Design support system for housing boxes for electrical and electronic equipment.

Abstract

To select an electrical and electronic apparatus storage box in a design support system, considering not only specification information of an electrical and electronic apparatus but information related to an electric wire.SOLUTION: A design support system for an electrical and electronic apparatus storage box comprises: a database that has storage specification information that is specification information related to an electrical and electronic apparatus storage box assumed to be designed, box data that is data linked to information on the configuration of the electrical and electronic apparatus storage box that can be specified by the storage specification information, and electric wire related information related to the relationship between a housing and an electric wire or the relationship between an electrical and electronic apparatus and the electric wire; and operation means that can perform operation to specify box data of the electrical and electronic apparatus storage box by using input specification information that is information input by a user in relation to the electrical and electronic apparatus storage box, electric wire information that is information input by the user in relation to an electric wire wired into the electrical and electronic apparatus storage box from the outside, the storage specification information, and the electric wire related information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a design support system for a box for housing electrical and electronic equipment.

Background Art

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, a design support system for supporting the design of boxes for housing electrical and electronic equipment such as distribution boards, switchboards, system racks, and high-voltage power receiving equipment is known. In the conventional design support system, the input specification information is compared with the data on the specifications of the boxes for housing electrical and electronic equipment stored in the database, and the boxes for housing electrical and electronic equipment that match are selected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0004] By the way, the design support system is often used when renewing an electrical and electronic equipment housing box (old product) currently installed and installing a new electrical and electronic equipment housing box (new product). However, there is a desire to continue using the electric wires used in the old product when installing the new product. However, the conventional design support system does not take into account the electric wires used in the old product. Therefore, when installing the new product, it is necessary to process the electric wires used in the old product or re-wire the electric wires newly, which may impose a burden on the installation work of the new product. Also, not only in the case of renewal, but there may be cases where it is desired to use the design support system with the types and lengths of electric wires determined. However, since the conventional design support system is not assumed to be used considering electric wires, it has not been able to respond appropriately in this case either.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The inventors of this invention have attempted to solve this problem by diligently considering it. The problem that this invention aims to solve is to enable the selection of a housing for electrical and electronic equipment in a design support system, taking into account not only the specifications of the electrical and electronic equipment but also information about the wires. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the design support system for electrical and electronic equipment enclosures is provided, which can support the design of an electrical and electronic equipment enclosure enclosure that houses electrical and electronic equipment inside the enclosure based on specification information entered by the user using an input means, and comprises a database having storage specification information, which is specification information about the electrical and electronic equipment enclosure enclosure that is expected to be the target of design, box data, which is data linked to information about the configuration of the electrical and electronic equipment enclosure enclosure that can be identified by the storage specification information, and wire-related information, which is related to the relationship between the enclosure and wires or the relationship between electrical and electronic equipment and wires, and a calculation means that can calculate to identify the box data of the electrical and electronic equipment enclosure enclosure using input specification information, which is information entered by the user about the electrical and electronic equipment enclosure enclosure, wire information, which is information entered by the user about wires that are wired to the electrical and electronic equipment enclosure enclosure from the outside, storage specification information, and wire-related information.

[0007] Furthermore, it is preferable that the calculation means can perform calculations using at least the input specification information and the storage specification information to identify the wire-related information of the electrical and electronic equipment storage box, and can determine whether the identified wire-related information satisfies the conditions of the input wire information. If the wire-related information satisfies the conditions of the wire information, it is preferable that the calculation means be configured to control whether no modifications are made to the electrical and electronic equipment storage box, and whether modifications are made to the electrical and electronic equipment storage box if the wire-related information does not satisfy the conditions of the wire information.

[0008] Furthermore, it is preferable that the wire information includes at least one of the following: information regarding the type of wire, information regarding connection to electrical and electronic equipment, and information regarding the length of the wire.

