JP7833711B2 - Circuit breakers and distribution boards - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to circuit breakers and distribution boards, and more particularly to circuit breakers equipped with an electrical circuit for detecting abnormalities, and to distribution boards having said circuit breakers.

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) comprises an opening mechanism that interrupts the circuit connecting the power source and the load, and an arc detection circuit that detects an arc short-circuit fault occurring in the circuit and operates the opening mechanism. The arc detection circuit also comprises a current detection circuit, a voltage detection circuit, a microcontroller, 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.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-317598

Incidentally, adding a detection circuit (an electrical circuit for detecting abnormalities) to a circuit breaker to detect accidents other than arc short circuits, such as ground faults or cord short circuits, can be difficult due to limitations in the circuit breaker's available space.

The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a circuit breaker and distribution board that can increase the space required for housing electrical circuits for anomaly detection.

A circuit breaker according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a contact inserted into an electrical 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 electrical circuit and the voltage applied to the electrical 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 the operation of the detection circuit from outside the case. The power input unit has a conductive spring member and is electrically connected to a power supply bar located outside the case by sandwiching the power supply bar with the spring member.
A circuit breaker according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a contact inserted into an electrical 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 electrical circuit and the voltage applied to the electrical 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 the operation of the detection circuit from outside the case. The power input unit has a conductive plate material and is electrically connected to a contact located outside the case by bringing the plate material into contact with the contact.

A distribution board according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises a circuit breaker, a power supply circuit for generating the operating power supply, and a cabinet for housing internal equipment including the circuit breaker and the power supply circuit.

The circuit breaker and distribution board of this disclosure have the effect of increasing the space available for housing electrical circuits for abnormality detection.

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a circuit breaker according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram of a distribution board according to an embodiment. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the same circuit breaker connected to the busbar and power supply bar. Figure 4 is a partially omitted cross-sectional view showing the same circuit breaker connected to the busbar and power supply bar. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the circuit breaker in Modification 1 before it is connected to the busbar. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the circuit breaker of the modified example 1 described above connected to a busbar. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the circuit breaker of the modified example 1 described above connected to a busbar. Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the circuit breaker of the modified example 1 described above connected to a busbar. Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the circuit breaker of Modification 2 connected to a busbar. Figure 10 is a block diagram of the circuit breaker according to Modification 3.

The circuit breaker B1 and distribution board A1 according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the figures described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of this disclosure. This disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of this disclosure can be achieved.

(1) Overview (1-1) Overview of the circuit breaker according to the embodiment The circuit breaker B1 according to the embodiment comprises, as shown in Figure 1, contacts 10A and 10B inserted into the electrical circuit 20, a detection circuit 11, a tripping circuit 12, a case 13, and a power input unit 14.

In this embodiment, the circuit 20 is any two of the single-phase three-wire circuits, each consisting of two voltage poles (voltage lines) and one grounding pole (neutral line). However, the circuit may also be a single-phase two-wire, three-phase three-wire, or three-phase four-wire circuit.

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

The detection circuit 11 detects abnormalities occurring in at least one of the current flowing through the circuit 20 and the voltage applied to the circuit 20. Abnormalities in the current flowing through the circuit 20 could include, for example, a ground fault current flowing through the circuit 20, or an overcurrent exceeding the rated current flowing through the circuit 20. Abnormalities in the voltage applied to the circuit 20 could include, for example, an overvoltage being applied to the circuit 20 due to a neutral wire phase loss.

The tripping circuit 12 opens contacts 10A and 10B to interrupt the circuit when the detection circuit 11 detects an abnormality.

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

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

Therefore, since the circuit breaker B1 according to this embodiment is configured to supply power for operating the electrical circuit for abnormality detection (such as the detection circuit 11) from outside the case 13, there is no need to house the power supply circuit that generates the power supply within the case 13. As a result, the circuit breaker B1 according to this embodiment can increase the space available for housing the electrical circuit for abnormality detection. Furthermore, the circuit breaker B1 according to this embodiment can be made more multifunctional by increasing the types of detection circuits that can be housed in the case 13 without increasing the size of the case 13.

