Discharge detection device

Abstract

To provide a discharge detector capable of reflecting an instruction to selection of whether or not to shut off an electric circuit, when there is an instruction from outside according to a notification content by giving notice to the outside in a case where a discharge event is generated to the electric circuit.SOLUTION: A discharge detector 1 for detecting discharge generated in an electric circuit to which a load is electrically connected based on a noise overlapped to a voltage or a current comprises a detection part 11 for detecting the noise overlapped to the voltage or the current by the discharge generated in the electric circuit; a calculation part 12 for determining generation of a discharge event from information detected at the detection part to perform opening / closing processing of an electric path; and a communication part 13 for notifying an outside of the generation of the discharge event, after determining the generation of the discharge event by the calculation part. The calculation part is configured to be capable of reflecting an instruction from outside to opening / closing control of the electric circuit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric discharge detection device. [Background technology]

[0002] When cable deterioration or a short circuit occurs in an electric circuit to which a breaker is connected, discharges such as tracking, short circuits between poles, disconnections, and ground faults occur. As a technology for dealing with such events, Patent Document 1 describes a discharge accident detection structure that determines that a discharge accident has occurred when the time during which the noise level exceeds a first threshold exceeds a predetermined time. It also describes communicating the status of the determined discharge accident to an external device.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a structure in which, when a discharge is detected by the discharge detection structure, a breaker is turned off after a predetermined time has elapsed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-184475 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-25460

[0005] However, the structures described in these documents transmit detection information to an external device when a discharge event is detected, but they only transmit information to the external device and then trip the breaker and open the circuit after a predetermined time has passed.As a result, even if the loads connected to the breaker are important loads that should not be tripped, such as lights and refrigerators, they all end up being tripped, which creates the problem that the tripping method cannot be changed depending on the situation. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The inventors of the present invention have diligently studied this point and have attempted to solve it. The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an electric discharge detection device that notifies an external device when an electric discharge event occurs in an electric circuit, and, when an external instruction is given in response to the content of the notification, can reflect the instruction in determining whether or not to shut off the electric circuit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a discharge detection device is provided that detects discharges generated in an electric circuit to which a load is electrically connected based on noise superimposed on the voltage or current, and that includes a detection unit that detects noise superimposed on the voltage or current due to discharges generated in the electric circuit, a calculation unit that determines the occurrence of a discharge event based on the information detected by the detection unit and performs opening and closing processing of the electric circuit, and a communication unit that, after the calculation unit determines the occurrence of a discharge event, notifies the outside of the occurrence of the discharge event, and the calculation unit can reflect instructions from the outside in the opening and closing control of the electric circuit.

[0008] Furthermore, it is preferable that the communication unit notify the outside of the occurrence of a discharge event, and if there is no response within a predetermined time, a decision is made as to whether to open or close the electrical circuit.

[0009] In addition, when an instruction not to cut off is received from outside, it is preferable to configure the device so that an output is sent to cut off the circuit when a first cutoff judgment condition, which is the criterion for determining whether a discharge event has occurred, and a second cutoff judgment condition different from the first cutoff judgment condition are met.

[0010] Furthermore, the first shutoff judgment condition can be satisfied when the noise level due to the occurrence of a discharge event exceeds a first threshold for detecting discharge, or when a first judgment time has elapsed while the noise level exceeds the first threshold, and it is preferable that the second shutoff judgment condition can be satisfied when the noise level exceeds a second threshold set to be larger than the first threshold, when the noise level exceeds a second judgment time set to be longer than the first judgment time, or when the number of times the first shutoff judgment condition has been exceeded exceeds a set number of times.

[0011] Furthermore, the first shutoff judgment condition can be satisfied when the noise level due to the occurrence of a discharge event exceeds a first threshold for detecting discharge, or when the first judgment time has elapsed while the noise level exceeds the first threshold. It is preferable that the second shutoff judgment condition can be satisfied when a second threshold set smaller than the first threshold is exceeded after exceeding the first threshold, or when a second judgment time set shorter than the first judgment time is exceeded after the first judgment time.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferable that when the second cutoff determination condition is satisfied, a notification different from the notification issued to the user when the first cutoff determination condition is satisfied is issued.

