Wiring detection system and control method

Abstract

This invention provides a wiring detection system and control method that can safely locate wiring. [Solution] A wiring identification signal generation device that generates an identification signal for wiring identification detection using AC voltage, and a wiring identification transmitter that detects the identification signal propagating through a pair of power lines to which AC voltage is applied, wherein the wiring identification signal generation device comprises a first terminal connected to one of a pair of power lines, a second terminal connected to the other of a pair of power lines, a series circuit including a load and a first switch connected between the first and second terminals, and a first control unit that detects the phase of the AC voltage applied between the first and second terminals and conducts the first switch to generate an identification signal at a predetermined phase based on the detected phase. The wiring identification transmitter comprises a second control unit that detects the identification signal generated by the series circuit of the wiring identification signal generation device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wiring traceage system and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes the following method for identifying power distribution lines. Specifically, in the method described in Patent Document 1, a test high-frequency signal is continuously or intermittently injected between one wire of a power line to be removed and the ground, and the wiring is explored by checking whether the same test high-frequency signal is observed in the wiring on the power supply side. However, in this method, since the test high-frequency signal is injected into the power line, for example, continuously, there is a risk of causing malfunctions or failures in other load devices that are in operation, which raises safety concerns. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-329636 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a wiring detection system and control method that can safely detect wiring. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] (1) In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a wiring search system comprising: a wiring identification signal generating device that generates an identification signal for wiring identification detection using an AC voltage; and a wiring identification transmitter that detects the identification signal propagating through a pair of power lines to which an AC voltage is applied, wherein the wiring identification signal generating device comprises: a first terminal connected to one of the pair of power lines; a second terminal connected to the other of the pair of power lines; a series circuit including a load and a first switch, connected between the first terminal and the second terminal; and a first control unit that detects the phase of the AC voltage applied between the first terminal and the second terminal and conducts the first switch so as to generate the identification signal at a predetermined phase based on the detected phase, wherein the wiring identification transmitter comprises a second control unit that detects the identification signal generated by the series circuit of the wiring identification signal generating device. (2) One aspect of the present invention is the wiring detection system of (1), wherein the load includes a capacitor that generates an inrush current caused by the AC voltage when the first switch conducts, and the identification signal includes information indicating the inrush current caused by the AC voltage. (3) One aspect of the present invention is the wiring detection system of (2), comprising a second switch provided in series with the first switch of the series circuit, wherein the first control unit conducts the first switch by conducting the second switch based on at least the supply state of the AC voltage, the charge state of the capacitor, and a remote control signal received from the wiring identification transmitter. (4) One aspect of the present invention is the wiring search system of (3), wherein the wiring identification signal generating device comprises voltage detection means for detecting at least the voltage based on the AC voltage and the voltage of the capacitor, and the first control unit conducts the second switch based at least the detection result of the voltage detection means and a remote control signal received from the wiring identification transmitter. (5) One aspect of the present invention is the wiring detection system of (4), wherein the wiring identification signal generating device includes a first communication processing unit that notifies of information relating to the voltage detected by the voltage detection means, the wiring identification transmitter includes a second communication processing unit that receives a signal from the first communication processing unit, the first control unit sends information relating to the voltage detected by the voltage detection means from the first communication processing unit, and the second control unit restricts the sending of the remote control signal to the wiring identification signal generating device based on the information relating to the voltage detected by the voltage detection means that is received by the second communication processing unit. (6) One aspect of the present invention is the wiring detection system of (5), wherein the voltage detection means further detects the voltage of the main power supply of the wiring identification signal generating device, and the voltage detected by the wiring identification signal generating device includes the voltage based on the AC voltage, the voltage of the capacitor, and the voltage of the main power supply of the wiring identification signal generating device. (7) One aspect of the present invention is a control method for a wiring search system that detects an identification signal propagating through a pair of power lines to which an AC voltage is applied, the method comprising: detecting the phase of the AC voltage applied between the pair of power lines; conducting the first switch in a series circuit including a load connected to the pair of power lines and the first switch so as to generate the identification signal at a predetermined phase based on the detected phase; and detecting the identification signal generated by the series circuit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to each aspect of the present invention, wiring can be safely explored. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wiring trace system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] This is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wiring identification signal generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a relay switch according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2C] The figure is a configuration diagram showing a configuration example of a capacitor high-voltage detection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] The figure is a configuration diagram showing a configuration example of a wiring identification transmitter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] The figure is a flowchart showing an operation example of a wiring identification transmitter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] The figure is a flowchart showing an operation example of a wiring identification signal generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] The figure is for explaining identification signal generation control according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] The figure is a configuration diagram showing a configuration example of a wiring identification signal generation device according to a modification of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] The figure is a configuration diagram showing a configuration example of a solid-state relay (SSR) according to a modification of an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration example of a wiring exploration system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a configuration diagram showing a configuration example of a wiring identification signal generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a configuration diagram showing a configuration example of a relay switch 106A according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2C is a configuration diagram showing a configuration example of a capacitor high-voltage detection circuit 108 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] The wiring exploration system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a wiring identification signal generation device 1 and a wiring identification transmitter 2. FIG. 1 shows an example of searching for power supply lines 303 and 304, which are a pair of power supply lines for supplying AC power to a removal device 7 to be removed in a power supply line system 10, using the wiring exploration system 100.

[0011] The power supply wiring system 10 shown in Figure 1 is an AC power supply system in which AC power is supplied from terminals L1 and L2 of the power supply device 4 to the removal device 7 and the active device 8. The wiring exploration system 100 according to this embodiment can be applied to a two-wire single-phase AC power supply wiring system 10, such as AC 100V or AC 200V. It can also be applied to a three-wire three-phase AC system by connecting it between any two wires.

[0012] The removal device 7 and the active device 8 are, for example, communication devices, and the removal device 7 is the device to be removed in electrical equipment construction. AC power is supplied from the power supply device 4 to the removal device 7 via a pair of power lines 301 and 302, a pair of power lines 303 and 304, a breaker 51 in the distribution board 5, and a pair of power lines 305 and 306. AC power is supplied from the power supply device 4 to the active device 8 via a pair of power lines 301 and 302, branch points B1 and B2, a pair of power lines 307 and 308, a breaker 61 in the distribution board 6, and a pair of power lines 309 and 310.

[0013] As shown in Figure 2A, the wiring identification signal generating device 1 comprises at least a first terminal 11, a second terminal 12, and a series circuit 15. The series circuit 15 includes a load 13 and a switch 14. The first terminal 11 is connected to power line 305, which is one of a pair of power lines connected to the removal device 7, by power line 41 on the secondary side of the breaker 51. The second terminal 12 is connected to power line 306, which is the other of a pair of power lines connected to the removal device 7, by power line 42 on the secondary side of the breaker 51. The series circuit 15 includes a load and a switch connected to the pair of power lines. The load 13 includes load elements such as resistors and capacitors. Switch 14 is a semiconductor switch such as a MOS-FET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor), a solid-state relay, etc., and is controlled to be on or off by the voltage between point B and GND, which is caused by the AC voltage between the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12, etc., and is provided by the microcontroller (microcomputer) of the wiring identification signal generation device 1 (described later). In the example shown in Figure 1, one terminal of the load 13 is connected to the first terminal 11 directly or via another circuit. The other terminal of the load 13 is connected to one terminal of switch 14 directly or via another circuit. The other terminal of switch 14 is connected to the negative terminal GND of the diode bridge DB directly or via another circuit.

