JP2022128472A - Adaptor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an adaptor capable of adding a preferable function to a power system.

SOLUTION: An adaptor is provided in a power feeding system that includes a multi-branched outlet unit having a plurality of connection ports, and a first loading device electrically connected to a first connection port included in the plurality of connection ports. The adaptor is disposed outside the outlet unit. A first plug of the adaptor is connected to a second connection port included in the plurality of connection ports. A function unit has a second functioning portion that performs measurement relating to at least one of electric power and an ambient environment of the adaptor. The first loading device is connected to the first connection port through an auxiliary adaptor including an electric element. The second functioning portion calculates a current value of the electric power supplied to the first loading device from the outlet unit, on the basis of a signal inputted from the auxiliary adaptor.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to adapters.

Various functional units exist in the power supply system. These functional units include a capacitor for smoothing voltage, a measuring unit for measuring voltage and current, and the like. These are pre-installed in the power supply device or the load device.

JP-A-11-252906

By the way, it is preferable that such functional units can be added later even after the power supply device and the load device are installed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an adapter capable of adding desirable functions to a power system.

One aspect of the present invention provides a power supply system including a multi-branch outlet unit having a plurality of connection ports and a first load device electrically connected to a first connection port included in the plurality of connection ports. an adapter provided and arranged outside the outlet unit, the adapter relating to at least one of a first plug connected to a second connection port included in the plurality of connection ports, power and an ambient environment of the adapter; a functional unit having at least a second functional unit for performing measurements, wherein the first load device is connected to the first connection port via an auxiliary adapter including an electrical element, the second functional unit comprising: The adapter is characterized in that a current value of power supplied from the outlet unit to the first load device is calculated based on a signal input from the auxiliary adapter.
In the above adapter, the plurality of connection ports includes the first connection port, the second connection port, and a third connection arranged on the opposite side of the second connection port from the first connection port. and a port, wherein the adapter is connected to the first connection port when a connection adapter of the first load device is connected to the first connection port and another adapter is connected to the third connection port. and an external shape that does not interfere with the adapter connected to the third connection port and the another adapter connected to the third connection port.
In addition, there are the following aspects related to the present invention.
(1) One aspect related to the present invention is a multi-branch outlet unit having a plurality of connection ports, and a first load device electrically connected to a first connection port included in the plurality of connection ports. and an adapter arranged outside the outlet unit. The adapter has a first plug and a functional unit. The first plug is connected to a second connection port included in the plurality of connection ports. The functional unit is a functional unit electrically connected to the first plug, and includes a first functional section that reduces the influence of electrical fluctuations occurring in the first connection port, and a power supply and a surrounding area of the adapter. a second functioning unit that measures at least one of the environments, and a third functioning unit that operates the lock mechanism of the first connection port or the lock mechanism of the load device connection adapter connected to the first connection port have at least one.

(2) In the above adapter, the first functional unit supplies electrical fluctuations occurring in the first connection port from the first connection port to the first load device through conductors in the outlet unit. a current source that stabilizes the power supplied, protects the first load device from overvoltages, or supplements a portion of the current flowing through the first connection port.

(3) In the above adapter, the functional unit includes at least the first functional section.

(4) In the adapter described above, the first function unit is capable of supplying power to the conductor in the outlet unit at least via the second connection port, and from the conductor via the first connection port. A voltage holding unit smoothing the voltage of the power supplied to the first load device is included.

(5) In the adapter described above, the first function unit includes a detection unit that detects fluctuations in power supplied to the first load device through the conductor in the outlet unit, and at least the second connection port. a power supply unit capable of supplying power to the conductors in the outlet unit via the outlet unit; and a control unit controlling the power supply unit based on the detection result of the detection unit.

(6) In the above adapter, the power supply system includes a second load device electrically connected to a third connection port included in the plurality of connection ports, and a third load device electrically connected to the third connection port when a predetermined condition is satisfied. and a breaker for breaking the electrical connection between the connection port and the second load device. The first function unit is adapted to, when the electrical connection between the third connection port and the second load device is interrupted by the interrupting unit and a voltage fluctuation occurs in the conductor in the outlet unit, It includes a voltage fluctuation suppressing section that suppresses voltage fluctuation to the first load device by allowing at least part of the power supplied to the conductor to escape to the outside of the outlet unit.

(7) In the adapter described above, the first function unit controls at least one part of power supplied from a power supply to the conductor when a voltage fluctuation occurs in the conductor in the outlet unit due to an electric shock, a short circuit, or a ground fault. a voltage fluctuation suppressing section that suppresses voltage fluctuation to the first load device by allowing the section to escape to the ground electrode.

(8) In the above adapter, the functional unit includes at least the second functional section.

(9) In the above adapter, the second function unit includes a measurement unit that measures at least one of current, voltage, power, and power quality of power supplied through the conductors in the outlet unit. .

(10) In the above adapter, the second function section includes a measurement section that measures at least one of acceleration, temperature, and humidity acting on the adapter.

(11) In the above adapter, the second function unit includes a measurement unit that measures current flowing from the first connection port to the first load device by detecting a magnetic field near the first connection port. .

(12) In the above adapter, the plurality of connection ports includes a third connection port. The second connection port and the third connection port are arranged upstream and downstream of the first connection port in the direction of current flow in the conductors in the outlet unit. The adapter includes a second plug connected to the third connection port. The second function unit measures a difference between a first measurement result of measuring the voltage of the conductor via the second connection port and a second measurement result of measuring the voltage of the conductor via the third connection port. a measuring unit for measuring the current flowing from the first connection port to the first load device based on the above.

(13) In the adapter described above, the second function unit includes a signal transmission unit that transmits a predetermined signal from the second connection port to the conductor in the outlet unit; A measuring unit for measuring the capacitance of the capacitor electrically connected to the conductor based on the state of the predetermined signal received via another connection port included in the port.

(14) In the above adapter, the functional unit includes at least the third functional section.

(15) In the above adapter, the third functional section includes an operation member that contacts the lock mechanism of the first connection port or the lock mechanism of the load device connection adapter, an actuator that drives the operation member, and a a control unit that controls the actuator based on the signal.

(16) In the adapter described above, the first function unit supplies a current that causes a protective operation of an overcurrent protection unit provided downstream of the first connection port to function. flow to the port.

