JP2020202110A - Circuit breaker - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a circuit breaker capable of coupling a base and a cover, constituting an enclosure, without using a fastening screw, and inhibiting breakdown of the enclosure due to fastening.SOLUTION: A circuit breaker 1 includes an enclosure 10 having a base 20 and a cover 30, and a wire 50 having spring property and coupling the cover 30 to the base 20. The wire 50 has a first engaging part 51 and a second engaging part 52 formed in a circle, respectively, and a coupling part 53 for coupling the first engaging part 51 and the second engaging part 52. On the lateral wall 21 or the bottom wall of the base 20, at least a part of the outer peripheral surface is formed arcuately, and a first projection 61 where the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the first engaging part 51 come into contact partially is formed. On the lateral wall 31 of the cover 30, at least a part of the outer peripheral surface is formed arcuately, and a second projection 62 where the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the second engaging part 52 come into contact partially is formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a circuit breaker such as a molded case circuit breaker or an earth leakage breaker.

Conventionally, in a circuit breaker having high breaking performance, in order to secure the rigidity of the housing, a base in which the bottom wall and the side wall are integrally molded and a cover in which the upper wall and the side wall are integrally molded are fastened. Have. Fastening screws are often used to fasten the base to the cover.

There is a growing need for miniaturization of external dimensions of such circuit breakers, and the wall thickness of the interphase wall and the side wall are relatively thinned. Therefore, it is becoming difficult to secure a space for arranging the screw holes. In particular, a single-pole circuit breaker does not have an interphase wall, so the base and cover must be fastened at the side wall. Therefore, in order to reduce the size of the circuit breaker, it is desirable to fasten the base and the cover without using the fastening screw. Patent Document 1 discloses a method using a wire as a method for fastening housings of two devices.

French Patent Invention No. 2499308

By applying the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above to a circuit breaker and fastening the base and the cover, the base and the cover can be fastened with a width corresponding to the wire diameter of the wire. However, when the technique described in Patent Document 1 is applied to a circuit breaker, the base and the cover are fastened with a spectacle-shaped wire, and the base and the cover are sharply pointed in order to prevent the wire from coming off. The shape is formed. Therefore, if an attempt is made to increase the rigidity of the spring material constituting the wire in order to secure the fastening force, there is a problem that the base and the cover are easily chipped.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and is a circuit breaker capable of fastening a base and a cover constituting a housing without using fastening screws and suppressing damage to the housing due to fastening. The purpose is to get a vessel.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the circuit breaker of the present invention includes a housing having a base and a cover, and a wire having a spring property and fastening the cover to the base. The wire has a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion formed in an arc shape, respectively, and a connecting portion that connects the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. At least a part of the outer peripheral surface is formed in an arc shape on the side wall or the bottom wall of the base, and a first protruding portion is formed in which a part of the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the first engaging portion contacts. On the side wall of the cover, at least a part of the outer peripheral surface is formed in an arc shape, and a second protruding portion is formed in which a part of the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the second engaging portion contacts.

According to the present invention, it is possible to fasten the base and the cover constituting the housing without using fastening screws, and to suppress damage to the housing due to the fastening.

External perspective view of the circuit breaker according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Top view of the circuit breaker according to the first embodiment Side view of the circuit breaker according to the first embodiment External perspective view of the wire of the circuit breaker according to the first embodiment. External perspective view of the circuit breaker in the state where the wire according to the first embodiment is removed. The figure for demonstrating the method of fastening the base which constitutes the housing of the circuit breaker which concerns on Embodiment 1 and a cover with a wire. External perspective view of the circuit breaker according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Top view of the circuit breaker according to the second embodiment Side view of the circuit breaker according to the second embodiment External perspective view of the circuit breaker according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Top view of the circuit breaker according to the third embodiment Side view of the circuit breaker according to the third embodiment External perspective view of the wire of the circuit breaker according to the third embodiment. External perspective view of the circuit breaker in the state where the wire according to the third embodiment is removed. The figure for demonstrating the method of fastening the base which constitutes the housing of the circuit breaker which concerns on Embodiment 3 and a cover with a wire. External perspective view of the circuit breaker according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Top view of the circuit breaker according to the fourth embodiment Side view of the circuit breaker according to the fourth embodiment External perspective view of the circuit breaker according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Top view of the circuit breaker according to the fifth embodiment Side view of the circuit breaker according to the fifth embodiment Cross-sectional view of the circuit breaker according to the fifth embodiment External perspective view of the wire of the circuit breaker according to the fifth embodiment. Cross-sectional view of the circuit breaker in the state where the wire according to the fifth embodiment is removed. Side view of the circuit breaker in the state where the wire according to the fifth embodiment is removed. External perspective view of the circuit breaker according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Top view of the circuit breaker according to the sixth embodiment Side view of the circuit breaker according to the sixth embodiment External perspective view of the circuit breaker according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Top view of the circuit breaker according to the seventh embodiment Side view of the circuit breaker according to the seventh embodiment External perspective view of the wire of the circuit breaker according to the seventh embodiment. External perspective view of the circuit breaker in the state where the wire according to the seventh embodiment is removed. The figure for demonstrating the method of fastening the base which constitutes the housing of the circuit breaker which concerns on Embodiment 7 and a cover with a wire. Sectional view taken along the line XXXV-XXXV shown in FIG.

