JP7811706B2 - Switching systems, switching units, sensor adapters, and distribution board systems - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure generally relates to switching systems, switching units, sensor adapters, and distribution board systems. More specifically, this disclosure relates to switching systems, switching units, sensor adapters, and distribution board systems that have the function of opening contacts in response to abnormality detection.

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

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-317598

However, even if attempts are made to add a detection circuit (detection unit) to a circuit breaker to detect accidents (abnormalities) other than arc short circuit accidents, such as ground leakage accidents and cord short circuit accidents, this can be difficult due to space constraints within the circuit breaker.

The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned reasons, and aims to provide a switching system, switching unit, sensor adapter, and distribution board system that reduces the constraints of storage space when adding detection functions.

A switching system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a sensor adapter and an opening/closing unit detachably attached to the sensor adapter. The sensor adapter includes a first electrical circuit, a detection unit, a determination unit, an output unit, and a first housing. The detection unit detects a physical quantity related to electricity in the first electrical circuit. The determination unit determines the presence or absence of an abnormality based on the physical quantity. The output unit outputs a disconnection signal to the opening/closing unit in response to the determination result of the determination unit. The first housing accommodates or holds the first electrical circuit, the detection unit, the determination unit, and the output unit. The opening/closing unit includes a second electrical circuit, an input unit, a switching unit, and a second housing. The second electrical circuit constitutes part of a specific circuit. The disconnection signal is input to the input unit. The switching unit switches the second electrical circuit from a conductive state to a disconnected state by opening a contact inserted in the second electrical circuit in response to the disconnection signal input to the input unit. The second body accommodates or holds the second electric circuit, the input unit, and the switching unit, and is connected to the first body in a manner that the interruption signal can be transmitted from the output unit to the input unit. The first electric circuit includes electric circuits of multiple phases. The detection unit is configured to be able to detect, as the physical quantity, a current flowing through each of the electric circuits of the multiple phases.
A switching system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a sensor adapter and an opening/closing unit detachably attached to the sensor adapter. The sensor adapter includes a first electrical circuit, a detection unit, a determination unit, an output unit, and a first housing. The detection unit detects a physical quantity related to electricity in the first electrical circuit. The determination unit determines the presence or absence of an abnormality based on the physical quantity. The output unit outputs a disconnection signal to the opening/closing unit in response to the determination result of the determination unit. The first housing accommodates or holds the first electrical circuit, the detection unit, the determination unit, and the output unit. The opening/closing unit includes a second electrical circuit, an input unit, a switching unit, and a second housing. The second electrical circuit constitutes part of a specific circuit. The disconnection signal is input to the input unit. The switching unit switches the second electrical circuit from a conductive state to a disconnected state by opening a contact inserted in the second electrical circuit in response to the disconnection signal input to the input unit. The second body accommodates or holds the second electrical circuit, the input unit, and the opening/closing unit, and is connected to the first body in a manner that the interruption signal can be transmitted from the output unit to the input unit. The opening/closing system includes a plurality of the sensor adapters. The plurality of sensor adapters differ from one another in the types of abnormality that the determination unit determines. The opening/closing unit is selectively attached to any one of the plurality of sensor adapters.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a switching system includes a sensor adapter and an opening/closing unit detachably attached to the sensor adapter. The sensor adapter includes a first electrical circuit, a detection unit, a determination unit, an output unit, and a first housing. The detection unit detects a physical quantity related to electricity in the first electrical circuit. The determination unit determines the presence or absence of an abnormality based on the physical quantity. The output unit outputs a disconnection signal to the opening/closing unit in response to the determination result of the determination unit. The first housing accommodates or holds the first electrical circuit, the detection unit, the determination unit, and the output unit. The opening/closing unit includes a second electrical circuit, an input unit, a switching unit, and a second housing. The second electrical circuit constitutes part of a specific circuit. The disconnection signal is input to the input unit. The switching unit switches the second electrical circuit from a conductive state to a disconnected state by opening a contact inserted in the second electrical circuit in response to the disconnection signal input to the input unit. The second body accommodates or holds the second electrical path, the input portion, and the switching portion, and is connected to the first body in a manner that the interruption signal can be transmitted from the output portion to the input portion. The switching unit further includes a short-circuit detection portion disposed on the second electrical path for detecting a short-circuit current. The switching portion opens the contacts when the short-circuit detection portion detects the short-circuit current.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a switching system includes a sensor adapter and an opening/closing unit detachably attached to the sensor adapter. The sensor adapter includes a first electrical circuit, a detection unit, a determination unit, an output unit, and a first housing. The detection unit detects a physical quantity related to electricity in the first electrical circuit. The determination unit determines the presence or absence of an abnormality based on the physical quantity. The output unit outputs a disconnection signal to the opening/closing unit in response to the determination result of the determination unit. The first housing accommodates or holds the first electrical circuit, the detection unit, the determination unit, and the output unit. The opening/closing unit includes a second electrical circuit, an input unit, a switching unit, and a second housing. The second electrical circuit constitutes part of a specific circuit. The disconnection signal is input to the input unit. The switching unit switches the second electrical circuit from a conductive state to a disconnected state by opening a contact inserted in the second electrical circuit in response to the disconnection signal input to the input unit. The second body houses or holds the second electrical path, the input unit, and the switching unit, and is connected to the first body in a manner that the interruption signal can be transmitted from the output unit to the input unit. The sensor adapter further has a primary side terminal arranged at one end of the first electrical path and a secondary side terminal arranged at the other end of the first electrical path. The switching unit further has a unit terminal arranged at one end of the second electrical path. The primary side terminal is configured to be connected to a terminal of a primary side power supply unit. The unit terminal is configured to be connected to the secondary side terminal. The switching system has a structure that prevents the unit terminal from being connected to the terminal of the power supply unit.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a switching system includes a sensor adapter and an opening/closing unit detachably attached to the sensor adapter. The sensor adapter includes a first electrical circuit, a detection unit, a determination unit, an output unit, and a first housing. The detection unit detects a physical quantity related to electricity in the first electrical circuit. The determination unit determines the presence or absence of an abnormality based on the physical quantity. The output unit outputs a disconnection signal to the opening/closing unit in response to the determination result of the determination unit. The first housing accommodates or holds the first electrical circuit, the detection unit, the determination unit, and the output unit. The opening/closing unit includes a second electrical circuit, an input unit, a switching unit, and a second housing. The second electrical circuit constitutes part of a specific circuit. The disconnection signal is input to the input unit. The switching unit switches the second electrical circuit from a conductive state to a disconnected state by opening a contact inserted in the second electrical circuit in response to the disconnection signal input to the input unit. The second body accommodates or holds the second electric circuit, the input unit, and the switching unit, and is connected to the first body in a manner that the interruption signal can be transmitted from the output unit to the input unit. The sensor adapter is disposed in the distribution board in a manner that the first electric circuit is fixed to an electric circuit bar of the distribution board.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a switching system includes a sensor adapter and an opening/closing unit detachably attached to the sensor adapter. The sensor adapter includes a first electrical circuit, a detection unit, a determination unit, an output unit, and a first housing. The detection unit detects a physical quantity related to electricity in the first electrical circuit. The determination unit determines the presence or absence of an abnormality based on the physical quantity. The output unit outputs a disconnection signal to the opening/closing unit in response to the determination result of the determination unit. The first housing accommodates or holds the first electrical circuit, the detection unit, the determination unit, and the output unit. The opening/closing unit includes a second electrical circuit, an input unit, a switching unit, and a second housing. The second electrical circuit constitutes part of a specific circuit. The disconnection signal is input to the input unit. The switching unit switches the second electrical circuit from a conductive state to a disconnected state by opening a contact inserted in the second electrical circuit in response to the disconnection signal input to the input unit. The second housing accommodates or holds the second electrical circuit, the input unit, and the switching unit, and is connected to the first housing in a manner that allows the shutdown signal to be transmitted from the output unit to the input unit. The specific circuit is one specific branch circuit among a plurality of branch circuits. The sensor adapter is configured to allow multiple switching units to be simultaneously attached, and includes a plurality of first electrical circuits corresponding one-to-one to the multiple branch circuits, respectively, and a plurality of detection units that detect the physical quantities in the multiple first electrical circuits. The second electrical circuit of the switching unit attached to the sensor adapter is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the multiple first electrical circuits, thereby forming part of the specific branch circuit. The determination unit individually determines the presence or absence of an abnormality for each of the multiple branch circuits. The output unit outputs the shutdown signal to the switching unit corresponding to a branch circuit among the multiple branch circuits that has been determined to have an abnormality.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a switching system includes a sensor adapter and an opening/closing unit detachably attached to the sensor adapter. The sensor adapter includes a first electrical circuit, a detection unit, a determination unit, an output unit, and a first housing. The detection unit detects a physical quantity related to electricity in the first electrical circuit. The determination unit determines the presence or absence of an abnormality based on the physical quantity. The output unit outputs a disconnection signal to the opening/closing unit in response to the determination result of the determination unit. The first housing accommodates or holds the first electrical circuit, the detection unit, the determination unit, and the output unit. The opening/closing unit includes a second electrical circuit, an input unit, a switching unit, and a second housing. The second electrical circuit constitutes part of a specific circuit. The disconnection signal is input to the input unit. The switching unit switches the second electrical circuit from a conductive state to a disconnected state by opening a contact inserted in the second electrical circuit in response to the disconnection signal input to the input unit. The second body houses or holds the second electric circuit, the input unit, and the switching unit, and is connected to the first body in a manner that the interruption signal can be transmitted from the output unit to the input unit. The first electric circuit includes three electric circuits corresponding to a single-phase three-wire system. The switching unit further has a switching mechanism that is capable of switching, in response to a predetermined operation, a connection mode of the second electric circuit to the first electric circuit between a first connection mode in which the second electric circuit is electrically connected to the L1-phase and L2-phase electric circuits corresponding to a voltage of a first effective value, and a second connection mode in which the second electric circuit is electrically connected to the L1-phase and N-phase electric circuits corresponding to a voltage of a second effective value different from the first effective value.

An opening/closing unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure is applied to any one of the opening/closing systems described above. The opening/closing unit is detachably attached to the sensor adapter.

A sensor adapter according to one aspect of the present disclosure is applied to any of the opening and closing systems described above. The sensor adapter is detachably attached to the opening and closing unit.

A distribution board system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes any one of the opening/closing systems described above and a distribution board, wherein a plurality of the sensor adapters and a plurality of the opening/closing units are provided, and the plurality of the sensor adapters are arranged in the distribution board and fixed to electrical circuit bars of the distribution board.

This disclosure has the advantage that adding detection functions is less subject to storage space constraints.

1A is a schematic diagram of a sensor adapter and an opening/closing unit included in an opening/closing system according to one embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a control unit included in the sensor adapter. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the distribution board system according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a distribution board, a sensor adapter, and an opening/closing unit in a first modification of the distribution board system. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a distribution board, a sensor adapter, and an opening/closing unit in a second modification of the distribution board system. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a distribution board, a sensor adapter, and an opening/closing unit in a third modification of the distribution board system. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of a fourth modification of the distribution board system.

