Surge protection systems, surge protection devices, base units, and distribution boards

Abstract

To provide a surge protection system capable of reducing time and work during replacement.SOLUTION: A surge protection system A1 includes: a surge protection device 1 that has one or more protective elements 10, a ground side surge protection terminal 112, and a first housing 12; and a base device 2 that has a lead wire 21, a ground side base terminal 222, current sensor 23, and a second housing 24. The current sensor 23 detects that a surge current caused by a surge voltage has flowed to a lead wire 21 via the ground side base terminal 222. The first housing 12 and the second housing 24 are configured to be mechanically coupled / decoupled. In a state where the first housing 12 and the second housing 24 are combined, the ground side surge protection terminal 112 and the ground side base terminal 222 are electrically connected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a surge protection system, a surge protection device, a base device, and a distribution board. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a surge protection system, a surge protection device, a base device, and a distribution board for protecting a load from a surge voltage. [Background technology]

[0002] A lightning arrester, which is one type of surge protection system, is a device that limits surge voltage and protects the insulation of electrical equipment by diverting to the ground the surge current that accompanies surge voltages caused by lightning and the opening and closing of circuits. However, lightning arresters deteriorate every time they divert surge current to the ground, and eventually need to be replaced.

[0003] The lightning arrester described in Patent Document 1 is configured to drive a display unit by the magnetic force generated in an excitation coil when a surge current is passed through the excitation coil, and to indicate the life of the lightning arrester by inverting the driven display unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-50810 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, a lightning arrester (surge protection system) may be provided with a current sensor for detecting surge current. In this case, every time the lightning arrester is replaced, it is necessary to pass the lead wire of the lightning arrester through the current sensor and electrically connect the lead wire to a ground. In other words, the conventional lightning arrester has a problem in that replacement is time-consuming.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a surge protection system, a surge protection device, a base device, and a distribution board that can reduce the effort required for replacement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A surge protection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a surge protection device and a base device. The surge protection device includes one or more protection elements, a ground side surge protection terminal, and a first housing. The one or more protection elements protect a load connected to an electric circuit when a surge voltage is applied to the electric circuit. The ground side surge protection terminal is electrically connected to the protection element. The first housing accommodates the protection element and includes the ground side surge protection terminal. The base device includes a lead wire, a ground side base terminal, a current sensor, and a second housing. The lead wire is electrically connected to a ground part that is grounded. The ground side base terminal is electrically connected to the lead wire. The current sensor detects that a surge current generated by the surge voltage flows to the lead wire via the ground side base terminal. The second housing accommodates the current sensor and includes the ground side base terminal. The first housing and the second housing are configured to be mechanically detachably coupled to each other. When the first housing and the second housing are joined together, the ground-side surge protection terminal and the ground-side base terminal are electrically connected to each other. The surge protection system further includes a calculation device that calculates a surge count, which is the number of times the surge current has flowed through the lead wire, based on a signal obtained from the current sensor. The calculation device has a comparator, a counter circuit, and an information creation circuit. The comparator outputs an H-level signal when the surge current is greater than a preset threshold. The counter circuit accumulates the number of times the H-level signal is input from the comparator as the surge count. When the surge count is equal to or greater than a preset number, the information creation circuit creates replacement time information that prompts replacement of the surge protection device.

[0008] A surge protection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is used in the surge protection system described above and includes one or more protection elements, a ground side surge protection terminal, and a first housing. The one or more protection elements protect a load connected to an electric circuit when a surge voltage is applied to the electric circuit. The ground side surge protection terminal is electrically connected to the protection element. The first housing houses the protection element and includes the ground side surge protection terminal.

[0009] A base device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is used in the surge protection system and includes a lead wire, a ground-side base terminal, a current sensor, and a second housing. The lead wire is electrically connected to a ground portion that is grounded. The ground-side base terminal is electrically connected to the lead wire. The current sensor detects that a surge current generated in association with the surge voltage flows through the lead wire via the ground-side base terminal. The second housing houses the current sensor and includes the ground-side base terminal.

[0010] A distribution board according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the surge protection system, an internal device, and a cabinet. The internal device includes a main switch and a plurality of branch switches. The cabinet houses the surge protection system and the internal device. Effect of the Invention

[0011] The present disclosure has the advantage of reducing the effort required for replacement. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a surge protection system according to this embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main breaker including the above surge protection system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main breaker and a surge protector including the above surge protection system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a surge protection unit of the surge protection system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a board of the surge protection system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of the distribution board according to this embodiment, with a portion thereof omitted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, a surge protection system, a surge protection device of the surge protection system, a base device of the surge protection system, and a distribution board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, each figure described in the following embodiment is a schematic diagram, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio. Note that the configuration described in the following embodiment is merely an example of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0014] (Embodiment) (1) Overview Hereinafter, an overview of a surge protection system A1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0015] The surge protection system A1 includes a surge protection device 1 and a base device 2, as shown in FIG.

