JP2022033375A - Panelboard - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a panelboard having high convenience.

SOLUTION: A panelboard 100 is provided with: a trunk switch 110 in which a cable way is blocked through trip operation during abnormality in an electric conduction state; and a plurality of branch switches 130 connected to the output side of the trunk switch 110. The panelboard 100 is further provided with a branch electric conduction detection unit 140 in which presence or absence of abnormality in the electric conduction state in the branch switches 130 is detected to output a branch electric conduction signal D2. The branch switches 130 have a branch relay 131 electrically controlling switching of the cable way based on the branch electric conduction signal D2. Furthermore, a communication unit which transmits the detection result of the branch electric conduction detection unit to the outside is included.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a distribution board used in a house or the like.

A general distribution board is composed of a main switch (main branch circuit breaker in Patent Document 1) and a plurality of branch switches (branch circuit breaker in Patent Document 1) housed in a body. There is. A cover is provided on the front side of the body, and a window hole is formed in the cover to expose the boss portion in which the operation lever, which is the operation portion of the main switch, the branch switch, etc., is arranged. (For example, Patent Document 1).

In such a general distribution board, when an abnormality such as an overcurrent or an electric leakage of the main switch and the branch switch is detected, the operation lever (in Patent Document 2, the operation handle) tilts or stands up to form a circuit. It is designed to perform a trip operation to cut off. In this way, since the circuit is cut off by mechanical operation, for example, it is necessary to replace the main switch or the branch switch when a failure occurs. Generally, the rated capacity (rated voltage, rated current, etc.) of the branch switch is set smaller than that of the main switch. Further, for example, a plurality of load devices using a large current (for example, a microwave oven, a dryer, etc.) may be connected to a single branch switch. Under these circumstances, the branch switch has a larger number of connection / disconnection operations due to trip operations and user operations than the main switch, and its replacement frequency is higher than that of the main switch. Tend.

Patent Document 2 discloses a distribution board in which a branch switch (in Patent Document 2, a branch breaker) can be easily replaced. In this device, the branch switch is detachably mounted on the breaker mounting plate, and the power measuring instrument and the signal output end of the branch switch are wired through a gap formed on the back side of the mounting plate. .. As a result, the wiring does not get in the way when replacing the branch switch that needs to be replaced due to a failure or the like.

Further, in Patent Document 3, a plurality of branch switches (branch breakers in Patent Document 3) arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction on both sides in the lateral direction of the base stand, and a main held on the base stand. A distribution board with a display unit disposed on a bar is disclosed. The display unit has a plurality of LEDs arranged adjacent to the corresponding branch breakers. In the distribution board of Patent Document 3, the LED of the display unit lights up or blinks according to the comparison between the preset current threshold value and the current value detected by the current sensor.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-78120 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-20723 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-136280

However, in the conventional distribution board as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, there is a problem that the size of the distribution board increases depending on the number of main switches and branch switches. That is, for example, there is a problem that the size of the distribution board needs to be increased as the number of branch switches increases with the increase in the number of load devices used indoors. If the number of branch switches to be added exceeds the number of branch switches specified based on the size of the existing distribution board when adding branch switches in an existing house, etc., add a distribution board ( It is necessary to add) or replace it with a distribution board that is larger in size than the existing distribution board.

Further, since the conventional branch switch is a thermal electromagnetic system including, for example, a bimetal or the like as a component, heat is generated by an energizing current. In order to mitigate the influence of this heat generation, that is, to secure the cooling effect, it is necessary to secure the arrangement interval of the branch switches and the surrounding space, and in the conventional distribution board, it is not possible to reduce the size. It's not easy.

Further, as described above, the branch switch needs to be replaced at predetermined intervals, for example, and the replacement frequency is higher than that of the main switch. Since the distribution board is often installed in a relatively dark and high position such as the entrance or the ceiling of the toilet, there is a problem that the replacement work of the branch switch is troublesome.

To solve these problems, it is conceivable to replace both the main switch and the branch switch with an electrically controlled unit such as a relay (for example, a latch relay or a semiconductor relay). Compared to the main switch and branch switch used in existing distribution boards, these units generate less heat due to the energizing current, and the size of the elements that make up each unit can also be reduced. Therefore, even when the number of branch switches increases, the main switch and the branch switch can be housed in a case of a certain size.

However, when a relay is used for the main switch and the branch switch, for example, the drive unit of the relay is broken while the energized state is maintained, so that the energized state is maintained unless the relay is removed, that is, the load side. A failure may occur in which current continues to flow. Considering that a voltage of, for example, about 100 V to 200 V is applied to the distribution board and a current of, for example, about 20 A to 100 A flows, such a configuration having a possibility of continuing the energized state is not preferable.

Further, in the conventional distribution board, when the main switch or the branch switch is cut off due to an overcurrent or an electric leakage, there is a problem that it is unclear which branch switch is cut off for what reason. For example, Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for displaying the usage status of a branch switch by lighting a light emitting diode, but does not disclose a method for notifying the cause of interruption when the branch switch is interrupted. Further, since the distribution board is often provided at a relatively dark and high position such as the entrance or the ceiling of the toilet, the number of branch switches has increased by the display method as disclosed in Patent Document 3. In some cases, there is a problem that it is difficult to identify the blocked branch switch. In particular, in a situation where a power failure or the like occurs and the surroundings are dark, there is a problem that it is difficult to distinguish a branched switch that has been shut off.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a main object thereof is to provide a distribution board with improved convenience while ensuring the safety of the distribution board.

The distribution board according to the present invention has a main switch that cuts off the electric connection by trip operation when there is an abnormality in the energization state, and a branch switch that cuts off the electric connection by controlling the relay based on the branch energization signal. It is configured by connecting with.

That is, in the first aspect of the present invention, the distribution board includes a main switch and a plurality of branch switches connected to the output side of the main switch. Further, the distribution board is provided with a branch energization detection unit that detects the presence or absence of an abnormality in the energization state of the branch switch and outputs a branch energization signal. Then, when there is an abnormality in the energization state of the main switch, the main switch cuts off the electric circuit of the main switch by a trip operation, and the branch switch receives the branch energization signal and the branch energization. It has a switching unit that electrically controls the opening and closing of the electric circuit of the branch switch based on the signal. Further, it is provided with a communication unit that transmits the detection result of the branch energization detection unit to the outside.

According to this aspect, the main switch shuts off the electric circuit by the trip operation, that is, the electric circuit is cut off by mechanical means, so that the electric circuit is safely and surely cut off when there is an abnormality in the energized state of the branch switch. can do. On the other hand, the branch switch opens and closes (connects / disconnects) the electric circuit by the electric control of the switching unit based on the branch energization signal. In general, such an electrically controlled switching unit has a longer life and can be miniaturized as compared with a device that cuts off an electric circuit by mechanical means. Therefore, the distribution board according to the present disclosure has a longer life and can be downsized as compared with the case where the distribution board is entirely configured by mechanical means. Further, the electrically controlled switching unit can suppress heat generation as compared with a device that cuts off an electric circuit by mechanical means. Therefore, it is not necessary to secure a space between each branch switch and a peripheral space for ensuring the cooling effect, and the distribution board can be miniaturized. Further, the switching unit by electric control can be mounted on a board such as a printed circuit board. For example, by preparing a board on which a plurality of branch switches and their wirings are mounted in advance, at the time of construction. It is possible to facilitate the installation work of the distribution board and the parts replacement work in the above.

In the second aspect of the present invention, in the distribution board according to the first aspect, the state of the branch switch is displayed, and the touch panel that receives the operation of the user at the display portion and the branch are branched based on the operation to the touch panel. It is equipped with a control unit that outputs an open / close control signal that controls the on / off connection of the electric circuit of the switch to the switching unit. The switching unit controls the opening / closing of the electric circuit of the branch switch based on at least one of the branch energization signal and the open / close control signal.

According to this aspect, it has a touch panel capable of on / off control of the connection of the electric circuit of the branch switch in response to the operation of the user. The touch panel can add a display, display multiple pieces of information in layers, change the layout and display, etc., and use the connection information of the electric circuit of the branch switch, the energized state of the branch switch, etc. It can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner. Furthermore, it is also possible to display information other than the distribution board on the touch panel. Specifically, for example, a distribution board according to this embodiment is installed in a kitchen or the like, and in a steady state, instead of displaying information about the distribution board, information such as a television or the Internet can be displayed, or a user on the Internet. It is possible to search by (search for recipes, etc.).

