System for monitoring abnormality in opening / closing unit

Abstract

To enable a determination to be made as to whether an opening / closing unit including an opening / closing part and a tripping part that receives a signal to cause an operation for opening the opening / closing part to be performed has a physical abnormality that poses an obstacle to an opening operation.SOLUTION: A system for monitoring an abnormality in an opening / closing unit includes: an opening / closing unit 20 having an opening / closing part 21 capable of opening / closing an electric path between a power supply and a load apparatus and a tripping part 22 capable of tripping the opening / closing part; a detection unit 51 capable of detecting an event; a determination unit 52 capable of determining whether a value related to the event detected by the detection unit is more than or equal to a predetermined value; and a signal output unit 53 that is, when it is determined that the value is more than or equal to the predetermined value, capable of outputting a signal for tripping the opening / closing part to the tripping part, the system including a power distribution monitoring unit 54 capable of monitoring a situation of electric power distribution supplied from a secondary side of the opening / closing part to the determination unit, in which presence / absence of power distribution from the secondary side of the opening / closing part to the determination unit is confirmed after the signal is output from the signal output unit to the tripping part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an abnormality monitoring system for an opening / closing unit. [Background technology]

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, a seismic sensor is known that, when it detects shaking above a set value during an earthquake, operates a tripping unit on a breaker to shut off power supply to the load side. It is also known that a test button on the seismic sensor can be pressed to output a signal to the breaker, allowing confirmation that the breaker has been properly shut off. If the breaker shuts off upon receiving the test signal, it can be confirmed that the seismic sensor is functioning properly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-057171

[0004] However, if there is a physical abnormality on the breaker side that interferes with the opening operation, the breaker will not trip properly even if the seismic sensor outputs a normal signal to the breaker by pressing the test button, etc. This makes it impossible to confirm that the seismic sensor is normal. In such cases, it is also impossible to determine whether the seismic sensor or the breaker is malfunctioning. Similar problems can occur when a signal is sent to the tripping unit from a device other than the seismic sensor to open the opening / closing unit. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The inventors of the present invention have diligently studied this issue and have attempted to solve it. The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to make it possible to determine whether or not there is a physical abnormality that interferes with the opening operation of an opening / closing unit that includes an opening / closing part and a tripping part that performs an operation to open the opening / closing part in response to a signal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, an abnormality monitoring system for a switching unit is provided, which includes a switching unit having a switching section capable of opening and closing an electrical circuit between a power source connected to the primary side and a load device connected to the secondary side, and a tripping section capable of tripping the switching section, a detection section capable of detecting an event, a determination section capable of determining whether a value related to the event detected by the detection section is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and a signal output section capable of outputting a signal to the tripping section to trip the switching section when the determination section determines that the value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, and which includes a current flow monitoring section capable of monitoring the current flow status of electricity supplied from the secondary side of the switching section to the determination section, and after a signal is output from the signal output section to the tripping section, the current flow monitoring section checks whether current is flowing from the secondary side of the switching section to the determination section.

[0007] Furthermore, it is preferable that the configuration be such that after a signal is output from the signal output unit to the tripping unit, it is confirmed whether or not current is flowing from the secondary side of the opening / closing unit to the judgment unit, and if this confirmation confirms that current is flowing to the judgment unit, the signal is output again from the signal output unit to the tripping unit, and then it is again confirmed whether or not current is flowing from the secondary side of the opening / closing unit to the judgment unit.