[0016] The surge protection device 1 has one or more protection elements 10, a ground side surge protection terminal 112, and a first housing 12. The one or more protection elements 10 protect a load connected to an electric circuit when a surge voltage is applied to the electric circuit. The ground side surge protection terminal 112 is electrically connected to the protection element 10. The first housing 12 houses the protection element 10 and is equipped with the ground side surge protection terminal 112.

[0017] The base device 2 has a lead wire 21, a ground side base terminal 222, a current sensor 23, and a second housing 24. The lead wire 21 is electrically connected to a grounding portion 91 that is grounded. The ground side base terminal 222 is electrically connected to the lead wire 21. The current sensor 23 detects that a surge current generated in association with a surge voltage flows through the lead wire 21 via the ground side base terminal 222. The second housing 24 houses the current sensor 23 and includes the ground side base terminal 222.

[0018] The first housing 12 and the second housing 24 are configured to be mechanically detachably coupled to each other. When the first housing 12 and the second housing 24 are coupled to each other, the ground-side surge protection terminal 112 and the ground-side base terminal 222 are electrically connected to each other.

[0019] According to this embodiment, when one or more protection elements 10 deteriorate and need to be replaced, the owner or manager (hereinafter, referred to as the user) of the surge protection system A1 replaces only the surge protection device 1 having one or more protection elements 10. Then, the first housing 12 of the replaced surge protection device 1 is coupled to the second housing 24 of the base device 2, and the ground side surge protection terminal 112 and the ground side base terminal 222 are electrically connected.

[0020] As described above, in the surge protection system A1 of this embodiment, there is no need to replace the base device 2 having the lead wire 21 and the current sensor 23, so when replacing the surge protection device 1, there is no need to pass the lead wire 21 through the current sensor 23 and electrically connect the lead wire 21 to the grounding portion 91.

[0021] That is, the surge protection system A1 according to this embodiment has the advantage that the effort required for replacement can be reduced.

[0022] (2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Surge protection system (2-1-1) Overall Structure The surge protection system A1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. The surge protection system A1 according to this embodiment includes a surge protection device 1, a base device 2, and a computing device 3, as shown in Figure 1.

[0023] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the up / down, left / right, and front / rear directions indicated by arrows in FIG. 2 are defined as the up / down, left / right, and front / rear directions of the main breaker C1 and the surge protection device A1.

[0024] (2-1-2) Surge protection device As shown in FIG. 1, the surge protection device 1 includes three protection elements 10, a surge protection terminal unit 11, and a first housing 12.

[0025] The three protection elements 10 are composed of two protection elements 10A and one protection element 10B. The two protection elements 10A are both varistors (non-linear resistance elements). The protection element 10B is a discharge type surge absorber, for example, an arrester.

[0026] The surge protection terminal section 11 of this embodiment is composed of three line-side surge protection terminals 111A, 111B, and 111C and a ground-side surge protection terminal 112.

[0027] One end of one protection element 10A is electrically connected to the line side surge protection terminal 111A, the other end of the protection element 10A is electrically connected to one end of the protection element 10B, and the other end of the protection element 10B is electrically connected to the ground side surge protection terminal 112.

[0028] One end of another protection element 10A is electrically connected to the line side surge protection terminal 111B, the other end of the protection element 10A is electrically connected to one end of the protection element 10B, and the other end of the protection element 10B is electrically connected to the ground side surge protection terminal 112.

[0029] The line-side surge protection terminal 111C is electrically connected to one end of the protection element 10B. The other end of the protection element 10B is electrically connected to the ground-side surge protection terminal 112.

[0030] The first housing 12 is formed in a box shape from an electrically insulating synthetic resin as shown in Fig. 4. The first housing 12 houses two protection elements 10A and one protection element 10B.

[0031] A recess 121 is provided in the rear surface of the first housing 12. The rear surface, left surface, and bottom surface of the recess 121 are open.

[0032] The first housing 12 is provided with a surge protection terminal portion 11 on the outer surface of the first housing 12. A more detailed description will be given. In the first housing 12, a four-pole connector 13 is provided on the front surface of the recess 121. The connector 13 has four contacts 130 and a holder 131 that holds the four contacts 130 in an expandable and contractible manner. Such a connector 13 is generally called a spring pin connector. The four contacts 130 are always subjected to a force in a direction that causes them to protrude from the holder 131 due to the elastic force of the spring. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the four contacts 130 corresponds to three line-side surge protection terminals 111A, 111B, and 111C and a ground-side surge protection terminal 112. The four contacts 130 are held by the holder 131 so as to be arranged in a row at regular intervals along the vertical direction.

[0033] (2-1-3) Base device 1, the base device 2 has a lead wire 21, a base terminal unit 22, a current sensor 23, a second housing 24, a display unit 25, and an output unit 26. The base device 2 of this embodiment is provided in a main switch (main breaker C1) accommodated in a cabinet 90 (see FIG. 6) of a distribution board B1.

[0034] The second housing 24 of the base device 2 is also used as a case for the main breaker C1. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the second housing 24 is made of electrically insulating synthetic resin and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. As shown in Fig. 6, three primary terminals 81A to 81C of the main breaker C1 are provided on the upper end of the second housing 24.