Further, the distribution board according to the second aspect includes a housing in which a main switch and a plurality of branch switches are housed, and the touch panel is arranged so as to be operable from the surface of the housing. Has an operation lever configured so that the connection of the electric circuit of the main switch can be controlled on and off, and the operation lever is arranged on the left side of the touch panel so as to be exposed to the outside of the housing. It may be configured so that it can be operated from outside the body.

According to this aspect, the operating lever of the main switch is operably exposed on the left surface of the housing. In general, the distribution board is often provided at a relatively dark and high position such as the entrance or the ceiling of the toilet, so that the space in the left-right direction of the housing is often limited. In this embodiment, a space corresponding to the area of the touch panel is formed on the right side of the operation lever. As a result, it is possible to facilitate the operation by the right hand with respect to the operation lever that requires the tilting or standing operation by the user.

Further, the distribution board is provided with a main trunk energization detection unit that detects the energization state of the main switch and outputs a main trunk energization signal. Then, when at least one of the energized state of the branch switch based on the branch energization signal and the energized state of the main switch based on the main main energization signal is in the energized abnormal state, the control unit is in the energized abnormal state. This may be displayed on the touch panel.

According to this aspect, the user energizes the switch in addition to the information of the switch controlled on / off (the main switch and the branch switch may be collectively referred to as a switch; the same shall apply hereinafter). It is possible to instantly and clearly grasp the switch in an abnormal state. Further, for example, as the energization abnormal state received from the branch energization signal, the control unit is set to read the information of the content of the energization abnormality in addition to the presence or absence of the energization abnormality, thereby determining the type of the abnormal state. Can be displayed. By displaying such a display, the user can grasp the next necessary action, work, and the like. Specifically, for example, it is possible to instantly grasp whether the abnormality can be solved by the resident by himself / herself or whether the abnormality requires a report to a qualified person such as an electric power company or an electrician.

Further, in the distribution board, the touch panel may display the information indicating the switch in the energized abnormal state in a more conspicuous manner than other information in the display of the energized abnormal state.

By highlighting and displaying the abnormal energization state more conspicuously than other information as in this embodiment, it is possible to more easily, instantly, and clearly grasp the switch in the abnormal energization state. As a result, the user can more easily and instantly grasp the next necessary action, work, and the like. By displaying such a display, the user can grasp the next necessary action, work, etc., and carry out the return work of the switch. It should be noted that displaying the information in a more conspicuous manner than other information is a concept including completely omitting the other information and displaying the abnormality notification information in a conspicuous manner on the display unit.

Further, in the distribution board, a housing in which a main switch and a plurality of branch switches are housed is provided integrally with the housing, and the inside and outside of the housing can be electrically connected. It may be characterized by having a load-side connector connected to the load-side wiring of each branch switch in the body.

According to this aspect, the load-side wiring of each branch switch is connected to the load-side connector, that is, is configured to be connectable to an external load device via the load-side connector. As a result, for example, when constructing a new distribution board, in the conventional distribution board, it is necessary to connect the wiring of the load device to each branch switch, whereas in this embodiment, it is necessary to connect the wiring of the load device. Construction can be performed by connecting the connector on the load device side connected to the wiring of the load device to the connector on the load side provided integrally with the housing of the distribution board. This improves the workability of construction. Further, for example, when there is a failure of the branch switch or a change in the wiring of the connected device, the wiring to the connector on the load device side is changed without changing the wiring in the distribution board to branch from the load device. You can change the connection with the switch.

Further, in the distribution board, a housing in which a main switch and a plurality of branch switches are housed is provided integrally with the housing, and the inside and outside of the housing can be electrically connected. A battery that is connected to the power supply side connector connected to the input side of the main switchboard in the body and supplies power to at least one of the control unit and the touch panel when the main switchboard is shut off. It may be characterized by having and.

According to this aspect, the battery is connected to the power supply side connector. That is, it is connected to an external power supply via the power supply side connector without going through the main switch. With such a configuration, even when the main switch is cut off, the external power supply is supplied. The battery will be charged if it is powered by. This makes it possible to operate the control unit and the touch panel even when, for example, a power failure occurs or the main switch is shut off for a long period of time (for example, absent for a long period of time, moving, etc.).

According to the present invention, a main switch that shuts off the electric circuit by a trip operation when there is an abnormality in the energized state is provided, and the electric circuit of the branch switch is opened and closed by electric control to ensure safety and minute. The convenience of the electric board can be improved.

It is a perspective view of the distribution board which concerns on embodiment, (a) is the perspective view seen from the diagonally upper right side, and (b) is the perspective view seen from the diagonally lower right side. It is a perspective view seen from the diagonally upper right side with the cover of the distribution board which concerns on embodiment removed. It is a figure which showed the circuit structure example of the distribution board which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the connection between a branch relay and a branch relay connection part. It is a flow chart which shows the initial energization diagnosis flow of a main switch. It is a flow diagram of ON diagnosis of a main switch. It is a flow diagram of ON diagnosis of a main switch. It is a flow diagram of ON diagnosis of a branch relay. It is a flow diagram of ON diagnosis of a branch relay when an ON / OFF operation of a branch relay is performed. It is a flow chart of the steady state diagnosis of a main switch. It is a flow chart of the steady state diagnosis of a main switch. It is a flow chart of the steady state diagnosis of a main switch. It is a flow diagram of the steady state diagnosis of a branch relay. It is a flow chart of a peak cut process. It is a figure which showed the display example of the touch panel in a steady state. It is a figure which showed an example of the initial display screen of a touch panel. It is a figure which showed the display example of the touch panel in the abnormal state of the main switch. It is a figure which showed the display example of the touch panel in the abnormal state of a branch relay. It is a figure which showed the other circuit configuration example of the distribution board which concerns on embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following description of preferred embodiments is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the invention, its scope of application or its use. Further, in order to facilitate the understanding of the invention, the description of substantially the same or similar matters may be omitted.

(Composition of distribution board)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a distribution board according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view seen from diagonally upper right with the distribution board cover removed, and FIG. 3 shows an example of a circuit configuration of the distribution board. It is a figure.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the distribution board 100 has a main switch 110 that receives power supplied from an external power source, and a main current energization detection unit that includes a main current measuring unit 121 and a main abnormality detecting unit 122, which will be described later. A plurality of branch switches 130 connected to the load device side of the main switch 110 via the unit 120 and the branch relay connection unit 123, and a rectangular box-shaped housing 101 for accommodating these are provided. The branch switch 130 includes a branch relay 131 as a switching unit. In the present embodiment, the branch relay 131 will be described as being a latch relay.

The branch relay 131 is not limited to the latch relay, and may be another relay such as a semiconductor relay (see “Other Embodiments” and FIG. 19 described later). Further, as the switching unit, switching of opening and closing of the electric circuit may be performed by using a switching means other than the relay, for example, a switching means of the non-contact power supply system. In the present disclosure, the term "relay" is a concept including a contact relay, a non-contact relay, and a hybrid type relay in which a contact relay and a non-contact relay are combined.

The housing 101 includes a rectangular box-shaped box 101a in which a main switch 110, a branch relay 131, and the like are arranged and whose front surface is open, and a cover 101b that covers the opening of the box 101a. The box 101a is attached to a wall surface or the like with screws, hooks (not shown) or the like. Further, the box 101a and the cover 101b are screwed (not shown), for example, on the side surface in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in FIG. 1).

The place to be screwed and fixed may be, for example, screwed and fixed from the front side of the cover 101b. Further, a fitting portion (not shown) may be provided in the box 101a or the cover 101b, and the box 101a and the cover 101b may be fixed by fitting the fitting portion. In the description of the present embodiment, "front" refers to the cover 101b side, and "rear" refers to the box 101a side.

A touch panel 200 is provided on the front surface of the cover 101b so as to extend from the right end portion to the left side in the middle of the left and right sides of the cover 101b between the upper end and the lower end. A home button 104 for returning the touch panel 200 to the initial display state is provided in the vertical intermediate portion on the left side of the touch panel 200 on the front surface of the cover 101b.

Further, in the middle portion on the left side of the home button 104 in the vertical direction, a rectangular through hole 102a is formed so as to be slightly larger than the size of the main protruding portion 112 of the main switch 110, which will be described later, and penetrates in the front-rear direction. ing. As a result, when the cover 101b is attached to the box 101a, the main protrusion 112 of the main switch 110 and the operation lever 113 described later are exposed to the outside of the cover 101b. Similarly, in the portion of the cover 101b near the lower end on the left side of the touch panel 200, the battery display unit 161, the microphone 162, and the speaker 163, which will be described later, are each exposed to the outside, so that they are formed slightly larger than these sizes. Rectangular through holes 102b, 102c, 102d penetrating in the front-rear direction are provided. Further, a power button 103 for controlling the on / off of the touch panel 200 is provided at the right end of the lower surface of the cover 101b.