[0014] The wiring identification signal generator 1 energizes the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 by turning the relay switch 106A on or off while a predetermined voltage is applied between the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12. The predetermined pattern can be, for example, the waveform of the inrush current when charging a capacitor included in the load 13 (inrush current pattern), or a pattern consisting of a combination of multiple inrush currents. For example, the on / off control of the relay switch 106A can be performed by switching the signal level output to the digital output port DO2 from the microcontroller 101 of the wiring identification signal generator 1 (by driving a transistor, etc.). The current Ia flowing between the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 is generated within the wiring identification signal generator 1 by AC power supplied from the power supply unit 4 that supplies AC power to the removal device 7. The on / off switching of the relay switch 106A can be controlled by switching the signal level output to the digital output port DO2 from the microcontroller 101 of the wiring identification signal generator 1 (by driving a transistor, etc.). When a predetermined voltage is applied between the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12, the switch 14 can be energized and the above-mentioned inrush current can be generated when the relay switch 106A is switched from off to on.

[0015] In this embodiment, load 13 is one example of the configuration of the load of the present invention. Also, in this embodiment, switch 14 is one example of the configuration of the switch of the present invention. Also, in this embodiment, series circuit 15 is one example of the configuration of the series circuit of the present invention.

[0016] Meanwhile, the wiring identification transmitter 2 is used, for example, in combination with a clamp-type current sensor 2s, to detect a predetermined pattern of current change flowing through the power line 303 or 304. By operating the wiring identification transmitter 2, the operator remotely controls the wiring identification signal generator 1, and the remotely controlled microcontroller 101 controls the on / off state of the relay switch 106A. This generates a predetermined pattern of current change in the wiring identification signal generator 1, and the operator confirms the predetermined pattern of current change flowing through the power line 303 or 304 using, for example, the current sensor 2s. The wiring identification transmitter 2 transmits a remote control signal to the wiring identification signal generator 1 via wireless communication in response to the operator's operation. The wiring identification signal generator 1 receives the remote control signal. The microcontroller 101 of the wiring identification signal generation device 1 conducts on the relay switch 106A (second switch) based on at least the AC voltage supply status, the charge status of the capacitor C1, and the remote control signal received from the wiring identification transmitter 2, thereby conducting on the switch 14 (first switch). For example, the wiring identification signal generator 1, upon receiving a remote control signal, turns on the relay switch 106A while both the switch 14 and the relay switch 106A are off. This causes the relay switch 106A to be on and the switch 14 to be off, and then both the switch 14 and the relay switch 106A to be on, thereby supplying inrush current between the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12. It is also desirable that the wiring identification transmitter 2 be equipped with various monitoring functions so that the status can be monitored by the microcontroller 101.

[0017] For example, as shown in Figure 2B, the relay switch 106A has a main circuit contact S1 and an auxiliary contact S2 (a normally open contact, separate from contact S1) that is linked to contact S1 and independent of the main circuit. The digital output port DO2 of microcontroller 101 is connected to the current-limiting resistor R. B via transistor TR A It is connected to the base of the transistor TR. A This drives the relay switch 106A. The microcontroller 101 switches the level of the digital output port DO2, thereby switching the state of the main circuit contact S1 and auxiliary contact S2 of the relay switch 106A. The microcontroller 101 can indirectly detect the state of the relay switch 106A by monitoring the state of the auxiliary contact S2 via the microcontroller 101's digital input port DI2.

[0018] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2C, the capacitor high voltage detection circuit 108 is provided in parallel with the circuit connecting the terminals of capacitor C1 and is connected in a way that allows detection of the voltage of capacitor C1 of the load 13. The capacitor high voltage detection circuit 108 has a resistor R F , constant voltage element ZD, photocoupler PH2, pull-down resistor R E It includes a constant voltage element ZD and a photocoupler PH2 LED (light-emitting diode) connected in parallel, with a current-limiting resistor R connected to them. F They are connected in series. In this connection configuration, when the voltage across capacitor C1 exceeds a predetermined voltage (the Zener voltage of the constant voltage element ZD), current flows to the LED in photocoupler PH2, and the phototransistor responds by becoming conductive. As a result, the level of the digital input port DI3 of the microcontroller 101 becomes high. On the other hand, when the voltage across capacitor C1 does not exceed the predetermined voltage, no current flows to the LED in photocoupler PH2, and the phototransistor responds by shutting off. As a result, the level of the digital input port DI3 becomes low. Therefore, the microcontroller 101 can identify the overcharged state (charged state) of capacitor C1 by detecting the level of the digital input port DI3.

[0019] Furthermore, the microcontroller 101 should similarly monitor the state of the contact S1 of the main circuit of the switch 14, the charge state of the capacitor C1, and so on. The charge state of capacitor C1 may also be determined using the terminal voltage of capacitor C1. Details of these will be described later. The microcontroller 101 transmits a response signal to the wiring identification transmitter 2 as a signal indicating the above monitoring result. When the wiring identification transmitter 2 receives the response signal, it outputs the monitoring result in a predetermined output format (for example, as an image, optical signal, acoustic signal, synthesized voice signal, etc.).

[0020] The current sensor 2s is a sensor that detects AC or DC current non-contact by detecting a magnetic field generated by the current flowing through a measuring conductor passing through the measuring section 2h, for example. For example, the current sensor 2s includes a current transformer or a Hall element. The current sensor 2s may have only the function of displaying the detected current value, or it may have a microcontroller or the like inside that has the function of determining whether or not a change in the measured current of a predetermined pattern has been detected and displaying the result of the determination. Alternatively, the current sensor 2s may have the function of displaying the detected current waveform (change in current over time). The current sensor 2s detects a change in current of a predetermined pattern flowing through the power line 303 or 304 as the measured current. In this embodiment, the current sensor 2s is assumed to output an analog signal showing the detected current waveform. The current sensor 2s and the wiring identification transmitter 2 may be configured as an integral part. A clamp structure is preferred for securing the current sensor 2s to the cable from the viewpoint of ease of work and safety, but it is not limited to this and may be changed as appropriate. The following explanation will illustrate the case where a current sensor 2s with a clamp structure is applied.

[0021] According to the wiring exploration system 100, the wiring identification signal generator 1 automatically generates a load current Ia in a predetermined pattern, and the current flowing through the power supply wiring is confirmed using the current sensor 2s. The power lines that show the same measurement current pattern as the load current can be identified as power lines to be removed. In this embodiment, since there is no need to inject high-frequency voltage into the power lines, power lines can be safely explored without causing malfunctions or failures in other devices.

[0022] Next, an example configuration of the wiring identification signal generation device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C. Figure 2A is a configuration diagram showing an example configuration of the wiring identification signal generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wiring identification signal generation device 1 shown in Figure 2A includes a first terminal 11, a second terminal 12, a diode bridge DB, a battery BT1, a microcontroller 101, a battery voltage detection unit 102, an AC voltage detection unit 103, an alarm unit 104, a load-on unit 105, a relay switch 106A, a wireless communication unit 107, a capacitor high voltage detection circuit 108, a capacitor C1, resistors R11, R12, R13, an ammeter AS, and a voltmeter VS. The wiring identification signal generation device 1 is powered by the battery BT1. In the following description, a configuration applicable to single-phase AC wiring identification will be given as an example of the wiring identification signal generation device 1.

[0023] The first terminal 11 is connected to the power line 41 shown in Figure 1. The second terminal 12 is connected to the power line 42 shown in Figure 1. The diode bridge DB is, for example, a full-wave rectifier for single-phase AC. The diode bridge DB connects the AC input side to the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12. The diode bridge DB also connects the positive terminal of the DC output side to the positive terminals of capacitor C1, ammeter AS, and voltmeter VS via the contact S1 of relay switch 106A. The diode bridge DB also connects the negative terminal of the DC output side to ground (GND; hereinafter simply referred to as "ground"). The positive terminal of battery BT1 is connected to the input of a constant voltage regulator REG (three-terminal regulator), and its negative terminal is connected to ground. The output of the constant voltage regulator REG is connected to the power supply Vc for controlling the microcontroller 101. The rated voltage of the power supply Vc for controlling the microcontroller 101 is also called the power supply voltage Vc. The constant voltage regulator REG controls the power supply voltage V, which is the terminal voltage of battery BT1. B Stabilized power supply V C Outputs. Furthermore, even when the wiring identification signal generator 1 is configured to be used for DC wiring, the presence of a diode bridge DB protects the capacitor C1 and switch 14 within the wiring identification signal generator 1 even if the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 are connected in reverse polarity.