[0035] A rectangular parallelepiped terminal mounting portion 240 protrudes upward from the right end of the upper end portion of the second housing 24. Three secondary terminals 82A to 82C of the main breaker C1 protrude rightward from the right side surface of the terminal mounting portion 240. As shown in FIG. 1, the secondary terminal 82A is electrically connected to the primary terminal 81A in the second housing 24. Similarly, the secondary terminal 82B is electrically connected to the primary terminal 81B in the second housing 24, and the secondary terminal 82C is electrically connected to the primary terminal 81C in the second housing 24. The three secondary terminals 82A to 82C are electrically connected one by one to three conductive bars (not shown) that serve as busbars of the distribution board B1.

[0036] The base terminal portion 22 of this embodiment is composed of three electric line side base terminals 221A, 221B, and 221C and a ground side base terminal 222.

[0037] 3, a rectangular parallelepiped connector housing 83 protrudes rightward from the lower rear end on the right side surface of the second housing 24. A recess 830 is provided on the front surface of the connector housing 83. Three electric path-side base terminals 221A, 221B, 221C and a ground-side base terminal 222 are arranged on the bottom surface of the recess 830. The three electric path-side base terminals 221A, 221B, 221C and the ground-side base terminal 222 are arranged in a line in the vertical direction at regular intervals.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 1, the three electric path base terminals 221A, 221B, and 221C are electrically connected to the electric paths between the three primary side terminals 81A to 81C and the three secondary side terminals 82A to 82C, respectively. More specifically, the electric path base terminal 221A is electrically connected to the electric path between the primary side terminal 81A and the secondary side terminal 82A. Similarly, the electric path base terminal 221B is electrically connected to the electric path between the primary side terminal 81B and the secondary side terminal 82B, and the electric path base terminal 221C is electrically connected to the electric path between the primary side terminal 81C and the secondary side terminal 82C.

[0039] On the other hand, the ground side base terminal 222 is electrically connected to one end of the lead wire 21. The other end of the lead wire 21 is electrically connected to a grounding section 91 that is grounded. In this embodiment, the grounding section 91 is a ground terminal block 910 provided in a cabinet 90 of the distribution board B1 as shown in FIG. 6. Specifically, the lead wire 21 is drawn out from the left side surface of the second housing 24, and the other end of the lead wire 21 is electrically connected to the ground terminal block 910.

[0040] The first housing 12 of the surge protection device 1 and the second housing 24 of the base device 2 are configured to be mechanically detachably coupled to each other. More specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first housing 12 of the surge protection device 1 is configured to be mechanically detachably coupled to the right side surface of the second housing 24 of the base device 2. The connector 13 of the surge protection device 1 is fitted into the connector housing 83 of the second housing 24 from the front of the second housing 24.

[0041] When the first housing 12 and the second housing 24 are joined together, the surge protection terminal 11 and the base terminal 22 are electrically connected. In other words, when the first housing 12 and the second housing 24 are joined together, the base terminal 22 is in contact and conductive with the surge protection terminal 11. More specifically, the electric circuit side base terminal 221A is in contact and conductive with the electric circuit side surge protection terminal 111A. Similarly, the electric circuit side base terminal 221B is in contact and conductive with the electric circuit side surge protection terminal 111B, the electric circuit side base terminal 221C is in contact and conductive with the electric circuit side surge protection terminal 111C, and the ground side base terminal 222 is in contact and conductive with the ground side surge protection terminal 112. Specifically, the four contacts 130 (see Figure 4) of the connector 13 are in one-to-one contact and conductive with the three current-side base terminals 221A, 221B, 221C and the ground-side base terminal 222 (see Figure 3) arranged in the recess 830 of the connector housing 83.

[0042] The current sensor 23 is provided on the lead wire 21. More specifically, the current sensor 23 is provided on the lead wire 21 such that the lead wire 21 passes through the current sensor 23. That is, the current sensor 23 detects that a surge current generated in association with a surge voltage flows into the lead wire 21 via the ground side base terminal 222. The current sensor 23 outputs a detection signal S1 to the computing device 3 according to the magnitude of the detected surge current.

[0043] In this embodiment, the current sensor 23 is a Rogowski coil. The current sensor 23 of this embodiment is a Rogowski coil and does not require a magnetic core, which provides the effect that magnetic saturation does not occur even if the surge current flowing through the lead wire 21 is a large current. In other words, the current sensor 23 of this embodiment has the advantage that it can accurately detect that a surge current has flowed through the lead wire 21 via the base terminal portion 22, even if the surge current flowing through the lead wire 21 is a large current.

[0044] More specifically, the current sensor 23 is a Rogowski coil formed on the substrate 5 as shown in FIG. 5. More specifically, the current sensor 23 is a Rogowski coil configured by forming a coil pattern on the substrate 5. The Rogowski coil, which is the current sensor 23, is formed in an annular shape on the substrate 5 so as to surround the lead wire 21. In other words, the lead wire 21 is disposed so as to pass through the center of the annular Rogowski coil. Since the Rogowski coil is formed on the substrate 5, the base device 2 of this embodiment has an effect of reducing the space required to form the Rogowski coil compared to the case where a wound Rogowski coil is formed. In other words, there is an advantage that the base device 2 can be made smaller.

