WO2014156945A1 - Arc generation detector and switch - Google Patents

Abstract

An arc generation detector and a switch, the arc generation detector being capable of detecting arc generation at an electrical connection portion such as a terminal belonging to a power supply line and having a relatively simple configuration, and reducing the size. An arc light detection unit (91) detects arc light emitted when an arc is generated at the electric connection portion such as a terminal provided to an electric device. A determination unit (92) determines whether the arc light detection unit (91) has detected arc light. A signal output unit (93) outputs an arc generation detection signal to the outside in a case in which the determination unit (92) determines that the arc light detection unit (91) has detected arc light. The arc generation detection signal is inputted to a drive circuit (64) of a trip coil (65) in a switch (82). The drive circuit (64) drives the trip coil (65) in accordance with the input of the arc generation detection signal, and moves and opens moving contacts (42, 44) disposed between power supply-side terminals (21, 22) and load-side terminals (23, 24) in the switch (82).

Description

Arc generation detection device and switch

The present invention relates to an arc generation detection device and a switch, and in particular, is inserted into an arc generation detection device and a DC power supply line suitable for detecting the occurrence of an arc (discharge) at an electrical connection site such as a terminal belonging to the DC power supply line, The present invention relates to a switch suitable for opening and closing the electric circuit.

In recent years, DC output type distributed power sources such as solar cell panels and fuel cells have attracted attention and are also used in general households. In general homes and offices where electrical appliances for AC power supply are widespread, DC power supplied from such DC output type distributed power supply is converted to AC power supply by a power conditioner and used. There are many.

In homes that use such a DC output type distributed power supply, as in the case of conventional AC power distribution, a switch (breaker) is installed at the entrance to the building, etc., in order to prevent a current exceeding the expected value from flowing through the circuit. Container). In such a switch, when a wire is fastened to a terminal of the switch with a terminal screw, wiring of the terminal screw may be loosened due to insufficient tightening torque of the terminal screw or thermal expansion due to a temperature change.

If such a loose terminal screw creates a gap between the switch terminal and the wire, an arc (discharge) may occur. When an arc is generated, when a direct current flows through the switch, the current does not become zero as in the case of an alternating current. Therefore, the arc is continuously generated with a large current. In this case, the arc generation site becomes high temperature, and the switch, the electric wire, or the surrounding parts may be burned out. Such a problem may also occur when a gap is generated between the electric wires in a connection portion where the electric wires are directly connected without using a terminal.

For example, it is conceivable to employ a configuration in which a temperature sensor or the like for measuring the terminal temperature of the switch is provided, and the contact is opened to open the electric circuit when the terminal temperature becomes high. However, since the temperature rise due to the occurrence of arc is relatively fast, there is a possibility that burnout may occur before the protective operation by the temperature sensor or the like functions. Moreover, in such a structure, generation | occurrence | production of the arc between the terminal and electric wire in another apparatus which belongs to the DC power supply line to which the switch was connected cannot be detected.

As a countermeasure, Patent Document 1 discloses a switch having an arc detection circuit. This arc detection circuit detects the occurrence of an arc by detecting a fluctuating voltage component (high frequency component) superimposed on a DC voltage. Therefore, it is possible to detect the occurrence of an arc generated not only at the terminal of the switch but also at other terminals and connection parts belonging to the DC power supply line to which the switch is connected. And a contact can also be opened according to generation | occurrence | production of the said arc.

JP 2012-134002 A

However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, an amplifier circuit that extracts and amplifies a voltage fluctuation component from a DC power supply line, a counter circuit for obtaining a frequency of a signal amplified by the amplifier circuit, and a counter circuit are operated. A determination circuit for determining whether or not an arc is generated based on the outputs of the clock circuit and the counter circuit is required. That is, since the electronic circuit is complicated, the cost is increased. Although it is conceivable to monitor the current instead of the voltage, a complicated electronic circuit is required and the cost is still high.

Further, when such a complicated electronic circuit is constituted by general-purpose electronic components, it is necessary to secure a relatively large space in the switch to accommodate the board on which the electronic circuit is mounted. As a result, there is a problem that the switch becomes large. Although it is possible to reduce the size of the electronic circuit by using a dedicated semiconductor integrated circuit instead of a general-purpose component, the cost is further increased.

