JP7779784B2 - Breaking systems and distribution boards - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a circuit breaker system and a distribution board.

Patent Document 1 discloses a distribution board equipped with a communication unit and a circuit breaker (circuit breaker system) that cuts off an electrical circuit when an abnormality occurs in the electrical current flowing through the circuit. In such a distribution board, the communication unit is used to output the detection result of whether or not there is an abnormality in the electrical current flowing through the circuit.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-048771

In recent years, new types of electrical appliances have been developed, and in homes, for example, these appliances are connected to AC power sources as new types of loads that differ from existing loads. Even when these new types of loads are used, it is necessary to detect abnormalities in the electrical circuits in the distribution board.

When such new types of loads are connected to and used on a distribution board, attempting to detect abnormalities in the electrical circuit by executing software stored in the distribution board at the time of manufacture or shipment may result in false detection. An example of a false detection is when an abnormality is mistakenly detected when no abnormality actually exists. For example, the circuit breaker system and distribution board disclosed in Patent Document 1 are expected to execute software stored at the time of manufacture or other times to perform detection even when new types of loads are used, which could result in frequent false detections. In other words, such circuit breaker systems and distribution boards may not be able to accurately detect abnormalities in the electrical circuit.

The present invention provides a circuit breaker system that can accurately detect abnormalities in electrical circuits.

An interruption system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires the value of a current flowing in an electric circuit between an AC power source and a load; a detection unit that executes software to detect an abnormality in the electric circuit based on the acquired current value; an interruption unit that interrupts the electric circuit when the abnormality is detected; a communication unit that outputs first information including a pre-interruption current value before the electric circuit is interrupted and a detection result indicating that the abnormality has been detected; and a control unit that updates the software when it is determined, based on the pre-interruption current value, that the abnormality indicated by the detection result is due to a false detection.

A distribution board according to one aspect of the present invention comprises the above-described interruption system and a distribution board cabinet that stores the interruption system.

The circuit breaker system of the present invention can accurately detect abnormalities in electrical circuits.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an interruption system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an example of operation according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an interruption system according to the first modification of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an interruption system according to the second modification of the embodiment.

The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in the independent claims will be described as optional components.

Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact representation. In addition, in each figure, substantially identical components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment)
[composition]
First, the configuration of an interruption system 100 according to an embodiment will be described.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the shutdown system 100 according to this embodiment.

The interruption system 100 according to this embodiment is a system for detecting an abnormality and interrupting an electrical circuit, and is used in a distribution board 50 installed in a building B, such as a detached house. In this embodiment, the abnormality detected is an arc in the electrical circuit, for example. The interruption system 100 communicates with a server device 200, which is an example of an external device.

The distribution board 50 includes a breaker system 100 having a main breaker 10 and a measurement unit 20, and multiple branch breakers 30, housed within a distribution board cabinet 5. In other words, the distribution board 50 includes the breaker system 100, multiple branch breakers 30, and a distribution board cabinet 5.

The distribution board 50 distributes AC power from the power line 40 to multiple branch breakers 30 via the main breaker 10. For example, a single-phase three-wire power distribution system may be used.

Here, the main breaker 10 is electrically connected between a power line 40 electrically connected to an external AC power source such as a commercial power source, and a power line 41 electrically connected to a measurement unit 20 in a distribution board 50. Furthermore, the measurement unit 20 is electrically connected between the power line 41 and a power line 42 electrically connected to multiple branch breakers 30 in the distribution board 50.

Each of the multiple branch breakers 30 is electrically connected between the power line 42 and the power line 43. Each of the multiple branch breakers 30 is connected to the load 31 via the power line 43.

In this embodiment, the electrical paths interrupted by the interruption system 100 are electrical paths between the AC power source AC and multiple loads 31, and examples thereof include power lines 40, 41, and 42.

As described above, the interruption system 100 includes a main breaker 10 and a measurement unit 20.

First, let's explain the main breaker 10.