The circuit breaker according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the circuit breaker according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the circuit breaker according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view of the circuit breaker according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the wire of the circuit breaker according to the first embodiment.

The circuit breaker 1 shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, a molded case circuit breaker or an earth leakage breaker. Such a circuit breaker 1 includes an opening / closing mechanism (not shown) that changes the electric circuit from the closed state to the open state when an overcurrent or a short-circuit current flows through the connected electric circuit. In the first embodiment, the circuit breaker 1 is a one-pole circuit breaker, but it may be a two-pole circuit breaker or a three-pole circuit breaker.

As shown in FIG. 1, the circuit breaker 1 includes a housing 10 that covers the opening / closing mechanism portion described above, and the housing 10 includes a base 20 and a cover 30. Each of the base 20 and the cover 30 is formed, for example, by integral molding using a resin member. As shown in FIG. 2, the base 20 is provided with a power supply side screw terminal 41 connected to a power source (not shown) and a load side screw terminal 42 connected to a load (not shown). Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a handle window hole 38 is formed in the cover 30, and an operation handle 43 of the opening / closing mechanism portion projects from the handle window hole 38.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the circuit breaker 1 includes a plurality of wires 50 having a spring property, and the base 20 and the cover 30 are fastened by the plurality of wires 50. As shown in FIG. 4, each wire 50 is formed in an S shape. Specifically, each wire 50 is connected to connect the first engaging portion 51 and the second engaging portion 52 formed in an arc shape, and the first engaging portion 51 and the second engaging portion 52, respectively. It has a unit 53. Each wire 50 is formed of, for example, a high-strength, elastically deformable metal spring material.

FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of the circuit breaker in the state where the wire according to the first embodiment is removed. As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of first protrusions 61 are formed on the side wall 21 of the base 20, and a plurality of second protrusions 62 are formed on the side wall 31 of the cover 30. Each first protruding portion 61 is formed in a columnar shape. Similarly, each second protrusion 62 is formed in a columnar shape. The first protruding portion 61 and the second protruding portion 62 are arranged at positions facing each other in the vertical direction in FIG.

The first protruding portion 61 is not limited to a columnar shape as long as at least a part of the outer peripheral surface 65 is formed in an arc shape. Similarly, the second protruding portion 62 is not limited to a columnar shape as long as at least a part of the outer peripheral surface 66 is formed in an arc shape.

As shown in FIG. 1, recesses 21a are formed at one end and the other end of the side wall 21 of the base 20, and the first protrusion 61 projects from each recess 21a. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, recesses 31a are formed at one end and the other end of the side wall 31 of the cover 30, and the second protrusion 62 projects from the recess 31a. As shown in FIG. 5, a gap 63 is formed between the step 21b formed by the recess 21a and the first protrusion 61, and between the step 31b formed by the recess 31a and the second protrusion 62. A void 64 is formed in.

The base 20 is provided with a pair of side walls 21 as shown in FIG. 1, and the side wall 21 which is hidden and invisible in FIG. 5 also has a recess 21a, a step 21b, and a step 21b as in the side wall 21 shown in FIG. The first protruding portion 61 and the like are formed. The cover 30 is provided with a pair of side walls 31 as shown in FIG. 1, and the side wall 31 which is hidden and invisible in FIG. 5 has a recess 31a, a step 31b, and a step 31b as well as the side wall 31 shown in FIG. The second protruding portion 62 and the like are formed.

The attachment of the wire 50 to the base 20 is performed by engaging the first engaging portion 51 of the wire 50 with the first protruding portion 61 of the base 20, as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the wire 50 is attached to the cover 30 by engaging the second engaging portion 52 of the wire 50 with the second protruding portion 62 of the cover 30.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of fastening the base and the cover constituting the housing of the circuit breaker according to the first embodiment with wires. As shown in FIG. 6, the first engaging portion 51 is inserted into the gap 63 between the step 21b and the first protruding portion 61, and the outer peripheral surface 65 of the first protruding portion 61 is inside the first engaging portion 51. After engaging the peripheral surface 54, the inner peripheral surface 55 of the second engaging portion 52 is engaged with the outer peripheral surface 66 of the second protruding portion 62. As a result, in a state where the wire 50 is elastically deformed, the inner peripheral surface 54 of the first engaging portion 51 of the wire 50 comes into contact with the lower end of the outer peripheral surface 65 of the first protruding portion 61, and the second engaging portion of the wire 50 is engaged. The inner peripheral surface 55 of the portion 52 contacts the upper end of the outer peripheral surface 66 of the second protruding portion 62.

Therefore, the direction of the elastic load received by the first protrusion 61 from the wire 50 is opposite to the direction of the elastic load received by the second protrusion 62 from the wire 50. That is, an elastic load is applied upward in FIG. 3 to the first protruding portion 61, and an elastic load is applied downward in FIG. 3 to the second protruding portion 62. As a result, in the state shown in FIG. 3, the wire 50 urges the cover 30 in the direction of being pressed against the base 20. Therefore, the base 20 and the cover 30 constituting the housing 10 can be firmly fastened without using the fastening screws.

Therefore, for example, in the circuit breaker 1, even if arc gas is generated from the vicinity of the open / close contact and the open / close contact when the overcurrent is cut off and a large pressure is generated inside the housing 10, the base 20 and the cover 30 are fastened. The state can be maintained.