[0009] Furthermore, it is preferable that the wire-related information includes at least one of the following: information regarding the terminal portion of the electrical and electronic equipment; information regarding the insertion hole in the housing through which the wire is inserted; and information regarding the distance from the insertion hole to the electrical and electronic equipment.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferable that the calculation means is capable of performing calculations to identify box data for multiple electrical and electronic equipment storage boxes using input specification information, wire information, storage specification information, and wire-related information, and that the output means is configured to output some or all of the multiple box data derived by the calculations. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] This invention makes it possible to select a housing for electrical and electronic equipment in a design support system, taking into account not only the specifications of the electrical and electronic equipment but also information about the wires. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an example where a management number, storage specification information, and box data are linked. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an example of how management numbers are linked to wire-related information. [Figure 3] This diagram shows an example of how management numbers are linked to wire-related information. [Figure 4] This diagram shows an example of inputting specification information and wire information. [Figure 5] This diagram shows an example of the relationship between electrical and electronic equipment storage boxes and electrical wires before the renovation. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a base electrical and electronic equipment enclosure identified from the input specification information, and examples of "wire length A (length from the ceiling to the wire end)", "length B from the ceiling to the top surface of the enclosure", and "length C from the top surface of the enclosure to the electrical and electronic equipment" used in calculations in the design support system of the embodiment. [Figure 7]This diagram illustrates the modification made to the electrical and electronic equipment enclosure, which involved adding a terminal block to allow the wires to be connected to the electrical and electronic equipment while adhering as closely as possible to the original input. [Figure 8] This figure shows a modification made to allow the wires to be connected to the electrical and electronic equipment while adhering as closely as possible to the original input. The position of the electrical and electronic equipment located inside the electrical and electronic equipment housing box has been moved higher than in the example shown in Figure 6. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the modification made to mount the electrical and electronic equipment enclosure on a base, in order to connect the wires to the electrical and electronic equipment while staying as close as possible to the original input. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example where wires coming out of another electrical and electronic equipment enclosure are connected to the electrical and electronic equipment in the electrical and electronic equipment enclosure under consideration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The following describes embodiments for carrying out the invention. The design support system for the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 of the embodiment is capable of supporting the design of the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1, which houses electrical and electronic equipment within a housing 11, based on specification information entered by the user using an input means. Furthermore, this design support system for the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 includes a database having "storage specification information, which is specification information regarding the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 that is expected to be the subject of design", "box data, which is data linked to information regarding the configuration of the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 that can be identified by the storage specification information", and "wire-related information, which is the relationship between the housing 11 and the wires 91 or the relationship between the electrical and electronic equipment and the wires 91", and a calculation means capable of calculating to identify the box data of the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 using "input specification information, which is information entered by the user regarding the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1", "wire information, which is information entered by the user regarding the wires 91 that are wired to the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 from the outside", "storage specification information", and "wire-related information". Therefore, the design support system will be able to select the electrical and electronic equipment housing box 1 by taking into account not only the specifications of the electrical and electronic equipment but also information regarding the electric wires 91.

[0014] In this embodiment, we will mainly describe a design support system for electrical and electronic equipment housing boxes 1 intended for power distribution, such as distribution boards, switchboards, control panels, and high-voltage receiving equipment. However, it may also be a design support system for system racks equipped with servers, communication devices, computing devices, etc., or a design support system for work boxes equipped with communication devices, lighting equipment, desks, chairs, etc., for people to work inside.

[0015] The electrical and electronic equipment housing box 1 comprises a casing 11 and electrical and electronic equipment to be housed in the casing 11. The electrical and electronic equipment can be anything, and typical examples include circuit breakers, switches, terminal blocks 15, time switches, surge arresters, outlets, transformers, relays, communication devices, measuring devices, control devices, sensor devices, and air conditioning equipment. However, it may also include electrical and electronic equipment, or circuits composed of electronic equipment such as emergency circuits and automatic flashing circuits.

[0016] The design support system for the box 1 for housing electrical and electronic equipment in the embodiment includes at least a database and arithmetic means. The database includes at least "storage specification information which is specification information regarding the box 1 for housing electrical and electronic equipment assumed to be a design target", "box data which is data linked to information regarding the configuration of the box 1 for housing electrical and electronic equipment identifiable by the storage specification information", and "wire-related information regarding the relationship between the housing 11 and the wire 91 or the relationship between the electrical and electronic equipment and the wire 91". The arithmetic means can perform arithmetic operations to identify the box data of the box 1 for housing electrical and electronic equipment by using at least "input specification information which is information input by the user regarding the box 1 for housing electrical and electronic equipment", "wire information which is information input by the user regarding the wire 91 wired from the outside to the box 1 for housing electrical and electronic equipment", "storage specification information", and "wire-related information". In the embodiment, the box data of the box 1 for housing electrical and electronic equipment derived by the arithmetic means can be output by the output means.

[0017] Details of the specification information will be described below. Here, the difference between the input specification information and the storage specification information will be explained. The input specification information is specification information input by the user when selecting the box 1 for housing electrical and electronic equipment using the design support system of the present invention. On the other hand, the storage specification information is specification information provided in the database when constructing or updating the database, and is specification information comparable to the input specification information. In the embodiment, a management number is assigned so as to be linked to specific storage specification information and box data, and is provided in the database (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Also, when the design support system has a function that enables selection of box data not stored in the database, etc., the input specification information input when using the design support system and the selected box data can be newly provided in the database. By providing the input specification information, which was not previously provided in the database, in the database, the input specification information is positioned as storage specification information.