The main breaker 10 is a device that executes software to interrupt an electrical circuit based on the current value measured by the measurement unit 20. More specifically, the main breaker 10 includes a detection unit 11, a breaking unit 12, a first control unit 13, a first memory unit 14, and a first communication unit 16.

The detection unit 11 is a processing unit that executes software (hereinafter sometimes referred to as detection software) to detect abnormalities in the electrical circuit based on the value of the current flowing through the electrical circuit measured by the measurement unit 20. The detection unit 11 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or dedicated circuit. The functions of the detection unit 11 are realized when hardware such as a microcomputer or processor that constitutes the detection unit 11 executes software (computer programs) stored in the first memory unit 14.

The interrupter 12 interrupts the electrical circuit when an abnormality is detected by the detector 11. More specifically, the interrupter 12 interrupts the electrical circuit as follows. First, in this embodiment, a contact point is provided between the power line 40 and the power line 41. The contact point is configured to open in response to an open signal from the interrupter 12.

When an abnormality is detected by the detection unit 11, the circuit breaker 12 generates an open signal that opens the contact point in response to the interruption signal output from the first control unit 13, and outputs the generated open signal to the contact point. In other words, the circuit breaker 12 has the function of interrupting the electrical circuit in response to the detection result of the detection unit 11.

The first control unit 13 is a processing unit that outputs a shutdown signal to the shutdown unit 12 when an abnormality is detected by the detection unit 11. In other words, when the detection unit 11 detects an abnormality, it outputs a detection result indicating that the abnormality has been detected to the first control unit 13, and the first control unit 13 outputs a shutdown signal to the shutdown unit 12 in accordance with the output detection result. The first control unit 13 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or dedicated circuit. The functions of the first control unit 13 are realized when hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting the first control unit 13 executes software (computer programs) stored in the first memory unit 14.

The first memory unit 14 is a storage device that stores information necessary for information processing to interrupt the electrical circuit, such as software executed by the interrupter unit 12 and the first controller 13. The first memory unit 14 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory.

The first communication unit 16 is an example of a communication unit and is a communication circuit that enables the main breaker 10 to communicate with the measurement unit 20 and the server device 200. In this embodiment, the first communication unit 16 is a circuit for wireless communication, and specifically, the first communication unit 16 performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Note that the first communication unit 16 may also be a circuit for wired communication. For example, the first communication unit 16 acquires the current value measured by the measurement unit 20 from the measurement unit 20. The first communication unit 16 also outputs first information that includes the pre-interruption current value before the electrical circuit is interrupted and a detection result indicating that an abnormality has been detected. Here, the first communication unit 16 outputs the first information to the server device 200.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the detection unit 11, the interrupter unit 12, the first control unit 13, the first memory unit 14, and the first communication unit 16 are housed within the housing 1 of the main breaker 10. The housing 1 is an example of a housing unit.

Next, we will explain the measurement unit 20.

The measurement unit 20 measures the value of the current flowing in the electrical path between the AC power source AC and the multiple loads 31. The measurement unit 20 includes a measurement unit 21, an acquisition unit 22, a determination unit 23, a second control unit 24, a second memory unit 25, an input reception unit 26, and a second communication unit 27.

The measurement unit 21 is a device that measures the value of the current flowing in the electrical path between the AC power source AC and the multiple loads 31. In other words, as an example, it is a current sensor, and more specifically, a CT (Current Transformer) sensor.

The acquisition unit 22 is a processing unit that acquires the value of the current flowing in the electrical path between the AC power source AC and the multiple loads 31. In other words, the acquisition unit 22 acquires the current value measured by the measurement unit 21. The acquisition unit 22 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or dedicated circuit. The functions of the acquisition unit 22 are realized when hardware such as a microcomputer or processor that constitutes the acquisition unit 22 executes software (computer program) stored in the second storage unit 25.