(17) One aspect related to the present invention includes a multi-branch outlet unit having a plurality of connection ports, and a load device electrically connected to a first connection port included in the plurality of connection ports. An adapter set provided in a power supply system and arranged outside the outlet unit. This adapter set has a first adapter and a second adapter. The first adapter is connected to a second connection port included in the plurality of connection ports, and includes a first function unit that reduces the effects of electrical fluctuations occurring in the first connection port; a second functional unit that measures at least one of the surrounding environment; and a third functional unit that operates the lock mechanism of the first connection port or the lock mechanism of the load device connection adapter connected to the first connection port. at least one of them and a first communication unit. A said 2nd adapter is connected to the 3rd connection port contained in these connection ports, and has a said 1st communication part and a communicable 2nd communication part.

(18) In the above adapter set, the second adapter has a third communication section connectable to the Internet.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the adapter which can add a preferable function to an electric power system can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a perspective view which shows an example of the electric power feeding system of 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view showing the outlet unit and functional adapter of the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the electrical connection relationship of the outlet unit of 1st Embodiment, and a functional adapter. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing some examples of functional adapters having the first functional unit of the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing some other examples of functional adapters having the first functional unit of the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing some examples of functional adapters having the second functional unit of the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a function adapter having the second function part of the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing still another example of a function adapter having the second function part of the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing still another example of a function adapter having the second function part of the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a functional adapter having a third functional section according to the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a functional adapter having a third functional unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a function adapter having the third function part of the first embodiment; FIG. It is a perspective view showing an outlet unit and an adapter set of a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the electrical connection relationship between an outlet unit and an adapter set according to the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an outlet unit and a functional adapter of a third embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the electrical connection relationship between the outlet unit and the functional adapter of the third embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a function adapter 50 having a third function section 63 as a modification of the first embodiment;

An adapter and an adapter set according to embodiments will be described below. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to components having the same or similar functions. Duplicate descriptions of these configurations may be omitted.

(First embodiment)
First, an example of the power supply system 1 in which the adapter (functional adapter 50) of the first embodiment is used will be described. The configuration of the power supply system 1 is also common to, for example, a second embodiment described later.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a power feeding system 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply system 1 includes, for example, a power supply device 11, a distribution board 17 (current distribution device), a plurality of load devices 12, and a multi-branch outlet unit 13 (hereinafter simply referred to as "outlet unit 13”), a plurality of cables 14, and a housing 15. The power supply system 1 may further include a storage battery 16 . For example, the storage battery 16 is a secondary battery such as a lead battery or a lithium ion battery.

The power supply device 11 is, for example, a DC power supply device that supplies DC power to a plurality of load devices 12 . The power supply device 11 may be a rectifying device that converts AC power supplied from the external power supply PS into DC power, or a power conversion device (converter) that converts power supplied from the external power supply PS into predetermined power. Note that a power distribution board 17 may be provided on the electric path between the power supply device 11 and the housing 15 . The power supply device 11 is a power conversion device (converter) that supplies DC power to the storage battery 16 to charge the storage battery 16, converts the DC power from the storage battery 16 into predetermined power, and supplies the power to the distribution board 17. good too.

The load device 12 functions by, for example, DC power supplied from the power supply device 11 . The load device 12 is, but not limited to, a server device, an ICT (Information and Communication Technology) device such as a communication device, or a large-capacity storage device. A plurality of load devices 12 are accommodated, for example, in a common housing 15 (for example, rack).

The outlet unit 13 has a port section 13 a provided with a plurality of connection ports 23 (see FIG. 2) and a power cord 13 b for electrically connecting the port section 13 a to the power supply device 11 . Note that the outlet unit 13 may have a terminal for electrically connecting to the power supply device 11 instead of the power cord 13b.

Cable 14 is electrically connected to connection port 23 of outlet unit 13 . The cable 14 electrically connects the outlet unit 13 and each load device 12 and supplies power from the power supply device 11 to the load device 12 .

The housing 15 accommodates, for example, a plurality of load devices 12, a port portion 13a of the outlet unit 13, and a plurality of cables 14. FIG. The number of load devices 12, the number of outlet units 13, and the number of cables 14 accommodated in the housing 15 are not limited to the illustrated example.

The distribution board 17 is arranged between the power supply device 11 and the plurality of load devices 12 , and divides the power supplied from the power source device 11 to the plurality of load devices 12 . The distribution board 17 divides and distributes the current flowing through the plurality of load devices 12 . Note that the power supply system 1 may be provided with a power distribution unit 17A (not shown) housed in the housing 15 instead of the power distribution board 17 . The distribution unit 17A plays substantially the same role as the distribution board 17 does. Also, the distribution board 17 and the distribution unit 17A are not essential components and may be omitted. In this case, the power supply device 11 and each load device 12 may be directly connected by the cable 14 .
The distribution board 17 includes a power storage unit such as a capacitor (not shown), and is provided with a fuse or circuit breaker (not shown) for each power distribution destination. may be configured to stop power supply to the Such a distribution board 17 is sometimes referred to as a DC distribution device. An ICT device or the like housed in the housing 15 is one of power distribution destinations.

Next, the outlet unit 13 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the outlet unit 13 and the functional adapter 50. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the electrical connection relationship between the outlet unit 13 and the functional adapter 50. As shown in FIG.

The outlet unit 13 is, for example, an outlet unit for direct current of about 380 volts. The port portion 13a of the outlet unit 13 has a case 21 and a busbar 22 (see FIG. 3) provided inside the case 21. As shown in FIG. Here, the bus 22 will be explained first, and then the case 21 will be explained.

The bus 22 includes, for example, a positive line (positive conductor) 22a, a negative line (negative conductor) 22b, and a ground line (ground conductor) 22c. The busbar 22 is an example of a "conductor within the outlet unit."

A plurality of connection ports 23 are provided in the case 21 . The multiple connection ports 23 include, for example, four connection ports 23A, 23B, 23C and 23D. However, the number of connection ports 23 is not limited to the above example, and may be three or less, or may be five or more. Hereinafter, when the four connection ports 23A to 23D are not distinguished from each other, they are simply referred to as "connection ports 23". The plurality of connection ports 23 have the same shape as each other. The plurality of connection ports 23 are electrically connected in parallel with each other with respect to the bus 22 inside the case 21 .

Here, a load device connection adapter 30 connected to the connection port 23 of the outlet unit 13 is provided at the end of the cable 14 connected to the outlet unit 13 . The load device connection adapter 30 has a plug 31 having a plurality of plug terminals (for example, a positive plug terminal 31a, a negative plug terminal 31b, and a ground plug terminal 31c).

