CN109087834B

CN109087834B - Circuit breaker

Info

Publication number: CN109087834B
Application number: CN201810122342.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 渡边和昌
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date: 2017-06-13
Filing date: 2018-02-07
Publication date: 2022-02-18
Anticipated expiration: 2038-02-07
Also published as: JP6800093B2; JP2019003777A; CN109087834A

Abstract

A circuit breaker (100) is provided with: an opening/closing mechanism unit that opens and closes the circuit; a housing (1) that houses the opening/closing mechanism section; an operation handle (2) at least a part of which protrudes from the opening of the housing (1) and causes the opening and closing mechanism to open and close the circuit; and an extension handle (3) which is rotatably attached to the operation handle (2) and which is capable of switching between an operation position at which the operation handle (2) is moved and a restriction position at which the movement of the operation handle is restricted by engagement with the housing (1) by rotation.

Description

Circuit breaker

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a circuit breaker such as a wiring breaker and an earth leakage breaker.

Background

Circuit breakers are being downsized in the same manner as other devices, but since the contact pressure required for stable energization is roughly determined in accordance with the rated current, it is difficult to reduce the load required for the opening and closing operation of the circuit. Therefore, along with the miniaturization of the circuit breaker, the load required for the opening and closing operation tends to increase. By extending the length of the operating handle in the projecting direction, the load required at the point of force can be reduced, but the circuit breaker becomes large in external size, which is contrary to miniaturization.

Therefore, an extension handle is known which is attached to an operation handle at the time of opening and closing operation to reduce a load required for the opening and closing operation. For example, patent document 1 discloses an extension handle attached to a distal end portion of an operation handle to extend a length in a projecting direction.

In addition, since a circuit breaker is used for opening and closing a main power supply, a technique of restricting a position of an operation handle in order to prevent accidental opening and closing is known. For example, patent document 2 discloses a technique of accommodating a part of a lock member in a hollow portion of an operation handle to regulate a position of the operation handle.

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 8-17320

Patent document 2: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2000-48685

When the extension handle of patent document 1 is not opened or closed, it is necessary to secure a place where the extension handle is removed from the operation handle and stored, and there is a risk of losing the extension handle. In addition, when the extension handle of patent document 1 is attached to the operation handle of patent document 2, the hollow portion of the operation handle is covered, and therefore, it is difficult to lock the operation handle in a state where the extension handle is attached. Further, the extension handle and the locking member need to be prepared and mounted separately.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a circuit breaker including an extension handle which is convenient to use and has a function of locking an operation handle.

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, a circuit breaker according to the present invention includes: an opening/closing mechanism unit that opens and closes the circuit; a housing that houses the opening/closing mechanism section; an operation handle, at least a part of which protrudes from the opening of the housing, for causing the opening/closing mechanism to open/close the circuit; and an extension handle that is rotatably attached to the operation handle, and that is capable of switching between an operation position at which the operation handle is moved and a restriction position at which the movement of the operation handle is restricted by engagement with the housing by the rotation.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

According to the present invention, the extension handle is easy to use and has a function of locking the operation handle.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an external perspective view showing a trip state of a circuit breaker according to embodiment 1

Fig. 2 is an external perspective view showing an open state of the circuit breaker according to embodiment 1

Fig. 3 is an external perspective view showing an off-lock state of the circuit breaker according to embodiment 1

FIG. 4 is a sagittal sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 3

FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of an operation handle according to embodiment 1

Fig. 6 is a side view of the operation handle according to embodiment 1

FIG. 7 is a sagittal sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 6

FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of an extension handle according to embodiment 1

Fig. 9 is a front view of the extension handle according to embodiment 1

FIG. 10 is a side view of an extension handle according to embodiment 1

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the extension handle according to embodiment 1

Fig. 12 is an enlarged oblique view showing an enlarged state of the extension handle according to embodiment 1 before being attached to the operation handle

Fig. 13 is an enlarged oblique view showing an enlarged state of the extension handle according to embodiment 1 attached to the operation handle

Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the closing lock operation according to embodiment 1

Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the close lock operation according to embodiment 1

Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the close lock operation according to embodiment 1

Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram of the off-lock operation according to embodiment 1

Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram of the off-lock operation according to embodiment 1

Fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram of the off-lock operation according to embodiment 1

FIG. 20 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 4

Fig. 21 is an external perspective view of a reinforcing member according to embodiment 1

Fig. 22 is an enlarged oblique view showing an enlarged state of the reinforcing member according to embodiment 1 before being attached to the operation handle

Fig. 23 is an enlarged oblique view showing an enlarged state of the reinforcing member according to embodiment 1 attached to the operation handle

Fig. 24 is an external perspective view of a circuit breaker according to embodiment 2

Fig. 25 is an external perspective view of an additional member according to embodiment 2

Fig. 26 is a plan view of an additional member according to embodiment 2

FIG. 27 is a view showing a state before the additional member according to embodiment 2 is attached to the extension handle

Fig. 28 is an external perspective view of an extension handle to which an additional member is attached according to embodiment 2

Fig. 29 is a side view of an extension handle to which an additional member is attached according to embodiment 2

Fig. 30 is an external perspective view of a circuit breaker according to embodiment 3

Fig. 31 is an external perspective view of a lock assistance member according to embodiment 3

Fig. 32 is an external perspective view of an extension handle in a state where a lock assist member is attached according to embodiment 3

FIG. 33 is a side view of an extension handle in a state where a lock assist member is attached according to embodiment 3

Fig. 34 is an external perspective view showing a state where the lock assist member according to embodiment 3 is attached to the extension handle

Fig. 35 is a partially enlarged view of a circuit breaker according to another embodiment

FIG. 36 is a view showing a structure of an extension handle according to another embodiment

FIG. 37 is a view showing the structure of an operation handle according to another embodiment

Description of the reference numerals

1. 1C case, 2D operating handle, 3C, 3D extension handle, 4 reinforcing member, 5 additional member, 6 locking auxiliary member, 7 locking device, 11 power source side terminal, 12 load side terminal, 13 opening and closing mechanism part, 14 fixed contact, 15 movable contact, 16 arc extinguishing device, 17, 33C engaging concave part, 17C, 33, 52 engaging convex part,

opening 18, flange 21, upper surface 19,

flange

22, 32, 22D gripping part, base 23, wall 24, 24a, 24B,

rotating shaft

25, 82, shaft 31 supporting part,

shaft

34, 53, 63, 81 supporting part,

shaft

35, 64 stopper,

shaft

36, 41, 71 supporting space part,

notch

37, 42, 72, through

hole

38, 39, 66, connecting

part

51, 61, convex

part

55, 56, 65, contact part 62,

circuit breaker

100, 100A, 100B, 100C.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, a circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

Embodiment 1.

