JP6800093B2 - Circuit breaker - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to circuit breakers such as molded case circuit breakers and earth leakage breakers.

Circuit breakers are becoming smaller like other devices, but the contact contact pressure required for stable energization is almost fixed for each rated current, reducing the load required for opening and closing the electric circuit. It's difficult. Therefore, as the circuit breaker becomes smaller, the load required for the opening / closing operation tends to increase. It is possible to reduce the load required at the point of effort by increasing the length of the operating handle in the protruding direction, but the external dimensions of the circuit breaker become large, which contradicts the miniaturization.

Therefore, an extension handle that is attached to the operation handle during the opening / closing operation to reduce the load required for the opening / closing operation is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an extension handle that is attached to the tip of an operation handle to extend the length in the protruding direction.

Further, since the circuit breaker is used for opening and closing the main power supply, a technique for regulating the position of the operation handle is known in order to prevent unintentional opening and closing. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for regulating the position of the operation handle by accommodating a part of the lock member in the hollow portion of the operation handle.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-17320 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-48685

When the extension handle of Patent Document 1 is not opened / closed, it is necessary to secure a place to remove it from the operation handle and store it, and there is a risk of loss. Further, when the extension handle of Patent Document 1 is attached to the operation handle of Patent Document 2, it is difficult to lock the operation handle with the extension handle attached because the hollow portion of the operation handle is covered. Moreover, it is necessary to prepare and attach the extension handle and the lock member respectively.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to obtain a circuit breaker provided with an extension handle that is easy to use and has a function of locking the operation handle.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the circuit breaker of the present invention includes an opening / closing mechanism for opening / closing an electric circuit, a case for accommodating the opening / closing mechanism, and at least one from the opening of the case. An operation handle that projects the portion to cause the opening / closing mechanism portion to open / close the electric circuit, and an operation position that is rotatably and detachably attached to the operation handle and that moves the operation handle by the rotation and the case. It is provided with an extension handle that can be switched to and from a restricted position that restricts the movement of the operating handle by engaging with.

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

External perspective view showing the trip state of the circuit breaker according to the first embodiment. External perspective view showing an open state of the circuit breaker according to the first embodiment. External perspective view showing an open locked state of the circuit breaker according to the first embodiment. Cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. External perspective view of the operation handle according to the first embodiment Side view of the operation handle according to the first embodiment Cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. External perspective view of the extension handle according to the first embodiment Front view of the extension handle according to the first embodiment Side view of the extension handle according to the first embodiment Rear view of the extension handle according to the first embodiment An enlarged perspective view showing an enlarged state immediately before the extension handle according to the first embodiment is attached to the operation handle. An enlarged perspective view showing an enlarged state of the extension handle according to the first embodiment after being attached to the operation handle. Explanatory drawing of closed lock operation which concerns on Embodiment 1. Explanatory drawing of closed lock operation which concerns on Embodiment 1. Explanatory drawing of closed lock operation which concerns on Embodiment 1. Explanatory drawing of open lock operation which concerns on Embodiment 1. Explanatory drawing of open lock operation which concerns on Embodiment 1. Explanatory drawing of open lock operation which concerns on Embodiment 1. Partially enlarged view of FIG. External perspective view of the reinforcing component according to the first embodiment An enlarged perspective view showing an enlarged state immediately before the reinforcing component according to the first embodiment is attached to the operation handle. An enlarged perspective view showing an enlarged state of the reinforcing component according to the first embodiment after being attached to the operation handle. External perspective view of the circuit breaker according to the second embodiment External perspective view of additional parts according to the second embodiment Top view of additional parts according to the second embodiment The figure which shows the state just before attaching to the extension handle of the additional part which concerns on Embodiment 2. External perspective view of the extension handle to which the additional parts according to the second embodiment are attached. Side view of the extension handle to which the additional parts according to the second embodiment are attached. External perspective view of the circuit breaker according to the third embodiment External perspective view of the lock auxiliary part according to the third embodiment External perspective view of the extension handle in a state where the lock auxiliary component according to the third embodiment is attached. Side view of the extension handle in the state where the lock auxiliary part according to the third embodiment is attached. External perspective view showing a state in which the lock auxiliary component according to the third embodiment is attached to the extension handle. Partially enlarged view of the circuit breaker according to another embodiment The figure which shows the structure of the extension handle which concerns on other embodiment The figure which shows the structure of the operation handle which concerns on other embodiment

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 showing a trip state of the circuit breaker 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing an open state of the circuit breaker 100. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing an open locked state of the circuit breaker 100, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the circuit breaker 100 according to the first embodiment rotates around the case 1, the operation handle 2 having at least a part protruding from the opening 18 of the case 1, and the operation handle 2. It is provided with an extension handle 3 that can be attached. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the protruding direction of the operation handle 2 in the trip state of the circuit breaker 100 is the positive direction in the upward direction and the Z-axis direction, and the moving direction of the operation handle 2 as viewed from the Z-axis direction is the front-rear direction and the X-axis. The direction. Further, the directions orthogonal to the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction are defined as the left-right direction and the Y-axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, the circuit breaker 100 includes a power supply side terminal 11 connected to a power supply side electric wire (not shown) and a load side terminal 12 connected to a load side electric wire (not shown). Hereinafter, the power supply side terminal 11 side of the circuit breaker 100 may be described as the power supply side, and the load side terminal 12 side of the circuit breaker 100 may be described as the load side.