The connection port 23 of the outlet unit 13 includes a plurality of insertion openings 41a, 41b, and 41c opened on the surface of the case 21, and outlet terminals (for example, a positive outlet terminal 42a and a negative outlet terminal 42b) provided in the case 21. , and a grounding outlet terminal 42c) (see FIG. 3). A plurality of plug terminals 31a, 31b, 31c of the load device connection adapter 30 are inserted into the insertion openings 41a, 41b, 41c. The plug terminals 31 a , 31 b , 31 c are in contact with outlet terminals 42 a , 42 b , 42 c inside the case 21 . As a result, the bus 22 (the positive line 22a, the negative line 22b, and the ground line 22c) of the outlet unit 13 and the load device 12 are electrically connected, and the power from the power supply device 11 is transferred to the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 and the connection. It is supplied to load device 12 via port 23 . In the present embodiment, the connection port 23C to which one load device 12A (first load device, see FIG. 1) included in the plurality of load devices 12 is electrically connected is an example of a "first connection port." .

Next, the function adapter 50 will be explained. The functional adapter 50 is arranged outside the outlet unit 13 and attached to the connection port 23 from the outside of the outlet unit 13 . The function adapter 50 is removably attached to the connection port 23 of the outlet unit 13 to add desirable functions to the power system. The function adapter 50 is an example of an "adapter." Functional adapter 50 has, for example, plug 51 and functional unit 52 . In this embodiment, the functional adapter 50 does not have a connection port to which the plug of another adapter is connected.

The plug 51 is connected to the connection port 23 of the outlet unit 13 . More specifically, the plug 51 includes, for example, a plurality of plug terminals (for example, a positive plug terminal 51a, a negative plug terminal 51b, a It has a grounding plug terminal 51c). The plug terminals 51a, 51b, 51c are inserted into a plurality of insertion openings 41a, 41b, 41c opened on the surface of the case 21, and come into contact with outlet terminals 42a, 42b, 42c of the connection port 23 provided inside the case 21, respectively. . Thereby, the functional adapter 50 is electrically connected to the bus 22 (positive line 22a, negative line 22b, and ground line 22c) of the outlet unit 13 . The connection port 23B to which the plug 51 of the functional adapter 50 is connected is an example of the "second connection port".

Functional unit 52 is electrically connected to plug 51 . The functional unit 52 stabilizes the power supplied from the connection port 23C to the load device 12A through the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13, protects the load device 12A from overvoltage, or controls the current flowing through the connection port 23C. a first functional unit 61 that is a current source that supplements the function adapter 50; a second functional unit 62 that measures at least one of the power and the surrounding environment of the functional adapter 50; and at least one of a third functional portion 63 that operates the locking mechanism of the connection adapter 30 . In addition, the above-described first function unit 61 reduces the influence of electrical fluctuations occurring in the connection port 23C. For example, the first function unit 61 supplies the connection port 23C with a current that causes the protection operation of an overcurrent protection unit such as a fuse or a circuit breaker provided in the subsequent stage of the connection port 23C. to limit the effect of overcurrents on other connection ports. Below, the first functional unit 61, the second functional unit 62, and the third functional unit 63 will be described in detail.

First, the function adapter 50 having the first function section 61 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing some examples of the functional adapter 50 having the first functional section 61. As shown in FIG. (a) in FIG. 4 is an example in which the functional unit 52 has the voltage holding section 71 . In the configuration of (a) in FIG. 4 , the voltage holding unit 71 provides voltages between the positive plug terminal 51a and the grounding plug terminal 51c and between the negative plug terminal 51b and the grounding plug terminal 51c, for example. Each has a capacitor 71a electrically connected therebetween. The capacitor 71 a is charged with power supplied to the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 . The capacitor 71a supplies electric power to the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 via the connection port 23B when the voltage of the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 drops below the charging voltage of the capacitor 71a. Suppress voltage drop. On the other hand, the capacitor 71a transfers part of the power supplied to the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 to the outside of the outlet unit 13 (for example, a functional The voltage rise of the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 is suppressed by letting it escape to the adapter 50). Thereby, the voltage holding unit 71 smoothes the voltage of the power supplied from the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 to the load device 12A via the connection port 23C.

(b) in FIG. 4 shows another example of the voltage holding unit 71 . In the configuration of (b) in FIG. 4, the voltage holding unit 71 is provided between the positive plug terminal 51a and the grounding plug terminal 51c and between the negative plug terminal 51b and the grounding plug terminal 51c. Each has a battery (power storage unit) 71b electrically connected thereto. The battery 71b supplies power to the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 via the connection port 23B when the voltage of the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 drops below a predetermined level, thereby suppressing the voltage drop of the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13. do. Thereby, the voltage holding unit 71 smoothes the voltage of the power supplied from the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 to the load device 12A via the connection port 23C. The battery 71 b may be rechargeable with power supplied to the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 .

The configuration of (c) in FIG. 4 is an example in which the functional unit 52 includes a detection section 76 , a power supply section 77 , and a control section (control circuit) 78 . In the configuration of (c) in FIG. 4 , the detection unit 76 detects an electric current between the positive plug terminal 51a and the grounding plug terminal 51c and between the negative plug terminal 51b and the grounding plug terminal 51c. It has a voltage detector 76a that is connected in a static manner. The voltage detection unit 76a measures the voltage between the positive plug terminal 51a and the ground plug terminal 51c and the voltage between the negative plug terminal 51b and the ground plug terminal 51c. It detects fluctuations in the power supplied from the connection port 23 to the load device 12 (for example, the load device 12A) via the bus 22 of . Instead of the configuration described above, the detection unit 76 may detect the power fluctuation by measuring the voltage between the positive plug terminal 51a and the negative plug terminal 51b. The power supply unit 77 has a battery 77a and can supply power to the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 via the connection port 23B. The control section 78 controls the power supply section 77 based on the detection result of the detection section 76 . For example, when the detection unit 76 detects that the voltage of the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 has dropped below a predetermined amount (or has dropped beyond a predetermined amount), the control unit 78 discharges the battery 77a, Power is supplied from 50 to the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 . Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of power shortage in the load device 12 (for example, the load device 12A). The power supply unit 77 may have a capacitor that is charged with the power supplied to the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 instead of the battery 77a.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing several other examples of the functional adapter 50 having the first functional section 61. As shown in FIG. (a) in FIG. 5 is an example in which the functional unit 52 has the voltage fluctuation suppressing section 81 . 5A, another load device 12 (second load device 12B, see FIG. 1) included in the plurality of load devices 12 is electrically connected to the connection port 23D of the outlet unit 13. In FIG. be. The connection port 23D is an example of a "third connection port". In the example shown in FIG. 5(a), a cutoff adapter 83 is arranged between the load device connection adapter 30 of the cable 14 connected to the second load device 12B and the connection port 23D of the outlet unit 13. there is The cutoff adapter 83 has a cutoff portion 83a that cuts off the electrical connection between the second load device 12B and the connection port 23D when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, the breaker 83a is a fuse that breaks the electrical connection when a predetermined overcurrent or more flows. However, the breaker 83a may be a breaker (for example, a relay) controlled by a control unit (not shown). Further, instead of providing the cutoff adapter 83 between the second load device 12B and the connection port 23D, a cutoff portion 83a may be provided inside the load device connection adapter 30. FIG. Instead of the interrupting adapter 83, a fuse or circuit breaker (not shown) having the same interrupting characteristics as the interrupting adapter 83 may be provided inside the second load device 12B or in the cable 14. FIG.

