JP2024081488A - Circuit breaker and distribution board - Google Patents

Abstract

To expand a storage space of an electric circuit for malfunction detection.SOLUTION: A circuit breaker B1 comprises contact points 10A and 10B for being inserted into a cable run 20, a detection circuit 11, a tripping circuit 12, a case 13, and a power input part 14. The detection circuit 11 detects a malfunction that occurs in at least one of an electric current flowing through the cable run 20 and a voltage applied to the cable run 20. The tripping circuit 12 trips the contact points 10A and 10B when the detection circuit 11 detects the malfunction. The case 13 houses the contact points 10A and 10B, the detection circuit 11 and the tripping circuit 12. A power source for an operation of the detection circuit 11 is input into the power input part 14 from the outside of the case 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

This disclosure relates to a circuit breaker and a distribution board, and more specifically to a circuit breaker equipped with an electrical circuit for detecting abnormalities, and a distribution board having such a circuit breaker.

As a conventional example, the circuit breaker described in Patent Document 1 is exemplified. The circuit breaker described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as the conventional example) includes an opening mechanism that interrupts the electric circuit connecting the power source and the load, and an arc detection circuit that detects an arc short circuit that occurs in the electric circuit and operates the opening mechanism. The arc detection circuit also includes a current detection circuit, a voltage detection circuit, a microcomputer, a tripping circuit, an open/closed state detection means, a test circuit, and a power supply circuit for driving each of the above circuits. The power supply circuit creates a DC output voltage from the AC voltage supplied from the power source and supplies it to each circuit.

JP 2003-317598 A

However, even if one tries to add a detection circuit (electrical circuit for detecting abnormalities) to a circuit breaker to detect accidents (abnormalities) other than arc short circuit accidents, such as earth leakage accidents and cord short circuit accidents, it may be difficult due to space restrictions for accommodating the circuit breaker, etc.

The objective of this disclosure is to provide a circuit breaker and a distribution board that can expand the space required to accommodate an electrical circuit for detecting abnormalities.

A circuit breaker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a contact to be inserted into an electric circuit, a detection circuit, a tripping circuit, a case, and a power input unit. The detection circuit detects an abnormality occurring in at least one of the current flowing through the electric circuit and the voltage applied to the electric circuit. The tripping circuit trips the contact when the detection circuit detects the abnormality. The case houses the contact, the detection circuit, and the tripping circuit. The power input unit receives power for operating the detection circuit from outside the case.

The distribution board according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes the circuit breaker, a power supply circuit that creates the operating power supply, and a cabinet that houses internal equipment including the circuit breaker and the power supply circuit.

The circuit breaker and distribution board disclosed herein have the advantage of being able to expand the space required to accommodate electrical circuits for detecting abnormalities.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a circuit breaker according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a distribution board according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the circuit breaker connected to a bus bar and a feed bar. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view, with some parts omitted, of the circuit breaker connected to a bus bar and a feed bar. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the circuit breaker of the first modification in a state before being connected to a bus bar. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the circuit breaker according to the first modification connected to a bus bar. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the circuit breaker according to the first modification connected to a bus bar. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the circuit breaker according to the first modification of the first embodiment in a state where the circuit breaker is connected to a bus bar. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a circuit breaker according to the second modification example connected to a bus bar. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a circuit breaker according to the third modification.

The circuit breaker B1 and distribution board A1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, each figure described in the following embodiments is a schematic diagram, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Note that the configuration described in the following embodiments is merely an example of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

(1) Overview (1-1) Overview of Circuit Breaker According to the Embodiment As shown in FIG. 1 , a circuit breaker B1 according to the embodiment includes contacts 10A, 10B to be inserted into an electric circuit 20, a detection circuit 11, a tripping circuit 12, a case 13, and a power supply input unit 14.

In the embodiment, the electric circuit 20 is any two of single-phase three-wire electric circuits consisting of two voltage pole (voltage line) electric circuits and one ground pole (neutral line) electric circuit. However, the electric circuit may be a single-phase two-wire type, a three-phase three-wire type, or a three-phase four-wire type electric circuit.

One contact 10A, one contact 10B are inserted into each of the two electrical circuits 20. These contacts 10A, 10B are opened and closed by an opening and closing mechanism (not shown).

The detection circuit 11 detects an abnormality occurring in at least one of the current flowing through the electric circuit 20 and the voltage applied to the electric circuit 20. Possible abnormalities occurring in the current flowing through the electric circuit 20 include, for example, a phenomenon in which a ground fault current flows through the electric circuit 20, or a phenomenon in which an overcurrent exceeding the rated current flows through the electric circuit 20. Possible abnormalities occurring in the voltage applied to the electric circuit 20 include, for example, a phenomenon in which an overvoltage is applied to the electric circuit 20 due to a loss of a neutral phase.