[0018] Incidentally, the "specification information" in the present invention is information regarding the specifications for identifying the box 1 for housing electrical and electronic equipment, and can be grouped, for example, by the following items.

[0019] For example, the specification information regarding the electrical and electronic equipment housed in the box 1 for housing electrical and electronic equipment can include the following items.

[0020] "Items regarding the type of electrical and electronic equipment (including data regarding the performance of each electrical and electronic equipment)." Examples of the type of electrical and electronic equipment include a molded case circuit breaker, a residual current circuit breaker, a circuit breaker, a plug-in type circuit breaker, a terminal block 15, a relay, an ammeter, a wattmeter, a communication device, a time switch, an SPD, a control circuit, etc. Note that performance refers to electrical performance such as rated current and rated breaking capacity, and physical performance such as strength.

[0021] "Items regarding the arrangement and position of electrical and electronic equipment within the housing 11." Examples of the arrangement and position of electrical and electronic equipment within the housing 11 include the position of the main breaker 13 (such as the upper side or lower side of the housing 11), the position of the branch breaker 18 relative to the main breaker 13 (such as below or beside the main breaker 13), the arrangement of the branch breakers 18 (arranging the breakers in a row or arranging the breakers in multiple rows), etc. Note that when housing a plurality of electrical and electronic equipment inside the housing 11, their arrangement and position have a great influence on the size and shape of the housing 11.

[0022] "Items regarding the role of electrical and electronic equipment within the housing 11." Examples of the role of electrical and electronic equipment within the housing 11 include "when two molded case circuit breakers are input, one is used as the main breaker 13, and the other is connected to the secondary side of the main breaker 13 and used for secondary feed." and "when two molded case circuit breakers are input, both are used as the main breaker 13 to form two systems inside the housing 11", etc. Note that when housing a plurality of electrical and electronic equipment inside the housing 11, their role has a great influence on the size and shape of the housing 11.

[0023] "Items concerning relationships with other electrical and electronic equipment" Examples of relationships with other electrical and electronic equipment include: "Electrical and electronic equipment A and electrical and electronic equipment B can be formed into a unit," and "Electrical and electronic equipment C can be unitized with 6 to 54 units of electrical and electronic equipment D."

[0024] Of course, the specifications information for the electrical and electronic equipment to be stored in the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 can be other items, for example, "items related to the number of electrical and electronic equipment units."

[0025] Examples of specification items for the electrical and electronic equipment enclosure 1 include the following:

[0026] "Items relating to the enclosure 11 of the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 (including the door or components not housed in the enclosure 11)" Examples of the housing 11 of the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 (including the door or components not housed in the housing 11) include the size of the housing 11 (W×H×D), the material of the housing 11 (iron, stainless steel, resin, etc.), the color of the housing 11, processing of the housing 11 (such as drilling holes or welding for attaching equipment not housed in the housing 11), space set aside to separately house components other than electrical and electronic equipment inside the housing 11, the size of the door, the material of the door, the color of the door, the number of doors (single door, double door, etc.), the direction in which the door opens (right-opening, left-opening, etc.), the type and number of components not housed in the housing 11, their arrangement and position, etc. Examples of components not housed in the housing 11 include hinges for rotating the door, locking devices for locking the door (handles, etc.), heat dissipation equipment attached to the housing 11 (fans, louvers, etc.), wiring components, drainage components, gaskets installed for waterproofing, mounting components for attaching the housing 11 to a wall, and roof components for outdoor installation.

[0027] "Items concerning the performance and types of electrical and electronic equipment storage boxes 1" Examples of the performance characteristics of the electrical and electronic equipment enclosure 1 include waterproofing, seismic resistance, and heat resistance. Examples of the types of electrical and electronic equipment enclosure 1 include a lighting / power distribution board, a heat-resistant distribution board, and a distribution board for temporary outlets.

[0028] "Items concerning the installation of electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1" Regarding the installation of the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1, examples of installation methods include freestanding installation using the base 21, installation on walls or pillars, and embedded installation in walls. Furthermore, examples of installation locations and environments include indoor installation, outdoor installation, installation in areas with salt damage, installation in areas with heavy snowfall, and installation at high altitudes.

[0029] Examples of specification items related to the wiring inside the electrical and electronic equipment enclosure 1 include the following:

[0030] "Items related to the input and output of wires to and from the enclosure 11" Regarding the entry and exit of wires to and from the enclosure 11, examples include upper entry and upper exit (wires entering from and exiting the top surface of the enclosure 11), and lower entry and lower exit (wires entering from and exiting from the bottom surface of the enclosure 11). Of course, wires may also enter or exit from the sides or back of the enclosure 11.

[0031] "Items related to wiring between electrical and electronic equipment" Examples of wiring between electrical and electronic equipment include wiring using electric wires 91 and wiring using copper bars.