As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply side connector 151 and the load side connector 156 are integrally projected on both sides of the upper surface of the box 101a in the longitudinal direction so as to face upward from the box 101a. The power supply side connector 151 has a plurality of connection terminals configured to enable electrical connection inside and outside the housing 101, and is configured to be connectable to the connector 301a of the connection cable 301 connected to the external power supply. The connection terminal of the power supply side connector 151 is connected to the input terminal of the main switch 110 inside the housing 101. With such a configuration, the main switch 110 is connected to an external power source via the power supply side connector 151 and the connection cable 301.

The main switch 110 has a rectangular box-shaped main base portion 111, a rectangular box-shaped main trunk protruding portion 112 integrally projected on the front side of the main base portion 111, and a penetration formed in the main trunk protruding portion 112. It is provided with an operation lever 113 that is projected from the window to the front side and is configured to be able to turn on / off the connection / disconnection of the electric circuit of the main switch 110 in response to the user's standing / tilting operation. Further, the main switch 110 includes an electric circuit cutoff mechanism (not shown) configured to open and close the electric circuit of the main switch 110 by a trip operation. The electric circuit cutoff mechanism is composed of an electromagnetic instantaneous tripping device, a bimetal type time-extended tripping device, a trip coil, etc., and is a load device for the main switch 110 for overcurrent, short-circuit current, electric leakage, overvoltage, etc. It is a mechanism that automatically shuts off the electric circuit of the main switch 110 (hereinafter, also referred to as trip operation) when there is an abnormality in the energization state on the side.

The main trunk energization detection unit 120 includes a main trunk current measurement unit 121 and a main trunk abnormality detection unit 122, detects the presence or absence of an abnormality in the energization state of the main trunk switch 110, and indicates the detection result of the main trunk energization signal D1. Is output. The main current measuring unit 121 is for detecting a short circuit and an overcurrent, and specifically, measures the current flowing through the electric circuit (for example, JP-A-2000-299934, JP-A-2008-131765). (See), and the measurement result is output as the main current signal D11. The main abnormality detection unit 122 is for detecting overvoltage and electric leakage, and specifically, measures the electric leakage current based on the voltage and the detection signal from the current transformer provided in the electric circuit (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-081928), the measurement result is output as the main abnormality signal D12. In the present disclosure, the main trunk energization signal D1 refers to both or one of the main trunk current signal D11 and the main trunk abnormality signal D12.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the branch relay connection unit 123 is connected to the load device side of the main trunk energization detection unit 120, and is supplied from an external power source via the main switch 110 and the main trunk energization detection unit 120. The generated power is branched and output to each branch relay 131. Specifically, the branch relay connection portion 123 is a rectangular body extending in the longitudinal direction of the box 101a in the middle in the vertical direction on the right side of the box 101a, and the branch relay connection portion 123 has both sides in the vertical direction. The terminal insertion ports 123a are formed side by side at a predetermined pitch in the longitudinal direction of the branch relay connection portion 123. The terminal insertion port 123a corresponds to the N-pole terminal insertion port 123b formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the box 101a at a predetermined pitch on the front side of the branch relay connection portion 123, and each N-pole terminal insertion port 123b. As described above, on the rear side of the branch relay connection portion 123, the L pole terminal insertion port 123c is formed so as to be arranged side by side at a predetermined pitch in the longitudinal direction of the box 101a.

The plurality of branch relays 131 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the box 101a on both sides of the branch relay connection portion 123 in the vertical direction. Each branch relay 131 includes two primary-side N-pole terminals 131b and two primary-side L-pole terminals 131c projecting from one side surface thereof, and each branch relay 131 has two primary-side N-pole terminals 131b. And the primary side L pole terminal 131c is connected to the branch relay connection portion 123 by inserting it into the N pole terminal insertion port 123b and the L pole terminal insertion port 123c of the branch relay connection portion 123.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a branch energization detection unit 140 is disposed on the load device side of each branch relay 131, and the load device side wiring of each branch energization detection unit 140 is a load side connector, respectively. It is connected to 156. The load-side connector 156 is configured to be connectable to the connector 302a of the connection cable 302 connected to the external load devices A, B, and C.

The branch energization detection unit 140 includes a branch current measurement unit 141 and a branch abnormality detection unit 142, detects the presence or absence of an abnormality in the energization state of the branch switch 130, and indicates the detection result of the branch energization signal D2. Is output. The branch current measuring unit 141 is for detecting a short-circuit current and an overcurrent, and specifically, measures the current flowing through the electric circuit (for example, JP-A-2000-299934, JP-A-2008-131765). (Refer to the publication), and the measurement result is output as a branch current signal D21. The branch abnormality detecting unit 142 is for tracking and detecting an electric leakage, specifically, measuring a voltage and measuring an electric leakage current based on a detection signal from a current transformer provided in the electric circuit (for example,). , JP-A-2009-081928), and the measurement result is output as a branch abnormality signal D22. In the present disclosure, the branch energization signal D2 refers to both or one of the branch current signal D21 and the branch abnormality signal D22.

The distribution board 100 is connected to the power supply side connector 151 in the box 101a, detects that the power supply to the main switch 110 is cut off due to a power failure or the like, and outputs a power failure detection signal D3 based on the detection result. The power failure detection unit 152, the battery 153 connected to an external power source via the power supply side connector 151 and the power failure detection unit 152, the signal processing unit 154 as a control unit, and the remaining amount of the battery 153 are equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. A battery display unit 161 indicating that, a microphone 162, a speaker 163, a communication unit 164 that enables communication with the outside of the device, and a panel input / output unit 165 that exchanges signals between the touch panel 200 and the touch panel 200. It is equipped with.

The battery 153 is connected to the signal processing unit 154, the panel input / output unit 165, and the touch panel 200, and the signal processing unit 154, the panel input / output unit 165, and the touch panel 200 are supplied with power from an external power source via the battery 153. Receive. This allows the user to check and operate the display of the touch panel 200 even during a power failure, for example. The signal processing unit 154 is also connected to the load device side of the main trunk energization detection unit 120, and power may be supplied via the main switch 110 and the main main current detection unit 120 during steady operation.

The battery 153 is connected to an external power source via the power supply side connector 151 and the power failure detection unit 152 as described above, that is, is connected to the input side of the main switch 110. With such a configuration, even when the main switch 110 is shut off, the battery 153 is charged if the electric power from the external power source is supplied. For example, even when the main switch 110 is shut off for a long period of time (for example, absent for a long period of time, moving, etc.), the operation by the touch panel 200 or the touch panel is performed before the operation lever 113 of the main switch 110 is operated "ON". It is possible to carry out display on 200 and the like. The battery 153 may be connected to only one of the signal processing unit 154 and the touch panel 200, or may be connected to another block, for example, a microphone 162 or a speaker 163, to provide an emergency power source for these. May be used as.

The signal processing unit 154 has a function of controlling each block in the distribution board 100. For example, the signal processing unit 154 monitors the charging state of the battery 153 and performs charging control such as stopping charging when the battery is fully charged, or when the remaining amount of the battery 153 becomes less than a predetermined threshold value and thereafter exceeds the threshold value. When the remaining amount is restored, a display control signal is output to the battery display unit 161. The battery display unit 161 is configured by using, for example, a magnetic inversion display element, and receives a signal from the signal processing unit 154 to switch the display. With such a configuration, the battery display unit 161 can continuously display that the remaining amount of the battery 153 is less than the threshold value even after the signal from the signal processing unit 154 is stopped.

Further, for example, the signal processing unit 154 receives the main main energization signal D1 of the main main energization detection unit 120, the branch energization signal D2 of the branch energization detection unit 140, and the power failure detection signal D3 of the power failure detection unit 152, and receives the main main energization signal D1. Based on the branch energization signal D2 and the power failure detection signal D3, the display contents of the touch panel 200 are controlled via the panel input / output unit 165, the notification of alarm information and the like from the speaker 163 is controlled, and the communication unit 164 is controlled. The detection result is transmitted via. Further, the signal processing unit 154 controls on / off the connection of the electric circuit of the branch switch 130 based on the operation input information from the touch panel 200, the voice input information from the microphone 162, and the branch energization signal D2 of the branch energization detection unit 140. That is, the open / close control signal CS1 that controls the on / off of the branch relay 131 is output to the branch relay 131 to control the open / close of the electric circuit of the branch switch 130 (branch relay 131). In the following description, the signal processing unit 154 controls the screen display of the touch panel 200 via the panel input / output unit 165, and receives the operation information of the touch panel 200 via the panel input / output unit 165. , The description of passing through the panel input / output unit 165 may be omitted.