(overview)
The following describes the opening/closing system, the sensor adapter applied to the opening/closing system, the opening/closing unit applied to the opening/closing system, and the distribution board system according to each of the embodiments and modifications, with reference to the drawings. The drawings described in the following embodiments and modifications are schematic, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

As shown in FIG. 1A, an opening/closing system 1 according to one embodiment includes a sensor adapter 2 and an opening/closing unit 3 that is detachably attached to the sensor adapter 2. For convenience, FIG. 1A illustrates one sensor adapter 2 and one opening/closing unit 3, but the number of sensor adapters 2 and opening/closing units 3 included in the opening/closing system 1 is not particularly limited. The opening/closing system 1 may include one or more sensor adapters 2 and one or more opening/closing units 3. It is assumed that each opening/closing unit 3 is detachably attached to any sensor adapter 2, but this is not limited thereto; for example, a certain opening/closing unit 3 may be detachably attached only to a specific sensor adapter 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the switching system 1 can be applied to, for example, a distribution board 4. In other words, a distribution board system 100 (see FIG. 2) according to one embodiment includes the switching system 1 and the distribution board 4. A plurality of sensor adapters 2 and a plurality of switching units 3 are provided. FIG. 2 shows a schematic front view of the distribution board 4 with the cabinet 40 door open. In FIG. 2, one switching unit 3 is attached to each sensor adapter 2. In FIG. 2, ten pairs, each consisting of one sensor adapter 2 and one switching unit 3, are installed within the distribution board 4. The distribution board 4 is assumed to be a residential distribution board installed in a residential facility (a detached house or an apartment building). However, the distribution board 4 is not limited to residential distribution boards and may also be a distribution board installed in a non-residential facility (such as a store, office, school, welfare facility, commercial complex, hospital, factory, or outdoor facility).

As shown in FIG. 1A, the sensor adapter 2 has a first electrical circuit L1, a detection unit 21, a determination unit 23, an output unit 24, and a first housing 20. The detection unit 21 detects a physical quantity related to electricity in the first electrical circuit L1. The determination unit 23 determines the presence or absence of an abnormality based on the physical quantity. The output unit 24 outputs a shutoff signal S1 to the opening/closing unit 3 according to the determination result of the determination unit 23. The first housing 20 houses or holds the first electrical circuit L1, the detection unit 21, the determination unit 23, and the output unit 24.

When the sensor adapter 2 is attached to the electrical circuit bar 41 (conductive bar) of the distribution board 4 as shown in FIG. 2 , the first electrical circuit L1 can form part of one specific branch circuit B1 among multiple branch circuits B1. Electrical equipment (loads) used in the home are connected to each branch circuit B1, and the electrical equipment receives power through the corresponding branch circuit B1. The "electrical physical quantity" referred to here is a physical quantity, such as current or voltage, that can be used by the determination unit 23 to determine whether or not there is an abnormality such as a short-circuit current, overload current, leakage current, overvoltage, or arc discharge. In particular, the "electrical physical quantity" is assumed to be the AC current or AC voltage in the power supply line (branch circuit B1) that supplies AC power to the electrical equipment (load).

As shown in FIG. 1A, the opening/closing unit 3 has a second electrical circuit L2, an input section 31, a switching section 32, and a second housing 30. The second electrical circuit L2 constitutes part of a specific circuit C1. A disconnection signal S1 is input to the input section 31. The switching section 32 switches the second electrical circuit L2 from a conductive state to a disconnection state by opening a contact P1 inserted in the second electrical circuit L2 in response to the disconnection signal S1 input to the input section 31. The second housing 30 houses or holds the second electrical circuit L2, the input section 31, and the switching section 32, and is connected to the first housing 20 in a manner that allows the disconnection signal S1 to be transmitted from the output section 24 to the input section 31. In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the disconnection signal S1 is transmitted when a terminal section of the output section 24 comes into contact with a terminal section of the input section 31, establishing an electrical connection and transmitting the signal as an electrical signal. In other words, in this embodiment, as an example, the second body 30 is connected to the first body 20 in a manner such that the input section 31 and the output section 24 are electrically connected.

When the switching unit 3 is attached to the sensor adapter 2 attached to the electrical circuit bar 41 of the distribution board 4 as shown in Figure 2, the second electrical circuit L2 can form part of one specific branch circuit B1 among multiple branch circuits B1.

The opening and closing system 1 described above is separated into the sensor adapter 2 and the opening and closing unit 3, so adding detection functions for abnormalities, etc. is less likely to be restricted by the storage space of the opening and closing unit 3 (second housing 30). As a result, the opening and closing system 1 has the advantage that adding detection functions is less likely to be restricted by storage space.

An opening/closing unit 3 according to one embodiment is applied to the opening/closing system 1. The opening/closing unit 3 is detachably attached to the sensor adapter 2. In this case, an opening/closing unit 3 can be provided that is less subject to storage space constraints when adding detection functions.

In one embodiment, the sensor adapter 2 is applied to the opening and closing system 1. The sensor adapter 2 is detachably attached to the opening and closing unit 3. In this case, a sensor adapter 2 can be provided that is less subject to storage space constraints when adding detection functions.

(detail)
(1) Overall Configuration A distribution board system 100 including a switching system 1 and a distribution board 4 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2. The distribution board system 100 is assumed to be applied to a residential facility such as a detached house. Therefore, the switching system 1 and the distribution board 4 are installed within the residential facility. Hereinafter, a person who performs installation work, expansion work, replacement work, or various setting change work related to the distribution board system 100 may be simply referred to as an "operator."

(2) Distribution Board As shown in Fig. 2, the distribution board 4 includes a cabinet 40, three electrical circuit bars 41, a main breaker 42, and a plurality of branch circuits B1. The distribution board 4 also includes a power meter, a current detection unit that detects the current flowing through each branch circuit B1, and the like. The cabinet 40 houses or holds the three electrical circuit bars 41, the main breaker 42, the plurality of branch circuits B1, the power meter, and the plurality of current detection units, and the like.

The main breaker 42 has three primary terminals 421, three secondary terminals 422, and three contacts P0, each connected to an electrical circuit between a corresponding primary terminal 421 and secondary terminal 422. The main breaker 42 also has an operating lever for turning contacts P0 on or off. The main breaker 42 also has three main circuit breakers 423. The main circuit breakers 423 open contacts P0 when they detect an abnormal condition. An example of an abnormal condition is the occurrence of a ground fault or an overload current.

Each primary terminal 421 of the main breaker 42 is electrically connected to the service line W1 (see Figure 2) that connects to the system power supply. This electrically connects the primary terminal 421 of the main breaker 42 to the system power supply. In this embodiment, a single-phase three-wire system is assumed as the power distribution system. Therefore, the primary terminal 421 of the main breaker 42 is electrically connected to the single-phase three-wire service line W1 that connects to the system power supply.

A main line W2 (see Figure 2) is electrically connected to each secondary terminal 422 of the main breaker 42. In this embodiment, a single-phase three-wire system is assumed as the power distribution system. The main line W2 may include three electrical circuit bars 41 (see Figure 2) corresponding to a conductive bar for the first voltage pole (L1 phase), a conductive bar for the second voltage pole (L2 phase), and a conductive bar for the neutral pole (N phase).

Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, for example, a current transformer is provided as a sensor to detect the current flowing through the main line W2, and the detection results of the current transformer are input into a watt-hour meter such as a smart meter.

In this disclosure, the term "branch circuit" refers to multiple individual circuits branching off from the trunk line W2 (electrical circuit bar 41). As described below, a portion of each branch circuit B1 is composed of the first electrical circuit L1 of the sensor adapter 2 provided in the switching system 1 and the second electrical circuit L2 of the switching unit 3. The primary sides of the multiple branch circuits B1 are electrically connected to the trunk line W2. The secondary sides of the multiple branch circuits B1 can be electrically connected to multiple electrical devices within the home. As a result, each electrical device is electrically connected to the system power supply via the corresponding branch circuit B1. The multiple electrical devices are load devices that consume power, and can include air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, etc.

The multiple current detection units are installed to respectively detect the currents flowing through the multiple branch circuits B1. The multiple current detection units may include, for example, current transformers (CTs) or Rogowski coils. The detection results detected by the multiple current detection units are input to the power meter via multiple cables.

For convenience, the following description will sometimes use the (imaginary) up, down, left, and right directions in Figure 2, which shows the distribution board 4 attached to a wall or other surface inside a home, to define the orientation of the sensor adapter 2, opening/closing unit 3, distribution board 4, etc. However, there is no intention to limit the usage of the sensor adapter 2, opening/closing unit 3, distribution board 4, etc. to the usage shown in Figure 2.

(3) Opening/Closing System The opening/closing system 1 comprises one or more (ten in Figure 2) sensor adapters 2 and one or more (ten in Figure 2) opening/closing units 3 that can be detachably attached to any of the one or more sensor adapters 2.

Below, one of the multiple sensor adapters 2 will be described with reference to Figures 1A and 1B.

The sensor adapter 2 has a first electrical path L1, a detection unit 21, a control unit 22, a power supply circuit 27, an output unit 24, a first body 20, a primary side terminal 201, and a first electrical path connection unit A1.

The first electrical circuit L1 includes multiple phase electrical circuits. In this embodiment, as an example, the first electrical circuit L1 includes two phase electrical circuits corresponding to the L1 phase and the N phase, in accordance with the fact that the power distribution system on the power supply unit 5 side of the distribution board 4 is a single-phase three-wire system. Specifically, the first electrical circuit L1 includes an electrical circuit L11 electrically connected to the L1 phase electrical circuit bar 41, and an electrical circuit L12 electrically connected to the N phase electrical circuit bar 41. In other words, for example, AC power with an effective value of 100 V between the L1 phase and the N phase passes through the first electrical circuit L1. Each of the electrical circuits L11 and L12 can be composed of one or more conductive members.

The first electric circuit L1 includes an electric circuit L11 electrically connected to the L1-phase electric circuit bar 41 and an electric circuit electrically connected to the L2-phase electric circuit bar 41. For example, AC power with an effective value of 200 V between the L1 and L2 phases may pass through the first electric circuit L1. Furthermore, in this disclosure, the power distribution system on the power supply unit 5 side is a single-phase three-wire system, which is merely an example; it may also be a single-phase two-wire system, a three-phase three-wire system, or a three-phase four-wire system. In this case, the first electric circuit L1 may include two-phase electric circuits corresponding to the L and N phases, three-phase electric circuits corresponding to the R, S, and T phases, or four-phase electric circuits corresponding to the R, S, T, and N phases.

The primary side terminal 201 is located at one end (primary side end, upper end in Figure 2) of the first electrical path L1. The primary side terminal 201 is configured to be connected to a terminal 501 (not shown in Figure 2, see Figure 3) of the primary side power supply unit 5 (see Figure 2). In this embodiment, the power supply unit 5 is assumed to be the electrical path bar 41 of the distribution board 4, but is not limited to the electrical path bar 41 as long as it is a part on the power supply source side for the sensor adapter 2.

In this embodiment, two primary terminals 201 are provided. One primary terminal 201 is disposed at one end of the electrical circuit L11, and the other primary terminal 201 is disposed at one end of the electrical circuit L12. Each primary terminal 201 is held by the first body 20 so that a portion of it is exposed from the upper end of the first body 20. As an example, each primary terminal 201 is configured as a plug-in terminal having an insertion groove and connected by removably inserting the tip of the branch bar of the corresponding electrical circuit bar 41 into the insertion groove.

