Circuit breakers and distribution boards

Abstract

To provide a circuit breaker and the like that can easily update a software program for detecting abnormalities when a plurality of software programs are used.SOLUTION: A circuit breaker 100 includes: a first detection unit 11 that detects a first abnormality regarding an electrical path based on the current value or voltage value of an electrical path between an AC power source AC and a load 31 by executing a first software program; a second detection unit 12 that detects a second abnormality different from the first abnormality by executing a second software program different from the first software program; and a control unit that updates the first software program based on first update information for updating the first software program and updates the second software program based on second update information for updating the second software program. The acquisition route of the first update information and the acquisition route of the second update information are different.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a circuit breaker and a distribution board. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a circuit breaker (earth leakage breaker) equipped with an overcurrent detector that detects overcurrent in an electric circuit and a leakage current detector that detects leakage current (i.e., earth leakage) in the electric circuit. Such a circuit breaker detects multiple types of abnormalities in a distribution board, such as overcurrent and earth leakage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-045706 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, new types of electrical appliances have been developed, and in homes, for example, these electrical appliances are connected to AC power sources as new types of loads that are different from existing loads. Even when such new types of loads are used, it is necessary to detect abnormalities in the distribution board.

[0005] However, when the new type of load is connected to the distribution board and used, if an attempt is made to detect an abnormality in the electrical circuit by executing software stored in the distribution board at the time of manufacture or shipment, false detection may occur. An example of a false detection is a case where an abnormality is mistakenly detected even when no abnormality actually exists. For example, in the circuit breaker and distribution board disclosed in Patent Document 1, even when a new type of load is used, it is assumed that detection will be performed by executing software stored at the time of manufacture, etc., and therefore false detection may occur frequently.

[0006] Therefore, in order to prevent false detection when a new type of load is connected to the distribution board, the software stored at the time of manufacture or the like must be updated.

[0007] Furthermore, as in Patent Document 1, there are cases where multiple abnormalities, such as a first abnormality and a second abnormality that are different from each other, are detected. In this case, the first software for detecting the first abnormality and the second software for detecting the second abnormality are different software. Even when multiple software are used in this way, if the software for detecting abnormalities can be easily updated, the occurrence of false detections can be easily suppressed even when a new type of load is connected to the distribution board.

[0008] The present invention provides a circuit breaker or the like that allows software for detecting anomalies to be easily updated when multiple pieces of software are used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A circuit breaker according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first detection unit that executes first software to detect a first abnormality in an electric circuit between an AC power source and a load based on a current value or a voltage value of the electric circuit; a second detection unit that executes second software that is different from the first software to detect a second abnormality that is different from the first abnormality; and a control unit that updates the first software based on first update information for updating the first software and updates the second software based on second update information for updating the second software, wherein an acquisition path for the first update information and an acquisition path for the second update information are different.

[0010] A distribution board according to one aspect of the present invention includes the circuit breaker described above and a distribution board cabinet that houses the circuit breaker. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] When a plurality of pieces of software are used in the circuit breaker or the like of the present invention, the software for detecting an abnormality can be easily updated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a circuit breaker according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a first operation example according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an operation example 2 according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an operation example 3 according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0014] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0015] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of a circuit breaker 100 according to an embodiment will be described.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a circuit breaker 100 according to this embodiment.

[0017] The circuit breaker 100 according to this embodiment is a device for detecting an abnormality and breaking an electric circuit, and is used in a distribution board 50 installed in a building B such as a detached house. The distribution board 50 is installed, for example, on a wall surface of the building B. In this embodiment, a plurality of types of abnormalities are detected, for example, two types of abnormalities (first abnormality and second abnormality). The distribution board 50 also communicates with a server device 200, which is an example of an external device. The server device 200 is a device operated by an administrator who manages the circuit breaker 100.

[0018] The distribution board 50 includes a main breaker 10 having a circuit breaker 100, a measurement unit 20, and a plurality of branch breakers 30 in a distribution board cabinet 5. In other words, the distribution board 50 includes the main breaker 10, the measurement unit 20, a plurality of branch breakers 30, and a distribution board cabinet 5.

[0019] The distribution board 50 distributes AC power from the power line 40 to the plurality of branch breakers 30 via the main breaker 10. For example, a single-phase three-wire power distribution system may be used.

[0020] Here, the main breaker 10 is electrically connected between a power line 40 electrically connected to an external alternating current power source AC such as a commercial power source, and a power line 41 electrically connected to a measurement unit 20 in a distribution board 50. In addition, the measurement unit 20 is electrically connected between the power line 41 and a power line 42 electrically connected to a plurality of branch breakers 30 in the distribution board 50.

[0021] Each of the branch breakers 30 is electrically connected between a power line 42 and a power line 43. Each of the branch breakers 30 is connected to a load 31 via the power line 43.

[0022] In this embodiment, the electric paths that are interrupted by the circuit breaker 100 are the electric paths between the alternating current power supply AC and the plurality of loads 31, and are, for example, the power lines 40, 41, and .

[0023] The main breaker 10 includes the circuit breaker 100 as described above.