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

Therefore, since the distribution board A1 according to this embodiment is equipped with the circuit breaker B1 according to this embodiment, the space for housing the electrical circuit for abnormality detection in the circuit breaker B1 according to this embodiment can be increased.

(2) Details The circuit breaker B1 according to this embodiment (hereinafter abbreviated as circuit breaker B1) is used in the branch switch (also called a branch breaker) of the distribution board A1 according to this embodiment (hereinafter abbreviated as distribution board A1). Typically, a circuit breaker that detects overcurrent (overload current and short-circuit current) and interrupts the branch circuit (electrical circuit 20) is used in the branch switch.

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

Distribution board A1 includes, as internal components, a main switch D1 (also called a main circuit breaker), multiple branch switches, a power supply circuit 40, and a cabinet C1 (see Figure 2). Distribution board A1 also includes three busbars 30 and two power supply bars 31. The three busbars 30 may be denoted as busbars 30A, 30B, and 30C. The two power supply bars 31 may be denoted as power supply bars 31A and 31B. Each busbar 30 and each power supply bar 31 is constructed of flat conductors. However, the width of each power supply bar 31 is shorter than the width of each busbar 30 (Figure 3).

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

The main switch D1 has three primary terminals 50A, 50B, and 50C, and three main contacts 51A, 51B, and 51C that correspond one-to-one with these three primary terminals 50A, 50B, and 50C. Primary terminal 50A is electrically connected to the power line of one voltage pole and, via main contact 51A, is electrically connected to the busbar 30A of the other voltage pole. Primary terminal 50B is electrically connected to the power line of the other voltage pole and, via main contact 51B, is electrically connected to the busbar 30B of the other voltage pole. Primary terminal 50C is electrically connected to the power line of the grounding pole and, via main contact 51C, is electrically connected to the busbar 30C of the grounding pole. The main switch D1 is a ground fault circuit interrupter and includes a zero-phase current transformer 52 for ground fault detection.

The power supply circuit 40 is configured to generate an operating power supply (for example, a DC power supply with a power supply voltage of approximately 3V-5V) from an AC voltage with an effective value of 100V supplied through a single voltage busbar 30A and a neutral busbar 30C. Specifically, the power supply circuit 40 includes a full-wave rectifier that converts the AC voltage to a pulsating voltage, a boost chopper circuit for power factor correction, and a buck chopper circuit that reduces 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 generated operating power supply (DC voltage) to the circuit breaker B1 through two power supply bars 31A and 31B.

Cabinet C1 is formed in a box shape from an electrically insulating synthetic resin. A metal mounting plate (not shown) for mounting internal equipment is fixed to the inner bottom surface of Cabinet C1. The main switch D1 is positioned at the left end when viewed from the front of Cabinet C1 and is mounted on the mounting plate. Inside Cabinet C1, multiple circuit breakers B1 and multiple branch switches E1 are arranged in two rows, upper and lower, in the space to the right of the main switch D1 and are mounted on the mounting plate. Furthermore, between the upper and lower rows of circuit breakers B1 and branch switches E1, three busbars 30A, 30B, and 30C and two power supply bars 31A and 31B are arranged with a gap in the front-to-back direction (perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 2) (see Figure 3). Furthermore, the three busbars 30A, 30B, and 30C, and the two power supply bars 31A and 31B, are electrically insulated from the mounting plate.

Cabinet C1 is installed either directly attached to the wall of the house or by embedding its rear end into the wall.

(2-2) Details of the Circuit Breaker The circuit breaker B1 comprises contacts 10A and 10B inserted into the circuit 20, a detection circuit 11, a tripping circuit 12, a case 13, and a power input section 14 (see Figures 1 and 3). In the following description, the directions indicated by the arrows labeled X1, Y1, and Z1 in Figure 3 are defined as the width direction X1, the depth direction Y1, and the height direction Z1, respectively.