[0013] It is also preferable to provide a re-notification setting means for allowing the user to select whether or not to make a subsequent re-notification when the first cutoff determination condition is met.

[0014] It is also preferable that the configuration be such that it is possible to set in advance whether or not to notify the user or whether or not to block, or that it is provided with a setting unit that can set the blocking determination conditions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The present invention makes it possible to provide a discharge detection device that notifies the outside when a discharge event occurs in an electrical circuit, and that, when an instruction is received from the outside in response to the content of the notification, can reflect that instruction in deciding whether or not to shut off the electrical circuit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an electric discharge detection device and a power outlet to which the electric discharge detection device is connected in an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a discharge detection device is connected to an outlet connected to a branch breaker of a distribution panel, with information being sent from the discharge detection device to a terminal. [Figure 3]1 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which an electric discharge detection device is connected to an outlet connected to a branch breaker of a distribution panel, with information being sent from a terminal to the electric discharge detection device. [Figure 4] This figure shows an overview of the electric discharge detection device shown in Figure 1 and an example of processing of data detected by the noise detection unit, where (a) shows processing by the filter unit, (b) shows processing by the amplifier unit, (c) shows processing by the smoothing unit, and (d) shows processing by the determination unit. [Figure 5] This figure shows an overview of a discharge detection device equipped with a phase angle control unit and an example of processing of data detected by the noise detection unit, where (A) shows processing in the filter unit, (B) shows processing in the amplifier unit, (C) shows processing in the phase angle control unit, and (D) shows processing in the smoothing unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of area division by the phase angle control unit, smoothing, and comparison with a threshold value. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of how to obtain a difference after dividing the area by a phase angle control unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing that communication can be performed between the discharge detection device and a plurality of external devices (terminals) via the monitoring device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which the first threshold value is continuously exceeded for a first determination time or longer. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which the second threshold value is continuously exceeded. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which the first threshold value is continuously exceeded for a second determination time or longer. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the first shutoff determination condition is satisfied multiple times. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting a second shutoff determination condition when phase angle control is employed. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the second judgment time is set to be shorter than the first judgment time. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the second threshold is set lower than the first threshold. [Figure 16]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing that the output from the alarm device provided in the electric discharge detection device is different when the first cutoff determination condition is met and when the second cutoff determination condition is met. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which an indicator is provided on the outer surface of the discharge detection device. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a breaker signal is directly output from the discharge detection device to an earth leakage breaker. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a discharge detection device is interposed in a wiring path. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a discharge detection device is arranged inside a cutting board. [Figure 21] 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the system after detecting a discharge. [Figure 22] 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the system after detecting a discharge. [Figure 23] 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the system after detecting a discharge. [Figure 24] 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the system after detecting a discharge. [Figure 25] 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the system after detecting a discharge. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting instruction contents in advance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] An embodiment of the invention is described below. In this embodiment, a discharge detection device 1 detects discharges occurring in an electric circuit electrically connected to a load based on noise superimposed on the voltage or current. This discharge detection device 1 includes a detection unit 11 that detects noise superimposed on the voltage or current due to discharges occurring in the electric circuit, a calculation unit 12 that determines the occurrence of a discharge event based on the information detected by the detection unit 11 and performs switching operations on the electric circuit, and a communication unit 13 that notifies an external device of the occurrence of a discharge event after the calculation unit 12 determines the occurrence of the discharge event. The calculation unit 12 can reflect external instructions in the switching control of the electric circuit. This makes it possible to provide a discharge detection device 1 that notifies an external device when a discharge event occurs in an electric circuit and, if an external instruction is received based on the notification, reflects the instruction in determining whether to shut off the electric circuit. Furthermore, even when a discharge event occurs, the user's decision on whether to shut off the electric circuit can be reflected, making it difficult to shut off a load that the user does not want to shut off.