In the configuration of (a) in FIG. 5, the voltage fluctuation suppressing section 81 of the functional adapter 50 is provided between the positive plug terminal 51a and the grounding plug terminal 51c and between the negative plug terminal 51b and the grounding plug terminal. 51c and capacitors 81a electrically connected to each other. The capacitor 81a charges part of the power supplied to the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 when the voltage of the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 exceeds the charging voltage of the capacitor 81a. As a result, the terminal voltage of the capacitor 81 a becomes equal to the voltage of the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 .

When a ground fault occurs in the cable 14 or the like provided on the second load device 12B side of the outlet unit 13 when the capacitor 81a is charged as described above, for example, the ground toward the ground fault point fault current flows. The interrupting adapter 83 is provided with a breaking portion 83a, and when the magnitude of the ground fault current exceeds the momentary allowable current value of the breaking portion 83a, the breaking portion 83a breaks the current. Note that the capacitor 81a serves as one of the current sources of the ground fault current, acts to increase the ground fault current, and cuts off the cutoff portion 83a at a relatively early stage. In this way, the functional adapter 50 causes the current to function as the protection operation of the cutoff adapter 83a (overcurrent protection unit) provided in the subsequent stage of the connection port 23 from the capacitor 81a (current source) to the connection port 23. .

As described above, power supply from a specific connection port 23 with a ground fault is stopped, but excessive current does not flow to the other connection ports 23 without a ground fault. is not affected. By providing the outlet unit 13 with the combination of the capacitor 81a and the cutoff adapter 83a in this way, it is possible to limit the spread of the influence of the ground fault.

In the case of a modification in which the outlet unit 13 is not provided with the combination of the capacitor 81a and the cutoff adapter 83a, the ground fault current flows from the DC power supply 11 or the distribution board 17 toward the ground fault point. For example, the fuse of the distribution board 17 may be blown, and the power supply to the housing 15 may stop altogether. In contrast, according to the configuration of the embodiment, an overcurrent due to a ground fault is less likely to occur in the current flowing through the power supply path to the housing 15, and it is possible to prevent the power supply to the housing 15 from being collectively stopped. .

The position where the outlet unit 13 is provided corresponds to the position immediately before the load device such as the ICT device between the DC power supply device 11 and the load device such as the ICT device. Especially in such a position, the outlet unit 13 provides an alternative function to the current distribution device 17 . Even if the current distribution device 17 is provided with a capacitor, the capacitor stabilizes each outlet unit 13 to which the load device is connected, so it is difficult to take measures for each load device. On the other hand, according to the configuration of the embodiment, since the capacitor 81a can be directly connected to the outlet unit 13, the voltage of the power supplied to each ICT device can be stabilized.

In addition, the voltage fluctuation suppressing section 81 operates when the electrical connection between the second load device 12B and the connection port 23D is interrupted by the interrupting section 83a and a voltage fluctuation occurs in the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 (for example, temporarily when the voltage increases). In such a case, by absorbing at least part of the transient power fluctuations supplied from the power supply device 11 to the bus 22 outside the outlet unit 13 (for example, the functional adapter 50), the voltage for the first load device 12A is reduced. Control fluctuations. According to such a configuration, it is possible to limit the extent to which failure affects a part of the system.

(b) in FIG. 5 shows another example of the voltage fluctuation suppressing section 81 . In the configuration of (b) in FIG. 5, the voltage variation suppressor 81 has an SPD (Surge Protect Device) 81b connected to the positive plug terminal 51a and the negative plug terminal 51b, respectively. For example, when one of the positive line 22a and the negative line 22b is short-circuited or grounded, the voltage change suppressing unit 81 suppresses the voltage change in the other of the positive line 22a and the negative line 22b. At least part of the power supplied to the electric circuit is released to the ground electrode (eg, ground line 22c or external ground) to suppress voltage fluctuations to the load device 12A. As a result, it is possible to limit the influence of the surge voltage flowing from the power supply side, and to protect the load device 12A from overvoltage.

Next, the function adapter 50 having the second function section 62 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing some examples of the functional adapter 50 having the second functional section 62. As shown in FIG. (a) in FIG. 6 is an example in which the functional unit 52 has a measuring section 91 that measures a value related to power. In the configuration of (a) in FIG. 6 , the measuring section 91 is configured to connect the positive plug terminal 51a and the grounding plug terminal 51c and between the negative plug terminal 51b and the grounding plug terminal 51c. It has a voltage detection part 91a that is connected The voltage detection unit 91a measures the voltage between the positive plug terminal 51a and the ground plug terminal 51c, and the voltage between the negative plug terminal 51b and the ground plug terminal 51c. Thereby, the measurement unit 91 measures the voltage of the power supplied from the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 to the load device 12A via the connection port 23C. According to such a configuration, the power supply state of the power system connected to the outlet unit 13 can be monitored by a simple method.