[0024] Capacitor C1 is an element for generating an inrush current pattern, and is, for example, an electrolytic capacitor. Both terminals of capacitor C1 are connected to the positive terminal of the DC output side of diode bridge DB via contact S1 of relay switch 106A and resistor R11, and to the negative terminal of the DC output side of diode bridge DB via load connection section 105. Resistors R12 and R13 are discharge resistors that discharge the charge stored in capacitor C1. Resistor R13 is connected in parallel with capacitor C1. The positive terminal of resistor R12 is connected to the negative terminal of ammeter AS. The negative terminal of resistor R12 is connected to the negative terminal of capacitor C1 and the negative terminal of voltmeter VS, respectively. Ammeter AS measures the current (part of the discharge current) flowing through resistor R12 for capacitor discharge. Voltmeter VS measures the terminal voltage of capacitor C1. Note that the current (other discharge current) flowing through resistor R13 for capacitor discharge flows through resistor R12 (part of the discharge current). The current can be used to calculate the ratio of the resistance values ​​of resistors R12 and R13. Note that capacitor C1 and resistor R11 are an example of a series circuit. Capacitor C1, resistors R11, R12, R13, ammeter AS, and voltmeter VS are included in load 13.

[0025] The microcontroller 101 internally includes a processor, memory, timer, analog / digital converter, serial communication circuit, wireless module control circuit, etc., and controls each part of the wiring identification signal generation device 1 by executing a program stored in memory. The microcontroller 101 includes a power supply Vc and ground, an analog input terminal AI1, digital input terminals DI1, DI2, DI3, digital output terminals DO1, DO2, and wireless module control terminals TX and RX. The microcontroller is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In this embodiment, the microcontroller 101 is one example of the configuration of the first control unit of the present invention. The digital output terminals DO1 and DO2 are assumed to have the ability to directly supply base current to a transistor and drive that transistor.

[0026] The battery voltage detection unit 102 includes a resistor R1 and a resistor R2. One terminal of the resistor R1 is connected to the power supply V B , and the other terminal is connected to one terminal of the resistor R2 and the analog input terminal AI1 of the microcontroller 101. The other terminal of the resistor R2 is connected to the ground. The battery voltage detection unit 102 divides the power supply voltage V B , which is the terminal voltage of the battery BT1, with the resistors R1 and R2, and outputs the divided voltage to the analog input terminal AI1 of the microcontroller 101.

[0027] The AC voltage detection unit 103 includes a comparator CMP, a resistor R4, a resistor R5, and a variable resistor R6. One terminal of the resistor R4 is connected to the positive terminal of the diode bridge DB, and the other terminal is connected to one terminal of the resistor R5 and the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator CMP. The other terminal of the resistor R5 is connected to the ground. One terminal of the variable resistor R6 is connected to the power supply V C , the other terminal is connected to the ground, and the terminal connected to the movable contact is connected to the inverting input terminal of the comparator CMP. The comparator CMP compares the voltage obtained by dividing the voltage at the positive terminal of the diode bridge DB with the resistors R4 and R5 with the voltage obtained by adjusting the voltage V C with the variable resistor R6. The AC voltage detection unit 103 outputs a signal of a high level (for example, the voltage of the power supply Vc) when the voltage at the positive terminal of the diode bridge DB is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and outputs a signal of a low level (ground level) when the voltage at the positive terminal of the diode bridge DB is less than the predetermined value. For example, the variable resistor R6 is pre-adjusted to generate a predetermined positive voltage. If an AC voltage of a predetermined voltage is supplied to the diode bridge DB, the comparator CMP can identify the presence of the AC voltage supply using this "predetermined positive voltage".

[0028] The alarm unit 104 includes a buzzer BZ1 and a transistor TR8. One terminal of the buzzer BZ1 is connected to the power supply V BOne terminal is connected to the collector of transistor TR8. The emitter of transistor TR8 is connected to ground, and its base is connected to the digital output terminal DO1 of microcontroller 101 via a current-limiting resistor R. The buzzer BZ1 sounds when transistor TR8 is turned on. The alarm unit 104 outputs an alarm sound when the digital output terminal DO1 is at a high level. The alarm unit 104 is one example of the configuration of the first alarm unit of the present invention.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2B, for example, the relay switch 106A has a separate normally open contact (auxiliary contact S2) that is linked to the main circuit contact S1 and independent of the main circuit. The digital output port DO2 of microcontroller 101 is connected to the current-limiting resistor R. B via transistor TR A It is connected to the base of the transistor TR. A This drives the relay switch 106A. The microcontroller 101 switches the level of the digital output port DO2, which switches the main circuit contact S1 and auxiliary contact S2 of the relay switch 106A. The microcontroller 101 can indirectly detect the state of the relay switch 106A by monitoring the state of this auxiliary contact S2 via the microcontroller 101's digital input port DI2.

[0030] Furthermore, the capacitor high-voltage detection circuit 108 is connected to detect the voltage of capacitor C1 of the load 13, as shown in Figure 2C. A resistor R is connected to the circuit between the terminals of capacitor C1. F In this configuration, a parallel circuit of the constant voltage element ZD and the LED of the photocoupler PH2 are connected in series. When the voltage across capacitor C1 exceeds a predetermined voltage (the Zener voltage of the constant voltage element ZD), current flows to the LED of the photocoupler PH2, and the phototransistor conducts in response. As a result, the level of the digital input port DI3 of the microcontroller 101 becomes high. When the voltage across capacitor C1 does not exceed the predetermined voltage, the level of the digital input port DI3 becomes low, so the microcontroller 101 can identify the charge state of capacitor C1 by detecting the level of the digital input port DI3.

[0031] The load-applying unit 105 comprises a reference potential difference generation unit VREF, a switch 14, and a drive unit DR.

[0032] Switch 14, for example, causes an inrush current to flow between the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 when the relay switch 106A is switched to the energized state and transitions to the conductive state. The state of switch 14 is determined by the control of the drive unit DR.

[0033] The drive unit DR controls the state of switch 14 according to the voltage after rectification by the diode bridge DB. The drive unit DR is controlled based on the reference voltage determined by the reference voltage generation unit VREF.

[0034] The reference voltage generation unit VREF generates a reference voltage to identify when the potential difference between point B and GND in Figure 2A reaches a predetermined magnitude. The potential difference between the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 corresponds to the voltage generated on the primary side of the relay switch 106A, or on its secondary side (point B) when the relay switch 106A is closed, with the ground potential as the reference.

[0035] For example, the reference voltage generation unit VREF includes a varistor MOV1, a resistor R16, and an LED on a photocoupler PH1. The varistor MOV1, resistor R16, and the LED on the photocoupler PH1 are connected in series with each other. For example, the positive terminal of resistor R16 is connected to point B via varistor MOV1, and the negative terminal of resistor R16 is connected to the negative terminal (GND) of the DC output side of diode bridge DB via the LED on photocoupler PH1. As a result, when a voltage exceeding the sum of the discharge start voltage of varistor MOV1 and the forward bias voltage of the LED of photocoupler PH1 is generated at the DC output of diode bridge DB (for example, point B), varistor MOV1 conducts, and current flows to the LED of photocoupler PH1. In response, the phototransistor of photocoupler PH1 in the drive unit DR becomes conductive.