The first electrical circuit connection portion A1 is detachably connected to the second electrical circuit connection portion A2 (described below) of the opening/closing unit 3. The connection between the first electrical circuit connection portion A1 and the second electrical circuit connection portion A2 electrically connects the first electrical circuit L1 to the second electrical circuit L2 of the opening/closing unit 3. The first electrical circuit connection portion A1 includes a secondary side terminal 202. The secondary side terminal 202 is located at the other end (secondary side end, lower end in FIG. 2 ) of the first electrical circuit L1. In this embodiment, two secondary side terminals 202 are provided. One secondary side terminal 202 is located at the other end of the electrical circuit L11, and the other secondary side terminal 202 is located at the other end of the electrical circuit L12. Each secondary side terminal 202 is held by the first body 20 so that a portion of it is exposed from the lower end of the first body 20.

Each secondary terminal 202 is configured as a plate-shaped terminal. Meanwhile, the two unit terminals 301 (described below) of the second electrical circuit connection part A2 of the opening/closing unit 3 each have an insertion groove, and are configured as plug-in terminals that are connected by removably inserting the tip of the corresponding secondary terminal 202 into the insertion groove.

Detection unit 21 detects an electrical physical quantity (here, current) in first electrical circuit L1. As shown in FIG. 1A, detection unit 21 has two detection circuits 211 and 212 (including detection elements such as resistors) for detecting overcurrent (overload current or short-circuit current). Detection circuit 211 is arranged to detect the current flowing through electrical circuit L11 as the physical quantity. Detection circuit 212 is arranged to detect the current flowing through electrical circuit L12 as the physical quantity. Each of detection circuits 211 and 212 is electrically connected to control unit 22 and outputs the detection result (first detection value) to control unit 22.

The detection unit 21 also includes a detection circuit including a zero-phase-sequence current transformer (ZCT) Z1 for detecting leakage current as the physical quantity. The zero-phase-sequence current transformer Z1 is positioned so that both electrical paths L11 and L12 pass through its central hole. The electrical path for the pseudo-earth leakage current, described below, is also positioned so that it passes through the central hole of the zero-phase-sequence current transformer Z1. The output line of the zero-phase-sequence current transformer Z1 is electrically connected to the control unit 22, and outputs the detection result (second detection value) to the control unit 22.

In other words, the detection unit 21 is configured to be able to detect the current flowing through each of the multiple phases (L1 phase and N phase) of the electrical circuit as a physical quantity.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the control unit 22 has a determination unit 23, a communication unit 25, and a memory unit 26. The control unit 22 includes a computer system having one or more processors and memory. At least part of the functions of the control unit 22 (particularly the determination unit 23) are realized when the processor of the computer system executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in memory, provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or provided recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

The control unit 22 monitors the detection results (first detection value, second detection value) of the detection unit 21 (detection circuits 211, 212, and zero-phase current transformer Z1). The control unit 22 generates a shutdown signal S1 based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 23 and outputs it from the output unit 24.

The memory unit 26 is an electrically rewritable, non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory. It is assumed that the memory unit 26 is separate from the memory in which the above-mentioned programs are recorded, but they may be the same. The memory unit 26 stores judgment information (thresholds, etc.) referenced by the judgment unit 23, and circuit information (circuit number, etc.) related to the branch circuit B1 to which the device itself (sensor adapter 2) is connected. In this embodiment, the judgment information and circuit information can be changed based on information received from outside via the communication unit 25.

The determination unit 23 executes an abnormality determination process that determines the presence or absence of an abnormality based on physical quantities. The determination unit 23 references a threshold value for determining overcurrent (hereinafter referred to as the first threshold value) stored in the memory unit 26 and compares, for example, whether the first detection values output from the detection circuits 211 and 212 exceed the first threshold value. If at least one of the first detection values from the detection circuits 211 and 212 exceeds the first threshold value, the determination unit 23 determines that an overcurrent has occurred, i.e., that an abnormality has occurred. The first detection value may be an instantaneous value, or may be the average, maximum, minimum, or median of sampled data within a certain period of time.

The determination unit 23 also references a threshold value for determining leakage current (hereinafter referred to as the second threshold value) stored in the memory unit 26 and compares it to determine whether, for example, the second detection value output from the zero-phase current transformer Z1 exceeds the second threshold value. If the second detection value exceeds the second threshold value, the determination unit 23 determines that a leakage current has occurred (there is a leakage current), i.e., that an abnormality has occurred. The second detection value may be an instantaneous value, or it may be the average, maximum, minimum, or median value of sampled data within a certain period of time.

To provide further explanation regarding leakage current, when no leakage current is occurring, the magnetic flux generated by the round-trip current (current flowing through electric circuits L11 and L12) to the electrical equipment (load) cancels out, and the output from the output line of zero-phase-sequence current transformer Z1 becomes zero. On the other hand, when leakage current occurs, the currents flowing through electric circuits L11 and L12 become unbalanced, and a current corresponding to the degree of imbalance flows in the output line of zero-phase-sequence current transformer Z1. Therefore, the determination unit 23 can determine whether or not leakage current is occurring based on the output (second detection value) of zero-phase-sequence current transformer Z1.

When the determination result of the determination unit 23 indicates "abnormality exists," the control unit 22 generates a cutoff signal S1 and outputs it from the output unit 24. As will be described in detail later, upon receiving the cutoff signal S1, the opening and closing unit 3 forcibly opens contact P1, changing the branch circuit B1 from a conducting state to a cutoff state.

In this embodiment, the types of abnormalities determined by the determination unit 23 are overcurrent (overload current and short-circuit current) and leakage current. However, the types of abnormalities determined by the determination unit 23 are not limited to these. The abnormality determined by the determination unit 23 may be the occurrence of at least one of short-circuit current, overload current, leakage current, overvoltage, and arc discharge.

Furthermore, if the switching system 1 is equipped with multiple sensor adapters 2, the types of abnormalities judged by the judgment units 23 of the multiple sensor adapters 2 may differ from one another. The switching unit 3 is selectively attached to any one of the multiple sensor adapters 2. Specifically, the first sensor adapter 2 may be configured so that the detection unit 21 includes only detection circuits 211 and 212, and the judgment unit 23 performs only overcurrent judgment. The second sensor adapter 2 may be configured so that the detection unit 21 includes only a detection circuit including zero-phase current transformer Z1, and the judgment unit 23 performs only earth leakage judgment. The third sensor adapter 2 may be configured so that the detection unit 21 includes detection circuits 211 and 212 and a detection circuit including zero-phase current transformer Z1, as shown in FIG. 1A, and the judgment unit 23 performs overcurrent and earth leakage judgment. An operator can attach the switching unit 3 to any suitable sensor adapter 2 from multiple sensor adapters 2 equipped with different types of abnormality judgment functions.

The output unit 24 outputs a shutoff signal S1 to the opening/closing unit 3 in accordance with the determination result of the determination unit 23. In this embodiment, as an example, the shutoff signal S1 is transmitted by establishing an electrical connection between the output unit 24 and the input unit 31 and transmitting the signal as an electrical signal. The output unit 24 has a terminal that is partially exposed from the first body 20, and when this terminal is connected to the terminal of the input unit 31 of the opening/closing unit 3, the output unit 24 is able to output (transmit) the shutoff signal S1 (electrical signal) to the opening/closing unit 3.

The communication unit 25 functions as a communication interface for communicating with an external communication device, for example, via a wired or wireless connection. The communication device is not particularly limited and may be a power meter that can be installed in the distribution board 4, or a mobile terminal (such as a laptop computer, tablet, or smartphone). The control unit 22 changes the judgment information and circuit information, etc., in the memory unit 26 based on the information received from the communication device by the communication unit 25. For example, it may be necessary to change the settings of the first threshold, second threshold, etc. used in the abnormality judgment process depending on the specifications (such as rated current) of the distribution board 4 in which the sensor adapter 2 is actually installed. The operator can change the settings of the first threshold, second threshold, etc. by operating the communication device.

The sensor adapter 2 can also individually enable/disable each of the multiple detection values. Of the multiple detection circuits (detection circuits 211, 212, and zero-phase current transformer Z1) in its own detection unit 21, the sensor adapter 2 can use (enable) the detection value of one detection circuit in the abnormality determination process, and not use (disable) the detection value of another detection circuit in the abnormality determination process. The memory unit 26 also stores enable/disable setting information. The determination unit 23 references the enable/disable setting information in the memory unit 26 to perform the abnormality determination process.

The power supply circuit 27 has an input terminal electrically connected to the first electrical circuit L1 and an output terminal electrically connected to the control unit 22. The power supply circuit 27 has, for example, an AC/DC conversion circuit, receives AC power from the first electrical circuit L1, converts it to DC power in the AC/DC conversion circuit, and generates the power required to operate the control unit 22 from the DC power and supplies it to the control unit 22.

The first body 20 is made of an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin and is formed, for example, into a vertically elongated rectangular box shape (see Figure 2). The first body 20 houses or holds the primary terminal 201, the first electrical circuit connection portion A1, the first electrical circuit L1, the detection portion 21, the control portion 22 (including the determination portion 23), the power supply circuit 27, and the output portion 24. The sensor adapter 2 has one or more mounting boards on which multiple electronic components constituting the detection circuit including the detection circuits 211 and 212 and the zero-phase current transformer Z1, the control portion 22, and the power supply circuit 27 are mounted, and these one or more mounting boards are also housed within the first body 20.

The switching system 1 has a test function. For example, the switching system 1 further includes a test button disposed on the sensor adapter 2. Specifically, the test button is held so that a portion of it protrudes from the first body 20. When the test button is pressed with a human finger or the like, the control unit 22 passes a simulated leakage current through the current path passing through the hole in the zero-phase current transformer Z1. As a result, a current corresponding to the degree of unbalance flows from the output line of the zero-phase current transformer Z1. The control unit 22 determines that a leakage current is present, generates a tripping signal S1, and outputs it to the switching unit 3. In the switching unit 3, contact P1 is tentatively opened.

Next, one of the multiple opening/closing units 3 will be described with reference to Figure 1A.

The switching unit 3 has a second electrical circuit L2, an input unit 31, a tripping circuit 34, one or more (two in the illustrated example) switching units 32, a short-circuit detection unit 33, a second body 30, a secondary side terminal 302, a second electrical circuit connection unit A2, and an operating handle.

The second electrical circuit L2 constitutes part of a specific circuit C1. In this embodiment, the specific circuit C1 is one of the multiple branch circuits B1. The first electrical circuit L1 and second electrical circuit L2 of the sensor adapter 2 are electrically connected to each other when the opening/closing unit 3 is attached to the sensor adapter 2, and constitute part of the specific branch circuit B1.

The second electrical circuit L2 includes multiple electrical circuits of multiple phases. As an example in this embodiment, the second electrical circuit L2, like the first electrical circuit L1, includes two electrical circuits of phases corresponding to the L1 and N phases, in accordance with the fact that the power distribution system on the power supply unit 5 side of the distribution board 4 is a single-phase three-wire system. Specifically, the second electrical circuit L2 includes an electrical circuit L21 electrically connected to the L1-phase electrical circuit bar 41 via the sensor adapter 2, and an electrical circuit L22 electrically connected to the N-phase electrical circuit bar 41 via the sensor adapter 2. In other words, for example, AC power with an effective value of 100 V between the L1 and N phases passes through the second electrical circuit L2. Each of the electrical circuits L21 and L22 can be composed of one or more conductive members.