(b) in FIG. 6 shows another example of the measurement unit 91 . In the example shown in (b) of FIG. 6 , an auxiliary adapter 92 is arranged between the load device connection adapter 30 electrically connected to the load device 12A and the connection port 23C of the outlet unit 13 . The auxiliary adapter 92 includes a first shunt resistor 92a (first electrical element) electrically connected in series to the positive plug terminal 31a of the load device connection adapter 30 between the load device connection adapter 30 and the connection port 23C. , and a second shunt resistor 92b (second electric element) electrically connected in series to the negative plug terminal 31b of the load device connection adapter 30 between the load device connection adapter 30 and the connection port 23C. The auxiliary adapter 92 has detection terminals 93a and 93b electrically connected to a first shunt resistor 92a and a second shunt resistor 92b, respectively. Incidentally, the auxiliary adapter 92 may have other electrical elements (for example, transformers) for current detection instead of the shunt resistors 92a and 92b.

In the configuration of (b) in FIG. 6, the measuring section 91 is configured to measure the electrical current between the positive plug terminal 51a and the grounding plug terminal 51c and between the negative plug terminal 51b and the grounding plug terminal 51c. It has a voltage detection section 91a electrically connected and a measured value calculation section 91b electrically connected to the detection terminals 93a and 93b of the auxiliary adapter 92 . The measured value calculator 91b calculates the current value of power supplied from the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 to the load device 12A via the connection port 23C based on the signals input from the detection terminals 93a and 93b. Furthermore, based on the calculated current value and the detection result (voltage detection result) of the voltage detection unit 91a, the measurement value calculation unit 91b supplies the load device 12A from the bus line 22 of the outlet unit 13 via the connection port 23C. Determine the supplied power value and power quality. "Power quality" is, for example, but not limited to, the amount of unintended change in power per unit time.

(c) in FIG. 6 shows another example of the second function unit 62 . (c) in FIG. 6 is an example in which the functional unit 52 has a measuring section 96 that measures the values related to the surrounding environment of the functional adapter 50 . In the configuration of (c) in FIG. 6, the measuring section 96 has a power supply circuit 96a and a sensor section 96b. The power supply circuit 96a is electrically connected to the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 via at least the positive plug terminal 51a and the negative plug terminal 51b. The power supply circuit 96a generates power of a desired voltage from power supplied from the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 via the connection port 23B, and supplies the generated power to the sensor section 96b. The sensor unit 96b measures the surrounding environment of the functional adapter 50. FIG. For example, the sensor section 96b includes at least one of an acceleration sensor and a temperature sensor, and measures at least one of acceleration (shake or impact) acting on the function adapter 50 and temperature.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the function adapter 50 having the second function section 62. As shown in FIG. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the functional unit 52 has a measuring section 101 that measures the current value flowing from the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 to the load device 12A via the connection port 23C. In the configuration of Figure 7, the functional unit 52 has a first portion 55A and a second portion 55B. The first portion 55A has a first plug 51A, a first coil 102A, and a first magnetic field detector 103A. The first plug 51 A has plug terminals 51 a , 51 b , 51 c and is connected to the connection port 23 B of the outlet unit 13 . The first coil 102A is located near the positive plug terminal 31a of the load device connection adapter 30 and detects a magnetic field near the connection port 23C (for example, a magnetic field near the positive plug terminal 31a). The term "nearby" as used herein means close enough to detect the magnetic field. The first magnetic field detection section 103A may be electrically connected to the connection port 23B via the first plug 51A and operated by power supplied from the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 via the connection port 23B. The first magnetic field detector 103A is connected to the first coil 102A. The first magnetic field detection unit 103A measures the current value flowing through the positive plug terminal 31a of the load device connection adapter 30 based on the magnetic field detected by the first coil 102A.

A second portion 55B of the functional unit 52 has a second plug 51B, a second coil 102B, and a second magnetic field detector 103B. The second plug 51 B has plug terminals 51 a , 51 b , 51 c and is connected to the connection port 23 D of the outlet unit 13 . The connection ports 23B and 23D to which the first portion 55A and the second portion 55B of the functional unit 52 are connected are connected to the connection port 23C to which the load device 12A is electrically connected in the direction of current flow in the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13. are arranged separately in the upstream and downstream of the The second coil 102B is located near the negative plug terminal 31b of the load device connection adapter 30 and detects a magnetic field near the connection port 23C (for example, a magnetic field near the negative plug terminal 31b). The second magnetic field detector 103B may be electrically connected to the connection port 23D via the second plug 51B and operated by power supplied from the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 via the connection port 23D. The second magnetic field detector 103B is connected to the second coil 102B. The second magnetic field detection section 103B measures the current value flowing through the negative plug terminal 31b of the load device connection adapter 30 based on the magnetic field detected by the second coil 102B.

In this embodiment, the functional adapter 50 has a measurement value calculator 104 . The measured value calculator 104 calculates the current value flowing from the connection port 23C to the load device 12A based on one or both of the detection result of the first magnetic field detector 103A and the detection result of the second magnetic field detector 103B. According to such a configuration, while the load device connection adapter 30 remains connected to the outlet unit 13 (that is, while the load device 12A continues to operate without removing the load device 12A from the connection port 23C), The ability to measure current can be added to the power system.

Measured value calculator 104 may be provided in first portion 55A, may be provided in second portion 55B, or may be provided outside first portion 55A and second portion 55B. Also, the first portion 55A and the second portion 55B may be formed separately from each other as two functional adapters 50A and 50B instead of being formed as one functional adapter. In this case, the functional adapters 50A and 50B are an example of an "adapter set."

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing still another example of the function adapter 50 having the second function section 62. As shown in FIG. FIG. 8 shows an example in which the functional unit 52 has a measuring section 111 that measures the current value flowing from the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 to the load device 12A via the connection port 23C. In the configuration of FIG. 8, the functional unit 52 has a first portion 55A and a second portion 55B. The first portion 55A has a first plug 51A and a first voltage detector 112A. The first plug 51A is connected to the connection port 23B of the outlet unit 13. As shown in FIG. The first voltage detector 112A detects a voltage V1 between the positive plug terminal 51a and the ground plug terminal 51c of the first plug 51A and a voltage between the negative plug terminal 51b and the ground plug terminal 51c. and V2 are measured respectively.

The second portion 55B of the functional unit 52 has a second plug 51B and a second voltage detector 112B. The second plug 51B is connected to the connection port 23D of the outlet unit 13. As shown in FIG. The connection ports 23B and 23D to which the first portion 55A and the second portion 55B of the functional unit 52 are connected are connected to the connection port 23C to which the load device 12A is electrically connected in the direction of current flow in the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13. are arranged separately in the upstream and downstream of the The second voltage detector 112B detects a voltage V3 between the positive plug terminal 51a and the ground plug terminal 51c of the second plug 51B and a voltage between the negative plug terminal 51b and the ground plug terminal 51c. and V4 are measured respectively.