Fig. 1 is an external perspective view showing a trip state of a circuit breaker 100 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention, and fig. 2 is an external perspective view showing an open state of the circuit breaker 100. Fig. 3 is an oblique view showing an external appearance of the circuit breaker 100 in an off-lock state, and fig. 4 is a sagittal sectional view taken along line II-II of fig. 3.

As shown in fig. 1 to 3, a circuit breaker 100 according to embodiment 1 includes: a housing 1; an operation handle 2 at least a part of which protrudes from an opening 18 of the housing 1; and an extension handle 3 rotatably attached to the operation handle 2. For convenience of explanation, the projecting direction of the operating handle 2 in the tripped state of the circuit breaker 100 is defined as the upward direction and the positive direction of the Z-axis direction, and the moving direction of the operating handle 2 viewed from the Z-axis direction is defined as the forward-backward direction and the X-axis direction. Directions orthogonal to the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction are referred to as a left-right direction and a Y-axis direction.

As shown in fig. 4, the circuit breaker 100 includes: a power source side terminal 11 connected to a power source side wire not shown; and a load side terminal 12 connected to a load side wire, not shown. Hereinafter, the power source side terminal 11 side of the circuit breaker 100 is sometimes referred to as a power source side, and the load side terminal 12 side of the circuit breaker 100 is sometimes referred to as a load side.

The housing 1 includes: an opening/closing mechanism 13 that opens and closes the circuit; a fixed contact 14 connected to the power source side terminal 11; a movable contact 15 electrically connected to the load side terminal 12 and driven by the opening/closing mechanism 13; and an arc extinguishing device 16 that interrupts an arc generated between the fixed contactor 14 and the movable contactor 15.

The operation handle 2 is fixed to an unillustrated operation portion of the opening/closing mechanism portion 13, and at least a part thereof protrudes through an opening portion 18 formed on the upper surface side of the housing 1. By operating the portion protruding from the opening 18 of the operating handle 2 within the range of the opening 18, the circuit breaker 100 can be switched on and off, that is, the opening and closing mechanism 13 can open and close the circuit.

For example, when the operation handle 2 is moved to the power supply side, the opening/closing mechanism 13 is operated to move the movable contact 15 to the fixed contact 14, and the movable contact 15 is brought into contact with the fixed contact 14. Thereby, the power source side terminal 11 and the load side terminal 12 are electrically connected, the circuit is closed, and the circuit including the circuit is turned on.

When the operation handle 2 is moved to the load side from the state where the electric circuit is closed, the opening/closing mechanism 13 is operated to move the movable contact 15 in a direction away from the fixed contact 14. Thereby, the power source side terminal 11 and the load side terminal 12 are electrically disconnected, the circuit is disconnected, and the circuit including the circuit is disconnected. The operation to bring the circuit into the closed state is a closing operation, and the operation to bring the circuit into the open state is an opening operation. The closing operation and the opening operation are collectively referred to as an opening and closing operation. The case where locking is performed in the closed state is referred to as closed locking or ON locking, and the case where locking is performed in the open state is referred to as open locking or OFF locking.

The circuit breaker 100 is a wiring breaker that detects an overcurrent and blocks the circuit by the opening/closing mechanism unit 13, and may be an earth leakage breaker or another breaker that detects a leakage current and blocks the circuit by the opening/closing mechanism unit 13. When the circuit breaker 100 detects an overcurrent, the movable contact 15 is separated from the fixed contact 14 by the opening/closing mechanism 13 and is brought into a trip state. When the circuit breaker 100 is in the tripped state, the operating handle 2 is at an intermediate position between an open position when the circuit is opened and a closed position when the circuit is closed, as shown in fig. 1.

The extension handle 3 is switched between an operation position at which the operation handle 2 is moved by rotation relative to the operation handle 2 and a regulation position at which the movement of the operation handle 2 is regulated by engagement with the housing 1.

When the extension handle 3 is in the operating position, as shown in fig. 1, the distal end of the extension handle 3 is located farther from the housing 1 than the distal end of the operating handle 2 in the projecting direction of the operating handle 2. The operating handle 2 moves in an arc about the rotation axis of the opening/closing mechanism 13 between the power source side and the load side in the opening 18 with the rotation axis of the opening/closing mechanism 13 inside the housing 1 as a fulcrum.

Therefore, when the rotational position of the extension handle 3 is the operation position, the extension handle 3 can be operated with a lower operation force than the operation force to the operation handle 2, and the operation handle 2 can be easily moved by the operation to the extension handle 3. Fig. 2 shows a state after the operation handle 2 is moved to the load side.

In addition, the extension handle 3 has a lock function of restricting the movement of the operation handle 2. When the rotational position of the extension handle 3 is changed from the operation position shown in fig. 2 to the restriction position shown in fig. 3, the convex engaging convex portion 33 provided in the extension handle 3 engages with the concave engaging concave portion 17 provided in the region around the opening portion 18 of the housing 1. This restricts the movement of the operation handle 2, and the operation handle 2 is locked. The engaging concave portion 17 of the housing 1 is an example of the 1 st engaging portion, and the engaging convex portion 33 of the extension handle 3 is an example of the 2 nd engaging portion.

