Power supply equipment

Abstract

To provide a power supply device that reduces the risk of electrical fires. [Solution] The power supply device 100 includes a power supply side connector 20 that outputs power supplied from an external source, a load side connector 30 that supplies power output from the power supply side connector 20 to a load L, an abnormality detection device 10 that detects whether or not there is an abnormality, and an engagement mechanism 40 that detachably engages the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 with each other in a manner that enables power transmission and reception between the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30. The engagement mechanism 40 is obtained by releasing the engagement between the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device 10 while the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 are engaged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply device, for example, a power supply device capable of interrupting power supply to a load when an abnormality occurs.

Background Art

[0002] There is known an energization fire, which is a phenomenon of ignition during re-energization after restoration from a power outage, caused by a large-scale and long-duration power outage due to natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes. The causes of energization fires include disconnection of cables due to the fall of heavy objects, ground faults and short circuits occurring along with cable disconnection, and overheating by electric heating appliances during restoration from a power outage.

[0003] As a device for preventing energization fires, an automatic power cut-off device that automatically disconnects the electrical connection of equipment connected to a power source when the power supply is stopped due to a power outage such as a household or commercial power source is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When a disaster occurs, the device for preventing energization fires may malfunction due to the influence of the disaster. However, whether the device for preventing energization fires has operated normally can only be accurately determined by disassembling the inside of the device. In a situation where prompt response after a disaster is required, it is difficult to accurately determine whether the device for preventing energization fires has operated normally.

[0006] Furthermore, after a disaster, objects are usually scattered inside a building, making it difficult for someone entering the building to visually confirm whether or not electrical appliances have been disconnected from outlets.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a power supply device that reduces the risk of electrical fires. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A power supply device according to a typical embodiment of the present invention comprises a power supply side connector that outputs power supplied from an external source, a load side connector that supplies power output from the power supply side connector to a load, an abnormality detection device that detects whether or not there is an abnormality, and an engagement mechanism that detachably engages the power supply side connector and the load side connector with each other in a manner that enables power transmission and reception between the power supply side connector and the load side connector, wherein the engagement mechanism releases the engagement between the power supply side connector and the load side connector when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device while the power supply side connector and the load side connector are engaged. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power supply device that reduces the risk of electrical fires. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a power supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows the configuration of a power supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] This is a perspective view (1 / 2) showing the external configuration of the power supply connector. [Figure 3B] This is a perspective view (2 / 2) showing the external configuration of the power supply connector. [Figure 4A] This is a perspective view (1 / 2) showing the external configuration of the load-side connector. [Figure 4B] This is a perspective view (2 / 2) showing the external configuration of the load-side connector. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a wiring connector. [Figure 6A] This is an image diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side. [Figure 6B] This figure shows a power supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention with a load connected to it. [Figure 6C] This figure shows that the power supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention has disconnected the load-side connection element when it detected an abnormality. [Figure 7A] This is an image diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power supply device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side. [Figure 7B] This figure shows a power supply device according to a second embodiment of the present invention with a load connected to it. [Figure 7C] This figure shows that the power supply device according to the second embodiment of the present invention has disconnected the load-side connection element when it detected an abnormality. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a power supply device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing that a power supply device according to a third embodiment of the present invention has disconnected the load-side connection element when it detected an abnormality. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] 1. Overview of the Embodiment First, a general overview of a typical embodiment of the invention disclosed in this application will be provided. In the following description, as an example, the reference numerals on the drawings corresponding to the components in each embodiment are indicated in parentheses.

[0012] 〔1〕A power supply device (100) according to one aspect of the present invention includes a power supply side connector (20) that outputs power (400) supplied from the outside, a load side connector (30) that supplies the power output from the power supply side connector (20) to a load (L), an abnormality detection device (10) that detects the presence or absence of an abnormality, and an engagement mechanism (40) that detachably engages the power supply side connector (20) and the load side connector (30) in a manner that enables power transmission and reception between the power supply side connector (20) and the load side connector (30). The engagement mechanism (40) releases the engagement between the power supply side connector (20) and the load side connector (30) when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device (10) in a state where the power supply side connector (20) and the load side connector (30) are engaged.

[0013] 〔2〕In the power supply device (100) described in 〔1〕 above, the power supply side connector (20) includes a first housing (21), input terminals (23, 23A) housed in the first housing (21) for receiving externally supplied power, and a first power supply circuit (22) for transmitting the power received by the input terminals (23, 23A) to different circuits. The load side connector (30) includes a second housing (31), output terminals (33) housed in the second housing (31) for connecting a load (L), and a second power supply circuit (32) for receiving the power transmitted from the first power supply circuit (22) and supplying power to the load (L). The abnormality detection device (10) has a detector (11) and an abnormality detection circuit (12). The abnormality detection circuit (12) receives a first signal (S1) output from the detector (11), and includes an abnormality determination unit (12A) for determining whether it is in an abnormal state, and an engagement release command unit (12B) for outputting a second signal (S2) for instructing the engagement mechanism (40) to release the engagement when the abnormality determination unit (12A) determines that it is in an abnormal state based on the first signal (S1). The engagement mechanism (40) has a power supply side engagement element (41) and a load side engagement element (42). The engagement mechanism (40) engages the power supply side connector (20) and the load side connector (30) by fitting the power supply side engagement element (41) and the load side engagement element (42) together, or by attracting the power supply side engagement element (41) and the load side engagement element (42) by magnetic force. When the second signal (S2) is output, the engagement mechanism (40) preferably releases the engagement between the power supply side connector (20) and the load side connector (30) by releasing the fit between the power supply side engagement element (41) and the load side engagement element (42), or by weakening the magnetic force between the power supply side engagement element (41) and the load side engagement element (42).

[0014] 〔3〕In the power supply device (100) described in 〔1〕 or 〔2〕 above, it is preferable that the power supply side connector (20) and the load side connector (30) transmit and receive power by a wireless power transmission method.

[0015] [4] In the power supply device (100) described in any one of [1] to [3] above, the power supply side connector (20) includes a first electrode (221), the load side connector (30) includes a second electrode (321), and it is preferable that the power supply side connector (20) and the load side connector (30) transmit and receive power via a capacitor (50) formed by the first electrode (221) and the second electrode (321).

[0016] [5] In the power supply device (100) described in any one of [1] to [4] above, it is preferable that one of the power supply side engaging element (41) and the load side engaging element (42) includes an electromagnet and the other includes a magnetic material, and that the electromagnet is energized when the second signal (S2) is not output, and the excitation of the electromagnet is stopped when the second signal (S2) is output.

[0017] [6] In the power supply device (100A) described in any one of [1] to [4] above, it is preferable that the abnormality detection device (10) is housed in the power supply side connector (20).

[0018] [7] In the power supply device (100) described in any one of [1] to [6] above, it is preferable that the power supply side connector (20) has an input terminal (23) for connecting to the output terminal (220) of the wiring plug connector (200).