When the detection circuit 11 detects an abnormality, the trip circuit 12 opens the contacts 10A and 10B to interrupt the electrical circuit.

The case 13 houses the contacts 10A, 10B, the detection circuit 11, and the tripping circuit 12. The case 13 is formed in a box shape from an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin.

The power supply input unit 14 receives power for operating the detection circuit 11 from outside the case 13. Note that a portion of the power supply input unit 14 may be housed in the case 13. Alternatively, the entire power supply input unit 14 may be housed in the case 13.

The circuit breaker B1 according to the embodiment is configured to supply the operating power for operating the electrical circuit for abnormality detection (such as the detection circuit 11) from outside the case 13, so there is no need to accommodate a power supply circuit that creates the operating power supply in the case 13. As a result, the circuit breaker B1 according to the embodiment can increase the accommodation space for the electrical circuit for abnormality detection. Furthermore, the circuit breaker B1 according to the embodiment can increase the types of detection circuits that can be accommodated in the case 13 without increasing the size of the case 13, thereby achieving multi-functionality.

(1-2) Overview of distribution board A1 according to the embodiment The distribution board A1 according to the embodiment includes a circuit breaker B1 according to the embodiment, a power supply circuit 40 that creates an operating power source, and a cabinet C1 that houses internal equipment including the circuit breaker B1 and the power supply circuit 40 according to the embodiment (see FIG. 2).

The distribution board A1 according to the embodiment is equipped with the circuit breaker B1 according to the embodiment, so that the space required to accommodate the electrical circuit for detecting an abnormality in the circuit breaker B1 according to the embodiment can be expanded.

(2) Details The circuit breaker B1 according to the embodiment (hereinafter, abbreviated as circuit breaker B1) is used as a branch switch (also called a branch breaker) of a distribution board A1 according to the embodiment (hereinafter, abbreviated as distribution board A1). Note that, as the branch switch, a molded case circuit breaker that detects an overcurrent (overload current and short circuit current) and cuts off the branch circuit (electrical path 20) is usually used.

(2-1) Details of the distribution board The distribution board A1 is a residential distribution board (so-called residential board) used in a single-phase three-wire power distribution system. However, the distribution board A1 is not limited to a residential board, and may be a cabinet-type distribution board used in a three-phase three-wire or three-phase four-wire power distribution system.

The distribution board A1 includes, as internal equipment, a main switch D1 (also called a trunk breaker), multiple branch switches, a power circuit 40, and a cabinet C1 (see FIG. 2). The distribution board A1 also includes three bus bars 30 and two power feed bars 31. The three bus bars 30 may be referred to as bus bars 30A, 30B, and 30C. The two power feed bars 31 may be referred to as power feed bars 31A and 31B. Each bus bar 30 and each power feed bar 31 is made of a rectangular conductor. However, the width dimension of each power feed bar 31 is shorter than the width dimension of each bus bar 30 (FIG. 3).

At least one of the multiple branch switches uses the circuit breaker B1 according to the embodiment. In the following description, among the branch switches housed in the cabinet C1, the other branch switches, excluding the branch switch using the circuit breaker B1 according to the embodiment, are referred to as "branch switch E1."

The main switch D1 has three primary terminals 50A, 50B, 50C and three main contacts 51A, 51B, 51C that correspond one-to-one to the three primary terminals 50A, 50B, 50C. The primary terminal 50A is electrically connected to the power line of one voltage pole and is electrically connected to the bus bar 30A of one voltage pole via the main contact 51A. The primary terminal 50B is electrically connected to the power line of the other voltage pole and is electrically connected to the bus bar 30B of the other voltage pole via the main contact 51B. The primary terminal 50C is electrically connected to the power line of the ground pole and is electrically connected to the bus bar 30C of the ground pole via the main contact 51C. The main switch D1 is composed of a leakage current breaker and has a zero-phase current transformer 52 for leakage current detection.

The power supply circuit 40 is configured to create an operating power supply (for example, a DC power supply with a power supply voltage of about 3V-5V) from an AC voltage with an effective value of 100V supplied through one voltage pole bus bar 30A and a neutral pole bus bar 30C. Specifically, the power supply circuit 40 has a full-wave rectifier that converts the AC voltage into a pulsating voltage, a boost chopper circuit for power factor improvement, and a step-down chopper circuit that steps down the output voltage of the boost chopper circuit. However, the power supply circuit 40 is not limited to the above configuration. The power supply circuit 40 supplies the created operating power supply (DC voltage) to the circuit breaker B1 through two power supply bars 31A and 31B.