The determination unit 23 is a processing unit that determines whether the abnormality detected by the detection unit 11 is due to a false detection. The determination unit 23 determines whether the abnormality is due to a false detection based on the pre-interruption current value. For example, if one of the multiple loads 31 corresponds to a new type of load, the detection unit 11 may erroneously detect that an abnormality has occurred even though no abnormality has actually occurred. False detection refers to such a situation in which an abnormality is erroneously detected as occurring even though no abnormality actually exists. The determination unit 23 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or dedicated circuit. The function of the determination unit 23 is realized when hardware such as a microcomputer or processor that constitutes the determination unit 23 executes software (computer program) stored in the second storage unit 25.

When the acquisition unit 22 acquires a current value, the second control unit 24 controls the second communication unit 27 to output the acquired current value to the main breaker 10. Furthermore, when the judgment unit 23 determines whether the abnormality is due to a false detection, the second control unit 24 controls the second communication unit 27 to output a first judgment result, which is the judgment result of the judgment unit 23. The second control unit 24 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or dedicated circuit. The functions of the second control unit 24 are realized when hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting the second control unit 24 executes software (computer programs) stored in the second memory unit 25.

The second memory unit 25 is a storage device that stores information necessary for information processing to interrupt electrical circuits, such as software executed by the acquisition unit 22, determination unit 23, and second control unit 24. The second memory unit 25 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory.

The input acceptance unit 26 accepts user operations. Specifically, the input acceptance unit 26 is realized by a touch panel or the like. The user may be a service technician who repairs or inspects the shutdown system 100. The input acceptance unit 26 accepts an operation from the user indicating a second determination result as to whether the abnormality detected by the detection unit 11 is due to a false detection.

The second communication unit 27 is a communication circuit that enables the measurement unit 20 to communicate with the main breaker 10 and the server device 200. In this embodiment, the second communication unit 27 is a circuit for performing wireless communication, and specifically, the second communication unit 27 performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). For example, when the input reception unit 26 receives an operation that indicates the second determination result, the second control unit 24 controls the second communication unit 27 to output the second determination result indicated by the operation received by the input reception unit 26. The second communication unit 27 outputs the second determination result to the server device 200. Note that the second communication unit 27 may also be a circuit for performing wired communication.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the measurement unit 21, acquisition unit 22, judgment unit 23, second control unit 24, second memory unit 25, input acceptance unit 26, and second communication unit 27 are housed within the housing 2 of the measurement unit 20. The housing 2 is an example of a housing unit. However, this is not limited to this, and the housing 2 may house the acquisition unit 22, judgment unit 23, second control unit 24, second memory unit 25, input acceptance unit 26, and second communication unit 27, and the measurement unit 21 may be located outside the housing 2, within the distribution board cabinet 5.

In this embodiment, housing 1 and housing 2 are separate and distinct housings.

Furthermore, we will explain the server device 200.

The server device 200 is an example of an external device. In this embodiment, the server device 200 is a cloud server. Alternatively, for example, a high-performance processor dedicated to the shutdown system 100 may be used as the external device instead of the server device 200. An external device such as the server device 200 is installed outside building B, or more specifically, is installed in a location remote from building B. The external device may also be installed within building B. The server device 200 is a device used by an administrator who manages the shutdown system 100.

The server device 200 acquires the first information output from the main breaker 10 and the first and second judgment results output from the measurement unit 20.

The server device 200 has a third communication unit 201. The third communication unit 201 is a communication circuit that enables the server device 200 to communicate with the main breaker 10 and the measurement unit 20. In this embodiment, the third communication unit 201 is a circuit for performing wireless communication, and specifically, the third communication unit 201 performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The third communication unit 201 acquires the first information output from the main breaker 10 and the first and second judgment results output from the measurement unit 20. Note that the third communication unit 201 may also be a circuit for performing wired communication.

Here, if it is determined that the abnormality detected by the detection unit 11 is due to a false detection, the administrator creates second information for updating the detection software executed by the detection unit 11. Furthermore, the server device 200 outputs the created second information to the first communication unit 16.

In addition, in the main breaker 10, the first communication unit 16 acquires the output second information. Furthermore, the first control unit 13 updates the detection software executed by the detection unit 11 based on the acquired second information.