[0008] Furthermore, it is preferable that the configuration be such that after a signal is output from the signal output unit to the tripping unit, it is confirmed whether or not current is flowing from the secondary side of the opening / closing unit to the judgment unit, and if this confirmation confirms that current is flowing to the judgment unit, it is confirmed whether or not the voltage of the electricity flowing to the judgment unit is less than a predetermined value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In the present invention, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a physical abnormality that interferes with the opening operation in an opening / closing unit that has an opening / closing section and a pull-out section that performs an operation to open the opening / closing section upon receiving a signal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an example system configured with an opening / closing unit and a sensor unit. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of an example of system usage. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of an example of system usage. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of an example of system usage. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An embodiment of the invention is described below. As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2 , an abnormality monitoring system 1 for a switching unit 20 according to this embodiment includes a switching unit 20 having a switching unit 21 capable of opening and closing an electric path between a power source connected to the primary side and a load device connected to the secondary side, and a tripping unit 22 capable of tripping the switching unit 21. The system also includes a detection unit 51 capable of detecting an event, a determination unit 52 capable of determining whether a value related to the event detected by the detection unit 51 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and a signal output unit 53 capable of outputting a signal to the tripping unit 22 to trip the switching unit 21 when the determination unit 52 determines that the value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. The abnormality monitoring system 1 for a switching unit 20 also includes a current flow monitoring unit 54 capable of monitoring the conduction status of electricity supplied from the secondary side of the switching unit 21 to the determination unit 52. After the signal output unit 53 outputs a signal to the tripping unit 22, the current flow monitoring unit 54 checks whether or not there is current flow from the secondary side of the switching unit 21 to the determination unit 52. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a physical abnormality that interferes with the opening operation in the opening / closing unit 20, which is equipped with an opening / closing section 21 and a tripping section 22 that performs an operation to open the opening / closing section 21 upon receiving a signal.

[0012] In the embodiment, the abnormality monitoring system 1 for the switching unit 20 includes the switching unit 20 and a sensor unit 50, and the sensor unit 50 monitors the switching unit 20 for abnormalities. The switching unit 20 includes at least a switching unit 21 that opens and closes an electric circuit, and a tripping unit 22 that trips the switching unit 21, and examples of such devices include a circuit breaker and a circuit breaker. The sensor unit 50 in the embodiment includes a detection unit 51 that can detect an event, a determination unit 52 that can determine whether a value related to the event detected by the detection unit 51 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and a signal output unit 53 that can output a signal to the tripping unit 22 to trip the switching unit 21 when the determination unit 52 determines that the value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

[0013] The event that causes the opening / closing unit 21 to be released and the detection unit 51 may be combined as needed. A typical combination is one in which the event is "vibration" and the detection unit 51 is a "seismic sensor," but this is not a limiting example. For example, in the case of an event related to the surrounding environment, the event may be "temperature" and the detection unit 51 may be a "temperature sensor," or the event may be "humidity" and the detection unit 51 may be a "humidity sensor."

[0014] In addition, in the case of an electrical event, examples include the event being "current" and the detection unit 51 being a "current sensor," the event being "voltage" and the detection unit 51 being a "voltage sensor," the event being "power" and the detection unit 51 being a "power sensor," the event being "discharge" and the detection unit 51 being a "discharge detection sensor," or the event being "insulation deterioration" and the detection unit 51 being an "insulation deterioration detection sensor."

[0015] In addition, in the case of a fire-related event, examples include the event being a "flame" and the detection unit 51 being a "flame sensor," the event being "smoke" and the detection unit 51 being a "smoke sensor," the event being "light" and the detection unit 51 being a "light sensor," or the event being an "odor" and the detection unit 51 being an "odor sensor."

[0016] In addition, in the case of an event related to a natural disaster, examples include the event being "acceleration" and the detection unit 51 being an "acceleration sensor," the event being "lightning" and the detection unit 51 being a "lightning sensor," the event being "flooding" and the detection unit 51 being a "flooding sensor," or the event being "snow accumulation" and the detection unit 51 being a "snow accumulation sensor."

[0017] It is preferable that the event is one that may pose a danger to humans, equipment, houses, etc. when a value related to the event exceeds a predetermined value, and that in order to avoid the danger, it is desirable to stop the supply of electricity to the load equipment from the switching unit 21. In the following, the event will be described as one related to an earthquake, and the value related to the earthquake will be assumed to be the size of the earthquake, the strength of the shaking caused by the earthquake, etc.

[0018] The opening / closing unit 20 and the sensor unit 50 may be physically combined into one unit, or may be configured as an integrated unit. Alternatively, the opening / closing unit 20 may be disposed inside a distribution board and the sensor unit 50 may be disposed outside the distribution board, with the units being disposed at separate locations. The opening / closing unit 20 and the sensor unit 50 may be housed in the same housing (such as a distribution board) or in separate housings (such as distribution boards).

