JP7122677B2 - Switches and test methods for switches - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates generally to switches and methods of testing switches. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a switch that interrupts an electric circuit connecting a power source and a load, and a test method for the switch.

Patent Literature 1 discloses an earth leakage circuit breaker. This earth leakage circuit breaker includes a zero-phase current transformer whose primary winding is an AC circuit to be detected, and a leakage detector that determines whether or not there is a leakage in the AC circuit based on the secondary output of this zero-phase current transformer. and Further, this earth leakage breaker is equipped with a test device that supplies a simulated earth leakage current for an earth leakage operation test to the test winding wound around the zero-phase current transformer when the test switch is pressed.

JP 2015-032420 A

In the earth leakage circuit breaker (switch) described in Patent Document 1, when testing the earth leakage operation (breaking operation) of the earth leakage circuit breaker, the operator must go to the place where the earth leakage breaker is located and press the test switch. However, there is a problem that the number of man-hours required for the operation test increases.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a switch that can reduce the number of man-hours required for an operation test, and a test method for the switch.

A switch according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a tripping section and a processing section. The tripping unit performs a tripping operation of mechanically shifting a contact electrically connected to an electric circuit connecting a power source and a load from a closed state to an open state. When an event occurs, the processing unit performs an operation test for testing at least a part of the interruption operation by outputting a pseudo signal. The pseudo signal is a signal for pseudo-generating a state in which a breaking operation for breaking the electric circuit including the tripping operation is performed . The event is transition of one or more predetermined loads electrically connected to the electric line from a used state to a non-used state.

A test method for a switch according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a test method for a switch including a tripping portion. The tripping unit performs a tripping operation of mechanically shifting a contact electrically connected to an electric circuit connecting a power source and a load from a closed state to an open state. This testing method tests at least part of the blocking operation by outputting a dummy signal when an event occurs. The pseudo signal is a signal for pseudo-generating a state in which a breaking operation for breaking the electric circuit including the tripping operation is performed . The event is transition of one or more predetermined loads electrically connected to the electric line from a used state to a non-used state.

The present disclosure has the advantage of being able to reduce the man-hours required for the operation test.

FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a switch (first switch) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the same switch (second switch). FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a distribution board using the same switch. FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the same switch.

(1) Outline As shown in FIGS. 1A to 2, the switch 2 of the present embodiment has a function of breaking the electric circuit L1 connecting the power supply and the load B1. The “power source” referred to in the present disclosure is a system power source (commercial power source), but may be a distributed power source such as a photovoltaic power generation device or a storage battery, for example. In this embodiment, the switch 2 is a main breaker provided in the distribution board 1 . The switch 2 includes a tripping section 24 and a processing section 22, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

The tripping unit 24 performs a tripping operation to mechanically shift the contact C1 electrically connected to the electric line L1 connecting the power supply and the load B1 from the closed state to the open state. The tripping operation can be performed when a handle attached to the switch 2 is operated, and when the electric line L1 is in an abnormal state different from the normal state. In the present embodiment, the abnormal state may include a state in which an electrical leak has occurred and a state in which the neutral line L13 is open. The former state can occur, for example, when the load B1 electrically connected to the electric line L1 fails or short-circuits, or when the insulator deteriorates. The latter state occurs when the power distribution system to the distribution board 1 is a single-phase three-wire system and, for example, the neutral line L13 is disconnected due to deterioration, or the connection of the neutral line L13 is defective. obtain. When such an abnormal state occurs, a tripping operation is performed by the tripping unit 24 to cut off the electric circuit L1 and protect the load B1 electrically connected to the electric circuit L1.

When an event occurs, the processing unit 22 outputs a pseudo signal S1 to perform an operation test for testing at least a part of the interruption operation. In this embodiment, the blocking operation including the tripping operation is performed by the processing unit 22 performing the operation test. The pseudo signal S1 is a signal for generating a pseudo state in which an interruption operation including a tripping operation is performed to interrupt the electric line L1.

The “event” referred to in the present disclosure includes receiving a test signal including an operation test execution command transmitted from an information terminal 61 such as a smartphone (in other words, an external system 6 different from the switch 2). obtain. The test signal transmission process can be executed by installing a dedicated application in the information terminal 61, for example. Also, the “event” referred to in the present disclosure is a trigger for the processing unit 22 to output the pseudo signal S1 as described above. Therefore, pressing the test button 20 provided in the switch 2 is not a trigger for the processing unit 22 to output the pseudo signal S1, and therefore is not included in the "event" in the present disclosure.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when an event occurs, the processing unit 22 executes an operation test for testing at least part of the blocking operation. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the operator can test the operation of the switch 2 without going to the place where the switch 2 is located. has the advantage of being able to reduce

(2) Details Hereinafter, the switch 2 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1A to 2. FIG. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the top, bottom, left, and right of FIG. 2 are defined as the top, bottom, left, and right of the distribution board 1 .