[0032] "Items related to the wiring space required for wiring" Regarding the wiring space required for installation, one example would be to set a larger space than the standard wiring space.

[0033] Here, we will explain the "wire information," which is information entered by the user regarding the wires 91 that will be wired from the outside into the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1. The "wire information" is information about the wires 91 that are to be used in the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 that is selected. More specifically, it is information about the wires 91 that will be inserted through the insertion holes 16 provided in the housing 11 of the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 and connected to the electrical and electronic equipment inside.

[0034] Examples of "wire information" include "information regarding the type of wire 91," "information regarding connections to electrical and electronic equipment," and "information regarding the length of wire 91." While it is not limited to these, it is preferable that the wire information includes at least one of the following: information regarding the type of wire 91, information regarding connections to electrical and electronic equipment, and information regarding the length of wire 91.

[0035] Furthermore, examples of "information regarding the type of electric wire 91" include "the size of the electric wire 91 (such as the diameter and area of ​​the conductor)" and "the type of materials that make up the electric wire 91 (such as the material of the conductor (copper, aluminum, etc.) and the material of the insulator)."

[0036] Furthermore, specific examples of "information regarding connection to electrical and electronic equipment" include "the condition of the end of the electric wire 91 (no terminal, with terminal)", "the type of terminal (round crimp terminal, rod crimp terminal, plug-in terminal, etc.)", and "the source of the electric wire 91 (exiting from the exit hole 93 in the wall, exiting from the exit hole 93 in the floor, exiting from the exit hole 93 (through hole 16) in another electrical and electronic equipment storage box 100)".

[0037] Furthermore, examples of "information regarding the length of the electric wire 91" include "the location of the wire exit hole 93 (the location of the wire exit hole 93 provided in the ceiling, floor, wall, etc.)" and "the length from the wire exit hole 93 to the end of the electric wire 91 (the length of the electric wire 91)." It is also possible to indicate the shortest and longest lengths, taking into account the excess length inside the wire exit hole 93. Additionally, if the total length of the electric wire 91 can be determined, information regarding the total length is also acceptable, rather than being limited to the length from the wire exit hole 93. Moreover, in the case of an electric wire 91 coming out of another nearby electrical and electronic equipment storage box 100, the length may be from the wire exit hole 93 provided in the housing 111 of the other electrical and electronic equipment storage box 100, or it may be the length (total length) from the electrical and electronic equipment provided in the other electrical and electronic equipment storage box 100.

[0038] The database contains "wire-related information" that is used to match this "wire information." The "wire-related information" is information relating to the relationship between the housing 11 and electrical and electronic equipment that make up the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 and the wires 91. Examples of "wire-related information" include "information relating to the terminals of the electrical and electronic equipment," "information relating to the insertion holes 16 in the housing 11 through which the wires 91 are inserted," and "information relating to the distance from the insertion holes 16 in the housing 11 to the electrical and electronic equipment." While it is not limited to these, it is preferable that the wire-related information includes at least one of the following: information relating to the terminals of the electrical and electronic equipment, information relating to the insertion holes 16 in the housing 11 through which the wires 91 are inserted, and information relating to the distance from the insertion holes 16 to the electrical and electronic equipment.

[0039] Furthermore, "information regarding terminals of electrical and electronic equipment" can be exemplified by "the size of terminals and terminal holes (M5 size, M8 size, etc.)" and "the type of terminal (wire clamp terminals, crimp terminals, quick-connect terminals, plug-in terminals, etc.)."

[0040] Examples of "information regarding the through-hole 16 of the housing 11" include "the location of the through-hole 16 (e.g., the center of the top surface of the housing 11, XX mm from the left edge of the bottom surface of the housing 11)", "the size of the through-hole 16", "the shape of the through-hole 16", and "the method of covering the through-hole 16".

[0041] "Information regarding the distance from the through-hole 16 of the housing 11 to the electrical and electronic equipment" can be exemplified by "the through-hole 16 is on the top surface and is △△ mm from the electrical and electronic equipment located at the top" or "the through-hole 16 is on the top surface and is □□ mm from the electrical and electronic equipment located at the bottom."

[0042] By the way, users can input specification information using input methods. These input methods include, of course, methods commonly used when inputting information into personal computers or smartphones (such as input using a keyboard or mouse, or input by moving fingers on a display). They may also include methods such as capturing documents containing specification information using optical character recognition. Furthermore, input may be based on voice detection or gaze detection. In addition, input using input methods may be based on product numbers or other information assigned to various items.

[0043] Incidentally, the database of this embodiment includes storage specification information, box data, and wire-related information, which are specification information for the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1. In this embodiment, the storage specification information, box data, wire-related information, etc., are assigned management numbers (see Figures 1 to 3). This makes it easier to manage this information. The management number can be anything, but examples include those composed of numbers, letters, and symbols.