Next, we will explain the operation of the shutdown system 100 in this embodiment, which is configured as described above.

[Example of operation]
2 is a flowchart of an example of operation according to this embodiment. The operation of FIG. 2 is performed, for example, after a distribution board 50 (breaking system 100) is installed in building B and a plurality of loads 31 are connected to the distribution board 50 in building B. In this example of operation, one of the plurality of loads 31 corresponds to the new type of load described in the "Problem to be Solved by the Invention" section.

First, the measurement unit 21 measures the value of the current flowing in the electrical path between the AC power source AC and the multiple loads 31 (S10).

The acquisition unit 22 acquires the current value measured by the measurement unit 21 (S12). The second communication unit 27 outputs the current value acquired by the acquisition unit 22 to the first communication unit 16. More specifically, the acquisition unit 22 outputs current value information linking the measured current value with the time at which the current value was measured to the first communication unit 16. The first communication unit 16 acquires the current value information output by the second communication unit 27.

In addition, in this embodiment, in step S10, the measurement unit 21 constantly measures the value of the current flowing in the electrical circuit, and in step S12, the acquisition unit 22 constantly acquires the measured current value, and the second communication unit 27 outputs the current value to the first communication unit 16. In other words, in the measurement unit 20, the measurement unit 21 constantly measures (monitors) the value of the current flowing in the electrical circuit, and all of the current values are acquired by the acquisition unit 22 and output to the main breaker 10 by the second communication unit 27.

Next, the detection unit 11 executes the detection software stored in the first memory unit 14 and detects an abnormality in the electrical circuit based on the current value information (more specifically, the current value) acquired by the second communication unit 27 (S14). For example, when the detection unit 11 executes the detection software, it detects an abnormality in the electrical circuit if the acquired current value is greater or less than a predetermined threshold value, i.e., the detection unit 11 detects that an abnormality exists, but this is not limited to this.

If the detection unit 11 does not detect any abnormality, that is, if there is no abnormality (No in S14), the operation ends.

If the detection unit 11 detects an abnormality, that is, if there is an abnormality (Yes in S14), the interruption unit 12 interrupts the electrical circuit (S16). Here, when an abnormality is detected by the detection unit 11, the first control unit 13 outputs a interruption signal to the interruption unit 12. Furthermore, the interruption unit 12 generates an open signal that opens the contact unit in response to the interruption signal output by the first control unit 13, and outputs the generated open signal to the contact unit. The open signal from the interruption unit 12 opens the contact unit, thereby interrupting the electrical circuit. Note that, hereinafter, the current value acquired in step S12 and for which a Yes determination is made in S14 may be referred to as an abnormal current value.

Furthermore, when the electric circuit is interrupted, the first communication unit 16 outputs first information to the second communication unit 27, including the pre-interruption current value before the electric circuit was interrupted and a detection result indicating that an abnormality has been detected. The first information may be stored in the first memory unit 14. The pre-interruption current value is the current value during a predetermined period of time from the time before the electric circuit was interrupted to the time the electric circuit was interrupted; for example, this predetermined period of time is a few milliseconds or less, a few seconds or less, or a dozen seconds or less.

The determination unit 23 determines whether the abnormality detected by the detection unit 11 is due to a false detection (S18). Here, the determination unit 23 makes this determination based on the first information acquired by the second communication unit 27. The determination unit 23 acquires a detection result indicating that an abnormality included in the first information has been detected, and makes the above determination based on the pre-interruption current value included in the first information. Here, the determination unit 23 executes software stored in the second memory unit 25 to determine whether the abnormality detected by the detection unit 11 is due to a false detection based on the pre-interruption current value included in the first information.

Here, we will explain the processing performance of the detection unit 11 and the judgment unit 23.

In the distribution board cabinet 5, there are significant restrictions on the placement and size of the housing 1 of the main breaker 10, and it is particularly difficult to make the housing 1 larger. This makes it difficult to increase the size of the microcomputer that constitutes the detection unit 11 located inside the housing 1, making it difficult to improve the processing performance of the detection unit 11.