(2.1) Distribution Board First, the distribution board 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the distribution board 1 includes a switch (main breaker) 2, a plurality of branch breakers 3, a measurement adapter 4, a detection unit 5, and a cabinet 10 that accommodates these. there is In this embodiment, the distribution board 1 is installed in a detached house as an example, but it is not limited to this example. In other words, the distribution board 1 may be installed in facilities such as each dwelling unit of collective housing, offices, shops, factories, hospitals, etc., as long as the facilities are installable.

The switch 2 is arranged inside the cabinet 10 . The switch 2 has a primary side terminal 201 and a secondary side terminal 202 . In the distribution board 1 of the present embodiment, a single-phase three-wire system is assumed as a power distribution system. connected In addition, the secondary side terminal 202 of the switch 2 has a conductive bar of the first voltage pole (L1 phase), a conductive bar of the second voltage pole (L2 phase), and a conductive bar of the neutral pole (N phase). It is connected.

A plurality of branch breakers 3 are divided into upper and lower sides of the conductive bar of the neutral pole, and a plurality of each are arranged so as to line up in the left-right direction. Each branch breaker 3 has a pair of primary side terminals and a pair of secondary side terminals. The branch breaker 3 is available for 100V and 200V. A pair of primary side terminals included in the branch breaker 3 for 100V are electrically connected to one of the conductive bar of the first voltage pole and the conductive bar of the second voltage pole and the conductive bar of the neutral pole, respectively. be. A pair of primary side terminals included in the branch breaker 3 for 200V are electrically connected to the conductive bar of the first voltage pole and the conductive bar of the second voltage pole, respectively. Corresponding wiring is electrically connected to the secondary side terminal of the branch breaker 3 . The wiring connected to the secondary terminal of each branch breaker 3 is connected to one or more loads B1, for example, devices such as lighting fixtures, air conditioners, television receivers, hot water supply equipment, or wiring devices such as wall switches. be.

The detector 5 is configured to detect the current flowing through the load B1 connected to each of the multiple branch breakers 3 . The detector 5 has, for example, a substrate and a plurality of coils 51 . The substrate has a plate shape elongated in the left-right direction. A plurality of holes are formed in the substrate. Terminals extending from the conductive bar and connected to the primary terminals of the branch breaker 3 are inserted into the plurality of holes. The coil 51 is, for example, a Rogowski coil and is formed around the hole in the substrate. In this embodiment, the detector 5 detects the current flowing through the load B1 connected to each of the branch breakers 3 by measuring the current induced in each of the multiple coils 51 .

The measurement adapter 4 is arranged inside the cabinet 10 . The measurement adapter 4 has a measurement function of measuring the power passing through at least one of the switch 2 and the branch breaker 3 in the distribution board 1, and a communication function of communicating with devices arranged outside the cabinet 10. there is

More specifically, the measurement adapter 4 of the present embodiment is electrically connected to the main detector and the detector 5 that measure the current flowing through the switch 2 . Here, the master detection unit has a current sensor, for example, a current transformer (CT). The measurement adapter 4 has a function (measurement function) of converting each of the current values measured by the detection unit 5 and the master detection unit into power values.

The measurement adapter 4 also has a function (communication function) to communicate with a controller configured to control a device compatible with HEMS (Home Energy Management System) (hereinafter referred to as HEMS compatible device). ing. A controller is a device arranged outside the cabinet 10 . Here, HEMS-compatible devices include, for example, smart meters, solar power generation devices, power storage devices, fuel cells, electric vehicles, air conditioners, lighting fixtures, water heaters, refrigerators, television receivers, and the like. Note that HEMS-compatible devices are not limited to these devices.

Furthermore, the measurement adapter 4 has a function (communication function) to communicate with an information terminal 61 such as a smart phone (that is, an external system 6 different from the switch 2). The information terminal 61 may include, for example, a desktop or laptop personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smart speaker, in addition to the smart phone.

The communication method between the measurement adapter 4 and the controller (or the information terminal 61) is, for example, a 920 MHz band specific low power radio station (radio station not requiring a license), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark). It may be wireless communication using radio waves as a medium conforming to communication standards such as . Also, the communication method between the measurement adapter 4 and the controller (or the information terminal 61) may be wired communication conforming to a communication standard such as a wired LAN (Local Area Network). As a communication protocol for communication between the measurement adapter 4 and the controller (or the information terminal 61), for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), ECHONET Lite (registered trademark), etc. may be used. In this embodiment, the communication method between the measurement adapter 4 and the information terminal 61 is wireless communication via a network N1 such as the Internet.