The cabinet C1 is formed in a box shape from synthetic resin having electrical insulation. A metal mounting plate (not shown) for mounting internal equipment is fixed to the inner bottom surface of the cabinet C1. A main switch D1 is arranged at the left end when viewed from the front of the cabinet C1 and attached to the mounting plate. In addition, in the cabinet C1, a plurality of circuit breakers B1 and a plurality of branch switches E1 are arranged in two tiers, upper and lower, in the space to the right of the main switch D1 and attached to the mounting plate. Furthermore, three bus bars 30A, 30B, 30C and two power feed bars 31A, 31B are arranged in a line with a gap in the front-rear direction (direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 2) between the circuit breaker B1 and branch switch E1 in the upper tier and the circuit breaker B1 and branch switch E1 in the lower tier (see FIG. 3). The three bus bars 30A, 30B, 30C and the two power feed bars 31A, 31B are electrically insulated from the mounting plate.

Cabinet C1 is installed by directly attaching it to the wall of the house or by embedding the rear end portion of cabinet C1 into the wall.

(2-2) Details of the Circuit Breaker The circuit breaker B1 includes contacts 10A, 10B to be inserted into an electric circuit 20, a detection circuit 11, a tripping circuit 12, a case 13, and a power supply input unit 14 (see Figs. 1 and 3). In the following description, the directions indicated by the arrows X1, Y1, and Z1 in Fig. 3 are defined as the width direction X1, depth direction Y1, and height direction Z1, respectively.

(2-2-1) Case The case 13 is formed in a box shape with a dimension in the width direction X1 that is sufficiently shorter than the dimensions in the depth direction Y1 and the height direction Z1 as a whole. The input terminal unit 17 and the power input unit 14 are accommodated in one end (first end) of the case 13 in the depth direction Y1, and the output terminal unit 19 is accommodated in the other end (second end) of the case 13 in the depth direction Y1.

Three first sockets 131 and two second sockets 132 are provided at the first end in the depth direction Y1 of the case 13 (see FIG. 3). Each of the three first sockets 131 opens across the end face of the first end in the depth direction Y1 and both end faces in the width direction X1. The three first sockets 131 are arranged at equal intervals along the height direction Z1. The intervals between the three first sockets 131 in the height direction Z1 are approximately equal to the intervals between the three busbars 30A, 30B, and 30C housed in the cabinet C1 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

The input terminal section 17 has two first blade receiving springs 21. One first blade receiving spring 21 is arranged at one end of the case 13 in the height direction Z1, and the other first blade receiving spring 21 is arranged at the other end of the case 13 in the height direction Z1. However, the two first blade receiving springs 21 may be arranged one at the center and one at the other end of the case 13 in the height direction Z1. The two first blade receiving springs 21 face two of the three first sockets 131 depending on the positions where they are arranged (see FIG. 4).

The two second sockets 132 each open across the end face at the first end in the depth direction Y1 and both end faces in the width direction X1. The two second sockets 132 are also arranged at equal intervals from the three first sockets 131 along the height direction Z1 (see Figures 3 and 4). In other words, one second socket 132 is disposed between two adjacent first sockets 131. The distance between the two second sockets 132 in the height direction Z1 is approximately equal to the distance between the two power supply bars 31A, 31B housed in the cabinet C1 (see Figures 3 and 4).

The power input unit 14 has two second blade receiving springs 15 (spring members) (see FIG. 4). The two second blade receiving springs 15 are arranged in positions facing the two second sockets 132, one each (see FIG. 4).

The output terminal section 19 has two quick-connect terminals (screwless terminals). The output terminal section 19 is configured to electrically connect two conductors inserted from two insertion openings 133 provided at the second end of the case 13 in the depth direction Y1 to two quick-connect terminals, one each. The two insertion openings 133 are arranged side by side in the width direction X1 on the end face at the second end of the case 13 in the depth direction Y1 (see FIG. 3). The conductors inserted into the insertion openings 133 are conductors of load wires. The load wires are electrically connected to some electrical devices, such as wiring devices such as outlets and switches, and lighting devices, installed in the home.

Although not shown, the case 13 also houses an opening/closing mechanism that opens and closes the contacts 10A, 10B together. The opening/closing mechanism opens and closes the contacts 10A, 10B in response to the operation of the handle 134, and is configured to forcibly open (disconnect) the contacts 10A, 10B by the tripping circuit 12. The handle 134 is exposed to the outside of the case 13 through an opening provided in an end face at one end of the case 13 in the height direction Z1 (see FIG. 3).