The case 1 has an opening / closing mechanism 13 that opens / closes an electric circuit, a fixed contact 14 that is connected to a power supply side terminal 11, and a movable one that is electrically connected to a load side terminal 12 and driven by the opening / closing mechanism 13. It includes a contact 15 and an arc extinguishing device 16 that cuts an arc generated between the fixed contact 14 and the movable contact 15.

The operation handle 2 is fixed to an operation portion (not shown) in the opening / closing mechanism portion 13, and at least a part thereof projects through an opening 18 formed on the upper surface side of the case 1. By operating the protruding portion of the operation handle 2 from the opening 18 within the range of the opening 18, the circuit breaker 100 can be switched on and off, that is, the opening / closing mechanism portion 13 can open / close the electric circuit. it can.

For example, by moving the operation handle 2 to the power supply side, the opening / closing mechanism portion 13 is operated, the movable contact 15 moves to the fixed contact 14 side, and the movable contact 15 comes into contact with the fixed contact 14. As a result, the power supply side terminal 11 and the load side terminal 12 are electrically connected, the electric circuit is closed, and the circuit including the electric circuit is turned on.

Further, when the electric circuit is in the closed state, the opening / closing mechanism portion 13 is operated by the movement of the operation handle 2 to the load side, and the movable contact 15 moves in the direction away from the fixed contact 14. As a result, the power supply side terminal 11 and the load side terminal 12 are electrically disconnected, the electric circuit is opened, and the circuit including the electric circuit is turned off. The operation of closing the electric circuit is the closing operation, and the operation of opening the electric circuit is the opening operation. The closing operation and the opening operation are collectively called the opening / closing operation. Further, locking in the closed state is called closed lock or on-lock, and locking in the open state is called open lock or off-lock.

The circuit breaker 100 is a circuit breaker for wiring that detects an overcurrent and cuts off the electric circuit by the opening / closing mechanism unit 13, but is an earth leakage breaker or other circuit breaker that detects an leakage current and cuts off the electric circuit by the opening / closing mechanism unit 13. It may be a circuit breaker. When an overcurrent is detected by the circuit breaker 100, the opening / closing mechanism 13 separates the movable contact 15 from the fixed contact 14 and puts it in a trip state. When the circuit breaker 100 is in the trip state, the operation handle 2 is in an intermediate position between the open position when the electric circuit is opened and the closed position when the electric circuit is closed, as shown in FIG. ..

The extension handle 3 is switched between an operating position for moving the operating handle 2 by rotation with respect to the operating handle 2 and a regulated position for restricting the movement of the operating handle 2 by engaging with the case 1.

When the extension handle 3 is in the operating position, as shown in FIG. 1, the tip of the extension handle 3 is located farther from the case 1 than the tip of the operating handle 2 in the protruding direction of the operating handle 2. Further, in the operation handle 2, the rotation axis of the opening / closing mechanism portion 13 inside the case 1 serves as a fulcrum, and the rotation axis of the opening / closing mechanism portion 13 is centered between the power supply side and the load side in the opening 18. It moves in an arc.

Therefore, when the rotation position of the extension handle 3 is the operation position, the extension handle 3 can be operated with an operation force lower than the operation force for the operation handle 2, and the operation handle 2 can be operated by operating the extension handle 3. Can be easily moved. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the operation handle 2 is moved to the load side.

Further, the extension handle 3 has a lock function for restricting the movement of the operation handle 2. When the rotation position of the extension handle 3 is changed from the operation position shown in FIG. 2 to the regulation position shown in FIG. 3, the convex engaging convex portion 33 provided on the extension handle 3 is the opening of the case 1. It engages with the concave engaging recess 17 provided in the peripheral region of 18. As a result, the movement of the operation handle 2 is restricted, and the operation handle 2 is locked. The engaging recess 17 of the case 1 is an example of the first engaging portion, and the engaging convex portion 33 of the extension handle 3 is an example of the second engaging portion.

In this way, the extension handle 3 can be switched between an operation position for moving the operation handle 2 and a restricted position for restricting the movement of the operation handle 2 by rotation, so that the extension handle 3 can be opened and closed with a simple operation while facilitating the opening and closing operation. The operation can be locked. Further, when the operation handle 2 is locked, it is not necessary to remove the extension handle 3 from the operation handle 2 and store it, and there is no risk of loss. As described above, the extension handle 3 of the circuit breaker 100 is easy to use and has a function of locking the operation handle 2, so that the convenience of the user can be enhanced.

Hereinafter, the operation handle 2 and the extension handle 3 will be described in more detail. First, the configuration of the operation handle 2 will be described. 5 is an external perspective view of the operation handle 2, FIG. 6 is a side view of the operation handle 2, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the operation handle 2 includes a flange portion 21 formed in an arc shape, and a grip portion 22 formed at the center of the collar portion 21 and protruding from the collar portion 21. .. The grip portion 22 has a base portion 23 continuous with the flange portion 21, a pair of wall portions 24a and 24b formed so as to project from both ends in the front-rear direction of the base portion 23, and a pair of walls between the pair of wall portions 24a and 24b. A rotating shaft 25 for connecting the portions 24a and 24b is provided. The tips between the pair of wall portions 24a and 24b are formed in an arc shape. In the following, the wall portions 24a and 24b may be referred to as the wall portion 24 without distinction.