[0036] The collector of the phototransistor of photocoupler PH1 is connected to the negative terminal of varistor MOV1, and the emitter of the phototransistor of photocoupler PH1 is connected to the negative terminal (GND) of the DC output side of diode bridge DB via resistors R14 and R15. Resistors R14 and R15 divide the potential difference obtained by subtracting the voltage across varistor MOV1 from the potential difference between the emitter of the phototransistor of photocoupler PH1 and the negative terminal of the DC output side of diode bridge DB, and use the divided voltage as the control voltage for switch 14.

[0037] For example, switch 14 is a MOS-FET. The voltage divided by resistors R14 and R15 becomes the gate voltage of switch 14. Switch 14 is configured as an open-drain type, with its source connected to the negative terminal of the DC output side of the diode bridge DB.

[0038] For example, if the voltage after rectification (full-wave rectification) by the diode bridge DB exceeds the sum of the discharge start voltage of the varistor MOV1 and the forward bias voltage of the LED of the photocoupler PH1, the phototransistor of the photocoupler PH1 will conduct, and the gate voltage of switch 14 will become the voltage that causes the MOS-FET of switch 14 to conduct. In contrast, if the DC output voltage of the diode bridge DB falls below the sum of the discharge start voltage of the varistor MOV1 and the forward bias voltage of the LED of the photocoupler PH1, the phototransistor of the photocoupler PH1 will be switched off, and the gate voltage of switch 14 will become the voltage that switches off the MOS-FET of switch 14. Thus, the state of switch 14 is determined by the magnitude of the DC output voltage of the diode bridge DB.

[0039] The wireless communication unit 107 includes a communication module RM1. The communication module RM1 is configured to communicate with the communication module RM2 of the wiring identification transmitter 2, which will be described later. The wireless communication unit 107 receives predetermined signals such as remote control signals and battery voltage low signals from the wiring identification transmitter 2. The wireless communication unit 107 transmits predetermined signals such as battery voltage low signals, capacitor high voltage signals, and response signals from the wiring identification signal generator 1 to the wiring identification transmitter 2. The communication module RM1 communicates wirelessly with the communication module RM2 either directly or via an access point or the like (not shown). The wireless communication unit 107 (or a functional configuration combining the wireless communication unit 107 and some functions of the microcontroller 101) is one example of the configuration of the first communication processing unit of the present invention.

[0040] In this embodiment, the remote control signal from the wiring identification transmitter 2 is a signal that instructs the generation of an inrush current. For example, the battery voltage drop signal from the wiring identification transmitter 2 is a signal that notifies that the voltage of the battery BT2 (Figure 3) provided by the wiring identification transmitter 2 is below a predetermined value. The battery voltage drop signal notified to the wiring identification transmitter 2 from the wiring identification signal generation device 1 is a signal that notifies that the voltage of the battery BT1 provided by the wiring identification signal generation device 1 is below a predetermined value. The capacitor high voltage signal notified to the wiring identification transmitter 2 from the wiring identification signal generation device 1 is a signal that notifies that the terminal voltage of the capacitor C1 of the wiring identification signal generation device 1 is above a predetermined value. The response signal notified to the wiring identification transmitter 2 from the wiring identification signal generation device 1 is a signal that notifies the monitoring result of the operating state of the load-on unit 105 when an inrush current is generated by the load-on unit 105 of the wiring identification signal generation device 1.

[0041] Next, an example of the configuration of the wiring identification transmitter 2 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wiring identification transmitter according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wiring identification transmitter 2 shown in Figure 3 comprises a battery BT2, a microcontroller 201, a battery voltage detection unit 202, an alarm unit 203, an inrush current output switch unit 204, an LED display unit 205, a setting unit 206, a liquid crystal display unit 207, and a wireless communication unit 208. The wiring identification transmitter 2 is powered by the battery BT2.

[0042] Connect the positive terminal of battery BT2 to the input of the constant voltage regulator REG, and connect its negative terminal to ground. The constant voltage regulator REG is the power supply voltage V, which is the terminal voltage of battery BT2. B Stabilized power supply V C It outputs the following. In the following, the power supply voltage Vc will also be referred to as the power supply voltage Vc.

[0043] The microcontroller 201 internally includes a processor, memory, timer, analog / digital converter, serial communication circuit, wireless module control circuit, etc., and controls various parts of the wiring identification transmitter 2 by executing a program stored in memory. The microcontroller 201 includes a power supply Vc and ground, analog input terminals AI1 to AI4, digital input terminal DI1, digital output terminals DO1 to DO3, wireless module control terminals TX and RX, serial data terminal SDA used for I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) communication, and serial clock terminal SCL. In this embodiment, the microcontroller 201 is one example of the configuration of the second control unit of the present invention. The digital output terminals DO1 to DO3 are assumed to have the capability to directly drive transistors and LEDs (light-emitting diodes).

[0044] The battery voltage detection unit 202 includes resistors R1 and R2. Resistor R1 has one terminal connected to the power supply V B Connect the other terminal to one terminal of resistor R2 and to the analog input terminal AI1 of microcontroller 201. The other terminal of resistor R2 is connected to ground. The battery voltage detection unit 202 detects the power supply voltage V, which is the terminal voltage of battery BT2.B The voltage is divided by resistors R1 and R2, and the divided voltage is output to the analog input terminal AI1 of microcontroller 201.

[0045] The alarm unit 203 includes a buzzer BZ1 and a transistor TR8. One terminal of the buzzer BZ1 is connected to the power supply V B One terminal is connected to the other, and the other terminal is connected to the collector of transistor TR8. The emitter of transistor TR8 is connected to ground, and the base is connected to the digital output terminal DO1 of microcontroller 201 via a current-limiting resistor R. The buzzer BZ1 sounds when transistor TR8 is turned on. The alarm unit 203 outputs an alarm sound when the digital output terminal DO1 is at a high level. The alarm unit 203 is one example of the configuration of the second alarm unit of the present invention.

[0046] The inrush current output switch section 204 comprises a switch SW1 and a resistor R23. Switch SW1 is, for example, a momentarily operating normally open (A contact) push-button switch. One terminal of switch SW1 is connected to the power supply (Vc), and the other terminal is connected to the digital input terminal DI1 and one terminal of the pull-down resistor R23. The other terminal of the pull-down resistor R23 is connected to ground. The inrush current output switch section 204 outputs a high-level signal to the digital input terminal DI1 when the operator presses switch SW1. Switch SW1 is an operator that instructs the generation of a remote control signal and its transmission to the wiring identification signal generation device 1.

[0047] The LED display unit 205 comprises a light-emitting diode LED1, a light-emitting diode LED2, a resistor R24, and a resistor R25. One end of resistor R24 ​​is connected to the digital output terminal DO2, and the other end is connected to the anode of light-emitting diode LED1. The cathode of light-emitting diode LED1 is connected to ground. One end of resistor R25 is connected to the digital output terminal DO3, and the other end is connected to the anode of light-emitting diode LED2. The cathode of light-emitting diode LED2 is connected to ground. When the digital output terminal DO2 is at a high level, light-emitting diode LED1 lights up. When the digital output terminal DO2 is at a low level, light-emitting diode LED1 turns off. When the digital output terminal DO3 is at a high level, light-emitting diode LED2 lights up. When the digital output terminal DO3 is at a low level, light-emitting diode LED2 turns off. The LED display unit 205 is one example of the configuration of the second alarm unit of the present invention. Furthermore, the LED display unit 205 is one configuration of an output destination when the monitoring results are output in a predetermined output manner in the present invention.