The second electric circuit L2 includes an electric circuit L21 electrically connected to the L1-phase electric circuit bar 41 and an electric circuit electrically connected to the L2-phase electric circuit bar 41. For example, AC power with an effective value of 200 V between the L1 and L2 phases may pass through the second electric circuit L2. As mentioned above, the power distribution system on the power supply unit 5 side may be a single-phase two-wire system, a three-phase three-wire system, or a three-phase four-wire system, in addition to a single-phase three-wire system. In this case, the second electric circuit L2 may include two-phase electric circuits corresponding to the L and N phases, a three-phase electric circuit corresponding to the R, S, and T phases, or a four-phase electric circuit corresponding to the R, S, T, and N phases.

The second electrical circuit connection portion A2 is detachably connected to the first electrical circuit connection portion A1 of the sensor adapter 2. The second electrical circuit connection portion A2 includes a unit terminal 301. The unit terminal 301 is located at one end (the primary side end, the upper end in FIG. 2 ) of the second electrical circuit L2. In this embodiment, two unit terminals 301 are provided. One unit terminal 301 is located at one end of the electrical circuit L21, and the other unit terminal 301 is located at one end of the electrical circuit L22. Each unit terminal 301 is held by the second body 30 so that a portion of it is exposed from the upper end of the second body 30. As described above, each unit terminal 301 is configured as a plug-in terminal to which a corresponding secondary side terminal 202 of the sensor adapter 2 is connected.

The secondary terminal 302 is disposed at the other end (secondary end, lower end in FIG. 2 ) of the second electrical path L2. In this embodiment, two secondary terminals 302 are provided. One secondary terminal 302 is disposed at the other end of electrical path L21, and the other secondary terminal 302 is disposed at the other end of electrical path L22. Each secondary terminal 302 is held by the second body 30 so that a portion of it is exposed from the lower end of the second body 30. Each secondary terminal 302 is configured, for example, as a screwless terminal (so-called quick-connect terminal). For example, within the distribution board 4, the first ends of a pair of electrical wires W3 (see FIG. 1A) are connected to two secondary terminals 302 (quick-connect terminals), respectively, and corresponding electrical devices are electrically connected to the second ends of the pair of electrical wires W3 to supply power via the branch circuit B1.

The interruption signal S1 is input to the input unit 31. The input unit 31 has a terminal that is partially exposed from the second housing 30, and when this terminal is connected to the terminal of the output unit 24 of the sensor adapter 2, the interruption signal S1 can be input. The input unit 31 is electrically connected to the trip circuit 34, and the input interruption signal S1 is sent to the trip circuit 34.

The trip circuit 34 includes, for example, a trip coil, a yoke, a fixed core, a movable core, a pushing pin, and a return spring. The yoke is arranged to surround the main circuit coil 331. The trip coil is arranged inside the main circuit coil 331 of the short-circuit detection unit 33, which will be described later. The trip coil is electrically connected to the input unit 31, and a trip signal S1 (drive current) input from the input unit 31 can flow through the trip coil. The fixed core is arranged within the coil bobbin of the trip coil. The movable core is arranged within the coil bobbin so that it can slide between a position in contact with the fixed core and a position away from the fixed core. The return spring is composed of, for example, a coil spring, and is housed within the coil bobbin between the movable core and the fixed core. The return spring bends when the movable core moves in a direction toward contact with the fixed core, generating an elastic force that moves the movable core away from the fixed core. The pushing pin is connected to the armature, and its tip protrudes outside the coil bobbin.

The switching unit 32 includes a fixed contact and a movable contact. The fixed contact and the movable contact form contact P1. Contact P1 of the switching unit 32 is inserted into the second electrical circuit L2. In this embodiment, one switching unit 32 is provided for each electrical circuit of each phase. That is, switching units 321 and 322 are provided for electrical circuits L21 and L22, respectively.

The fixed contacts of each opening/closing unit 32 are fixed to a fixed contact plate or are integrated as part of the fixed contact plate. The fixed contact plate is made of a low-resistance material such as iron or copper. The fixed contact plate forms part of the corresponding electrical path (electrical path L21 or electrical path L22).

The movable contact of each opening/closing unit 32 is located at one end of an arm (movable contactor) formed by punching and bending a metal plate. The movable contact is fixed to one end of the arm or is integrated as part of the arm. The arm forms part of the corresponding electrical circuit (electrical circuit L21 or electrical circuit L22). The arm can rotate around an axis provided on the other end as a fulcrum between a position where the movable contact comes into contact with the fixed contact and a position where it is separated from the fixed contact.

When the trip circuit 34 operates in response to the interruption signal S1 input to the input unit 31, the two opening/closing units 32 open the two contacts P1 inserted in the second electrical circuit L2 almost simultaneously. As a result, the second electrical circuit L2 is switched from a conductive state to a cut-off state.

Specifically, when the tripping signal S1 flows as a drive current through the tripping coil, the movable core displaces against the spring force of the return spring to reduce the magnetic resistance of the magnetic path formed by the yoke, movable core, etc. In response, the pushing pin protrudes. At this time, the pushing force of the pushing pin is transmitted to the arm, driving the arm to pull the movable contact away from the fixed contact. As a result, each contact P1 is forcibly opened, i.e., tripped. When the drive current (tripping signal S1) stops, the spring force of the return spring displaces the movable core to its original position, and the pushing pin also returns to its original position.

The short-circuit detection unit 33 is disposed in the second electrical circuit L2 and is configured to detect short-circuit current. The opening/closing unit 32 opens contact P1 when the short-circuit detection unit 33 detects a short-circuit current. In other words, in this embodiment, not only the sensor adapter 2 but also the opening/closing unit 3 independently has the function of detecting an abnormality (here, a short-circuit current). The short-circuit detection unit 33 includes a main circuit coil 331 (see Figure 1A).

The main circuit coil 331 is inserted into the electrical circuit L21. Specifically, the first end of the main circuit coil 331 is electrically connected to the unit terminal 301, and the second end of the main circuit coil 331 is electrically connected to the opening/closing unit 32.

When a short-circuit current flows through the main circuit coil 331, i.e., the electrical circuit L21, the movable core displaces against the spring force of the return spring so as to reduce the magnetic resistance of the magnetic path formed by the yoke, movable core, etc. As a result, each contact P1 is forcibly opened, just as when a tripping signal S1 flows to the trip coil. When the short-circuit current stops, the spring force of the return spring displaces the movable core to its original position, and the pushing pin also returns to its original position.

By providing the opening and closing unit 3 with a short-circuit current detection function in this way, the possibility of the opening and closing system 1 being used without a short-circuit current detection function in either the sensor adapter 2 or the opening and closing unit 3 can be reduced.

The second body 30 is formed, for example, in the shape of a vertically long, flat, rectangular box made of an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin (see Figure 2). The second body 30 may be formed of the same material as the first body 20. The left-to-right width of the second body 30 is approximately equal to the left-to-right width of the first body 20. Therefore, when the switching unit 3 is attached to the sensor adapter 2, the first body 20 and the second body 30 form a flat, rectangular box-like structure with a sense of unity as a whole, and may have a shape similar to the appearance of, for example, a branch breaker. The second body 30 houses or holds the second electrical circuit L2, the second electrical circuit connection portion A2, the secondary side terminal 302, the input portion 31, the switching portion 32, the short-circuit detection portion 33, the tripping circuit 34, etc. The second body 30 is connected to the first body 20 in a manner that allows the interruption signal S1 to be transmitted from the output section 24 to the input section 31 (in this embodiment, the input section 31 and output section 24 are electrically connected).

The operating handle is held by the second body 30 so that a portion of it protrudes from the second body 30. The opening/closing unit 3 is configured to be able to switch the two contacts P1 from closed to open, and from open to closed, in response to manual operation of the operating handle. For example, after an abnormality is detected and contact P1 is opened, if a user of the opening/closing system 1 (e.g., a resident) confirms safety, they can return contact P1 to closed by operating the operating handle.

In this way, the switching system 1 of this embodiment has, for example, overcurrent detection functions (detection circuits 211, 212) in both the L1 and N phases, and corresponds to a 2P2E type (2 poles, 2 elements) breaker for a 100V circuit. The switching system 1 may also be applied to a 200V circuit of L1 and L2 phases. In other words, the electrical circuits L12 and L22 may be applied as electrical circuits for the L2 phase. In the above example, the main circuit coil 331 is provided only in the electrical circuit L21, but it may also be provided in the electrical circuit L22.

The following describes the installation and other procedures for the opening and closing system 1. Note that the following procedures are merely examples and are not limiting.

The worker first holds each sensor adapter 2 in his/her hand and connects the primary terminal 201 (plug-in terminal) of the sensor adapter 2 to the terminal 501 of the power supply unit 5 in the distribution board 4 installed in the home, i.e., to the tip of the branch bar branching off from the electrical circuit bar 41. When doing so, the worker connects the primary terminal 201 of electrical circuit L11 to the tip of the branch bar corresponding to the L1 phase, and the primary terminal 201 of electrical circuit L12 to the tip of the branch bar corresponding to the N phase.

Next, the worker holds each opening/closing unit 3 in their hands one by one and connects them one-to-one to the sensor adapters 2 arranged inside the distribution board 4. Specifically, the worker connects the second electrical circuit connection portion A2 of each opening/closing unit 3 to the first electrical circuit connection portion A1 of the corresponding sensor adapter 2.

Here, the switching system 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the connection between the first electrical circuit connection part A1 and the second electrical circuit connection part A2 is achieved simultaneously with the connection between the output part 24 and the input part 31 (when the disconnection signal S1 is transmitted). As a specific structural example, the first body 20 and the second body 30 each have a protrusion and a recess on the surfaces that face each other when connected. The first electrical circuit connection part A1 and the output part 24 are arranged on the end surface of the protrusion of the first body 20. The second electrical circuit connection part A2 and the input part 31 are arranged on the bottom surface of the recess of the second body 30. By fitting the protrusion of the first body 20 into the recess of the second body 30, the connection between the first electrical circuit connection part A1 and the second electrical circuit connection part A2 is achieved simultaneously with the connection between the output part 24 and the input part 31. As a result, even if it is determined that an abnormality exists because the connection between the output section 24 and the input section 31 has not been achieved, the possibility of the sensor adapter 2 and the opening/closing unit 3 being used in a state in which the opening/closing unit 3 cannot receive the shutoff signal S1 can be reduced.

Then, the worker connects the first ends of the two electric wires W3 to the two secondary terminals 302 (quick-connect terminals) of each opening/closing unit 3.

In this way, each pair of sensor adapter 2 and opening/closing unit 3 is arranged in the corresponding branch circuit B1 in the following order: branch bar of electrical circuit bar 41, sensor adapter 2, and opening/closing unit 3. Electrical equipment can be connected to the secondary terminal 302 of the opening/closing unit 3 via an electric wire W3 or the like.

The worker then operates the communication device to change the settings of the first threshold, second threshold, etc. for each sensor adapter 2, completing the installation work.

In the above explanation, it is assumed, as an example, that all of the work is performed inside the home where the distribution board 4 will be installed (the installation site). However, this is not limited to this, and at least some of the above work may be performed, for example, by attaching the sensor adapter 2 and opening/closing unit 3 to the distribution board 4 before the distribution board 4 is transported to the installation site.