[0045] The base device 2 of this embodiment further includes a computing device 3. That is, in this embodiment, the second housing 24 further houses the computing device 3.

[0046] The calculation device 3 calculates the number of surges, which is the number of times that a surge current has flowed through the lead wire 21, based on the detection signal S1 obtained from the current sensor 23. It is considered that the greater the number of surges in the protective element 10 of the surge protection device 1, the more deteriorated the protective element 10 is. Therefore, by the calculation device 3 calculating the number of surges, it is possible to obtain the effect that the number of surges can be used as a guide to the degree of deterioration of the protective element 10 of the surge protection device 1.

[0047] Furthermore, the calculation device 3 creates replacement time information, which is information relating to the replacement time of the surge protection device 1, based on the number of surges. As a result, an effect is achieved in which the number of surges can be used as a guide for the replacement time of the protection element 10 of the surge protection device 1. The calculation device 3 outputs a calculation signal S2 including at least one of the calculated number of surges and the created replacement time information to the display unit 25 and the output unit 26.

[0048] The arithmetic device 3 is formed on the substrate 5 on which the Rogowski coil, which is the current sensor 23, is formed. In other words, the base device 2 further includes the substrate 5 on which the Rogowski coil and the arithmetic device 3 are formed. The detailed configuration of the arithmetic device 3 will be described in more detail in "(2-1-4) Calculation Device".

[0049] The display unit 25 displays at least one of the number of surges and replacement time information. More specifically, when the display unit 25 receives the calculation signal S2 from the calculation device 3, it displays at least one of the number of surges and replacement time information contained in the calculation signal S2. The display unit 25 is, for example, a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display unit 25 may be provided on the front surface of the second housing 24, or may be housed in the second housing 24. The display unit 25 has an advantage that it is possible to notify the user of at least one of the degree of deterioration of the protection element 10 of the surge protection device 1 and the guideline for replacement time.

[0050] The output unit 26 outputs at least one of the surge count and replacement time information to the external device E1. The output unit 26 has, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication using radio waves as a medium. When the output unit 26 receives the calculation signal S2 from the calculation device 3, it generates a transmission frame including a control command and outputs the generated transmission frame from the wireless communication circuit to the external device E1 by a wireless signal. The output unit 26 (wireless communication circuit) performs wireless communication using, for example, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy communication method. However, the wireless communication method of the output unit 26 is not limited to Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy, and may be, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Note that the output unit 26 may have a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication using a conductor as a medium, instead of the wireless communication circuit.

[0051] The external device E1 has a communication unit E11 and a display unit E12. The communication unit E11 is configured to perform wireless or wired communication with the output unit 26 and acquire a control command from a received transmission frame. The display unit E12 is configured to perform a display for notifying the degree of deterioration or the replacement time of the protection element 10, for example, by turning on or blinking an LED lamp, or displaying a message on a liquid crystal screen, in response to the control command acquired by the communication unit E11. Alternatively, when the control signal includes number information, the display unit E12 may perform a display for notifying the number of times the protection element 10 has performed a protection operation. Such an external device E1 may be, for example, a communication terminal equipped with a communication function and a display, such as a smartphone owned by a user. Since the output unit 26 outputs at least one of the surge number and the replacement time information to the external device E1 owned by the user, an effect is achieved in that the user can easily check at least one of the estimates of the degree of deterioration and the replacement time of the protection element 10 of the surge protection device 1. That is, there is an advantage that the degree of deterioration of the protection element 10 of the surge protection device 1 and / or the guideline for replacement can be more reliably notified to the user.

[0052] (2-1-4) Arithmetic device The arithmetic unit 3 includes an integrating circuit 31 , an amplifying circuit 32 , a comparator 33 , a peak hold circuit 34 , a counter circuit 35 , an information creating circuit 36 ​​, and an output circuit 37 .

[0053] Since the detection signal S1 obtained from the current sensor 23 has a differentiated waveform of the surge current flowing through the lead wire 21, the integration circuit 31 reproduces the current waveform of the surge current flowing through the lead wire 21 by integrating the detection signal S1.

[0054] The amplifier circuit 32 amplifies the current waveform of the surge current reproduced by the integrator circuit 31. The amplifier circuit 32 is, for example, an operational amplifier.

[0055] Comparator 33 compares the current waveform of the surge current with a preset threshold value and switches the value of the signal to be output. For example, comparator 33 outputs an H level (e.g., 1 V) signal when the current waveform of the surge current is greater than the preset threshold value, and outputs an L level (e.g., 0 V) ​​signal when the current waveform of the surge current is equal to or less than the preset threshold value.

[0056] When an H-level signal is input, the peak hold circuit 34 holds the H-level signal for a preset period, and the counter circuit 35 counts the number of times the H-level signal is input.