In the distribution board 1 of the present embodiment, the measurement adapter 4 receives the current value of each of the multiple loads B1 measured by the detection unit 5 from the detection unit 5 . Furthermore, the measurement adapter 4 receives the current value measured by the master detector from the master detector. The measurement adapter 4 converts each of the current values measured by the detection unit 5 and the master detection unit into power values (instantaneous power values). The measurement adapter 4 has a function of calculating power amount data by accumulating collected instantaneous power data over a predetermined period of time. Therefore, the controller that communicates with the measurement adapter 4 can control the HEMS-compatible device based on the instantaneous power and power amount of each of the multiple loads B1.

In addition, the measurement adapter 4 has a function (communication function) of communicating with at least one of a solar power generation device, a power storage device, and a power conversion device (power conditioner) electrically connected to the electric vehicle. have. In addition to power conversion for unidirectional charging from the distribution board 1 to the electric vehicle, the power converter is used for both charging and discharging of the storage battery of the electric vehicle by performing bidirectional power conversion. The configuration may be such that The communication method between the measurement adapter 4, the solar power generation device, the power storage device, and the power conversion device is wired communication conforming to a communication standard such as RS-485, for example.

(2.2) Switch Next, the switch 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the switch 2 includes a test button 20 (see FIG. 2), a transmission circuit 21, a processing section 22, a drive circuit 23, a tripping section 24, and a communication section 25. , and a power supply circuit 26 . The switch 2 also includes a switch SW<b>0 that opens and closes an electric circuit between the processing unit 22 and the drive circuit 23 . The switch SW0 is an a-contact (normally open contact) and is a semiconductor element such as a thyristor.

When the switch 2 has a function (first function) of interrupting the electric circuit L1 when an electric leakage occurs, as shown in FIG. , is further provided. Further, when the switch 2 has a function (second function) to cut off the electric circuit L1 when a phase loss of the neutral line L13 occurs, as shown in FIG. 1B, the lead wire 28, the voltage dividing circuit 29, is further provided.

In the following description, when distinguishing between the switch 2 shown in FIG. 1A and the switch 2 shown in FIG. 2 is called "second switch 2B". In the following description, the pseudo signal S1 output by the processing unit 22 in the first switch 2A is referred to as the "first pseudo signal S11", and the pseudo signal S1 output by the processing unit 22 in the second switch 2B is referred to as the "second pseudo signal S12”.

The transmission circuit 21 is an analog circuit (Analog Front End) and has an amplifier, a filter, and an A/D converter. The amplifier amplifies the analog signal (voltage signal) input to the transmission circuit 21 . The filter removes noise components contained in the analog signal input to the transmission circuit 21 . The A/D converter converts the analog signal input to the transmission circuit 21 into a digital signal and outputs the converted digital signal to the processing unit 22 .

The processing unit 22 has a computer system with a processor and memory. The computer system functions as the processing unit 22 by the processor executing appropriate programs. The program may be prerecorded in a memory, or may be provided by being recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card or through an electric communication line such as the Internet.

The processing unit 22 has a function of executing a cutoff process that causes the tripping unit 24 to perform a tripping operation when the state of the electric line L1 becomes abnormal. The processing unit 22 also has a function of executing an operation test for causing the tripping unit 24 to perform a tripping operation when the test button 20 is pressed or an event occurs. The processing unit 22 monitors the digital signal output from the transmission circuit 21 when executing any of the cut-off process and the operation test.

In the blocking process, when the signal value (voltage value) of the digital signal output from the transmission circuit 21 exceeds the threshold, the processing unit 22 switches the switch SW0 from off to on to operate the drive circuit 23 . By operating the drive circuit 23, the tripping unit 24 is driven and the tripping operation is performed. The blocking process will be described in detail later in "(3.1) Blocking process".

In the operation test, the processing unit 22 simulates a state in which a cutoff operation is performed by outputting a dummy signal S1. Specifically, the processing unit 22 causes the transmission circuit 21 to input an analog signal such that the signal value of the digital signal output from the transmission circuit 21 exceeds the threshold by outputting the pseudo signal S1. As a result, the signal value of the digital signal output from the transmission circuit 21 exceeds the threshold, so the processing unit 22 operates the drive circuit 23 by switching the switch SW0 from off to on. By operating the drive circuit 23, the tripping unit 24 is driven and the tripping operation is performed. The operation test will be described in detail later in "(3.3) Operation test".