Further, when the size of the base 20 or the cover 30 is reduced due to aged deterioration of the resin material or the like, a gap may be generated between the base 20 and the cover 30 when fastening screws or the like, but the wire 50 in the circuit breaker 1 It is possible to follow the dimensional change of the housing 10 by using. Therefore, the sealed state of the housing 10 can be maintained. Further, since the first protruding portion 61 and the second protruding portion 62 with which the wires 50 come into contact do not have an acute-angled pointed shape, damage to the housing 10 due to fastening can be suppressed.

Further, in the circuit breaker 1, by forming the wire 50 with the metal spring member, the fastening strength can be improved as compared with the case where the housing 10 is provided with the resin snap-fit structure.

Further, the first engaging portion 51 of the wire 50 makes point contact with the lower end of the first protruding portion 61 of the base 20. The second engaging portion 52 of the wire 50 makes point contact with the upper end of the second protruding portion 62 of the cover 30. As a result, an elastic load in the direction facing each other can be accurately applied to the first protruding portion 61 and the second protruding portion 62. In addition, these contacts may be line contact or surface contact instead of point contact.

In a state where the base 20 and the cover 30 are fastened with the wire 50, as shown in FIG. 6, the first engaging portion 51 of the wire 50 is arranged in the gap 63 between the step 21b and the first protruding portion 61. To. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first engaging portion 51 from being disengaged from the first protruding portion 61. The length D1 of the gap 63 between the step 21b and the first protruding portion 61 is slightly larger than the diameter of the wire 50, but the step 21b disengages the first engaging portion 51 from the first protruding portion 61. If it can be made difficult, it may be at least twice the diameter of the wire 50.

Further, the length D2 of the gap 64 between the step 31b formed by the recess 31a and the second protruding portion 62 is the same as the length D1 of the gap 63, but the wire 50 has a gap 51 in the first engaging portion 51. It may be attached to the housing 10 so as to be inserted into 64.

As described above, the circuit breaker 1 according to the first embodiment includes a housing 10 having a base 20 and a cover 30, and a wire 50 having a spring property and fastening the cover 30 to the base 20. The wire 50 has a first engaging portion 51 and a second engaging portion 52, respectively, which are formed in an arc shape, and a connecting portion 53 that connects the first engaging portion 51 and the second engaging portion 52. On the side wall 21 of the base 20, at least a part of the outer peripheral surface 65 is formed in an arc shape, and a first protruding portion 61 is formed in which the inner peripheral surface 54 of the first engaging portion 51 and a part of the outer peripheral surface 65 come into contact with each other. Will be done. At least a part of the outer peripheral surface 66 is formed in an arc shape on the side wall 31 of the cover 30, and a second protruding portion 62 is formed in which the inner peripheral surface 55 of the second engaging portion 52 and a part of the outer peripheral surface 66 come into contact with each other. Will be done. As a result, the base 20 and the cover 30 can be fastened without using fastening screws, and damage to the housing 10 due to fastening can be suppressed.

Further, the wire 50 is formed in an S shape. As a result, the base 20 and the cover 30 can be urged in the direction in which the cover 30 is pressed against the base 20 by the wire 50, and the base 20 and the cover 30 can be firmly fastened without using a fastening screw. it can.

Embodiment 2.
The circuit breaker according to the second embodiment is different from the circuit breaker 1 according to the first embodiment in that a cover covering the wire is formed on the base and the cover, respectively. In the following, components having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted, and the differences from the circuit breaker 1 of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of the circuit breaker according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the circuit breaker according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a side view of the circuit breaker according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the circuit breaker 1A according to the second embodiment includes a housing 10A having a base 20A and a cover 30A. A plurality of first wire covers 71 are formed on the base 20A, and a plurality of second wire covers 72 are formed on the cover 30A.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first wire cover 71 is arranged at a position facing the recess 21a of the side wall 21 of the base 20A in the protruding direction of the first protruding portion 61, and covers the wire 50. Further, the second wire cover 72 is arranged at a position facing the recess 31a of the side wall 31 of the cover 30A in the protruding direction of the second protruding portion 62, and covers the wire 50. As shown in FIG. 8, a wire storage groove for accommodating the wire 50 by the space between the first wire cover 71 and the recess 21a of the side wall 21 and the space between the second wire cover 72 and the recess 31a of the side wall 31. 73 is formed.

When the first engaging portion 51 of the wire 50 engages with the first protruding portion 61 and the second engaging portion 52 of the wire 50 engages with the second protruding portion 62, as shown in FIG. 9, the first wire The cover 71 and the second wire cover 72 make the wire 50 invisible from the side of the circuit breaker 1A.

Since the inside of the housing 10A generates heat while the circuit breaker 1A is energized, when used in a switchboard, the metal wire 50 may reach a high temperature, but the wire 50 is a circuit breaker. Not exposed from the side of 1A. Therefore, even when the temperature of the wire 50 becomes high, it is possible to avoid unintended contact with the wire 50 by an operator or the like. Further, in the circuit breaker 1A, even if the insulation performance between the charging portion in the housing 10A and the housing 10A deteriorates due to aged deterioration or a gas atmosphere, the intention of the operator or the like to the wire 50 Can avoid contact.