Furthermore, the case 13 houses the detection circuit 11, the tripping circuit 12, the instantaneous tripping device M1, etc.

(2-2-2) Tripping Circuit The tripping circuit 12 opens the contacts 10A, 10B to interrupt the electric path when the detection circuit 11 detects an abnormality. For example, the tripping circuit 12 includes a solenoid, and energizes an exciting coil of the solenoid to move a plunger, thereby driving an opening/closing mechanism to open the contacts 10A, 10B.

(2-2-3) Detection Circuit The detection circuit 11 detects an abnormality occurring in at least one of the current flowing through the electric circuit 20 and the voltage applied to the electric circuit 20. An abnormality occurring in the current flowing through the electric circuit 20 is, for example, a phenomenon in which a ground fault current flows through the electric circuit 20, or a phenomenon in which an overcurrent exceeding the rated current flows through the electric circuit 20. An abnormality occurring in the voltage applied to the electric circuit 20 is, for example, a phenomenon in which an overvoltage is applied to the electric circuit 20 due to an open phase of a neutral wire.

The main component of the detection circuit 11 is a microcontroller. The detection circuit 11 obtains the magnitude of the unbalanced current flowing through the two electric circuits 20 from the zero-phase current transformer, and determines that a leakage current (abnormality) has occurred if the magnitude of the unbalanced current exceeds a threshold value.

The detection circuit 11 detects high-frequency components of the AC current flowing through the contacts 10A and 10B. The detection circuit 11 determines whether the detected high-frequency components have characteristics of a series arc discharge and whether they have characteristics of a parallel arc discharge. The detection circuit 11 detects an arc fault (abnormality) in the wiring (branch wiring) electrically connected to the output terminal unit 19 by determining that the detected high-frequency components have characteristics of a series arc discharge or a parallel arc discharge. However, the detection method by which the detection circuit 11 detects an arc fault is not limited to the above-mentioned detection method, and may be, for example, a detection method in which the current value flowing through the contacts 10A and 10B is compared with a threshold value to determine whether an arc discharge has occurred and detect the arc fault.

In this disclosure, an "arc fault" may occur due to an abnormality such as insulation deterioration or partial disconnection of the insulator of the coated electric wire used in the wiring. In this disclosure, a "partial disconnection" refers to a state in which the conductor of the wiring is partially disconnected. For example, if the conductor is a stranded wire, it is a state in which some of the multiple strands constituting the stranded wire are disconnected. As an example, an arc fault may include an arc discharge (so-called parallel arc discharge) that occurs when a pair of conductors is short-circuited when the wiring is composed of two-core coated electric wires. In addition, as another example, an arc fault may include an arc discharge (so-called series arc discharge) that occurs when one of the pair of conductors is partially disconnected when the wiring is composed of two-core coated electric wires. Note that the magnitude of the current flowing in the wiring due to parallel arc discharge is about tens to hundreds of A, while the magnitude of the current flowing in the wiring due to series arc discharge is about several A to 30 A.

Furthermore, the detection circuit 11 measures the potential difference between the two electric circuits 20. The detection circuit 11 calculates the effective value of the measured potential difference and compares the effective value of the measured potential difference with a specified upper limit and lower limit. The upper limit is set to a value (e.g., 130 V) higher than the rated value (100 V) of the effective value of the measured potential difference. The lower limit is set to a value (e.g., 70 V) lower than the rated value. The detection circuit 11 determines that the effective value of the measured potential difference is normal (no abnormality) when it is between the upper limit and lower limit. The detection circuit 11 determines that an abnormality exists when the effective value of the measured potential difference exceeds the upper limit or falls below the lower limit. For example, if the neutral conductor has a phase loss, the effective value of the measured potential difference may exceed the upper limit and reach 200 V.

When the detection circuit 11 determines that there is an abnormality such as a ground fault, an arc fault, or an overvoltage, it outputs an abnormality detection signal to the trip circuit 12. When the detection circuit 11 receives the abnormality detection signal, it drives the switching mechanism to open the contacts 10A and 10B, thereby interrupting the electric circuit 20.

(2-2-4) Instantaneous Trip Device The instantaneous trip device M1 is inserted into the electric circuit 20 together with one of the contacts 10A (see FIG. 1). The instantaneous trip device M1 is configured such that, when a large current such as a short-circuit current flows through the contact 10A, the electromagnetic force generated by the flow of the large current drives an opening/closing mechanism to open the contacts 10A and 10B and instantaneously cut off the electric circuit 20. In other words, unlike the detection circuit 11, the instantaneous trip device M1 instantly cuts off the electric circuit 20 without waiting for electrical processing, and therefore, malfunctions caused by large currents such as short-circuit currents can be avoided.