In this embodiment, the processing section 22 has a timer 221 . The processing unit 22 executes the operation test when the time measured by the timer 221 reaches, for example, a predetermined time preset by the operator. In other words, in this embodiment, the event includes the timing of the predetermined time by the timer 221 .

The drive circuit 23 has an electromagnet device including a coil. The drive circuit 23 is configured such that current flows through the coil when the switch SW0 is switched from off to on. The driving circuit 23 is configured to move a latch member (described later) of the tripping portion 24 by an attractive force generated by the electromagnet device when current flows through the coil.

The tripping unit 24 has an opening/closing mechanism that opens and closes the contact C1, and a latch member that mechanically controls the opening/closing mechanism so that the contact C1 is kept closed. The opening/closing mechanism biases the contact C1 in the direction from the closed state to the open state. In the tripping part 24, when the latch member is moved by the drive circuit 23 and the latched state of the opening/closing mechanism by the latch member is released, the contact C1 is switched from the closed state to the open state by the opening/closing mechanism, and the electric circuit L1 is cut off. do. Also, when the operator operates the handle provided on the switch 2, the tripping part 24 also moves the latch member, and the contact C1 is switched from the closed state to the open state by the opening/closing mechanism to open the electric line L1. Cut off. When the contact C1 is in the open state, the operator operates the handle provided on the switch 2 (reverse operation to the above operation), thereby restoring the opening/closing mechanism to the original state (that is, by the latch member). contact C1 is latched to maintain the closed state).

The communication unit 25 has a function of communicating with the measurement adapter 4 . The communication method between the communication unit 25 and the measurement adapter 4 is wired communication conforming to a communication standard such as a wired LAN (Local Area Network). The communication unit 25 receives the test signal transmitted from the information terminal 61 (external system 6) using the measurement adapter 4 as a relay. Further, the communication unit 25 acquires information (for example, electric power value, etc.) possessed by the measurement adapter 4 by communicating with the measurement adapter 4 . In addition, the communication unit 25 acquires information held by the controller (for example, the usage status of the HEMS-compatible device, etc.) by communicating with the controller using the measurement adapter 4 as a relay.

The power supply circuit 26 supplies operating power to the transmission circuit 21 , the processing unit 22 , the driving circuit 23 and the communication unit 25 . The power supply circuit 26 operates by converting the power supplied from the power supply through the lead-in line electrically connected to the switch 2 into a predetermined power using an appropriate circuit such as an AC/DC converter. generate electricity.

In the first switch 2A, a zero-phase current transformer 27 is provided in the electric line L1. In this embodiment, the first voltage line L11 electrically connected to the first voltage pole, the second voltage line L12 electrically connected to the second voltage pole, and the neutral pole are electrically connected to The second voltage line L12 and the neutral line L13 of the neutral line L13 pass through the zero-phase current transformer 27 . A wire L4 electrically connected to the processing unit 22 also passes through the zero-phase current transformer 27. As shown in FIG. A first pseudo signal S11 (current signal) output from the processing unit 22 flows through the electric wire L4. Both ends of the secondary winding wound around the zero-phase current transformer 27 are electrically connected to a pair of input terminals of the transmission circuit 21 . Therefore, the voltage induced in the secondary winding of zero-phase current transformer 27 is input to transmission circuit 21 as an analog signal.

In addition, in the first switch 2A, the second voltage line L12 and the neutral line L13 are electrically connected via a series circuit of the switch SW1 and the resistor R0. The switch SW1 is an a-contact (normally open contact), and is configured to be switched from off to on when the operator presses the test button 20 .

In the second switch 2B, one end of the lead wire 28 electrically connected to the neutral line L13 is electrically connected to the first end of the pair of input ends of the transmission circuit 21. As shown in FIG. A voltage dividing circuit 29 formed of a series circuit of resistors R1 and R2 is electrically connected between the first voltage line L11 and the second voltage line L12. The resistance value of resistor R1 and the resistance value of resistor R2 are the same. A connection point between the resistors R1 and R2 is electrically connected to the second terminal of the pair of input terminals of the transmission circuit 21 via the switch SW2.

The switch SW2 is a c-contact, and is in a first state connecting the connection point of the resistors R1 and R2 and the input end (second end) of the transmission circuit 21, and the electric wire L5 electrically connected to the processing unit 22. and the input end (second end) of the transmission circuit 21 . The switch SW2 is in the first state when the electric line L1 is in a normal state. The switch SW2 switches from the first state to the second state under the control of the processing unit 22 when the test button 20 is pressed or when the processing unit 22 outputs the second pseudo signal S12. .