As described above, the base 20A of the circuit breaker 1A according to the second embodiment has a first wire covering the wire 50 at a position facing the recess 21a of the side wall 21 of the base 20A in the protruding direction of the first protruding portion 61. The cover 71 is formed. Further, the cover 30A of the circuit breaker 1A is formed with a second wire cover 72 that covers the wire 50 at a position facing the recess 31a of the side wall 31 of the cover 30A in the protruding direction of the second protruding portion 62. As a result, it is possible to avoid unintended contact with the wire 50 by an operator or the like.

Embodiment 3.
The circuit breaker according to the third embodiment is different from the circuit breaker 1 according to the first embodiment in that the shapes of the wire, the first protrusion, and the second protrusion are different. In the following, components having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted, and the differences from the circuit breaker 1 of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of the circuit breaker according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the circuit breaker according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a side view of the circuit breaker according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of the wire of the circuit breaker according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, the circuit breaker 1B according to the third embodiment includes a housing 10B having a base 20B and a cover 30B. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the circuit breaker 1B includes a plurality of wires 50B having a spring property, and the base 20B and the cover 30B are fastened by the plurality of wires 50B.

As shown in FIG. 13, each wire 50B is formed in a C shape. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, each wire 50B has a first engaging portion 51B and a second engaging portion 52B formed in an arc shape, and a first engaging portion 51B and a second engaging portion, respectively. It is provided with a connecting portion 53B for connecting the portion 52B. Each wire 50B is formed of, for example, a high-strength, elastically deformable metal spring material. In the wire 50B, the first engaging portion 51 and the second engaging portion 52 are oriented in opposite directions at the point where the first engaging portion 51B and the second engaging portion 52B are oriented in the same direction. Different from wire 50.

FIG. 14 is an external perspective view of the circuit breaker in the state where the wire according to the third embodiment is removed. As shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of first protrusions 61B are formed on the side wall 21B of the base 20B, and a plurality of second protrusions 62B are formed on the side wall 31B of the cover 30B. Each first protruding portion 61B is formed in a columnar shape, and the lower end portion is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape. Each second protruding portion 62B is formed in a columnar shape, and the upper end portion is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape.

The shape of the first protruding portion 61B is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 14, as long as the outer peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the outer peripheral surface 65B is formed in an arc shape. Similarly, the shape of the second protruding portion 62B is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 14 as long as the outer peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the outer peripheral surface 66B is formed in an arc shape.

Recesses 21a are formed at one end and the other end of the side wall 21B of the base 20B, and the first protrusion 61B protrudes from each recess 21a. A recess 31a is formed at one end and the other end of the side wall 31B of the cover 30B, and the second protrusion 62B projects from the recess 31a.

The base 20B is provided with a pair of side walls 21B as shown in FIG. 10, and the side wall 21B which is hidden and invisible in FIG. 14 also has a recess 21a and a first protruding portion in the same manner as the side wall 21B shown in FIG. 61B and the like are formed. The cover 30B is provided with a pair of side walls 31B as shown in FIG. 10, and the side wall 31B which is hidden and invisible in FIG. 14 also has a recess 31a and a second protruding portion in the same manner as the side wall 31B shown in FIG. 62B and the like are formed.

The attachment of the wire 50B to the base 20B is performed by engaging the first engaging portion 51B of the wire 50B with the first protruding portion 61B of the base 20B, as shown in FIG. Further, the wire 50B is attached to the cover 30B by engaging the second engaging portion 52B of the wire 50B with the second protruding portion 62B of the cover 30B, as shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a method of fastening the base and the cover constituting the housing of the circuit breaker according to the third embodiment with wires. As shown in FIG. 15, the inner peripheral surface 54B of the first engaging portion 51B is engaged with the outer peripheral surface 65B of the first protruding portion 61B, and the outer peripheral surface 66B of the second protruding portion 62B is engaged with the second engaging portion 52B. The inner peripheral surface 55B is engaged. As a result, with the wire 50B elastically deformed, the inner peripheral surface 54B of the first engaging portion 51B of the wire 50B comes into contact with the lower end of the outer peripheral surface 65B of the first protruding portion 61B, and the second engaging portion of the wire 50B is engaged. The inner peripheral surface 55B of the portion 52B contacts the upper end of the outer peripheral surface 66B of the second protruding portion 62B.

Therefore, the direction of the elastic load received by the first protrusion 61B from the wire 50B is opposite to the direction of the elastic load received by the second protrusion 62B from the wire 50B. That is, an elastic load is applied to the first protruding portion 61B upward in FIG. 12, and an elastic load is applied downward to the second protruding portion 62B in FIG. As a result, in the state shown in FIG. 12, the wire 50B urges the cover 30B in the direction of being pressed against the base 20B. Therefore, the base 20B and the cover 30B constituting the housing 10B can be firmly fastened without using the fastening screw, and the same effect as that of the circuit breaker 1 according to the first embodiment can be obtained.

Further, since the upper surface of the first protruding portion 61B and the lower surface of the second protruding portion 62B do not interfere with the wire 50B, the first protruding portion 61B reaches a position where the upper surface of the first protruding portion 61B and the lower surface of the second protruding portion 62B come into contact with each other. The portion 61B and the second protruding portion 62B can be extended in the vertical direction shown in FIG. Therefore, the strength of the first protruding portion 61B and the second protruding portion 62B can be increased as compared with the first protruding portion 61 and the second protruding portion 62.