In the above explanation, it is assumed that the sensor adapter 2 is first attached to the distribution board 4, and then the opening/closing unit 3 is attached to the sensor adapter 2. However, in the opening/closing system 1 of this embodiment, the sensor adapter 2 can also be detachably attached to the primary-side power supply unit 5 (here, the branch bar of the electrical circuit bar 41) while the opening/closing unit 3 remains attached. The first electrical circuit L1 and the second electrical circuit L2 then form part of a specific branch circuit B1. An operator holds the sensor adapter 2 with the opening/closing unit 3 attached and connects the primary-side terminal 201 (plug-in terminal) of the sensor adapter 2 to the tip of the branch bar branching off from the electrical circuit bar 41. This configuration allows the sensor adapter 2 and opening/closing unit 3 to be installed together in the corresponding branch circuit B1, improving operator convenience.

[advantage]
In this way, the opening and closing system 1 is divided into the sensor adapter 2 and the opening and closing unit 3. Therefore, it is highly likely that the addition of a detection function for an abnormality or the like can be handled on the sensor adapter 2 side. For example, it is also possible to attach the opening and closing unit 3 to a sensor adapter 2 to which a new detection function for an abnormality has been added. This reduces the constraints on the accommodation space for the opening and closing unit 3 (second housing 30). As a result, the opening and closing system 1 has the advantage that the addition of a detection function is less likely to be restricted by accommodation space.

In addition, in the switching system 1, the first electrical circuit L1 and the second electrical circuit L2 are electrically connected to each other and form part of a specific branch circuit B1 when the switching unit 3 is attached to the sensor adapter 2. As a result, there is no need to provide a function on the sensor adapter 2 side to identify the branch circuit B1 that should be shut off in response to an abnormality detection, which simplifies the configuration on the sensor adapter 2 side. Furthermore, the relevant branch circuit B1 can be shut off more accurately.

(4) Modifications The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below. Each modification described below can be applied in appropriate combination with the above embodiment or other modifications.

(4.1) Modification 1
A distribution board system 100 including a switching system 1 according to this modification (Modification 1) will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. Note that in the distribution board system 100 according to Modification 1, components that are substantially the same as those of the distribution board system 100 of the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may be omitted as appropriate.

The sensor adapter 2 of Modification 1 differs from the sensor adapter 2 of the above embodiment in that it includes electrical circuits corresponding to three poles, namely electrical circuits L11, L12, and L13 corresponding to the L1 phase, L2 phase, and N phase, respectively. The opening/closing unit 3 of Modification 1 also differs from the opening/closing unit 3 of the above embodiment in that it includes a switching mechanism D1 and that a main circuit coil 332 is arranged not only on electrical circuit L21 but also on electrical circuit L22.

The following describes in detail the differences between the sensor adapter 2 of Variant 1 and the sensor adapter 2 of the above embodiment.

The first electrical circuit L1 of the sensor adapter 2 of variant 1 includes three-phase electrical circuits (electrical circuits L11, L12, and L13).

The sensor adapter 2 of variant 1 has three primary side terminals 201 (plug-in terminals). The three primary side terminals 201 are respectively arranged at one end (primary side end) of the electrical circuits L11, L12, and L13, and are detachably connected to three terminals 501 of the electrical circuit bars 41 of the L1 phase, L2 phase, and N phase of the distribution board 4, respectively.

The first electrical path connection portion A1 of the sensor adapter 2 of variant 1 includes three secondary side terminals 202. The three secondary side terminals 202 are respectively disposed at the other ends (secondary side ends) of the electrical paths L11, L12, and L13.

The detection unit 21 of the sensor adapter 2 of variant 1 has detection circuits 211, 212, and 213. Detection circuit 211 is arranged to detect the current flowing through electrical path L11. Detection circuit 212 is arranged to detect the current flowing through electrical path L12. Detection circuit 213 is arranged to detect the current flowing through electrical path L13. Each of detection circuits 211, 212, and 213 is electrically connected to the control unit 22 and outputs the detection result (first detection value) to the control unit 22. The determination unit 23 determines that an overcurrent has occurred, i.e., that an abnormality exists, if, for example, at least one of the first detection values from detection circuits 211, 212, and 213 exceeds a first threshold value.

The detection unit 21 of the sensor adapter 2 of variant 1 also has a detection circuit including three zero-phase current transformers Z11, Z12, and Z13 for detecting leakage current. Zero-phase current transformer Z11 is positioned so that both electric circuits L12 and L13 are inserted through its central hole. Zero-phase current transformer Z12 is positioned so that both electric circuits L11 and L12 are inserted through its central hole. Zero-phase current transformer Z13 is positioned so that all electric circuits L11, L12, and L13 are inserted through its central hole. The current path for the pseudo-leakage current is also positioned so that it is inserted through the central hole of one of the zero-phase current transformers Z11, Z12, and Z13. The output lines of each of the zero-phase current transformers Z11, Z12, and Z13 are electrically connected to the control unit 22, and the detection results (second detection values) are output to the control unit 22. If at least one of the second detection values from the zero-phase current transformers Z11, Z12, and Z13 exceeds the second threshold, the determination unit 23 determines that a leakage current has occurred (a leakage current has occurred), i.e., that an abnormality has occurred.

The following describes in detail the differences between the opening/closing unit 3 of Modification 1 and the opening/closing unit 3 of the above embodiment.

The second electrical circuit L2 of the opening/closing unit 3 of variant 1 differs from the first electrical circuit L1 of the sensor adapter 2 in that it includes two-phase electrical circuits (electrical circuits L21 and L22) and is the same as the second electrical circuit L2 of the opening/closing unit 3 of the above embodiment.

The short-circuit detection section 33 of the switching unit 3 of variant 1 has a main circuit coil 331 inserted in the electrical circuit L21, as well as a main circuit coil 332 inserted in the electrical circuit L22. When a short-circuit current flows through the main circuit coil 331 (electrical circuit L21) or the main circuit coil 332 (electrical circuit L22), the trip circuit 34 operates, and each contact P1 is forcibly opened, i.e., tripped.

Furthermore, the opening/closing unit 3 of variant 1 has a switching mechanism D1. The switching mechanism D1 is configured to be able to switch the connection mode of the second electrical circuit L2 to the first electrical circuit L1 between a first connection mode and a second connection mode, among three electrical circuits corresponding to a single-phase three-wire system, in response to a predetermined operation. The first connection mode is a mode in which electrical connection is made with the L1-phase and L2-phase electrical circuits corresponding to a voltage of a first effective value. The second connection mode is a mode in which electrical connection is made with the L1-phase and N-phase electrical circuits corresponding to a voltage of a second effective value different from the first effective value.

Specifically, the unit terminal 301, located at one end of the electrical circuit L22, is held in the second housing 30 so as to be movable between a first position and a second position. The first position is a position where the unit terminal 301 can be connected to the secondary terminal 202 corresponding to the electrical circuit L12 of the sensor adapter 2. The second position is a position where the unit terminal 301 can be connected to the secondary terminal 202 corresponding to the electrical circuit L13 of the sensor adapter 2. When the unit terminal 301 is in the first position, the electrical circuit L22 can be electrically connected to the L2-phase electrical circuit bar 41 via the sensor adapter 2. On the other hand, when the unit terminal 301 is in the second position (see the position indicated by the dashed line in Figure 3), the electrical circuit L22 can be electrically connected to the N-phase electrical circuit bar 41 via the sensor adapter 2.

For example, by pressing a predetermined operating member exposed from the second body 30 with a person's fingertip or the tip of a tool (predetermined operation), the secondary terminal 202 slides from the second position to the first position. Furthermore, by returning the predetermined operating member to its original position (predetermined operation), the secondary terminal 202 slides from the first position to the second position.

For example, if the state in which the unit terminal 301 is in the first position is defined as the first connection state, the first connection state is a state in which the second electrical circuit L2 is electrically connected to the L1 and L2 phase electrical circuits corresponding to a voltage of 200 V (first effective value) (200 V circuit). On the other hand, if the state in which the unit terminal 301 is in the second position is defined as the second connection state, the second connection state is a state in which the second electrical circuit L2 is electrically connected to the L1 and N phase electrical circuits corresponding to a voltage of 100 V (first effective value) (100 V circuit).

In short, in Modification 1, the operator can use the switching mechanism D1 to change the opening/closing unit 3 from one for a 100V circuit to one for a 200V circuit, or from one for a 200V circuit to one for a 100V circuit. Therefore, the opening/closing unit 3 of Modification 1 can be said to be more versatile than the opening/closing unit 3 described above.

Conversely, when the opening/closing unit 3 of Modification 1 is attached to the sensor adapter 2 of Modification 1, one of the electrical circuits L12 and L13 will not be used. For example, when the unit terminal 301 is in the first position (first connection mode), electrical circuit L13 will not be used. Also, when the unit terminal 301 is in the second position (second connection mode), electrical circuit L12 will not be used. Therefore, depending on whether the opening/closing unit 3 to be attached is in the first connection mode or the second connection mode, the worker operates the communication device to set which of the multiple detection values from the detection unit 21 will be valid and which will be invalid in the abnormality determination process of the determination unit 23 of the sensor adapter 2.

In particular, the detection unit 21 of the sensor adapter 2 of variant 1 is configured to be able to detect overcurrents and leakage currents in all three-phase electrical circuits. Therefore, the sensor adapter 2 of variant 1 can be used with any of the following opening and closing units: an opening and closing unit 3 that uses the L1 and L2 phases, an opening and closing unit 3 that uses the L1 and N phases, or an opening and closing unit 3 that uses all three phases (see opening and closing unit 3 in Figure 5).

In this way, the sensor adapter 2 is configured to be able to detect the current flowing through each of the three electrical circuits of the L1, L2, and N phases, making it easy to use regardless of which of the various types of opening and closing units 3 is installed.

The opening/closing system 1 of variant 1 has a structure (blocking structure) that blocks the unit terminal 301 from being connected to the terminal 501 of the power supply unit 5. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the primary terminal 201 of the sensor adapter 2 and the unit terminal 301 of the opening/closing unit 3 are configured to have different terminal structures. The primary terminal 201 can be connected to the terminal 501 on the distribution board 4, but the unit terminal 301 cannot be connected to the terminal 501 on the distribution board 4. This reduces the possibility that an operator will accidentally connect the opening/closing unit 3 directly to the terminal 501 of the power supply unit 5 without using the sensor adapter 2.

The obstruction structure is not limited to being realized by differentiating the terminal structures of the primary terminals 201 and the unit terminals 301. For example, it may be realized by differentiating the distance between the terminals or the terminal positions of the multiple unit terminals 301 from the distance between the terminals or the terminal positions of the multiple primary terminals 201.

Alternatively, for example, a protrusion may be provided around the unit terminal 301, and when this protrusion comes into contact with the periphery of the terminal 501, it may interfere with the connection of the unit terminal 301 to the terminal 501. In this case, a recess to receive the protrusion may be provided around the secondary terminal 202 of the sensor adapter 2, so as not to interfere with the connection of the unit terminal 301 to the secondary terminal 202.

In variant 1, the opening and closing system 1 is also divided into a sensor adapter 2 and an opening and closing unit 3. This has the advantage that the opening and closing system 1 is less subject to storage space constraints when adding detection functions.

(4.2) Modification 2
A distribution board system 100 including a switching system 1 according to this modification (modification 2) will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. In the distribution board system 100 according to modification 2, components that are substantially the same as those of the distribution board system 100 of the above embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may be omitted as appropriate.