The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art, and can detect the occurrence of an arc at an electrical connection site such as a terminal belonging to a power supply line with a relatively simple configuration. It is an object of the present invention to provide an arc generation detection device and a switch that can be converted into an arc.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following technical means. That is, the arc generation detection device according to the present invention is an arc generation detection device used together with an electric device, and includes an arc light detection unit, a determination unit, and a signal output unit. An arc light detection part detects the arc light radiated | emitted at the time of the arc generation | occurrence | production in the connection site | part which belongs to the power supply line of an electric equipment. The arc light detection unit can be constituted by, for example, an electron tube or a semiconductor sensor. In addition, since the arc emission color changes depending on the metal at the arc occurrence location, it can be identified by a color sensor.
Further, the determination unit can be configured to output a detection signal if the magnitude of the output signal from the arc light detection unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The signal output unit can be constituted by an output terminal or an output terminal including a signal amplifier. The determination unit may be configured to monitor the arc light, analyze the light fluctuation, and output the detection signal when there is a fluctuation peculiar to the arc light.

The arc generation detection device can be used with a switch interposed in the power line. The switch includes, for example, a power supply side terminal, a load side terminal, a contact, and a contact opening portion. The power supply side terminal is electrically connected to a power supply that supplies power to the electrical device. The load side terminal is electrically connected to the electric device. The contact is interposed between the power supply side terminal and the load side terminal, and is in a closed state in which the power supply side terminal and the load side terminal are electrically connected, and in an open state in which the power supply side terminal and the load side terminal are electrically separated. Switch between states. The contact opening part opens the contact according to a signal input from the outside. In this case, when the determination unit determines that the arc light detection unit has detected the arc light, the signal output unit inputs the arc generation detection signal to the switch to open the contact.

On the other hand, in another aspect, the present invention can also provide a switch. That is, the switch according to the present invention includes a power supply side terminal, a load side terminal, a contact, an arc light detection unit, a determination unit, and a contact opening unit. The power supply side terminal is electrically connected to the power supply. The load side terminal is electrically connected to a load to which power from the power source is supplied. The contact is interposed between the power supply side terminal and the load side terminal. Switch between states. The arc light detection unit detects arc light emitted when an arc is generated. The determination unit determines whether or not the arc light detection unit has detected arc light. The contact opening portion opens the contact when the determination portion determines that the arc light detection portion has detected the arc light. As described above, the arc light detection unit can be constituted by an electron tube or a semiconductor sensor. In addition, since the arc emission color changes depending on the metal at the arc occurrence location, the color sensor can also identify the arc emission color.

In this switch, the contact opening unit may employ a configuration including a drive unit that drives the contact from a closed state to an open state according to a signal from the determination unit, and a power supply circuit that operates the drive unit. .