The rotating shaft 25 is formed in a columnar shape. The axial direction of the rotating shaft 25 is a direction parallel to the moving direction of the operation handle 2. Therefore, the rotation direction of the extension handle 3 with respect to the operation handle 2 is perpendicular to the movement direction of the operation handle 2, and the extension handle 3 carelessly rotates around the rotation shaft 25 when an operation force is applied to the grip portion 22. Can be avoided. The axial direction of the rotating shaft 25 does not have to be parallel to the moving direction of the operating handle 2 as long as it is in the direction along the moving direction of the operating handle 2.

Further, the rotation shaft 25 is formed in a protruding portion of the operation handle 2 that protrudes from the case 1. Therefore, the extension handle 3 can be rotated at a position higher than that of the case 1, and the extension handle 3 can be easily rotated from the operating position to the regulated position.

The operation handle 2 is, for example, a member made of resin molding. As shown in FIG. 6, since the base portion 23, the pair of wall portions 24a, 24b, and the rotating shaft 25 are integrally formed, the rigidity of the wall portions 24a, 24b, which is a thin portion of the grip portion 22, is increased. be able to.

Next, the configuration of the extension handle 3 will be described. 8 is an external perspective view of the extension handle 3, FIG. 9 is a front view of the extension handle 3, FIG. 10 is a side view of the extension handle 3, and FIG. 11 is a rear view of the extension handle 3. Is.

As shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the extension handle 3 is continuous with the bearing portion 31 that receives the rotation shaft 25 of the operation handle 2 and the bearing portion 31, and is gripped during the opening / closing operation and becomes a point of effort during the opening / closing operation. The grip portion 32, the engaging convex portion 33 locked to the engaging concave portion 17 of the case 1, the supporting portion 34 that is continuous with the base end of the grip portion 32 and supports the engaging convex portion 33, and the grip portion 32. A stopper 35 that is continuous with the base end of the operation handle 2 and regulates the rotation of the operation handle 2 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 11, the bearing portion 31 has a gap between the bearing space portion 36 into which the rotating shaft 25 is inserted and a width L1 smaller than the shaft diameter of the rotating shaft 25, and the bearing space portion 36 is provided from outside the rotating shaft 25. It is provided with a notch 37 that forms a guide space leading to the above. The cutout portion 37 has a shape in which a region having a width L1 continues from a region where the width continuously decreases from the outside of the rotating shaft 25 toward the bearing space portion 36 to the bearing space portion 36. Therefore, the rotating shaft 25 can be easily entered into the notch 37.

Further, the bearing portion 31 is made of a member that can be elastically deformed, and the rotating shaft 25 that has entered the notch 37 moves toward the bearing space 36, so that the notch 37 is elastically deformed. The width L1 of 37 gradually expands. Therefore, the rotating shaft 25 can pass through the bearing space 36, and the rotating shaft 25 passes through the notch 37 and is inserted into the bearing space 36.

Since the width of the notch 37 continuous with the bearing space 36 has a width L1 smaller than the shaft diameter of the rotating shaft 25, after inserting the rotating shaft 25 into the bearing space 36, the bearing space of the rotating shaft 25 Dropout from 36 is regulated. Further, by appropriately adjusting the width L1 with respect to the shaft diameter of the rotating shaft 25, the rotating shaft 25 can be made difficult to come off from the bearing portion 31 unless a jig having a flat-blade screwdriver shape or the like is inserted from below. ..

The angle θ formed by the extending direction of the notch 37 and the extending direction of the extension handle 3 is in the range of 40 degrees to 50 degrees, for example, 45 degrees. As a result, the rotating shaft 25 can be made more difficult to come off from the bearing portion 31 when the position of the extension handle 3 is in the operating position and the regulated position. The angle θ is not limited to the above-mentioned angle.

The thickness of the bearing portion 31, that is, the length of the bearing portion 31 in the X-axis direction is the same as the distance between the wall portions 24a and 24b, so that when the extension handle 3 is attached to the operation handle 2, the extension handle 3 is attached. The strength of the operation handle 2 in the operation direction can be reinforced. It is sufficient that the strength of the operation handle 2 in the operation direction can be reinforced, and the thickness of the bearing portion 31 does not have to be the same as the distance between the wall portions 24a and 24b.

The grip portion 32 has through holes 38 and 39. The through holes 38 and 39 are arranged along the Z-axis direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the extension handle 3. The through holes 38 and 39 are through holes formed along the X-axis direction, which is the front-rear direction. The grip portion 32 may not be provided with through holes 38 and 39 unless other parts are attached to the extension handle 3.

The engaging convex portion 33 has a convex shape that protrudes in the Y-axis direction, which is a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the extension handle 3 and the moving direction of the operating handle 2, respectively, and is viewed from the X-axis direction. , 9 and 11 are located outward of the bearing portion 31 and the support portion 34 in the Y-axis direction. The tip of the engaging convex portion 33 has a tapered surface. The tip of the engaging convex portion 33 may be formed in a curved surface shape.

The support portion 34 is located at a position facing the bearing portion 31. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the extension handle 3 is attached to the operation handle 2, which of the wall portions 24a and 24b in the grip portion 22 of the operation handle 2 is the bearing portion 31 and the support portion 34. It will be in the position sandwiched between. Therefore, by setting the distance between the bearing portion 31 and the support portion 34 to be the same as the thickness of the wall portions 24a and 24b, the extension handle 3 can be stably attached to the operation handle 2.

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

Next, attachment of the extension handle 3 to the operation handle 2 will be described. FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view showing an enlarged state immediately before the extension handle 3 is attached to the operation handle 2, and FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing the state after the extension handle 3 is attached to the operation handle 2. It is an enlarged perspective view. As shown in FIG. 12, the extension handle 3 is arranged above the operation handle 2 so that the notch 37 faces the rotation shaft 25 of the operation handle 2.