[0018] The discharge detection device 1 of the embodiment can be used by connecting it to an outlet 4 provided in a house or the like. This discharge detection device 1 has a plug connection part 14 and an earth connection part 15 on the surface facing the outlet 4, and an LED 16 that can display warnings and power status and a speaker 17 that can emit warning sounds on the front surface. The plug connection part 14 can be connected to a plug connection point 41 provided on the outlet 4, and the earth connection part 15 can be connected to an earth connection point 42 provided on the outlet 4.

[0019] Next, a system will be described in which the discharge detection device 1 of the example shown in Fig. 1 is connected to an outlet 4. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the discharge detection device 1 is connected to an outlet 4 that is connected to a branch breaker 72 of a distribution board 7. In the example shown in Fig. 2, both the main breaker 71 and the branch breaker 72 use earth leakage breakers.

[0020] As can be seen from Fig. 2, the discharge detection device 1 is equipped with a detection unit 11 that can detect noise output superimposed on the voltage or current of the wiring path. It also has a calculation unit 12 that determines whether or not a discharge event has occurred based on the noise output detected by the detection unit 11. It also has a communication unit 13 that can send information about the discharge event to a terminal 8 of a user or a person in charge of managing the distribution board 7 when the calculation unit 12 determines that a discharge event has occurred. In Figs. 2 and 3, the terminal 8 is located at a distance from the discharge detection device 1, but the terminal 8 can instruct the discharge detection device 1 to open the wiring path.

[0021] The electric discharge detection device 1 shown in FIG. 2 includes a switching unit 18 capable of electrically connecting the wiring path and the earth connection unit 15. This switching unit 18 is normally open (see FIG. 2 ), so that no current flows from the wiring path to the earth connection unit 15. However, for example, when a command to open the wiring path is received from the terminal 8, the calculation unit 12 can close the switching unit 18. Closing the switching unit 18 allows a portion of the current flowing through the wiring path to flow through the earth connection unit 15 to the earth connection point 42 provided in the outlet 4, thereby creating a pseudo-earth leakage current. When the current flows into the earth connection point 42, the upstream (primary side) earth leakage breaker of the outlet 4 detects the leakage current and cuts off the wiring path, thereby fulfilling the command from the terminal 8. Note that a limiting resistor 19 is provided between the switching unit 18 and the earth connection unit 15 to suppress the current flowing through the earth connection point 15.

[0022] Here, the details of the electric discharge detection device 1 shown in Fig. 4 will be described. The detection unit 11 is for detecting the occurrence of an electric discharge event, and includes a filter unit 11a that extracts noise output of a predetermined high-frequency component of the voltage or current of the electric circuit, an amplifier unit 11b that amplifies the noise output extracted by the filter unit 11a, and a smoothing unit 11c that smoothes the noise output amplified by the amplifier unit 11b. The electric discharge detection device 1 shown in Fig. 4 also includes a power supply unit 11d that supplies power to the detection unit 11, the calculation unit 12, the communication unit 13, etc.

[0023] The calculation unit 12 includes a determination unit 12a that determines whether or not a discharge has been detected from the output of the detection unit 11, and an output processing unit 12b that can send instructions to the opening / closing unit 18, LED 16, and speaker 17 from the output of the determination unit 12a.

[0024] 4, noise superimposed on the electricity flowing through the electrical circuit is extracted by the filter unit 11a, the extracted noise is amplified, and the amplified noise is smoothed to facilitate subsequent processing, and the smoothed noise can be used to determine whether a discharge event has occurred.In addition, an output according to the determination result can be output.

[0025] 5, the electric discharge detection device 1 may be provided with a phase angle control unit 11e that divides one cycle of voltage waveform information into four parts. In this case, it is preferable that the smoothing unit 11c smoothes the parts divided by the phase angle control unit 11e. For example, the filter unit 11a extracts noise superimposed on the electricity flowing through the electric circuit, amplifies the extracted part, and then the amplified part is divided by the phase angle control unit 11e into peak time parts (A, A') around peak points of the voltage waveform (current waveform) and zero value time parts (B, B') around zero crossing points of the voltage waveform (current waveform). By smoothing each divided part, subsequent processing becomes easier, and the smoothed part can be used to determine whether a discharge event is occurring (see FIG. 5).