(Diagnosis of the energization status of the distribution board)
Next, the diagnostic flow of the energization status of the distribution board 100 (for example, the diagnostic flow of the presence or absence of abnormalities such as short circuit, overcurrent, electric leakage, overvoltage, tracking, etc.) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Initial energization diagnosis of main switch>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a diagnostic flow when the main switch 110 is "ON" operated, that is, when the operation lever 113 of the main switch 110 is "ON" operated. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the rated current of the main switch 110 is, for example, 60 A, and the rated current of the branch relay 131 is, for example, 20 A. It should be noted that this rated current is a value exemplified for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and has no intention of limiting the technical scope of the invention. Also in the following description, specific numerical values such as rated current value, rated voltage value, duration, etc. are exemplified values for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and have the intention of limiting the technical scope of the invention. It's not a thing.

First, when the operation lever 113 of the main switch 110 is "ON" operated, the flow proceeds from step SM11 to step SM12, and the signal processing unit 154 starts "ON diagnosis of the main switch" described later. Then, if there is no abnormality in the diagnosis result of "ON diagnosis of the main switch", the flow proceeds from step SM13 to step SM14, and the signal processing unit 154 causes the touch panel 200 to display a steady screen. At this time, the signal processing unit 154 sets the brightness of the display of the touch panel 200 to brightness 1 (steady display) (SM15), and ends the processing.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example of the touch panel 200 in a steady state. FIG. 15A shows a display example showing the energized state (ON / OFF state) of each branch switch 130 in the steady state by using the same image diagram as the operation lever of the conventional distribution board. In 15 (b), different colors are displayed between the ON state and the OFF state, and the energization state (ON / OFF state) of each branch switch 130 in the steady state is displayed by using the difference in the color. A display example is shown. The display of the energized state (ON / OFF state) is not limited to the display method of FIGS. 15A and 15B, and the energized state (ON / OFF state) of each branch switch 130 can be recognized. If it is a method, it may be another display method.

As shown in FIG. 16, the touch panel 200 may display a display other than the on / off state of the main switch 110 of the distribution board 100 and the branch relay 131. By enabling such display switching, the user can enjoy TV, the Internet, photos, videos, etc., except when an abnormality occurs or when the on / off state setting of the main switch 110 or the branch relay 131 is set. You can also search for information such as maps and weather. For switching to the display screen of FIG. 16, for example, the screen is switched when the home button 104 is pressed. As a result, the touch panel 200 can be effectively used at a time other than an abnormal time or a setting time. By arranging such a distribution board in the living room or kitchen, the distribution board can be effectively used as an information terminal in daily life, and the user can easily check the abnormal state in the event of an abnormality. It is possible to enable the return work of the main switch and the branch switch.

<ON diagnosis of main switch>
FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the details of “ON diagnosis of the main switch” in step SM12 of FIG.

First, the signal processing unit 154 confirms the energized state of the main switch 110 based on the main current signal D11 from the main current measuring unit 121 (SM210).

When the main switch 110 is not energized (“not energized” in SM210), the signal processing unit 154 is on the primary side (from the external power supply to the main switch 110) based on the power failure detection signal D3 from the power failure detection unit 152. Check the energized state (SM211).

When the energization on the primary side is not confirmed (“no energization” in SM211), the signal processing unit 154 displays the “power failure state” on the touch panel 200 (SM212), and the brightness thereof is higher than the brightness 1 which is the constant display. The brightness is set to 2 (SM213), and the processes of "ON diagnosis of the main switch" and "initial energization diagnosis of the main switch" are completed.

On the other hand, when the energization of the primary side is confirmed (“energized” in SM211), the signal processing unit 154 causes the touch panel 200 to display the “main trunk abnormal state” (SM214), and brightens the brightness of the touch panel 200. It is set to 2 (SM215), and the processes of "ON diagnosis of the main switch" and "initial energization diagnosis of the main switch" are completed. At this time, the signal processing unit 154 receives power supply via the main switch 110 and the main energization detection unit 120. In each of the subsequent flow charts as well, unless otherwise specified, the signal processing unit 154 receives power supply via the main switch 110 and the main energization detection unit 120. The signal processing unit 154 may be constantly supplied with power from the battery 153. Further, step SM214 and step SM215 may be processed at the same time.

Next, in step SM210, a case where the main switch 110 is energized (“energized” in SM210) will be described. FIG. 7 shows a flow chart when “energized” is set in step SM210, and in the distribution board 100, “short circuit / overcurrent diagnosis”, “leakage diagnosis”, and “overvoltage diagnosis” of the main switch 110 are shown. "Is carried out in parallel. In the following, each diagnosis will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

-Short circuit / overcurrent diagnosis-
First, the "short circuit / overcurrent diagnosis" of the main switch 110 will be described in detail.

The signal processing unit 154 determines whether or not the energization current of the main switch 110 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (for example, 360A, which is described as a constant value in the figure) based on the main current signal D11 from the main current measuring unit 121. Judgment (SM221). When the energization current of the main switch 110 is less than a predetermined threshold value (“NO” in SM221), the flow proceeds to “branch relay ON diagnosis” described later.

On the other hand, when the energization current of the main switch 110 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (“YES” in SM221), the signal processing unit 154 determines whether or not the energization current of the main switch 110 is in the overcurrent region, that is, , It is determined whether or not the current indicated by the main current signal D11 is less than a predetermined threshold value (for example, 1200 A) (SM222).

When the energizing current of the main switch 110 is in the overcurrent region, that is, when the energizing current value indicated by the main current signal D11 is less than a predetermined threshold value (“YES” in SM222), the signal processing unit 154 receives the signal processing unit 154. “Main overcurrent cutoff” is displayed on the touch panel 200 (SM225), and the brightness of the touch panel 200 is set to brightness 2 (SM226).

A display example of the above “main trunk overcurrent cutoff” on the touch panel 200 is shown in FIG. 17A. On the touch panel 200, for example, “the main switch is turned off because an overcurrent has occurred in the main switch. "Is done." Is displayed, and the brightness of the touch panel 200 is set to brightness 2. After that, when the user (including the operator and the like; the same applies hereinafter) presses the confirmation button of the touch panel 200, the signal processing unit 154 switches the display of the touch panel 200, for example, as shown in FIG. 17 (b). An image diagram similar to that of the operation lever of the conventional distribution board displaying the ON / OFF status of the main switch 110 and the branch relay 131 is displayed, and the main switch 110 is cut off by the overcurrent on top of the image diagram. This is displayed (see the diagonally downward-sloping portion on the left side of FIG. 17 (b)). At this time, the brightness of the touch panel is maintained at the brightness 2. In addition, step SM225 and step SM226 may be processed at the same time. In the following diagnosis, the display of the abnormality notification information and the brightness setting may be processed at the same time.

In this way, by displaying on the touch panel 200 that the main switch 110 has been cut off due to the overcurrent, the user can easily and clearly confirm the cause of the main switch 110 being cut off. As a result, the user can grasp necessary actions, work, and the like. Further, by enlarging the fact that the main switch 110 is overcurrent and increasing its brightness, the user can more easily and clearly confirm the cause of the interruption of the main switch 110. can do. In the above example, after the enlarged display as shown in FIG. 17 (a), the abnormal state is displayed by being operated by the user and superimposed on the image diagram of the operation lever as shown in FIG. 17 (b). However, the screen may be switched, for example, after a certain period of time without any operation by the user. Further, the enlarged display of FIG. 17 (a) may be eliminated and only the display of FIG. 17 (b) may be performed. Further, even if the abnormal display part, that is, only the left-down diagonal line part on the left side of FIG. 17B is displayed brighter than the other parts, it is highlighted so as to be more conspicuous than other information. good. Further, the display of FIG. 17A and the display of FIG. 17B may be repeatedly switched and displayed so as to be more conspicuous than other information.

Returning to FIG. 7 again, after the setting of step SM226 is completed, the signal processing unit 154 ends the processing of “ON diagnosis of the main switch” and “initial energization diagnosis of the main switch”. That is, even if the "leakage diagnosis" and the "overvoltage diagnosis" of the main switch 110 that is performing the parallel processing are in the middle of the processing, those diagnostic processes are forcibly terminated.