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

At the first end of case 13 in the depth direction Y1, three first sockets 131 and two second sockets 132 are provided (see Figure 3). Each of the three first sockets 131 opens so as to span both 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 spacing between the three first sockets 131 in the height direction Z1 is approximately equal to the spacing between the three busbars 30A, 30B, and 30C housed in cabinet C1 (see Figures 3 and 4).

The input terminal section 17 has two first blade receiving springs 21. One first blade receiving spring 21 is positioned at one end of the case 13 in the height direction Z1, and the other first blade receiving spring 21 is positioned at the other end of the case 13 in the height direction Z1. However, the two first blade receiving springs 21 may also be positioned 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 insertion slots 131, depending on their respective positions (see Figure 4).

The two second sockets 132 each open so as to span the end face at the first end in the depth direction Y1 and both end faces in the width direction X1. Furthermore, the two second sockets 132 are arranged at equal intervals along the height direction Z1, with gaps between them and the three first sockets 131 (see Figures 3 and 4). In other words, one second socket 132 is positioned 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 and 31B housed within the cabinet C1 (see Figures 3 and 4).

The power input section 14 has two second blade receiving springs 15 (spring members) (see Figure 4). The two second blade receiving springs 15 are positioned opposite each of the two second insertion ports 132 (see Figure 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 through two insertion openings 133 located at the second end of the case 13 in the depth direction Y1, to the two quick-connect terminals, one at a time. The two insertion openings 133 are located side-by-side in the width direction X1 on the end face of the case 13 at the second end in the depth direction Y1 (see Figure 3). The conductors inserted into the insertion openings 133 are the conductors of the load wire. The load wire is electrically connected to wiring devices such as outlets and switches, and some electrical equipment such as lighting fixtures installed in the house.

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

Furthermore, case 13 houses the detection circuit 11, the tripping circuit 12, the instantaneous tripping device M1, and other components.

(2-2-2) Tripping Circuit The tripping circuit 12 opens contacts 10A and 10B to interrupt the circuit when the detection circuit 11 detects an abnormality. For example, the tripping circuit 12 is equipped with a solenoid, and by energizing the excitation coil of the solenoid and moving the plunger, the opening and closing mechanism is driven to open contacts 10A and 10B.

(2-2-3) Detection Circuit The detection circuit 11 detects abnormalities occurring in at least one of the current flowing through the circuit 20 and the voltage applied to the circuit 20. Abnormalities in the current flowing through the circuit 20 include, for example, a ground fault current flowing through the circuit 20, or an overcurrent exceeding the rated current flowing through the circuit 20. Abnormalities in the voltage applied to the circuit 20 include, for example, an overvoltage being applied to the circuit 20 due to a phase loss in the neutral wire.

The detection circuit 11 primarily uses a microcontroller. The detection circuit 11 obtains the magnitude of the unbalanced current flowing through the two circuits 20 from a zero-sequence current transformer, and determines that a leakage current (abnormality) has occurred if the magnitude of the unbalanced current exceeds a threshold.

Furthermore, the detection circuit 11 detects the high-frequency component of the AC current flowing through contacts 10A and 10B. The detection circuit 11 determines whether the detected high-frequency component has characteristics of a series arc discharge or a parallel arc discharge. By determining that the detected high-frequency component has characteristics of either a series arc discharge or a parallel arc discharge, the detection circuit 11 detects an arc fault (abnormality) in the wiring (branch wiring) electrically connected to the output terminal 19. However, the detection method used by the detection circuit 11 to detect an arc fault is not limited to the method described above. For example, a detection method that determines the presence or absence of an arc discharge by comparing the current values flowing through contacts 10A and 10B with a threshold value to detect an arc fault is also acceptable.

In this disclosure, "arc failure" can occur due to abnormalities such as insulation degradation or partial breakage of the insulator in the insulated wire used for wiring. "Partial breakage" as used in this disclosure means a state in which the conductor of the wiring is partially broken. For example, if the conductor is stranded wire, it means a state in which some of the strands constituting the strand are broken. As an example, an arc failure may include the occurrence of arc discharge (so-called parallel arc discharge) when a pair of conductors short-circuits in a wiring system composed of two-core insulated wires. Another example of an arc failure may include the occurrence of arc discharge (so-called series arc discharge) when one of the pair of conductors is partially broken in a wiring system composed of two-core insulated wires. Note that the current flowing through wiring due to parallel arc discharge is approximately tens to hundreds of amperes, while the current flowing through wiring due to series arc discharge is approximately several amperes to 30 amperes.