[0057] The information creation circuit 36 ​​creates replacement time information, which is information regarding when to replace the surge protection device 1, based on the number of times accumulated by the counter circuit 35. Specifically, when the number of times accumulated by the counter circuit 35 is equal to or greater than a preset number, the information creation circuit 36 ​​creates replacement time information that prompts replacement of the surge protection device 1. On the other hand, when the number of times accumulated by the counter circuit 35 is smaller than the preset number, the information creation circuit 36 ​​creates replacement time information that indicates that replacement of the surge protection device 1 is not yet necessary.

[0058] The output circuit 37 outputs to the display unit 25 and the output unit 26 a calculation signal S2 including at least one of the surge count, which is the count accumulated by the counter circuit 35, and the replacement time information created by the information creation circuit .

[0059] The arithmetic device 3 is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Here, it is called an IC or an LSI, but the name may change depending on the degree of integration, and it may be called a system LSI, a VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or an ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). A field programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a reconfigurable logic device that can reconfigure the connection relationship inside the LSI or set up the circuit partition inside the LSI, can also be used for the same purpose. The multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip or may be provided on multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into one device or may be provided on multiple devices.

[0060] (2-2) Main breaker The main breaker C1 is, for example, a leakage current breaker with a neutral phase loss protection function. Of the three primary terminals 81A to 81C of the main breaker C1, two power supply side lines of L1 phase and L2 phase are electrically connected to the two primary terminals 81A and 81B at both ends. The neutral line is electrically connected to the remaining primary terminal 81C.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 1, the main breaker C1 includes three main contacts 84A to 84C each corresponding to two voltage poles and one neutral pole, a current sensor 85, an abnormality detection unit 86, and a tripping coil 87.

[0062] The main contact 84A is provided between the primary terminal 81A and the secondary terminal 82A, and opening and closing the main contact 84A can interrupt or establish an electrical connection between the primary terminal 81A and the secondary terminal 82A. Similarly, the main contact 84B is provided between the primary terminal 81B and the secondary terminal 82B, and opening and closing the main contact 84B can interrupt or establish an electrical connection between the primary terminal 81B and the secondary terminal 82B. The main contact 84C is provided between the primary terminal 81C and the secondary terminal 82C, and opening and closing the main contact 84C can interrupt or establish an electrical connection between the primary terminal 81C and the secondary terminal 82C.

[0063] The current sensor 85 is made up of a zero-phase current transformer, detects the unbalanced current flowing through the three main contacts 84A to 84C, and outputs to the abnormality detection unit 86 a detection voltage proportional to the magnitude of the unbalanced current.

[0064] The abnormality detection unit 86 compares the detection voltage of the current sensor 85 with a threshold voltage, and if the detection voltage exceeds the threshold voltage for a predetermined period of time or more, it passes an excitation current through the tripping coil 87. When the excitation current flows through the tripping coil 87, the three main contacts 84A to 84C are tripped and opened by the electromagnetic force generated in the tripping coil 87. That is, the electrical connection between the primary terminals 81A to 81C and the secondary terminals 82A to 82C is cut off. Although not shown in the figure, the main breaker C2 has an overcurrent tripping device and a neutral phase loss protection device.

[0065] (2-3) Distribution board The distribution board B1 is installed and used in a facility such as a dwelling unit of a detached house or an apartment building. The facility in which the distribution board B1 is installed is not limited to each dwelling unit of a detached house or an apartment building, and may be installed in a non-residential building (for example, a factory, a commercial building, an office building, a hospital, a school, etc.).

[0066] 6, the distribution board B1 is configured by housing internal equipment including a main breaker C1 and a plurality of branch breakers D1, and a surge protection device 1 in a cabinet 90 made of synthetic resin. In this embodiment, the base device 2 is provided in the main breaker C1, so in other words, the distribution board B1 has a surge protection system A1, internal equipment including the main breaker C1 and a plurality of branch breakers D1, and a cabinet that houses the surge protection system A1 and the internal equipment.

[0067] Three conductive bars (not shown) electrically connected to the secondary terminals 82A-82C of the main breaker C1 are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction in the center of the cabinet 90 in the vertical direction. A plurality of branch breakers D1 are arranged above and below these three conductive bars. Each branch breaker D1 is electrically connected to any two of the three conductive bars. Each branch breaker D1 is a switch equipped with an overcurrent tripping device.

[0068] Each branch breaker D1 is connected as a load (not shown) to electrical equipment such as lighting fixtures and hot water supply equipment, an outlet, or electrical equipment connected to the outlet (e.g., air conditioner or television set). In other words, the main breaker C1, the three conductive bars, and each branch breaker D1 are electric circuits that supply power to the loads, and the loads are supplied with power by being connected to the electric circuits.

[0069] Two ground terminal blocks 910 are disposed at the bottom of the cabinet 90. These two ground terminal blocks 910 are electrically connected to the earth by a ground wire and a ground electrode (not shown). That is, the lead wire 21 drawn out from the second housing 24 of the base device 2 is electrically connected to the earth (grounded) via the ground terminal blocks 910, the ground wire, and the ground electrode.

[0070] (3) Operation Next, the operation of the surge protection system A1 will be described.

[0071] When no surge voltage such as an induced lightning surge is applied to the electric circuit (when the AC power input from the electric system to the distribution board B1 is normal), in the surge protective device 1, the protective elements 10A and 10B do not conduct.