As described above, since the extension handle 3 is switched between the operation position at which the operation handle 2 is moved and the regulation position at which the movement of the operation handle 2 is regulated by being rotated, the opening and closing operation can be locked by a simple operation while the opening and closing operation is easily performed. In addition, when the operation handle 2 is locked, the extension handle 3 does not need to be removed from the operation handle 2 and stored, and there is no risk of being lost. As described above, the extension handle 3 of the circuit breaker 100 is easy to use and has a function of locking the operation handle 2, so that the convenience of the user can be improved.

Next, the operation handle 2 and the extension handle 3 will be described more specifically. First, the structure of the operation handle 2 will be explained. Fig. 5 is an external oblique view of the operation handle 2, fig. 6 is a side view of the operation handle 2, and fig. 7 is a sagittal sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of fig. 6.

As shown in fig. 5 to 7, the operation handle 2 includes: a flange portion 21 formed in an arc shape; and a grip portion 22 formed at the center of the flange portion 21 and projecting from the flange portion 21. The grip portion 22 includes: a base portion 23 connected to the flange portion 21; a pair of

wall portions

24a, 24b formed to protrude from both end portions in the front-rear direction of the base portion 23; and a rotating shaft 25 which is located between the pair of

wall portions

24a, 24b and connects the pair of

wall portions

24a, 24b to each other. The tip between the pair of

wall portions

24a, 24b is formed in an arc shape. In the following,

wall portions

24a and 24b may not be distinguished from each other and may be referred to as wall portion 24.

The rotary shaft 25 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The axial direction of the rotary shaft 25 is parallel to the moving direction of the operation handle 2. Therefore, the turning direction of the extension handle 3 with respect to the operation handle 2 is perpendicular to the moving direction of the operation handle 2, and the extension handle 3 can be prevented from being accidentally rotated about the rotation shaft 25 when the operation force is applied to the grip portion 22. Further, if the axial direction of the rotary shaft 25 is a direction along the moving direction of the operation handle 2, it may not be parallel to the moving direction of the operation handle 2.

In addition, a rotation shaft 25 is formed in a protruding portion of the operation handle 2 protruding from the housing 1. Therefore, the extension handle 3 can be rotated at a position higher than the housing 1, and the extension handle 3 can be easily rotated from the operation position to the restriction position.

The operation handle 2 is a member formed by resin molding, for example. As shown in fig. 6, since the base portion 23, the pair of

wall portions

24a and 24b, and the rotation shaft 25 are integrally formed, the rigidity of the

wall portions

24a and 24b, which are thin portions of the grip portion 22, can be increased.

Next, the structure of the extension handle 3 will be explained. Fig. 8 is an oblique view of the appearance of the extension handle 3, fig. 9 is a front view of the extension handle 3, fig. 10 is a side view of the extension handle 3, and fig. 11 is a rear view of the extension handle 3.

As shown in fig. 8 to 11, the extension handle 3 includes: a shaft support portion 31 that receives the rotating shaft 25 of the operating handle 2; a grip portion 32 connected to the shaft support portion 31, and gripped during the opening and closing operation and serving as a force point during the opening and closing operation; an engaging convex portion 33 locked to the engaging concave portion 17 of the housing 1; a support portion 34 connected to the base end of the grip portion 32 and supporting the engagement convex portion 33; and a stopper 35 connected to the proximal end of the grip 32 to restrict the rotation of the operating handle 2.

As shown in fig. 11, the shaft support portion 31 includes: a shaft support space 36 into which the rotary shaft 25 is inserted; and a notch portion 37 having a gap of width L1 smaller than the axial diameter of the rotary shaft 25, and forming a guide space leading from the outside of the rotary shaft 25 to the shaft support space portion 36. The cutout portion 37 has the following shape: the region of the width L1 continues until the shaft support space 36 from the region of the width that decreases continuously from the outside of the rotary shaft 25 toward the shaft support space 36. Therefore, the rotation shaft 25 can easily enter the notch portion 37.

The shaft support portion 31 is formed of an elastically deformable member, and the width L1 of the notch portion 37 is gradually widened by the elastic deformation of the notch portion 37 as the rotating shaft 25 entering the notch portion 37 moves toward the shaft support space portion 36. Therefore, the rotary shaft 25 can pass through the shaft support space 36, and the rotary shaft 25 passes through the notch 37 and is inserted into the shaft support space 36.

Since the width of the notch portion 37 connected to the shaft support space portion 36 has a width L1 smaller than the axial diameter of the rotary shaft 25, the rotary shaft 25 can be restricted from falling out of the shaft support space portion 36 after the rotary shaft 25 is inserted into the shaft support space portion 36. Further, by appropriately adjusting the width L1 with respect to the axial diameter of the rotary shaft 25, the rotary shaft 25 can be prevented from coming out of the shaft support portion 31 unless a tool having the shape of a flat screwdriver or the like is inserted from below.

The angle θ between the extending direction of the notch 37 and the extending direction of the extension handle 3 is in the range of 40 degrees to 50 degrees, for example, 45 degrees. Thus, when the position of the extension handle 3 is the operation position or the restriction position, the rotation shaft 25 can be further prevented from coming off from the shaft support portion 31. Further, the angle θ is not limited to the above angle.

The thickness of the shaft support portion 31, that is, the length of the shaft support portion 31 in the X-axis direction is equal to the distance between the

wall portions

24a and 24b, and thus, when the extension handle 3 is attached to the operation handle 2, the strength of the operation handle 2 in the operation direction can be increased. The thickness of the shaft support portion 31 may be different from the distance between the

wall portions

24a and 24b as long as the strength in the operation direction of the operation handle 2 can be increased.

The grip 32 has through

holes

38 and 39. The through holes 38 and 39 are arranged along the Z-axis direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the extension handle 3. The through holes 38 and 39 are formed along the front-rear direction, i.e., the X-axis direction. The through holes 38 and 39 may not be provided as the grip portion 32 if another member is not attached to the extension handle 3.

The engaging convex portion 33 has a convex shape protruding in the Y-axis direction, which is a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the extension handle 3 and the moving direction of the operation handle 2, and is located outside the shaft support portion 31 and the support portion 34 in the Y-axis direction as viewed from the X-axis direction, as shown in fig. 9 and 11. The tip of the engaging projection 33 has a tapered surface. The tip of the engaging convex portion 33 may be formed in a curved surface shape.