[0019] [8] In the power supply device (100A) described in any one of [1] to [6] above, it is preferable that the power supply side connector (20) has an input terminal (23A) that is connected to wiring (230) connected to a distribution board.

[0020] [9] In the power supply device (100B) described in any one of [1] to [8] above, the engagement mechanism (40B) is preferably attached to the power supply side connector (20B) and the load side connector (30B), and includes a hinge (43) that connects the power supply side connector (20B) and the load side connector (30B) so that they are rotatable relative to each other, and the load side connector (30B) is preferably subjected to a moment in the direction away from the power supply side connector (20B) with the hinge (43) as the axis of rotation.

[0021]

[10] In the power supply device (100B) described in any one of [1] to [9] above, the load-side connector (30B) has a first surface (311) facing the power supply-side connector (20B) and a second surface (312) opposite to the first surface, and it is preferable that the moment is applied by the center of gravity of the load-side connector (30) being on the second surface (312) side.

[0022]

[11] In the power supply device (100B) described in any one of [1] to

[10] above, the power supply side connector (20B) has a third surface (211) facing the load side connector (30B) and a fourth surface (212) opposite to the third surface, and the hinge (43) is provided on one side of the first surface (311) and the third surface (211), and the first surface (311) has a fifth surface (31) extending in a direction intersecting the one side of the first surface (311) 11) Preferably, the third surface (211) has a sixth surface (3112) located on the opposite side of the first surface (311) and inclined toward the second surface (312) from the fifth surface (3111), and the third surface (211) has a seventh surface (2111) extending in a direction intersecting the side of the third surface (211), and an eighth surface (2112) located on the opposite side of the third surface (211) and inclined toward away from the fourth surface (212) from the seventh surface (2111).

[0023]

[12] In the power supply device (100B) described in any one of [1] to

[11] above, the engagement mechanism (40B) preferably includes a projection-driven separation mechanism (413) provided on either the sixth surface (3112) or the eighth surface (2112), which, when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device (10), causes a projection to protrude toward the other surface of the sixth surface (3112) or the eighth surface (2112), thereby separating the power supply side connector (20B) and the load side connector (30B) with the hinge (43) as the axis of rotation.

[0024]

[13] In the power supply device (100B) described in any one of [1] to [8] above, the load-side connector (30B) has a first surface (311) facing the power supply-side connector (20B) and a second surface (312) opposite to the first surface, the power supply-side connector (20B) has a third surface (211) facing the load-side connector (30B) and a fourth surface (212) opposite to the third surface, and the engagement mechanism (40B) is attached to one side of the first surface (311) and the third surface (211), and is in front of the power supply-side connector (20B) Preferably, the engagement mechanism (40B) includes a hinge (43) that rotatably connects the load-side connector (30B) to the engagement mechanism (40B), and the engagement mechanism (40B) is provided on either the first surface (311) or the second surface (312), and includes a projection-driven separation mechanism (413) that, when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device (10), causes a projection to protrude toward the other surface of the first surface (311) or the second surface (312), thereby separating the power supply-side connector (20B) and the load-side connector (30B) with the hinge (43) as the axis of rotation.

[0025] 2. Specific Examples of Embodiments Specific examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, common components in each embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations will be omitted. It should also be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element may differ from reality. There may also be parts where the dimensional relationships and ratios differ between drawings.

[0026] <<Configuration of the power supply device>> Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a power supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows the configuration of a power supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The power supply device 100 is a device that supplies power supplied from an external source to a load. For example, as shown in Figure 1, it is connected to a wiring plug connector 200 installed on a wall 300 and supplies AC power supplied from the wiring plug connector 200 to the load. In addition to the function of supplying power from an external source to the load, the power supply device 100 also has a function to shut off the power supply to the load when an abnormality is detected.

[0028] Here, "abnormal" refers to a state in which an event occurs that makes it difficult to safely continue supplying power to the load. Events that make it difficult to safely continue supplying power to the load include both events that occur on the load side of the power supply device 100 and events that occur on the power source side of the power supply device 100.

[0029] An example of an event occurring on the power supply side of the power supply device 100 is an event that disrupts the power supply in the power grid. Examples include load shedding due to natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, and load shedding due to accidents within the power grid. Furthermore, an event occurring on the power supply side of the power supply device 100 could be a failure of the private power generation equipment causing a disruption in power supply.

[0030] Examples of events occurring on the load side of the power supply device 100 include short circuits or ground faults in the wiring on the load side, and overloads on the load side.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the power supply device 100 includes a power supply side connector 20, a load side connector 30, an abnormality detection device 10, and an engagement mechanism 40 as components for realizing the above-described functions.

[0032] The power supply side connector 20 is a device that outputs power supplied from an external source. The load side connector 30 is a device that supplies power output from the power supply side connector 20 to the load. The abnormality detection device 10 is a device that detects whether or not there is an abnormality. The engagement mechanism 40 is a mechanism that detachably engages the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 with each other in a manner that allows power to be transmitted and received between the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30. When the abnormality detection device 10 detects an abnormality while the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 are engaged, the engagement mechanism 40 releases the engagement between the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30.

[0033] The specific configurations of the power supply side connector 20, the load side connector 30, the abnormality detection device 10, and the engagement mechanism 40 will be described below.

[0034] First, let's explain the power supply connector 20. Figure 3A is a perspective view (1 / 2) showing the external configuration of the power supply side connector. Figure 3B is a perspective view (2 / 2) showing the external configuration of the power supply side connector.

[0035] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the power supply connector 20 has a first housing 21 and an input terminal 23 and a first power supply circuit 22 housed in the first housing 21.

[0036] The first housing 21 is made of, for example, metal or resin, and is a housing capable of housing an object inside. In Figure 1, the first housing 21 has substantially the same shape as the housing 210 of the wiring connector 200, but is not limited to this and can be modified as appropriate. The first housing 21 also houses the power supply side engaging element 41. Further details will be described later.

[0037] The input terminal 23 is a terminal that receives power supplied from an external source and is for connecting to the output terminal 220 of the wiring connector 200. The input terminal 23 can be appropriately modified to match the size, shape, number of poles, and number of outlets of the output terminal 220 of the wiring connector 200. In this embodiment, the input terminal 23 has two poles, the same as the number of poles of the output terminal 220, and two outlets, the same as the number of outlets of the output terminal 220.

[0038] The first power supply circuit 22 is a circuit that transmits the power received by the input terminal 23 to a different circuit. Specifically, the first power supply circuit 22 is a circuit that transmits the power received by the input terminal 23 to the second power supply circuit 32. For example, the first power supply circuit 22 transmits power to the second power supply circuit 32 using a wireless power transmission method. For example, the first power supply circuit 22 includes a smoothing circuit that smooths the input AC voltage, a voltage conversion circuit that converts the smoothed voltage back into an AC voltage, and a first electrode 221 for transmitting the converted voltage. The method of power transmission by the first power supply circuit 22 will be described later.