The sensor adapter 2 of Modification 2 differs from the sensor adapter 2 of the above embodiment in that it is fixed to the distribution board 4 and is configured so that it cannot be easily attached or detached. The opening/closing unit 3 of Modification 2 is the same as the opening/closing unit 3 of the above embodiment, so a description of it will be omitted here.

The sensing function (detection of overcurrent and leakage current) of the sensor adapter 2 of variant 2 is the same as that of the sensor adapter 2 of the above embodiment.

In variant 2, the power supply unit 5 does not have a terminal 501, and unlike the sensor adapter 2 of the above embodiment, the sensor adapter 2 of variant 2 does not have a primary side terminal 201 (which is detachably connected to the terminal 501).

The sensor adapter 2 of variant 2 is disposed within the distribution board 4 with the first electrical circuit L1 fixed to the electrical circuit bar 41 of the distribution board 4. Specifically, the electrical circuits L11 and L12 of the sensor adapter 2 of variant 2 are directly fixed to the power supply unit 5, i.e., the branch bars of the L1-phase and N-phase electrical circuit bars 41, respectively. Fixing methods may include screwing, crimping, welding, etc. Furthermore, the first housing 20 of the sensor adapter 2 of variant 2 is fixed to the bottom surface of the distribution board 4, for example, by screwing. Therefore, the worker does not need to install the sensor adapter 2 on the distribution board 4. As a result, worker convenience is improved.

The multiple sensor adapters 2 arranged within the distribution board 4 may include, for example, a type of sensor adapter 2 with the ability to detect overcurrent and ground faults (see Figure 4) and a type of sensor adapter 2 with the ability to detect ground faults only. The worker may, for example, appropriately determine which type of sensor adapter 2 to use and then install the opening/closing unit 3.

In variant 2, the opening and closing system 1 is also divided into a sensor adapter 2 and an opening and closing unit 3. This has the advantage that the opening and closing system 1 is less subject to storage space constraints when adding detection functions.

In addition, when the sensor adapter 2 is fixed to the distribution board 4 as in variant example 2, a Rogowski coil may also be incorporated into the sensor adapter 2 to detect the current flowing through each branch circuit B1 and output the result to a power meter.

(4.3) Modification 3
A distribution board system 100 including a switching system 1 according to this modification (Modification 3) will be described below with reference to Fig. 5. In the distribution board system 100 according to Modification 3, components that are substantially the same as those of the distribution board system 100 of the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may be omitted as appropriate.

Like the sensor adapter 2 of variant 2, the sensor adapter 2 of variant 3 is fixed to the distribution board 4 and is configured so that it cannot be easily attached or detached. Also, like the sensor adapter 2 of variant 1, the sensor adapter 2 of variant 3 has electrical circuits corresponding to the three poles, namely electrical circuits L11, L12, and L13 corresponding to the L1 phase, L2 phase, and N phase, respectively. Specifically, the electrical circuits L11, L12, and L13 of the sensor adapter 2 of variant 3 are directly fixed to the power supply unit 5, namely the branch bars of the electrical circuit bars 41 of the L1 phase, L2 phase, and N phase, respectively. The sensing function (detection of overcurrent and leakage current) of the sensor adapter 2 of variant 3 is the same as that of the sensor adapter 2 of variant 1.

On the other hand, unlike the switching units 3 of the above embodiment, variant 1, and variant 2, the switching unit 3 of variant 3 has electrical circuits corresponding to three poles, i.e., electrical circuits L21, L22, and L23 corresponding to the L1 phase, L2 phase, and N phase, respectively. Therefore, three unit terminals 301 are provided, and three secondary side terminals 302 are also provided.

The short-circuit detection section 33 of the switching unit 3 of variant 3 has a main circuit coil 331 inserted in the electrical circuit L21 and a main circuit coil 332 inserted in the electrical circuit L22. When a short-circuit current flows through the main circuit coil 331 (electrical circuit L21) or the main circuit coil 332 (electrical circuit L22), the trip circuit 34 operates, and each contact P1 is forcibly opened, i.e., tripped. Note that no main circuit coil for detecting short-circuit current is inserted in the electrical circuit L23 corresponding to the N phase.

In the switching unit 3 of variant 3, one switching unit 32 is provided for each phase of the electrical circuit. That is, switching units 321, 322, and 323 are provided for electrical circuits L21, L22, and L23, respectively. Therefore, when a tripping signal S1 is input or a short-circuit current is detected by the short-circuit detection unit 33, the contacts P1 of all three phases are forcibly opened.

In variant 3, the opening and closing system 1 is also divided into a sensor adapter 2 and an opening and closing unit 3. This has the advantage that the opening and closing system 1 is less subject to storage space constraints when adding detection functions.

(4.4) Modification 4
A distribution board system 100 including a switching system 1 according to this modification (Modification 4) will be described below with reference to Fig. 6. Note that in the distribution board system 100 according to Modification 4, components that are substantially the same as those of the distribution board system 100 of the above embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may be omitted as appropriate.

The sensor adapter 2 of Modification 4 differs from the sensor adapter 2 of the above embodiment and Modifications 1 to 3 in that it is configured so that multiple opening and closing units 3 can be attached simultaneously. In other words, the opening and closing systems 1 of the above embodiment and Modifications 1 to 3 were configured so that the sensor adapter 2 and opening and closing units 3 were attached in a one-to-one correspondence. The opening and closing system 1 of Modification 4 is configured so that the sensor adapter 2 and opening and closing units 3 are attached in a one-to-many correspondence. In the example shown in Figure 6, a maximum of 10 opening and closing units 3 can be attached to one sensor adapter 2, but there is no particular limit to the number of opening and closing units 3 that can be attached.

The first body 20 of the sensor adapter 2 of Variation 4 is set to have a larger left-right width than the first body 20 of the sensor adapter 2 of the above embodiment (see Figure 2). In the example shown in Figure 6, the left-right width of the first body 20 corresponds to the left-right width of ten second bodies 30 of the opening and closing units 3. Therefore, when ten opening and closing units 3 are attached to the sensor adapter 2, the opening and closing system 1 of Variation 4 has a unified rectangular box shape as a whole.

The sensor adapter 2 of variant 4 has the same number of first electrical circuits L1 as the branch circuits B1 shown in FIG. 1A, and also has the same number of sets of first electrical circuit connection sections A1 and output sections 24 as the branch circuits B1. Also, the same number of detection sections 21 as the branch circuits B1 shown in FIG. 1A are provided. In other words, the sensor adapter 2 of variant 4 has multiple first electrical circuits L1 that correspond one-to-one to the multiple branch circuits B1, and multiple detection sections 21 that detect physical quantities in the multiple first electrical circuits L1, respectively.

In variant 4, the second electrical circuit L2 of each opening/closing unit 3 attached to the sensor adapter 2 is electrically connected to a corresponding first electrical circuit L1 among the multiple first electrical circuits L1, forming part of a specific branch circuit B1.

In Variation 4, the control unit 22 (see FIG. 1A) of the sensor adapter 2 is electrically connected to multiple detection units 21, the number of which corresponds to the number of branch circuits B1. The control unit 22 receives detection values from each detection unit 21 and centrally monitors all branch circuits B1 for abnormalities. In other words, in Variation 4, the determination unit 23 individually determines whether or not an abnormality exists for each of the multiple branch circuits B1. The output unit 24 outputs a shutdown signal S1 to the opening/closing unit 3 corresponding to a branch circuit B1 determined to have an abnormality. In other words, the control unit 22 of Variation 4 stores information (circuit information) regarding which detection unit 21 corresponds to which branch circuit B1 and which opening/closing unit 3 in the memory unit 26 (see FIG. 1B). When the opening/closing unit 3 is attached to the sensor adapter 2, the control unit 22 automatically identifies the circuit number, etc., of the branch circuit B1 to which the opening/closing unit 3 is connected, and creates and stores the circuit information. The circuit information may also be created manually by an operator operating the communication device.

The sensor adapter 2 of variant 4 is preferably fixed to the distribution board 4, as with the sensor adapters 2 of variants 2 and 3, but may also be detachable from the distribution board 4.

In this way, with the opening and closing system 1 of variant 4, a single sensor adapter 2 can individually open the contacts P1 for multiple opening and closing units 3 when an abnormality occurs. Therefore, when multiple opening and closing units 3 are used, the number of parts in the opening and closing system 1 as a whole can be reduced. As a result, this can also contribute to cost reduction.

Furthermore, in variant example 4, the opening and closing system 1 is also divided into the sensor adapter 2 and the opening and closing unit 3. This has the advantage that the opening and closing system 1 is less subject to storage space constraints when adding detection functions.

In variant 4, multiple Rogowski coils may also be incorporated into the sensor adapter 2 to detect the currents flowing through multiple branch circuits B1.

(4.5) Other Modifications In the above embodiment, the transmission of the cutoff signal S1 is performed by contacting the terminal of the output unit 24 with the terminal of the input unit 31 to establish an electrical connection and transmit the cutoff signal S1 as an electrical signal. However, the transmission of the cutoff signal S1 is not limited to being performed by an "electrical connection." The transmission of the cutoff signal S1 may also be performed by an "optical connection." The output unit 24 may have, for example, a light source that outputs the infrared cutoff signal S1. Meanwhile, the input unit 31 may have a light-receiving element such as a phototransistor that receives the infrared cutoff signal S1 and converts it into an electrical signal. In this case, the cutoff signal S1 can be transmitted without electrical isolation, and noise resistance can also be improved.

Alternatively, the transmission of the shutdown signal S1 may be performed by a "magnetic connection." The output unit 24 may, for example, have an electromagnet device, and transmit the shutdown signal S1 in response to magnetic changes related to the electromagnet device. On the other hand, the input unit 31 may, for example, have a magnetic sensor such as a Hall element that detects magnetic changes. In this case, too, the shutdown signal S1 can be transmitted without electrical insulation, and noise resistance can also be improved.

Alternatively, the transmission of the interruption signal S1 may be performed by "physical contact." The output unit 24 may, for example, have an electromagnet device and an arm, and transmit the interruption signal S1 by turning the electromagnet device on and moving the arm so that it protrudes toward the input unit 31. On the other hand, the input unit 31 may, for example, have a movable part that is pushed and displaced by the arm of the output unit 24, contacts (fixed contact and movable contact), and a detection unit that detects the opening of the contacts. The movable part may then be pushed and displaced by the arm, and the movable contact provided on the movable part may separate from the fixed contact (opening of the contact), thereby inputting the interruption signal S1.

In the above embodiment, the opening and closing unit 3 is equipped with a short-circuit detection unit 33 (main circuit coil 331) for detecting short-circuit current. However, sensing functions for detecting abnormalities, including the short-circuit detection unit 33, are not essential for the opening and closing unit 3. The short-circuit detection unit 33 (main circuit coil 331) may be provided in the sensor adapter 2. However, detection of short-circuit current by the main circuit coil 331 does not require a processor (controller 22 in the sensor adapter 2) for executing abnormality determination processing or a power supply circuit (power supply circuit 27 in the sensor adapter 2) for generating operating power for the processor, etc. Therefore, a sensor element (instantaneous sensor) such as the main circuit coil 331 can be easily provided in the opening and closing unit 3 in terms of storage space.