The support portion 34 is located opposite to the shaft support portion 31. Therefore, as shown in fig. 13 and 14, in a state where the extension handle 3 is attached to the operation handle 2, either of the

wall portions

24a and 24b of the grip portion 22 of the operation handle 2 is positioned between the shaft support portion 31 and the support portion 34. Therefore, by setting the distance between the shaft support portion 31 and the support portion 34 to be the same as the thickness of the

wall portions

24a and 24b, the extension handle 3 can be stably attached to the operation handle 2.

The stopper 35 is formed on the opposite side of the projecting direction of the engaging convex portion 33 in the Y-axis direction, which is the left-right direction. The stopper 35 has a lower end located below the upper end of the wall portion 24 of the operation handle 2 when the extension handle 3 is attached to the operation handle 2. Therefore, the rotational position of the extension handle 3 is restricted to the range between the operating position and the restricting position by the stopper 35. The rotation angle between the operation position and the restriction position is in the range of 85 degrees to 95 degrees, for example, 90 degrees, but is not limited to this angle.

Next, the attachment of the extension handle 3 to the operation handle 2 will be described. Fig. 12 is an enlarged oblique view showing a state before the extension handle 3 is attached to the operation handle 2, and fig. 13 is an enlarged oblique view showing a state after the extension handle 3 is attached to the operation handle 2. As shown in fig. 12, the extension handle 3 is disposed above the operation handle 2 with the notch 37 facing the rotation shaft 25 of the operation handle 2.

Thereafter, the extension handle 3 is moved downward, and the rotary shaft 25 of the operation handle 2 is inserted into the shaft support space 36 through the notch 37 of the shaft support 31 of the extension handle 3. Thus, the shaft support 31 of the extension handle 3 is attached to the rotary shaft 25 of the operation handle 2, and the extension handle 3 is attached to the operation handle 2 so as to be rotatable about the rotary shaft 25.

As shown in fig. 13, when the extension handle 3 is in the operating position, the lower end of the stopper 35 is located below the upper end of the wall portion 24 a. Therefore, when a force in the negative direction of the Y axis, that is, a force for rotating the extension handle 3 in the direction opposite to the restriction position from the operation position acts on the extension handle 3, the lower end of the stopper 35 is locked to the upper end of the wall portion 24a, and the rotation of the extension handle 3 is restricted.

Next, the operation of locking the operation handle 2, that is, the closing locking operation, while changing the state of the circuit breaker 100 from the open state or the tripped state to the closed state, will be described. Fig. 14 to 16 are explanatory views of the closing lock operation.

In the state shown in fig. 14, the grip portion 32 of the extension handle 3 is located farther from the housing 1 than the operating handle 2 in the projecting direction of the operating handle 2. Therefore, the force applied to the grip portion 32 for operating the operation handle 2 to the closed position can be smaller than the force applied to the grip portion 22 of the operation handle 2, and the operation handle 2 can be easily moved.

The grip 32 of the extension handle 3 is moved in the negative direction of the X axis, which is the power supply side, so that the state shown in fig. 14 is changed to the state shown in fig. 15. In the state shown in fig. 15, the extension handle 3 is attached to the operation handle 2 in a state where the engaging convex portion 33 of the extension handle 3 is arranged on the power supply side with respect to the operation handle 2.

Therefore, when the position of the extension handle 3 is moved from the operation position to the restriction position by rotating the extension handle 3, as shown in fig. 16, the engagement convex portion 33 of the extension handle 3 is disposed in the engagement concave portion 17 provided on the load side of the housing 1.

In the state shown in fig. 16, the engaging convex portion 33 and the engaging concave portion 17 face each other in the operation direction of the operation handle 2. Therefore, when the operation handle 2 is attempted to be moved to the load side, the movement of the operation handle 2 to the load side is restricted by the engagement of the engaging convex portion 33 and the engaging concave portion 17.

Next, the operation of locking the operation handle 2, that is, the off-locking operation, while changing the state of the circuit breaker 100 from the closed state or the tripped state to the open state, will be described. Fig. 17 to 19 are explanatory diagrams of the off-lock operation.

When the operation handle 2 is moved to the off position, as shown in fig. 17, the extension handle 3 is attached to the operation handle 2 in a state where the engagement convex portion 33 of the extension handle 3 is arranged on the load side with respect to the operation handle 2. The state shown in fig. 17 is changed to the state shown in fig. 18 by moving the grip portion 32 of the extension handle 3 to the load side.

When the extension handle 3 in the state shown in fig. 18 is rotated to move the position of the extension handle 3 from the operation position to the regulation position, as shown in fig. 19, the engaging convex portion 33 of the extension handle 3 is disposed in the engaging concave portion 17 provided on the load side of the housing 1. Therefore, when the operation handle 2 is attempted to be moved to the power supply side, the movement of the operation handle 2 to the power supply side is restricted by the engagement of the engaging convex portion 33 and the engaging concave portion 17.

Further, as shown in fig. 19, since the extension handle 3 is stopped at the limit position by restricting the rotation of the extension handle 3 by the contact of the extension handle 3 with the upper surface 19 of the housing 1, the structure for stopping the extension handle 3 at the limit position can be avoided from being complicated. Further, since the support portion 34 is in contact with the upper surface 19 of the housing 1 in addition to the base end portion of the grip portion 32, the contact area of the extension handle 3 with the upper surface 19 can be increased as compared with the case where the support portion 34 is not in contact with the upper surface 19, and the rotation of the extension handle 3 can be stably restricted.

Fig. 20 is a partially enlarged view of fig. 4. As shown in fig. 20, when the operation handle 2 is locked at the off position by the extension handle 3, the position farthest from the housing 1 in the projecting direction Dp of the operation handle 2 as the extension handle 3 is the same position P1 as the operation handle 2.