[0044] In addition to storage specification information, box data, and wire-related information, data necessary for design, manufacturing, and sales work after selecting the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 may also be managed by a management number, such as drawing data related to the enclosure 11 and electrical and electronic equipment that constitute the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1, parts drawing data related to the type and number of enclosures 11 and electrical and electronic equipment, and price data related to the price of enclosures 11 and electrical and electronic equipment.

[0045] Incidentally, the calculation means of the embodiment can perform calculations to select an electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 using the "input specification information" and "wire information" input by the input means and the "storage specification information" and "wire-related information" provided in the database. More specifically, in the embodiment, it is possible to perform calculations so that the box data of the base electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 is identified based on the input specification information and the storage specification information.

[0046] For example, if the specification information includes "1 main breaker (60A), 20 branch breakers (20A)" as "electrical and electronic equipment" information, and the first piece of information for "arrangement / position" includes "the main breaker is located at the top, and the branch breakers are located at the bottom," and the second piece of information for "arrangement / position" includes "the branch breakers are arranged in two rows, and the wiring enters and exits from the top," then the system will refer to the data stored in the storage specification information and calculate to identify the box data for electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1, represented as "AAA6-20."

[0047] Then, using the wire-related information, the relationship between the electrical and electronic equipment housing box 1 and the wires 91, which is derived through calculations, and the relationship between the housing 11 and electrical and electronic equipment constituting the electrical and electronic equipment housing box 1 and the wires 91 are determined.

[0048] For example, if the "box data" derived by the calculation means is "AAA6-20", then the following characteristics are identified: "box size: 500 x 700 x 120, distance from top surface to main breaker: 100 mm, distance from top surface to branch breakers: closest is 300 mm, furthest is 600 mm" (see Figure 2).

[0049] Furthermore, if the "box data" is "AAA6-20", for electrical and electronic equipment, the 50A breaker has wire clamp terminals that can be connected to wires 91 without terminals on both the power supply side terminal and the load side terminal, and the size is M5. On the other hand, the 20A breaker has information on both wire clamp terminals on both the power supply side terminal and the load side terminal, as well as a plug-in terminal on the power supply side terminal that can be connected to a copper bar, and a quick-connect terminal on the load side terminal that can be connected to a wire 91 with a diameter of 1.6 mm or a rod-type crimp terminal (see Figure 3).

[0050] After the relationship between the base electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 or enclosure 11 or electrical and electronic equipment and the electric wire 91 is determined, the calculation means can determine whether or not they satisfy the conditions for the electric wire information, but the details will be described later.

[0051] In this embodiment, the result calculated by the calculation means is output using the output means. The output using the output means includes, of course, the methods commonly used when outputting via a personal computer or smartphone, similar to the input means (such as outputting to a display or printing to paper using a printer), but it may also be output as sound.

[0052] Preferably, the output from the output means includes at least box data. The box data may include the product number assigned to each electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1, or it may include a box image displaying an overview of the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1.

[0053] When outputting a box image, it is preferable that the box image is a scaled representation of the actual electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1, and that it is output as a diagram showing the electrical and electronic equipment to be housed in the enclosure 11 arranged in positions selected by calculation. Furthermore, the system may also be configured to output information such as the price of the enclosure 11 and the electrical and electronic equipment constituting the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1, transportation costs, delivery dates, parts lists, and drawings.

[0054] Let's explain with a specific example. Assume that the following is entered in the "Specifications" section: "Electrical and electronic equipment: Main circuit breaker (100A): 1 unit, Branch circuit breakers (30A): 10 units, Arrangement / Position: Main circuit breaker: Upper, Branch circuit breakers: Lower, Wiring: Upper entry, Upper exit, Installation: Freestanding" (see Figure 4). Also, assume that the following is entered in the "Wire Information" section: "The wire connected to the main circuit breaker is 1600mm long," and "The wire connected to the branch circuit breakers is 2100mm to 2500mm long" (see Figure 4). More precisely, assume that the following is entered: "The wire connected to the main circuit breaker is 1600mm long from the exit hole 93 provided in the ceiling at a height of 2500mm, and the wire connected to the branch circuit breakers is 2100mm to 2500mm long from the exit hole 93 provided in the ceiling." Furthermore, the statement that the length of the wire 91 connected to the branch breaker 18 is 2100mm to 2500mm means that the length of the wire 91 connected to the branch breaker 18 closest to the ceiling is 2100mm, and the length of the wire 91 connected to the branch breaker 18 furthest from the ceiling is 2500mm.