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

The detection circuit 11 outputs an abnormality detection signal to the tripping circuit 12 when it determines that there is an abnormality such as a ground fault, arc fault, or overvoltage. Upon receiving the abnormality detection signal, the tripping circuit 12 drives its switching mechanism to open contacts 10A and 10B, thereby interrupting the circuit 20.

(2-2-4) Instantaneous Tripping Device The instantaneous tripping device M1 is inserted into the circuit 20 together with one of the contacts 10A (see Figure 1). The instantaneous tripping device M1 is configured to drive the switching mechanism with the electromagnetic force generated when a large current such as a short-circuit current flows through contact 10A, opening contacts 10A and 10B and instantly interrupting the circuit 20. In other words, unlike the detection circuit 11, the instantaneous tripping device M1 instantly interrupts the circuit 20 without waiting for electrical processing, thus avoiding malfunctions caused by large currents such as short-circuit currents.

(2-2-5) Power Input Section The power input section 14 receives operating power (DC voltage) from two power supply bars 31A and 31B via two second blade springs 15. The power input section 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 into Distribution Boards Next, the procedure for installing circuit breaker B1 into distribution board A1 (installation work) will be explained. Note that the installation of internal components such as the main switch D1, circuit breaker B1, and branch switch E1 into distribution board A1 is usually carried out by the manufacturer of distribution board A1. However, in some cases, the installation of all or part of circuit breaker B1 and branch switch E1 may be carried out at the construction site (the house where distribution board A1 will be installed).

The worker performing the installation attaches the circuit breaker B1 to the mounting plate by inserting the three busbars 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. The two busbars 30B and 30C inserted into the two first sockets 131 at both ends in the height direction Z1 are electrically connected to the first blade spring 21 by having their respective ends sandwiched (see Figure 4). Similarly, the two power supply bars 31A and 31B inserted into the two second sockets 132 are electrically connected to the second blade spring 15 by having their respective ends sandwiched (see Figure 4). In other words, the circuit breaker B1 is configured such that when the input terminal 17 is electrically connected to the busbar 30, the power input section 14 (second blade spring 15) is electrically connected to the power supply bar 31. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the electrical connection between the power circuit 40 and the power input section 14 from being forgotten during the installation of the circuit breaker B1 into the distribution board A1. Furthermore, the power input section 14 is electrically connected to the power supply bar 31, which is located outside the case 13, by clamping it with a spring member (second blade spring 15). Therefore, compared to, for example, a case where the power input section 14 is electrically connected to the power circuit 40 using wires and terminal screws, the circuit breaker B1 offers improved workability.

As described above, the circuit breaker B1 is installed on the mounting plate by inserting the three busbars 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 the same as the basic configuration of the circuit breaker B1 and distribution board A1 according to the embodiment. Therefore, components that are common with the basic configuration of the circuit breaker B1 and distribution board A1 according to the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will be omitted from the illustration and description as appropriate.

(3-1) Variation 1
The circuit breaker B1 and distribution board A1 of the modified example 1 are characterized by the configuration of the power input section 14 and the configuration for supplying operating power to the power input section 14.

In Modified Example 1, the power input section 14 has a pair of conductive plate materials (electrode plates 16) instead of a spring member (second blade receiving spring 15) (see Figures 5-8). Furthermore, the distribution board A1 in Modified Example 1 has a plurality of contactors 32 that individually contact the plurality of electrode plates 16, and a holding member 33 that holds the plurality of contactors 32, instead of a power supply bar 31 (see Figures 5-8).