(2-2-5) Power Input Unit The power input unit 14 receives operating power (DC voltage) from the two power feed bars 31A and 31B via the two second blade receiving springs 15. The power input unit 14 supplies the input operating power to circuits that require operating power, such as the detection circuit 11 and the tripping circuit 12.

(2-3) Installation of Circuit Breakers in Distribution Board Next, the procedure for installing the circuit breaker B1 in the distribution board A1 (installation work) will be described. The installation of internal devices such as the main switch D1, the circuit breaker B1, and the branch switch E1 in the distribution board A1 is usually performed by the manufacturer who produces the distribution board A1. However, the installation of all or part of the circuit breaker B1 and the branch switch E1 may also be performed at the construction site (the house where the distribution board A1 is installed).

The worker who performs the installation work installs the circuit breaker B1 on the mounting plate by inserting the three busbars 30A, 30B, and 30C into the three first sockets 131 one by one, and the two power supply bars 31A and 31B into the two second sockets 132 one by one. The two busbars 30B and 30C inserted into the two first sockets 131 at both ends of the height direction Z1 are electrically connected to the first blade receiving spring 21 by being sandwiched at their respective ends (see FIG. 4). The two power supply bars 31A and 31B inserted into the two second sockets 132 are electrically connected to the second blade receiving spring 15 by being sandwiched at their respective ends (see FIG. 4). In other words, the circuit breaker B1 is configured to electrically connect the power input section 14 (second blade receiving spring 15) to the power supply bar 31 when the input terminal section 17 is electrically connected to the busbar bar 30. This prevents the electrical connection between the power supply circuit 40 and the power supply input unit 14 from being forgotten when installing the circuit breaker B1 in the distribution board A1. The power supply input unit 14 is electrically connected to the power supply bar 31 by clamping the power supply bar 31, which is located outside the case 13, with a spring member (second blade receiving spring 15). Therefore, the circuit breaker B1 can improve workability compared to, for example, a case in which the power supply input unit 14 is electrically connected to the power supply circuit 40 using an electric wire and a terminal screw.

As described above, the installation work is completed by attaching the circuit breaker B1 to the mounting plate by inserting the three bus bars 30A, 30B, and 30C one by one into the three first sockets 131 and the two power supply bars 31A and 31B one by one into the two second sockets 132.

(3) Modified Examples of Circuit Breaker and Distribution Board According to the Embodiment Next, several modified examples of the circuit breaker B1 and distribution board A1 according to the embodiment will be described. However, the basic configuration of the circuit breaker B1 and distribution board A1 of each modified example described below is common to the basic configuration of the circuit breaker B1 and distribution board A1 according to the embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to designate the configuration common to the basic configuration of the circuit breaker B1 and distribution board A1 according to the embodiment, and illustrations and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

(3-1) Modification 1
The circuit breaker B1 and the distribution board A1 of the first modification are characterized by the configuration of the power input unit 14 and the configuration for supplying operating power to the power input unit 14.

The power input section 14 in the first modification has a pair of conductive plates (electrode plates 16) instead of a spring member (second blade receiving spring 15) (see Figs. 5-8). Also, the distribution board A1 in the first modification has, instead of the power supply bar 31, a plurality of contacts 32 that respectively contact the plurality of electrode plates 16, and a holding member 33 that holds the plurality of contacts 32 (see Figs. 5-8).

The power input unit 14 has a pair of electrode plates 16. The pair of electrode plates 16 are provided on one end surface of the case 13 in the height direction Z1, in a state where they are exposed at a first end of the case 13 in the depth direction Y1 (see FIG. 5). The pair of electrode plates 16 are arranged at a distance from each other along the width direction X1 of the case 13.

The multiple contacts 32 have a semi-disc-shaped contact piece 320 and a protrusion 321 protruding from the end of the contact piece 320. Here, the multiple contacts 32 are divided into positive contacts 32 and negative contacts 32. The multiple positive contacts 32 have their respective protrusions 321 electrically connected to each other by a positive conductor. The multiple negative contacts 32 have their respective protrusions 321 electrically connected to each other by a negative conductor. Note that the multiple positive contacts 32 and the positive conductor are preferably integrally formed from a metal plate. Similarly, the multiple negative contacts 32 and the negative conductor are preferably integrally formed from a metal plate.