On the other hand, when the energization current value indicated by the main trunk current signal D11 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (“NO” in SM222), the signal processing unit 154 causes the touch panel 200 to display “main trunk short circuit cutoff”. (SM223), the brightness of the touch panel 200 is set to the brightness 2 (SM224). The display example of the touch panel 200 is the same as the case of the above-mentioned cutoff due to the overcurrent (see FIGS. 17 (a) and 17 (b)). After the setting of step SM224 is completed, the signal processing unit 154 ends the processing of "ON diagnosis of the main switch" and "initial energization diagnosis of the main switch". That is, even if the "leakage diagnosis" and the "overvoltage diagnosis" of the main switch 110 that is performing the parallel processing are in the middle of the processing, those diagnostic processes are forcibly terminated.

-Electric leakage diagnosis-
Next, the "leakage diagnosis" of the main switch 110 will be described.

The signal processing unit 154 determines whether or not the leakage current of the main switch 110 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (for example, 30 mA, which is described as a constant value in the figure) based on the main abnormality signal D12 from the main abnormality detection unit 122. Judgment (SM231). When the leakage current of the main switch 110 is less than a predetermined threshold value (“NO” in SM231), the flow proceeds to “branch relay ON diagnosis” described later.

On the other hand, when the leakage current of the main switch 110 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (“YES” in SM231), the signal processing unit 154 has a fixed period of time during which the leakage current of the main switch 110 is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold value. It is determined whether or not it continues for (for example, 0.1 second) or more (SM232).

When the period in which the leakage current of the main switch 110 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value continues for a certain period of time or longer (“YES” in SM232), the signal processing unit 154 causes the touch panel 200 to display “main leakage cutoff”. (SM233), the brightness of the touch panel 200 is set to the brightness 2 (SM234). The display example of the touch panel 200 is the same as the case of the above-mentioned “short circuit / overcurrent cutoff” (see FIGS. 17 (a) and 17 (b)). After the setting of step SM234 is completed, the signal processing unit 154 ends the processing of "ON diagnosis of the main switch" and "initial energization diagnosis of the main switch". That is, even if the "short circuit / overcurrent diagnosis" and "overvoltage diagnosis" processes of the main switch 110 that is performing the parallel process are in the middle, those diagnostic processes are forcibly terminated.

On the other hand, when the leakage current of the main switch 110 is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold for less than a certain period of time, that is, when the leakage current of the main switch 110 is less than a predetermined time and becomes less than a predetermined threshold (in SM232). "NO"), the flow proceeds to "branch relay ON diagnosis" described later.

-Overvoltage diagnosis-
Next, the "overvoltage diagnosis" of the main switch 110 will be described.

The signal processing unit 154 determines whether or not the voltage of the main switch 110 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (for example, 135V, which is described as a constant value in the figure) based on the main abnormality signal D12 from the main abnormality detection unit 122. (SM241). When the voltage of the main switch 110 is less than a predetermined threshold value (“NO” in SM241), the flow proceeds to “branch relay ON diagnosis” described later.

On the other hand, when the voltage of the main switch 110 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (“YES” in SM241), the signal processing unit 154 has a period in which the voltage of the main switch 110 is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold value for a certain period of time (for example, “YES”). It is determined whether or not to continue for 1 second) or more (SM242).

When the period in which the voltage of the main switch 110 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value continues for a certain period of time or longer (“YES” in SM242), the signal processing unit 154 causes the touch panel 200 to display “main trunk overvoltage cutoff” (main trunk overvoltage cutoff). SM243), the brightness of the touch panel 200 is set to brightness 2 (SM244). The display example of the touch panel 200 is the same as the case of the above-mentioned “short circuit / overcurrent cutoff” (see FIGS. 17 (a) and 17 (b)). After the setting of step SM244 is completed, the signal processing unit 154 ends the processing of "ON diagnosis of the main switch" and "initial energization diagnosis of the main switch". That is, even if the "short circuit / overcurrent diagnosis" and the "leakage diagnosis" of the main switch 110 that is performing the parallel processing are in the middle of the processing, those diagnostic processes are forcibly terminated.

On the other hand, when the period in which the voltage of the main switch 110 is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold is less than a certain time, that is, when the voltage of the main switch 110 is less than a predetermined threshold and becomes less than the predetermined threshold (“NO” in SM242. "), The flow proceeds to" ON diagnosis of branch relay "described later.

As described above, if there is no abnormality such as short circuit, overcurrent, leakage, overvoltage, tracking, etc. in the "ON diagnosis of the main switch", the flow proceeds to the "ON diagnosis of the branch relay". Specifically, when the number of branch switches 130 (branch relay 131) connected to the branch relay connection unit 123 is N (N is an integer of 2 or more), "N is an integer of 2 or more" for each of the N branch relays 131. "ON diagnosis of branch relay" is executed in parallel (SS21 to SS2N). FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the details of the “branch relay ON diagnosis” in steps SS21 to SS2N of FIG. 7, and is one of N branch relays 131 (for convenience of explanation, the first branch relay 131). The diagnostic flow for (referred to as) is shown. The diagnostic flow is the same for the other branch relay 131 (referred to as the second to Nth branch relay for convenience of explanation).

<ON diagnosis of branch relay>
First, the signal processing unit 154 confirms the energized state of the first branch relay 131 based on the branch current signal D21 from the branch current measuring unit 141 (SS510). When the first branch relay 131 is not energized (“not energized” in SS510), the signal processing unit 154 causes the touch panel 200 to “display OFF of the first branch relay” (SS511). Specifically, for example, when the first branch relay 131 is a branch relay of the “toilet”, the display of the branch relay corresponding to the “toilet” is switched to the “OFF” display (see FIG. 15). At this time, the signal processing unit 154 does not change the brightness of the touch panel 200. After setting the display in step SS511, the flow proceeds to step SM13 (no abnormality in diagnosis result).

On the other hand, when the first branch relay 131 is energized in step SS510 (“energized” in SS510), “short circuit / overcurrent diagnosis”, “leakage diagnosis” and “tracking diagnosis” of the first branch relay 131. Will be carried out in parallel. In the following, each diagnosis will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

-Short circuit / overcurrent diagnosis-
First, the "short circuit / overcurrent diagnosis" of the first branch relay 131 will be described in detail.

The signal processing unit 154 determines whether or not the energization current of the first branch relay 131 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (for example, 120A, which is described as a constant value in the figure) based on the branch current signal D21 from the branch current measuring unit 141. (SS521). When the energization current of the first branch relay 131 is less than a predetermined threshold value (“NO” in SS521), the signal processing unit 154 causes the touch panel 200 to “display ON of the first branch relay” (SS550). Specifically, for example, when the first branch relay 131 is a “kitchen” branch relay, the display of the branch relay corresponding to the “kitchen” is switched to the “ON” display (see FIG. 15). At this time, the signal processing unit 154 does not change the brightness of the touch panel 200. After setting the display of step SS550, the flow proceeds to step SM13 (no abnormality in diagnosis result).

On the other hand, when the energizing current of the first branch relay 131 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (“YES” in SS521), the signal processing unit 154 determines whether or not the energizing current of the first branch relay 131 is in the overcurrent region. That is, it is determined whether or not the current indicated by the branch current signal D21 is less than a predetermined threshold value (for example, 400 A) (SS522).

When the energizing current of the first branch relay 131 is in the overcurrent region, that is, when the energizing current value indicated by the branch current signal D21 is less than a predetermined threshold value (“YES” in SS522), the signal processing unit 154 , The first branch relay 131 is "OFF" controlled by the open / close control signal CS1 (SS526). Then, the signal processing unit 154 causes the touch panel 200 to display "first branch relay overcurrent cutoff" (SS527), and sets the brightness of the touch panel 200 to the brightness 2 (SS528). FIG. 18A shows a display example of the above “first branch relay overcurrent cutoff” on the touch panel 200. FIG. 18A shows an example in which the first branch relay 131 is a branch relay of the “toilet”, and the touch panel 200 is enlarged and displayed with an image diagram of an operation lever of the branch relay corresponding to the toilet, for example. , The brightness of the touch panel 200 is set to the brightness 2. After that, when the user presses the confirmation button of the touch panel 200, the signal processing unit 154 switches the display of the touch panel 200, and for example, as shown in FIG. 18B, the ON / OFF state of the branch relay 131 is displayed. In addition to displaying the same image diagram as the operation lever of the conventional distribution board, it also displays that the branch relay of the "toilet" has been cut off due to overcurrent. At this time, the brightness of the touch panel is maintained at the brightness 2.