[0039] Next, the load-side connector 30 will be described. Figure 4A is a perspective view (1 / 2) showing the external configuration of the load-side connector. Figure 4B is a perspective view (2 / 2) showing the external configuration of the load-side connector.

[0040] The load-side connector 30 is a device that supplies power output from the power supply-side connector 20 to the load L. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the load-side connector 30 includes a second housing 31, an output terminal 33 housed in the second housing 31, and a second power supply circuit 32. The second housing 31 also houses a load-side engaging element 42. Details of the load-side engaging element 42 will be described later.

[0041] The second housing 31 is made of, for example, metal or resin, and is a housing capable of housing an object inside. In Figure 1, the second housing 31 has substantially the same shape as the housing 210 of the wiring connector 200 and the first housing 21, but is not limited to this and can be modified as appropriate.

[0042] The second power supply circuit 32 is a circuit that receives power transmitted from the first power supply circuit 22 and supplies power to the load L. The second power supply circuit 32 receives power transmitted from the first power supply circuit 22 using a wireless power transmission method. The second power supply circuit 32 supplies the received power to the load L via the output terminal 33. For example, the second power supply circuit 32 includes a second electrode 321 that receives power transmitted from the first power supply circuit 22, a smoothing circuit that smooths the AC voltage input from the second electrode 321, and a voltage conversion circuit that converts the smoothed voltage back into an AC voltage and supplies it to the output terminal 33.

[0043] The output terminal 33 is a terminal for supplying power output from the power supply connector 20 to the load L, and the input terminal L1 of the load L (see Figure 6A) can be connected to it. The output terminal 33 can be appropriately modified to suit the number of loads L, and the size, shape, number of poles, and number of input terminals L1 (see Figure 6A) of the loads L. In this embodiment, the output terminal 33 has two poles and two outlets.

[0044] Next, the anomaly detection device 10 will be described. The abnormality detection device 10 is a device that detects whether or not there is an abnormality in the power supply device 100. In this embodiment, the abnormality detection device 10 is described as being housed in the first housing 21 of the power supply side connector 20, but it may also be housed in the second housing 31 of the load side connector 30. Specifically, the anomaly detection device 10 includes a detector 11 and an anomaly detection circuit 12.

[0045] The detector 11 is a device that measures and detects physical quantities generated in the power supply device 100 and physical quantities in the vicinity of the power supply device 100. Furthermore, the detector 11 outputs a first signal S1, which is a signal based on the detected physical quantity, to the anomaly detection circuit 12. The detector 11 may output the first signal S1 to the anomaly detection circuit 12 even under normal conditions, or it may output it to the anomaly detection circuit 12 only when it exceeds or falls below a certain threshold.

[0046] The detector 11 includes at least one sensor. Examples of sensors include an acceleration sensor, a water leak detection sensor, and a power detection sensor. In this embodiment, as an example, the detector 11 includes at least one of the following: an acceleration sensor 11A, a water leak detector 11B, and a power monitoring unit 11C.

[0047] The acceleration sensor 11A is a sensor that measures and detects the acceleration around the power supply device 100. The acceleration sensor 11A detects acceleration, for example, when an earthquake occurs.

[0048] The water leak detector 11B is a device that detects water leaks around the power supply device 100. For example, the water leak detector 11B measures the electrical resistance around the power supply device 100, and if the electrical resistance falls below a certain threshold, it detects that there is a liquid leak.

[0049] The power monitoring unit 11C is a functional unit that monitors the status of the power supply device 100, the external power supply 400, the load L, and the wires and cables between them. For example, the power monitoring unit 11C detects whether or not there is an external power supply. Also, for example, the power monitoring unit 11C monitors the operating status of protective relays.

[0050] The abnormality detection circuit 12 detects whether an abnormal condition exists based on the first signal S1 output from the detector 11, and when it detects an abnormal condition, it commands the engagement mechanism 40 to release the engagement between the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30. The abnormality detection circuit 12 includes an abnormality determination unit 12A and an engagement release command unit 12B.

[0051] The abnormality determination unit 12A is a functional unit that receives the first signal S1 output from the detector 11 and determines whether or not an abnormal state exists. For example, the abnormality determination unit 12A determines whether the first signal S1 output from the detector 11 is in an abnormal state based on a predetermined threshold.

[0052] The engagement release command unit 12B is a functional unit that outputs a second signal S2 to the engagement mechanism 40 to release the engagement when the abnormality determination unit 12A determines that an abnormal state exists based on the first signal S1.

[0053] The engagement release command unit 12B may output the second signal S2 to only one of the engagement mechanisms 40, either the power supply side connector 20 or the load side connector 30. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the engagement release command unit 12B outputs the second signal S2 to the power supply side engagement element 41.

[0054] Next, the engagement mechanism 40 will be described.

[0055] The engagement mechanism 40 is a mechanism that detachably engages the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 with each other in a manner that enables the transmission and reception of power between the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30.

[0056] The engagement mechanism 40 releases the engagement between the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device 10 while the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 are engaged.

[0057] Specifically, the engagement mechanism 40 includes a power supply side engagement element 41 housed in the power supply side connector 20 and a load side engagement element 42 housed in the load side connector 30.

[0058] The power supply side engaging element 41 is housed in the first housing 21 on the side facing the load side connector 30 (second housing 31). The load-side engaging element 42 is housed in the second housing 31 on the side facing the power supply-side connector 20 (first housing 21).

[0059] For example, the engagement mechanism 40 engages the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 by mating the power supply side engagement element 41 and the load side engagement element 42. When the abnormality detection circuit 12 outputs the second signal S2, the engagement mechanism 40 releases the mating of the power supply side engagement element 41 and the load side engagement element 42, thereby releasing the engagement between the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30.

[0060] Furthermore, for example, the engagement mechanism 40 engages the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 by magnetic attraction between the power supply side engagement element 41 and the load side engagement element 42. When the abnormality detection circuit 12 outputs a second signal S2, the engagement mechanism 40 releases the engagement between the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 by weakening the magnetic force between the power supply side engagement element 41 and the load side engagement element 42.

[0061] For example, in the engagement mechanism 40, either the power supply side engagement element 41 or the load side engagement element 42 includes an electromagnet, and the other includes a magnetic material. If the second signal S2 is not output, the electromagnet of the power supply side engaging element 41 or the load side engaging element 42 in the engaging mechanism 40 is energized, causing the electromagnet and the magnetic material to be attracted by magnetic force, and the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 to engage. On the other hand, when the second signal S2 is output, the engagement mechanism 40 stops the excitation of the electromagnet of the power supply side engagement element 41 or the load side engagement element 42, thereby weakening the magnetic force between the electromagnet and the magnetic material, and releasing the engagement between the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30.