The opening and closing unit 3 may include a bimetal plate disposed on the second electrical circuit L2 to detect overload current. The bimetal plate may be a directly heated type that bends due to self-heating, or an indirectly heated type that bends due to heating by a heater. For example, when an overload current flows through the second electrical circuit L2, the temperature of the bimetal plate rises and one end of the bimetal plate deforms. The pressing force of the bimetal plate may then be transmitted, separating the movable contact from the fixed contact, forcibly opening contact P1. Detection of overload current using a bimetal plate also does not require a processor or power supply circuit to execute abnormality determination processing. Therefore, the bimetal plate can be easily installed in the opening and closing unit 3 in terms of storage space. The bimetal plate may also be installed in the sensor adapter 2.

In the distribution board 4 shown in FIG. 2, as an example, multiple opening/closing units 3 are mounted below multiple sensor adapters 2. However, for example, multiple opening/closing units 3 may be mounted above multiple sensor adapters 2. Furthermore, in addition to the multiple sensor adapters 2 shown in FIG. 2, multiple other sensor adapters 2 may be placed above them, and multiple opening/closing units 3 may be mounted above these multiple other sensor adapters 2. In other words, for example, 10 pairs of sensor adapters 2 and opening/closing units 3 and another 10 pairs of sensor adapters 2 and opening/closing units 3 may be arranged symmetrically above and below the electrical circuit bar 41.

Multiple sensor adapters 2 and one opening/closing unit 3 may be arranged in a single pair for one branch circuit B1. In other words, multiple sensor adapters 2 may be connected in series to one branch circuit B1. For example, a first sensor adapter 2 with an overcurrent detection function may be connected to a branch bar, and a second sensor adapter 2 with a leakage current detection function may be connected to the secondary side of the first sensor adapter 2. The opening/closing unit 3 may be connected to the secondary side of the second sensor adapter 2.

The switching system 1 of the above embodiment has a configuration in which the sensor adapter 2 is connected to the terminal 501 (branch bar of the electrical circuit bar 41) of the power supply unit 5 so that it is located on the primary side of the switching unit 3 on the branch circuit B1. However, this is not limited to this, and the switching system 1 may also have a configuration in which the switching unit 3 is connected to the terminal 501 (branch bar of the electrical circuit bar 41) of the power supply unit 5, and the sensor adapter 2 is attached to the switching unit 3 so that it is located on the secondary side of the switching unit 3.

Depending on the usage pattern, the sensing function of the sensor adapter 2 may not be required for a certain branch circuit B1. The operator may operate the communication device to disable all detection values from the detection unit 21 in the sensor adapter 2, or, for example, a dummy adapter may be attached. The dummy adapter may, for example, not include the detection unit 21, control unit 22, or power supply circuit 27, and may include only the first body 20, first electrical circuit L1, primary terminal 201, and secondary terminal 202. By connecting the primary terminal 201 of the dummy adapter to the branch bar of the electrical circuit bar 41 and connecting the unit terminal 301 of the opening/closing unit 3 to the secondary terminal 202 of the dummy adapter, power from the power supply unit 5 is transmitted to the opening/closing unit 3 via the dummy adapter.

(summary)
The above-described embodiments and the like disclose the following aspects.

The opening/closing system (1) according to the first aspect includes a sensor adapter (2) and an opening/closing unit (3) detachably attached to the sensor adapter (2). The sensor adapter (2) has a first electrical circuit (L1), a detection unit (21), a determination unit (23), an output unit (24), and a first housing (20). The detection unit (21) detects a physical quantity related to electricity in the first electrical circuit (L1). The determination unit (23) determines the presence or absence of an abnormality based on the physical quantity. The output unit (24) outputs a shutoff signal (S1) to the opening/closing unit (3) in accordance with the determination result of the determination unit (23). The first housing (20) houses or holds the first electrical circuit (L1), the detection unit (21), the determination unit (23), and the output unit (24). The switching unit (3) has a second electrical circuit (L2), an input section (31), a switching section (32), and a second body (30). The second electrical circuit (L2) constitutes part of a specific circuit (C1). A disconnection signal (S1) is input to the input section (31). The switching section (32) switches the second electrical circuit (L2) from a conductive state to a disconnected state by opening a contact (P1) inserted in the second electrical circuit (L2) in response to the disconnection signal (S1) input to the input section (31). The second body (30) houses or holds the second electrical circuit (L2), the input section (31), and the switching section (32), and is connected to the first body (20) in a manner that allows the disconnection signal (S1) to be transmitted from the output section (24) to the input section (31).

In the above-described embodiment, because the sensor adapter (2) and the opening/closing unit (3) are separated, adding detection functions for abnormalities, etc. is less likely to be restricted by the storage space (second housing 30) of the opening/closing unit (3). As a result, the opening/closing system (1) has the advantage that adding detection functions is less likely to be restricted by storage space.

Regarding the switching system (1) of the second aspect, in the first aspect, the specific circuit (C1) is one specific branch circuit (B1) among the multiple branch circuits (B1). The first electrical circuit (L1) and the second electrical circuit (L2) are electrically connected to each other and form part of the specific branch circuit (B1) when the switching unit (3) is attached to the sensor adapter (2).

The above configuration eliminates the need for the sensor adapter (2) to have a function for identifying the branch circuit (B1) that should be shut off in response to an abnormality, simplifying the configuration of the sensor adapter (2). Furthermore, the relevant branch circuit (B1) can be shut off more accurately.

Regarding the switching system (1) of the third aspect, in the second aspect, the sensor adapter (2) is detachably attached to the primary power supply (5) while the switching unit (3) remains attached. The first electrical circuit (L1) and the second electrical circuit (L2) form part of a specific branch circuit (B1).

According to the above aspect, the sensor adapter (2) and opening/closing unit (3) can be installed together for the corresponding branch circuit (B1), improving convenience for the worker.

Regarding the switching system (1) according to the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the first electric circuit (L1) includes electric circuits of multiple phases (e.g., three phases: L1 phase, L2 phase, and N phase). The detection unit (21) is configured to be able to detect the current flowing through each of the electric circuits of the multiple phases as a physical quantity.

In the above embodiment, the sensor adapter (2) is configured to be able to detect the current flowing through each of the multiple-phase electrical circuits, making it possible to provide a sensor adapter (2) that is easy to apply to any of the various types of opening and closing units (3) to which it is attached.

The opening/closing system (1) according to the fifth aspect is any one of the first to fourth aspects and includes a plurality of sensor adapters (2). The plurality of sensor adapters (2) differ from one another in the types of abnormalities that are determined by the determination unit (23). The opening/closing unit (3) is selectively attached to one of the plurality of sensor adapters (2).

According to the above aspect, the opening/closing unit (3) can be attached to any suitable sensor adapter (2) from among multiple sensor adapters (2) with different types of abnormality detection functions.

Regarding the switching system (1) according to the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the abnormality determined by the determination unit (23) is the occurrence of at least one of a short-circuit current, an overload current, a leakage current, an overvoltage, and an arc discharge.

According to the above aspect, adding detection functions for at least one of short circuit current, overload current, earth leakage current, overvoltage, and arc discharge is less subject to space limitations.

The switching system (1) according to the seventh aspect is any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the switching unit (3) further includes a short-circuit detection unit (33) disposed in the second electrical path (L2) for detecting a short-circuit current. The switching unit (32) opens the contact (P1) when a short-circuit current is detected by the short-circuit detection unit (33).

According to the above aspect, by providing the opening and closing unit (3) with a short-circuit current detection function, the possibility of the opening and closing system (1) being used without a short-circuit current detection function in either the sensor adapter (2) or the opening and closing unit (3) can be reduced.

Regarding the opening/closing system (1) according to the eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the sensor adapter (2) further includes a first electrical circuit connection portion (A1). The opening/closing unit (3) further includes a second electrical circuit connection portion (A2) that is detachably connected to the first electrical circuit connection portion (A1) to electrically connect the first electrical circuit (L1) and the second electrical circuit (L2). The connection between the first electrical circuit connection portion (A1) and the second electrical circuit connection portion (A2) is configured to be achieved simultaneously with the connection between the output portion (24) and the input portion (31).

The above aspect reduces the possibility that the sensor adapter (2) and opening/closing unit (3) will be used in a state where the opening/closing unit (3) cannot receive the shutoff signal (S1) even if it is determined that an abnormality has occurred due to a failure to establish connection between the output unit (24) and the input unit (31).

Regarding the switching system (1) according to the ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the sensor adapter (2) further includes a primary side terminal (201) arranged at one end of the first electrical circuit (L1) and a secondary side terminal (202) arranged at the other end of the first electrical circuit (L1). The switching unit (3) further includes a unit terminal (301) arranged at one end of the second electrical circuit (L2). The primary side terminal (201) is configured to be connected to a terminal (501) of the primary side power supply unit (5). The unit terminal (301) is configured to be connected to the secondary side terminal (202). The switching system (1) has a structure that prevents the unit terminal (301) from being connected to the terminal (501) of the power supply unit (5).

The above aspect reduces the possibility that the opening/closing unit (3) will be connected directly to the power supply unit (5) without going through the sensor adapter (2).

Regarding the opening and closing system (1) according to the tenth aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the sensor adapter (2) is arranged within the distribution board (4) with the first electrical circuit (L1) fixed to the electrical circuit bar (41) of the distribution board (4).

The above aspect improves convenience for workers.

Regarding the opening/closing system (1) according to the eleventh aspect, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the specific circuit (C1) is one specific branch circuit (B1) among the multiple branch circuits (B1). The sensor adapter (2) is configured to allow multiple opening/closing units (3) to be simultaneously attached. The sensor adapter (2) has multiple first electrical circuits (L1) that correspond one-to-one with the multiple branch circuits (B1), respectively, and multiple detection units (21) that detect physical quantities in the multiple first electrical circuits (L1). The second electrical circuit (L2) of the opening/closing unit (3) attached to the sensor adapter (2) is electrically connected to the corresponding first electrical circuit (L1) among the multiple first electrical circuits (L1) and forms part of the specific branch circuit (B1). The determination unit (23) individually determines the presence or absence of an abnormality for each of the multiple branch circuits (B1). The output unit (24) outputs a shutoff signal (S1) to the opening and closing unit (3) corresponding to the branch circuit (B1) determined to have an abnormality among the multiple branch circuits (B1).

According to the above aspect, a single sensor adapter (2) can shut off multiple opening/closing units (3) in the event of an abnormality. Therefore, when multiple opening/closing units (3) are used, the number of parts in the opening/closing system (1) as a whole can be reduced.

Regarding the switching system (1) according to the twelfth aspect, in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the first electric circuit (L1) includes three electric circuits corresponding to a single-phase three-wire system. The switching unit (3) further includes a switching mechanism (D1) that can switch between a first connection mode and a second connection mode, among the three electric circuits, for the connection mode of the second electric circuit (L2) to the first electric circuit (L1), in response to a predetermined operation. The first connection mode is a mode in which the L1-phase and L2-phase electric circuits corresponding to a voltage of a first effective value are electrically connected. The second connection mode is a mode in which the L1-phase and N-phase electric circuits corresponding to a voltage of a second effective value different from the first effective value are electrically connected.

The above aspect provides a more versatile opening and closing unit (3).

The opening/closing unit (3) according to the thirteenth aspect is applied to the opening/closing system (1) according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects. The opening/closing unit (3) is detachably attached to the sensor adapter (2).

The above aspect provides an opening/closing unit (3) that is less subject to storage space constraints when adding detection functions.