By displaying on the touch panel 200 that the first branch relay 131 has been cut off due to the overcurrent in this way, the user can easily make it easy for the user to cut off the first branch relay 131 out of the N branch relays 131. In addition to being able to confirm clearly, the cause of interruption can also be confirmed easily and clearly. As a result, the user can grasp necessary actions, work, and the like. Specifically, for example, if the user is a resident of a residence, it is possible to instantly determine whether the abnormality can be solved by oneself or whether it is an abnormality that requires a report to a qualified person such as an electric power company or an electrician. Can be grasped.

Further, by enlarging the fact that the first branch relay 131 is overcurrent and increasing its brightness, the user can more easily and clearly explain that the first branch relay 131 was cut off and the cause thereof. Can be confirmed in. As shown in FIG. 18A, when the operating lever is enlarged and displayed, the actual leakage current value (for example, 10 mA) may be displayed in addition to the display of "overcurrent" which is the cause of interruption. good.

After the setting of step SS528 is completed, the signal processing unit 154 ends the “branch relay ON diagnosis” of the first branch relay 131. That is, even if the "leakage diagnosis" and "tracking diagnosis" of the "branch relay ON diagnosis" related to the first branch relay 131 that is performing parallel processing are in the middle of processing, those diagnostic processes are forcibly terminated. do. On the other hand, the diagnosis of "ON diagnosis of the main switch", "initial energization diagnosis of the main switch", and "ON diagnosis of the branch relay" related to the second to Nth branch relay 131 continues.

On the other hand, when the energization current value indicated by the branch current signal D21 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (“NO” in SS522), the signal processing unit 154 “OFF” the first branch relay 131 by the open / close control signal CS1. Control (SS523). Then, the signal processing unit 154 causes the touch panel 200 to display "first branch relay short-circuit cutoff" (SS524), and sets the brightness of the touch panel 200 to the brightness 2 (SS525). The display example of the touch panel 200 is the same as the case of the above-mentioned cutoff due to the overcurrent (see FIGS. 18 (a) and 18 (b)). After the setting of step SS525 is completed, the signal processing unit 154 ends the “branch relay ON diagnosis” of the first branch relay 131.

-Electric leakage diagnosis-
Next, the "leakage diagnosis" of the first branch relay 131 will be described.

The signal processing unit 154 determines whether or not the leakage current of the first branch relay 131 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (for example, 15 mA, which is described as a constant value in the figure) based on the branch abnormality signal D22 from the branch abnormality detection unit 142. Is determined (SS531). When the leakage current of the first branch relay 131 is less than a predetermined threshold value (“NO” in SS531), the signal processing unit 154 causes the touch panel 200 to “display ON of the first branch relay” (SS550).

On the other hand, when the leakage current of the first branch relay 131 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (“YES” in SS531), the signal processing unit 154 has a period during which the leakage current of the first branch relay 131 is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold value. It is determined whether or not it continues for a certain period of time (for example, 0.1 second) or more (SS532). When the period in which the leakage current of the first branch relay 131 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value is less than a certain period of time (“NO” in SS532), the signal processing unit 154 causes the touch panel 200 to “display ON of the first branch relay”. (SS550).

When the leakage current of the first branch relay 131 continues for a certain period of time or longer (“YES” in SS532), the signal processing unit 154 turns the first branch relay 131 “OFF” by the open / close control signal CS1. "Control (SS533). Then, the signal processing unit 154 causes the touch panel 200 to display "first branch relay leakage cutoff" (SS534), and sets the brightness of the touch panel 200 to the brightness 2 (SS535). The display example of the touch panel 200 is the same as the case of the above-mentioned “short circuit / overcurrent diagnosis” of the first branch relay 131 (see FIGS. 18A and 18B). After the setting of step SS535 is completed, the signal processing unit 154 ends the “branch relay ON diagnosis” of the first branch relay 131. The processing after the "ON diagnosis of the branch relay" is the same as the case of the "short circuit / overcurrent diagnosis" of the first branch relay 131 described above.

-Tracking diagnosis-
Next, the "tracking diagnosis" of the first branch relay 131 will be described. The tracking diagnosis is for detecting the presence or absence of tracking occurrence, and specific circuit configurations, diagnostic methods, and the like are disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-103657.

First, the signal processing unit 154 determines whether or not tracking has occurred in the first branch relay 131 based on the branch abnormality signal D22 from the branch abnormality detection unit 142 (SS541). When tracking has not occurred in the first branch relay 131 (“NO” in SS541), the signal processing unit 154 causes the touch panel 200 to “display ON of the first branch relay” (SS550).

On the other hand, when tracking is generated in the first branch relay 131 (“YES” in SS541), the signal processing unit 154 controls the first branch relay 131 to “OFF” by the open / close control signal CS1 (SS542). Then, the signal processing unit 154 causes the touch panel 200 to display "first branch relay tracking cutoff" (SS543), and sets the brightness of the touch panel 200 to the brightness 2 (SS544). The display example of the touch panel 200 is the same as the case of the above-mentioned “short circuit / overcurrent diagnosis” of the first branch relay 131 (see FIGS. 18A and 18B). After the setting of step SS544 is completed, the signal processing unit 154 ends the “branch relay ON diagnosis” of the first branch relay 131. The processing after the "ON diagnosis of the branch relay" is the same as the case of the "short circuit / overcurrent diagnosis" of the first branch relay 131 described above.

The "ON diagnosis of the branch relay" of each branch relay 131 is performed every time each branch relay is turned ON. Specifically, for example, when the user turns on the branch relay via the touch panel 200, the "branch relay ON diagnosis" is executed. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing a flow of “ON diagnosis of branch relay” when the branch relay is turned ON.

As shown in FIG. 9A, when the first branch relay 131 is turned ON (SS11), the signal processing unit 154 performs "ON diagnosis of the branch relay" (SS21) for the first branch relay 131. .. The specific flow is the same as the “branch relay ON diagnosis” shown in FIG. If no abnormality is confirmed in this "branch relay ON diagnosis" (SS21), the flow proceeds to step SSD1, and the signal processing unit 154 causes the touch panel 200 to "turn on the first branch relay". , End the process. On the other hand, if there is an abnormality as a result of the "branch relay ON diagnosis", the abnormality content is displayed on the touch panel 200 based on the flow of FIG. Even when the second to Nth branch relay 131 is turned ON (SS12 to SS1N), "ON diagnosis of the branch relay" (SS22 to SS2N) is performed as in the case of the first branch relay 131, and an abnormality occurs. If is not confirmed, "ON display of branch relay" is displayed for the branch relay 131 that has been turned ON (SSD1), and then the process ends. At this time, the signal processing unit 154 does not change the brightness of the touch panel 200. On the other hand, if there is an abnormality as a result of the "branch relay ON diagnosis", the abnormality content is displayed on the touch panel 200 based on the flow of FIG.

FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a flow when the branch relay is turned off. As shown in FIG. 9B, when the first branch relay 131 is turned off (SS31), the signal processing unit 154 controls the first branch relay 131 to be “OFF” by the open / close control signal CS1 (SS41). .. Then, the signal processing unit 154 causes the touch panel 200 to "turn off the first branch relay" (SSD2), and ends the processing. At this time, the signal processing unit 154 does not change the brightness of the touch panel 200. Even when the second to Nth branch relays 131 are turned off (SS32 to SS3N), the signal processing unit 154 is also turned off by the open / close control signal CS1 as in the case of the first branch relay 131. The 131 is controlled to be "OFF" (SS42 to SS4N). Then, the signal processing unit 154 causes the touch panel 200 to "turn off the branch relay" for the branch relay 131 that has been turned off (SSD2), and ends the processing. At this time, the signal processing unit 154 does not change the brightness of the touch panel 200.

<Constant energization diagnosis>
10 to 13 show a diagnostic flow for steady-time diagnosis of the main switch 110 and the branch switch 130 (branch relay 131) (for example, diagnosis of the presence or absence of abnormalities such as short circuit, overcurrent, electric leakage, overvoltage, tracking, etc.). It is a figure. The constant-time diagnosis is a diagnosis related to the steady operation of the main switch 110 and the branch relay 131, and is a diagnosis that is always performed after the main switch 110 is turned on. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, in the steady state diagnosis, each diagnosis of the main switch 110 (energization diagnosis, short circuit diagnosis, overcurrent diagnosis, leakage diagnosis, overvoltage diagnosis) and the first to Nth branch relay 131 are performed. Each diagnosis is carried out in parallel.

-Diagnosis of energization of main switch-
As shown in FIG. 10, when the “steady-time energization diagnosis” is started in step SM300, in the distribution board 100, the energization state of the main switch 110 is changed based on the main current signal D11 from the main current measuring unit 121. Confirmed (SM310). When the main switch 110 is energized in step SM310 (“energized” in SM310), the flow returns to the determination in step SM310 and confirms the energized state of the main switch 110. In other words, during the period of "energized" in step SM310, the determination of step SM310 is continued in the distribution board 100.