[0062] For example, if the engagement mechanism 40 includes an electromagnet only in the power supply side engagement element 41 and a magnetic material in the load side engagement element 42, then when it receives the second signal S2 output from the abnormality detection circuit 12, only the power supply side engagement element 41 receives the second signal S2, and the excitation of the electromagnet of the power supply side engagement element 41 is stopped.

[0063] Next, we will explain the configuration of the wiring connector 200. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a wiring connector.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5, the wiring connector 200 comprises a housing 210 and an output terminal 220. The wiring connector 200 supplies power supplied from an external source (such as a power grid or private power generation equipment) to the load.

[0065] Specifically, the wiring connector 200 supplies power from the external power supply 400 (see Figure 2) to the load L (see Figure 2). In other words, the wiring connector 200 is a commonly used wiring connector (outlet).

[0066] The housing 210 is made of, for example, metal or resin, and can house objects inside. As shown in Figure 1, the enclosure 210 is installed embedded in the wall 300 so that a portion of its surface is exposed to the interior.

[0067] The output terminal 220 is housed in the enclosure 210 so as to be exposed on the indoor side, and the input terminal L1 (see Figure 6A) of the load L can be connected to it. The output terminals 220 of the wiring connector 200 can be appropriately modified in size, shape, number of poles, and number of outlets depending on the intended use. In this embodiment, the input terminal 23 of the power supply connector 20 is connected to the output terminal 220. In this embodiment, the output terminal 220 has the same number of poles as the input terminal 23 (2), and the same number of outlets as the input terminal 23 (2).

[0068] Next, we will describe how power is supplied from the external power supply 400 to the load L using the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30. An external power supply 400 is connected to the first power supply circuit 22 housed in the power supply connector 20 via an input terminal 23. External power source 400 is, for example, a power grid or a private power generation facility.

[0069] Furthermore, the load L is connected to the second power supply circuit 32 housed in the load-side connector 30 via the output terminal 33. The load L can be any electrical or electronic device that consumes power.

[0070] The power supply side connector 20 (first housing 21) and the load side connector 30 (second housing 31) transmit and receive power using a wireless power transmission method that utilizes a capacitor 50 formed by a first electrode 221 and a second electrode 321.

[0071] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3A, the first electrode 221 is housed on the side of the first housing 21 facing the load-side connector 30 (second housing 31). As shown in Figure 4B, the second electrode 321 is housed on the side of the second housing 31 facing the power supply-side connector 20 (first housing 21). When the power supply-side connector 20 (first housing 21) and the load-side connector 30 (second housing 31) are engaged, the first electrode 221 of the first power supply circuit 22 and the second electrode 321 of the second power supply circuit 32 constitute a capacitor 50.

[0072] The power supplied from the external power supply 400 is first received by the first power supply circuit 22 via the input terminal 23. Next, the first power supply circuit 22 transmits the received power to the second power supply circuit 32 via the capacitor 50 formed by the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 321. Then, the second power supply circuit 32, having received the power transmitted from the first power supply circuit 22, supplies power to the load L via the output terminal 33.

[0073] Next, a method for engaging the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 using the abnormality detection device 10 and the engagement mechanism 40, and a method for disengaging the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30, will be described. Figure 6A is a schematic diagram showing a side view of the general configuration of a power supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6B shows a power supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention with a load connected to it. Figure 6C shows that the power supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention has disconnected the load-side connection element when it detects an abnormality.

[0074] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the power supply side connector 20 of the power supply device 100 is connected to a wiring plug connector 200 which is embedded in the wall 300, and is engaged with the load side connector 30 by an engagement mechanism 40. The wiring connector 200 is connected to wiring 230, which includes a first cable 231 and a second cable 232, and is connected to an external power supply 400 via wiring 230.

[0075] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, a load L having an input terminal L1 can receive power supplied from an external power supply 400 by connecting the input terminal L1 to the output terminal 33 of the load-side connector 30.

[0076] If an abnormality occurs in the power supply device 100 or in the vicinity of the power supply device 100, the abnormality detection circuit 12 outputs a second signal S2 and commands the engagement mechanism 40 to release the engagement between the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30.

[0077] In response to the second signal S2, the engagement mechanism 40 stops the excitation of the electromagnet of the power supply side engagement element 41. This weakens the magnetic force between the power supply side engagement element 41 and the load side engagement element 42. As the magnetic force between the power supply side engagement element 41 and the load side engagement element 42 weakens, the downward vertical force due to the weight of the load side connector 30 becomes greater than the upward vertical force generated by the magnetic force between the power supply side engagement element 41 and the load side engagement element 42. As a result, as shown in Figure 6C, the load side connector 30 falls due to its own weight.

[0078] When the load-side connector 30 falls, the electrical connection between the load-side connector 30 and the load L connected to the load-side connector 30 and the power supply-side connector 20 connected to the wiring plug connector 200 is released. This will stop the power supply from the external power supply 400 to the load L via the power supply connector 20 (wiring plug connector 200).

[0079] As described above, the power supply device 100 according to the embodiment comprises a power supply side connector 20 that outputs power 400 supplied from an external source, a load side connector 30 that supplies power output from the power supply side connector 20 to a load L, an abnormality detection device 10 that detects whether or not there is an abnormality, and an engagement mechanism 40 that detachably engages the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 with each other in a manner that enables power transmission and reception between the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30. The engagement mechanism 40 releases the engagement between the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device 10 while the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 are engaged.

[0080] According to this, the power supply device 100 can normally supply power from the external power source 400 to the load L, and if an abnormality occurs, the abnormality detection device 10 will detect the abnormality and release the engagement between the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30, thereby allowing the load side connector 30 to fall due to its own weight.

[0081] The load L connected to the load-side connector 30 is automatically disconnected from the external power supply 400 when the load-side connector 30 falls due to its own weight. Therefore, in the event of an abnormality, the load L connected to the load-side connector 30 and the external power supply 400 can be automatically disconnected. This prevents, for example, electrical fires from occurring when power is restored after a power outage.

[0082] Furthermore, since the load-side connector 30 automatically disconnects the load L connected to the load-side connector 30 from the external power supply 400 when it falls under its own weight, it is possible to accurately determine by visual inspection alone whether the device for preventing electrical fires has functioned correctly (whether or not electrical appliances have been disconnected from the outlet) even in situations where a rapid response is required after a disaster.

[0083] Therefore, it becomes possible to provide a power supply device 100 that reduces the risk of electrical fires.