[0072] On the other hand, when a surge voltage is applied to the electric circuit (when the AC power input from the electric system to the distribution board B1 is abnormal), the protection elements 10A and 10B, which were non-conductive up until then, become conductive. Therefore, the surge protection device 1 of the surge protection system A1 operates to absorb the surge current input from the primary terminals 81A-81C of the main breaker C1 via the three electric circuit side base terminals 221A-221C by flowing it from the ground side base terminal 222 to the ground via the lead wire 21 and the ground terminal block 910 of the distribution board B1. Then, the current sensor 23 detects that the surge current has flowed through the lead wire 21, and outputs a detection signal S1 to the calculation device 3.

[0073] The calculation device 3 calculates the number of surges, which is the number of times that a surge current has flowed through the lead wire 21, based on the detection signal S1, and creates replacement time information, which is information related to the replacement time of the surge protection device 1. Then, the calculation device 3 outputs a calculation signal S2 including at least one of the number of surges and the replacement time information to the display unit 25 and the output unit 26. The display unit 25 displays at least one of the number of surges and the replacement time information. The output unit 26 outputs at least one of the number of surges and the replacement time information to the external device E1, and the external device E1 performs a display to notify the degree of deterioration of the protection element 10 or the replacement time.

[0074] (4) Advantages The surge protection system A1 according to this embodiment has the advantage of reducing the effort required for replacement. More specifically, the surge protection system A1 according to this embodiment has the advantage that when the protective element 10 deteriorates and needs to be replaced, it is not necessary to pass the lead wire 21 through the current sensor 23 and electrically connect the lead wire 21 to the ground part 91.

[0075] A more specific explanation will be given. In a conventional lightning arrester (surge protection system), when the protective element deteriorates and needs to be replaced, the lightning arrester itself needs to be replaced. Therefore, if a current sensor is provided in the lightning arrester, each time the lightning arrester itself is replaced, it is necessary to pass the lead wire of the lightning arrester through the current sensor and electrically connect the lead wire to the ground, which is time-consuming.

[0076] On the other hand, in the surge protection system A1 according to the present embodiment, the first housing 12 of the surge protection device 1 and the second housing 24 of the base device 2 are configured to be mechanically detachably coupled. Therefore, when the protection element 10 deteriorates and needs to be replaced, the user can replace only the surge protection device 1 having the protection element 10. In other words, the user does not need to replace the base device 2 having the lead wire 21 and the current sensor 23. Specifically, the user couples the first housing 12 of the replaced surge protection device 1 to the second housing 24 of the base device 2, and electrically connects the ground side surge protection terminal 112 and the ground side base terminal 222. As a result, the current sensor 23 can detect the surge current flowing through the lead wire 21 via the ground side base terminal 222. From the above, the surge protection system A1 of this embodiment has the advantage that when the protective element 10 deteriorates and needs to be replaced, it is not necessary to pass the lead wire 21 through the current sensor 23 and electrically connect it to the grounding part 91 every time the surge protection device 1 is replaced.

[0077] The surge protection device A1 according to this embodiment also includes a calculation device 3 that calculates the number of surges, which is the number of times that a surge current has flowed through the lead wire 21, based on the detection signal S1 obtained from the current sensor 23. Therefore, the surge protection system A1 according to this embodiment has the advantage that the user can know an indication of the degree of deterioration of the protection element 10 of the surge protection device 1 based on the number of surges.

[0078] (5) Variations Modifications of the present embodiment will be listed below. The following modifications may be implemented in appropriate combination.

[0079] The surge protection device 1 of this embodiment has three protection elements 10, but it is sufficient that the surge protection device 1 has at least one protection element 10.

[0080] Furthermore, in the surge protection device 1 of the present embodiment, the three electric-path-side surge protection terminals 111A-111C are electrically connected to the electric paths between the three primary-side terminals 81A-81C and the three secondary-side terminals 82A-82C via the three electric-path-side base terminals 221A-221C. However, the three electric-path-side surge protection terminals 111A-111C may be electrically connected directly to the electric paths between the three primary-side terminals 81A-81C and the three secondary-side terminals 82A-82C.

[0081] In other words, in a state where the first housing 12 and the second housing 24 are joined, it is not necessary for the electric line side base terminal 221A to be electrically connected to the electric line side surge protection terminal 111A, the electric line side base terminal 221B to be electrically connected to the electric line side surge protection terminal 111B, and the electric line side base terminal 221C to be electrically connected to the electric line side surge protection terminal 111C. In other words, in a state where the first housing 12 and the second housing 24 are joined, it is only necessary that at least the ground side base terminal 222 is electrically connected to the ground side surge protection terminal 112.

[0082] Furthermore, the connector 13 of the surge protection device 1 is not limited to a spring pin connector. The contacts of the connector 13 may be, for example, blade-shaped contacts or cylindrical (pin-shaped) contacts. In that case, the base terminal portion 22 may be a contact receiver into which the blade or pin-shaped contacts are removably inserted.