[0048] The setting unit 206 includes a variable resistor R26 and a variable resistor R27. The variable resistor R26 has one terminal connected to the power supply VC, the other terminal connected to ground, and the terminal connected to the movable contact connected to the analog input terminal AI2. The variable resistor R27 has one terminal connected to the power supply VC, the other terminal connected to ground, and the terminal connected to the movable contact connected to the analog input terminal AI3. The variable resistor R26 is used, for example, to set the power supply voltage of the power wiring system 10 to be searched to, for example, DC 48V, AC 100V, or AC 200V. The variable resistor R27 is used, for example, to set the duration of the switch-on. The setting unit 206 outputs a voltage to the analog input terminal AI2 according to the position of the movable contact of the variable resistor R26. The setting unit 206 also outputs a voltage to the analog input terminal AI3 according to the position of the movable contact of the variable resistor R27. The setting unit 206 is one example of the configuration of the setting unit of the present invention.

[0049] The liquid crystal display unit 207 includes a liquid crystal display panel (LCD). The liquid crystal display panel (LCD) is connected to the power supply (VC), ground, a real data terminal (SDA) used for I2C communication, and a serial clock terminal (SCL), and displays characters and images based on control signals output from the real data terminal (SDA) and the serial clock terminal (SCL). The liquid crystal display unit 207 is one example of the configuration of the second alarm unit of the present invention. In addition, in the present invention, the liquid crystal display unit 207 is one configuration of an output destination when monitoring results are output in a predetermined output manner.

[0050] The wireless communication unit 208 includes a communication module RM2. The communication module RM2 is configured to communicate with the communication module RM1 of the wiring identification signal generation device 1. The wireless communication unit 208 transmits predetermined signals, such as a remote control signal from the wiring identification transmitter 2 and a low battery voltage signal, to the wiring identification signal generation device 1. The wireless communication unit 208 receives predetermined signals from the wiring identification signal generation device 1, such as a low battery voltage signal, a high capacitor voltage signal, and a response signal. The communication module RM2 communicates wirelessly with the communication module RM1 directly or via an access point (not shown). The wireless communication unit 208 (or a functional configuration combining the wireless communication unit 208 and some functions of the microcontroller 201) is one example of the configuration of the second communication processing unit of the present invention.

[0051] In this embodiment, an analog voltage signal indicating the current value measured by the clamp-type current sensor 2s is input to the analog input terminal AI4 and ground. The microcontroller 201 may, for example, output the current waveform measured by the current sensor 2s from the liquid crystal display unit 207, or output information from the liquid crystal display unit 207 showing the comparison result between the predicted current waveform and the measured current waveform.

[0052] Next, an example of the operation of the wiring identification transmitter 2 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the wiring identification transmitter 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The process shown in Figure 4 is executed repeatedly at a predetermined cycle after the wiring identification transmitter 2 is started up and a predetermined initial setup process is performed. The wireless communication unit 107 and the wireless communication unit 208 perform wireless communication in parallel with the processes in Figure 4 and Figure 5, which will be described later, and have the function of receiving a predetermined signal transmitted by the other party and storing the received signal in a predetermined storage unit.

[0053] In the processing of the wiring identification transmitter 2 shown in Figure 4 (referred to as "device (2)" in Figure 4), first, the microcontroller 201 acquires a voltage value corresponding to the battery voltage of the wiring identification transmitter 2 detected by the battery voltage detection unit 202 input to the analog input terminal AI1 (step S101). Next, the microcontroller 201 determines whether or not the battery voltage of the wiring identification transmitter 2 is below a predetermined value (step S102). If the battery voltage of the wiring identification transmitter 2 is not below a predetermined value (step S102: NO), the microcontroller 201 determines whether or not the wireless communication unit 208 has received a battery voltage drop signal (battery low signal) from the wiring identification signal generation device 1 (step S103). If the battery voltage drop signal has not been received from the wiring identification signal generation device 1 (step S103: NO), the microcontroller 201 determines whether or not the wireless communication unit 208 has received a capacitor high voltage signal from the wiring identification signal generation device 1 (step S104). If the microcontroller 201 has not received a high-voltage capacitor signal from the wiring identification signal generator 1 (step S104: NO), the microcontroller 201 stops the alarm output from the alarm unit 203 (step S105). In step S105, if the alarm output has already been stopped, the microcontroller 201 may or may not perform any action to output a signal to stop it.

[0054] After the processing in step S105, the microcontroller 201 acquires the voltage values ​​(hereinafter also referred to as the setting state) input by the setting unit 206 from the analog input terminals AI2 and AI3 (step S106).

[0055] Next, the microcontroller 201 determines whether or not the switch SW1 of the inrush current output switch unit 204 of the wiring identification transmitter 2 has been operated (step S108). If the switch SW1 of the inrush current output switch unit 204 has been operated (pressed) (step S108: YES), the microcontroller 201 transmits a remote control signal from the wireless communication unit 208 to the wiring identification signal generation device 1 (step S109). Next, the microcontroller 201 sounds the buzzer BZ1 of the alarm unit 203 for a predetermined time and outputs an alarm (step S110). In addition, it is preferable that the microcontroller 201 remotely controls the microcontroller 101 in conjunction with the sounding of the buzzer BZ1 of the alarm unit 203 to sound the buzzer BZ1 of the alarm unit 104 of the wiring identification signal generation device 1 for a predetermined time and output an alarm.

[0056] The alarm output in step S110 is intended to prevent electric shock or other injuries to workers if, while remotely controlling the inrush current, another worker mistakenly connects the wiring identification signal generator 1 to the power lines 41 and 42 of the distribution board 5. When the inrush current output switch SW1 on the wiring identification transmitter 2 is pressed, the buzzer BZ1 of either the wiring identification transmitter 2 or the wiring identification signal generator 1, or either of the alarm units 203 or 104, is sounded for a certain period of time to alert workers around both devices. This reduces the risk of electric shock or other injuries to workers. The alarm output may also be displayed using an LCD display unit 207 or an LED display unit 205, etc.

[0057] Next, the microcontroller 201 determines whether the wireless communication unit 208 has received a response signal from the wiring identification signal generation device 1 (step S111). If no response signal has been received (step S111: NO), the microcontroller 201 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the remote control signal was transmitted (step S112). If no predetermined time has elapsed (step S112: NO), the microcontroller 201 determines again whether the wireless communication unit 208 has received a response signal from the wiring identification signal generation device 1 (step S111).

[0058] If a response signal is received (step S111: YES), the microcontroller 201 outputs information from the liquid crystal display unit 207, etc., indicating the monitoring result of the operating status of the load application unit 105 indicated by the response signal (step S113), and terminates the process shown in Figure 4. If a response signal is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed (step S112: YES), the microcontroller 201 outputs information from the liquid crystal display unit 207, etc., indicating that a response signal could not be received (step S113), and terminates the process shown in Figure 4.

[0059] On the other hand, if the battery voltage is below a predetermined value (step S102: YES), the microcontroller 201 transmits a low battery voltage signal from the wiring identification transmitter 2 to the wiring identification signal generator 1 via the wireless communication unit 208 (step S114). Next, the microcontroller 201 outputs an alarm from the alarm unit 203, the liquid crystal display unit 207, etc., indicating that the battery voltage has dropped (step S115), and terminates the process shown in Figure 4.

[0060] Furthermore, if the wireless communication unit 208 receives a low battery voltage signal from the wiring identification signal generation device 1 (step S103: YES), the microcontroller 201 outputs an alarm from the alarm unit 203, the liquid crystal display unit 207, etc., indicating that the battery voltage of the wiring identification signal generation device 1 has dropped (step S115), and terminates the process shown in Figure 4.