[0019] Here, the switching unit 20 in the embodiment will be described. The switching unit 20 in the embodiment has a switching section 21 that opens and closes an electric circuit in which a power source is connected on the primary side and a load device is connected on the secondary side. This switching section 21 can close the electric circuit by bringing the movable contact of the movable contactor into contact with the fixed contact of the fixed contactor, and can open the electric circuit by separating the fixed contact and the movable contact.

[0020] The tripping unit 22 of the embodiment trips a closed electric circuit (a state in which the fixed contact and the movable contact are in contact) to open the electric circuit (a state in which the fixed contact and the movable contact are separated). The tripping unit 22 of the embodiment uses a solenoid, and can open the electric circuit by utilizing the movement of a movable iron core that is attracted by the excitation of an energized coil.

[0021] The switching unit 20 may be a main breaker provided in a distribution board, and in this case, load devices are connected to the secondary side via branch breakers. Examples of the load devices include lighting fixtures and home appliances.

[0022] The sensor unit 50 of the embodiment also includes a power conversion unit 55, which converts electricity sent from the secondary side of the opening / closing unit 21 of the opening / closing unit 20 so that it can be used in the sensor unit 50. Specifically, the power conversion unit 55 converts AC voltage into DC voltage so that it can be used in the sensor unit 50.

[0023] Furthermore, the sensor unit 50 of the embodiment includes a current flow monitoring unit 54, which can monitor electricity sent from the opening / closing unit 20. More specifically, when the current flow monitoring unit 54 confirms that electricity is flowing, it can be confirmed that the electric circuit of the opening / closing unit 20 is in a closed state, and when no current flow is confirmed, it can be confirmed that the electric circuit of the opening / closing unit 20 is in an open state.

[0024] It is also preferable to monitor whether or not a voltage drop occurs in the electricity sent from the switching unit 20. This is because the signal output from the signal output unit 53 is based on the electricity that has been passed through, and if a voltage drop occurs in the electricity that is being passed through, the voltage of the signal output from the signal output unit 53 will also drop. For example, if the signal voltage drops so much that it does not reach the predetermined value required to operate the trip unit 22, the trip unit 22 will not be able to operate.

[0025] In other words, if it is confirmed that the voltage is less than the predetermined value, it can be said that a problem other than whether or not the opening / closing part 21 will move has occurred. For example, this type of event occurs when the connection of the electric wire connecting the opening / closing unit 20 and the sensor unit 50 becomes loose. This type of event also occurs when the electric wire deteriorates. There may be other causes besides these, but in any case, it is preferable to be able to detect that a problem has occurred in which it is difficult for electricity to flow, rather than a problem of whether or not the opening / closing part 21 will move.

[0026] If such a problem is detected during testing, it is preferable to check first for looseness in the connections of the electric wires connected to the opening / closing unit 21, etc. If it is confirmed that there is no problem with the connections of the electric wires, it may be possible to replace the electric wires.

[0027] The sensor unit 50 of the embodiment includes a setting unit 56 that can be used to change various setting values ​​of the sensor unit 50. For example, the setting unit 56 can be used to set the time until the opening / closing unit 21 is released when the determination unit 52 determines that the value related to the vibration detected by the detection unit 51 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. More specifically, when the determination unit 52 determines that the value related to the vibration is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the setting unit 56 can be used to set the signal output unit 53 to output a signal immediately or after several minutes.

[0028] In addition, the sensor unit 50 of the embodiment is equipped with a memory unit 57, which is capable of storing information related to the sensor unit 50, such as the judgment results of the judgment unit 52, the monitoring status of the power supply monitoring unit 54, and the output status of the signal output unit 53.

[0029] Furthermore, the sensor unit 50 of the embodiment includes a display unit 58, which can be used to display matters related to the sensor unit 50, such as the power supply status to the sensor unit 50, the determination result of the determination unit 52, the monitoring status of the power supply monitoring unit 54, and the signal output status from the signal output unit 53. The matters related to the sensor unit 50 may be displayed by lighting up, flashing, or turning off a corresponding color, or by displaying corresponding letters or symbols.