Further, the first engaging portion 51B of the wire 50B makes point contact with the lower end of the first protruding portion 61B of the base 20B. Similarly, the second engaging portion 52B of the wire 50B makes point contact with the upper end of the second protruding portion 62B of the cover 30B. As a result, elastic loads in the directions facing each other can be accurately applied to the first protruding portion 61B and the second protruding portion 62B. In addition, these contacts may be line contact or surface contact instead of point contact.

As described above, the circuit breaker 1B according to the third embodiment includes a housing 10B having a base 20B and a cover 30B, and a wire 50B having a spring property and fastening the cover 30B to the base 20B. The wire 50B has a first engaging portion 51B and a second engaging portion 52B formed in an arc shape, respectively, and a connecting portion 53B that connects the first engaging portion 51B and the second engaging portion 52B. At least a part of the outer peripheral surface 65B is formed in an arc shape on the side wall 21B of the base 20B, and a first protruding portion 61B is formed in which the inner peripheral surface 54B of the first engaging portion 51B and a part of the outer peripheral surface 65B are in contact with each other. Will be done. At least a part of the outer peripheral surface 66B is formed in an arc shape on the side wall 31B of the cover 30B, and a second protruding portion 62B is formed in which the inner peripheral surface 55B of the second engaging portion 52B and a part of the outer peripheral surface 66B come into contact with each other. Will be done. As a result, the base 20B and the cover 30B can be fastened without using a fastening screw, and damage to the housing 10B due to fastening can be suppressed.

Further, the wire 50B is formed in a C shape. Therefore, the strength of the first protruding portion 61B and the second protruding portion 62B can be increased as compared with the strength of the first protruding portion 61 and the second protruding portion 62.

Embodiment 4.
The circuit breaker according to the fourth embodiment is different from the circuit breaker 1B according to the third embodiment in that covers for covering the wires are formed on the base and the cover, respectively. In the following, components having the same functions as those in the third embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted, and the differences from the circuit breaker 1B of the third embodiment will be mainly described.

FIG. 16 is an external perspective view of the circuit breaker according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a plan view of the circuit breaker according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a side view of the circuit breaker according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 16, the circuit breaker 1C according to the fourth embodiment includes a housing 10C having a base 20C and a cover 30C. A plurality of first wire covers 71C are formed on the base 20C, and a plurality of second wire covers 72C are formed on the cover 30C.

As shown in FIG. 18, the first wire cover 71C is formed at a position facing the recess 21a of the side wall 21B of the base 20C in the protruding direction of the first protruding portion 61B, and covers the wire 50B. Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the second wire cover 72C is formed at a position facing the recess 31a of the side wall 31B of the cover 30C in the protruding direction of the second protruding portion 62B, and covers the wire 50B. As shown in FIG. 17, the wire storage groove for accommodating the wire 50B is provided by the space between the first wire cover 71C and the recess 21a of the side wall 21B and the space between the second wire cover 72C and the recess 31a of the side wall 31B. 73C is formed.

When the first engaging portion 51C of the wire 50B engages with the first protruding portion 61B and the second engaging portion 52C of the wire 50B engages with the second protruding portion 62B, as shown in FIG. 18, the first wire The cover 71C and the second wire cover 72C make the wire 50B invisible from the side of the circuit breaker 1C. Therefore, it is possible to avoid unintended contact with the wire 50B by an operator or the like.

As described above, the base 20C of the circuit breaker 1C according to the fourth embodiment has a first wire cover 71C covering the wire 50B at a position facing the side wall 21B of the base 20C in the protruding direction of the first protruding portion 61B. It is formed. Further, the cover 30C is formed with a second wire cover 72C that covers the wire 50B at a position facing the side wall 31B of the cover 30C in the protruding direction of the second protruding portion 62B. As a result, it is possible to avoid unintended contact with the wire 50B by an operator or the like.

Embodiment 5.
The circuit breaker according to the fifth embodiment is different from the circuit breaker 1 according to the first embodiment in that a first protrusion is formed on the bottom wall of the base. In the following, components having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted, and the differences from the circuit breaker 1 of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

FIG. 19 is an external perspective view of the circuit breaker according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a plan view of the circuit breaker according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a side view of the circuit breaker according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the circuit breaker according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 23 is an external perspective view of the wire of the circuit breaker according to the fifth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 19, the circuit breaker 1D according to the fifth embodiment includes a housing 10D having a base 20D and a cover 30B. As shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, the circuit breaker 1D includes a plurality of wires 50D having a spring property, and the base 20D and the cover 30B are fastened by the plurality of wires 50D.