[0061] Furthermore, if the wireless communication unit 208 receives a high-voltage capacitor signal from the wiring identification signal generation device 1 (step S104: YES), the microcontroller 201 outputs an alarm from the alarm unit 203, the liquid crystal display unit 207, etc., indicating that the voltage of capacitor C1 of the wiring identification signal generation device 1 is high (step S115), and terminates the process shown in Figure 4.

[0062] Next, an example of the operation of the wiring identification signal generation device 1 will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the wiring identification signal generation device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The process shown in Figure 5 is executed repeatedly at a predetermined cycle after the wiring identification signal generation device 1 is started up and a predetermined initial setting process is performed.

[0063] In the processing of the wiring identification signal generation device 1 shown in Figure 5 (referred to as "device (1)" in Figure 5), first, the microcontroller 101 acquires a voltage value corresponding to the battery voltage of the wiring identification signal generation device 1 detected by the battery voltage detection unit 102 input to the analog input terminal AI1 (step S201). Next, the microcontroller 101 determines whether or not the battery voltage of the wiring identification signal generation device 1 is below a predetermined value (step S202). If the battery voltage of the wiring identification signal generation device 1 is not below a predetermined value (step S202: NO), the microcontroller 101 acquires the "comparison result between the voltage after rectification by the diode bridge DB (after full-wave rectification) and the predetermined value" output by the AC voltage detection unit 103 input to the digital input terminal DI1 (step S203). Note that the "voltage after rectification by the diode bridge DB (after full-wave rectification)" is the voltage between the positive terminal of the diode bridge DB (point A (Figure 2A)) and ground. Next, the microcontroller 101 determines the AC voltage supply status based on the value of the digital input terminal DI1 to determine whether there is a predetermined "AC voltage supply" to the wiring identification signal generation device 1 and whether the voltage value is within an appropriate range (step S204A). If there is a predetermined "AC voltage supply" and the voltage value is within an appropriate range (step S204A: YES), the microcontroller 101 determines, based on the value of the digital input terminal DI3, whether the voltage value of capacitor C1 of the wiring identification signal generation device 1 exceeds a predetermined range associated with the appropriate range (step S204B). If the voltage value of capacitor C1 of the wiring identification signal generation device 1 does not exceed a predetermined range associated with an appropriate range (step S204B: NO), the microcontroller 101 determines whether or not the wireless communication unit 107 has received a battery voltage drop signal from the wiring identification transmitter 2 (step S205).

[0064] If no low battery voltage signal is received (step S205: NO), the microcontroller 101 stops the alarm output from the alarm unit 104 (step S206). In step S206, if the alarm output has already been stopped, the microcontroller 101 may or may not perform any action to output a signal to stop it again.

[0065] After the processing in step S206, the microcontroller 101 determines whether the wireless communication unit 107 has received a remote control signal from the wiring identification transmitter 2 (step S208). If a remote control signal is received (step S208: YES), the microcontroller 101 sounds the buzzer BZ1 of the alarm unit 104 for a predetermined time and outputs an alarm (step S209).

[0066] Next, the microcontroller 101 outputs a predetermined signal from the digital output terminal DO2 and controls the contacts of the relay switch 106A to a conductive state in accordance with the switch 14 of the load-on unit 105 of the wiring identification signal generation device 1. When the switch 14 of the load-on unit 105 becomes conductive, the capacitor starts charging. The microcontroller 101 acquires the state of the signal that changes according to the charging state of the capacitor as the state of the input signal of the digital input terminal DI3 (step S210). Next, the microcontroller 101 generates a response signal based on the acquired state of the monitoring contacts and transmits it from the wireless communication unit 107 to the wiring identification transmitter 2 (step S211), thus ending the process shown in Figure 5.

[0067] On the other hand, if the battery voltage of the wiring identification signal generator 1 is below a predetermined value (step S202: YES), the microcontroller 101 transmits a low battery voltage signal from the wiring identification signal generator 1 to the wiring identification transmitter 2 via the wireless communication unit 107 (step S212). Next, the microcontroller 101 outputs an alarm from the alarm unit 104, etc., indicating that the battery voltage has dropped (step S214), and terminates the process shown in Figure 5.

[0068] On the other hand, if the wiring identification signal generator 1 does not receive the predetermined "AC voltage supply" or if the voltage value is not within the appropriate range (step S204A: NO), the microcontroller 101 transmits a signal indicating an "AC input voltage abnormality" state from the wireless communication unit 107 to the wiring identification transmitter 2 (step S213A). Next, the microcontroller 101 outputs an alarm from the alarm unit 104, etc., indicating that there is no "AC voltage supply" (step S214), and terminates the process shown in Figure 5. On the other hand, if the voltage value of capacitor C1 of the wiring identification signal generation device 1 exceeds a predetermined range corresponding to an appropriate range (step S204B: YES), the microcontroller 101 transmits a "capacitor high voltage signal" from the wireless communication unit 107 to the wiring identification transmitter 2, indicating that the charge state of capacitor C1 is at a high voltage exceeding a predetermined value (step S213B). Next, the microcontroller 101 outputs an alarm from the alarm unit 104, etc., indicating that the "capacitor is at high voltage" (step S214), and terminates the process shown in Figure 5. As described above, the microcontroller 101 conducts the relay switch 106A (second switch) based on at least the AC voltage supply status, the charge status of capacitor C1, and the command received from the wiring identification transmitter 2, thereby conducting the switch 14 (first switch).

[0069] Furthermore, if the wireless communication unit 107 receives a low battery voltage signal from the wiring identification transmitter 2 (step S205: YES), the microcontroller 101 outputs an alarm from the alarm unit 104, etc., indicating that the battery voltage of the wiring identification transmitter 2 has dropped (step S214), and terminates the process shown in Figure 5.

[0070] Referring to Figure 6, an example of identification signal generation control in this embodiment will be described. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the identification signal generation control of the embodiment.

[0071] The timing chart shown in Figure 6 includes the following signals. These signals include, for example, from top to bottom: (a) the voltage between point B of relay switch 106A and ground (pulsating current, |V0|) of the positive terminal voltage after rectification by the diode bridge DB of the wiring identification signal generator 1; (b) the excitation state of relay switch 106A of the wiring identification signal generator 1 (relay); (c) the state of switch 14 (FET) of the wiring identification signal generator 1; (d) the current waveform (i) flowing through the wiring identification signal generator; and (e) the terminal voltage (charge voltage) of capacitor C1.

[0072] For example, when the relay switch 106A of the wiring identification signal generation device 1 is in the off state, neither AC voltage nor pulsating voltage is supplied to the secondary side (between point B and ground) of the relay switch 106A. If a predetermined AC voltage is not supplied to the diode bridge DB, a sufficient voltage will not be generated after rectification. Therefore, in this embodiment, at time t0, the breaker 51 (Figure 1) is set to the ON state in advance, thereby supplying a predetermined AC voltage (rated voltage). As a result, AC voltage is supplied to the diode bridge DB of the wiring identification signal generation device 1, and a voltage after rectification is generated. In the initial state of this timing chart, as shown in (a), the relay switch 106A of the wiring identification signal generator 1 is in the off state, and no rectified voltage is generated between point B and ground. As shown in (b), the relay switch 106A is in the off state, and as shown in (c), switch 14 is in the off state. Therefore, as shown in (d), no current flows through capacitor C1, and as shown in (e), the terminal voltage of capacitor C1 is 0V.

[0073] While the above state is maintained, for example, at time t1, the relay switch 106A is set to the ON state by remote control from the wiring identification transmitter 2. As a result, the relay switch 106A in this embodiment is turned ON by remote control. For example, as shown in (b), the relay switch 106A turns on, and as shown in (a), a voltage (pulsating current) is generated after full-wave rectification by the diode bridge DB. In this embodiment, the relay switch 106A is turned on by the control of the digital output port DO2 of the microcontroller 101A.