After that, the extension handle 3 is moved downward, and the rotating shaft 25 of the operation handle 2 is inserted into the bearing space 36 via the notch 37 of the bearing portion 31 of the extension handle 3. As a result, the bearing portion 31 of the extension handle 3 is attached to the rotating shaft 25 of the operating handle 2, and the extension handle 3 is rotatably attached to the operating handle 2 about the rotating shaft 25.

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

Next, an operation of changing the state of the circuit breaker 100 from the open state or the trip state to the closed state and further locking the operation handle 2, that is, a closing lock operation will be described. 14 to 16 are explanatory views of the closing lock operation.

In the state shown in FIG. 14, the grip portion 32 of the extension handle 3 is located farther from the case 1 than the operation handle 2 in the protruding direction of the operation handle 2. Therefore, the force applied to the grip portion 32 to operate the operation handle 2 to the closed position can be made smaller than the force applied to the grip portion 22 of the operation handle 2, and the operation handle 2 can be easily moved. ..

By moving the grip portion 32 of the extension handle 3 in the negative direction of the X-axis on the power supply side, the state shown in FIG. 14 changes to the state shown in FIG. In the state shown in FIG. 15, the extension handle 3 is attached to the operation handle 2 with the engaging convex portion 33 of the extension handle 3 arranged on the power supply side with respect to the operation handle 2.

Therefore, by rotating the extension handle 3 to move the position of the extension handle 3 from the operation position to the regulated position, as shown in FIG. 16, the engaging convex portion 33 of the extension handle 3 is on the load side of the case 1. It is arranged in the engaging recess 17 provided in.

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

Next, an operation of changing the state of the circuit breaker 100 from the closed state or the trip state to the open state and further locking the operation handle 2, that is, an open lock operation will be described. 17 to 19 are explanatory views of the open lock operation.

When moving the operation handle 2 to the open position, as shown in FIG. 17, the extension handle 3 moves to the operation handle 2 with the engaging convex portion 33 of the extension handle 3 arranged on the load side with respect to the operation handle 2. It is attached. By moving the grip portion 32 of the extension handle 3 to the load side, the state shown in FIG. 17 changes to the state shown in FIG.

By rotating the extension handle 3 in the state shown in FIG. 18 to move the position of the extension handle 3 from the operating position to the regulated position, as shown in FIG. 19, the engaging convex portion 33 of the extension handle 3 becomes a case. It is arranged in the engaging recess 17 provided on the load side of 1. Therefore, when the operation handle 2 is moved to the power supply side, the movement of the operation handle 2 to the power supply side is restricted by the engagement between the engaging convex portion 33 and the engaging concave portion 17.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19, since the extension handle 3 is stopped at the regulated position by restricting the rotation of the extension handle 3 by the contact of the extension handle 3 with the upper surface 19 of the case 1, the extension handle 3 is stopped at the regulated position. It is possible to avoid complicating the configuration for stopping. Further, since the support portion 34 also contacts the upper surface 19 of the case 1 in addition to the base end portion of the grip portion 32, the contact area of the extension handle 3 with the upper surface 19 is compared with the case where the support portion 34 does not contact the upper surface 19. Can be increased, and the rotation of the extension handle 3 can be stably regulated.

FIG. 20 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. As shown in FIG. 20, when the operation handle 2 is locked in the open position by the extension handle 3, the extension handle 3 is located at the position farthest from the case 1 in the protruding direction Dp of the operation handle 2. It is the same position P1.

Therefore, even when the extension handle 3 is used, it is possible to suppress an increase in the external dimensions of the circuit breaker 100 in a situation where the operation handle 2 does not need to be operated. The same applies when the operation handle 2 is in the closed position and the trip position. The extension handle 3 may be set so that the position farthest from the case 1 in the protruding direction Dp of the operation handle 2 is closer to the case 1 than the position P1 of the operation handle 2.

Further, when the operation handle 2 is in the open position, as shown in FIG. 20, the extension handle 3 is tilted with respect to the Z axis together with the operation handle 2, but the engaging convex portion 33 is parallel to the Z axis. Therefore, the engaging convex portion 33 can be easily inserted into the engaging concave portion 17. This also applies when the operation handle 2 is in the closed position. When the operation handle 2 is in the closed position or the open position, the engaging convex portion 33 may be located in the engaging concave portion 17, and when the operating handle 2 is in the closed position or the open position, the engaging convex portion 33 may be located. 33 is not limited to being parallel to the Z axis.

A reinforcing component 4 can be attached to the operation handle 2 instead of the extension handle 3. By attaching the reinforcing component 4 to the operation handle 2, it is possible to prevent the strength of the operation handle 2 from being lowered even when the extension handle 3 is not attached. FIG. 21 is an external perspective view of the reinforcing component 4.

As shown in FIG. 21, the reinforcing component 4 has a bearing space 41 into which the rotating shaft 25 is inserted and a gap having a width L2 smaller than the shaft diameter of the rotating shaft 25, and the bearing space 41 from outside the rotating shaft 25. It is provided with a notch 42 that forms a guide space leading to the above.

Since the reinforcing component 4 is made of an elastically deformable member like the bearing portion 31, the width of the notch portion 42 continuously decreases from the outside of the rotating shaft 25 toward the bearing space portion 41. It has a shape in which a region having a width L2 extends from the region to the bearing space 41. Therefore, similarly to the notch 37, the width L2 of the notch 42 is widened by the elastic deformation of the notch 42, and the rotating shaft 25 can be inserted into the bearing space 41.