As shown in FIG. 23, each wire 50D connects the first engaging portion 51D and the second engaging portion 52D, which are formed in an arc shape, and the first engaging portion 51D and the second engaging portion 52D, respectively. It is provided with a connecting portion 53D. Each wire 50D is formed of, for example, a high-strength, elastically deformable metal spring material. The wire 50D is formed along a plane in which the first engaging portion 51D and the second engaging portion 52D are orthogonal to each other, and the first engaging portion 51D and the second engaging portion 52D face in different directions by 90 degrees. It differs from the wires 50 and 50B in that it is used. The circuit breaker 1D includes two types of wires 50D in which the second engaging portion 52D has a different orientation.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the circuit breaker in the state where the wire according to the fifth embodiment is removed. FIG. 25 is a side view of the circuit breaker in the state where the wire according to the fifth embodiment is removed. As shown in FIG. 24, a plurality of first protrusions 61D are formed on the bottom wall 22D of the base 20D. Each first protruding portion 61D is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape. The shape of the first protruding portion 61D is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 25, as long as the outer peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the outer peripheral surface 65D is formed in an arc shape. Further, as shown in FIG. 25, a plurality of second protrusions 62B are formed on the side wall 31B of the cover 30B.

The attachment of the wire 50D to the base 20D is performed by engaging the first engaging portion 51D of the wire 50D with the first protruding portion 61D of the base 20D, as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 21, the wire 50D is attached to the cover 30B by engaging the second engaging portion 52D of the wire 50D with the second protruding portion 62B of the cover 30B.

After engaging the inner peripheral surface 54D of the first engaging portion 51D with the outer peripheral surface 65D of the first protruding portion 61D, the inner peripheral surface 55D of the second engaging portion 52D is attached to the outer peripheral surface 66B of the second protruding portion 62B. Engage. Alternatively, after engaging the inner peripheral surface 55D of the second engaging portion 52D with the outer peripheral surface 66B of the second protruding portion 62B, the inner peripheral surface of the first engaging portion 51D is engaged with the outer peripheral surface 65D of the first protruding portion 61D. Engage 54D. As a result, in a state where the wire 50D is elastically deformed, the inner peripheral surface 54D of the first engaging portion 51D in the wire 50D comes into contact with the lower end of the outer peripheral surface 65D of the first protruding portion 61D, and the second engaging portion in the wire 50D is engaged. The inner peripheral surface 55D of the portion 52D contacts the upper end of the outer peripheral surface 66B of the second protruding portion 62B.

Therefore, the direction of the elastic load received by the first protrusion 61D from the wire 50D is opposite to the direction of the elastic load received by the second protrusion 62B from the wire 50D. That is, an elastic load is applied upward in FIG. 22 to the first protruding portion 61D, and an elastic load is applied downward in FIG. 21 to the second protruding portion 62B. As a result, in the state shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the cover 30B is urged by the wire 50D in the direction of being pressed against the base 20D. Therefore, the base 20D and the cover 30B constituting the housing 10D can be firmly fastened without using the fastening screw, and the same effect as that of the circuit breaker 1 according to the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, by not providing the first protruding portion 61D on the side wall 21D of the base 20D, the area of the thin portion of the side wall 21D can be reduced, and the strength of the side wall 21D of the base 20D can be increased.

Further, the first engaging portion 51D of the wire 50D makes point contact with the lower end of the first protruding portion 61D of the base 20D. Similarly, the second engaging portion 52D of the wire 50D makes point contact with the upper end of the second protruding portion 62B of the cover 30B. As a result, an elastic load in the direction facing each other can be accurately applied to the first protrusion 61D and the second protrusion 62B. In addition, these contacts may be line contact or surface contact instead of point contact.

As described above, the circuit breaker 1D according to the fifth embodiment includes a housing 10D having a base 20D and a cover 30B, and a wire 50D having a spring property and fastening the cover 30B to the base 20D. The wire 50D has a first engaging portion 51D and a second engaging portion 52D formed in an arc shape, respectively, and a connecting portion 53D that connects the first engaging portion 51D and the second engaging portion 52D. On the bottom wall 22D of the base 20D, at least a part of the outer peripheral surface 65D is formed in an arc shape, and a first protruding portion 61D in which the inner peripheral surface 54D of the first engaging portion 51D and a part of the outer peripheral surface 65D come into contact with each other is formed. It is formed. At least a part of the outer peripheral surface 66B is formed in an arc shape on the side wall 31B of the cover 30B, and a second protruding portion 62B is formed in which the inner peripheral surface 55D of the second engaging portion 52D and a part of the outer peripheral surface 66B come into contact with each other. Will be done. As a result, the base 20D and the cover 30B can be fastened without using a fastening screw, and damage to the housing 10D due to fastening can be suppressed.

Embodiment 6.
The circuit breaker according to the sixth embodiment is different from the circuit breaker 1D according to the fifth embodiment in that a cover covering the wire is formed on the base and the cover, respectively. In the following, components having the same functions as those of the fifth embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted, and the differences from the circuit breaker 1D of the fifth embodiment will be mainly described.

FIG. 26 is an external perspective view of the circuit breaker according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 27 is a plan view of the circuit breaker according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 28 is a side view of the circuit breaker according to the sixth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 26, the circuit breaker 1E according to the sixth embodiment includes a housing 10E having a base 20E and a cover 30C. As shown in FIG. 28, the base 20E is formed with a first wire cover 71E that covers the wire 50D at a position facing the recess 21a of the side wall 21D of the base 20E in the protruding direction of the second protruding portion 62B. Further, as shown in FIG. 27, the wire accommodating the wire 50D is provided by the space between the first wire cover 71E and the recess 21a of the side wall 21D and the space between the second wire cover 72C and the recess 31a of the side wall 31B. A storage groove 73E is formed.