On the other hand, in the distribution board cabinet 5, there are few restrictions on the placement and size of the housing 2 of the measurement unit 20, making it easy to make the housing 2 larger. Therefore, the microcomputer constituting the determination unit 23 located inside the housing 2 can also be made larger. This allows for improved processing performance of the determination unit 23 compared to the detection unit 11.

In this way, the determination unit 23 with higher processing performance can more accurately determine whether an abnormality detected by the detection unit 11 with lower processing performance is due to a false detection.

The result of the determination made by the determination unit 23 as to whether the abnormality is due to erroneous detection is the first determination result. The first determination result indicates whether the abnormality is due to erroneous detection.

Next, the input receiving unit 26 receives, from a service technician, an example of a user, an operation indicating a second determination result as to whether the abnormality detected by the detection unit 11 is due to a false detection (S20). For example, after the electrical circuit is interrupted in step S16, a resident of building B contacts the service technician to inform them that the electrical circuit has been interrupted. The service technician then inspects the interruption system 100 and other components in building B. At this time, the service technician determines whether the abnormality is due to a false detection based on the first information stored in the first memory unit 14. This determination result is the second determination result. The second determination result indicates whether the abnormality is due to a false detection. Alternatively, for example, the service technician may operate a diagnostic device that determines whether the abnormality is due to a false detection based on the first information, and the diagnostic device may indicate a second determination result based on the first information. The input receiving unit 26 may receive, from the service technician, an operation indicating the second determination result indicated by the diagnostic device.

Next, the first communication unit 16 outputs first information including the pre-interruption current value before the electrical circuit was interrupted and a detection result indicating that an abnormality was detected, and the second communication unit 27 outputs the first judgment result and the second judgment result to the server device 200, which is an external device (S22). The server device 200 acquires the first information, first judgment result, and second judgment result output by the first communication unit 16 and the second communication unit 27.

Based on the acquired first information, the first judgment result, and the second judgment result, the server device 200 determines whether the abnormality detected by the detection unit 11 is due to a false detection (S24).

For example, if at least one of the first judgment result and the second judgment result indicates that the abnormality is due to a false detection, the server device 200 may determine that the abnormality is due to a false detection. For example, if both the first judgment result and the second judgment result indicate that the abnormality is due to a false detection, the server device 200 may determine that the abnormality is due to a false detection.

Also, for example, instead of S24, the administrator managing the shutdown system 100 may determine whether the abnormality is due to a false detection based on the acquired first information, first determination result, and second determination result, and the server device 200 may acquire the administrator's determination result. In this case, the server device 200 determines whether the abnormality detected by the detection unit 11 is due to a false detection in accordance with the content indicated by the acquired determination result.

If the server device 200 determines that the abnormality is due to a false detection (Yes in S24), the server device 200 outputs second information for updating the detection software executed by the detection unit 11 to the first communication unit 16 (S26).

The second information is created by an administrator. By analyzing the pre-interrupt current value indicated by the acquired first information, the second information is created to update the detection software so that erroneous detection of an abnormality is not made.

Then, the first communication unit 16 acquires the second information output from the server device 200.

In the main breaker 10, the first control unit 13 updates the detection software executed by the detection unit 11 based on the second information acquired by the first communication unit 16 (S28). By updating the detection software, the detection software becomes detection software that corresponds to the new type of load. By executing this updated detection software, the detection unit 11 does not erroneously detect an abnormality based on the acquired current value.

Furthermore, if the server device 200 determines that the abnormality is not due to erroneous detection (No in S24), the operation ends.

Here, we will explain the differences between the interruption system 100 and distribution board 50 of this embodiment and the interruption system and distribution board disclosed in Patent Document 1.