(3) Operation The operation of the switch 2 of this embodiment will be described below. In this embodiment, as described above, the switch 2 is the first switch 2A or the second switch 2B, so the operation of each of the first switch 2A and the second switch 2B will be described below.

(3.1) Shutoff Processing First, the shutoff processing of the processing unit 22 in the first switch 2A will be described with reference to FIG. 1A. A pair of input terminals of the transmission circuit 21 receives the induced voltage of the secondary winding of the zero-phase current transformer 27 . Here, when there is no leakage in the electric line L1, there is a difference between the currents flowing through the two electric wires (here, the second voltage line L12 and the neutral line L13) passing through the zero-phase current transformer 27. Therefore, no induced voltage is generated in the secondary winding of the zero-phase current transformer 27 . Therefore, when there is no electric leakage in the electric line L1, a digital signal having a signal value (voltage value) exceeding the threshold value is not input to the processing unit 22, so the processing unit 22 does not execute the cutoff process.

On the other hand, when an electric leakage occurs in part of the electric line L1, a difference occurs between the currents flowing through the two electric wires passing through the zero-phase current transformer 27 . An induced voltage is generated in the secondary winding of the zero-phase current transformer 27 according to this current difference, and the induced voltage is input to the transmission circuit 21 as an analog signal. The analog signal input to the transmission circuit 21 is converted into a digital signal after being processed by the transmission circuit 21 , and the converted digital signal is input to the processing section 22 . When the signal value (voltage value) of the input digital signal exceeds the threshold value, the processing unit 22 switches the switch SW0 from off to on to operate the drive circuit 23 . By operating the drive circuit 23, the tripping unit 24 is driven and the tripping operation is performed. In this way, in the first switch 2A, when a short circuit occurs in the electric circuit L1, the tripping operation is performed by the tripping unit 24, whereby the electric circuit L1 is cut off.

Next, the interruption processing of the processing unit 22 in the second switch 2B will be described with reference to FIG. 1B. A pair of input terminals of the transmission circuit 21 have a difference between the potential at the connection point of the resistors R1 and R2 (that is, the intermediate potential between the first voltage pole and the second voltage pole) and the potential of the neutral line L13. Voltage is being input. Here, in a state where no open phase of the neutral wire L13 occurs, the voltage of the difference between the potential of the connection point of the resistors R1 and R2 and the potential of the neutral wire L13 (hereinafter referred to as "differential voltage") is almost zero. Therefore, in a state where no open phase of the neutral line L13 occurs, the processing unit 22 does not execute the cutoff processing because a digital signal having a signal value (voltage value) exceeding the threshold value is not input to the processing unit 22.

On the other hand, when an open phase occurs in the neutral wire L13, the potential of the neutral wire L13 becomes unstable, so the differential voltage becomes greater than zero. Then, this differential voltage is input to the transmission circuit 21 as an analog signal. The analog signal input to the transmission circuit 21 is converted into a digital signal after being processed by the transmission circuit 21 , and the converted digital signal is input to the processing section 22 . When the signal value (voltage value) of the input digital signal exceeds the threshold value, the processing unit 22 switches the switch SW0 from off to on to operate the drive circuit 23 . By operating the drive circuit 23, the tripping unit 24 is driven and the tripping operation is performed. In this manner, in the second switch 2B, when a phase failure occurs in the neutral wire L13, the tripping unit 24 performs a tripping operation, thereby breaking the electric circuit L1.

(3.2) Manual Operation Test by Operator First, a manual operation test by an operator on the first switch 2A will be described with reference to FIG. 1A. When the operator presses the test button 20, the switch SW1 is switched from OFF to ON by directly or indirectly pressing the test button 20. FIG. As a result, a current is branched from the second voltage line L12 and flows through the resistor R0, thereby causing two electric wires (here, the second voltage line L12 and the neutral line L13) penetrating the zero-phase current transformer 27. , and an induced voltage is generated in the secondary winding of the zero-phase current transformer 27 according to the difference. In other words, when the operator presses the test button 20, a state in which a short circuit has occurred in part of the electric line L1, in other words, a state in which a cutoff operation is performed is simulated. Then, when the processing unit 22 drives the drive circuit 23, the tripping operation is performed by the tripping unit 24, whereby the electric line L1 is cut off.