[0084] Furthermore, in the power supply device 100 according to this embodiment, the power supply side connector 20 includes a first housing 21, input terminals 23, 23A housed in the first housing 21 that receive power supplied from the outside, and a first power supply circuit 22 that transmits the power received by the input terminals 23, 23A to different circuits; the load side connector 30 includes a second housing 31, output terminals 33 housed in the second housing 31 for connecting a load L, and a second power supply circuit 32 that receives power transmitted from the first power supply circuit 22 and supplies power to the load L; the abnormality detection device 10 includes a detector 11 and an abnormality detection circuit 12; the abnormality detection circuit 12 includes an abnormality determination unit 12A that receives a first signal S1 output from the detector 11 and determines whether or not it is in an abnormal state, and the abnormality detection unit 12A that receives the first signal S1 The system includes an engagement release command unit 12B that outputs a second signal S2 to the engagement mechanism 40 to release the engagement when the abnormality determination unit 12A determines that an abnormal state is present. The engagement mechanism 40 has a power supply side engagement element 41 and a load side engagement element 42. The engagement mechanism 40 engages the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 by the power supply side engagement element 41 and the load side engagement element 42 fitting together, or by magnetic attraction between the power supply side engagement element 41 and the load side engagement element 42. When the second signal S2 is output, the engagement mechanism 40 releases the engagement between the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 by releasing the fitting between the power supply side engagement element 41 and the load side engagement element 42, or by weakening the magnetic force between the power supply side engagement element 41 and the load side engagement element 42.

[0085] According to this, the power supply device 100 can easily engage the power supply side engaging element 41 and the load side engaging element 42 by facing each other, either by fitting the power supply side engaging element 41 and the load side engaging element 42 together, or by magnetic attraction, after aligning the power supply side engaging element 41 housed in the first housing 21 and the load side engaging element 42 housed in the second housing 31. The power supply device 100, with the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 engaged by the engagement mechanism 40, is simply connected to the wiring plug connector 200. Under normal conditions, it stably supplies power from the external power supply 400 connected to the wiring plug connector 200 to the load L connected to the load side connector 30. In the event of an abnormality, the engagement between the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 can be released by disengaging the mating or weakening the magnetic force, thereby quickly shutting off the power supply to the load L.

[0086] Furthermore, in the power supply device 100 according to this embodiment, the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 transmit and receive power using a wireless power transmission method.

[0087] According to this design, there is no need to connect the power supply connector 20 and the load-side connector 30 with wiring or cables. Therefore, when the engagement between the power supply connector 20 and the load-side connector 30 is released in the event of a malfunction, the risk of the wiring or cables not being properly released and the power supply connector 20 and the load-side connector 30 not being able to be separated can be avoided. This makes it possible to more reliably reduce the risk of electrical fires.

[0088] Furthermore, in the power supply device 100 according to this embodiment, the power supply side connector 20 includes a first electrode 221, and the load side connector 30 includes a second electrode 321. The power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 transmit and receive power via a capacitor 50 formed by the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 321.

[0089] According to this, the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 are detachably engaged with each other by the engagement mechanism 40, and power can be easily transmitted and received between the first power supply circuit 22 and the second power supply circuit 32 by utilizing a capacitor 50 formed by the first electrode 221 contained in the first housing 21 and the second electrode 321 contained in the second housing 31 as part of a wireless power transmission method between the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30.

[0090] Furthermore, in the power supply device 100 according to this embodiment, either the power supply side engaging element 41 or the load side engaging element 42 includes an electromagnet, and the other includes a magnetic material. The electromagnet is energized when the second signal S2 is not output, and the excitation of the electromagnet is stopped when the second signal S2 is output.

[0091] According to this, the power supply side engaging element 41 and the load side engaging element 42 are attracted by magnetic force to engage the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30. If an abnormality occurs, the engagement between the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 can be released by stopping the excitation of the electromagnet.

[0092] In other words, the power supply connector 20 and the load-side connector 30 can be engaged by the engagement mechanism 40 without using fasteners or wiring (cables), and the engagement can be easily released in the event of an abnormality.

[0093] Furthermore, in the power supply device 100 according to this embodiment, the abnormality detection device 10 is housed in the power supply side connector 20.

[0094] According to this, by housing the abnormality detection device 10 in the power supply side connector 20, it becomes unnecessary to install the abnormality detection device 10 outside the power supply device 100, thus enabling space saving.

[0095] Furthermore, compared to the load L side, by housing the abnormality detection device 10 in the power supply side connector 20 which is connected to an external power supply 400 with a more stable power supply, it is possible to achieve more stable power transmission and reception, engagement, and disengagement between the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30.

[0096] Furthermore, in the power supply device 100 according to this embodiment, the power supply side connector 20 has an input terminal 23 for connecting to the output terminal 220 of the wiring plug connector 200.

[0097] According to this, the power supply device 100 can be procured and used simply by connecting it to the wiring connector 200, without having to renovate the environment (house, building, etc.) or install new equipment.

[0098] ≪Second Embodiment≫ Next, a power supply device 100A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 7A is a schematic diagram showing a side view of the general configuration of a power supply device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7B shows a power supply device according to a second embodiment of the present invention in which a load is connected. Figure 7C shows that the power supply device according to the second embodiment of the present invention has disconnected the load-side connection element when it detects an abnormality.

[0099] In the second embodiment, the power supply side connector 20A in the power supply device 100A integrates the wiring plug connector 200 and the power supply side connector 20 in the power supply device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0100] In other words, the power supply side connector 20A of the power supply device 100A is installed embedded in the wall 300 so that a portion of its surface is exposed to the interior side, as shown in Figure 7A. Furthermore, the power supply connector 20A and the load-side connector 30 are detachably engaged with each other in a manner that allows for the transmission and reception of power between them. The power supply connector 20A has an input terminal 23A instead of the input terminal 23 of the power supply connector 20.

[0101] The input terminal 23A of the power supply connector 20A is a terminal that is connected to the wiring 230 connected to the distribution board. The input terminal 23A of the power supply connector 20A is connected to wiring 230, which includes a first cable 231 and a second cable 232, and is connected to an external power supply 400 via wiring 230.

[0102] In other words, the input terminal 23A of the power supply device 100A is a terminal that receives power supplied from an external source, but unlike the input terminal 23 of the power supply connector 20, it is not a terminal for connecting to the output terminal 220 of the wiring plug connector 200, but is directly connected to the wiring 230 instead of the wiring plug connector 200. In other words, the power supply device 100A (power supply side connector 20A) is directly connected to the external power supply 400 via the input terminal 23A and wiring 230.

[0103] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, a load L having an input terminal L1 can receive power supplied from an external power supply 400 by connecting the input terminal L1 to the output terminal 33 of the load-side connector 30.

[0104] If an abnormality occurs in or around the power supply device 100A, the abnormality detection circuit 12 outputs a second signal S2 and commands the engagement mechanism 40 to release the engagement between the power supply side connector 20A and the load side connector 30.

[0105] In response to the second signal S2, the engagement mechanism 40 stops the excitation of the electromagnet of the power supply side engagement element 41. This weakens the magnetic force between the power supply side engagement element 41 and the load side engagement element 42. As the magnetic force between the power supply side engagement element 41 and the load side engagement element 42 weakens, the downward vertical force due to the weight of the load side connector 30 becomes greater than the upward vertical force generated by the magnetic force between the power supply side engagement element 41 and the load side engagement element 42. As a result, as shown in Figure 7C, the load side connector 30 falls due to its own weight.