Therefore, even when the extension handle 3 is used, the increase in the outer size of the circuit breaker 100 in a state where the operation to the operation handle 2 is not necessary can be suppressed. As well as in the case where the operating handle 2 is in the closed position and the trip position. Further, as the extension handle 3, the position farthest from the housing 1 in the projecting direction Dp of the operation handle 2 may be a position closer to the housing 1 than the position P1 of the operation handle 2.

Further, when the operation handle 2 is in the off position, as shown in fig. 20, the extension handle 3 is inclined with respect to the Z axis together with the operation handle 2, but since the engaging convex portion 33 becomes parallel to the Z axis, the engaging convex portion 33 can be easily inserted into the engaging concave portion 17. This is also the same as in the case where the operating handle 2 is in the closed position. It is to be noted that the engaging convex portion 33 may be located in the engaging concave portion 17 when the operation handle 2 is at the closed position or the open position, and the engaging convex portion 33 is not limited to being parallel to the Z axis when the operation handle 2 is at the closed position or the open position.

Instead of the extension handle 3, a reinforcement member 4 can be attached to the operation handle 2. By attaching the reinforcement member 4 to the operation handle 2, it is possible to prevent the strength of the operation handle 2 from being reduced even in a state where the extension handle 3 is not attached. Fig. 21 is an external perspective view of the reinforcing member 4.

As shown in fig. 21, the reinforcing member 4 includes: a shaft support space 41 into which the rotary shaft 25 is inserted; and a notch 42 having a gap of width L2 smaller than the axial diameter of the rotary shaft 25 and forming a guide space leading from the outside of the rotary shaft 25 to the shaft support space 41.

Since the reinforcing member 4 is formed of an elastically deformable member like the shaft support portion 31, the cutout portion 42 has the following shape: the region of the width L2 continues until the shaft support space 41 from the region of the width that decreases continuously from the outside of the rotary shaft 25 toward the shaft support space 41. Therefore, similarly to the notch portion 37, the width L2 of the notch portion 42 is widened by the elastic deformation of the notch portion 42, and the rotary shaft 25 can be inserted into the shaft support space portion 41.

Similarly to the shaft support portion 31, the reinforcing member 4 can restrict the rotation shaft 25 from falling out of the shaft support space portion 41 after the rotation shaft 25 is inserted into the shaft support space portion 41, and can make the rotation shaft 25 difficult to come out of the reinforcing member 4.

Fig. 22 is an enlarged oblique view showing a state before the reinforcing member 4 is attached to the operation handle 2, and fig. 23 is an enlarged oblique view showing a state after the reinforcing member 4 is attached to the operation handle 2. As shown in fig. 22, the reinforcing member 4 is disposed above the operation handle 2 with the cutout portion 42 facing the rotation shaft 25 of the operation handle 2.

Thereafter, the reinforcing member 4 is moved downward, and the rotary shaft 25 of the operation handle 2 is inserted into the shaft support space 41 through the notch 42 of the reinforcing member 4. Thereby, as shown in fig. 23, the reinforcing member 4 is attached to the operation handle 2.

In the state shown in fig. 23, the reinforcing member 4 is positioned between the

wall portions

24a and 24b of the operation handle 2, and the strength in the operation direction of the operation handle 2 is increased by the reinforcing member 4. The thickness of the reinforcing member 4 is the same length as the distance between the

wall portions

24a and 24b, and the reinforcing member 4 is held by the operation handle 2 in a state of being in contact with the

wall portions

24a and 24b, but it is sufficient if the strength in the operation direction of the operation handle 2 can be increased. That is, the thickness of the reinforcing member 4 may be shorter than the distance between the

wall portions

24a and 24 b.

The upper portion of the reinforcing member 4 is formed in the same shape as the upper portions of the

wall portions

24a and 24b, and the height of the reinforcing member 4 is equal to the height of the operation handle 2 in a state where the reinforcing member 4 is attached to the operation handle 2. The length of the reinforcing member 4 in the Y-axis direction, which is the width direction, is the same as the length of the grip portion 22 of the operation handle 2 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, when the reinforcing member 4 is attached to the grip portion 22 of the operating handle 2, the reinforcing member 4 does not protrude from the grip portion 22, and an increase in the outer size of the circuit breaker 100 can be avoided.

As described above, the circuit breaker 100 according to embodiment 1 includes: an opening/closing mechanism 13 that opens and closes the circuit; a housing 1 that houses the opening/closing mechanism section 13; an operation handle 2, at least a part of which protrudes from the opening 18 of the housing 1, for opening and closing the circuit by the opening and closing mechanism 13; and an extension handle 3 rotatably attached to the operation handle 2. The extension handle 3 is rotated to switch between an operation position at which the operation handle 2 is moved and a restriction position at which the movement of the operation handle 2 is restricted by engagement with the housing 1. As described above, by rotating the extension handle 3, the main function and the lock function of the extension handle 3 can be switched, and the operation handle 2 can be easily moved and fixed by one extension handle 3. In addition, when the operation handle 2 is locked, the extension handle 3 does not need to be removed from the operation handle 2 and stored, and there is no risk of being lost.

The housing 1 includes an engaging recess 17, and the engaging recess 17 is an example of a 1 st engaging portion provided in a region around the opening 18. The extension handle 3 includes: a grip portion 32 which is located farther from the housing 1 than the operating handle 2 in the projecting direction Dp of the operating handle 2 when the rotational position is the operating position and which serves as a force point during the opening and closing operation; and a 2 nd engaging convex portion 33 that is engaged with the engaging concave portion 17 of the housing 1 when the rotational position is the restricting position, thereby restricting the movement of the operation handle 2. Since the 1 st engaging portion formed in the housing 1 is formed in a concave shape with respect to the upper surface 19 of the housing 1, the upper surface 19 of the housing 1 can be suppressed from being raised.

When the rotational position is the restricted position, the extension handle 3 is located at the farthest position from the housing 1 in the projecting direction Dp of the operating handle 2, and is located at the same position as the operating handle 2 or is located closer to the housing 1 than the operating handle 2. This can suppress an increase in the outer size of the circuit breaker 100 in a situation where the operation to the operation handle 2 is not necessary.

