23 of the spring member 2.

[0100] From this state, in order to connect the conductor W10 of the electric wire W1 to the first terminal board 1, 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 to the first direction DR1 toward the second housing space 502 from the third housing space 503. As the adjustment member 3 moves to the first direction DR1, it flexes the spring member 2. At this time, as the main part 21 of the spring member 2 moves to the first direction DR1, the restricting part 401 connected to the main part 21 also moves to the first direction DR1. As a result, the lower end (restricting part 401) of the second arm 422B moves to the first direction DR1 and rotates counterclockwise, and the lower end of the first arm 421B also moves to the first direction DR1 and rotates clockwise.

[0101] Next, the operator uses a tool to further rotate the adjustment member 3 counterclockwise. As a result, as shown in Figure 15, the end of the connecting member 43B connected to the second lever 42B moves upward beyond the pivot point of the first arm 421B and the second arm 422B. However, further upward movement of the end of the connecting member 43B connected to the second lever 42B is prevented by a member (case 5 in the second embodiment) located around the adjustment member 3. The torsion coil spring 45B applies an upward force to the end of the connecting member 43B connected to the second lever 42B, thus maintaining this state. In this state, the movement of the adjustment member push portion 201 in the second direction DR2 is restricted, resulting in the second state.

[0102] The main portion 21 of the spring member 2 is pushed toward the first direction DR1, and the wire insertion opening 23 formed in the contact pressure portion 22 is positioned within the guide path 50 of the case 5.

[0103] Next, the worker inserts the electric wire W1 into the guide path 50 through the electric wire insertion hole 500 of the case 5. As shown in Figure 16, the electric wire W1 enters the back of the guide path 50 through the electric wire insertion opening 23 of the spring member 2. As a result, the tip of the electric wire W1 pushes the pushed portion 402, and the portion of the first lever 41B on the first direction DR1 side moves downward relative to the shaft portion 410B. The portion of the second lever 42B to which the connecting member 43B is connected moves downward, passing the point of contact of the first arm 421B and the second arm 422B. As a result, the adjustment member pushing portion 201 of the spring member 2 pushes the adjustment member 3 toward the second direction DR2, causing the adjustment member 3 to move toward the second direction DR2 while pushing the restricting portion 401, as shown in Figure 17. The conductor pressing portion 202 of the contact pressure portion 22 of the spring member 2 presses the conductor W10 in the second direction DR2, and the conductor W10 is sandwiched between the conductor pressing portion 202 and the first terminal plate 1, fixing the electric wire W1 in an electrically and mechanically connected state to the first terminal plate 1, thereby preventing the electric wire W1 from coming loose.

[0104] The display unit 403 allows confirmation that the electric wire W1 has been inserted to a predetermined length through the electric wire insertion hole 500.

[0105] The above procedure completes the connection of wire W1 to terminal device B1.

[0106] Furthermore, the operator can release the second state by inserting a tool through the opening 74 of the outer case 7 and the opening 505 of the case 5 and moving the release part of the first lever 41A.

[0107] (3-3) Advantages of the terminal device according to the second embodiment As described above, in the terminal device B1, when it is set to the second state, the electric wire W1 is inserted through the electric wire insertion hole 500 and the electric wire W1 pushes the pressed part 402, and the link mechanism 4 works to release the restriction by the restricting part 401 in the second state (see Figure 16). As a result the conductor pressing part 202 moves to the second direction DR2 and pushes the conductor W10 to the second direction DR2 (see Figure 17), and the connection is made, so the worker can complete the connection by simply inserting the electric wire W1 through the electric wire insertion hole 500 without having to do any other work. In the first embodiment, the worker does not need to handle both the tool and the electric wire W1 as in the conventional method, making the connection work easier.

[0108] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the first lever 41B and the pressed portion 402 are integrally configured, and the second lever 42B and the regulating portion 401 are integrally configured. As a result, the number of components is reduced compared to the first embodiment. In addition, in the second embodiment as well, the first lever 41B and the pressed portion 402 may be configured as separate components, similar to the first embodiment.