In this embodiment, the functional adapter 50 has a measurement value calculator 113 . Measured value calculation section 113 calculates the result of measurement by first voltage detection section 112A (the first measurement result of measuring the voltage of bus 22 via connection port 23B) and the result of measurement by second voltage detection section 112B (the connection port 23D A current flowing from the connection port 23C to the load device 12A is calculated based on the difference from the second measurement result obtained by measuring the voltage of the bus 22 via . That is, the positive wire 22a of the outlet unit 13 has an internal resistance R1 (schematically indicated by a chain double-dashed line in the drawing) between the positive outlet terminal 42a of the connection port 23B and the positive outlet terminal 42a of the connection port 23D. have Similarly, the negative wire 22b of the outlet unit 13 has an internal resistance R2 (schematically indicated by a chain double-dashed line in the figure) between the negative outlet terminal 42b of the connection port 23B and the negative outlet terminal 42b of the connection port 23D. ). The magnitudes of these internal resistances R1 and R2 are obtained in advance and given to the measurement value calculator 113 . The measured value calculator 113 detects the values of the internal resistances R1 and R2 and the amount of voltage drop, which is the difference between the measurement result of the first voltage detection unit 112A and the measurement result of the second voltage detection unit 112B. The value of the current flowing from the bus 22 to the load device 12A through the connection port 23C is measured. The amount of voltage drop is, for example, the voltage value of the positive plug terminal 51a of the first plug 51A detected by the first voltage detection section 112A and the positive plug terminal 51a of the second plug 51B detected by the second voltage detection section 112B. The difference (V3−V1) from the voltage value of the terminal 51a, or the voltage value of the negative plug terminal 51b of the first plug 51A detected by the first voltage detection section 112A and the voltage value detected by the second voltage detection section 112B. is the difference (V4-V2) from the voltage value of the negative plug terminal 51b of the second plug 51B. Then, the measured value calculator 113 calculates the value of the current flowing from the bus line 22 of the outlet unit 13 to the load device 12A via the connection port 23C by (V3-V1)/R1 or (V4-V2)/R2. .

Measured value calculator 113 may be provided in first portion 55A, may be provided in second portion 55B, or may be provided outside first portion 55A and second portion 55B. Also, the first portion 55A and the second portion 55B may be formed separately from each other as two functional adapters 50A and 50B instead of being formed as one functional adapter. In this case, the functional adapters 50A and 50B are an example of an "adapter set."

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing still another example of the function adapter 50 having the second function section 62. As shown in FIG. FIG. 9 shows an example in which the functional unit 52 has a measuring section 121 that measures the capacitance of the capacitor electrically connected to the bus 22 based on changes in the signal transmitted to the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 . In the configuration of FIG. 9, the functional unit 52 has, for example, a first portion 55A and a second portion 55B. The first portion 55A has a first plug 51A and a signal transmitter 122A. The first plug 51A is connected to the connection port 23B of the outlet unit 13. As shown in FIG. The signal transmission unit 122A transmits a predetermined signal to the positive wire 22a of the outlet unit 13 for a predetermined period of time via the positive plug terminal 51a of the first plug 51A. The signal transmission unit 122A transmits a predetermined signal to the negative wire 22b of the outlet unit 13 for a predetermined period of time via the negative plug terminal 51b of the first plug 51A. The signal transmitter 122A transmits a predetermined signal to the ground wire 22c of the outlet unit 13 for a predetermined period of time via the plug terminal 51c of the ground electrode of the first plug 51A. These predetermined signals are, for example, AC signals with sinusoidal voltages. For example, the signal transmission unit 122A may transmit the predetermined signal to the plug terminal 51a or the plug terminal 51b with the plug terminal 51c as a reference, and the predetermined signal may be transmitted between the plug terminals 51a and 51b. may be sent.

The second portion 55B of the functional unit 52 has a second plug 51B and a signal receiver 122B. The second plug 51B is connected to the connection port 23D of the outlet unit 13. As shown in FIG. The connection ports 23B and 23D to which the first portion 55 and the second portion 55B of the functional unit 52 are connected are, for example, the connections to which the load device 12A is electrically connected in the direction of current flow in the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13. They are arranged separately upstream and downstream of the port 23C. The signal receiver 122B receives the signal transmitted from the signal transmitter 122A to the positive wire 22a of the outlet unit 13 via the positive plug terminal 51a of the second plug 51B. The signal receiver 122B receives the signal transmitted from the signal transmitter 122A to the negative line 22b of the outlet unit 13 via the negative plug terminal 51b of the second plug 51B. The signal receiving section 122B receives the signal transmitted from the signal transmitting section 122A to the ground wire 22c of the outlet unit 13 via the grounding plug terminal 51c of the second plug 51B.

In this embodiment, the functional adapter 50 has a measurement value calculator 123 . Based on the state of the predetermined signal received by the signal receiver 122B, the measured value calculator 123 calculates the capacitance of the capacitor electrically connected to the bus 22 of the outlet unit 13 (for example, the capacitor of the load device 12A). to measure. For example, the measured value calculation unit 123 compares the signal transmitted by the signal transmission unit 122A and the signal received by the signal reception unit 122B, and based on the change in the predetermined signal (for example, the degree of attenuation), the bus line The capacitance of a capacitor electrically connected to 22 is measured. It is preferable that the predetermined signal includes a frequency that facilitates detection of capacitance change of the capacitor.

In addition, in FIG. 9, the example in which the signal transmitter 122A is provided in the first portion 55A and the signal receiver 122B is provided in the second portion 55B has been described. Alternatively, the signal receiver 122B may be provided in the first portion 55A, and the signal transmitter 122A may be provided in the second portion 55B. Also, both the signal transmitter 122A and the signal receiver 122B may be provided in the first portion 55A. In this case, the signal transmitter 122A transmits a predetermined signal from the connection port 23B to the bus line 22 of the outlet unit 13. FIG. The signal receiving section 122B receives the predetermined signal transmitted by the signal transmitting section 122A and flowing through the bus line 22 of the outlet unit 13 via the connection port 23B. Also, the first portion 55A and the second portion 55B may be formed separately from each other as two functional adapters 50A and 50B instead of being formed as one functional adapter. In this case, the functional adapters 50A and 50B are an example of an "adapter set."