Further, similarly to the bearing portion 31, the reinforcing component 4 is restricted from falling out of the bearing space portion 41 of the rotating shaft 25 after the rotating shaft 25 is inserted into the bearing space portion 41, and the rotating shaft 25 is the reinforcing component 4. It can be made difficult to get out of.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective view showing the state immediately before the reinforcing component 4 is attached to the operation handle 2, and FIG. 23 is an enlarged view showing the state after the reinforcing component 4 is attached to the operation handle 2. It is an enlarged perspective view. As shown in FIG. 22, the reinforcing component 4 is arranged above the operation handle 2 so that the notch 42 faces the rotation shaft 25 of the operation handle 2.

After that, the reinforcing component 4 is moved downward, and the rotating shaft 25 of the operation handle 2 is inserted into the bearing space 41 through the notch 42 of the reinforcing component 4. As a result, as shown in FIG. 23, the reinforcing component 4 is attached to the operation handle 2.

In the state shown in FIG. 23, the reinforcing component 4 is located between the wall portions 24a and 24b of the operating handle 2, and the reinforcing component 4 reinforces the strength of the operating handle 2 in the operating direction. The thickness of the reinforcing component 4 is the same as the distance between the wall portions 24a and 24b, and the reinforcing component 4 is held by the operation handle 2 in contact with the wall portions 24a and 24b, but the operating handle 2 It suffices if the strength in the operating direction of is reinforced. That is, the thickness of the reinforcing component 4 may be shorter than the distance between the wall portions 24a and 24b.

Further, the upper portion of the reinforcing component 4 is formed in the same shape as the upper portion of the wall portions 24a and 24b, and the height of the reinforcing component 4 and the height of the operating handle 2 in a state where the reinforcing component 4 is attached to the operation handle 2. Are equal. Further, the length of the reinforcing component 4 in the Y-axis direction, which is the width direction, is the same as the length of the grip portion 22 in the operation handle 2 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, when the reinforcing component 4 is attached to the grip portion 22 of the operation handle 2, the reinforcing component 4 does not protrude from the grip portion 22, and it is possible to avoid an increase in the external dimensions of the circuit breaker 100.

As described above, the circuit breaker 100 according to the first embodiment has at least a part from the opening / closing mechanism portion 13 for opening / closing the electric circuit, the case 1 for accommodating the opening / closing mechanism portion 13, and the opening 18 of the case 1. It includes an operation handle 2 that protrudes and causes the opening / closing mechanism portion 13 to open / close the electric circuit, and an extension handle 3 that is rotatably attached to the operation handle 2. The extension handle 3 is switched between an operating position for moving the operating handle 2 by rotation and a restricted position for restricting the movement of the operating handle 2 by engaging with the case 1. By rotating the extension handle 3 in this way, the main function and the lock function of the extension handle 3 can be switched, and the operation handle 2 can be easily moved and fixed by one extension handle 3. it can. Further, when the operation handle 2 is locked, it is not necessary to remove the extension handle 3 from the operation handle 2 and store it, and there is no risk of loss.

Further, the case 1 includes an engaging recess 17 which is an example of a first engaging portion provided in a region around the opening 18. The extension handle 3 rotates with a grip portion 32 that is located farther from the case 1 than the operation handle 2 in the protruding direction Dp of the operation handle 2 when the rotation position is the operation position and becomes a force point during the opening / closing operation. It is provided with an engaging convex portion 33 which is a second engaging portion that restricts the movement of the operation handle 2 by engaging with the engaging concave portion 17 of the case 1 when the position is the regulated position. Since the first engaging portion formed in the case 1 is formed in a concave shape with respect to the upper surface 19 of the case 1, it is possible to prevent the upper surface 19 of the case 1 from becoming high.

Further, when the rotation position of the extension handle 3 is the regulated position, the position farthest from the case 1 in the protruding direction Dp of the operation handle 2 is the same as that of the operation handle 2, or the case 1 is more than the operation handle 2. It will be in a position close to. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the external dimensions of the circuit breaker 100 in a situation where the operation handle 2 does not need to be operated.

Further, the extension handle 3 includes a stopper 35 that restricts rotation from the operating position in the direction opposite to the restricted position. Therefore, the rotation direction from the operation position to the regulation position can be easily grasped, and erroneous operation can be prevented.

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

Further, the operation handle 2 includes a rotating shaft 25 provided in a portion protruding from the opening 18. The extension handle 3 includes a bearing portion 31 that receives the rotating shaft 25. Therefore, the extension handle 3 can be easily rotated above the case 1.

Further, the rotation shaft 25 extends along the moving direction of the operation handle 2. Therefore, the rotation direction of the extension handle 3 with respect to the operation handle 2 is a direction that intersects the movement direction of the operation handle 2, and when an operation force is applied to the extension handle 3, the extension handle 3 carelessly moves around the rotation shaft 25. It can be avoided to rotate.

Further, the grip portion 22 includes a pair of wall portions 24a and 24b. The rotating shaft 25 is arranged between the pair of wall portions 24a and 24b and connects the pair of wall portions 24a and 24b to each other. Therefore, the rigidity of the wall portions 24a and 24b, which are thin-walled portions of the grip portion 22, can be increased as compared with the case where the rotating shaft 25 is not arranged between the pair of wall portions 24a and 24b. Further, by integrating the pair of wall portions 24a and 24b and the rotating shaft 25, the rigidity of the wall portions 24a and 24b can be further increased.