[0109] (4) Details of the circuit breaker according to the third embodiment Next, the terminal device B1, switch D1, circuit breaker A1, and distribution board C1 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 18 to 21. Note that the terminal device B1, switch D1, circuit breaker A1, and distribution board C1 according to the third embodiment are largely the same as the terminal device B1, switch D1, circuit breaker A1, and distribution board C1 according to the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for overlapping components, and the detailed explanations refer to those of the first embodiment.

[0110] (4-1) Link mechanism The terminal device B1, switch D1, circuit breaker A1, and distribution board C1 according to the third embodiment differ from the terminal device B1, switch D1, circuit breaker A1, and distribution board C1 according to the first embodiment in terms of the link mechanism 4, but are otherwise the same.

[0111] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the link mechanism 4 includes a first lever 41 that is pushed by the electric wire W1, a second lever 42 that restricts the movement of the restricting part 401 or has the restricting part 401, and a connecting member 43 that connects the first lever 41 and the second lever 42. This is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0112] In the third embodiment, the first lever 41 is a first lever 41C having a shaft portion 410C in the middle that is rotatably supported by the case 5. In the first state, the first lever 41C has a pressed portion 402 at the end on the first direction DR1 side. That is, in the first embodiment, the pressed portion 402 and the first lever 41A were separate parts, but in the third embodiment, the pressed portion 402 is formed on the first lever 41C so that the first lever 41C and the pressed portion 402 are integrally configured. As a result, the number of components is reduced compared to the first embodiment. In addition, in the third embodiment as well, the first lever 41C and the pressed portion 402 may be configured as separate parts.

[0113] Furthermore, in the first state, the first lever 41C has a display unit 403 at the end on the second-facing DR2 side.

[0114] The second lever 42C has a first arm 421C and a second arm 422C. In the first state, the first arm 421C has a shaft portion 423C at the end facing the second direction DR2 that is rotatably supported by the case 5. In the first state, the first arm 421C has a connecting portion 424C at the end facing the first direction DR1 that is rotatably connected to the second arm 422C.

[0115] In the first state, the second arm 422C has a connecting portion 425C at its end facing the second direction DR2 that is rotatably supported with the first arm 421C. In the first state, the second arm 422C has a regulating member 40C having a regulating portion 401 rotatably connected to its end facing the first direction DR1.

[0116] The connecting member 43C is rod-shaped. One end of the connecting member 43C is inserted into a groove 411C formed on the first side DR1 of the shaft portion 410C of the first lever 41C, and is rotatably connected to the first lever 41C.

[0117] In the first state, the other end of the connecting member 43C is connected to at least one of the first-direction DR1 end of the first arm 421C and the second-direction DR2 end of the second arm 422C. In the third embodiment, in the first state, the other end of the connecting member 43C is rotatably connected to the first-direction DR1 end of the first arm 421C and the second-direction DR2 end of the second arm 422C.

[0118] The link mechanism 4 has an elastic member 44 that applies force to the first lever 41C. The elastic member 44 is arranged around the shaft portion 410C of the first lever 41C and consists of a torsion coil spring 44C that applies a clockwise moment to the first lever 41C in Figure 18.

[0119] The link mechanism 4 has an elastic member 45 that applies force to the second lever 42C. The elastic member 45 is arranged around the shaft portion 423C of the first arm 421C of the second lever 42C and consists of a torsion coil spring 45C that applies a clockwise moment to the first arm 421C in Figure 18.

[0120] (4-2) Procedure for wiring terminals Next, we will explain the procedure for connecting the electric wire W1 to the terminal device B1 (wiring work).

[0121] As shown in Figure 19, in the first state, the contact piece 10 is maintained in contact with the conductor pressing portion 202 at the rear end edge of the wire insertion opening 23 of the spring member 2.

[0122] From this state, in order to connect the conductor W10 of the electric wire W1 to the first terminal board 1, 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 to the first direction DR1, which is toward the second storage space 502 from the third storage space 503. As the adjustment member 3 moves to the first direction DR1, it flexes the spring member 2.