When the wire 50D engages the base 20E and the base 20E, the first wire cover 71E and the second wire cover 72C make the wire 50D invisible from the side of the circuit breaker 1E, as shown in FIG. Therefore, it is possible to avoid unintended contact with the wire 50D by an operator or the like.

As described above, the base 20E of the circuit breaker 1E according to the sixth embodiment has a first wire cover 71E covering the wire 50D at a position facing the side wall 21D of the base 20E in the protruding direction of the second protruding portion 62B. It is formed. A second wire cover 72C is formed on the cover 30C. As a result, it is possible to avoid unintended contact with the wire 50D by an operator or the like.

Embodiment 7.
The circuit breaker according to the seventh embodiment is different from the circuit breaker 1 according to the first embodiment in that the shapes of the wire, the first protrusion, and the second protrusion are different. In the following, components having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted, and the differences from the circuit breaker 1 of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

FIG. 29 is an external perspective view of the circuit breaker according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 30 is a plan view of the circuit breaker according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 31 is a side view of the circuit breaker according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 32 is an external perspective view of the wire of the circuit breaker according to the seventh embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 29, the circuit breaker 1F according to the seventh embodiment includes a housing 10F having a base 20F and a cover 30F. As shown in FIGS. 29 to 31, the circuit breaker 1F includes a plurality of wires 50F having a spring property, and the base 20F and the cover 30F are fastened by the plurality of wires 50F.

As shown in FIG. 32, each wire 50F is formed in a frame shape by bending one wire. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 32, each wire 50F has a U-shaped main body 56, a folded-back portion 57 that folds inward from one end of the main body 56, and an inward portion from the other end of the main body 56. It has a folded-back portion 58 that is folded back into. Each wire 50F is formed of, for example, a high-strength, elastically deformable metal spring material.

FIG. 33 is an external perspective view of the circuit breaker in the state where the wire according to the seventh embodiment is removed. As shown in FIG. 33, a plurality of first protrusions 61F are formed on the side wall 21F of the base 20F, and a plurality of second protrusions 62F are formed on the side wall 31F of the cover 30F. Each first protruding portion 61F is formed in a square columnar shape, and a flat surface 67 is formed at the lower end portion. Each second protruding portion 62F is formed in a square columnar shape, and a V-shaped inclined surface 68 is formed at the upper end portion.

Recesses 21a are formed at one end and the other end of the side wall 21F of the base 20F, and the first protrusion 61F projects from each recess 21a. A recess 31a is formed at one end and the other end of the side wall 31F of the cover 30F, and the second protrusion 62F projects from the recess 31a. A gap 63F is formed between the step 21b formed by the recess 21a and the first protrusion 61F. Further, a gap 64F is formed between the step 31b formed by the recess 31a and the second protrusion 62F.

The base 20F is provided with a pair of side walls 21F as shown in FIG. 29, and the side wall 21F which is hidden and invisible in FIG. 31 also has a recess 21a, a step 21b, and a step 21b in the same manner as the side wall 21F shown in FIG. The first protruding portion 61F and the like are formed. The cover 30F is provided with a pair of side walls 31F as shown in FIG. 29, and the side wall 31F which is hidden and invisible in FIG. 31 also has a recess 31a, a step 31b, and a step 31b in the same manner as the side wall 31F shown in FIG. A second protruding portion 62F or the like is formed.

FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining a method of fastening the base and the cover constituting the housing of the circuit breaker according to the seventh embodiment with wires. As shown in FIG. 34, the wire 50F is attached to the cover 30F by bringing the tips of the folded-back portion 57 and the folded-back portion 58 of the wire 50F into contact with the V-shaped inclined surface 68 of the second protruding portion 62F. Will be. In the state of FIG. 34, as shown in FIG. 31, the central portion 59 of the main body portion 56 of the wire 50F is in contact with the flat surface 67 of the first protruding portion 61F shown in FIG. 33.

Therefore, the direction of the elastic load received by the first protrusion 61F from the wire 50F is opposite to the direction of the elastic load received by the second protrusion 62F from the wire 50F. That is, an elastic load is applied upward in FIG. 31 to the first protruding portion 61F, and an elastic load is applied downward in FIG. 31 to the second protruding portion 62F. As a result, in the state shown in FIG. 31, the wire 50F urges the cover 30F in the direction of being pressed against the base 20F. Therefore, the base 20F and the cover 30F constituting the housing 10F can be firmly fastened without using the fastening screws.

Further, assuming that a flat surface is formed in the second protruding portion 62F instead of the inclined surface 68, the load received from the second protruding portion 62F by the tips of the folded portion 57 and the folded portion 58 is the folded portion. It works in a direction in which the gap between the tip of 57 and the tip of the folded-back portion 58 becomes wider. Therefore, in the circuit breaker 1F, the inclined surface 68 is formed in a V shape. As a result, as shown in FIG. 34, the load received from the second protruding portion 62F provided on the cover 30F by the tips of the folded portions 57 and the folded portions 58 of the wire 50F is the tip of the folded portion 57 and the folded portion 58. It works in the direction that the gap with the tip of is narrowed. Therefore, the base 20F and the cover 30F constituting the housing 10F can be more firmly fastened.