[0026] Furthermore, it is preferable that the determination unit 12a is configured to determine whether or not a discharge has been detected by comparing the outputs of the divided regions. In this case, it is preferable to determine whether or not a discharge has been detected based on the difference in output between the peak time region (A, A') and the zero value time region (B, B').

[0027] For example, if the difference between A and B (the difference between A' and B'), AB=C (A'-B'=C'), is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it is judged as "1," and if it is less than that, it is judged as "0." When a motor is in use, discharge noise is always output, so the difference between A and B approaches "0." In other words, the type of discharge event can be determined by looking at AB (see FIG. 6). For this reason, it is preferable that the discharge detection device 1 be configured to include a phase angle control unit 11e.

[0028] Alternatively, if C (C'), which is the difference between A and B (the difference between A' and B'), is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it is judged as "1," and if it is less than that, it is judged as "0." A discharge event may be determined when the integrated value of these exceeds a predetermined value (see Figure 7). For example, when determining based on the integrated value of the positive output of the voltage waveform (current waveform), a discharge event may be determined when C01 + C03 + C05... + CX9 exceeds a predetermined value. Note that CX9 varies depending on the frequency and judgment time. It is set according to the conditions, such as C29 for 500 ms (assuming one period = 16.7 ms).

[0029] Here, we will explain pairing between the electric discharge detection device 1 and a device such as a terminal 8 that is different from the electric discharge detection device 1. For example, pairing is performed to enable communication between the electric discharge detection device 1 and a device such as the terminal 8 via short-range wireless communication. Pairing is a setting that enables the electric discharge detection device 1 and a device such as the terminal 8 to recognize each other, and after pairing is performed, specific information about noise detection can be exchanged.

[0030] 2, there is only one discharge detection device 1 and one terminal 8, but this combination is not the only one that can be used. For example, it is also possible to use multiple discharge detection devices 1 and multiple terminals 8 (see FIG. 8). When there are multiple discharge detection devices 1 and multiple terminals 8, pairing settings and communication may be performed individually for each device, but pairing settings and communication may also be performed via a monitoring device 6 that manages multiple discharge detection devices 1.

[0031] Here, an example will be described in which one of the multiple discharge detection devices 1 detects a discharge event, as shown in Figure 8. When the discharge detection device 1 detects a discharge event, it transmits information to the monitoring device 6. When the monitoring device 6 receives information from the discharge detection device 1 that a discharge event has been detected, it transmits a signal to the terminal 8 that is set to be linked to that discharge detection device 1. After that, when the terminal 8 responds to the monitoring device 6, the monitoring device 6 transmits cut-off instruction information, etc. to the discharge detection device 1 that sent the information, causing the discharge detection device 1 to perform opening and closing processing. In this way, the monitoring device 6 is responsible for the information distribution function, thereby reducing the functions required for the discharge detection device 1.

[0032] However, even if information is transmitted from the discharge detection device 1 to the terminal 8, it is not guaranteed that a response will be transmitted from an external device such as the terminal 8. Leaving the detection device 1 in a state where a discharge event continues to be detected can lead to ignoring the risk of a fire or other similar event. Therefore, if the communication unit 13 notifies the outside of the occurrence of a discharge event and no response is received within a predetermined time, it is preferable to determine whether to open or close the electrical circuit. For example, if no response is received from the external device such as the terminal 8 within a certain period of time, it is preferable to close the switching unit 18 provided in the discharge detection device 1, generate a false earth leakage current, and interrupt the electrical circuit. However, if it is absolutely necessary to avoid interrupting the electrical circuit, the device may be controlled to wait until a response is received.

[0033] When an instruction not to shut off the wiring path is given from a terminal 8 held by a user or administrator, the basic operation method is to leave the opening / closing unit 18 of the discharge detection device 1 in the open state, but there may be situations in which it is determined that it is not appropriate to follow that instruction. For example, when it is determined that the situation is prone to fire, such as when a dangerous state continues or when multiple discharges occur, it is preferable to control the device to shut off the wiring path despite the instruction from the terminal 8.