[0123] Next, the operator uses a tool to further rotate the adjustment member 3 counterclockwise. As a result, as shown in Figure 20, the end of the connecting member 43C connected to the second lever 42C moves beyond the point of contact of the first arm 421C and the second arm 422C to the second direction DR2. The end of the second arm 422C connected to the restricting member 40C moves upward, and the restricting member 40C rotates counterclockwise, causing the restricting part 401 to hold the rear end of the adjustment member 3 in the first direction DR1. The torsion coil spring 45C applies force to the end of the connecting member 43C connected to the second lever 42C in the second direction DR2, and this state is maintained. In this state, the movement of the adjustment member pushing part 201 to the second direction DR2 is restricted, and it becomes the second state.

[0124] The main portion 21 of the spring member 2 is pushed toward the first direction DR1, and the wire insertion opening 23 formed in the contact pressure portion 22 is positioned within the guide path 50 of the case 5.

[0125] Next, the worker inserts the electric wire W1 into the guide path 50 through the electric wire insertion hole 500 of the case 5. As shown in Figure 21, the electric wire W1 enters the back of the guide path 50 through the electric wire insertion opening 23 of the spring member 2. As a result, the tip of the electric wire W1 pushes the pushed portion 402, and the portion of the first lever 41C on the first direction DR1 side moves downward relative to the shaft portion 410C. The portion of the second lever 42C to which the connecting member 43C is connected moves toward the first direction DR1 and passes the point of contact of the first arm 421C and the second arm 422C. As a result, the adjustment member pushing portion 201 of the spring member 2 pushes the adjustment member 3 toward the second direction DR2, causing the adjustment member 3 to move toward the second direction DR2 while pushing the restricting portion 401. The conductor pressing portion 202 of the contact pressure portion 22 of the spring member 2 presses the conductor W10 in the second direction DR2, and the conductor W10 is sandwiched between the conductor pressing portion 202 and the first terminal plate 1, fixing the electric wire W1 in an electrically and mechanically connected state to the first terminal plate 1, thereby preventing the electric wire W1 from coming loose.

[0126] The display unit 403 allows confirmation that the electric wire W1 has been inserted to a predetermined length through the electric wire insertion hole 500.

[0127] The above procedure completes the connection of wire W1 to terminal device B1.

[0128] Furthermore, the operator can release the second state by inserting a tool through the opening 74 of the outer case 7 and the opening 505 of the case 5 and moving the release part of the first lever 41A.

[0129] (4-3) Advantages of the terminal device according to the third embodiment As described above, in the terminal device B1, when it is set to the second state, the electric wire W1 is inserted through the electric wire insertion hole 500 and the electric wire W1 pushes the pressed part 402, and the link mechanism 4 works to release the restriction by the restricting part 401 in the second state (see Figure 21). As a result the conductor pressing part 202 moves to the second direction DR2 and pushes the conductor W10 to the second direction DR2, making a connection. Therefore, the worker can complete the connection simply by inserting the electric wire W1 through the electric wire insertion hole 500, without requiring any other work. In the first embodiment, the worker does not need to handle both the tool and the electric wire W1 as in the conventional method, making the connection work easier.

[0130] (5) 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 4). 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.

[0131] Box C10 is formed as a rectangular box with an open front made of synthetic resin. Note that Box C10 is not limited to being made of synthetic resin; it may also be made of metal. 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 is closed by a door attached to Box C10, which can be opened and closed.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] Multiple branch circuit breakers are positioned above and below the three busbars and are electrically connected to any two of the three busbars.

[0135] (summary) Based on the embodiments described above, the following aspects are disclosed.

[0136] The terminal device (B1) of the first embodiment comprises a terminal plate (1), a spring member (2), an adjustment member (3), a link mechanism (4), and a case (5). The terminal plate (1) is electrically connected to the circuit (A16) between it and the secondary terminal (A15). The spring member (2) applies contact pressure to the conductor (W10) of the primary wire (W1) in a direction that contacts the terminal plate (1). The adjustment member (3) changes the amount of deformation of the spring member (2) by moving in the axial direction. The link mechanism (4) restricts and releases the axial movement of the adjustment member (3). The case (5) houses the terminal plate (1), the spring member (2), the adjustment member (3), and the link mechanism (4). One of the axial directions is designated as the first direction (DR1) and the other as the second direction (DR2).