The extension handle 3 further includes a stopper 35, and the stopper 35 restricts the rotation from the operation position to the direction opposite to the restriction position. Therefore, the rotation direction from the operation position to the restriction position can be easily grasped, and the erroneous operation can be prevented.

The extension handle 3 is detachably attached to the operation handle 2. Therefore, the extension handle 3 can be removed, and for example, the extension handle 3 can be easily replaced when damaged.

The operation handle 2 includes a rotating shaft 25, and the rotating shaft 25 is provided in a portion protruding from the opening 18. The extension handle 3 includes a shaft support 31 for receiving the rotary shaft 25. Therefore, the extension handle 3 can be easily rotated above the housing 1.

In addition, the rotation shaft 25 extends along the moving direction of the operation handle 2. Therefore, the turning direction of the extension handle 3 with respect to the operation handle 2 becomes a direction intersecting the moving direction of the operation handle 2, and it is possible to avoid the extension handle 3 from being accidentally rotated about the rotation shaft 25 in the case where the operation force is applied to the extension handle 3.

The grip portion 22 includes a pair of

wall portions

24a and 24 b. The rotation shaft 25 is disposed between the pair of

wall portions

24a, 24b and connects the pair of

wall portions

24a, 24b to each other. Therefore, the rigidity of the

wall portions

24a, 24b, which are thin portions of the grip portion 22, can be increased as compared with a case where the rotation shaft 25 is not disposed between the pair of

wall portions

24a, 24 b. Further, by integrating the pair of

wall portions

24a and 24b and the rotation shaft 25, the rigidity of the

wall portions

24a and 24b can be further improved.

The shaft support 31 is formed of an elastically deformable member, and includes: a shaft support space 36 into which the rotating shaft 25 of the operating handle 2 is inserted; and a notch portion 37 having a width L1 smaller than the axial diameter of the rotation shaft 25 and forming a guide passage space leading to the shaft support space portion 36. Therefore, the rotary shaft 25 can be stably attached to the shaft support portion 31.

The circuit breaker 100 further includes a reinforcing member 4, and the reinforcing member 4 is attached to the rotating shaft 25 of the operating handle 2 and is formed of an elastically deformable member. The reinforcing member 4 includes: a shaft support space 41 into which the rotating shaft 25 of the operating handle 2 is inserted; and a notch 42 having a width L2 smaller than the axial diameter of the rotation shaft 25 and forming a guide passage space leading to the shaft support space 41. Therefore, the reinforcing member 4 can be stably attached to the shaft support portion 31.

The engaging recess 17 is disposed on the power source side, which is the 1 st position where the electric circuit is closed, among the positions where the operation handle 2 is movable, and on the load side, which is the 2 nd position where the electric circuit is open, among the positions where the operation handle 2 is movable. The extension handle 3 can be attached to the operation handle 2 in a state where the engaging convex portion 33 is selectively arranged on the power supply side and the load side with respect to the operation handle 2. Therefore, the closing lock operation and the opening lock operation can be performed using the extension handle 3 having one engaging convex portion 33, and the convenience of the extension handle 3 can be improved.

Embodiment 2.

The circuit breaker according to embodiment 2 is different from embodiment 1 in that an additional member including an engaging protrusion is attached to the extension handle 3. Hereinafter, components having the same functions as those of embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted, and description thereof will be mainly focused on differences from the circuit breaker 100 of embodiment 1.

Fig. 24 is an external perspective view of a circuit breaker 100A according to embodiment 2 of the present invention, and as shown in fig. 24, the circuit breaker 100A according to embodiment 2 includes an additional member 5 attached to an extension handle 3. Fig. 25 is an external perspective view of the additional member 5, and fig. 26 is a plan view of the additional member 5.

As shown in fig. 25 and 26, the additional member 5 includes: a connecting portion 51 connected to the extension handle 3; an engaging convex portion 52 locked to the engaging concave portion 17 of the housing 1; and a support portion 53 connected to the base end of the connection portion 51 and supporting the engagement convex portion 52.

Cylindrical projections

55 and 56 are formed on the connection portion 51. The engaging convex portion 52 has a shape mirror-symmetrical to the engaging convex portion 33 of the extension handle 3.

Fig. 27 is a diagram showing a state before the additional member 5 is attached to the extension handle 3, fig. 28 is an external perspective view of the extension handle 3 to which the additional member 5 is attached, and fig. 29 is a side view of the extension handle 3 to which the additional member 5 is attached.

As shown in fig. 27, the

projection

55, 56 of the additional member 5 is inserted into the through

hole

38, 39 of the extension handle 3, and the additional member 5 is attached to the extension handle 3 as shown in fig. 28 and 29. When the additional member 5 is attached to the extension handle 3, the engaging convex portion 33 is disposed on one of the power source side and the load side with respect to the operation handle 2, and the engaging convex portion 52 is disposed on the other.

Therefore, it is possible to perform either the closing lock operation or the opening lock operation without attaching and detaching the extension handle 3 to and from the operation handle 2 and changing the orientation of the extension handle 3. As shown in fig. 24, when the additional member 5 is attached to the extension handle 3, the engagement convex portion 33 of the extension handle 3 is disposed in the engagement concave portion 17 on the power supply side by the closing and locking operation.

After the closing and locking operation is completed, the closed and locked state is achieved, and the movement of the operation handle 2 to the load side is restricted by the engagement of the engaging convex portion 33 and the engaging concave portion 17 on the power supply side. The engaging convex portion 52 of the additional member 5 is disposed in the engaging concave portion 17 on the load side by the off-lock operation, and the movement of the operation handle 2 to the power supply side is restricted by the engagement of the engaging convex portion 52 and the engaging concave portion 17 on the load side.

In the circuit breaker 100A shown in fig. 24, the additional member 5 is disposed on the load side with respect to the operating handle 2, but the additional member 5 can be disposed on the power supply side with respect to the operating handle 2 by attaching the extension handle 3 to the operating handle 2 in the state shown in fig. 1.