Next, an operator's manual operation test for the second switch 2B will be described with reference to FIG. 1B. When the operator presses the test button 20, the switch SW2 is switched from the first state to the second state by being directly or indirectly pressed by the test button 20. FIG. Then, the processing unit 22 applies a voltage greater than zero to the pair of input terminals of the transmission circuit 21 by outputting the second pseudo signal S12 (voltage signal) via the switch SW2 in the second state. In other words, when the operator presses the test button 20, a state in which a phase loss of the neutral line L13 occurs, in other words, a state in which an interruption operation is performed occurs in a simulated manner. Then, when the processing unit 22 drives the drive circuit 23, the tripping operation is performed by the tripping unit 24, whereby the electric line L1 is cut off.

(3.3) Operation Test An operation test by the processing unit 22 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B. The processing unit 22 executes the operation test when an event occurs even if the operator does not press the test button 20 . In this embodiment, the processing unit 22 determines that an event has occurred when the communication unit 25 receives a test signal from the information terminal 61 (external system 6) or when the timer 221 counts a predetermined time. judge.

First, an operation test of the processing unit 22 in the first switch 2A will be described with reference to FIG. 1A. When an event occurs, the processing unit 22 outputs a first pseudo signal S11 (current signal). As a result, a current flows through the electric wire L4 penetrating the zero-phase current transformer 27, and three electric wires penetrating the zero-phase current transformer 27 (here, the second voltage line L12, the neutral wire L13, and the A difference occurs in the current flowing through the wire L4), and an induced voltage is generated in the secondary winding of the zero-phase current transformer 27 according to the difference. In other words, when an event occurs, a state in which a short circuit has occurred in part of the electric line L1, in other words, a state in which an interruption operation is performed occurs in a simulated manner. Then, when the processing unit 22 drives the drive circuit 23, the tripping operation is performed by the tripping unit 24, whereby the electric line L1 is cut off.

Next, an operation test of the processing unit 22 in the second switch 2B will be described with reference to FIG. 1B. When an event occurs, the switch SW2 is switched from the first state to the second state under the control of the processing unit 22 . Then, the processing unit 22 applies a voltage greater than zero to the pair of input terminals of the transmission circuit 21 by outputting the second pseudo signal S12 (voltage signal) via the switch SW2 in the second state. In other words, when an event occurs, a state in which an open phase of the neutral line L13 occurs, in other words, a state in which an interruption operation is performed occurs in a pseudo manner. Then, when the processing unit 22 drives the drive circuit 23, the tripping operation is performed by the tripping unit 24, whereby the electric line L1 is cut off.

In other words, the operation test of the switch 2 is performed in the manner shown in FIG. That is, when the test button 20 is pushed by the operator (S1: Yes), a state in which a cutoff operation is performed is simulated, and the switch 2 performs a cutoff operation (S2). On the other hand, when the test button 20 is not pressed by the operator (S1: No), and the communication unit 25 receives a test signal from the information terminal 61 (external system 6) (S3: Yes), The processing unit 22 outputs the pseudo signal S1 (S5). Similarly, when the test button 20 is not pressed by the operator (S1: No) and the timer 221 counts a predetermined time (S4: Yes), the processing unit 22 outputs the pseudo signal S1. Output (S5). Then, the processing unit 22 outputs the pseudo signal S1, thereby artificially generating a state in which the cutoff operation is performed, and the switch 2 performs the cutoff operation (S2).

As described above, in the present embodiment, when an event occurs, the processing unit 22 executes an operation test for testing at least part of the blocking operation. As an example, an operator can perform an operation test of the switch 2 by simply operating the information terminal 61 and transmitting a test signal at a remote location away from the switch 2 . As an example, the operation test of the switch 2 is automatically performed each time the timer 221 counts a predetermined time. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the operator can test the operation of the switch 2 without going to the place where the switch 2 is located. has the advantage of being able to reduce

(4) Modifications The above-described embodiment is just one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiments can be modified in various ways according to design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Moreover, the function similar to the operation test of the switch 2 may be embodied by a test method of the switch 2, a (computer) program, or a non-temporary recording medium recording the program.

A test method for the switch 2 according to one aspect is a test method for the switch 2 including the tripping portion 24 . The tripping unit 24 performs a tripping operation to mechanically shift the contact C1 electrically connected to the electric line L1 connecting the power source and the load B1 from the closed state to the open state. This testing method tests at least a part of the blocking operation by outputting a simulated signal S1 when an event occurs. The pseudo signal S1 is a signal for generating a pseudo state in which an interruption operation including a tripping operation is performed to interrupt the electric line L1.

Modifications of the above-described embodiment are listed below. Modifications described below can be applied in combination as appropriate.