Next, the function adapter 50 having the third function section 63 will be described. 10 and 11 are diagrams showing an example of the function adapter 50 having the third function section 63. FIG. The example shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is an example in which the functional adapter 50 has the third functional section 63 that operates the lock mechanism 131 of the connection port 23C electrically connected to the load device 12A.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the case 21 of the outlet unit 13 is provided with a lock mechanism 131 near each connection port 23 . The lock mechanism 131 has an engaging portion (not shown) and a switch 131a.

The engaging portion engages with an engaged portion (not shown) provided on the load device connection adapter 30 when the lock mechanism 131 is switched to the ON state. As a result, the load device connection adapter 30 is fixed to the outlet unit 13 and the load device connection adapter 30 does not come off from the outlet unit 13 . On the other hand, the engaging portion is disengaged from the engaged portion when the lock mechanism 131 is switched to the OFF state. This allows the load device connection adapter 30 to be removed from the outlet unit 13 .

The switch 131 a protrudes outside the case 21 of the outlet unit 13 and can be operated from the outside of the outlet unit 13 . The switch 131a switches the lock mechanism 131 between an ON state and an OFF state by being operated.

10 and 11, the functional unit 52 of the functional adapter 50 has a cover 133, an operating member 134, an actuator 135, a communication section 136, and a control section 137. FIG. The cover 133 covers the switch 131a of the lock mechanism 131 of the connection port 23C to which the load device connection adapter 30 is connected. The operation member 134 is provided inside the cover 133 and contacts the switch 131a of the lock mechanism 131 of the connection port 23C to which the load device connection adapter 30 is connected. For example, the operating member 134 has a recess corresponding to the switch 131a and engages the switch 131a. Actuator 135 includes a drive source such as a motor or solenoid. The actuator 135 drives the operation member 134 so as to switch the lock mechanism 131 between an ON state and an OFF state by operating the switch 131a with the operation member 134 . The communication unit 136 can communicate with the outside of the function adapter 50 wirelessly or by wire. The control unit 137 controls the actuator 135 based on external instructions input through the communication unit 136 . According to such a functional adapter 50, the locking mechanism 131 of the outlet unit 13 can be switched between the ON state and the OFF state by remote control.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the function adapter 50 having the third function section 63. As shown in FIG. In this example, the functional adapter 50 has the third functional section 63 that operates the lock mechanism 131 provided in the load device connection adapter 30 .

In the example shown in FIG. 12 , instead of the outlet unit 13 , the load device connection adapter 30 is provided with a lock mechanism 131 . The functional unit 52 of the functional adapter 50 has an operating member 134 that contacts (for example, engages) the switch 131 a of the lock mechanism 131 of the load device connection adapter 30 . Other configurations are the same as those shown in FIGS. With such a configuration as well, the lock mechanism 131 of the outlet unit 13 can be switched between the ON state and the OFF state by remote control.

(Modification of the first embodiment)
In the examples shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the state of the lock mechanism 131 is switched by the mechanical connection between the function adapter 50 and the outlet unit 13. FIG. Alternatively, in this modification, the lock mechanism 131 may be switched by electrical coupling between the functional adapter 50 and the outlet unit 13 .

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the function adapter 50 having the third function section 63 of the modification of the first embodiment. The example shown in FIG. 17 is an example in which the function adapter 50 has the third function unit 63 that operates the lock mechanism 131 of the connection port 23C to which the load device 12A is electrically connected.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the case 21 of the outlet unit 13 is provided with a lock mechanism 131 near each connection port 23 . The lock mechanism 131 has an engaging portion (not shown) and a switch 131a. The engaging portion engages with an engaged portion (not shown) provided on the load device connection adapter 30 when the lock mechanism 131 is switched to the ON state. When the lock mechanism 131 is in the ON state, insertion/removal of the load device connection adapter 30 is restricted.

The outlet unit 13 has an operation member 134 , an actuator 135 , a communication section 138 and a control section 139 in addition to the bus 22 . The operating member 134 , the actuator 135 , the communication section 138 and the control section 139 are provided inside the outlet unit 13 . The operation member 134 contacts the switch 131a of the lock mechanism 131 of the connection port 23C to which the load device connection adapter 30 is connected. For example, the operating member 134 has a recess corresponding to the switch 131 a and engages the switch 131 a inside the outlet unit 13 . Actuator 135 includes a drive source such as a motor or solenoid. The actuator 135 drives the operating member 134 so as to switch the lock mechanism 131 between an ON state and an OFF state by operating the switch 131a with the operating member 134 . The communication unit 138 can communicate with the functional adapter 50 wirelessly or by wire. The control unit 139 controls the actuator 135 based on instructions from the function adapter 50 input through the communication unit 138 .

The functional unit 52 of the functional adapter 50 has a communication section 136 and a control section 137 . The communication unit 136 of the functional adapter 50 can communicate with the outside of the functional adapter 50 wirelessly or by wire. For example, the communication section 136 communicates with the communication section 138 of the outlet unit 13 . The control unit 137 communicates with the outlet unit 13 and controls the actuator 135 of the outlet unit 13 based on an external instruction input through the communication unit 136 . According to such a functional adapter 50, the locking mechanism 131 of the outlet unit 13 can be switched between the ON state and the OFF state by remote control.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an adapter set 200 consisting of a plurality of functional adapters 50A and 50B is provided. Configurations other than those described below are the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the outlet unit 13 and the adapter set 200 of the second embodiment. The adapter set 200 includes a plurality (for example, two) of functional adapters (first functional adapter 50A, second functional adapter 50B). A plurality of functional adapters 50A and 50B are formed separately from each other, and are independently connectable to and removable from the connection port 23 of the outlet unit 13 . The combination of the function adapters 50A and 50B can be freely changed so as to realize desired functions, for example. A plurality of function adapters 50A and 50B may be connected to two connection ports 23 adjacent to each other, or may be connected to two connection ports 23 separated from each other (for example, separated on both sides of the load device connection adapter 30). may

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the electrical connection relationship between the outlet unit 13 and the adapter set 200 of the second embodiment. The first functional adapter 50A is an example of a "first adapter". The second functional adapter 50B is an example of a "second adapter."

The first functional adapter 50A has a first plug 51A and a first functional unit 52A. The first plug 51A is connected to the connection port 23B of the outlet unit 13. As shown in FIG. The first functional unit 52A is connected to the first plug 51A. The first functional unit 52</b>A has at least one of the first functional section 61 , the second functional section 62 , and the third functional section 63 and the first communication section 141 . The first communication unit 141, for example, wirelessly (or wiredly) transmits the measurement result measured by the second function unit 62 to the outside of the first function adapter 50A (for example, the second function adapter 50B). In addition, the first communication unit 141 wirelessly (or (wired).