The sensor adapter (2) according to the fourteenth aspect is applied to the opening and closing system (1) according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects. The sensor adapter (2) is detachably attached to the opening and closing unit (3).

The above aspect provides a sensor adapter (2) that is less subject to storage space constraints when adding detection functions.

A distribution board system (100) according to a fifteenth aspect includes a switching system (1) according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects and a distribution board (4). A plurality of sensor adapters (2) and a plurality of switching units (3) are provided. The plurality of sensor adapters (2) are arranged within the distribution board (4) in a manner fixed to the electrical circuit bars (41) of the distribution board (4).

The above aspect provides a distribution board system (100) that is less subject to space constraints when adding detection functions.

The configurations according to the second to twelfth aspects are not essential to the opening and closing system (1) and may be omitted as appropriate.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Switching system 2 Sensor adapter 20 First body 201 Primary side terminal 202 Secondary side terminal 21 Detection section 23 Determination section 24 Output section 3 Switching unit 30 Second body 301 Unit terminal 31 Input section 32 Switching section 33 Short circuit detection section 4 Distribution board 41 Electrical circuit bar 5 Power supply section 501 (of power supply section) Terminal 100 Distribution board system A1 First electric circuit connection section A2 Second electric circuit connection section B1 Branch circuit C1 Specific circuit D1 Switching mechanism L1 First electric circuit L2 Second electric circuit P1 Contact S1 Shut-off signal

Claims (14)

A sensor adapter;
an opening/closing unit that is detachably attached to the sensor adapter,
The sensor adapter includes:
The first circuit,
a detection unit that detects a physical quantity related to electricity in the first electric path;
a determination unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on the physical quantity;
an output unit that outputs a cutoff signal to the opening/closing unit in accordance with a determination result of the determination unit;
a first housing that houses or holds the first electrical path, the detection unit, the determination unit, and the output unit,
The opening and closing unit includes:
a second electric circuit that constitutes a part of a specific circuit;
an input unit to which the interruption signal is input;
an opening/closing unit that switches the second electric circuit from a conductive state to a cut-off state by opening a contact inserted in the second electric circuit in response to the cut-off signal input to the input unit;
a second body that houses or holds the second electric circuit, the input unit, and the opening/closing unit, and is connected to the first body in a manner that the interruption signal can be transmitted from the output unit to the input unit ,
the first electric circuit includes a multi-phase electric circuit;
the detection unit is configured to be able to detect, as the physical quantity, a current flowing through each of the multiple-phase electric paths;
Opening and closing system. A sensor adapter;
an opening/closing unit that is detachably attached to the sensor adapter,
The sensor adapter includes:
The first circuit,
a detection unit that detects a physical quantity related to electricity in the first electric path;
a determination unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on the physical quantity;
an output unit that outputs a cutoff signal to the opening/closing unit in accordance with a determination result of the determination unit;
a first housing that houses or holds the first electrical path, the detection unit, the determination unit, and the output unit,
The opening and closing unit includes:
a second electric circuit that constitutes a part of a specific circuit;
an input unit to which the interruption signal is input;
an opening/closing unit that switches the second electric circuit from a conductive state to a cut-off state by opening a contact inserted in the second electric circuit in response to the cut-off signal input to the input unit;
a second body that houses or holds the second electric circuit, the input unit, and the opening/closing unit, and is connected to the first body in a manner that the interruption signal can be transmitted from the output unit to the input unit,
A plurality of the sensor adapters are provided,
The plurality of sensor adapters are different from one another in the types of abnormality determined by the determination unit,
the opening/closing unit is selectively attached to any one of the plurality of sensor adapters;
Opening and closing system. A sensor adapter;
an opening/closing unit that is detachably attached to the sensor adapter,
The sensor adapter includes:
The first circuit,
a detection unit that detects a physical quantity related to electricity in the first electric path;
a determination unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on the physical quantity;
an output unit that outputs a cutoff signal to the opening/closing unit in accordance with a determination result of the determination unit;
a first housing that houses or holds the first electrical path, the detection unit, the determination unit, and the output unit,
The opening and closing unit includes:
a second electric circuit that constitutes a part of a specific circuit;
an input unit to which the interruption signal is input;
an opening/closing unit that switches the second electric circuit from a conductive state to a cut-off state by opening a contact inserted in the second electric circuit in response to the cut-off signal input to the input unit;
a second body that houses or holds the second electric circuit, the input unit, and the opening/closing unit, and is connected to the first body in a manner that the interruption signal can be transmitted from the output unit to the input unit,
the switching unit further includes a short circuit detection unit disposed in the second electric circuit for detecting a short circuit current,
The opening/closing unit opens the contacts when the short-circuit current is detected by the short-circuit detection unit.
Opening and closing system. A sensor adapter;
an opening and closing unit detachably attached to the sensor adapter,
The sensor adapter includes:
The first circuit,
a detection unit that detects a physical quantity related to electricity in the first electric path;
a determination unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on the physical quantity;
an output unit that outputs a cutoff signal to the opening/closing unit in accordance with a determination result of the determination unit;
a first housing that houses or holds the first electrical path, the detection unit, the determination unit, and the output unit,
The opening and closing unit includes:
a second electric circuit that constitutes a part of a specific circuit;
an input unit to which the interruption signal is input;
an opening/closing unit that switches the second electric circuit from a conductive state to a cut-off state by opening a contact inserted in the second electric circuit in response to the cut-off signal input to the input unit;
a second body that houses or holds the second electric circuit, the input unit, and the opening/closing unit, and is connected to the first body in a manner that the interruption signal can be transmitted from the output unit to the input unit,
the sensor adapter further includes a primary terminal disposed at one end of the first electrical path and a secondary terminal disposed at the other end of the first electrical path;
the opening/closing unit further includes a unit terminal disposed at one end of the second electrical path,
the primary terminal is configured to be connected to a terminal of a primary power supply;
the unit terminal is configured to be connected to the secondary side terminal,
The opening and closing system has a structure that prevents the unit terminal from being connected to the terminal of the power supply unit.
Opening and closing system. A sensor adapter;
an opening/closing unit that is detachably attached to the sensor adapter,
The sensor adapter includes:
The first circuit,
a detection unit that detects a physical quantity related to electricity in the first electric path;
a determination unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on the physical quantity;
an output unit that outputs a cutoff signal to the opening/closing unit in accordance with a determination result of the determination unit;
a first housing that houses or holds the first electrical path, the detection unit, the determination unit, and the output unit,
The opening and closing unit includes:
a second electric circuit that constitutes a part of a specific circuit;
an input unit to which the interruption signal is input;
an opening/closing unit that switches the second electric circuit from a conductive state to a cut-off state by opening a contact inserted in the second electric circuit in response to the cut-off signal input to the input unit;
a second body that houses or holds the second electric circuit, the input unit, and the opening/closing unit, and is connected to the first body in a manner that the interruption signal can be transmitted from the output unit to the input unit,
The sensor adapter is disposed in the distribution board in a manner in which the first electric circuit is fixed to an electric circuit bar of the distribution board.
Opening and closing system. A sensor adapter;
an opening/closing unit that is detachably attached to the sensor adapter,
The sensor adapter includes:
The first circuit,
a detection unit that detects a physical quantity related to electricity in the first electric path;
a determination unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on the physical quantity;
an output unit that outputs a cutoff signal to the opening/closing unit in accordance with a determination result of the determination unit;
a first housing that houses or holds the first electrical path, the detection unit, the determination unit, and the output unit,
The opening and closing unit includes:
a second electric circuit that constitutes a part of a specific circuit;
an input unit to which the interruption signal is input;
an opening/closing unit that switches the second electric circuit from a conductive state to a cut-off state by opening a contact inserted in the second electric circuit in response to the cut-off signal input to the input unit;
a second body that houses or holds the second electric circuit, the input unit, and the opening/closing unit, and is connected to the first body in a manner that the interruption signal can be transmitted from the output unit to the input unit,
the specific circuit is one specific branch circuit among a plurality of branch circuits,
The sensor adapter includes:
A plurality of the opening/closing units are configured to be simultaneously mountable,
a plurality of the first electric circuits corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of branch circuits, respectively; and a plurality of the detection units configured to detect the physical quantities in the plurality of first electric circuits, respectively;
the second electric circuit of the opening/closing unit attached to the sensor adapter is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of first electric circuits to form a part of the specific branch circuit;
the determination unit determines whether or not an abnormality exists for each of the plurality of branch circuits;
the output unit outputs the interruption signal to the opening/closing unit corresponding to a branch circuit determined to have an abnormality among the plurality of branch circuits.
Opening and closing system. A sensor adapter;
an opening/closing unit that is detachably attached to the sensor adapter,
The sensor adapter includes:
The first circuit,
a detection unit that detects a physical quantity related to electricity in the first electric path;
a determination unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on the physical quantity;
an output unit that outputs a cutoff signal to the opening/closing unit in accordance with a determination result of the determination unit;
a first housing that houses or holds the first electrical path, the detection unit, the determination unit, and the output unit,
The opening and closing unit includes:
a second electric circuit that constitutes a part of a specific circuit;
an input unit to which the interruption signal is input;
an opening/closing unit that switches the second electric circuit from a conductive state to a cut-off state by opening a contact inserted in the second electric circuit in response to the cut-off signal input to the input unit;
a second body that houses or holds the second electric circuit, the input unit, and the opening/closing unit, and is connected to the first body in a manner that the interruption signal can be transmitted from the output unit to the input unit,
The first electric circuit includes three electric circuits corresponding to a single-phase three-wire system,
The opening/closing unit further includes a switching mechanism that can switch, in response to a predetermined operation, a connection mode of the second electric circuit to the first electric circuit between a first connection mode in which the first electric circuit is electrically connected to the electric circuits of L1 phase and L2 phase corresponding to a voltage of a first effective value among the three electric circuits, and a second connection mode in which the first electric circuit is electrically connected to the electric circuits of L1 phase and N phase corresponding to a voltage of a second effective value different from the first effective value.
Opening and closing system. the specific circuit is one specific branch circuit among a plurality of branch circuits,
the first electric circuit and the second electric circuit are electrically connected to each other in a state in which the opening/closing unit is attached to the sensor adapter, and form a part of the specific branch circuit.
The opening and closing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. the sensor adapter is detachably attached to the primary power supply section with the opening/closing unit still attached, and the first electric circuit and the second electric circuit constitute a part of the specific branch circuit;
The opening and closing system according to claim 8. The abnormality determined by the determination unit is the occurrence of at least one of a short circuit current, an overload current, a leakage current, an overvoltage, and an arc discharge.
The opening and closing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The sensor adapter further includes a first electrical path connection portion,
The opening and closing unit further includes a second electrical path connection portion that is detachably connected to the first electrical path connection portion to electrically connect the first electrical path and the second electrical path,
The connection between the first electrical path connection portion and the second electrical path connection portion is configured to be achieved simultaneously with the connection between the output portion and the input portion.
The opening and closing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The opening and closing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is applied to the opening and closing system,
The sensor adapter is detachably attached to the sensor adapter.
Opening and closing unit. The opening and closing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is applied to the opening and closing system,
Removably attached to the opening/closing unit,
Sensor adapter. An opening and closing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7;
Distribution board and
Equipped with
a plurality of the sensor adapters and a plurality of the opening/closing units are provided;
The plurality of sensor adapters are arranged in the distribution board in a manner fixed to electrical wiring bars of the distribution board.
Distribution board system.