The power input unit 14 has a pair of electrode plates 16. The pair of electrode plates 16 are provided exposed at one end face of the case 13 in the height direction Z1, at the first end in the depth direction Y1 of the case 13 (see Figure 5). The pair of electrode plates 16 are arranged with a gap between them along the width direction X1 of the case 13.

Each of the multiple contacts 32 has a semi-disc-shaped contact piece 320 and a projection 321 extending 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 are electrically connected to each other by a positive conductor through their respective projections 321. The multiple negative contacts 32 are electrically connected to each other by a negative conductor through their respective projections 321. It is preferable that the multiple positive contacts 32 and the positive conductors are integrally formed from a metal plate. Similarly, it is preferable that the multiple negative contacts 32 and the negative conductors are integrally formed from a metal plate.

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

In the distribution panel A1 of the modified example 1, the holding member 33 is housed in the cabinet C1 with the contactor 32 facing the busbar 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.

In Modified Example 1, the circuit breaker B1 is mounted on a mounting plate with three busbars 30A, 30B, and 30C, each inserted into one of the three first sockets 131. When mounted on the mounting plate, the circuit breaker B1 of Modified Example 1 is configured to make contact and conduct electricity with the positive electrode plate 16 and the negative electrode plate 16, respectively, and to make contact and conduct electricity with the negative electrode plate 32 (see Figures 6 and 8).

In other words, the circuit breaker B1 of Modified Example 1 is configured such that when the input terminal 17 is electrically connected to the busbar 30, the power input section 14 (electrode plate 16) is electrically connected to the contact 32. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the electrical connection between the power circuit 40 and the power input section 14 from being forgotten during the installation of the circuit breaker B1 of Modified Example 1 into the distribution board A1 of Modified Example 1. Furthermore, in Modified Example 1, the power input section 14 is electrically connected to the contact 32 by bringing the electrode plate 16 into contact with the contact 32, which is located outside the case 13. Therefore, compared to, for example, the case where the power input section 14 is electrically connected to the power circuit 40 using wires and terminal screws, the circuit breaker B1 of Modified Example 1 offers improved workability.

(3-2) Modification 2
In the modified example 2, the circuit breaker B1 has a pair of electrode plates 16 of the power input section 14, which are exposed at the first end of the case 13 in the depth direction Y1, on the other end face of the case 13 in the height direction Z1 (see Figure 9). The pair of electrode plates 16 are spaced apart along the width direction X1 of the case 13.

Furthermore, in the distribution panel A1 of the modified example 2, the holding member 33 is housed in the cabinet C1 such that the contact 32 faces the bottom surface of the case 13 (the surface where the pair of electrode plates 16 are exposed) (see Figure 9). The positive terminal conductor held by the holding member 33 is electrically connected to the positive output terminal of the power supply circuit 40, and the negative terminal conductor is electrically connected to the negative output terminal of the power supply circuit 40.

In Modified Example 2, the circuit breaker B1 is mounted on a mounting plate with three busbars 30A, 30B, and 30C, each inserted into one of the three first sockets 131. When mounted on the mounting plate, the circuit breaker B1 of Modified Example 2 is configured to make contact and conduct electricity with the positive electrode plate 16 and the negative electrode plate 16, respectively, and conduct electricity with the negative electrode contact 32 (see Figure 9).

In other words, the circuit breaker B1 of Modified Example 2 is configured, similar to the circuit breaker B1 of Modified Example 1, to electrically connect the power input section 14 (electrode plate 16) to the contact 32 when electrically connecting the input terminal section 17 to the busbar 30. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the electrical connection between the power circuit 40 and the power input section 14 from being forgotten during the installation of the circuit breaker B1 of Modified Example 2 into the distribution board A1 of Modified Example 2. Furthermore, in Modified Example 2, the power input section 14 is electrically connected to the contact 32 by bringing the electrode plate 16 into contact with the contact 32, which is located outside the case 13. Therefore, compared to, for example, the case where the power input section 14 is electrically connected to the power circuit 40 using wires and terminal screws, the circuit breaker B1 of Modified Example 2 offers improved workability.