[0106] When the load-side connector 30 falls, the electrical connection between the load-side connector 30 and the load L connected to it is released from the power supply-side connector 20A. This will stop the power supply from the external power supply 400 to the load L via the power supply connector 20A.

[0107] As described above, the power supply device 100A according to the second embodiment has an input terminal 23A on the power supply side connector 20 that is connected to the wiring 230 connected to the distribution board.

[0108] According to this, unlike the power supply device 100 according to the first embodiment, the power supply device 100A according to the second embodiment can reduce the volume of the power supply device 100A exposed on the indoor side by replacing the wiring plug connector 200 with a power supply side connector 20A, thereby achieving space savings compared to the power supply device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0109] ≪Third Embodiment≫ Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a power supply device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing that the power supply device according to the third embodiment of the present invention has disconnected the load-side connection element when it detected an abnormality. Figures 8 and 9 show, for the sake of explanation, a case in which the power supply device 100B is positioned in a three-dimensional space consisting of the X, Y, and Z axes, with the Z direction being the vertical direction. Specifically, the plane on which the power supply connector 20B is connected to the building wall is defined as the YZ plane, and the directions of the XYZ axes relative to the YZ plane are defined as the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction, respectively.

[0110] The power supply device 100B according to the third embodiment has an engagement mechanism 40B that is different from that of the power supply device 100 according to the first embodiment and the power supply device 100A according to the second embodiment. Furthermore, the power supply side connector 20B in the power supply device 100B according to the third embodiment has a first housing 21B that is different from the power supply side connector 20 in the power supply device 100 according to the first embodiment and the power supply side connector 20A in the power supply device 100A according to the second embodiment. Furthermore, the load-side connector 30B in the power supply device 100B according to the third embodiment has a second housing 31B that is different from the load-side connector 30 in the power supply device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0111] The engagement mechanism 40B includes a power supply side engagement element 41, a load side engagement element 42, and a hinge 43. The hinge 43 is a component that connects the power supply side connector 20B and the load side connector 30B so that they can rotate relative to each other. The hinge 43 has a pivot shaft, a power supply side member 412, and a load side member 422.

[0112] The power supply side member 412 is a component of the hinge 43 and is provided on one side of the first housing 21B of the load side connector 30B that is facing the power supply side connector 20B, on the side that is on the lower side in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The power supply side member 412 has at least a hole for inserting the rotating shaft. The load-side member 422 is a component of the hinge 43 and is provided on one side of the third surface 211 of the first housing 21B of the load-side connector 30B that faces the power supply-side connector 20B, on the side that is on the lower side in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The load-side member 422 has at least a hole for inserting the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is inserted through the hole in the power supply side member 412 and the hole in the load side member 422, and rotates about the axial direction (Y-axis direction) so that the power supply side connector 20B to which the power supply side member 412 is connected and the load side connector 30B to which the load side member 422 is connected can rotate relative to each other.

[0113] The hinge 43 is formed by inserting a rotating shaft through the hole in the power supply side member 412 and the hole in the load side member 422. However, the hinge 43 may have any shape as long as it has at least a pivot axis, a hole in the power supply side member 412, and a hole in the load side member 422. For example, the power supply side member 412 may have fins for connecting to the power supply side connector 20B. Furthermore, for example, the load-side member 422 may have vanes for connecting to the load-side connector 30B.

[0114] The power supply side engaging element 41 of the engaging mechanism 40B includes a power supply side electromagnet 411, a power supply side member 412 that constitutes the hinge 43, and a projection-driven separation mechanism 413.

[0115] The power supply side electromagnet 411 is a component that engages the power supply side connector 20B and the load side connector 30B by magnetic attraction with the load side electromagnet 421. When the abnormality detection circuit 12 outputs the second signal S2, the power supply side electromagnet 411 weakens the magnetic force between itself and the load side electromagnet 421, thereby disengaging the power supply side connector 20B and the load side connector 30B.

[0116] The projection-driven separation mechanism 413 is a mechanism that is configured as part of the power supply-side engaging element 41 housed in the power supply-side connector 20B. The projection-driven separation mechanism 413 is provided on either the sixth surface 3112 or the eighth surface 2112, which will be described later. When an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device 10, the projection is extended toward the other surface of the sixth surface 3112 or the eighth surface 2112, thereby separating the power supply side connector 20B and the load side connector 30B using the hinge 43 as the axis of rotation.

[0117] In this embodiment, the projection-driven separation mechanism 413 is provided on the eighth surface 2112, and by causing a projection to protrude from the eighth surface 2112 toward the sixth surface 3112, the power supply side connector 20B and the load side connector 30B are separated using the hinge 43 as the axis of rotation. However, the projection-driven separation mechanism 413 may be provided on the sixth surface 3112, and a projection may be made to protrude from the sixth surface 3112 toward the eighth surface 2112, thereby separating the power supply side connector 20B and the load side connector 30B using the hinge 43 as the axis of rotation. In other words, the projection-driven separation mechanism 413 may be configured as part of the load-side engaging element 42 housed in the load-side connector 30B.

[0118] The load-side engaging element 42 of the engaging mechanism 40B includes a load-side electromagnet 421 and a load-side member 422 that constitutes a hinge 43.

[0119] The load-side electromagnet 421 is a component that engages the power supply-side connector 20B and the load-side connector 30B by magnetic attraction to the power supply-side electromagnet 411. When the abnormality detection circuit 12 outputs the second signal S2, the load-side electromagnet 421 weakens the magnetic force between it and the power supply-side electromagnet 411, thereby disengaging the power supply-side connector 20B and the load-side connector 30B.

[0120] The second housing 31B of the load-side connector 30B has a first surface 311 facing the power supply-side connector 20B, and a second surface 312 opposite the first surface. The first surface 311 has a fifth surface 3111 that extends in a direction intersecting one side of the first surface 311 (in the Z-axis direction), and a sixth surface 3112 that is located on the opposite side of one side of the first surface 311 (in the positive Z-axis direction) and inclined toward the second surface 312 (in the negative X-axis direction) from the fifth surface 3111. Here, one side of the first face 311 refers to the side of the first face 311 that is in contact with the hinge 43, which is formed by the polygon.

[0121] The fifth surface 3111 extends vertically (in the Z-axis direction) in Figure 8 and is formed to cover the second electrode 321 housed inside the second housing 31B. A load-side member 422 is attached to the lower side of the fifth surface 3111. Face 6, 3112, is the face located above face 5, 3111. Face 5, 3111, and face 6, 3112, form an obtuse angle when viewed from the side.

[0122] The second surface 312 is located on the opposite side of the fifth surface 3111 and extends in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The second surface 312 is provided with an opening for connecting to the output terminal 33. Figures 8 and 9 show that a load L is connected to an output terminal 33 provided on the second surface 312, which has an input terminal (not shown), an input housing L2 that houses the input terminal, and an input cable L3 extending from the input housing L2.