According to the present invention, it is possible to detect the occurrence of an arc at an electrical connection site such as a terminal belonging to a power supply line with a relatively simple configuration. Therefore, it is possible to realize a small and low-cost arc generation detection device and switch. Further, by adopting a configuration in which the determination unit detects fluctuation due to the occurrence of an arc, it can be distinguished from light such as sunlight or fluorescent light including visible light, and thus malfunction can be prevented.
In addition, because it can monitor a wide range of arc light, it can be used as an arc generation alarm because it can monitor the storage room and the entire room of equipment that converts direct current to alternating current. Cases like accidents can be prevented.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an application example of a switch in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the outer shape of the switch in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a switch in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a determination unit provided in the switch according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an arc generation detection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a switch having a fluctuation detection function. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an arc generation detection device having a fluctuation detection function.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. Below, this invention is actualized as a switch (breaker) connected to the solar cell panel which is DC power supply.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an application example of a switch in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the switch 12 is connected between the solar cell panel 11 and the power conditioner 13, and opens and closes an electric circuit between the solar cell panel 11 and the power conditioner 13. As is well known, the solar cell panel 11 converts light energy from the sun into electrical energy (DC power) by the photovoltaic effect. The power conditioner 13 converts the DC power generated by the solar cell panel 11 into AC power, and supplies the AC power to, for example, an AC distribution system in a building.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the outer shape of the switch 12. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the switch 12 includes terminals 21, 22, 23, and 24 on one surface (the upper surface in FIG. 2). Here, the terminal 21 and the terminal 22 are power supply side terminals connected to the solar cell panel 11, and the terminal 23 and the terminal 24 are load side terminals connected to the power conditioner 13. For example, when the terminal 21 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the solar cell panel 11, the terminal 23 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the power conditioner 13. In this case, the terminal 22 is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the solar cell panel 11, and the terminal 24 is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the power conditioner 13.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the switch 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal 21 is connected to the terminal 23 through a contact constituted by a movable contact 42 and a fixed contact 41. When the movable contact 42 and the fixed contact 41 are electrically connected, the terminal 21 and the terminal 23 are in a conductive state (closed state), and the movable contact 42 and the fixed contact 41 are electrically separated. The terminal 21 and the terminal 23 are in a non-conductive state (open state). Similarly, the terminal 22 is connected to the terminal 24 via a contact constituted by a movable contact 44 and a fixed contact 43. When the movable contact 44 and the fixed contact 43 are electrically connected, the terminal 22 and the terminal 24 are in a conductive state (closed state), and the movable contact 44 and the fixed contact 43 are electrically separated. The terminal 22 and the terminal 24 are in a non-conductive state (open state).

The movable contact 42 and the movable contact 44 are connected to a link mechanism that operates in conjunction with a switching state of a switching lever (not shown) that switches between the open state and the closed state of both contacts, and depends on the state of the switching lever. Switch between open and closed. The structure of the link mechanism is not particularly limited, and any known structure can be adopted. Here, the structure of the switch 12 will be described based on a simplified link mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 3, the movable contact 42 and the movable contact 44 are connected to a link member 51. The link member 51 is biased by a biasing member (not shown) in a direction (indicated by an arrow 52 in FIG. 3) in which each of the movable contacts 42 and 44 is in an open state (a state of non-contact with the fixed contacts 41 and 43). Has been. The link member 51 moves linearly along the biasing direction according to the switching state of the switching lever. An engaging portion 53 that engages with the locking piece 54 is fixed to the link member 51. When the engaging portion 53 engages with the locking piece 54, the movable contacts 42 and 44 are fixed to each other. The state of contact with the contacts 41 and 43 (closed state) is maintained.

3, one end of the engaging portion 53 is fixed to the link member 51 in a state of protruding in a direction intersecting the urging direction 52 of the link member 51. The other end of the engaging portion 53 has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the biasing direction 52 side of the link member 51. As shown in FIG. 3, the projecting portion has a vertical triangular shape having a vertex on the biasing direction 52 side of the link member 51 and an inclined surface on the link member 51 side.

On the other hand, the engagement piece 54 is composed of a rod-like piece whose one end is rotatably supported by the support shaft 55. The other end of the engagement piece 54 has a right-angled triangular shape with a vertical cross section having a vertex opposite the vertex of the protrusion of the engagement portion 53 and an inclined surface on the opposite side of the link member 51. . The other end of the engagement piece 54 is biased in the direction of the link member 51 (the direction indicated by the arrow 57 in FIG. 3). A stopper member 56 is disposed on the urging direction side of the engagement piece 54 so that the other end of the engagement piece 54 does not rotate beyond the position where it engages with the engagement portion 53. Yes.

In this configuration, when the switching lever is switched from the open state to the closed state, the link member 51 moves in a direction against the urging force so that the movable contacts 42 and 44 come into contact with the corresponding fixed contacts 41 and 43, The engaging piece 54 and the engaging portion 53 are engaged. Even if the operation of the switching lever is completed in this state and the force applied to the link member 51 is released, the movable contacts 42 and 44 are maintained in contact with the corresponding fixed contacts 41 and 43.