As described in the "Problem to be Solved by the Invention" section, new types of electrical appliances have been developed in recent years. For example, in a house, which is an example of Building B, these electrical appliances are connected to an AC power source as loads. In the circuit breaker system and distribution board disclosed in Patent Document 1, the detection software for detecting abnormalities is not updated, and the detection software stored at the time of manufacture continues to be used without modification. The detection software stored at the time of manufacture is used to detect abnormalities when an existing load is connected to the circuit breaker system and distribution board disclosed in Patent Document 1. Therefore, if the software is used when an electrical appliance (i.e., a new type of load) created after the circuit breaker system and distribution board disclosed in Patent Document 1 were manufactured is connected to an AC power source, there is a risk of frequent false detections. In other words, the detection software stored at the time of manufacture cannot be used to detect abnormalities when a new type of load is connected to the AC power source; in other words, it does not support new types of loads.

For these reasons, in circuit breaker systems and distribution boards where the detection software is not updated, such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a risk of false detection occurring frequently when new types of loads are used.

However, in this embodiment, the detection software executed by the detection unit 11 is updated. By updating the detection software, it becomes detection software that is compatible with new types of loads. Even when the detection unit 11 executes this updated detection software, it does not erroneously detect an abnormality based on the acquired current value.

The following are examples of detection software updates: As described above, an abnormality in the electrical circuit is detected when the acquired current value is greater or less than a predetermined threshold, but by updating the detection software, this predetermined threshold is changed.

The following describes the case where the operation shown in Figure 2 is performed again after the detection software has been updated (i.e., after the above-mentioned predetermined threshold has been changed). In this case, even if a current value equivalent to the abnormal current value obtained in step S12 of the operation example before the detection software was updated is obtained in step S12 of the operation example after the detection software has been updated, the updated software is executed in step S14 and no abnormality is detected. In other words, the occurrence of false detection is suppressed.

In summary, by updating the detection software, the interruption system 100 can reduce the occurrence of false detections even when a new type of load is connected to the AC power supply. In other words, an interruption system 100 that can accurately detect abnormalities in the electrical circuit is realized.

In this operation example, in step S22, the first information is output from the first communication unit 16, and the first and second judgment results are output from the second communication unit 27 to the server device 200, but this is not limited to this.

For example, the first information may be output from the first communication unit 16 to the server device 200 between steps S16 and S18, and the first judgment result may be output from the second communication unit 27 to the server device 200 between steps S18 and S20. In such a case, in step S22, only the second judgment result is output from the second communication unit 27 to the server device 200.

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, the shutdown system 100 includes the acquisition unit 22, the detection unit 11, the shutdown unit 12, the communication unit (first communication unit 16), and the control unit (first control unit 13).

The acquisition unit 22 acquires the value of the current flowing in the electrical path between the AC power source AC and the load 31.

The detection unit 11 executes software (detection software) to detect abnormalities in the electrical circuit based on the acquired current values.

The circuit breaker 12 breaks the electrical circuit when an abnormality is detected.

The first communication unit 16 outputs first information including the pre-interruption current value before the electrical circuit is interrupted and a detection result indicating that an abnormality has been detected.

The first control unit 13 updates the software (detection software) if it determines, based on the pre-interrupt current value, that the abnormality indicated by the detection result is due to a false detection.

As mentioned above, in circuit breaker systems and distribution boards where the detection software is not updated, such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a risk of false detection occurring frequently when new types of loads are used.

However, in this embodiment, with the above-described configuration of the interruption system 100, the detection software executed by the detection unit 11 is updated. By updating the detection software, it becomes detection software that corresponds to a new type of load. Even when the detection unit 11 executes this updated detection software, it does not erroneously detect an abnormality based on the acquired current value.

When the detection software is updated, for example, the above-mentioned predetermined threshold value is changed. As a result, after the detection software is updated, even if a current value equivalent to the abnormal current value is obtained in step S12 of the example of operation after the detection software is updated, the updated software is executed in step S14 and the abnormality is not detected. In other words, the occurrence of false detection is suppressed.

In summary, by updating the detection software, the interruption system 100 can reduce the occurrence of false detections even when a new type of load is connected to the AC power supply. In other words, an interruption system 100 that can accurately detect abnormalities in the electrical circuit is realized.