[0024] The circuit breaker 100 is a device that detects a first abnormality and a second abnormality by executing first software and second software, and breaks an electric circuit when the first abnormality and the second abnormality are detected. In other words, a plurality of pieces of software are used in the circuit breaker 100. The circuit breaker 100 includes a first detection unit 11, a breaker unit 13, a first control unit 14, a first storage unit 15, and a first communication unit 17.

[0025] The first detection unit 11 is a processing unit that executes first software to detect a first abnormality in the electric circuit based on a current value or a voltage value in the electric circuit between the alternating current power source AC and the plurality of loads 31. In other words, the first software is software for detecting a first abnormality. The current value or the voltage value in the electric circuit is a value measured by the measurement unit 20. In addition, in this embodiment, the first detection unit 11 constantly detects a first abnormality when power is supplied from the alternating current power source AC to the main breaker 10. The first detection unit 11 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The function of the first detection unit 11 is realized when hardware such as a microcomputer or a processor that constitutes the first detection unit 11 executes software (computer program) stored in the first storage unit 15.

[0026] The first detection unit 11 detects, as a first abnormality, an abnormality that needs to be constantly detected while power is being supplied from the alternating current power supply AC to the distribution board 50. More specifically, the first detection unit 11 detects, as the first abnormality, at least one of an overcurrent, a ground fault, and a missing neutral wire, and in this embodiment, the first detection unit 11 detects an overcurrent as the first abnormality.

[0027] When the first abnormality is at least one of an overcurrent and a ground fault, the first detection unit 11 executes the first software to detect the first abnormality related to the electric circuit based on the current value of the electric circuit. When the first abnormality is a missing neutral wire, the first detection unit 11 executes the first software to detect the first abnormality related to the electric circuit based on the voltage value of the electric circuit.

[0028] The method of detecting an overcurrent, a ground fault, and a missing neutral wire as the first abnormality by the first detection unit 11 executing the first software is not limited to the above.

[0029] In addition, in this embodiment, the first software is updated based on first update information for updating the first software.

[0030] The second detection unit 12 is a processing unit that detects a second abnormality different from the first abnormality by executing second software. The second software is software different from the first software. The second software is software for detecting the second abnormality. The second detection unit 12 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The function of the second detection unit 12 is realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor that constitutes the second detection unit 12 executing software (computer program) stored in the first storage unit 15.

[0031] Unlike the first abnormality, the second abnormality does not need to be detected constantly while power is being supplied from the alternating current power supply AC to the distribution board 50. In other words, there may be a period during which the second abnormality is not detected even while power is being supplied from the alternating current power supply AC to the distribution board 50. The second detection unit 12 detects at least one of an arc, lightning, and an earthquake as the second abnormality, but in the present embodiment, the second detection unit 12 detects an arc as the second abnormality.

[0032] For example, the second detection unit 12 detects an arc as the second abnormality based on the current value of the electric path between the AC power supply AC and the load 31 by executing the second software.

[0033] In addition, in this embodiment, the second software is updated based on second update information for updating the second software.

[0034] In the present embodiment, second detection unit 12 detects an arc as the second abnormality, but may also detect lightning, earthquakes, and the like.

[0035] For example, when lightning is detected as the second abnormality, the second detection unit 12 detects the lightning as follows. In this case, for example, the circuit breaker 100 may have a surge current measurement unit that measures a surge current caused by a lightning strike, and the second detection unit 12 may execute second software to detect lightning as the second abnormality based on the surge current measured by the surge current measurement unit. Note that the means by which the second detection unit 12 detects lightning is not limited to the above.

[0036] Furthermore, for example, when an earthquake is detected as the second abnormality, the second detection unit 12 detects the earthquake as follows. In this case, for example, the circuit breaker 100 may have a seismic sensor that measures acceleration due to an earthquake as a measurement value, and the second detection unit 12 may execute second software to detect the earthquake as the second abnormality based on the measurement value measured by the seismic sensor. Note that the means by which the second detection unit 12 detects an earthquake is not limited to the above.

[0037] The circuit breaker 13 breaks the electric circuit when the first detection unit 11 detects a first abnormality or the second detection unit 12 detects a second abnormality. More specifically, the circuit breaker 13 breaks the electric circuit as follows. First, in this embodiment, a contact unit is provided between the power line 40 and the power line 41. The contact unit is configured to open in response to an open signal from the circuit breaker 13.

[0038] When the first abnormality or the second abnormality is detected, the circuit breaker 13 generates an open signal to open the contact portion in response to the interruption signal output from the first control unit 14, and outputs the generated open signal to the contact portion. In other words, the circuit breaker 13 has a function of interrupting the electric circuit in response to the detection results of the first detection unit 11 and the second detection unit 12.