In the above example, the extension handle is configured to have 2 engaging convex portions by attaching the additional member 5 to the extension handle 3, but the extension handle 3 and the additional member 5 may be integrated. Further, as described above, by separating the extension handle 3 and the additional member 5, the shape of the extension handle can be changed according to the application.

As described above, the circuit breaker 100A according to embodiment 2 includes the engaging convex portion 33 and the engaging convex portion 52 as the 2 nd engaging portion. The extension handle including the extension handle 3 and the additional member 5 can be attached to the operation handle 2 in a state where the engaging convex portion 33 and the engaging convex portion 52, which are the 2 nd engaging portion, are arranged on the power supply side and the load side, respectively, with respect to the operation handle 2. Therefore, the closing lock operation and the opening lock operation can be performed without attaching and detaching the extension handle 3, and the convenience of the user can be improved.

The additional member 5 including the engaging projection 52 is detachable from the extension handle 3. Therefore, it is possible to provide a circuit breaker having an appropriate extension handle that meets the user's request, use purpose, and the like.

Embodiment 3.

The circuit breaker according to embodiment 3 is different from embodiment 1 in that a lock assist member is attached to an extension handle 3. Hereinafter, components having the same functions as those of embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted, and description thereof will be mainly focused on differences from the circuit breaker 100 of embodiment 1.

Fig. 30 is an external perspective view of a circuit breaker 100B according to embodiment 3 of the present invention, and as shown in fig. 30, the circuit breaker 100B according to embodiment 3 is configured to have a lock assist member 6 attached to an extension handle 3, and to be in a state in which the lock assist member 6 is not detached from the extension handle 3 by a lock device 7 such as a padlock.

Fig. 31 is an external perspective view of the lock assist member 6, fig. 32 is an external perspective view of the extension handle 3 in a state where the lock assist member 6 is attached, and fig. 33 is a side view of the extension handle 3 in a state where the lock assist member 6 is attached.

As shown in fig. 31, the lock assistance member 6 includes: a connecting portion 61 connected to the extension handle 3; a contact portion 62 that contacts the upper surface 19 of the housing 1; a support portion 63 that is continuous with the base end of the connection portion 61 and supports the contact portion 62; and a stopper 64 that restricts the rotation of the operation handle 2. The connecting portion 61 is formed with a cylindrical projection 65 and a through hole 66. As shown in fig. 32 and 33, the lock assistance member 6 is attached to the extension handle 3 by inserting the projection 65 into the through hole 38 of the extension handle 3.

The lock auxiliary member 6 is attached to the extension handle 3 in a state where the operation handle 2 is in the closed position or the open position and the rotational position of the extension handle 3 is in the restricting position. For example, in the state of the extension handle 3 shown in fig. 3, the lock assistance member 6 is attached to the extension handle 3. Thereby, the circuit breaker 100B is in the state shown in fig. 34. Fig. 34 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the lock assistance member 6 is attached to the extension handle 3.

In the state shown in fig. 34, the contact portion 62 of the lock assisting member 6 protrudes in the opposite direction to the grip portion 32 of the extension handle 3 in the Y-axis direction, which is the left-right direction, and the upper surface 19 of the housing 1 opposite to the upper surface 19 of the housing 1 facing the grip portion 32 in the Y-axis direction faces the contact portion 62. Therefore, when the extension handle 3 is attempted to be rotated to the operation position, the rotation of the extension handle 3 is restricted by the contact of the contact portion 62 with the upper surface 19 of the housing 1.

The lower end of the stopper 64 is located below the upper end of the wall portion 24 of the operation handle 2. The stopper 64 is provided on the opposite side of the operation handle 2 from the stopper 35 in the rotational direction of the extension handle 3, and the stopper 64 restricts the rotation of the extension handle 3 from the restricting position to the operation position. As described above, in the circuit breaker 100B, the rotation of the extension handle 3 is restricted by the contact portion 62 and the stopper 64, but the lock assisting member 6 may be configured to have only one of the contact portion 62 and the stopper 64.

In the state shown in fig. 32 to 34, the through hole 39 of the extension handle 3 and the through hole 66 of the lock assisting member 6 communicate with each other, and in the state shown in fig. 34, the tongue portion 8 of the lock device 7 can be inserted through the through hole 39 of the extension handle 3 and the through hole 66 of the lock assisting member 6. As shown in fig. 30, when the tongue portion 8 is locked by the locking device 7, the locking auxiliary member 6 cannot be removed from the extension handle 3 by the locking device 7. Therefore, the closing operation can be inhibited. In the above description, although the closing operation is inhibited, the opening operation can be similarly inhibited.

As described above, the circuit breaker 100B according to embodiment 3 includes the lock auxiliary member 6 attachable to and detachable from the extension handle 3. The lock auxiliary member 6 restricts the rotation of the extension handle 3 in a state where the rotation position is the restriction position, that is, the lock auxiliary member is attached to the extension handle 3. This can suppress accidental unlocking of the operation handle 2.

The extension handle 3 includes a through hole 39, the through hole 39 being an example of a mounting portion to which the lock device 7 can be mounted, and the lock assisting member 6 includes a through hole 66, the through hole 66 being an example of a mounting portion to which the lock device 7 can be mounted. The through hole 39 and the through hole 66 can be provided with the common lock device 7 in a state where the lock assisting member 6 is attached to the extension handle 3. This makes it possible to easily attach the lock device 7. Further, since the through hole 39 is formed in the grip portion 32 having a thick portion thicker than the shaft support portion 31, it is possible to suppress damage to the extension handle 3 when a strong force acts on the lock device 7.

In the above embodiment, the example in which the operation handle 2 is moved in an arc shape around the rotation axis of the opening/closing mechanism portion 13 has been described, but the operation handle 2 may be configured to slide in parallel. In this case, since the protruding portion from the opening 18 is lengthened by the extension handle 3, the operation can be easily performed.