[0123] The first housing 21B of the power supply side connector 20B has a third surface 211 facing the load side connector 30B, and a fourth surface 212 on the opposite side of the third surface 211. The third surface 211 has a seventh surface 2111 that extends in a direction intersecting one side of the third surface 211 (in the Z-axis direction), and an eighth surface 2112 that is located on the opposite side of one side of the third surface 211 (in the positive Z-axis direction) and is inclined in a direction away from the fourth surface 212 from the seventh surface 2111 (in the negative X-axis direction). Note that one side of the third face 211 refers to the side of the third face 211 that is in contact with the hinge 43, which is formed by the polygon.

[0124] The seventh surface 2111 extends vertically (in the Z-axis direction) and is formed to cover the first electrode 221 housed inside the first housing 21B. A power supply side member 412 is attached to the lower side of the seventh surface 2111. Face 8, 2112, is the face located above face 7, 2111. Face 7 (2111) and face 8 (2112) form an obtuse angle when viewed from the side.

[0125] The fourth surface 212 is located on the opposite side of the third surface 211 and extends in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The fourth surface, 212, is located on the exterior side.

[0126] In this embodiment, the center of gravity of the second housing 31B is located on the second surface 312 side of the geometric center. That is, the second housing 31B is subjected to a moment (negative direction of the X-axis) in the direction away from the power supply connector 20B, with the hinge 43 as the axis of rotation. Furthermore, any method may be used to apply a moment to the second housing 31B in the direction away from the power supply connector 20B (negative direction of the X-axis), with the hinge 43 as the axis of rotation.

[0127] For example, a weight may be housed inside the second housing 31B on the side of the second surface 312 relative to the geometric center, or the second surface 312 may be formed from a material with a greater mass than the first surface 311. Alternatively, for example, by positioning the center of gravity of the load L connected to the second surface 312 below the center of gravity of the second housing 31B, a vertically downward load may be applied to the second housing 31B by the input housing L2 and input cable L3.

[0128] As described above, the engagement mechanism 40B of the power supply device 100B according to the third embodiment includes a hinge 43 attached to the power supply side connector 20B and the load side connector 30B, which connects the power supply side connector 20B and the load side connector 30B so that they can rotate relative to each other, and the load side connector 30B is subjected to a moment in the direction away from the power supply side connector 20B (negative direction of the X axis) with the hinge 43 as the axis of rotation.

[0129] According to this, the power supply connector 20B and the load-side connector 30B are connected by a hinge 43. When an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device 10 and the engagement between the power supply connector 20B and the load-side connector 30B is released, the power supply connector 20B and the load-side connector 30B rotate relative to each other around a rotation axis inserted through the holes in the power supply member 412 and the load-side member 422, while the physical connection between the power supply connector 20B and the load-side connector 30B remains. As a result, the third surface 211 and the first surface 311 separate, automatically disconnecting the load L connected to the load-side connector 30B from the external power supply 400 connected to the power supply connector 20B. In other words, even if the engagement between the power supply side connector 20B and the load side connector 30B is released, the risk of damage to the power supply side connector 20B can be reduced by dropping the power supply side connector 20B.

[0130] Furthermore, the load-side connector 30B of the power supply device 100B according to the third embodiment has a first surface 311 facing the power supply-side connector 20B and a second surface 312 on the opposite side of the first surface 311, and a moment is applied because the center of gravity of the load-side connector 30B is on the second surface 312 side.

[0131] According to this, when the abnormality detection circuit 12 outputs the second signal S2, the magnetic force between the power supply side electromagnet 411 and the load side electromagnet 421 is weakened, and because the load side connector 30B is eccentric, a moment is generated in the load side connector 30B in the direction away from the power supply side connector 20B (negative direction of the X axis). As a result, the power supply side connector 20B and the load side connector 30B rotate relative to each other, and the engagement between the power supply side connector 20B and the load side connector 30B can be easily released.

[0132] Furthermore, the power supply side connector 20B of the power supply device 100B according to the third embodiment has a third surface 211 facing the load side connector 30B and a fourth surface 212 on the opposite side of the third surface, and the hinge 43 is provided on one side of each of the first surface 311 and the third surface 211, the first surface 311 has a fifth surface 3111 extending in a direction intersecting one side of the first surface 311 and a sixth surface 3112 located on the opposite side of one side of the first surface 311 and inclined from the fifth surface 3111 toward the second surface 312, the third surface 211 has a seventh surface 2111 extending in a direction intersecting one side of the third surface 211 and an eighth surface 2112 located on the opposite side of one side of the third surface 211 and inclined from the seventh surface 2111 toward the fourth surface 212.

[0133] According to this, since the sixth surface 3112 of the power supply side connector 20B is inclined toward the second surface 312 located on the opposite side of the power supply side connector 20B, it becomes easy to shift the center of gravity of the load side connector 30B toward the second surface 312.

[0134] Furthermore, the engagement mechanism 40B of the power supply device 100B according to the third embodiment includes a projection-driven separation mechanism 413 provided on either the sixth surface 3112 or the eighth surface 2112, which, when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device 10, causes a projection to protrude toward the other surface of the sixth surface 3112 or the eighth surface 2112, thereby separating the power supply side connector 20B and the load side connector 30B with the hinge 43 as the axis of rotation.

[0135] According to this, when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device 10, the protrusion is extended, thereby increasing the moment acting on the load-side connector 30B, that is, the force separating the power supply-side connector 20B and the load-side connector 30B, and enabling more reliable automatic disconnection of the load L connected to the load-side connector 30B and the external power supply 400 connected to the power supply-side connector 20B.

[0136] <<Extension of the Embodiment>> Although the present inventors have described the invention in detail based on embodiments, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto and can be modified in various ways without departing from its essence.

[0137] For example, the anomaly detection device 10 is housed in the first enclosure 21, but is not limited to this. For example, the abnormality detection device 10 may be housed in the second housing 31.

[0138] Furthermore, while the engagement mechanism 40 and the engagement release command unit 12B are configured to output a second signal S2 to the power supply side engagement element 41, as described above, if the abnormality detection device 10 is housed in the second housing 31, the engagement release command unit 12B may output a second signal S2 to the load side engagement element 42.

[0139] Furthermore, for example, in the first embodiment, when the engagement mechanism 40 employs a method in which the power supply side engagement element 41 and the load side engagement element 42 are attracted to each other by magnetic force, the excitation of the electromagnet is stopped in order to weaken the magnetic force between the power supply side engagement element 41 and the load side engagement element 42 when the engagement between the power supply side connector 20 and the load side connector 30 is released, but the invention is not limited to this. In other words, when the second signal S2 is output, the engagement mechanism 40 may insert a material that blocks electromagnetic waves between the power supply side engagement element 41 and the load side engagement element 42 in order to weaken the magnetic force between them.