For example, the communication unit (first communication unit 16) outputs first information to an external device (server device 200). The external device outputs second information for updating the software (detection software) to the first communication unit 16. The first control unit 13 updates the detection software based on the second information acquired by the first communication unit 16.

In other words, the first communication unit 16 acquires the second information output from the server device 200 installed outside building B, and the detection software is updated based on the acquired second information. Therefore, even if the detected abnormality is determined to be a false detection, a service technician or the like does not need to go to building B where the shutdown system 100 is located to update the detection software. In other words, the detection software can be easily updated.

For example, the external device may be a cloud server (server device 200).

This allows the first communication unit 16 to obtain the second information from the external device, which is the cloud server (server device 200).

The shutdown system 100 includes a determination unit that determines whether the abnormality is due to a false detection. The first communication unit 16 outputs the first determination result by the determination unit.

This allows for a more accurate determination of whether an abnormality is due to a false positive.

Furthermore, compared to the case where the main breaker 10 has the judgment unit 23, in this embodiment the measurement unit 20 has the judgment unit 23, thereby reducing the processing burden on the main breaker 10.

Also, for example, the shutdown system 100 includes an input receiving unit 26 that receives from the user an operation indicating a second determination result as to whether or not the abnormality is due to a false detection. The first communication unit 16 outputs the second determination result indicated by the received operation.

This allows for a more accurate determination of whether an abnormality is due to a false positive.

For example, the distribution board 50 according to this embodiment includes the above-described interruption system 100 and a distribution board cabinet 5 that stores the interruption system 100.

As described above, the circuit breaker system 100 can accurately detect abnormalities in electrical circuits. Therefore, a distribution board 50 equipped with such a circuit breaker system 100 can also accurately detect abnormalities in electrical circuits.

(First Modification of the Embodiment)
Next, a first variation of the embodiment will be described. The first variation of the embodiment differs from the embodiment mainly in that the main breaker 10a (first communication unit 16a) does not directly communicate with the server device 200. The following description will focus on the differences from the embodiment, and will omit or simplify the description of the commonalities.

An example configuration of the shutdown system 100a relating to the first variation of the embodiment will be described using Figure 3.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the shutdown system 100a according to Variation 1 of this embodiment.

The distribution board 50a includes a breaker system 100a having a main breaker 10a and a measurement unit 20a, multiple branch breakers 30, and a distribution board cabinet 5.

The main breaker 10a has the same configuration as the main breaker 10, except that it has a first communication unit 16a instead of the first communication unit 16. Furthermore, the measurement unit 20a has the same configuration as the measurement unit 20, except that it has a second communication unit 27a instead of the second communication unit 27.

In this modified example, there is no need for direct communication between the main breaker 10a (first communication unit 16a) and the server device 200. Information output from the first communication unit 16a reaches the server device 200 via the measurement unit 20a (second communication unit 27a). For example, first information is output from the first communication unit 16a to the second communication unit 27a, and the second communication unit 27a further outputs the first information to the server device 200. Also, for example, second information is output from the server device 200 to the second communication unit 27a, and the second communication unit 27a further outputs the second information to the first communication unit 16a.

In this variant 1, the first communication unit 16a does not need to communicate directly with the server device 200, thereby reducing the processing burden on the main breaker 10a.

(Modification 2 of the embodiment)
Next, a second modification of the embodiment will be described. The second modification of the embodiment differs from the embodiment mainly in that the main breaker 10b has an acquisition unit 22. The following description will focus on the differences from the embodiment, and the description of the commonalities will be omitted or simplified.

[composition]
An example of the configuration of an interruption system 100b according to the second modification of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the shutdown system 100b according to variant 2 of this embodiment.

The distribution board 50b includes a breaker system 100b having a main breaker 10b, multiple branch breakers 30, and a distribution board cabinet 5.