[0055] The various information entered in the input specification information is the same as the specification information for the electrical and electronic equipment storage box before the renewal (size: 500 x 1000 x 120, see Figure 5). However, due to technological advancements since the time when the electrical and electronic equipment storage box before the renewal was installed, the size of the branch circuit breaker 18 has been reduced. In other words, although it houses the same number of branch circuit breakers 18, the overall size of the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 can be made smaller than before the renewal, and this explanation will be provided accordingly.

[0056] First, the calculation of the base electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 is performed by the calculation means. In other words, the box data is calculated using the input specification information and the storage specification information. Then, in this example, the calculation leads to the conclusion that the base electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 is the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 of the box data AAA10-10.

[0057] Next, the wiring-related information for the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 in the AAA10-10 box data is identified. For example, from the information stored in the database, it can be determined that the size of the enclosure 11 of the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 identified in the AAA10-10 box data is 500 x 800 x 120, and that it is freestanding. By combining this information, the distance between the top surface of the base electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 and the ceiling can be determined to be 2500 - 800 = 1700 mm. In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the distance between the floor and the ceiling is calculated as 2500 mm.

[0058] Furthermore, the distance from the top surface of the base electrical and electronic equipment enclosure 1 to the main circuit breaker 13 is 100 mm, and the distance from the top surface to the branch circuit breakers 18 is 300 to 700 mm (see Figure 2). Then, it is determined whether the wire-related information of the base electrical and electronic equipment enclosure 1 satisfies the conditions of the input wire information. In this example, the determination method will be explained under the condition that a wire 91 that exits vertically from the ceiling passes through the insertion hole 16 of the enclosure 11 and is connected to the electrical and electronic equipment.

[0059] The determination method is that the condition is met if the sum of the length B from the ceiling to the top surface of the housing 11 and the length C from the top surface of the housing 11 to the electrical and electronic equipment is less than or equal to the length A of the electric wire 91 (length from the ceiling to the end of the electric wire 91) (see Figure 6).

[0060] In this example, the length B from the ceiling to the top surface of the enclosure 11 is 1700 mm, and the length C' from the top surface of the enclosure 11 to the main breaker 13 is 100 mm, while the length A' of the wire 91 for the main breaker 13 is 1600 mm. Therefore, B + C' (1800) > A' (1600), which does not satisfy the condition.

[0061] On the other hand, for the branch breaker 18, the length B from the ceiling to the top surface of the housing 11 is 1700 mm, and the length C’’ from the top surface of the housing 11 to the branch breaker 18 is 300 - 700 mm. However, the length A’’ of the electric wire 91 for the branch breaker 18 is 2100 - 2500 mm. Therefore, for the branch breaker 18 closest to the ceiling, B + C’’ (2000) < A’’ (2100), and for the branch breaker 18 farthest from the ceiling, B + C’’ (2400) < A’’ (2500). For the other branch breakers 18, the description is omitted, but it is assumed that they meet the conditions.

[0062] From the above, although the relationship between the position of the branch breaker 18 and the length of the electric wire 91 meets the conditions, the relationship between the position of the main breaker 13 and the length of the electric wire 91 does not meet the conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to modify the base electrical and electronic equipment storage box. Note that when both the relationship between the position of the main breaker 13 and the length of the electric wire 91 and the relationship between the position of the branch breaker 18 and the length of the electric wire 91 meet the conditions, the base electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 is output by the output means without modifying the base electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1.

[0063] As can be understood from this example, the calculation means can calculate using at least the input specification information and the storage specification information, identify the wire-related information of the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1, and determine whether the identified wire-related information meets the conditions of the input wire information. When the wire-related information meets the conditions of the wire information, it is preferable to configure it so that the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 is not modified, and when the wire-related information does not meet the conditions of the wire information, the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 is controlled to be modified.

[0064] The following are some of the proposed modifications suggested by the design support system for the electrical and electronic equipment enclosure 1, but it should be noted that these are not the only proposed modifications. For example, the design support system for the electrical and electronic equipment enclosure 1 may propose a modification to add new equipment. In the example shown in Figure 7, the modification involves adding a terminal block 15 to connect to the electric wire 91. More specifically, the modification involves installing the terminal block 15 at a position 1600 mm from the ceiling to correspond to the length A' of the electric wire 91 for the main circuit breaker 13, and connecting the electric wire 91 to the terminal block 15. In this way, by separately connecting the terminal block 15 to the main circuit breaker 13, the main circuit breaker 13 and the branch circuit breakers 18 can be powered.

[0065] In this example, the addition of the terminal block 15 necessitates an increase in the size of the enclosure 11, resulting in dimensions of 500 x 1000 x 120 mm, which is the same size as the electrical and electronic equipment storage box before the renewal. Note that if the terminal block 15 is mounted on the base member 14, it may be mounted on the same base member 14 as the main circuit breaker 13, or a separate base member different from the one on which the main circuit breaker 13 is mounted may be provided, and the terminal block 15 may be mounted on that base member.