[0140] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case in which a moment is generated in the direction away from the power supply side connector 20B (negative direction of the X-axis) with the hinge 43 as the axis of rotation due to the structural characteristics of the load side connector 30B was described. However, a moment may also be generated in the load side connector 30B when the projection-driven separation mechanism 413 is functioning. In other words, the load-side connector 30B of the power supply device 100B according to the third embodiment has a first surface 311 facing the power supply-side connector 20B and a second surface 312 opposite to the first surface, the power supply-side connector 20B has a third surface 211 facing the load-side connector 30B and a fourth surface 212 opposite to the third surface, the engagement mechanism 40B includes a hinge 43 attached to one side of the first surface 311 and the third surface 211, which connects the power supply-side connector 20B and the load-side connector 30B so that they can rotate relative to each other, the engagement mechanism 40B includes a projection-driven separation mechanism 413 provided on either the first surface 311 or the second surface 312, which, when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device 10, causes a projection to protrude toward the other surface of the first surface 311 or the second surface 312, thereby separating the power supply-side connector 20B and the load-side connector 30B with the hinge 43 as the axis of rotation.

[0141] According to this, when an abnormality is detected, the power supply connector 20B and the load-side connector 30B, which are connected by a hinge 43, rotate relative to each other by causing a projection provided on either the first surface 311 or the second surface 312 to protrude toward the other surface of the first surface 311 or the second surface 312. This allows the load L connected to the load-side connector 30B and the external power supply 400 connected to the power supply connector 20B to be automatically disconnected. In other words, even if the load-side connector 30B itself does not have structural features that generate a moment, the projection-driven separation mechanism 413 can forcibly generate a moment, ensuring that the power supply connector 20B and the load-side connector 30B are reliably separated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 10 Anomaly detection device 11 detectors 11A Accelerometer 11B Leak Detector 11C Power monitoring section 12 Anomaly detection circuit 12A Abnormality judgment section 12B Disengagement command section 20, 20A, 20B Power supply connector 21, 21B First cabinet 211 Page 3 2111 Page 7 2112 Page 8 212 Page 4 22 First power supply circuit 221 First electrode 23, 23A Input terminals 30, 30B Load-side connector 31, 31B Second cabinet 311 Page 1 3111 Page 5 3112 Page 6 312 2nd page 32 Second power supply circuit 321 Second electrode 33 Output terminals 40, 40B engagement mechanism 41 Power supply side engagement element 411 Power side electromagnet 412 Power supply side component 413 Projection-driven separation mechanism 42 Load-side engaging element 421 Load-side electromagnet 422 Load-side member 43 Hinge 50 Capacitors 100, 100A, 100B power supply device 200 Wiring Plug Connectors 210 cabinets 220 output terminals 230 Wiring 231 First cable 232 Second cable 300 walls 400 External power supply L load L1 Input Terminal L2 Input Housing L3 Input Cable S1 First signal S2 Second signal

Claims

1. A power supply connector that outputs power supplied from an external source, A load-side connector that supplies power output from the power supply-side connector to the load, An anomaly detection device that detects the presence or absence of an anomaly, The power supply side connector and the load side connector are equipped with an engagement mechanism that detachably engages the power supply side connector and the load side connector with each other in a manner that enables power transmission and reception between them. The engagement mechanism releases the engagement between the power supply connector and the load connector when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device while the power supply connector and the load connector are engaged. Power supply device.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, The power supply connector includes a first housing, an input terminal housed in the first housing that receives power supplied from an external source, and a first power supply circuit that transmits the power received by the input terminal to a different circuit. The load-side connector includes a second housing, an output terminal housed in the second housing for connecting a load, and a second power supply circuit that receives power transmitted from the first power supply circuit and supplies power to the load. The anomaly detection device comprises a detector and an anomaly detection circuit. The abnormality detection circuit includes an abnormality determination unit that receives a first signal output from the detector and determines whether or not it is in an abnormal state, and an engagement release command unit that, when the abnormality determination unit determines that it is in an abnormal state based on the first signal, outputs a second signal that commands the engagement mechanism to release the engagement. The engagement mechanism includes a power supply side engagement element and a load side engagement element. The engagement mechanism engages the power supply side connector and the load side connector by fitting the power supply side engagement element and the load side engagement element together, or by magnetic attraction between the power supply side engagement element and the load side engagement element. When the second signal is output, the engagement mechanism releases the engagement between the power supply side engagement element and the load side engagement element, or weakens the magnetic force between the power supply side engagement element and the load side engagement element, thereby releasing the engagement between the power supply side connector and the load side connector. Power supply device.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The power supply side connector and the load side connector transmit and receive power using a wireless power transmission system. Power supply device.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The power supply connector includes a first electrode, The load-side connector includes a second electrode, The power supply side connector and the load side connector transmit and receive power via a capacitor formed by the first electrode and the second electrode. Power supply device.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, Of the power supply side engaging element and the load side engaging element, one includes an electromagnet and the other includes a magnetic material. If the second signal is not output, the electromagnet is energized. When the second signal is output, the excitation of the electromagnet is stopped. Power supply device.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The abnormality detection device is housed in the power supply side connector. Power supply device.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The power supply connector has an input terminal for connecting to the output terminal of the wiring plug connector. Power supply device.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The power supply connector has an input terminal that is connected to the wiring connected to the distribution board. Power supply device.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The engagement mechanism includes a hinge attached to the power supply connector and the load connector, which connects the power supply connector and the load connector so that they are rotatable relative to each other. The load-side connector is subjected to a moment that moves it away from the power supply-side connector, with the hinge as the axis of rotation. Power supply device.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, The load-side connector has a first surface facing the power supply-side connector and a second surface opposite the first surface, and the moment is applied because the center of gravity of the load-side connector is on the second surface side. Power supply device.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, The power supply side connector has a third surface facing the load side connector and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface. The hinge is provided on one side of each of the first and third surfaces, The first surface has a fifth surface extending in a direction intersecting one side of the first surface, and a sixth surface located on the opposite side of the one side of the first surface and inclined toward the second surface from the fifth surface. The third surface has a seventh surface extending in a direction intersecting one side of the third surface, and an eighth surface located on the opposite side of the one side of the third surface and inclined in a direction away from the seventh surface and away from the fourth surface. Power supply device.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, The engagement mechanism is provided on either the sixth or eighth surface and includes a projection-driven separation mechanism that, when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device, causes a projection to protrude toward the other surface of the sixth or eighth surface, thereby separating the power supply side connector and the load side connector using the hinge as a pivot axis. Power supply device.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The load-side connector has a first surface facing the power supply-side connector and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The power supply side connector has a third surface facing the load side connector and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface. The engagement mechanism includes a hinge attached to one side of the first and third surfaces, which connects the power supply connector and the load connector so that they are rotatable relative to each other. The engagement mechanism is provided on either the first or second surface and includes a projection-driven separation mechanism that, when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device, causes a projection to protrude toward the other surface of the first or second surface, thereby separating the power supply side connector and the load side connector using the hinge as a pivot axis. Power supply device.

Images