The holding member 33 is formed in a long plate shape by insert molding a positive conductor and a negative conductor into an electrically insulating synthetic resin. However, the multiple positive contacts 32 and the multiple negative contacts 32 are exposed on the surface of one side of the holding member 33, protruding alternately along the longitudinal direction of the holding member 33 (see Figures 5-8).

In the distribution board A1 of the first modification, the holding member 33 is housed in the cabinet C1 with the contact 32 facing the bus bar 30C. The positive conductor held by the holding member 33 is electrically connected to the positive output terminal of the power supply circuit 40, and the negative conductor is electrically connected to the negative output terminal of the power supply circuit 40.

The circuit breaker B1 of the first modification is attached to the mounting plate such that the three bus bars 30A, 30B, 30C are inserted one by one into the three first sockets 131. When the circuit breaker B1 of the first modification is attached to the mounting plate, the positive electrode plate 16 is in electrical contact with the positive contact 32, and the negative electrode plate 16 is in electrical contact with the negative contact 32 (see Figures 6 and 8).

That is, the circuit breaker B1 of the first modification is configured to electrically connect the power supply input unit 14 (electrode plate 16) to the contact 32 when the input terminal unit 17 is electrically connected to the bus bar 30. This prevents the electrical connection between the power supply circuit 40 and the power supply input unit 14 from being forgotten when installing the circuit breaker B1 of the first modification into the distribution board A1 of the first modification. The power supply input unit 14 in the first modification is electrically connected to the contact 32 by bringing the electrode plate 16 into contact with the contact 32 arranged outside the case 13. Therefore, the circuit breaker B1 of the first modification can improve workability compared to, for example, a case in which the power supply input unit 14 is electrically connected to the power supply circuit 40 using an electric wire and a terminal screw.

(3-2) Modification 2
In the circuit breaker B1 of the second modification, the pair of electrode plates 16 of the power supply input unit 14 are provided in a state where they are exposed at a first end in the depth direction Y1 of the case 13 on the other end surface in the height direction Z1 of the case 13 (see FIG. 9 ). The pair of electrode plates 16 are arranged at an interval along the width direction X1 of the case 13.

In addition, in the distribution board A1 of the second modification, the holding member 33 is housed in the cabinet C1 with the contact 32 facing the bottom surface of the case 13 (the surface where the pair of electrode plates 16 are exposed) (see FIG. 9). The positive conductor held by the holding member 33 is electrically connected to the positive output terminal of the power supply circuit 40, and the negative conductor is electrically connected to the negative output terminal of the power supply circuit 40.

The circuit breaker B1 of the second modification is attached to the mounting plate such that the three bus bars 30A, 30B, 30C are inserted one by one into the three first sockets 131. When the circuit breaker B1 of the second modification is attached to the mounting plate, the positive electrode plate 16 is in electrical contact with the positive contact 32, and the negative electrode plate 16 is in electrical contact with the negative contact 32 (see FIG. 9).

That is, the circuit breaker B1 of the second modification is configured to electrically connect the power supply input unit 14 (electrode plate 16) to the contact 32 when the input terminal unit 17 is electrically connected to the bus bar 30, similar to the circuit breaker B1 of the first modification. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the electrical connection between the power supply circuit 40 and the power supply input unit 14 from being forgotten when assembling the circuit breaker B1 of the second modification to the distribution board A1 of the second modification. Also, the power supply input unit 14 in the second modification is electrically connected to the contact 32 by bringing the electrode plate 16 into contact with the contact 32 arranged outside the case 13. Therefore, the circuit breaker B1 of the second modification can improve workability compared to, for example, a case in which the power supply input unit 14 is electrically connected to the power supply circuit 40 using an electric wire and a terminal screw.

(3-3) Modification 3
The circuit breaker B1 of the third modification further includes a communication circuit 18 (see FIG. 10 ). The communication circuit 18 in the third modification communicates by superimposing a communication signal on the voltage (DC voltage) of the operating power supply. Note that a communication device that communicates with the communication circuit 18 may be housed in the cabinet C1 of the distribution board A1, or may be disposed outside the cabinet C1.

For example, the communication circuit 18 transmits a communication signal in which a carrier wave is frequency shift keyed (FSK). The communication circuit 18 also frequency shift demodulates the received communication signal. However, the communication circuit 18 may transmit and receive communication signals in a method other than frequency shift keying, for example, an amplitude shift keying (ASK) method or a phase shift keying (PSK) method.

For example, the communication circuit 18 transmits the detection results of the detection circuit 11 (presence or absence of abnormalities such as leakage current, arc fault, and overvoltage) to the communication device via a communication signal. When the communication device receives a communication signal from the communication circuit 18, it is preferable for the communication device to notify the detection results of the detection circuit 11 obtained from the communication signal. For example, the communication device may send an email notifying a smartphone carried by a resident of the house of the detection results. Alternatively, the communication device may display the detection results on a monitor device installed outside the cabinet C1.