[0066] Furthermore, the design support system for the electrical and electronic equipment enclosure 1 may suggest modifications to move the electrical and electronic equipment upwards. For example, this involves moving the electrical and electronic equipment housed in the base electrical and electronic equipment enclosure 1 upwards (see Figure 8). In the example shown in Figure 8, the electrical and electronic equipment, including the main circuit breaker 13, is moved to a position 1600 mm from the ceiling to correspond to the length A' of the wire 91 for the main circuit breaker 13, and the modification allows the wire 91 to be connected to the main circuit breaker 13.

[0067] In this example, the size of the enclosure 11 needed to be increased in order to move the electrical and electronic equipment. The dimensions of the enclosure 11 became 500 x 1000 x 120, which is the same size as the electrical and electronic equipment storage box before the renewal.

[0068] In the example shown in Figure 8, the branch breaker 18 is also moved, resulting in excess length in the wire 91 for the branch breaker 18. However, this excess length can be managed by storing it in the space above the ceiling through the wiring hole 93 in the ceiling, so there is no problem.

[0069] Furthermore, the design support system for the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 may propose a modification to move the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 upwards. For example, a base 21 or the like can be interposed between the floor and the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 to move the base electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 upwards (see Figure 9).

[0070] To accommodate the length A' of the wire 91 for the main circuit breaker 13, the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 is moved to a position 1600 mm from the ceiling, and the wire 91 is modified to be connected to the main circuit breaker 13. Since the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 is moved, it is not necessary to increase the size of the enclosure 11, but a configuration is needed that allows the installation height of the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 to be changed, such as by providing a base 21 below the enclosure 11. In this example, the overall size, including the base 21, is the same as the electrical and electronic equipment storage box before the renewal.

[0071] As with the example shown in Figure 8, there may be excess length in the wire 91 for the branch breaker 18. However, this is not a problem as described above, as it can be handled by storing the excess length in the ceiling space through the wiring hole 93 in the ceiling.

[0072] In the example described above, the electrical and electronic equipment to be housed is the same, but the size of the electrical and electronic equipment has decreased, which makes it possible to reduce the size of the enclosure 11 and the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1. However, it goes without saying that this system is not limited to such cases, and can also be applied to electrical and electronic equipment of similar size or larger.

[0073] Furthermore, in the example described above, for the sake of simplicity, the case where the electric wire 91 exits vertically from the ceiling was described. However, this system can also be applied when the positions of the exit hole 93 in the ceiling and the insertion hole 16 on the top surface of the housing 11 are offset in the front-back, left-right, and right directions. In this case, it is sufficient to determine whether the conditions are met based on a determination method that takes into account not only the vertical length but also the horizontal length.

[0074] Similarly, even if, for example, there is a wiring hole 93 in the ceiling and a through hole 16 on the side of the housing 11 excluding the top surface, it is sufficient to determine whether the conditions are met based on a determination method that takes into account the vertical and horizontal lengths. This applies not only when the wiring hole 93 is in the ceiling, but also when it is located in a wall or on the floor.

[0075] Furthermore, even if the electric wire 91 is inserted directly into the insertion hole 16 from another electrical and electronic equipment storage box 100 without passing through the ceiling, walls, or under the floor (see Figure 10), the determination can be made in the same way by defining the hole from which the electric wire 91 exits the other electrical and electronic equipment storage box 100 as the exit hole 93.

[0076] For example, this describes a case where the electrical and electronic equipment enclosure 1 selected by this system is connected to electric wires 91 coming out of another electrical and electronic equipment enclosure 100 installed in the vicinity, and the electric wires 91 are routed on the ground or on the floor. Specifically, this could include a combination of a distribution board and a switchboard, or a combination of a distribution board and a cubicle, which is a high-voltage power receiving facility, but is not limited to these.

[0077] A wire 91 connected to a circuit breaker housed in another electrical and electronic equipment enclosure 100 is routed out of the other electrical and electronic equipment enclosure 100, exiting through a routing hole 93 provided in the enclosure 111 or base 121. The routed wire 91 is then wired on the ground or floor and inserted into the electrical and electronic equipment enclosure 1 selected for this system. At this time, it is inserted through a routing hole 16 provided in the enclosure 11 or base 21. The routed wire 91 is then wired and connected to the main circuit breaker 13 inside the enclosure 11.

[0078] In such cases, the input wire information may include, for example, the length of the wire 91 from the wiring hole (outlet hole 93) to the end of the wire 91. It is also preferable to have a configuration that allows input of the distance between the installation location of the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 selected by this system and another electrical and electronic equipment storage box 100.