Further, a trip coil 65 is disposed on the opposite side of the stopper piece 56 of the locking piece 54. In the present embodiment, a magnetic body is disposed on the trip coil 65 side of the other end of the locking piece 54, and the locking piece 54 is resisted against the biasing force by driving the trip coil 65 to generate electromagnetic force. It can be rotated in the direction of When the locking piece 54 is rotated in a direction against the urging force, the engagement between the engaging piece 54 and the engaging portion 53 is released, and the link member 51 moves in the urging direction. That is, by driving the trip coil 65, the movable contacts 42 and 44 are changed from the closed state to the open state. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted in FIG. 3, when each movable contact 42 and 44 changes from a closed state to an open state around each movable contact 42 and 44, it corresponds with corresponding fixed contacts 41 and 43. An arc extinguishing mechanism is provided for extinguishing arcs generated between them.

In the trip coil 65, for example, a current exceeding a predetermined magnitude flows when the temperature of the terminals 21 to 24 exceeds a predetermined temperature, between the terminal 21 and the terminal 23, or between the terminal 22 and the terminal 24. It is driven when it is necessary to electrically separate the power source and the load, such as when The temperature of the terminals 21 to 24 can be detected by a temperature sensor or the like connected to each terminal, and the current between the terminal 21 and the terminal 23 and between the terminal 22 and the terminal 24 is arranged in each electric circuit. It can be detected by an electromagnetic induction coil or the like. In FIG. 3, only the structure for driving the trip coil 65 when an arc is generated is shown.
As shown in FIG. 3, the switch 12 includes an arc light detection unit 61, a determination unit 62, and a contact opening unit 63.

The arc light detector 61 detects arc light emitted when an arc is generated. The arc light detection unit 61 may employ any element, sensor, or the like that can detect arc light, such as an electron tube (photoelectric tube) or a semiconductor sensor. The arc light detection unit 61 preferably has sensitivity only in the ultraviolet light region. For example, a photodiode made of a silicon semiconductor incorporating a visible light cut filter, a photodiode made of a gallium nitride semiconductor or an aluminum gallium nitride semiconductor, or the like can be used. The number of arc light detectors 61 is not necessarily one, and a plurality of arc light detectors 61 may be arranged. In addition, since the arc emission color changes depending on the metal at the arc occurrence location, the color sensor can also be used for identification.

As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, arc light emitted when an arc is generated at each terminal is placed in the casing of the switch 12 in the casing of the switch 12 facing the terminals 21 and 22. A transmissive window 31 and a transmissive window 32 for introduction are provided. Similarly, the casings of the switch 12 facing the terminals 23 and 24 are each provided with a transmission window for introducing arc light radiated when an arc occurs at each terminal into the casing of the switch 12. It has been.

Further, the casing of the switch 12 is also provided with a transmission window for introducing arc light emitted when an arc is generated at a position away from the casing into the casing of the switch 12. In the example of FIG. 3, the transmission window 35 provided on the upper surface of the housing, the transmission window 36, and the transmission window 37 provided on the front side surface are illustrated, but similar transmission windows are provided on the lower surface and the rear side surface. Is provided. These transmission windows 35 to 37 are caused by, for example, an arc generated at an electrical connection site such as a terminal of another electrical device (in this example, the solar cell panel 11 or the power conditioner 13) connected to the switch 12. The accompanying arc light is introduced into the casing of the switch 12. Each of the transmission windows 31, 32, 35, 36, and 37 can be made of a translucent member that transmits light in the ultraviolet region, for example. When arc light radiated from an electrical connection site such as a terminal of another electrical device connected to the switch 12 is difficult to reach the transmission window, a light guide member such as an optical fiber is appropriately used. Alternatively, a reflector may be arranged to guide the arc light to the transmission window.

In the switch 12, the arc light detection unit 61 can be disposed in each of these transmission windows. However, in the present embodiment, one arc light detection unit 61 is provided. Therefore, the arc light that has passed through each transmission window and entered the case of the switch 12 is appropriately reflected in the case and reaches the arc light detection unit 61. In addition, in order to make arc light reach | attain efficiently to the arc light detection part 61, you may arrange | position suitably light guide members, such as an optical fiber, and a reflecting plate. Moreover, you may give the coating etc. which raise the reflectance of arc light on the inner surface of a housing | casing. Moreover, it is preferable that the switch 12 is accommodated in the light-shielding case so that the unnecessary external arc light may not enter the arc light detection unit 61.