[0083] The base device 2 of this embodiment is provided in a main switch (main breaker C1) housed in a cabinet 90 (see FIG. 6) of a distribution board B1. However, the base device 2 may be provided separately from the main switch.

[0084] The current sensor 23 in this embodiment is a Rogowski coil configured by forming a coil pattern on the substrate 5, but may be a wound-type Rogowski coil configured by winding a coil wire around the lead wire 21. The current sensor 23 may also be a current sensor using a Hall element or a current transformer type current sensor. In other words, the current sensor 23 may be capable of detecting that a surge current generated by a surge voltage flows into the lead wire 21 via the ground-side base terminal 222, and the method for detecting the surge current is not limited.

[0085] The arithmetic device 3 of this embodiment is housed in the second housing 24 of the base device 2, but may be provided separately from the base device 2. The arithmetic device 3 may also be provided in the surge protection device 1.

[0086] Furthermore, although the arithmetic device 3 of this embodiment is formed on the substrate 5 on which the Rogowski coil, which is the current sensor 23, is formed, it may be formed on a substrate different from the substrate 5 on which the Rogowski coil is formed. In other words, the base device 2 may have a substrate on which only the Rogowski coil is formed.

[0087] (summary) A surge protection system (A1) according to a first aspect of the embodiment includes a surge protection device (1) and a base device (2). The surge protection device (1) includes one or more protection elements (10), a ground-side surge protection terminal (112), and a first housing (12). The one or more protection elements (10) protect a load connected to an electric circuit when a surge voltage is applied to the electric circuit. The ground-side surge protection terminal (112) is electrically connected to the protection element (10). The first housing (12) accommodates the protection element (10) and includes the ground-side surge protection terminal (112). The base device (2) includes a lead wire (21), a ground-side base terminal (222), a current sensor (23), and a second housing (24). The lead wire (21) is electrically connected to a ground portion (91) that is grounded. The ground-side base terminal (222) is electrically connected to the lead wire (21). The current sensor (23) detects that a surge current generated by a surge voltage flows through the lead wire (21) via the ground-side base terminal (222). The second housing (24) accommodates the current sensor (23) and includes the ground-side base terminal (222). The first housing (12) and the second housing (24) are configured to be mechanically detachably coupled. When the first housing (12) and the second housing (24) are coupled, the ground-side surge protection terminal (112) and the ground-side base terminal (222) are electrically connected.

[0088] This aspect has the advantage that the effort required for replacement can be reduced.

[0089] The surge protection system (A1) of the second aspect of the embodiment is the same as the first aspect, but further includes a calculation device (3). The calculation device (3) calculates the number of surges, which is the number of times that a surge current has flowed through the lead wire (21), based on a signal obtained from the current sensor (23).

[0090] This embodiment has the advantage that the number of surges can be used as an indicator of the degree of deterioration of the protection element (10) of the surge protection device (1).

[0091] In the surge protection system (A1) of the third aspect according to the embodiment, in the second aspect, the second housing (24) further houses a computing device (3).

[0092] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage that the structure of the surge protection system (A1) can be simplified.

[0093] In the surge protection system (A1) of the fourth aspect of the embodiment, in the second or third aspect, the calculation device (3) creates replacement time information, which is information regarding the replacement time of the surge protection device (1), based on the number of surges.

[0094] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage that the number of surges can be used as a guide for the replacement time of the protection element (10) of the surge protection device (1).

[0095] In the surge protection system (A1) of the fifth aspect according to the embodiment, in the fourth aspect, the base device (2) further includes a display unit (25) that displays at least one of the number of surges and replacement time information.

[0096] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage that it is possible to notify the user of at least one of the degree of deterioration of the protective element (10) of the surge protection device (1) and the guideline for replacement time.

[0097] In the surge protection system (A1) of the sixth aspect of the embodiment, in the fourth or fifth aspect, the base device (2) further has an output section (26) that outputs at least one of the number of surges and replacement time information to an external device (E1).

[0098] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage that it is possible to more reliably notify the user of at least one of the degree of deterioration of the protective element (10) of the surge protection device (1) and the guideline for replacement time.

[0099] In the surge protection system (A1) of the seventh aspect according to the embodiment, in any of the first to sixth aspects, the current sensor (23) is a Rogowski coil.

[0100] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage that even if the surge current flowing through the lead wire (21) is large, it is possible to accurately detect that the surge current has flowed through the lead wire (21) via the ground side base terminal (222).

[0101] In the surge protection system (A1) of the eighth aspect according to the embodiment, in the seventh aspect, the base device (2) further includes a substrate (5) on which the Rogowski coil is formed.

[0102] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage that the base device (2) can be made smaller.

[0103] In the surge protection system (A1) of a ninth aspect according to the present embodiment, in any one of the third to sixth aspects, the current sensor (23) is a Rogowski coil. The base device (2) further includes a substrate (5) on which the Rogowski coil and the arithmetic device (3) are formed.

[0104] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage that the structure of the surge protection system (A1) can be further simplified.

[0105] In a surge protection system (A1) according to a tenth aspect of the embodiment, in any of the first to ninth aspects, the base device (2) is provided in a main switch (main breaker C2) housed in a cabinet of a distribution board (B1).