On the other hand, when the main switch 110 is not energized (“not energized” in SM310), in the distribution board 100, the main switch is opened / closed from the primary side (external power source) based on the power failure detection signal D3 from the power failure detection unit 152. Energization is confirmed (SM211). After that, the diagnosis flow from steps SM211 to SM215 is the same as "initial energization diagnosis of the main switch".

-Short circuit diagnosis of main switch-
Next, the short-circuit diagnosis of the main switch 110 will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 11, the signal processing unit 154 determines whether or not a short-circuit current is detected based on the main current signal D11 from the main current measuring unit 121, that is, the energization current of the main switch 110 is predetermined. It is determined whether or not it is equal to or higher than the threshold value (for example, 5 kA, which is described as short-circuit current detection in the figure) (SM411). When the short-circuit current of the main switch 110 is less than the predetermined threshold value (“NO” in SM411), the flow returns to the determination of step SM411, and the signal processing unit 154 indicates whether the energization current of the main switch 110 is equal to or more than the predetermined threshold value. Judge whether or not. In other words, during the period of "NO" in SM411, that is, the period in which the short-circuit current is not detected, the signal processing unit 154 continues the determination in step SM411.

On the other hand, when the energization current value indicated by the main trunk current signal D11 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (“YES” in SM411), the subsequent flows are the steps SM223 and SM224 of the “initial energization diagnosis of the main switch”. Same as (see FIG. 7).

-Diagnosis of overcurrent of main switch-
Next, the overcurrent diagnosis of the main switch 110 will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the signal processing unit 154, based on the main current signal D11 from the main current measuring unit 121, the energization current of the main switch 110 is 75A corresponding to a predetermined threshold value (for example, 125% of the rated current). , In the figure, it is described as a constant value) or more (SM421). When the energization current of the main switch 110 is less than a predetermined threshold value (“NO” in SM421), the flow returns to the determination of step SM421, and it is determined whether or not the energization current of the main switch 110 is equal to or more than the predetermined threshold value. In other words, during the period of "NO" in SM421, that is, the period in which no overcurrent is detected, the signal processing unit 154 continues the determination in step SM421.

On the other hand, when the energization current value indicated by the main current signal D11 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (“YES” in SM421) and the peak cut function described later is “OFF” (“NO” in SM422). The signal processing unit 154 determines whether or not the period in which the energization current of the main switch 110 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value continues for a certain period of time or longer (SM423). In the present embodiment, the energization current of the above-mentioned predetermined threshold value or more continues for a certain period or more, for example, the energization current of 75 A or more corresponding to 125% of the rated current continues for 2 hours or more, and the rated current. At least one of the energization currents of 120 A or more, which corresponds to 200% of the above, continues for 6 minutes or more is generated.

In step SM423, when the period in which the energization current of the main switch 110 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value continues for a certain period of time or longer (“YES” in SM423), the subsequent flow is the step of “initial energization diagnosis of the main switch”. Same as SM225 and step SM226 (see FIG. 7). On the other hand, when the period in which the energization current of the main switch 110 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value does not continue for a certain period of time (“NO” in SM423), the flow returns to the determination in step SM421.

Further, when the energization current value indicated by the main current signal D11 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (“YES” in SM421) and “ON” in the peak cut function (“YES” in SM422), the signal processing unit. 154 determines whether or not the peak cut operation by the user is set (SM427). When the peak cut operation is set (“YES” in SM427), the flow proceeds to the peak cut process in step SM428 described later. On the other hand, if the peak cut operation is not set (“NO” in SM427), the flow proceeds to step SM423. In the present disclosure, the peak cut function means that when the energizing current of the main switch 110 exceeds a predetermined current, the signal processing unit 154 cuts off the branch relay 131 provided in advance, and the main switch 110 cuts off. It is a function to prevent it from being done. The predetermined current may be a current determined at the time of shipment from the factory, or may be a current predetermined by the user. Further, it may be variable. Further, the order of shutting off the branch relay 131 may be set to a predetermined priority for the branch relay 131 and shut off based on the priority. The predetermined current may be predetermined in a current range in which an overcurrent does not occur.

FIG. 14A is a diagram showing a flow of peak cut operation setting by the user.

As shown in FIG. 14A, for example, when the user performs an operation to start the peak cut setting on the touch panel 200, the flow proceeds from step SP11 to step SP12, and the signal processing unit 154 causes the peak cut current value. Set. Specifically, for example, the signal processing unit 154 displays a display prompting the touch panel 200 to input a peak cut current value, and receives an operation for setting the peak current value from the user. After receiving the setting operation, the signal processing unit 154 determines whether or not the set current value is equal to or less than the main rated current (SP13). When the set current value is equal to or less than the main rated current, the flow proceeds to step SP15, and the signal processing unit 154 sets the cutoff priority of the branch relay 131. Specifically, for example, the signal processing unit 154 displays on the touch panel 200 to prompt the input of the cutoff priority of M pieces (integer of M> 0 and M ≦ N) of the branch relay 131, and is set by the user. Receive an operation. After receiving the setting operation, the signal processing unit 154 performs a setting operation such as storing the set value (SP16), and ends the process after the setting is completed.

FIG. 14B is a diagram showing a flow of peak cut processing in step SM428. In this embodiment, the priority set in step SP15 is two (M = 2), and the branch relay having the first priority is the Q-branch relay 131 (integer of 0 <Q≤N), which has priority. It is assumed that the second-ranked branch relay is the R-branch relay 131 (0 <R ≦ N and an integer of R ≠ Q).

As shown in FIG. 14B, the signal processing unit 154 reads the energization current value of the main switch 110 based on the main current signal D11 from the main current measuring unit 121 (SP21), and the read current value is read. It is determined whether or not (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a read current value) is equal to or higher than the set current value (SP22). When the read current value is less than the set current value (“NO” in SP21), the flow returns to the determination in step SP21, and the signal processing unit 154 determines whether or not the read current value is equal to or greater than the set current value.

On the other hand, when the read current value is equal to or higher than the set current value (“YES” in SP21), the signal processing unit 154 sets the Q-branch relay 131 having the highest priority based on the priority set in step SP15. Along with the "OFF" control (SP23), the "OFF display of the branch relay" for the Q-branch relay 131 that has been turned OFF is performed (SP24), and the flow proceeds to step SP25. In step SP25, the signal processing unit 154 reads the energizing current value of the main switch 110 again, and determines whether or not the read current value is equal to or greater than the set current value.

When the read current value is equal to or greater than the set current value (“YES” in SP25), the signal processing unit 154 ends the peak cut process, and the flow returns to SM421.

On the other hand, when the read current value is less than the set current value (“NO” in SP25), the flow returns to step SP23 via steps SP26 and SP27, and the signal processing unit 154 returns to the priority set in step SP15. Based on this, the second R-branch relay 131 having the second highest priority is controlled to be "OFF", and the "OFF display of the branch relay" is displayed for the R-branch relay 131 that has been turned off (SP24), and the flow is step SP25. Proceed to.

In this way, the signal processing unit 154 repeats the flow from step SP23 to step SP27 until the read current value becomes equal to or higher than the set current value or M becomes “0”, and M becomes “0”. After that, the peak cut process is terminated (the flow returns to SM421).

-Diagnosis of leakage of main switch-
Next, the leakage diagnosis of the main switch 110 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 12, in this "leakage diagnosis of the main switch", the difference from the "initial energization diagnosis of the main switch" (see FIG. 7) is that when the determination result of step SM231 is "NO". And when the determination result of step SM232 is "NO", the flow returns to the determination of step SM231.

-Overvoltage diagnosis of main switch-
Next, the "overvoltage diagnosis" of the main switch 110 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 12, in this "overvoltage diagnosis", the difference from the "initial energization diagnosis of the main switch" (see FIG. 7) is that "NO" in step SM241 and "NO" in step SM242. In this case, the flow returns to the determination in step SM241.

-Diagnosis of branch relay energization-
Next, the energization diagnosis of the branch relay 131 will be described. Here, as the energization diagnosis of the branch relay 131, the energization diagnosis of the first branch relay 131 will be described, but the same energization diagnosis is also performed for the second to Nth branch relay 131 in parallel. Hereinafter, the same applies to "branch relay short circuit diagnosis", "branch relay overcurrent diagnosis", "branch relay leakage diagnosis" and "branch relay tracking diagnosis".