[0030] Furthermore, the sensor unit 50 of the embodiment includes an output unit 59 in addition to the display unit 58. Like the display unit 58, this output unit 59 can output information related to the sensor unit 50. The output of information related to the sensor unit 50 may be a corresponding sound output, or a corresponding signal output to a device other than the opening / closing unit 21.

[0031] In the sensor unit 50 of the embodiment, when the determination unit 52 determines that the value related to the seismic intensity detected by the detection unit 51 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the opening / closing unit 21 is tripped and a display or output that a power outage will occur in the load equipment can be provided from the display unit 58 and the output unit 59. Meanwhile, the sensor unit 50 of the embodiment includes a reset unit 61 that can be used to reset the display and output. In the embodiment, the display and output can be reset by operating the reset unit 61.

[0032] The sensor unit 50 preferably also includes a test section used to check operation. Examples of the test section include a test button 62 and an external input section 63. For example, the determination section 52 determines that an operation on the test section has been performed, such as pressing the test button 62 or inputting a test signal to the external input section 63, and sets the signal output section 53 to output a signal to the tripping section 22, thereby checking the operation of the determination section 52, the signal output section 53, the tripping section 22, and the opening / closing section 21. The reset section 61 can be used after a test has been performed by the test section.

[0033] Next, an example of abnormality monitoring of the opening / closing unit 20 will be described. First, an example will be described in which it is determined that there is an abnormality in the opening / closing unit 20 simply by confirming a value that suggests that the current flow is abnormal only once (see FIG. 3). For example, a test operation is performed on the test unit to simulate an abnormal state. After that, when the determination unit 52 determines that there is an abnormal state, a signal is output from the signal output unit 53 to the trip unit 22.

[0034] The current flow monitoring unit 54 monitors whether electricity is being sent from the opening / closing unit 20 to the sensor unit 50, and if it is confirmed that electricity is not being sent, it notifies the determination unit 52 of that fact. Upon receiving the notification, the determination unit 52 may determine that there is no abnormality in the opening / closing unit 20. On the other hand, if a signal is output from the signal output unit 53 to the tripping unit 22 but a result is confirmed that suggests that electricity is being sent from the opening / closing unit 20 to the sensor unit 50, the determination unit 52 may notify the determination unit 52 of that fact. Upon receiving the notification, the determination unit 52 may determine that there is an abnormality in the opening / closing unit 20. Furthermore, the display unit 58 and the output unit 59 may display or output that there is an abnormality in the opening / closing unit 20.

[0035] Next, an example will be described in which it is determined that an abnormality has occurred when a value suspected of being abnormal is obtained multiple times (see FIG. 4). For example, a test operation is performed on the test unit to simulate an abnormal state. After that, when the determination unit 52 determines that an abnormal state has occurred, a signal is output from the signal output unit 53 to the trip unit 22.

[0036] The current flow monitoring unit 54 monitors whether electricity is being sent from the opening / closing unit 20 to the sensor unit 50, and if it is confirmed that electricity is not being sent, it notifies the determination unit 52 of that fact. Upon receiving the notification, the determination unit 52 determines that there is no abnormality in the opening / closing unit 20. On the other hand, if a signal is output from the signal output unit 53 to the tripping unit 22 but a result is confirmed that suggests that electricity is being sent from the opening / closing unit 20 to the sensor unit 50, the signal output unit 53 outputs a signal to the tripping unit 22 again, and then it is confirmed again whether electricity is being sent from the opening / closing unit 20 to the sensor unit 50.

[0037] If it is confirmed that the current is not lost, the determination unit 52 checks the number of outputs from the signal output unit 53, and if the number is less than a predetermined number, it again checks whether or not a signal is being output from the signal output unit 53 to the tripping unit 22 and whether or not electricity is being sent from the opening / closing unit 20 to the sensor unit 50. On the other hand, if the determination unit 52 checks the number of outputs from the signal output unit 53 and finds that the number is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, it determines that an abnormality has occurred in the opening / closing unit 20.

[0038] If it is confirmed during the repeated operations that electricity is not being supplied, the determination unit 52 is notified of this. Upon receiving the notification, the determination unit 52 determines that there is no abnormality in the opening / closing unit 20.