[0079] The determination method using the input wire information and wire-related information is as follows: The condition is met when the sum of the length B from the wire exit hole 93 provided in another electrical and electronic equipment housing box 100 to the insertion hole 16 of the electrical and electronic equipment housing box 1 selected by this system, and the length C from the insertion hole 16 to the electrical and electronic equipment, is less than or equal to the length A of the wire 91 (length from the wire exit hole 93 to the end of the wire 91). It is preferable that lengths B and C are measured considering the three-dimensional movement of the wire 91.

[0080] The examples so far have described cases where electrical and electronic equipment enclosures are being refurbished, but these methods are not limited to refurbishment. They may also apply when selecting new electrical and electronic equipment enclosures while considering the electric wires 91.

[0081] Furthermore, while the input wire information shown here is an example relating to the length of the wire 91, the thickness of the wire 91 may also be considered when selecting the wire. In other words, the allowable bending radius differs depending on the thickness of the wire 91, which affects the wiring route from the insertion hole in the enclosure to the electrical and electronic equipment. Therefore, it is preferable to determine the size of the enclosure and the arrangement of the electrical and electronic equipment while taking the bending radius of the wire into consideration.

[0082] Furthermore, in the example described above, we explained a configuration in which, after identifying the base electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 through calculation using input specification information and storage specification information, the base electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 can be modified using wire information and wire-related information. In other words, we explained a configuration in which calculations are performed in stages, divided into multiple groups, but these may be executed sequentially, or instead of performing calculations in stages, the calculations may be performed to identify the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 by using the input specification information and wire information, and the storage specification information and wire-related information at once.

[0083] For example, after input is completed by the input means (completion may be indicated by a calculation start button, etc.), the output means may output the base electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 or the electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1 modified from the base electrical and electronic equipment storage box 1.

[0084] Alternatively, after input is completed by the input means, the output means outputs the base electrical and electronic equipment housing box 1. Subsequently, if the conditions are not met based on the wire information and wire-related information, a message to that effect is output, and a modified electrical and electronic equipment housing box 1 is output.

[0085] Regardless of the procedure for output, the calculation means is capable of using input specification information, wire information, storage specification information, and wire-related information to calculate and identify box data for multiple electrical and electronic equipment storage boxes 1, and the output means is preferably configured to output some or all of the multiple box data derived by the calculation.

[0086] The present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments described above, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be made into various forms. For example, although no modifications are proposed, it is possible to make the input information partially usable while also allowing for modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1. Box for storing electrical and electronic equipment 11 cabinets 91 Electric wire

Claims

1. A design support system for electrical and electronic equipment enclosures that can assist in the design of an electrical and electronic equipment enclosure that houses electrical and electronic equipment within its casing, based on specification information entered by the user using an input means, A database comprising: storage specification information, which is specification information regarding the electrical and electronic equipment enclosure intended to be the subject of the design; enclosure data, which is data linked to information regarding the configuration of the electrical and electronic equipment enclosure that can be identified by the storage specification information; and wire-related information, which concerns the relationship between the enclosure and wires or the relationship between the electrical and electronic equipment and wires. A calculation means capable of performing calculations to identify the box data of an electrical and electronic equipment storage box, using input specification information, which is information entered by the user regarding the storage box for electrical and electronic equipment, wire information, which is information entered by the user regarding the wires that are wired to the storage box from the outside, storage specification information, and wire-related information. Equipped with, The calculation means can perform calculations using at least input specification information and storage specification information to identify wire-related information of an electrical and electronic equipment storage box, and can determine whether the identified wire-related information satisfies the conditions of the input wire information. If the wire-related information meets the requirements for wire information, no modifications will be made to the electrical and electronic equipment enclosure. A design support system for electrical and electronic equipment enclosures that can control the system to make modifications to the enclosure if the wire-related information does not meet the wire information requirements.

2. The design support system for a housing box for electrical and electronic equipment according to claim 1, wherein the wire information includes at least one of the following: information regarding the type of wire, information regarding connection to electrical and electronic equipment, and information regarding the length of the wire.

3. A design support system for housing electrical and electronic equipment according to claim 1, wherein the wire-related information includes at least one of the following: information regarding the terminal portion of electrical and electronic equipment; information regarding the insertion hole of the housing through which the wire is inserted; and information regarding the distance from the insertion hole to the electrical and electronic equipment.

4. The calculation means is capable of using input specification information, wire information, storage specification information, and wire-related information to perform calculations to identify the box data of multiple electrical and electronic equipment storage boxes. The design support system for electrical and electronic equipment housing boxes according to claim 1, wherein the output means is capable of outputting part or all of the multiple box data derived by calculation.

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