As shown in FIG. 13, the signal processing unit 154 confirms the energized state of the first branch relay 131 based on the branch current signal D21 from the branch current measuring unit 141 (SS610). When the first branch relay 131 is not energized (“not energized” in SS610), the signal processing unit 154 causes the touch panel 200 to “display OFF of the first branch relay” (SS612), and diagnoses the first branch relay 131. To finish. On the other hand, when the first branch relay 131 is energized (“energized” in SS610), the “short circuit diagnosis”, “overcurrent diagnosis”, “leakage diagnosis” and “tracking diagnosis” of the first branch relay 131 are performed. It will be carried out in parallel. In the following, each diagnosis will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

-Short circuit diagnosis of branch relay-
Next, the short circuit diagnosis of the first branch relay 131 will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 13, the signal processing unit 154 determines whether or not a short-circuit current is detected based on the branch current signal D21 from the branch current measuring unit 141, that is, the energization current of the first branch relay 131 is predetermined. (For example, 2.5 kA, which is described as short-circuit current detection in the figure) or more is determined (SS611). When the energization current of the first branch relay 131 is less than a predetermined threshold value (“NO” in SS611), the flow returns to the determination of step SS611, and it is determined whether or not the energization current of the first branch relay 131 is equal to or more than the predetermined threshold value. do. In other words, during the period of "NO" in SS611, that is, the period in which the short-circuit current is not detected, the signal processing unit 154 continues the determination in step SS611.

On the other hand, when the energization current value indicated by the branch current signal D21 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (“YES” in SS611), the subsequent flow is the step SS523 of “ON diagnosis of branch relay” (see FIG. 8). It is the same as SS525.

-Branch relay overcurrent diagnosis-
Next, the overcurrent diagnosis of the first branch relay 131 will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the signal processing unit 154, the energization current of the first branch relay 131 corresponds to a predetermined threshold value (for example, 125% of the rated current) based on the branch current signal D21 from the branch current measuring unit 141. 25A, which is described as a constant value in the figure) or more is determined (SS621). When the energization current of the first branch relay 131 is less than a predetermined threshold value (“NO” in SS621), the flow returns to the determination of step SS621, and it is determined whether or not the energization current of the first branch relay 131 is equal to or more than the predetermined threshold value. do. In other words, during the period of "NO" in SS621, that is, the period in which no overcurrent is detected, the signal processing unit 154 continues the determination in step SS621.

On the other hand, when the energization current value indicated by the branch current signal D21 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (“YES” in SS621), the signal processing unit 154 determines that the energization current of the first branch relay 131 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value. It is determined whether or not a certain period continues for a certain period of time or longer (SS622). In the present embodiment, the energization current of 25 A or more, which corresponds to 125% of the rated current, continues for 2 hours or more, and the rated current is continued for a period of a certain period or more. At least one of the energization currents of 40 A or more, which corresponds to 200% of the above, continues for 2 minutes or more is generated.

In step SS622, when the energization current of the first branch relay 131 continues for a certain period of time or more (“YES” in SS622), the subsequent flow is “ON diagnosis of branch relay” (FIG. 8). (See), the same as steps SS526 to SS528. On the other hand, when the period in which the energization current of the first branch relay 131 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value does not continue for a certain period of time (“NO” in SS622), the flow returns to the determination in step SS621.

-Leakage diagnosis of branch relay-
Next, the leakage diagnosis of the first branch relay 131 will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 13, the difference from the “branch relay ON diagnosis” (see FIG. 8) in this “branch relay leakage diagnosis” is when the determination result in step SS531 is “NO” and in step SS532. When the determination result of is "NO", the flow returns to the determination of step SS531.

-Tracking diagnosis of branch relay-
Next, the tracking diagnosis of the first branch relay 131 will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 13, in this “tracking diagnosis”, the difference from the “branch relay ON diagnosis” (see FIG. 8) is that when “NO” in step SS541, the flow returns to the determination in step SS541. Is.

(Other embodiments)
FIG. 19 shows an example in which a semiconductor relay is used as the branch relay 131, and the branch relay 131 and the branch energization detection unit 140 (branch current measurement unit 141, branch abnormality detection unit 142) are mounted on the printed circuit board 166. .. In this case, the load-side wiring of each branch abnormality detection unit 142 is connected to the connector 167 integrally provided on the printed circuit board 166. Then, the connector 167 and the load-side connector 156 are connected by, for example, a cable 168 or the like. With such a configuration, the size of the distribution board 100 can be further reduced. In FIG. 19, the connector 167 may be omitted and the printed circuit board 166 may be expanded so that the printed circuit board 166 is directly connected to the load-side connector 156. Further, in addition to the branch relay 131 and the branch energization detection unit 140, for example, a signal processing unit 154, a communication unit 164, a panel input / output unit 165, and the like may be mounted on the printed circuit board 166.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the distribution board 100 is arranged between the input side of the main switch 110 and the power failure detection unit 152 and the power supply side connector 151, and is controlled by the signal processing unit 154. Further, a switching unit 169 configured to be able to control the connection / disconnection of the electric circuit connecting the external power supply, the main switch 110 and the power failure detection unit 152 may be further provided. When the signal processing unit 154 receives a predetermined external trigger, the switching unit 169 is turned off to cut off the electric circuit connecting the external power supply and the main switch 110 and the power failure detection unit 152, that is, distribution. The board 100 is separated from an external power source (for example, a commercial power source). The predetermined trigger described above is, for example, a trigger received when the commercial power supply fails. Thereby, for example, when the distribution board 100 is connected to another power source such as a private power generation device, when the commercial power supply fails, the private power generation power can be prevented from reverse power flow to the commercial power supply side. can. That is, it is possible to prevent the distribution board 100 from operating independently. The switching unit 169 may be arranged between the wiring connecting the main switch 110 and the power supply side connector 151 and the input side of the power failure detection unit 152 (not shown). Even when the switching unit 169 is arranged in this way, it is possible to prevent reverse power flow at the time of a power failure and prevent the distribution board 100 from operating independently.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the display example on the touch panel 200 when the main switch 110 is shut off is assumed to be FIG. 17A, and the display example on the touch panel 200 when the branch relay 131 is shut off is shown in FIG. 18 (a). a), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be displayed as shown in FIG. 18A when the main switch 110 is shut off, or as shown in FIG. 17A when the branch relay 131 is shut off.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the distribution board 100 includes the branch switch 130 and the branch energization detection unit 140 has been described, but the branch energization detection unit 140 is omitted and each branch switch 130 detects the branch energization. The function of the unit 140 may be included. Further, the functions of the signal processing unit 154, the communication unit 164, and the panel input / output unit 165 may be integrated, and one control unit including these functions may be provided.

Since the distribution board according to the present disclosure is designed to have high convenience while ensuring safety, it is useful as a distribution board used indoors and outdoors for residential use, store use, and the like.

100 Distribution board 101 Housing 110 Main switch 113 Operation lever 120 Main main energization detector 130 Branch switch 131 Branch relay (switching unit)
140 Branch energization detector 151 Power supply side connector 153 Battery 154 Signal processing unit (control unit)
156 Load side connector 200 Touch panel D1 Main trunk energization signal D2 Branch energization signal CS1 Open / close control signal

Claims (2)

A distribution board including a main switch and a plurality of branch switches connected to the output side of the main switch.
A branch energization detector that detects the presence or absence of an abnormality in the energization state of the branch switch and outputs a branch energization signal, and an open / close control signal that receives the branch energization signal and controls on / off of the connection of the electric circuit of the branch switch. Equipped with a control unit to output
The main switch shuts off the electric circuit of the main switch by a trip operation that automatically shuts off when there is an abnormality in the energized state of the main switch, and also receives an opening / closing operation of the user to cut the electric circuit. It is a switch that can be opened and closed.
The branch switch can receive the open / close control signal, shut off the electric circuit of the branch switch when there is an abnormality in the energized state of the branch switch, and open / close the electric circuit by receiving an opening / closing operation of the user. It ’s a switch,
A distribution board including a communication unit that transmits the detection result of the branch energization detection unit to the outside. In the distribution board according to claim 1,
A touch panel that displays the state of the branch switch and receives an operation of the user on the display portion is further provided, and the control unit is provided with a touch panel.
Based on the operation to the touch panel, an open / close control signal for on / off control of the connection of the electric circuit of the branch switch is output to the branch switch.
The branch switchboard is a distribution board that controls opening and closing of the electric circuit of the branch switch based on at least one of the branch energization signal and the opening / closing control signal corresponding to the operation of the touch panel.

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