[0074] Subsequently, at time t20, the voltage after full-wave rectification temporarily drops to 0V or near 0V before starting to rise again. Similarly, at times t30, t40, etc., the voltage after full-wave rectification temporarily drops to 0V or near 0V before starting to rise again.

[0075] At time t21, the voltage after full-wave rectification exceeds a predetermined voltage, causing the drive unit DR to turn on the switch 14 in response, as shown in (c). As a result, the capacitor C1 begins to charge, as shown in (e), and a corresponding inrush current is generated, as shown in (d). This energized state continues until time t22, when the voltage falls below a predetermined voltage.

[0076] As described above, switch 14 switches between the off and on states every half-cycle of the AC current. For example, the period from time t22 to time t31, and from time t32 to time t41 are periods when switch 14 is in the off state. The periods from time t31 to time t32, and from time t41 to time t42 (not shown), are periods when switch 14 is ON. If the voltage after full-wave rectification by the diode bridge DB satisfies the conditions for turning on switch 14, current will repeatedly flow to capacitor C1 near the peak of the AC voltage. Because a large current flows when capacitor C1 is charged at high voltage timings, the detection of the peak current by the wiring identification transmitter 2 becomes easier.

[0077] In this way, the wiring identification signal generation device 1 detects the phase of the AC voltage applied between the first terminal and the second terminal, and conducts the switch 14 (first switch) to generate the identification signal at a predetermined phase based on the detected phase, thereby enabling the generation of a desired identification signal with minimal variation. This allows for safe and reliable wiring detection with a small number of personnel.

[0078] In the above wiring detection system, the load includes a capacitor C1 that generates an inrush current caused by the AC voltage when the switch 14 (semiconductor switch) conducts. This identification signal may include information indicating the inrush current caused by the AC voltage.

[0079] For example, the wiring detection system 100 configured in this way utilizes the inrush current generated by a series circuit of a resistor and a capacitor C1 to detect AC wiring. During wiring exploration, the wiring identification signal generator 1, which generates an inrush current, detects the voltage of the full-wave rectified waveform that charges capacitor C1, and controls the charging of capacitor C1 by conducting a semiconductor switch at a timing near the peak voltage when the voltage of the full-wave rectified waveform exceeds a predetermined voltage. Switch 14 is an example of a semiconductor switch. This allows for a shorter settling time and faster response speed compared to using a contact-type switch such as a relay to switch on and off the AC voltage and full-wave rectified waveform voltage at the start of charging of capacitor C1. Furthermore, the switching timing can be specified to a phase timing. For example, while contact-type switches cause chattering, using a semiconductor switch eliminates this chattering, thus reducing the effects of voltage and current fluctuations caused by chattering. Furthermore, because semiconductor switches have a high response speed, the energizing period can be controlled to a duration during which the voltage of the full-wave rectified waveform exceeds a predetermined voltage, thereby suppressing variations in each period of the AC current and the maximum current generated.

[0080] In this embodiment, the voltage of the full-wave rectified waveform generated by the diode bridge DB of the wiring identification signal generation device 1 is used to control the charging of capacitor C1. As shown in Figure 2 above, no choke coil or smoothing capacitor is provided at the DC terminal of this diode bridge DB. By using the voltage of the full-wave rectified waveform to control the charging of capacitor C1, the phase of conduction of switch 14 can be stabilized with respect to the voltage phase (phase) of the full-wave rectified waveform.

[0081] Furthermore, when a MOS-FET is used for switch 14, in the circuit that charges capacitor C1, capacitor C1 and a resistor for adjusting inrush current are connected between the positive terminal of the full-wave rectified AC power supply and the drain of the MOS-FET to control the state of the MOS-FET. More specifically, for example, the voltage phase (phase) used to charge capacitor C1 can be controlled by the voltage between the gate and source. The trigger voltage between the gate and source of the MOS-FET is obtained by reducing the voltage of the full-wave rectified power supply described above using a voltage limiting element such as a varistor MOV1, and then supplying this voltage to the LED of the photocoupler PH1 via resistor R16. On the phototransistor side, this reduced voltage is divided by multiple resistors R14 and R15 to obtain the trigger voltage, which is then used to control the switch. It is preferable to use a varistor MOV1 that has a discharge start voltage (V1mA) slightly lower than the peak voltage of the full-wave rectified power supply described above. Here, the voltage of the full-wave rectified waveform pulsates with repeated peaks and valleys. However, with this circuit configuration, when the discharge start voltage of varistor MOV1 is exceeded, current flows to the LED of photocoupler PH1, turning on the switch (phototransistor) of photocoupler PH1, which in turn turns on switch 14 (MOS-FET). This allows for capacitor charging control during periods when the voltage of the full-wave rectified waveform is relatively high.

[0082] As described above, the wiring identification signal generation device 1 is configured to include voltage detection means that detect at least a voltage based on the AC voltage and the voltage of the capacitor C1, respectively. The microcontroller 101, the battery voltage detection unit 102, and the AC voltage detection unit 103 are examples of voltage detection means. The microcontroller 101 may conduct on the relay switch 106A (second switch) based at least on the detection result of the voltage detection means and the remote control signal received from the wiring identification transmitter 2. The wiring identification signal generation device 1 includes a wireless communication unit 107 (first communication processing unit). The wireless communication unit 107 notifies information regarding the voltage detected by the voltage detection means. The wiring identification transmitter 2 includes a wireless communication unit 208 (second communication processing unit). It receives signals from the wireless communication unit 208 (second communication processing unit). For example, the microcontroller 101 sends information about the voltage detected by the voltage detection means from the wireless communication unit 107, and the microcontroller 201 restricts the sending of remote control signals to the wiring identification signal generation device 1 based on the information about the voltage detected by the voltage detection means, which is received by the wireless communication unit 208. The voltage detection means further detects the voltage of the main power supply of the wiring identification signal generation device 1 (battery voltage V B The microcontroller 101 and the battery voltage detection unit 102 are examples of voltage detection means. In this case, the voltage detected by the wiring identification signal generation device 1 includes a voltage based on the AC voltage, the voltage of the capacitor C1, and the battery voltage V of the battery BT1 of the wiring identification signal generation device 1. B It is acceptable for it to be included.

[0083] (Modified version of the embodiment) In the above embodiment, a MOS-FET was applied to switch 14, and a relay switch 106A was used to output a signal for wiring identification. However, an AC zero-crossing type solid-state relay (SSR) or thyristor may be used instead of the relay switch 106A. In this modified example, a solid-state relay (SSR) or thyristor that includes an AC semiconductor switching element in its configuration will be used for RY1 instead. For example, if an AC semiconductor switch used in relay switch 106A is an on / off type that operates at the voltage zero-crossing timing, the phase at which the switch 14 begins to conduct will be the same. This makes it possible to further improve the detection accuracy of AC wiring tracing.

[0084] Figure 7 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wiring identification signal generation device according to a modified embodiment. Figure 8 is a configuration diagram of a solid-state relay (SSR) 106B according to a modified embodiment. The differences between the configurations shown in Figures 1, 2A, and 2B and those shown in Figures 7, 8, etc., include the following points. For example, the configuration of Figure 1 described above can be reinterpreted as follows: Replace the aforementioned wiring identification signal generation device 1 with wiring identification signal generation device 1S, and replace the power supply wiring system 10 with power supply wiring system 10S. Replace the microcontroller 101 and relay switch 106A in the wiring identification signal generation device 1S with a microcontroller 101A and solid-state relay (SSR) 106B (AC switch).

[0085] The solid-state relay (SSR) 106B (Figure 8) is an example of a solid-state relay (SSR) used in a semiconductor switch-type circuit breaker for AC. This solid-state relay (SSR) 106B is configured to switch on and off at the timing of the voltage zero-crossing, based on an external signal.