In the above embodiment, the engaging concave portion 17 as a concave engaging portion is provided in the housing 1, and the engaging convex portion 33 and the engaging convex portion 52 as convex engaging portions are provided in the extension handle 3 and the additional member 5, but these engaging portions are not limited to the above example. That is, when the extension handle 3 is at the restricting position, the extension handle 3 may be engaged with the housing 1.

For example, as in the circuit breaker 100C shown in fig. 35, the housing 1C may be provided with an engaging convex portion 17C, and the extension handle 3C may be provided with an engaging concave portion 33C. Fig. 35 is a partially enlarged view of the circuit breaker 100C according to another embodiment. When the extension handle 3C shown in fig. 35 is in the restricting position, the engaging convex portion 17C is provided in the engaging concave portion 33C to restrict the movement of the operation handle 2. Further, a portion corresponding to the support portion 34 of the extension handle 3 may be provided at the extension handle 3C.

In the above embodiment, the rotary shaft 25 is provided in the operating handle 2, and the shaft support portion 31 is provided in the extension handles 3 and 3C, but the extension handles 3 and 3C may be attached to the operating handle 2 so as to be freely rotatable, and the present invention is not limited to the above example. Fig. 36 is a diagram showing a configuration of an extension handle 3D according to another embodiment, and fig. 37 is a diagram showing a configuration of an operation handle 2D according to another embodiment.

The extension handle 3D shown in fig. 36 includes a support portion 81 facing the support portion 34 and a rotation shaft 82, and the shaft support portion 31 is not provided. The rotation shaft 82 is disposed between the support portion 81 and the support portion 34, and couples the support portion 81 and the support portion 34.

The grip portion 22D of the operation handle 2D shown in fig. 37 includes, similarly to the shaft support portion 31: a shaft support space portion 71 into which a rotary shaft 82 described later is inserted; and a notch 72 having a gap with a width smaller than the axial diameter of the rotation shaft 82 and forming a guide space leading from the outside of the grip portion 22D to the shaft support space 71. The rotation shaft 82 is attached to the grip portion 22D, whereby the extension handle 3D is rotatably attached to the operation handle 2D. As described above, the operation handle 2D may be provided with the shaft support portion, and the extension handle 3D may be provided with the rotation shaft.

The configuration described in the above embodiment is merely an example showing the contents of the present invention, and other known techniques may be combined, and a part of the configuration may be omitted or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A circuit breaker is characterized by comprising:

an opening/closing mechanism unit that opens and closes the circuit;

a housing that houses the opening/closing mechanism section;

an operation handle, at least a part of which protrudes from the opening of the housing, for causing the opening/closing mechanism to open/close the circuit; and

an extension handle rotatably attached to the operation handle, and capable of switching between an operation position at which the operation handle is moved and a restriction position at which the movement of the operation handle is restricted by engagement with the housing by the rotation,

the housing is provided with a 1 st engaging part arranged in the area around the opening part,

the extension handle includes a 2 nd engaging portion that engages with the 1 st engaging portion of the housing when the rotational position is the restricting position, to restrict movement of the operation handle.

2. The circuit breaker of claim 1,

the extension handle includes a grip portion that is located farther from the housing than the operation handle in a protruding direction of the operation handle when the rotational position is the operation position, and that serves as a force point during the opening/closing operation.

3. The circuit breaker of claim 2,

the 1 st engaging part is an engaging concave part with a concave shape,

the 2 nd engaging portion has a convex shape and is an engaging convex portion that engages with the engaging concave portion when the rotational position is the restricting position.

4. Circuit breaker according to claim 2 or 3,

when the rotational position of the extension handle is the limit position, the position farthest from the housing in the projecting direction of the operation handle is the same as the operation handle or is closer to the housing than the operation handle.

5. Circuit breaker according to claim 2 or 3,

the extension handle includes a stopper that restricts movement of the pivoted position from the operation position to a direction opposite to the restriction position.

6. Circuit breaker according to claim 2 or 3,

the extension handle is removably mounted to the operating handle.

7. Circuit breaker according to claim 2 or 3,

the operation handle is provided with a rotating shaft which is arranged on a part protruding from the opening part,

the extension handle includes a shaft support portion that receives the rotation shaft.

8. The circuit breaker of claim 7,

the rotation shaft extends along a moving direction of the operation handle.

9. The circuit breaker of claim 7,

the holding portion is provided with a pair of wall portions,

the rotating shaft is disposed between the pair of wall portions and connects the pair of wall portions to each other.

10. The circuit breaker of claim 7,

the shaft support portion includes:

a shaft support space portion into which the rotating shaft of the operating handle is inserted; and

a notch part having a width smaller than the shaft diameter of the rotating shaft and forming a guide passage space leading to the shaft support space part,

the shaft support portion is formed of an elastically deformable member.

11. The circuit breaker of claim 7,

a reinforcing member attached to the rotating shaft of the operating handle and composed of an elastically deformable member,

the reinforcing member includes:

and a cutout portion having a width smaller than the shaft diameter of the rotary shaft and forming a guide passage space leading to the shaft support space portion.

12. The circuit breaker of claim 7,

the 1 st engaging part is arranged on the 1 st position side of the movable position of the operating handle for closing the electric circuit and the 2 nd position side of the movable position of the operating handle for opening the electric circuit,

the extension handle may be attached to the operation handle in a state where the 2 nd engaging portion is selectively arranged on the 1 st position side and the 2 nd position side with respect to the operation handle.

13. The circuit breaker of claim 7,

the extension handle may be attached to the operation handle in a state where the 2 nd engaging portion is disposed on the 1 st position side and the 2 nd position side with respect to the operation handle, respectively.

14. The circuit breaker of claim 13,

one of the 2 nd engaging parts 2 disposed on the 1 st position side and the 2 nd position side is detachable from the extension handle.

15. The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

a lock auxiliary component which can be detached from the extension handle,

the lock auxiliary member restricts the rotation of the extension handle in a state where the rotation position is the restricting position, that is, the lock auxiliary member is attached to the extension handle.

16. The circuit breaker of claim 15,

the extension handle and the lock assisting member each have a mounting portion to which a common lock device can be mounted in a state where the lock assisting member is mounted to the extension handle.