Further, the bearing portion 31 has a bearing space portion 36 into which the rotating shaft 25 of the operation handle 2 is inserted and a width L1 smaller than the shaft diameter of the rotating shaft 25, and forms a guide passage space leading to the bearing space portion 36. It is composed of a member that is elastically deformable and has a notch 37. Therefore, the rotating shaft 25 can be stably attached to the bearing portion 31.

Further, the circuit breaker 100 includes a reinforcing component 4 attached to the rotating shaft 25 of the operation handle 2 and composed of an elastically deformable member. The reinforcing component 4 has a bearing space 41 into which the rotating shaft 25 of the operation handle 2 is inserted and a width L2 smaller than the shaft diameter of the rotating shaft 25, and is a notch forming a guide passage space leading to the bearing space 41. A unit 42 is provided. Therefore, the reinforcing component 4 can be stably attached to the bearing portion 31.

Further, the engaging recess 17 is a position in which the operation handle 2 can be moved to close the electric circuit, which is the first position to open the electric circuit in the position where the power supply side and the operation handle 2 can be moved. It is arranged on the load side, which is the position of 2. The extension handle 3 can be attached to the operation handle 2 in a state where the engaging protrusions 33 are selectively arranged on the power supply side and the load side with respect to the operation handle 2. Therefore, the extension handle 3 having one engaging convex portion 33 can be used to perform the closing lock operation and the opening lock operation, and the convenience of the extension handle 3 can be enhanced.

Embodiment 2.
The circuit breaker according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that an additional component including an engaging convex portion is attached to the extension handle 3. In the following, components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted, and the differences from the circuit breaker 100 of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

FIG. 24 is an external perspective view of the circuit breaker 100A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 24, the circuit breaker 100A according to the second embodiment has an additional component 5 attached to the extension handle 3. FIG. 25 is an external perspective view of the additional component 5, and FIG. 26 is a plan view of the additional component 5.

As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the additional component 5 includes a connecting portion 51 connected to the extension handle 3, an engaging convex portion 52 locked to the engaging concave portion 17 of the case 1, and the connecting portion 51. A support portion 53 that is continuous with the base end and supports the engaging convex portion 52 is provided. Cylindrical convex portions 55 and 56 are formed in the connecting portion 51. Further, the engaging convex portion 52 has a shape mirror-symmetrical with the engaging convex portion 33 of the extension handle 3.

FIG. 27 is a view showing a state immediately before the additional component 5 is attached to the extension handle 3, FIG. 28 is an external perspective view of the extension handle 3 to which the additional component 5 is attached, and FIG. 29 shows the additional component 5 It is a side view of the attached extension handle 3.

As shown in FIG. 27, by inserting the convex portions 55 and 56 of the additional component 5 into the through holes 38 and 39 of the extension handle 3, the additional component 5 is inserted into the extension handle 3 as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29. Is attached. When the additional component 5 is attached to the extension handle 3, the engaging convex portion 33 is arranged on one of the power supply side and the load side with respect to the operating handle 2, and the engaging convex portion 52 is arranged on the other side. ..

Therefore, both the closing lock operation and the opening lock operation can be performed without changing the direction of the extension handle 3 by attaching and detaching the extension handle 3 to and from the operation handle 2. When the additional component 5 is attached to the extension handle 3 as shown in FIG. 24, the engaging protrusion 33 of the extension handle 3 is arranged in the engaging recess 17 on the power supply side by the closing lock operation.

After the closing lock operation is completed, the closing lock state is set, and the movement of the operation handle 2 to the load side is restricted by the engagement between the engaging convex portion 33 and the engaging concave portion 17 on the power supply side. Further, the engaging convex portion 52 of the additional component 5 is arranged in the engaging concave portion 17 on the load side by the opening lock operation, and the operating handle 2 is formed by engaging the engaging convex portion 52 and the engaging concave portion 17 on the load side. Is restricted from moving to the power supply side.

In the circuit breaker 100A shown in FIG. 24, the additional component 5 is arranged on the load side with respect to the operation handle 2, but by attaching the extension handle 3 to the operation handle 2 in the state shown in FIG. The additional component 5 can be arranged on the power supply side with respect to the operation handle 2.

Further, in the above-described example, the additional component 5 is attached to the extension handle 3 to form an extension handle having two engaging protrusions, but the extension handle 3 and the additional component 5 may be integrated. .. As described above, by separating the extension handle 3 and the additional component 5, the shape of the extension handle can be changed according to the application.

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

Further, the additional component 5 including the engaging convex portion 52 is removable from the extension handle 3. Therefore, it is possible to provide a circuit breaker having an appropriate extension handle according to the user's request and intended use.

Embodiment 3.
The circuit breaker according to the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a lock auxiliary component is attached to the extension handle 3. In the following, components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted, and the differences from the circuit breaker 100 of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

FIG. 30 is an external perspective view of the circuit breaker 100B according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 30, the circuit breaker 100B according to the third embodiment has a lock auxiliary part 6 attached to the extension handle 3, and the extension handle 3 of the lock auxiliary part 6 is provided by a lock device 7 such as a padlock. It is configured so that it cannot be removed from.

31 is an external perspective view of the lock auxiliary component 6, FIG. 32 is an external perspective view of the extension handle 3 with the lock auxiliary component 6 attached, and FIG. 33 is an external perspective view of the extension handle 3 with the lock auxiliary component 6 attached. It is a side view of the extension handle 3 in the state of being held.