The determination unit 62 determines whether or not the arc light detection unit 61 has detected arc light. The structure of the determination unit 62 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, as described later, the magnitude of the output signal from the arc light detection unit 61 is compared with the reference signal, and when the output signal from the arc light detection unit 61 is larger than the reference signal, The determination unit 62 is configured by a comparator that outputs a predetermined signal. When the determination unit 62 determines that the arc light detection unit 61 has detected the arc light, the contact opening unit opens the movable contacts 42 and 44.

In the present embodiment, the contact opening part 63 includes a drive circuit 64, a trip coil 65, and a power circuit 66. As described above, the drive circuit 64 and the trip coil 65 function as a drive unit that drives the movable contacts 42 and 44 from the closed state to the open state in response to a signal from the determination unit 62. The drive circuit 64 is a current source that drives the trip coil 65, and is configured to apply a current according to a signal input from the determination unit 62. The power supply circuit 66 supplies power for operating the drive circuit 64. The power supply circuit 66 is configured by, for example, a DC-DC converter. In this example, the power supply circuit 66 acquires DC power from the electric wire connecting the fixed contact 41 and the terminal 23 and the electric wire connecting the fixed contact 43 and the terminal 24, and generates DC power to be supplied to the drive circuit 64. To do. In the present embodiment, the power supply circuit 66 is configured to supply DC power to the arc light detection unit 61 and the determination unit 62.
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of the determination unit 62. As shown in FIG. 4, the determination unit 62 includes a comparator (comparator) 71. The reference signal input to the comparator 71 is generated by the DC potential supplied from the power supply circuit 66 and the voltage dividing resistors 72 and 73. That is, a predetermined DC potential is applied from the power supply circuit 66 to the resistors 72 and 73 connected in series, and the potential between the resistors 72 and 73 is input to the comparator 71 as a reference potential. The ratio between the resistance value of the resistor 72 and the resistance value of the resistor 73 (that is, the reference potential) is the magnitude of the output signal (output potential) of the arc light detection unit 61 corresponding to the intensity of the arc light to be detected. What is necessary is just to set suitably according to.
Further, the output signal of the arc light detector 61 is input to the comparator 71 as a comparison signal. For example, the comparator 71 outputs a low level signal when the output signal of the arc light detection unit 61 is equal to or lower than the reference potential, and outputs a high level signal when the output signal of the arc light detection unit 61 exceeds the reference potential. . The output signal of the comparator 71 is input to the drive circuit 64. When a high level signal is input from the comparator 71, the drive circuit 64 applies a current to the trip coil 65, moves the locking piece 54, and opens the movable contacts 42 and 44.
In the above configuration, arcs are generated at the terminals 21 to 24 of the switch 12, or the terminals of the solar battery panel 11, the terminals of the power conditioner 13, or other electrical connection parts, which are electrical devices connected to the switch 12. When (discharge) occurs, when the arc light radiated with the occurrence of the arc is directly or appropriately reflected and enters the arc light detection unit 61 arranged in the switch 12, the trip coil 65 is driven. The movable contacts 42 and 44 are opened.

In the above description, the comparator 71 is used as the determination unit 62, and it is determined that arc light has been generated when a potential equal to or higher than the reference potential is input from the arc light detection unit 61. However, with this configuration, there is a risk of malfunction if sunlight or light from a fluorescent lamp that exceeds the reference intensity enters from the incident window.
By the way, since the electric potential generated when the arc light detection unit 61 detects the arc light has a specific fluctuation, it is possible to distinguish the light from the sunlight or the fluorescent lamp by using this fluctuation. Become.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the determination unit 62 having a configuration for detecting fluctuations in arc light. The analysis unit 88 measures the interval at which the arc light detection unit 61 has a potential equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, and further counts the number of times in seconds when the interval is irregular. On the other hand, the storage unit 89 stores a threshold value (for example, 200) of the number of times, and the analysis unit 88 determines that an arc is detected when the measured number of times exceeds the threshold value. This allows separation from both regularly flashing light, such as fluorescent light, and unchanging light, such as sunlight and LEDs.
When the determination unit 62 detects the generation of arc light as described above, a signal (output signal) indicating that is input to the drive circuit 64. Similarly to the above, the drive circuit 64 receives the signal indicating the arc and drives the trip coil 65.