[0034] An example of a method for checking for risk will now be described. Here, an example in which two conditions are set will be described. A first threshold is set to detect the noise level that detects normal discharge, and it is determined that a discharge event has occurred when this first threshold is exceeded for a predetermined time. In the example shown in FIG. 9, it is determined that a discharge event has occurred when the noise level exceeds the first threshold for a first determination time. The conditions used to estimate the occurrence of a discharge event will be referred to as shut-off determination conditions. Of these, the shut-off determination condition used when determining that a discharge event has occurred in a state where no discharge event has occurred will be referred to as the first shut-off determination condition.

[0035] Alternatively, it may be configured to determine that a risk has been confirmed when it is confirmed that a second shutoff determination condition different from the first shutoff determination condition is satisfied after the first shutoff determination condition has been satisfied. In this case, even if an instruction not to shut off is received from outside, it is preferable to configure the device so that an output is issued to shut off the electric circuit when the first shutoff determination condition, which is a criterion for determining whether a discharge event has occurred, and the second shutoff determination condition different from the first shutoff determination condition are satisfied.

[0036] The second shutoff judgment condition may be any, but for example, as can be seen from Fig. 10, a second threshold may be set at a higher level than the first threshold, or as can be seen from Fig. 11, a second judgment time longer than the first judgment time may be set, and when these are exceeded, it may be determined that the second shutoff judgment condition is met. Also, as can be seen from Fig. 12, the second shutoff judgment condition may be set when it is determined that the first shutoff judgment condition is met multiple times.

[0037] As can be seen from this, the discharge detection device 1 can satisfy the first shut-off judgment condition when the noise level due to the occurrence of a discharge event exceeds a first threshold for detecting discharge, or when the first judgment time has elapsed while the noise level exceeds the first threshold, and it is preferable that the second shut-off judgment condition can be satisfied when the noise level exceeds a second threshold set larger than the first threshold, when the noise level exceeds a second judgment time set longer than the first judgment time, or when the number of times the first shut-off judgment condition has been exceeded exceeds a set number of times.

[0038] If the second shutoff determination condition is met, it is preferable to perform control so as to forcibly shut off the electric circuit. At this time, it is preferable for the electric discharge detection device 1 to send information to that effect to external devices such as the terminal 8 or other devices. In this way, even if an instruction not to shut off is received from an external device, the electric discharge detection device 1 will forcibly shut off the electric circuit, thereby reducing the risk of fire. Furthermore, by communicating this information to the external device, it is possible to quickly eliminate any misunderstanding that "the electric circuit has not been shut off because an instruction has already been given."

[0039] Similarly, when phase angle control is performed, a first shutoff judgment condition and a second shutoff judgment condition can also be set. In the example shown in Fig. 13, the first shutoff judgment condition is determined to be met when the state in which the noise level exceeds the first threshold continues for a first judgment time. Note that "continuing for the first judgment time" may also be considered to mean "continuing for a predetermined number of times." Similarly, "continuing for a second judgment time," which is an example of satisfying the second shutoff judgment condition, may also be considered to mean "continuing for a predetermined number of times," which is set longer than the first shutoff judgment condition.

[0040] The second tripping judgment condition shown in Figures 10 and 11 has stricter thresholds, time settings, etc. than the first tripping judgment condition. However, once a discharge event has occurred, the wiring is often already deteriorated, making it more likely to occur again. Therefore, when checking the second tripping judgment condition after the first tripping judgment condition, it may be possible to set the second tripping judgment condition to a lower level than the first thresholds and first judgment time.

[0041] For example, as can be seen from the example shown in Fig. 14, the second determination time may be set shorter than the first determination time. Also, as can be seen from the example shown in Fig. 15, the second threshold value may be set lower than the first threshold value.