[0086] The wiring identification signal generation device 1S (see Figures 1 and 7) is equipped with a microcontroller 101A in place of the microcontroller 101 of the wiring identification signal generation device 1. Microcontroller 101A is further equipped with a digital output terminal DO9 compared to microcontroller 101. Digital output terminal DO9 outputs a signal to switch the conduction state of the phototriac PHTH in the solid-state relay (SSR) 106B. The digital output terminal DO9 is connected to the LED of the phototriac PHTH inside the solid-state relay (SSR) 106B. The LED lights up with a current limited by the current-limiting resistor RF based on the signal level output from the digital output terminal DO9, and the conduction state of the phototriac PHTH (the semiconductor switching element on the output side) inside the solid-state relay (SSR) 106B switches accordingly.

[0087] Furthermore, in the configuration of the embodiment described above, a predetermined level of AC voltage is applied between point B and the negative terminal (ground) of the diode bridge. When the solid-state relay (SSR) 106B is turned ON, the capacitor C1 enters a rechargeable period. During this rechargeable period, the capacitor C1 is charged by the on or off of the switch 14. During this period, if the switch 14 is turned ON and predetermined conditions are met, an inrush current flows to charge the capacitor C1.

[0088] For example, when the wiring identification signal generator 1S (microcontroller 101A) receives a command from the wiring identification transmitter 2 to start the flow of inrush current, it applies a trigger voltage to the solid-state relay (SSR) 106B accordingly, causing the solid-state relay (SSR) 106B to conduct when the voltage between point A and the negative terminal (ground) of the diode bridge is 0 (zero-crossing type). As a result, the state of the solid-state relay (SSR) 106B is such that it supplies the wiring identification signal generator 1S as soon as the AC voltage across the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 becomes 0V. The explanation from here on may be the same as in the embodiment described above. For example, there is no change in the fact that the inrush current flows in the phase of the AC determined by the reference voltage of the reference voltage generation unit VREF.

[0089] As described above, the microcontroller 101A switches the solid-state relay (SSR) 106B to a conductive state in response to a command (remote control signal) to initiate the flow of inrush current, thereby allowing the period during which inrush current is generated to be set to any desired condition via remote control from the wiring identification transmitter 2.

[0090] (Regarding the comparative example) In the comparative example of this embodiment, when using a circuit breaker for AC wiring detection, the magnitude of the inrush current flowing through the capacitor of the wiring identification signal generation device was sometimes affected by the operating timing (phase at closing) of the circuit breaker (interrupter) connecting the wiring identification signal generation device and the power supply system. For example, depending on the timing of the operation, if conduction begins when the AC voltage is relatively low, there was a possibility that a sufficiently large inrush current would not be generated when charging of capacitor C in the wiring identification signal generation device 1 began.

[0091] At least the wiring trace system of this embodiment 、The system comprises a wiring identification signal generating device that generates an identification signal for wiring identification detection using an AC voltage, and a wiring identification transmitter that detects the identification signal propagating through a pair of power lines to which an AC voltage is applied. The wiring identification signal generating device comprises a first terminal connected to one of the pair of power lines, a second terminal connected to the other of the pair of power lines, a series circuit including a load and a first switch, connected between the first terminal and the second terminal, and a first control unit that detects the phase of the AC voltage applied between the first terminal and the second terminal and conducts the first switch to generate the identification signal at a predetermined phase based on the detected phase. The wiring identification transmitter comprises a second control unit that detects the identification signal generated by the series circuit of the wiring identification signal generating device. This makes it possible to safely explore wiring.

[0092] While embodiments of this invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments described above, and design changes and the like that do not depart from the spirit of this invention are also included. For example, the second switch can be either a contact-type switch such as a relay, or a semiconductor switch such as a solid-state relay.

[0093] Furthermore, some or all of the program executed by the computer in the above embodiment can be distributed via a computer-readable recording medium or communication line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 100…Wiring detection system, 10, 10S…Power wiring system, 1, 1S…Wiring identification signal generator, 2…Wiring identification transmitter, 2s…Current sensor, 11…First terminal, 12…Second terminal, 15…Series circuit, 13…Load, 14…Switch, R11~R13…Resistors (load), R14~R16…Resistors, C1…Capacitor (load), R3…Resistor (discharge resistor), 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 41, 42…Power lines, BT1, BT2…Battery 101, 101A...Microcontroller (1st control unit), 201...Microcontroller (2nd control unit), 102, 202...Battery voltage detection unit, 103...AC voltage detection unit, 104, 203...Alarm unit, 105...Load connection unit, 106A...Relay switch, 106B...Solid state relay (SSR), 108...Capacitor high voltage detection circuit, 107, 208...Wireless communication unit, 204...Inrush current output switch unit, 205...LED display unit, 206...Setting unit, 207...Liquid crystal display unit

Claims

1. A wiring identification signal generation device that generates an identification signal for wiring identification detection using AC voltage, A wiring identification transmitter that detects the identification signal propagating through a pair of power lines to which an AC voltage is applied, A wiring trace system comprising, The aforementioned wiring identification signal generating device is A first terminal connected to one of the pair of power lines, A second terminal connected to the other of the pair of power lines, A series circuit including a load and a first switch, wherein a series circuit connected between the first terminal and the second terminal, A first control unit detects the phase of the AC voltage applied between the first terminal and the second terminal, and conducts the first switch to generate the identification signal at a predetermined phase based on the detected phase. Equipped with, The aforementioned wiring identification transmitter is A second control unit detects the identification signal generated by the series circuit of the wiring identification signal generation device. A wiring tracer system equipped with the following features.

2. The load includes a capacitor that generates an inrush current caused by the AC voltage when the first switch is opened. The identification signal includes information indicating the inrush current caused by the AC voltage. The wiring detection system according to claim 1.

3. A second switch is provided in series with the first switch in the series circuit. Equipped with, The first control unit is, The first switch is made to conduct by turning on the second switch based on at least the AC voltage supply state, the charge state of the capacitor, and the remote control signal received from the wiring identification transmitter. The wiring detection system according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned wiring identification signal generating device is Voltage detection means for detecting at least the voltage based on the AC voltage and the voltage of the capacitor, respectively. Equipped with, The first control unit is, The second switch is activated based at least on the detection result of the voltage detection means and the remote control signal received from the wiring identification transmitter. The wiring detection system according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned wiring identification signal generating device is The first communication processing unit notifies information regarding the voltage detected by the voltage detection means. Equipped with, The aforementioned wiring identification transmitter is The second communication processing unit receives the signal from the first communication processing unit. Equipped with, The first control unit is, The first communication processing unit sends information regarding the voltage detected by the voltage detection means, The second control unit is, Based on the information regarding the voltage detected by the voltage detection means, received by the second communication processing unit, the transmission of the remote control signal to the wiring identification signal generation device is restricted. The wiring detection system according to claim 4.

6. The voltage detection means is Furthermore, the voltage of the main power supply of the wiring identification signal generation device is detected, The voltage detected by the wiring identification signal generating device includes the voltage based on the AC voltage, the voltage of the capacitor, and the voltage of the main power supply of the wiring identification signal generating device. The wiring detection system according to claim 5.

7. A control method for a wiring search system that detects an identification signal propagating through a pair of power lines to which an AC voltage is applied, The phase of the AC voltage applied between a pair of power lines is detected, A series circuit including a load connected to the pair of power lines and a first switch is used to conduct electricity to the first switch so as to generate the identification signal at a predetermined phase based on the detected phase. To detect the identification signal generated by the series circuit. A control method for a wiring trace system, including the wiring trace system.

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