(3-3) Variation 3
The circuit breaker B1 in Modification 3 further includes a communication circuit 18 (see Figure 10). The communication circuit 18 in Modification 3 communicates by superimposing a communication signal on the voltage (DC voltage) of the operating power supply. The communication equipment that communicates with the communication circuit 18 may be housed in the cabinet C1 of the distribution board A1, or it may be placed outside the cabinet C1.

The communication circuit 18 transmits, for example, a communication signal obtained by frequency shift keying (FSK) of the carrier wave. The communication circuit 18 also demodulates the received communication signal using frequency shift keying. However, the communication circuit 18 may also transmit and receive communication signals using methods other than frequency shift keying, such as amplitude shift keying (ASK) or phase shift keying (PSK).

For example, the communication circuit 18 transmits the detection results (presence or absence of abnormalities such as leakage current, arc fault, or overvoltage) from the detection circuit 11 to the communication device via a communication signal. It is preferable that the communication device, upon receiving a communication signal from the communication circuit 18, notifies the detection results obtained from the detection circuit 11. For example, the communication device could send an email notifying the detection results to a smartphone owned by the resident of the house. Alternatively, the communication device may display the detection results on a monitor device installed outside the cabinet C1.

Furthermore, the communication circuit 18 receives communication signals from the communication equipment and passes control information obtained from the received communication signals to the microcontroller of the detection circuit 11. The microcontroller of the detection circuit 11 may, based on the received control information, change, for example, the threshold values used to determine abnormalities (such as leakage current, arc faults, or overvoltage). However, the information exchanged via communication signals 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 Modification 3, for example, the detection result of the detection circuit 11 can be notified to an external party (such as the residents of the house) by a communication signal transmitted from the communication circuit 18.

Here, the power supply circuit 40 may supply a bipolar (for example, ±5V) operating power supply, and the communication circuit 18 may superimpose the communication signal onto the operating power supply by pulse width modulation of a carrier wave consisting of a bipolar pulse train. In this case, the detection circuit 11 and the tripping circuit 12 can obtain a unipolar DC power supply from the bipolar operating power supply using a full-wave rectifier.

(3-4) Modification 4
The distribution board A1 in the modified example 4 further includes an output unit 41 that outputs the operating power supply to the outside of the cabinet C1 (see Figure 2).

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

However, in the modified example 4, the distribution board A1 outputs the operating power to the outside of the cabinet C1 through the output unit 41. Therefore, for example, the operating power can be used to charge the batteries of portable devices such as smartphones, thereby improving convenience.

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

The circuit breaker (B1) according to the first embodiment is configured to supply 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 house the power supply circuit for the operating power supply within the case (13). As a result, the circuit breaker (B1) according to the first embodiment can increase the space required to house the electrical circuit for abnormality detection.

A circuit breaker (B1) according to a second aspect of this 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), which is located outside the case (13), by sandwiching the power supply bar (31) with the spring member.

The circuit breaker (B1) according to the second embodiment can improve workability compared to, for example, the case where the power input section (14) is electrically connected to the power supply circuit (40) using wires and terminal screws.

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

The circuit breaker (B1) according to the third embodiment can improve workability compared to, for example, the case where the power input section (14) is electrically connected to the power circuit (40) using wires and terminal screws.

A distribution board (A1) according to a fourth aspect of this disclosure comprises a circuit breaker (B1) according to any of the first to third aspects, a power supply circuit (40) for generating an operating power supply, and a cabinet (C1) for housing internal equipment including the circuit breaker (B1) and the power supply circuit (40).

The distribution board (A1) according to the fourth embodiment is equipped with a circuit breaker (B1) according to any of the first to third embodiments, thereby increasing the space for housing the electrical circuit for abnormality detection in the circuit breaker (B1) according to any of the first to third embodiments.

A distribution board (A1) according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure comprises a circuit breaker (B1) according to a second aspect, a power supply circuit (40) for generating an operating power supply, a power supply bar (31) for supplying the operating power supply to the circuit breaker (B1), a busbar (30) electrically connected to an electrical circuit (20), and a cabinet (C1) housing the circuit breaker (B1), power supply circuit (40), power supply bar (31), and busbar (30). The circuit breaker (B1) further comprises an input terminal section (17) electrically and detachably connected to the busbar (30). The spring member is electrically connected to the power supply bar (31) when the input terminal section (17) is electrically connected to the busbar (30).