[0042] In other words, the first shut-off judgment condition can be satisfied when the noise level due to the occurrence of a discharge event exceeds a first threshold for detecting discharge, or when the first judgment time has elapsed while the noise level exceeds the first threshold.The second shut-off judgment condition may also be configured to be satisfied when a second threshold set smaller than the first threshold is exceeded after exceeding the first threshold, or when a second judgment time set shorter than the first judgment time is exceeded after the first judgment time.

[0043] The second shutoff judgment condition set in the examples shown in Figures 11 and 12 is a passive shutoff method that avoids shutoff if possible, but shuts off only when it is determined that the situation is serious enough to lead to a fire. In contrast, the second shutoff judgment condition set in the examples shown in Figures 14 and 15 can be said to be a proactive shutoff method that shuts off to prevent the occurrence of a discharge event in the first place. In this way, by changing the settings, it is possible to perform control according to the desired level.

[0044] Incidentally, when the second shutoff judgment condition is satisfied, it is preferable to provide a different notification to the user than the notification issued when the first shutoff judgment condition is satisfied. In the embodiment, when the first shutoff judgment condition is satisfied and when the second shutoff judgment condition is satisfied, the output is made different by shortening the output interval from the notification means (speaker 17 and LED 16) provided in the electric discharge detection device 1 or changing the content of the notification (see FIG. 16). Therefore, when the second shutoff judgment condition is satisfied, it is possible to notify the user that the risk is increasing. Note that the time until shutoff is controlled to be shorter when the second shutoff judgment condition is subsequently satisfied than when only the first shutoff judgment condition is satisfied.

[0045] It is also preferable to provide a re-notification setting means for allowing the user to select whether or not to re-notify when the first blocking judgment condition is met. The re-notification setting means, for example, checks whether or not to re-notify the user when the second blocking judgment condition is met after the first blocking judgment condition is met. In this case, it is also preferable to check whether or not to block when it is decided not to re-notify. In this case, it is also preferable to control so that blocking is performed when there is no response from the external terminal 8.

[0046] Incidentally, it is preferable to provide the discharge detection device 1 with a setting unit 22 capable of performing various settings. If the setting unit 22 can be configured to allow settings such as whether or not to notify the user and whether or not to shut off the power in advance, it will be possible to simplify communication with the user after a discharge event occurs. Furthermore, if the setting unit 22 allows the second shutoff determination condition to be set, it will be easier to adjust the setting at the installation location, and the device can be adapted to the usage environment.

[0047] Up to this point, the description has been given taking as an example the discharge detection device 1 in the form shown in Fig. 1, but the discharge detection device 1 does not have to be in the form shown in Fig. 1. For example, as can be seen from Fig. 17, it is also possible to provide an indication means 21 on the outer surface of the discharge detection device 1 so that an indication can be given to the discharge detection device 1 by touching and operating this indication means 21.

[0048] It is preferable that the indicating means 21 be operable when the occurrence of a discharge event is detected. It is also preferable that a signal be output from the calculation unit 12 to operate the opening / closing unit 18 by operating the indicating means 21 in an operable state.

[0049] 18, the calculation unit 12 may be configured to output a tripping signal directly to the earth leakage breaker when a discharge event occurs. In this case, a test device provided in the earth leakage breaker may be operated to trip the electric circuit. The test device is normally used during trial operation after installation, and can trip the electric circuit by means of a tripping signal.

[0050] Furthermore, although the discharge detection device 1 has been described as being connected to the outlet 4, as can be seen from Figure 19, the discharge detection device 1 may also be interposed in the wiring path, and as can be seen from Figures 18 to 20, the discharge detection device 1 may be placed either inside or outside the distribution board 7.

[0051] Here, an example of the flow after detecting a discharge will be described. First, the example shown in Fig. 21 will be described. If the first interruption determination condition is met, it is considered that a discharge has been detected, and an alarm is issued by the LED 16. A notification is also sent to an external device of the discharge detection device 1. This notification is intended for the user, etc., and the discharge detection device 1 waits in a state where it can receive a response to this notification. The waiting time is divided into intervals, so the waiting time is counted.