As shown in FIG. 31, the lock auxiliary component 6 is continuous with the connection portion 61 connected to the extension handle 3, the contact portion 62 in contact with the upper surface 19 of the case 1, and the base end of the connection portion 61, and is a contact portion. A support portion 63 for supporting the 62 and a stopper 64 for restricting the rotation of the operation handle 2 are provided. A cylindrical convex portion 65 and a through hole 66 are formed in the connecting portion 61. By inserting the convex portion 65 into the through hole 38 of the extension handle 3, the lock auxiliary part 6 is attached to the extension handle 3 as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33.

The lock auxiliary component 6 is attached to the extension handle 3 in a state where the operation handle 2 is in the closed or open position and the rotation position of the extension handle 3 is in the regulated position. For example, the lock auxiliary part 6 is attached to the extension handle 3 with the extension handle 3 shown in FIG. As a result, the circuit breaker 100B is in the state shown in FIG. 34. FIG. 34 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the lock auxiliary component 6 is attached to the extension handle 3.

In the state shown in FIG. 34, the contact portion 62 of the lock auxiliary component 6 projects in the direction opposite to the grip portion 32 of the extension handle 3 in the Y-axis direction, which is the left-right direction, and the upper surface 19 of the case 1 facing the grip portion 32. The contact portion 62 faces the upper surface 19 of the case 1 on the opposite side in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, when the extension handle 3 is intended to rotate toward the operation position, the rotation of the extension handle 3 is restricted by the contact of the contact portion 62 with the upper surface 19 of the case 1.

Further, the lower end of the stopper 64 is located below the upper end of the wall portion 24 of the operation handle 2. The stopper 64 is provided on the side opposite to the stopper 35 of the operation handle 2 in the rotation direction of the extension handle 3, and the stopper 64 regulates the rotation of the extension handle 3 from the regulated position to the operation position. As described above, in the circuit breaker 100B, the rotation of the extension handle 3 is restricted by the contact portion 62 and the stopper 64, but the lock auxiliary component 6 is provided with only one of the contact portion 62 and the stopper 64. There may be.

Further, in the state shown in FIGS. 32 to 34, the through hole 39 of the extension handle 3 and the through hole 66 of the lock auxiliary component 6 communicate with each other, and in the state shown in FIG. 34, the through hole 39 of the extension handle 3 and the through hole 39 The vine 8 of the locking device 7 can be passed through the through hole 66 of the locking auxiliary component 6. By locking the vine 8 in the lock device 7, as shown in FIG. 30, the lock auxiliary part 6 can be made in a state where it cannot be removed from the extension handle 3. Therefore, the closing operation can be prohibited. In the above-mentioned example, the prohibition of the closing operation has been described, but the opening operation can be similarly prohibited.

As described above, the circuit breaker 100B according to the third embodiment includes a lock auxiliary part 6 that can be attached to and detached from the extension handle 3. The lock auxiliary component 6 restricts the rotation of the extension handle 3 in a state of being attached to the extension handle 3 whose rotation position is the restricted position. As a result, it is possible to prevent the operation handle 2 from being unintentionally released.

Further, the extension handle 3 includes a through hole 39 which is an example of an attachment portion to which the lock device 7 can be attached, and the lock auxiliary part 6 includes a through hole 66 which is an example of an attachment portion to which the lock device 7 can be attached. .. A common locking device 7 can be attached to the through hole 39 and the through hole 66 in a state where the lock auxiliary component 6 is attached to the extension handle 3. As a result, the lock device 7 can be easily attached. Further, since the through hole 39 is formed in the grip portion 32 having a thicker portion than the bearing portion 31, it is possible to suppress damage to the extension handle 3 when a strong force is applied to the lock device 7. ..

In the above-described embodiment, the operation handle 2 moves in an arc shape around the rotation axis of the opening / closing mechanism portion 13, but the operation handle 2 may slide in parallel. In this case as well, the extension handle 3 makes the protruding portion from the opening 18 longer, so that the operation can be easily performed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case 1 is provided with an engaging recess 17 which is a concave engaging portion, and the extension handle 3 and the additional component 5 are engaged with the engaging convex portion 33 which is a convex engaging portion. Although the convex portion 52 is provided, these engaging portions are not limited to the above-mentioned examples. That is, the extension handle 3 may be configured to engage with the case 1 when the extension handle 3 is in the regulated position.

For example, as in the circuit breaker 100C shown in FIG. 35, the case 1C may be provided with the engaging convex portion 17C, and the extension handle 3C may be provided with the engaging concave portion 33C. FIG. 35 is a partially enlarged view of the circuit breaker 100C according to another embodiment. When the extension handle 3C shown in FIG. 35 is in the restricted position, the engaging convex portion 17C is arranged in the engaging recess 33C, and the movement of the operating handle 2 is restricted. The extension handle 3C may not be provided with a portion corresponding to the support portion 34 of the extension handle 3.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the rotating shaft 25 is provided on the operation handle 2 and the bearing portion 31 is provided on the extension handles 3 and 3C. However, the extension handles 3 and 3C can be rotatably attached to the operation handle 2. If possible, it is not limited to the above-mentioned example. FIG. 36 is a diagram showing the configuration of the extension handle 3D according to the other embodiment, and FIG. 37 is a diagram showing the configuration of the operation handle 2D according to the other embodiment.