The communication circuit 18 also receives a communication signal from a communication device and passes control information obtained from the received communication signal to the microcontroller of the detection circuit 11. The microcontroller of the detection circuit 11 may change, for example, threshold values used to determine abnormalities (such as leakage current, arc faults, and overvoltage) based on the received control information. However, the information exchanged by the communication signal is not limited to the detection results and control information of the detection circuit 11.

According to the circuit breaker B1 and distribution board A1 of the third modification, for example, the detection result of the detection circuit 11 can be notified to the outside (such as the residents of the house) by a communication signal transmitted from the communication circuit 18.

Here, a bipolar (e.g., ±5 V) operating power supply may be supplied from the power supply circuit 40, and the communication circuit 18 may superimpose a communication signal onto the operating power supply by pulse-width modulating a carrier wave consisting of a bipolar pulse train. In this case, the detection circuit 11 and the tripping circuit 12 may obtain a single-pole DC power supply from the bipolar operating power supply using a full-wave rectifier.

(3-4) Modification 4
The distribution board A1 of the fourth modification further includes an output unit 41 that outputs operating power to the outside of the cabinet C1 (see FIG. 2).

The output unit 41 may have a configuration to which an electric wire can be connected, such as a connector or a terminal block. The output unit 41 may be housed in the cabinet C1 or may be installed outside the cabinet C1. It is also preferable that the output unit 41 is electrically connected to the power supply bar 31 via the branch switch E1 (see FIG. 2).

The distribution board A1 of variant 4 outputs the operating power source outside the cabinet C1 through the output unit 41, so that the operating power source can be used to charge the battery of a mobile device such as a smartphone, for example, improving convenience.

(4) Summary The circuit breaker (B1) according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes contacts (10A, 10B) inserted into an electric circuit (20), a detection circuit (11), a trip circuit (12), a case (13), and a power supply input unit (14). The detection circuit (11) detects an abnormality occurring in at least one of a current flowing through the electric circuit (20) and a voltage applied to the electric circuit (20). The trip circuit (12) trips the contacts (10A, 10B) when the detection circuit (11) detects an abnormality. The case (13) accommodates the contacts (10A, 10B), the detection circuit (11), and the trip circuit (12). The power supply input unit (14) receives power for operating the detection circuit (11) from outside the case (13).

The circuit breaker (B1) according to the first aspect is configured so that the operating power for operating the electrical circuit for abnormality detection (such as the detection circuit 11) is supplied from outside the case (13), so there is no need to house the power supply circuit for the operating power supply in the case (13). As a result, the circuit breaker (B1) according to the first aspect can increase the space required to house the electrical circuit for abnormality detection.

The circuit breaker (B1) according to the second aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the first aspect. In the circuit breaker (B1) according to the second aspect, the power input section (14) preferably has a conductive spring member (second blade receiving spring 15). The power input section (14) is preferably electrically connected to the power supply bar (31) arranged outside the case (13) by clamping the power supply bar (31) with the spring member.

The circuit breaker (B1) according to the second aspect can improve workability compared to, for example, a case in which the power input section (14) is electrically connected to the power circuit (40) using an electric wire and a terminal screw.

The circuit breaker (B1) according to the third aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the first aspect. In the circuit breaker (B1) according to the third aspect, the power supply input section (14) preferably has a conductive plate material (electrode plate 16). The power supply input section (14) is preferably electrically connected to the contact (32) arranged outside the case (13) by contacting the plate material with the contact (32).

The circuit breaker (B1) according to the third aspect can improve workability compared to, for example, a case in which the power input section (14) is electrically connected to the power circuit (40) using an electric wire and a terminal screw.

The distribution board (A1) according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure includes a circuit breaker (B1) according to any one of the first to third aspects, a power supply circuit (40) that creates an operating power source, and a cabinet (C1) that houses internal equipment including the circuit breaker (B1) and the power supply circuit (40).

The distribution board (A1) according to the fourth aspect is equipped with a circuit breaker (B1) according to any one of the first to third aspects, so that it is possible to expand the accommodation space for the electrical circuit for detecting abnormalities in the circuit breaker (B1) according to any one of the first to third aspects.