[0137] The adjustment member (3) is movable between a first position in the axial direction and a second position which is a position on the first direction (DR1) side of the first position. The adjustment member (3) can push the spring member (2) in the first direction (DR1) and is also able to be pushed in the second direction (DR2) by the spring member (2). The spring member (2) has an adjustment member pushing portion (201) that pushes the adjustment member (3) in the second direction (DR2) and a conductor pushing portion (202) that pushes the conductor (W10) in the second direction (DR2). The adjustment member pushing portion (201) and the conductor pushing portion (202) are movable in the axial direction in conjunction with each other. The case (5) has a wire insertion hole (500) into which the electric wire (W1) is inserted and an opening (505) separate from the wire insertion hole (500).

[0138] The link mechanism (4) includes a restricting part (401) and a release part that is moved by a tool inserted through an opening (505). The restricting part (401) can restrict the movement of the adjustment member (3) or the adjustment member pushing part (201) in a second direction (DR2). The pushed part (402) is pushed by the electric wire (W1) inserted through the electric wire insertion hole (500). The link mechanism (4) can change between a first state in which the movement of the adjustment member (3) in the first direction (DR1) at the first position is not restricted, and a second state in which the restricting part (401) restricts the movement of the adjustment member (3) or the adjustment member pushing part (201) that pushes the adjustment member (3) at the second position in a second direction (DR2). When the release part is moved by a tool in the second state, the restriction by the restricting part (401) in the second state is released.

[0139] According to this embodiment, to release the second state, the operator can release the second state by inserting a tool through the opening (505) of the case (5) and moving the release part of the first lever (41A).

[0140] In the terminal device (B1) of the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the link mechanism (4) includes a pressing member (pressed portion 402) that is pressed by a wire (W1) inserted from a wire insertion hole (500), a first lever (41A) that is pressed by the pressing member (pressed portion 402), a second lever (42A) that restricts the movement of a restricting portion (401), and a connecting member (43A) that connects the first lever (41A) and the second lever (42A). The restricting portion (401) is formed on the restricting member (40A). The first lever (41A) has a shaft portion (410A) in the middle that is rotatably supported by the case (5), and has a pressing portion (411A) at the end on the first direction (DR1) side that is pressed by the pressing portion (402). The second lever (42A) has a shaft portion (420A) at its second-direction (DR2) end that is rotatably supported by the case (5). The restricting member (40A) has a shaft portion (404A) in the middle that is rotatably supported by the case (5), has a restricting portion (401) at one end, and the other end is an end (405A) whose movement is restricted by the second lever (42A). One end of the connecting member (43A) is connected to the portion of the first lever (41A) that is on the first-direction (DR1) side of the shaft portion (410A). The other end of the connecting member (43A) is connected to the portion of the second lever (42A) that is on the first-direction (DR1) side of the shaft portion (420A).

[0141] According to this embodiment, by having a shaft portion (420A) at the end of the second direction (DR2) side of the second lever (42A), and by connecting a connecting member (43A) to the first direction (DR1) side of the second lever (42A), the distance between the fulcrum and the point of force application can be increased.

[0142] In the terminal device (B1) of the third embodiment, in the first or second embodiment, the link mechanism (4) further includes an indicator unit (403) that indicates whether it is in a first state or a second state.

[0143] According to this embodiment, it is easy for the worker to understand whether the situation is in the first state or the second state.

[0144] The switch (D1) according to the fourth embodiment comprises a terminal device (B1) according to any of the first to third embodiments, a contact portion (A11) inserted into the circuit (A16) between the terminal device (B1) and the secondary terminal (A15), and a switching mechanism (A12) that opens and closes the contact portion (A11).

[0145] According to this embodiment, the worker can complete the connection simply by inserting the electric wire (W1) through the electric wire insertion hole (500), making the connection work easier.

[0146] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the fifth embodiment comprises a switch (D1) according to the fourth embodiment and a tripping device (A14) that forcibly opens the contact portion (A11) via a switching mechanism (A12).

[0147] According to this embodiment, the worker can complete the connection simply by inserting the electric wire (W1) through the electric wire insertion hole (500), making the connection work easier.