The second functional adapter 50B has a second plug 51B and a second functional unit 52B. The second plug 51B is connected to the connection port 23A of the outlet unit 13. As shown in FIG. The connection port 23A to which the second plug 51B is connected is an example of the "third connection port". The second functional unit 52B is connected to the second plug 51B. The second functional unit 52B has a second communication section 142 and a third communication section 143 . The second communication unit 142 can communicate wirelessly (or by wire) with the first communication unit 141 of the first functional adapter 50A. In other words, the second communication unit 142 receives the measurement result measured by the second function unit 62 of the first function adapter 50A from the first function adapter 50A. The second communication unit 142 also transmits an instruction to the third function unit 63 of the first function adapter 50A (an instruction to switch the ON state/OFF state of the lock mechanism 131) to the first function adapter 50A. On the other hand, the third communication unit 143 is capable of wireless (or wired) communication with the outside of the adapter set 200 . For example, the third communication unit 143 can connect to the Internet. For example, the third communication unit 143 can communicate with the management device of the adapter set 200 via a local network or a network such as the Internet.

Also, the second functional adapter 50B may have at least one of the first functional section 61, the second functional section 62, and the third functional section 63 described above. Also, part of the first function part 61, part of the second function part 62, or part of the third function part 63 may be provided in the second function adapter 50B instead of the first function adapter 50A. . For example, the detection unit 76 (voltage detection unit 76a) and the control unit 78 described with reference to (c) in FIG. good. The set of magnetic field detection units 103A and 103B described with reference to (c) in FIG. good. The set of voltage detection units 112A and 112B described with reference to FIG. 8 and the measurement value calculation unit 113 may be separately provided in the first function adapter 50A and the second function adapter 50B. The set of the signal transmitter 122A and the signal receiver 122B described with reference to FIG. 9, and the measured value calculator 123 may be separately provided in the first functional adapter 50A and the second functional adapter 50B.

According to such configurations, desirable functions can be easily added to the electric power system. That is, by attaching the function adapter 50 or the adapter set 200 to the outlet unit 13, a desired specific function can be added to the power system.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the connection from the power supply side to the outlet unit 13A is a connector connection. Configurations other than those described below are the same as those of the first embodiment.

15 is a perspective view showing outlet unit 13A and function adapter 50. FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the electrical connection relationship between outlet unit 13A and functional adapter 50. As shown in FIG.

The outlet unit 13A is, for example, a DC outlet unit of about 380 volts. The port portion 13a of the outlet unit 13A has a case 21 and a busbar 22 (see FIG. 16) provided inside the case 21. As shown in FIG. The port section 13a is provided with connection ports 23A to 23D, for example.

The bus 22 electrically connects the terminals of the connection port 23 of the outlet unit 13A so that the electrical polarities of the terminals are the same.

As shown in FIG. 15, the function adapter 50 is provided in the connection port 23 of the outlet unit 13A. The function adapter 50 is connectable to and removable from the connection port 23 of the outlet unit 13A.

Furthermore, at least one power cord 13c and one or more cables 14 are electrically connected to each connection port 23 of the outlet unit 13A. In the example shown in FIG. 15, each of the two cables 14 is electrically connected to the connection ports 23C and 23D of the outlet unit 13. In the example shown in FIG. The power cord 13c and cable 14 are connectable to and removable from the connection port 23 of the outlet unit 13A.

The power cord 13 c electrically connects the port section 13 a provided with the plurality of connection ports 23 to the power supply device 11 . For example, a power cord connection adapter 150 connected to the connection port 23 of the outlet unit 13 is provided at the end of the power cord 13c. The power cord connection adapter 30 has a plug 151 having a plurality of plug terminals (for example, a positive plug terminal 151a, a negative plug terminal 151b, and a ground plug terminal 151c). Each terminal of the plug 151 is electrically connected to each terminal of the connection port 23 similarly to each terminal of the plug 31 .

For example, outlet unit 13A distributes power supplied to connection port 23A via power cord 13c to respective load devices via bus 22 and cable 14 connected to connection ports 23C and 23D. For the operation of the function adapter 50 in the outlet unit 13A, refer to the above description.

According to the above embodiment, the outlet unit 13A having a plurality of connection ports 23 can be supplied with power through the power cord 13c, and can relay the power to the load device.

Although several embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to the above examples.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 power supply system 12, 13, 13A outlet unit 23 connection port 30 load device connection adapter 50, 50A, 50B function adapter 51, 51A plug (first plug) 51B second Plug 52 Functional unit 61 First functional unit 62 Second functional unit 63 Third functional unit 71 Voltage holding unit 76 Detection unit 76a Voltage detection unit 77 Power supply unit , 78... control unit, 81... voltage fluctuation suppressing unit, 83... interrupting adapter, 83a... interrupting unit, 91... measuring unit, 91a... voltage detecting unit, 96... measuring unit, 101... measuring unit, 102A, 102B... coil, 103A, 103B magnetic field detector 111 measurement unit 112A, 112B voltage detection unit 121 measurement unit 122A signal transmitter 122B signal receiver 131 lock mechanism 131a switch 134 operation Member 135 Actuator 136, 138 Communication unit 137, 139 Control unit 141 First communication unit 142 Second communication unit 143 Third communication unit 150 Power cord connection adapter 151 Plug, 200...adapter set

Claims (2)

provided in a power supply system including a multi-branched outlet unit having a plurality of connection ports and a first load device electrically connected to the first connection port included in the plurality of connection ports, An externally located adapter,
a first plug connected to a second connection port included in the plurality of connection ports;
a functional unit having at least a second functional unit that performs measurements relating to at least one of power and the ambient environment of the adapter;
with
the first load device is connected to the first connection port via an auxiliary adapter including an electrical element;
The second function unit calculates a current value of power supplied from the outlet unit to the first load device based on a signal input from the auxiliary adapter.
An adapter characterized by: the plurality of connection ports includes the first connection port, the second connection port, and a third connection port arranged on the opposite side of the second connection port from the first connection port;
When a connection adapter of the first load device is connected to the first connection port and another adapter is connected to the third connection port, the adapter connected to the first connection port and the having an external shape that does not interfere with the another adapter connected to the third connection port;
The adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that:

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