In the above description, the arc light detection unit is arranged in the casing of the switch 12 as a particularly preferable form. However, the arc light detection unit is arranged outside the casing of the switch 12 so that the arc light detection unit The output signal may be input to the determination unit 62 disposed in the casing of the switch 12. Moreover, you may arrange | position the determination part 62 outside the housing | casing of a switch. In this case, the switch is provided with a contact opening part that opens the contact in accordance with a signal input from the outside, and a signal for detecting the occurrence of arc and opening the contact of the switch is provided. The part that is input to the switch constitutes an arc generation detection device.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an arc generation detection device. As shown in FIG. 5, the arc generation detection device 90 includes an arc light detection unit 91, a determination unit 92, and a signal output unit 93.

The arc light detector 91 detects arc light emitted when an arc is generated. As described above, the arc light detection unit 91 may employ any element, sensor, or the like that can detect arc light, such as an electron tube or a semiconductor sensor.

In addition, the determination unit 92 includes a comparator 71 and voltage dividing resistors 72 and 73 in the same manner as the determination unit 62 described above. The potential applied to the voltage dividing resistors 72 and 73 may be supplied from the outside, or may be supplied from a power supply circuit provided inside the arc generation detection device 90. Further, the determination unit 92 may be provided with a function of detecting the fluctuation of the arc light as shown in FIG.
That is, the analysis unit 88 measures the interval at which the arc light detection unit 91 becomes a potential equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, and further counts the number of times in seconds when the interval is irregular. On the other hand, the storage unit 89 stores a threshold value (for example, 200) of the number of times, and the analysis unit 88 determines that the light is arc light when the measured number of times becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value.

When the determination unit 92 determines that the arc light detection unit 91 has detected arc light, the signal output unit 93 outputs an arc generation detection signal (for example, a high level signal) to the outside. The signal output unit 93 can be configured by an output terminal or an output terminal including a signal amplifier.

Further, the switch 82 to which the arc generation detection device 90 inputs an arc generation detection signal is different from the above-described switch 12 in that the arc light detection unit 61 and the determination unit 62 are not provided as shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as those of the switch 12, and the same reference numerals are given to the portions that exhibit the same effects as the switch 12.

The arc occurrence detection signal from the arc occurrence detection device 90 is input to the drive circuit 64 of the contact opening portion 63. The drive circuit 64 applies a current to the trip coil 65 when the arc occurrence detection signal is input, and moves the locking piece 54 to open the movable contacts 42 and 44.

In the above configuration, the arc generation detection device 90 is the terminals 21 to 24 of the switch 82, the terminals of the solar battery panel 11 and the terminals of the power conditioner 13, which are electrical devices connected to the switch 82, or others. When an arc (discharge) occurs at the electrical connection site, arc light radiated with the occurrence of the arc is directly or appropriately reflected and enters the arc light detection unit 91 disposed in the arc generation detection device 90. It is arranged in the state to do.

The introduction of the arc light into the arc generation detection device 90 is performed by providing a transmission window made of a translucent member that transmits light in the ultraviolet region in the casing of the arc generation detection device 90 as in the switch 12 described above. This can be implemented. Further, a light guide member such as an optical fiber or a reflection plate may be appropriately disposed to guide the arc light to the transmission window. The arc light detection unit 91 may be disposed in each transmission window, or may be configured to guide ultraviolet light incident from each transmission window to one arc light detection unit 91. In the latter case, the arc light that has passed through each transmission window and entered the casing of the arc generation detection device 90 is appropriately reflected in the casing and reaches the arc light detection unit 91. In order to efficiently reach the arc light to the arc light detection unit 91, a light guide member such as an optical fiber or a reflection plate may be appropriately disposed, and a coating or the like for increasing the reflectance of the arc light is provided on the inner surface of the housing. You may give it. Further, a configuration is adopted in which the arc light detection unit is disposed outside the casing of the arc generation detection device 90 and the output signal of the arc light detection unit is input to the comparison unit 92 disposed in the casing of the arc generation detection device 90. You can also.