Further, the cover 30F is formed with a wire cover 74 that continuously covers the inclined surface 68 at the upper end of the second protruding portion 62F. This makes it possible to prevent contact between one end and the other end of the wire 50F. Further, it is possible to prevent the wire 50F from moving in the protruding direction of the second protruding portion 62F and in the direction away from the recess 31a.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXXV-XXXV shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 35, a curved surface 69 continuous with the flat surface 67 is formed at the tip of the lower end of the first protruding portion 61F in the protruding direction of the first protruding portion 61F. The curved surface 69 is a curved surface that extends downward toward the recess 21a. Therefore, the curved surface 69 can easily guide the central portion 59 of the wire 50F to the flat surface 67. Further, since the second protruding portion 62F has a curved surface 69 and does not need to have an acute-angled pointed shape, damage to the base 20 due to fastening can be suppressed. Further, as shown in FIG. 34, the second protruding portion 62F has curved surfaces 70 formed at both ends of the V-shaped inclined surface 68, and is not required to have an acute-angled pointed shape. The damage of 30 can be suppressed.

As described above, the circuit breaker 1F according to the seventh embodiment includes a housing 10F having a base 20F and a cover 30F, and a wire 50F having a spring property and fastening the cover 30F to the base 20F. The wire 50F includes a U-shaped main body 56, a folded portion 57 that folds inward from one end of the main body 56, and a folded portion 58 that folds inward from the other end of the main body 56. The base 20F is formed with a first protruding portion 61F to which the central portion 59 of the main body 56 comes into contact. The cover 30F is formed with a V-shaped inclined surface 68 in which the tip of the folded portion 57 and the tip of the folded portion 58 come into contact with each other, and when a force is applied in the direction in which the cover 30F separates from the base 20F, the folded portion 57 A second protruding portion 62F is formed to urge the wire 50F in a direction in which the distance between the tip and the folded portion 58 becomes shorter. As a result, the base 20F and the cover 30F constituting the housing 10F can be firmly fastened without using the fastening screws.

The configuration shown in the above-described embodiment shows an example of the content of the present invention, can be combined with another known technique, and is one of the configurations without departing from the gist of the present invention. It is also possible to omit or change the part.

1,1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F Circuit breaker 10,10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F housing, 20, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F base, 21, 21B, 21D, 21F, 31, 31B, 31F Side wall, 21a, 31a recess, 21b, 31b step, 22D bottom wall, 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30F cover, 38 handle window hole, 41 power supply side screw terminal, 42 Load side screw terminal, 43 Operation handle, 50, 50B, 50D, 50F wire, 51, 51B, 51C, 51D 1st engagement part, 52, 52B, 52C, 52D 2nd engagement part, 53, 53B, 53D Connecting part, 54, 54B, 54D, 55, 55B, 55D Inner peripheral surface, 56 main body part, 57, 58 folded part, 59 central part, 61, 61B, 61D, 61F 1st protruding part, 62, 62B, 62F 2 Protruding parts, 63, 63F, 64, 64F voids, 65, 65B, 65D, 66, 66B outer peripheral surface, 67 flat surface, 68 inclined surface, 69,70 curved surface, 71, 71C, 71E 1st wire cover, 72, 72C second wire cover, 73, 73C, 73E wire storage groove, 74 wire cover.

Claims (7)

A housing with a base and a cover,
It has a spring property and is provided with a wire for fastening the cover to the base.
The wire
The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion formed in an arc shape, respectively,
It has a connecting portion that connects the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion.
On the side wall or bottom wall of the base
At least a part of the outer peripheral surface is formed in an arc shape, and a first protruding portion is formed in which the inner peripheral surface of the first engaging portion and a part of the outer peripheral surface come into contact with each other.
On the side wall of the cover
A circuit breaker characterized in that at least a part of the outer peripheral surface is formed in an arc shape, and a second protruding portion is formed in which an inner peripheral surface of the second engaging portion and a part of the outer peripheral surface come into contact with each other. On the base
A first wire cover covering the wire is formed at a position facing the side wall of the base in the protruding direction of the first protrusion.
The cover has
The circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein a second wire cover covering the wire is formed at a position facing the side wall of the cover in the protruding direction of the second protruding portion. The first protrusion is formed on the side wall of the base.
The circuit breaker according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wire is formed in an S shape. The first protrusion is formed on the side wall of the base.
The circuit breaker according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wire is formed in a C shape. The first protrusion is formed on the bottom wall of the base.
The wire
The circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are formed along a plane orthogonal to each other. On the base
A first wire cover covering the wire is formed at a position facing the side wall of the base in the protruding direction of the second protruding portion.
The cover has
The circuit breaker according to claim 5, wherein a second wire cover covering the wire is formed at a position facing the side wall of the cover in the protruding direction of the second protruding portion. A housing with a base and a cover,
It has a spring property and is provided with a wire for fastening the cover to the base.
The wire
U-shaped body and
A first folded portion that folds inward from one end of the main body portion,
A second folded portion that folds inward from the other end of the main body portion is provided.
One of the base and the cover
A first protruding portion is formed in which the central portion of the main body portion contacts.
On the other of the base and the cover
When a V-shaped inclined surface is formed in which the tip of the first folded portion and the tip of the second folded portion come into contact with each other and a force is applied in the direction in which the cover is separated from the base, the first folded portion is subjected to. A circuit breaker characterized in that a second protruding portion for urging the wire is formed in a direction in which the distance between the tip and the second folded portion is shortened.

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