[0039] As can be understood from these descriptions, it is preferable that the abnormality monitoring system 1 for the opening / closing unit 20 checks whether or not current is flowing from the secondary side of the opening / closing unit 21 to the judgment unit 52 after a signal is output from the signal output unit 53 to the tripping unit 22, and if this check confirms that current is flowing to the judgment unit 52, it outputs a signal again from the signal output unit 53 to the tripping unit 22, and then checks again whether or not current is flowing from the secondary side of the opening / closing unit 21 to the judgment unit 52.

[0040] Next, the selection of the cause of the abnormality will be explained (see FIG. 5). The explanation will be given assuming that the output of the signal from the signal output unit 53 to the tripping unit 22 and the confirmation of whether electricity is being sent from the opening / closing unit 20 to the sensor unit 50 are performed in the same manner as in the above example.

[0041] If the signal output unit 53 outputs a signal to the tripping unit 22 and the result confirms that electricity is suspected to be being sent from the opening / closing unit 20 to the sensor unit 50, the unit notifies the determination unit 52 of that fact, and the determination unit 52 determines that there is an abnormality in the opening / closing unit 20. Furthermore, if the current flow monitoring unit 54 checks the voltage flowing to the sensor unit 50 and confirms that the voltage is less than a predetermined value, the unit notifies the determination unit 52 of that fact. In this case, for example, the determination unit 52 determines that there is an abnormality in a component connected to the opening / closing unit 20. On the other hand, if it confirms that the voltage is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the unit notifies the determination unit 52 of that fact, and the determination unit 52 determines that there is an abnormality in the opening / closing unit 20.

[0042] In this case, too, it is possible to determine that there is an abnormality only once it has been confirmed that the energized voltage is below a predetermined value, but to determine that there is an abnormality only after it has been confirmed a predetermined number of times. In this way, the accuracy of the abnormality determination can be improved.

[0043] As can be understood from these descriptions, the abnormality monitoring system 1 for the opening / closing unit 20 is preferably configured to check whether or not electricity is flowing from the secondary side of the opening / closing unit 21 to the judgment unit 52 after a signal is output from the signal output unit 53 to the tripping unit 22, and if the above check confirms that electricity is flowing to the judgment unit 52, to check whether or not the voltage of the electricity flowing to the judgment unit 52 is less than a predetermined value.

[0044] Although the present invention has been described above by taking the embodiments as examples, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be embodied in various forms. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 20 Opening and closing unit 21 Opening and closing section 22 Tripping section 50 sensor unit 51 Detection unit 52 Judgment section 53 Signal output section 54 Energization monitoring section

Claims

1. a switching unit having a switching part capable of opening and closing an electric path between a power source connected to a primary side and a load device connected to a secondary side, and a tripping part capable of tripping the switching part; a detection unit capable of detecting an event; a determination unit capable of determining whether a value related to the event detected by the detection unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; a signal output unit that can output a signal for tripping the opening / closing unit to the tripping unit when the determination unit determines that the value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; An abnormality monitoring system for an opening and closing unit comprising: a current monitoring unit capable of monitoring the current status of electricity supplied from the secondary side of the switching unit to the determination unit; An abnormality monitoring system for a switching unit in which, after a signal is output from the signal output unit to the tripping unit, the current monitoring unit checks whether current is flowing from the secondary side of the switching unit to the judgment unit.

2. After a signal is output from the signal output section to the tripping section, the secondary side of the switching section checks whether or not there is current flowing to the judgment section. When the confirmation confirms that the determination unit is energized, the signal output unit outputs a signal to the tripping unit again; 2. The abnormality monitoring system for a switching unit according to claim 1, wherein thereafter, it is again confirmed whether or not current is flowing from the secondary side of the switching unit to the determining unit.

3. After a signal is output from the signal output section to the tripping section, the secondary side of the switching section checks whether or not there is current flowing to the judgment section.

3. An abnormality monitoring system for an opening / closing unit as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein when the confirmation confirms that electricity is flowing to the judgment unit, it is confirmed whether the voltage of the electricity flowing to the judgment unit is less than a predetermined value.

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