[0052] If there is no response from the external device before the set standby time has elapsed, a disconnection signal is output and the circuit is disconnected. If there is a response from the external device before the set standby time has elapsed, a determination is made as to whether the response is an instruction to disconnect or not to disconnect.

[0053] If the instruction is to execute a cutoff, a cutoff signal is output to cut off the electrical circuit. If the instruction is not to cut off, it is checked whether the second cutoff judgment condition is met.

[0054] If it is determined that the second tripping judgment condition is met, a tripping signal is output and the circuit is tripped. If it is determined that the second tripping judgment condition is not met, the tripping signal is not output and the series of steps ends. In this case, the state before it was determined that the first tripping judgment condition was met is returned to.

[0055] Next, the example shown in Fig. 22 will be described. In this example, unlike the previous example, if the second cutoff judgment condition is met in the standby state, a cutoff signal is output and the electrical circuit is cut off. In this way, even if the set standby time has not ended and there is no response from the external device, if the second cutoff judgment condition is met, the cutoff signal can be output and the electrical circuit can be cut off.

[0056] In the example shown in Figure 22, a blocking signal is output when the waiting time has expired, but if there is no reply, it is also possible to continue waiting for a reply unless the second blocking judgment condition is met.

[0057] Next, the example shown in Fig. 23 will be described. This example differs from the example shown in Fig. 21 in that when the second blocking judgment condition is met, a second user notification is sent to inform the user of this. It is preferable that this second user notification is different from the first user notification. Since the situation in which the second user notification is sent is more dangerous, it is preferable to send the notification in a way that makes it clear that the danger is high.

[0058] Next, the example shown in Fig. 24 will be explained. This example differs from the example shown in Fig. 23 in that the second user notification is made assuming a reply. Here, a certain period of time is waited even if no reply is received, but if the set period of time has elapsed without a reply, a cut-off signal is output. Furthermore, if a reply indicating that the call will be cut off is received during the waiting period after the second user notification, a cut-off signal is output.

[0059] 24, even if a reply indicating that the circuit will not be cut off is received during the waiting period after the second user notification, if the third cutoff determination condition is met, the cutoff signal is output immediately to cut off the circuit. Also, even if the third cutoff determination condition is not met, the cutoff signal is output and the circuit is cut off after a certain period of time has elapsed. The third cutoff determination condition may be set to the same condition as the second cutoff determination condition, or may be set to a higher-level or lower-level condition.

[0060] Next, the example shown in Fig. 25 will be described. Here, if the reply from the user is that the call will not be blocked, the user is allowed to choose whether or not to re-notify. In the example shown in Fig. 25, if the reply is that the call will not be blocked and the user selects that they wish to be re-notified, it is determined whether or not the second blocking determination condition is met, and if it is met, a second user notification is made. Note that even if it is determined whether or not the second blocking determination condition is met, if it is not met, the series of steps is terminated.

[0061] In the example shown in Fig. 25, if a reply is received indicating that the device will not be shut off and the user selects not to be notified again, the device is configured to confirm whether or not to shut off the device if a discharge is detected again. If the user selects to shut off the device if a discharge is detected again, a shutoff signal is output if the second shutoff determination condition is met. On the other hand, if the second shutoff determination condition is not met, the device is configured to end the series of steps.

[0062] In this example, if the user selects not to block, the user is prompted to select whether or not to re-notify. If re-notification is not selected here, it may be set to automatically block or not to block. Even if not blocking is selected, there may be cases where blocking is necessary, so it is preferable to control the system so that the decision on whether to block is made separately.

[0063] Although the operational examples have been described using several flowcharts, the methods of use are not limited to these. For example, a combination of each method may be used, or some of the methods may be omitted. Furthermore, other processes may be added. In any case, it is preferable to set the flow so that a shutoff is promoted when a discharge occurs, so that a fire can be prevented even when a critical load is connected.

[0064] In the example shown in Figure 26, before a discharge event occurs, the setting unit 22 is set in advance to set whether or not to notify the user, whether or not to shut off, the count of the waiting time, each shut-off judgment condition, etc., so that when a discharge event occurs, processing can be performed according to the previously set conditions.