The switch 2 in the present disclosure includes a computer system in, for example, the processing unit 22 and the like. A computer system is mainly composed of a processor and a memory as hardware. The functions of the switch 2 in the present disclosure are realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in advance in the memory of the computer system, may be provided through an electric communication line, or may be recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a computer system-readable memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive. may be provided. A processor in a computer system consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large scale integrated circuits (LSIs). The integrated circuit such as IC or LSI referred to here is called differently depending on the degree of integration, and includes integrated circuits called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), which is programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a logic device capable of reconfiguring the bonding relationship inside the LSI or reconfiguring the circuit partitions inside the LSI, shall also be adopted as the processor. can be done. A plurality of electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip, or may be distributed over a plurality of chips. A plurality of chips may be integrated in one device, or may be distributed in a plurality of devices. A computer system, as used herein, includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Accordingly, the microcontroller also consists of one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits or large scale integrated circuits.

Further, it is not an essential configuration of the switch 2 that, for example, a plurality of functions of the processing unit 22 are integrated in one housing. In other words, the constituent elements of the processing unit 22 may be distributed over a plurality of housings. Furthermore, for example, at least part of the functions of the processing unit 22 may be realized by, for example, a server device and the cloud (cloud computing).

In the above-described embodiment, the processing unit 22 performs an operation test assuming that an event has occurred when the load B1 is not used, or when the load B1 is used but the power consumed by the load B1 is small. may That is, the event may be based on the state of load B1 electrically connected to line L1. The event may also include transition of one or more predetermined loads B1 electrically connected to the electric line L1 from the used state to the non-used state.

As an example, the processing unit 22 acquires a power value based on the current value measured by the master detection unit from the measurement adapter 4 via the communication unit 25, and if the acquired power value is lower than a predetermined power value, the event An operational test may be performed as it occurs. Further, as an example, the processing unit 22 acquires a power value based on the current value measured by the detection unit 5 from the measurement adapter 4 via the communication unit 25, and the power value at the predetermined load B1 is the predetermined power value. , an operational test may be performed. In addition, as an example, the processing unit 22 may execute an operation test when receiving a DR (Demand Response) from the electric power company via the communication unit 25 and the controller.

In the above-described embodiment, if the power conditioner is configured to switch between the grid connection mode and the self-sustained operation mode, the processing unit 22 assumes that an event occurs when switching to the self-sustained operation mode due to a power failure or the like. A performance test may be performed. That is, the event may be based on the state of the power source electrically connected to line L1. As an example, the processing unit 22 may perform an operation test when receiving information from the power conditioner via the communication unit 25 and the controller indicating that the power conditioner has switched to the self-sustained operation mode.

In the above-described embodiment, the processing unit 22 may perform the operation test when there is no person in the facility (here, the detached house). That is, the event may be based on the state of the facility where the switch 2 is installed or the state of the person belonging to the facility. As an example, if a facility is equipped with a human sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person, the processing unit 22 acquires the detection result of the human sensor from the controller via the communication unit 25, thereby determining whether a person is present in the facility. It may be determined that the operation test is executed.

In the above-described embodiment, the communication unit 25 has a communication function to communicate with the measurement adapter 4, but is not limited to this, directly between the information terminal 61 (external system 6) and the controller, It may have a communication function to communicate by wireless communication.

In the above-described embodiments, the contents of the operation test may differ from the contents of the blocking process. In other words, the blocking operation performed when an event occurs may differ from the blocking operation performed when the operator operates the test button 20 . For example, in the operation test, the tripping unit 24 may not be operated. In addition, for example, in an operation test, it is not necessary to operate both the drive circuit 23 and the tripping section 24 . In this case, since the tripping operation by the tripping unit 24 is not executed even if the operation test is performed, the load B1 can be used because the power supply from the power supply is not interrupted even after the operation test is executed. Also, in this case, the operator goes to the place where the switch 2 is located and operates the handle provided with the switch 2 to return the switch 2 to its original state (the state where the contact C1 is closed). I can do without it.

Although the switch 2 includes the test button 20 in the above-described embodiment, the switch 2 may not include the test button 20 . In this aspect, the switch 2 is tested only when an event occurs.

In the above-described embodiment, the zero-phase current transformer 27 of the first switch 2A is penetrated by the second voltage line L12 and the neutral wire L13. You may have

The switch 2 does not have to correspond to the occurrence of all the events listed in the above embodiments and modifications. In other words, the switch 2 may be configured to perform an operation test upon occurrence of at least one event among all the above-described events. For example, the switch 2 does not need to include the communication unit 25 if the operation test is performed when the predetermined time is reached.