The distribution board (A1) according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure includes the circuit breaker (B1) according to the second aspect, a power supply circuit (40) that creates an operating power supply, a power feed bar (31) that supplies the operating power supply to the circuit breaker (B1), a bus bar (30) that is electrically connected to the electric circuit (20), and a cabinet (C1) that houses the circuit breaker (B1), the power supply circuit (40), the power feed bar (31), and the bus bar (30). The circuit breaker (B1) further includes an input terminal portion (17) that is electrically and detachably connected to the bus bar (30). The spring member is electrically connected to the power feed bar (31) when the input terminal portion (17) is electrically connected to the bus bar (30).

The distribution board (A1) according to the fifth aspect can prevent the electrical connection between the power supply circuit (40) and the power supply input section (14) from being forgotten when installing the circuit breaker (B1).

The distribution board (A1) according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure includes the circuit breaker (B1) according to the third aspect, a power supply circuit (40) that creates an operating power supply, a bus bar (30) electrically connected to the electric circuit (20), and a cabinet (C1) that houses the circuit breaker (B1), the power supply circuit (40), and the bus bar (30). The circuit breaker (B1) further includes an input terminal portion (17) that is electrically and detachably connected to the bus bar (30). The plate material is electrically connected to the contact (32) when the input terminal portion (17) is electrically connected to the bus bar (30).

The distribution board (A1) according to the sixth aspect can prevent the electrical connection between the power supply circuit (40) and the power supply input section (14) from being forgotten when installing the circuit breaker (B1).

The distribution board (A1) according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with any of the fourth to sixth aspects. In the distribution board (A1) according to the seventh aspect, it is preferable that the circuit breaker (B1) further includes a communication circuit (18). It is preferable that the communication circuit (18) communicates by superimposing a communication signal on the voltage of the operating power source.

The distribution board (A1) according to the seventh aspect can, for example, notify the outside of the detection result of the detection circuit (11) by a communication signal transmitted from the communication circuit (18).

The distribution board (A1) according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with any of the fourth to seventh aspects. It is preferable that the distribution board (A1) according to the eighth aspect further includes an output section (41) that outputs the operating power source to the outside of the cabinet (C1).

The distribution board (A1) according to the eighth aspect can utilize the operating power source to charge the battery of a mobile device such as a smartphone, for example, thereby improving convenience.

A1 Distribution board B1 Circuit breaker C1 Cabinet 10A, 10B Contact 11 Detection circuit 12 Tripping circuit 13 Case 14 Power input section 15 Second blade receiving spring (spring member)
16 Electrode plate (plate material)
17 Input terminal section 18 Communication circuit 20 Electrical path 30 Bus bar 31 Power supply bar 32 Contact 40 Power supply circuit 41 Output section

Claims (8)

A contact to be inserted into an electrical circuit;
a detection circuit that detects an abnormality occurring in at least one of a current flowing through the electric path and a voltage applied to the electric path;
a tripping circuit that trips the contacts when the detection circuit detects the abnormality;
a case that houses the contacts, the detection circuit, and the trip circuit;
a power supply input section to which power for operating the detection circuit is input from outside the case;
Equipped with
Circuit breaker. the power input unit has a conductive spring member, and is electrically connected to a power supply bar disposed outside the case by clamping the power supply bar with the spring member;
The circuit breaker of claim 1. The power input unit has a conductive plate material, and is electrically connected to a contactor disposed outside the case by bringing the plate material into contact with the contactor.
The circuit breaker of claim 1. A circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3;
A power supply circuit for generating the operating power supply;
a cabinet that houses internal equipment including the circuit breaker and the power supply circuit;
Equipped with
Distribution board. The circuit breaker of claim 2;
A power supply circuit for generating the operating power supply;
the power supply bar that supplies the operating power source to the circuit breaker;
a bus bar electrically connected to the electrical path;
a cabinet that houses the circuit breaker, the power supply circuit, the power feed bar, and the bus bar;
Equipped with
The circuit breaker further includes an input terminal portion electrically and detachably connected to the bus bar,
the spring member is electrically connected to the power supply bar when the input terminal portion is electrically connected to the bus bar.
Distribution board. A circuit breaker according to claim 3;
A power supply circuit for generating the operating power supply;
a bus bar electrically connected to the electrical path;
a cabinet housing the circuit breaker, the power supply circuit, and the busbar;
Equipped with
The circuit breaker further includes an input terminal portion electrically and detachably connected to the bus bar,
the plate member is electrically connected to the contact when the input terminal portion is electrically connected to the bus bar;
Distribution board. The circuit breaker further comprises a communication circuit.
the communication circuit communicates by superimposing a communication signal on the voltage of the operating power supply;
The distribution board according to claim 4. An output unit that outputs the operating power source to the outside of the cabinet,
The distribution board according to claim 4.

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