[0148] The distribution board (C1) according to the sixth embodiment comprises a circuit breaker (A1) according to the fifth embodiment and a box (C10) housing the circuit breaker (A1).

[0149] According to this embodiment, the worker can complete the connection simply by inserting the electric wire (W1) through the electric wire insertion hole (500), making the connection work easier.

[0150] The configurations relating to the second and third embodiments are not essential to the terminal device (B1) and can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0151] 1 1st terminal board (terminal board) 2 Spring member 201 Adjustment member pressing part 202 Conductor pressing part 3 Adjustment Member 4 Link Mechanism 401 Regulatory Department 402 Pressed part 403 Display section 404A Shaft 405A End 40A Regulating Member 410A Shaft 411A Pressed part 41A(41) First lever 420A shaft part 42A(42) Second lever 43A(43) Connecting member 5 cases 500 wire insertion holes 505 Opening A1 Circuit breaker A11 Contact part A12 Opening / closing mechanism A14 Detachment device A15 Secondary terminal A16 Electrical circuit B1 terminal device C1 Distribution Board C10 Box D1 Switch DR1 First-facing DR2 Second Direction W1 electric wire W10 conductor

Claims

1. A terminal board that is electrically connected to the circuit between the secondary terminals, A spring member that applies contact pressure to the conductor of the primary wire in a direction that brings it into contact with the terminal plate, An adjustment member that changes the amount of deformation of the spring member by moving in the axial direction, A link mechanism for restricting and releasing the axial movement of the adjustment member, The device comprises the terminal plate, the spring member, the adjustment member, and a case housing the link mechanism, One of the aforementioned axial directions is designated as the first direction, and the other direction is designated as the second direction. The aforementioned adjustment member is It is movable between a first position in the axial direction and a second position which is a position on the first side of the first direction than the first position. The spring member can be pushed in the first direction and also be pushed in the second direction by the spring member. The aforementioned spring member is An adjustment member pressing portion that pushes the adjustment member in the direction of the second, It has a conductor pressing portion that presses the conductor in the second direction, The adjustment member pressing portion and the conductor pressing portion are movable in the axial direction in conjunction with each other. The aforementioned case is, The wire insertion hole into which the aforementioned wire is inserted, An opening separate from the aforementioned wire insertion hole, It has, The aforementioned link mechanism is A restricting member capable of restricting the movement of the adjusting member or the adjusting member push portion in the second direction, It has a release part that is moved by a tool inserted through the opening, A state change is possible between a first state in which the movement of the adjustment member located at the first position in the first direction is not restricted, and a second state in which the restricting part restricts the movement of the adjustment member located at the second position or the adjustment member pressing part that presses the adjustment member in the second direction. When the release part is moved by a tool in the second state, the restriction by the restricting part in the second state is released. Terminal device.

2. The aforementioned link mechanism is A pressing member that is pressed by the electric wire inserted through the electric wire insertion hole, The first lever is pressed by the aforementioned pressed member, A second lever that restricts the movement of the aforementioned restricting part, It has a connecting member that connects the first lever and the second lever, The aforementioned restricting portion is formed on the restricting member, The first lever is, The case has a shaft portion in the middle that is rotatably supported by the case, The first-facing end has a pressed portion that is pressed by the pressed member, The second lever is, The case has a shaft portion that is rotatably supported at the second-facing end, The aforementioned restraining member is The case has a shaft portion in the middle that is rotatably supported by the case, Having the restricting portion at one end, The other end becomes the end whose movement is restricted by the second lever. One end of the connecting member is connected to the portion of the first lever that is facing the first direction, The other end of the connecting member is connected to the portion of the second lever that is facing the first direction, rather than the shaft portion. The terminal device according to claim 1.

3. The link mechanism further includes a display unit that indicates whether it is in the first state or the second state. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, A contact portion inserted into the circuit between the terminal device and the secondary terminal, An opening and closing mechanism that opens and closes the aforementioned contact portion, Equipped with, Switch.

5. The switch according to claim 4, A tripping device that forcibly opens the contact portion via the opening / closing mechanism, Equipped with, Circuit breaker.

6. The circuit breaker according to claim 5, A box housing the circuit breaker, Equipped with, Distribution board.

Images