The main breaker 10b includes a detection unit 11, a breaker unit 12, a first control unit 13b, a first memory unit 14b, a first communication unit 16b, a measurement unit 21, an acquisition unit 22, a determination unit 23, and an input reception unit 26.

The interruption system 100b also includes a housing 1b, which is an example of a housing unit. As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 1b houses a detection unit 11, an interruption unit 12, a first control unit 13b, a first memory unit 14b, a first communication unit 16b, a measurement unit 21, an acquisition unit 22, a determination unit 23, and an input reception unit 26.

The first control unit 13b performs the processing performed by the first control unit 13 and the second control unit 24 according to the embodiment. The first memory unit 14b stores information stored in the first memory unit 14 and the second memory unit 25 according to the embodiment. The first communication unit 16b performs the processing performed by the first communication unit 16 and the second communication unit 27 according to the embodiment.

In other words, the main breaker 10b has a configuration in which the main breaker 10 and measurement unit 20 according to the embodiment are integrated.

[Effects, etc.]
In this modification, the shutdown system 100b includes a housing unit (housing 1b). Housing 1b houses an acquisition unit 22, a detection unit 11, a shutdown unit 12, and a communication unit (first communication unit 16b). More specifically, housing 1b houses the detection unit 11, the shutdown unit 12, a first control unit 13b, a first storage unit 14b, a first communication unit 16b, a measurement unit 21, the acquisition unit 22, a determination unit 23, and an input reception unit 26.

For example, compared to the case where two housings 1 and 2 are provided as shown in the embodiment, providing a single housing 1b allows the distribution board 50b equipped with the interruption system 100b to be made more compact. Furthermore, communication between the main breaker 10 (first communication unit 16) and the measurement unit 20 (second communication unit 27) shown in the above embodiment is no longer necessary, reducing the processing burden on the main breaker 10b.

(Other embodiments)
Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

Furthermore, the communication method between devices described in the above embodiment is just an example. The communication method between devices is not particularly limited.

Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. Furthermore, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be performed in parallel.

Furthermore, in the above embodiments, components such as the control unit may be realized by executing a software program appropriate for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

Furthermore, components such as the control unit may be realized by hardware. For example, components such as the control unit may be circuits (or integrated circuits). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

In addition, general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, device, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. They may also be realized as any combination of systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media. For example, the present invention may be realized as the distribution board or server device of the above-described embodiments, or as an information processing method executed by the distribution board. The present invention may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such an information processing method, or as a non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded. Such programs include application programs for causing a computer such as a general-purpose information terminal to function as the server device of the above-described embodiments.

In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that would occur to those skilled in the art, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

5 Distribution board cabinet 11 Detection unit 12 Circuit breaker unit 22 Acquisition unit 23 Determination unit 26 Input reception unit 31 Load 50, 50a, 50b Distribution board 100, 100a, 100b Circuit breaker system AC AC power supply

Claims (5)

an acquisition unit that acquires a current value flowing in an electric path between the AC power supply and the load;
a detection unit that executes software to detect an abnormality related to the electric circuit based on the acquired current value;
a breaker that breaks the electrical path when the abnormality is detected;
a communication unit that outputs first information including a pre-interruption current value before the electric circuit is interrupted and a detection result indicating that the abnormality has been detected;
a control unit that updates the software when it is determined that the abnormality indicated by the detection result is due to an erroneous detection based on the pre-interruption current value;
an input receiving unit that receives, from a user, an operation indicating a second determination result as to whether or not the abnormality is due to an erroneous detection ,
The communication unit outputs the second determination result indicated by the received operation.
Shut-off system. the communication unit outputs the first information to an external device;
the communication unit acquires second information for updating the software from the external device;
The shutdown system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit updates the software based on the second information acquired by the communication unit. a determination unit that determines whether the abnormality is due to a false detection;
The shutdown system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the communication unit outputs a first determination result obtained by the determination unit. The interruption system according to claim 1 , further comprising a housing unit that houses the acquisition unit, the detection unit, the interruption unit, and the communication unit. The blocking system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ;
a distribution board cabinet for storing the circuit breaking system.