Even with this configuration, the same effects as the above-described switch 12 can be achieved.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to detect the occurrence of an arc at an electrical connection site such as a terminal belonging to a power supply line with a relatively simple configuration. Therefore, it is possible to realize a small and low-cost arc generation detection device and switch.

The above-described embodiments do not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and various modifications and applications can be made within the scope of the present invention other than those already described. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the contact point is switched from the closed state to the open state by driving the trip coil and moving the locking piece. However, the trip coil is movable without using such a link mechanism. The structure which moves a contact directly may be sufficient.

In the above embodiment, the arc light is introduced into the housing through the transmission window. However, the arc light may be introduced into the housing through a simple opening. In this case, from the viewpoint of suppressing the entry of foreign matter such as dust into the housing, the opening is preferably a slit having a small opening area.

Furthermore, although the case where the solar cell panel which is a power source and the power conditioner which is a load are connected to the switch has been described above, the electrical equipment connected to the switch as the power source and the load is arbitrary.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is embodied as a circuit breaker which is a kind of switch. However, the present invention can be applied not only to a circuit breaker but also to an arbitrary switch.

According to the present invention, it is possible to detect the occurrence of an arc at an electrical connection site such as a terminal belonging to a power supply line with a relatively simple configuration, which is useful as an arc occurrence detection device and a switch.

12, 82 Switch 21, 22, 23, 24 Terminal 41, 43 Fixed contact 42, 44 Movable contact 61, 91 Arc light detection unit 62, 92 Judgment unit 63 Contact opening unit 64 Drive circuit 65 Trip coil 66 Power supply circuit 90 Arc Generation detection device 93 Signal output section

Claims (7)

1. An arc generation detection device used with electrical equipment,
   An arc light detector that detects arc light emitted when an arc occurs at a connection site belonging to a power supply line of an electrical device;
   A determination unit that determines whether the arc light detection unit has detected arc light; and
   When the determination unit determines that the arc light detection unit has detected arc light, a signal output unit that outputs an arc occurrence detection signal to the outside;
   An arc generation detection device comprising:
2. A power supply side terminal electrically connected to a power supply for supplying power to the electrical equipment to the power supply line; a load side terminal electrically connected to the electrical equipment; the power supply side terminal and the load side terminal And a contact that switches between a closed state in which the power supply side terminal and the load side terminal are electrically connected and an open state in which the power supply side terminal and the load side terminal are electrically separated from each other. A switch provided with a contact opening portion that opens the contact according to a signal input from the outside is interposed,
   The signal output unit is configured to input the arc generation detection signal to the switch to open the contact when the determination unit determines that the arc light detection unit has detected arc light. The arc generation detection device according to 1.
3. The arc occurrence detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the arc light detection unit is an electron tube or an optical semiconductor sensor.
4. The arc generation detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determination unit determines that an arc has occurred by detecting fluctuations in output from the arc detection unit.
5. A power supply side terminal electrically connected to the power supply;
   A load-side terminal electrically connected to a load supplied with power from the power source;
   A closed state interposed between the power supply side terminal and the load side terminal and electrically connecting the power supply side terminal and the load side terminal, and electrically connecting the power supply side terminal and the load side terminal. A contact for switching between an open state and a separate state;
   An arc light detector for detecting arc light emitted when an arc is generated;
   A determination unit that determines whether the arc light detection unit has detected arc light; and
   When the determination unit determines that the arc light detection unit has detected arc light, a contact opening unit that opens the contact;
   A switch equipped with.
6. The contact opening portion is
   A drive unit that drives the contact from the closed state to the open state in response to a signal from the determination unit;
   A power supply circuit for operating the drive unit;
   A switch according to claim 5.
7. The arc generation detection device according to claim 5, wherein the determination unit determines that an arc has occurred by detecting fluctuations in output from the arc detection unit.

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