(summary)
As described above, the switch (2) according to the first aspect includes the tripping section (24) and the processing section (22). A tripping unit (24) performs a tripping operation to mechanically shift a contact (C1) electrically connected to an electric circuit (L1) connecting a power supply and a load (B1) from a closed state to an open state. When an event occurs, the processing section (22) outputs a pseudo signal (S1) to perform an operation test for testing at least a part of the interruption operation. The dummy signal (S1) is a signal for artificially generating a state in which a disconnection operation for disconnecting the electrical path (L1) including the tripping operation is performed.

According to this aspect, there is an advantage that the man-hours required for the operation test can be reduced.

In the switch (2) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the event is a test signal including an operation test execution command transmitted from an external system (6) different from the switch (2). Including receiving.

According to this aspect, the operator can carry out the operation test of the switch (2) according to the operator's will at a place away from the place where the switch (2) is located, thus improving convenience. , has the advantage of

In the switch (2) according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the processing section (22) has a timer (221). The event includes timer (221) clocking a predetermined time.

According to this aspect, when the timer (221) counts the predetermined time, the operation test of the switch (2) is performed. has the advantage of improving

In the switch (2) according to the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the event is based on the state of the load (B1) electrically connected to the electric line (L1).

According to this aspect, since the operation test of the switch (2) is performed according to the state of the load (B1), the operator does not need to conduct the operation test of the switch (2) by himself, thereby improving convenience. has the advantage of doing

In the switch (2) according to the fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the event is that one or more predetermined loads (B1) electrically connected to the electric line (L1) change from the use state to the non-use state. It is to migrate.

According to this aspect, the operation test of the switch (2) is performed when the predetermined load (B1) is not in use. There is an advantage that the influence on (B1) is small.

In the switch (2) according to the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the event is based on the state of the power supply electrically connected to the electric line (L1).

According to this aspect, since the operation test of the switch (2) is performed according to the state of the power supply, the operator does not need to conduct the operation test of the switch (2) himself, which improves convenience. There are advantages.

In the switch (2) according to the seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the event is based on the state of the facility where the switch (2) is installed or the state of the person belonging to the facility ing.

According to this aspect, since the operation test of the switch (2) is performed according to the state of the facility or the state of the person belonging to the facility, the operator does not have to conduct the operation test of the switch (2) by himself/herself. , has the advantage of improving convenience.

A test method for a switch (2) according to the eighth aspect is a test method for a switch (2) having a tripping part (24). A tripping unit (24) performs a tripping operation to mechanically shift a contact (C1) electrically connected to an electric circuit (L1) connecting a power supply and a load (B1) from a closed state to an open state. This testing method tests at least a part of the blocking operation by outputting a dummy signal (S1) when an event occurs. The dummy signal (S1) is a signal for artificially generating a state in which a disconnection operation for disconnecting the electrical path (L1) including the tripping operation is performed.

According to this aspect, there is an advantage that the man-hours required for the operation test can be reduced.

The configurations according to the second to seventh aspects are not essential configurations for the switch (2) and can be omitted as appropriate.

2 switch 22 processing unit 221 timer 24 tripping unit B1 load C1 contact L1 electric circuit S1 pseudo signal

Claims (6)

a tripping unit that performs a tripping operation to mechanically shift a contact electrically connected to an electric circuit connecting a power source and a load from a closed state to an open state;
When an event occurs, at least a part of the breaking operation is tested by outputting a pseudo signal for generating a pseudo state in which the breaking operation for breaking the electric circuit including the tripping operation is performed. a processing unit that performs an operation test,
wherein the event is transition of one or more predetermined loads electrically connected to the electrical circuit from a used state to a non-used state;
switch. the event is based on the state of a power source electrically connected to the electrical circuit;
The switch according to claim 1. The event includes receiving a test signal including an instruction to execute the operation test, which is transmitted from an external system different from the switch.
The switch according to claim 1 or 2. The processing unit has a timer,
The event includes the timer timing a predetermined time,
The switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The event is based on the state of the facility where the switch is installed or the state of the person belonging to the facility.
The switch according to any one of claims 1-4. A test method for a switch equipped with a tripping unit that performs a tripping operation to mechanically shift a contact electrically connected to an electric circuit connecting a power supply and a load from a closed state to an open state,
When an event occurs, at least a part of the breaking operation is tested by outputting a pseudo signal for generating a pseudo state in which the breaking operation for breaking the electric circuit including the tripping operation is performed. ,
wherein the event is transition of one or more predetermined loads electrically connected to the electrical circuit from a used state to a non-used state;
Switchgear test method.

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