The extension handle 3D shown in FIG. 36 includes a support portion 81 facing the support portion 34 and a rotating shaft 82, and is not provided with a bearing portion 31. The rotating shaft 82 is arranged between the support portion 81 and the support portion 34, and connects the support portion 81 and the support portion 34.

Similar to the bearing portion 31, the grip portion 22D of the operation handle 2D shown in FIG. 37 has a bearing space portion 71 into which the rotating shaft 82 described later is inserted and a gap having a width smaller than the shaft diameter of the rotating shaft 82. A notch 72 that forms a guide space leading from the outside of the grip portion 22D to the bearing space portion 71 is provided. By attaching the rotating shaft 82 to the grip portion 22D, the extension handle 3D is rotatably attached to the operating handle 2D. In this way, the operation handle 2D may be provided with a bearing portion, and the extension handle 3D may be provided with a rotation shaft.

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.

1,1C case, 2,2D operation handle, 3,3C, 3D extension handle, 4 reinforcement parts, 5 additional parts, 6 lock auxiliary parts, 7 lock device, 11 power supply side terminal, 12 load side terminal, 13 opening / closing mechanism , 14 Fixed contact, 15 Movable contact, 16 Arc extinguishing device, 17, 33C engaging recess, 17C, 33, 52 engaging convex, 18 opening, 19 top surface, 21 bearing, 22, 32, 22D grip Part, 23 base, 24, 24a, 24b wall part, 25, 82 rotating shaft, 31 bearing part, 34, 53, 63, 81 support part, 35, 64 stopper, 36, 41, 71 bearing space part, 37, 42 , 72 Notch, 38, 39, 66 Through hole, 51, 61 Connection, 55, 56, 65 Convex, 62 Contact, 100, 100A, 100B, 100C Circuit breaker.

Claims (16)

An opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the electric circuit,
A case for storing the opening / closing mechanism and
An operation handle that projects at least a part from the opening of the case and causes the opening / closing mechanism to open / close the electric circuit.
It is rotatably and detachably attached to the operation handle, and the rotation switches between an operation position for moving the operation handle and a regulated position for restricting the movement of the operation handle by engaging with the case. A circuit breaker characterized by being equipped with an extension handle. The case is
It comprises a first engaging portion provided in the area around the opening.
The extension handle
When the rotation position is the operation position, the grip portion is located farther from the case than the operation handle in the protruding direction of the operation handle and becomes a force point during the opening / closing operation.
It is characterized by including a second engaging portion that restricts the movement of the operation handle by engaging with the first engaging portion of the case when the rotation position is the restricted position. The circuit breaker according to claim 1. The first engaging portion is
It is an engaging recess with a concave shape,
The second engaging portion is
The circuit breaker according to claim 2, wherein the circuit breaker has a convex shape and is an engaging convex portion that engages with the engaging concave portion when the rotation position is the regulated position. The extension handle
When the rotation position reaches the restricted position, the position farthest from the case in the protruding direction of the operation handle becomes the same as the operation handle or a position closer to the case than the operation handle. The circuit breaker according to claim 2 or 3. The extension handle
The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the rotation position includes a stopper that restricts movement from the operation position to the direction opposite to the regulation position. The extension handle
The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the circuit breaker is detachably attached to the operation handle. The operation handle
A rotation shaft provided in a portion protruding from the opening is provided.
The extension handle
The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising a bearing portion that receives the rotating shaft. The circuit breaker according to claim 7, wherein the rotating shaft extends along a moving direction of the operating handle. The grip portion
With a pair of walls
The axis of rotation is
The circuit breaker according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the circuit breaker is arranged between the pair of wall portions and connects the pair of wall portions to each other. The bearing portion is
The bearing space into which the rotating shaft of the operating handle is inserted, and
A notch having a width smaller than the shaft diameter of the rotating shaft and forming a guide passage space leading to the bearing space is provided.
The bearing portion is
The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the circuit breaker is composed of an elastically deformable member. A reinforcing component attached to the rotating shaft of the operating handle and composed of an elastically deformable member is provided.
The reinforcing parts are
The bearing space into which the rotating shaft of the operating handle is inserted, and
The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a notch portion having a width smaller than the shaft diameter of the rotating shaft and forming a guide passage space leading to the bearing space portion. Circuit breaker. The first engaging portion is
Of the positions where the operation handle can be moved, the first position side for closing the electric circuit and the position where the operation handle can move are arranged at the second position side for opening the electric circuit. ,
The extension handle
The second engaging portion can be attached to the operation handle in a state of being selectively arranged on the first position side and the second position side with respect to the operation handle. The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 7 to 11. The first engaging portion is
Of the positions where the operation handle can be moved, the first position side for closing the electric circuit and the position where the operation handle can move are arranged at the second position side for opening the electric circuit. ,
The extension handle
7. The second engaging portion can be attached to the operation handle in a state where the second engaging portion is arranged on the first position side and the second position side with respect to the operation handle, respectively. The circuit breaker according to any one of 1 to 11. A claim, wherein one of the two second engaging portions arranged on the first position side and the second position side is detachable from the extension handle. 13. The circuit breaker according to 13. The extension handle is equipped with a removable lock auxiliary part.
The lock auxiliary part is
The circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the rotation of the extension handle is restricted while the rotation position is attached to the extension handle which is the regulation position. Circuit breaker. Each of the extension handle and the locking auxiliary part
The circuit breaker according to claim 15, further comprising an attachment portion to which a common locking device can be attached in a state where the lock auxiliary component is attached to the extension handle.

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