[0065] While the present invention has been described above using the embodiments as examples, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be embodied in various forms. For example, the discharge detection device may not be configured to be plugged into an outlet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1. Discharge detection device 11 Detection unit 12 Arithmetic section 13 Communications Department 22 Setting section

Claims

1. 1. A discharge detection device that detects a discharge occurring in an electric circuit to which a load is electrically connected based on noise superimposed on a voltage or a current, a detection unit that detects noise superimposed on a voltage or current due to discharge generated in an electric circuit; a calculation unit that determines the occurrence of a discharge event based on the information detected by the detection unit and performs opening and closing processing of the electric circuit; a communication unit that notifies an external device of the occurrence of a discharge event after the calculation unit determines that a discharge event has occurred; An electric discharge detection device in which a calculation unit can reflect an external disconnection command in response to the content of a notification of the occurrence of an electric discharge event notified to the outside in the opening and closing control of an electric circuit.

2. A discharge detection device that detects discharges occurring in an electric circuit to which a load is electrically connected based on noise superimposed on a voltage or current, a detection unit that detects noise superimposed on a voltage or current due to discharge generated in an electric circuit; a calculation unit that determines the occurrence of a discharge event based on the information detected by the detection unit and performs opening and closing processing of the electric circuit; a communication unit that notifies an external device of the occurrence of a discharge event after the calculation unit determines that a discharge event has occurred; The calculation unit can reflect external instructions in the opening and closing control of the electric circuit, After the communication unit notifies the outside of the occurrence of a discharge event, if a response is received after a predetermined time has elapsed, the instruction is reflected in the selection of whether or not to cut off the electric circuit, If there is no response after a predetermined time has elapsed, the discharge detection device determines whether the electrical circuit is open or closed.

3. A discharge detection device that detects a discharge occurring in an electric circuit to which a load is electrically connected based on noise superimposed on a voltage or current, a detection unit that detects noise superimposed on a voltage or current due to discharge generated in an electric circuit; a calculation unit that determines the occurrence of a discharge event based on the information detected by the detection unit and performs opening and closing processing of the electric circuit; a communication unit that notifies an external device of the occurrence of a discharge event after the calculation unit determines that a discharge event has occurred; The calculation unit can reflect external instructions in the opening and closing control of the electric circuit, If an external instruction is received not to shut down, The discharge detection device outputs an electric circuit to be interrupted when a first interruption determination condition, which is a criterion for determining whether a discharge event has occurred, and a second interruption determination condition, which is different from the first interruption determination condition, are met.

4. The first shutoff determination condition can be satisfied when the noise level due to the occurrence of a discharge event exceeds a first threshold for detecting discharge, or when a first determination time has elapsed in a state where the noise level exceeds the first threshold, The discharge detection device described in claim 3, wherein the second interruption judgment condition can be satisfied when the discharge exceeds a second threshold value set larger than the first threshold value, when the discharge exceeds a second judgment time set longer than the first judgment time, or when the discharge exceeds a set number of times set as the number of times the first interruption judgment condition is exceeded.

5. The first shutoff determination condition can be satisfied when the noise level due to the occurrence of a discharge event exceeds a first threshold for detecting discharge, or when a first determination time has elapsed in a state where the noise level exceeds the first threshold, The discharge detection device described in claim 3, wherein the second interruption judgment condition can be satisfied when a second threshold value set smaller than the first threshold value is exceeded after exceeding the first threshold value, or when a second judgment time set shorter than the first judgment time is exceeded after the first judgment time.

6. The electric discharge detection device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein when the second interruption determination condition is satisfied, a notification different from the notification issued to the user when the first interruption determination condition is satisfied is issued.

7. 7. The electric discharge detecting device according to claim 3, further comprising a re-notification setting means for allowing a user to select whether or not to make a subsequent re-notification when the first cutoff determination condition is satisfied.

8. The electric discharge detection device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, further comprising a setting unit that can set in advance whether or not to notify the user or whether or not to cut off, or that can set cut-off determination conditions.

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