[0106] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage that the structure of the distribution board (B1) can be simplified.

[0107] A surge protection device (1) according to an eleventh aspect of the embodiment is used in the surge protection system (A1) according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, and includes one or more protection elements (10), a ground-side surge protection terminal (112), and a first housing (12). The one or more protection elements (10) protect a load connected to an electric circuit when a surge voltage is applied to the electric circuit. The ground-side surge protection terminal (112) is electrically connected to the protection element (10). The first housing (12) houses the protection element (10) and includes a surge protection terminal.

[0108] According to this aspect, there is an advantage that it is possible to provide a surge protection device (1) that can reduce the effort required for replacement.

[0109] A base device (2) according to a twelfth aspect of the embodiment is used in the surge protection system (A1) according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, and includes a lead wire (21), a ground-side base terminal (222), a current sensor (23), and a second housing (24). The lead wire (21) is electrically connected to a grounded portion that is grounded. The ground-side base terminal (222) is electrically connected to the lead wire (21). The current sensor (23) detects that a surge current generated in association with a surge voltage flows through the lead wire (21) via the ground-side base terminal (222). The second housing (24) houses the current sensor (23) and includes the ground-side base terminal (222).

[0110] According to this aspect, there is an advantage that it is possible to provide a base device (2) that can reduce the labor required for replacement.

[0111] A distribution board (B1) of a thirteenth aspect of the embodiment has a surge protection system (A1) of any of the first to tenth aspects, internal equipment including a main switch (main breaker C2) and a plurality of branch switches (D1), and a cabinet (90) that houses the surge protection system (A1) and the internal equipment.

[0112] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage that it is possible to provide a distribution board (B1) that can reduce the labor required for replacement. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] A1 Surge Protection System 1 Surge Protection Device 10, 10A, 10B Protection element 112 Ground side surge protection terminal 12 First Case 2 Base Equipment 21 Lead Wire 222 Ground side base terminal 23 Current Sensor 24 Second Case 25 Display section 26 Output section 3 Computing device 5 Substrate 90 Cabinet 91 Grounding part B1 Distribution board C1 Main breaker (main switch) D1 Branch switch E1 External equipment

Claims

1. A surge protection device; A base device; Equipped with The surge protection device comprises: one or more protection elements for protecting a load connected to an electric circuit when a surge voltage is applied to the electric circuit; a ground-side surge protection terminal electrically connected to the protection element; a first housing that houses the protection element and has the ground-side surge protection terminal; having The base device includes: A lead wire electrically connected to a ground portion that is grounded; a ground-side base terminal electrically connected to the lead wire; a current sensor that detects a surge current generated by the surge voltage flowing through the lead wire via the ground side base terminal; a second housing that houses the current sensor and has the ground side base terminal; having the first housing and the second housing are configured to be mechanically detachably coupled to each other; When the first housing and the second housing are coupled together, the ground-side surge protection terminal and the ground-side base terminal are electrically connected to each other, The device further includes a calculation device that calculates a surge count, which is the number of times the surge current flows through the lead wire, based on a signal obtained from the current sensor, the arithmetic unit includes a comparator, a counter circuit, and an information generating circuit; The comparator outputs an H-level signal when the surge current is greater than a preset threshold value, the counter circuit accumulates the number of times the H level signal is input from the comparator as the number of surges; The information generating circuit generates replacement time information for prompting replacement of the surge protection device when the number of surges is equal to or greater than a preset number. Surge protection system.

2. The information creation circuit creates information indicating that replacement of the surge protection device is not yet necessary when the number of surges is less than the preset number.

2. The surge protection system of claim 1.

3. The second housing further houses the computing device. A surge protection system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The base device further has a display unit that displays at least one of the surge count and the replacement time information. A surge protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The base device further has an output unit that outputs at least one of the surge count and the replacement time information to an external device. A surge protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The current sensor is a Rogowski coil. A surge protection system according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. The base device further comprises a substrate on which the Rogowski coil is formed.

7. The surge protection system of claim 6.

8. The current sensor is a Rogowski coil, The base device further includes a substrate on which the Rogowski coil and the arithmetic unit are formed. do A surge protection system according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. The base device is provided on a main switch housed in a cabinet of a distribution board. A surge protection system according to any preceding claim.

10. A surge protection system for use in any one of claims 1 to 9, one or more protection elements for protecting a load connected to an electric circuit when a surge voltage is applied to the electric circuit; a ground-side surge protection terminal electrically connected to the protection element; a first housing that houses the protection element and has the ground-side surge protection terminal; have Surge protection device.

11. A surge protection system for use in any one of claims 1 to 9, A lead wire electrically connected to a ground portion that is grounded; a ground-side base terminal electrically connected to the lead wire; a current sensor that detects a surge current generated by the surge voltage flowing through the lead wire via the ground side base terminal; a second housing that houses the current sensor and has the ground side base terminal; have Base device.

12. A surge protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Internal equipment including a main switch and a plurality of branch switches; a cabinet housing the surge protection system and the internal equipment; have Distribution board.

Images