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

A distribution board (A1) according to a sixth aspect of this disclosure comprises a circuit breaker (B1) according to a third aspect, a power supply circuit (40) for generating an operating power supply, a busbar (30) electrically connected to an electrical circuit (20), and a cabinet (C1) housing the circuit breaker (B1), the power supply circuit (40), and the busbar (30). The circuit breaker (B1) further comprises an input terminal section (17) electrically and detachably connected to the busbar (30). The plate material is electrically connected to the contact (32) when the input terminal section (17) is electrically connected to the busbar (30).

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

A distribution board (A1) according to the seventh aspect of this 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, the circuit breaker (B1) preferably further comprises a communication circuit (18). The communication circuit (18) preferably communicates by superimposing a communication signal onto the voltage of the operating power supply.

The distribution board (A1) according to the seventh embodiment can, for example, notify the external party 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 this disclosure can be realized in combination with any of the fourth to seventh aspects. Preferably, the distribution board (A1) according to the eighth aspect further comprises an output unit (41) that outputs the operating power supply outside the cabinet (C1).

The distribution board (A1) according to the eighth embodiment can, for example, utilize the operating power supply to charge the batteries of portable devices such as smartphones, thereby improving convenience.

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

Claims (7)

Contacts inserted into the electrical circuit,
A detection circuit for detecting an abnormality occurring in at least one of the current flowing through the circuit and the voltage applied to the circuit,
A tripping circuit that pulls off the contact when the detection circuit detects the abnormality,
A case housing the contact, the detection circuit, and the tripping circuit,
A power input section into which the power supply for the detection circuit is input from outside the case,
Equipped with ,
The power input section has a conductive spring member and is electrically connected to the power supply bar, which is located outside the case, by sandwiching the power supply bar with the spring member.
Circuit breaker. Contacts inserted into the electrical circuit,
A detection circuit for detecting an abnormality occurring in at least one of the current flowing through the circuit and the voltage applied to the circuit,
A tripping circuit that pulls off the contact when the detection circuit detects the abnormality,
A case housing the contact, the detection circuit, and the tripping circuit,
A power input section into which the power supply for the detection circuit is input from outside the case,
Equipped with,
The power input section has a conductive plate material and is electrically connected to a contact located outside the case by bringing the plate material into contact with the contact.
Circuit breaker. A circuit breaker according to claim 1 or 2,
A power supply circuit for creating the aforementioned operating power supply,
A cabinet housing internal equipment including the circuit breaker and the power supply circuit,
Equipped with,
Distribution board . A circuit breaker according to claim 1,
A power supply circuit for creating the aforementioned operating power supply,
The power supply bar that supplies the operating power to the circuit breaker,
A busbar electrically connected to the aforementioned circuit,
A cabinet housing the circuit breaker, the power supply circuit, the power supply bar, and the busbar,
Equipped with,
The circuit breaker further comprises an input terminal section that is electrically and detachably connected to the busbar,
The spring member is electrically connected to the power supply bar when the input terminal is electrically connected to the busbar.
Distribution board. The circuit breaker according to claim 2,
A power supply circuit for creating the aforementioned operating power supply ,
A busbar electrically connected to the aforementioned circuit,
A cabinet housing the circuit breaker, the power supply circuit, and the busbar,
Equipped with,
The circuit breaker further comprises an input terminal section that is electrically and detachably connected to the busbar,
The aforementioned plate material is electrically connected to the contact when the input terminal portion is electrically connected to the busbar.
Distribution board. The circuit breaker further comprises a communication circuit,
The communication circuit communicates by superimposing a communication signal onto the voltage of the operating power supply.
The distribution board according to claim 3 . The system further includes an output unit that outputs the aforementioned operating power supply to the outside of the cabinet.
The distribution board according to claim 3 .