[0039] The first control unit 14 is a processing unit that updates the first software based on first update information for updating the first software and updates the second software based on second update information for updating the second software. Furthermore, the first control unit 14 outputs a shutdown signal to the shutdown unit 13 when the first detection unit 11 detects a first abnormality or the second detection unit 12 detects a second abnormality. That is, when the first detection unit 11 detects a first abnormality, it outputs a detection result indicating that the first abnormality has been detected to the first control unit 14, and the first control unit 14 outputs a shutdown signal to the shutdown unit 13 in accordance with the output detection result. Similarly, when the second detection unit 12 detects a second abnormality, it outputs a detection result indicating that the second abnormality has been detected to the first control unit 14, and the first control unit 14 outputs a shutdown signal to the shutdown unit 13 in accordance with the output detection result.

[0040] The first control unit 14 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the first control unit 14 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting the first control unit 14 executing software (computer programs) stored in the first storage unit 15.

[0041] The first storage unit 15 is a storage device that stores information necessary for information processing for interrupting an electric circuit, such as software executed by the interrupting unit 13 and the first control unit 14. The first storage unit 15 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0042] Adjustment unit 16 is a member for adjusting the sensitivity with which first detection unit 11 detects the first abnormality, and is a switch in this embodiment.

[0043] Adjustment unit 16, which is a switch, is operated by, for example, a user. The user may be, for example, a resident of building B or a serviceman who repairs and inspects circuit breaker 100. By operating the switch, the sensitivity at which the first abnormality is detected may be adjusted in multiple stages. In this embodiment, an overcurrent is detected as the first abnormality. Therefore, when adjustment unit 16 is operated to increase the sensitivity, even a slight overcurrent is detected as the first abnormality, and when adjustment unit 16 is operated to decrease the sensitivity, a large overcurrent is detected as the first abnormality.

[0044] The first communication unit 17 is an example of a communication unit, and is a communication circuit for communicating with the measurement unit 20 and the server device 200. The first communication unit 17 acquires second update information for updating the second software. Here, the first communication unit 17 acquires the second update information from the server device 200. In this embodiment, the first communication unit 17 is a circuit for performing wireless communication, and specifically, the first communication unit 17 performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE (Blutooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Note that the first communication unit 17 may also be a circuit for performing wired communication. For example, the first communication unit 17 acquires, from the measurement unit 20, a current value or a voltage value measured by the measurement unit 20.

[0045] 1, the first detection unit 11, the second detection unit 12, the breaker unit 13, the first control unit 14, the first storage unit 15, the adjustment unit 16, and the first communication unit 17 are housed in a housing 1 of the main breaker 10. The housing 1 is an example of a housing unit.

[0046] Here, the arrangement of the second detection unit 12, the first communication unit 17, and the interruption unit 13 will be described. The second detection unit 12, the first communication unit 17, and the interruption unit 13 are installed on a single circuit board inside the housing 1. It is preferable that the first detection unit 11, the interruption unit 13, the first control unit 14, the first storage unit 15, and the first communication unit 17 are installed on the single circuit board.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the distance between first communication unit 17 and second detection unit 12 is shorter than the distance between interrupter unit 13 and second detection unit 12. More specifically, in a plan view of the single circuit board, the distance between the center of first communication unit 17 and the center of second detection unit 12 is shorter than the distance between the center of interrupter unit 13 and the center of second detection unit 12.

[0048] As described above, the first software and the second software according to this embodiment are updated. This update will be described in more detail below.

[0049] As described in the "Problem to be Solved by the Invention" section, new types of electrical appliances have been developed in recent years. For example, in a house, which is an example of building B, this electrical appliance is connected to an AC power source as a load. In the circuit breaker and distribution board disclosed in Patent Document 1, the software for detecting abnormalities is not updated, so the software stored at the time of manufacture continues to be used without change. However, the software stored at the time of manufacture is software used to detect abnormalities when an existing load is connected to the circuit breaker and distribution board disclosed in Patent Document 1. Therefore, if the software is used when an electrical appliance (i.e., a new type of load) created after the circuit breaker and distribution board disclosed in Patent Document 1 were manufactured is connected to an AC power source, there is a risk of frequent false detections.

[0050] Therefore, in the circuit breaker 100 and the distribution board 50 according to this embodiment, the first software and the second software stored at the time of manufacture are updated. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of false detection even when a new type of load is connected to the circuit breaker 100 and the distribution board 50.

[0051] In this embodiment, as an example, a service person or an administrator creates first update information for updating the first software and second update information for updating the second software. After the service person or the administrator becomes aware that an electrical appliance that can become a new type of load has been created, for example, after the electrical appliance is sold, the service person or the administrator creates the first update information and the second update information. The first software and the second software are updated based on the first update information and the second update information.

[0052] Next, the measurement unit 20 will be described.

[0053] The measurement unit 20 measures a current value or a voltage value flowing in an electric path between an AC power source AC and a plurality of loads 31. The measurement unit 20 includes a measurement unit 21, an acquisition unit 22, a second control unit 24, a second storage unit 25, and a second communication unit 27.

[0054] The measurement unit 21 is a device that measures the value of a current or a voltage flowing in an electric path between the alternating current power supply AC and the plurality of loads 31. Here, the measurement unit 21 measures the current value, and is, for example, a current value sensor, more specifically, a CT (Current Transformer) sensor.

[0055] The acquisition unit 22 is a processing unit that acquires a current value or a voltage value of an electric path between the alternating current power supply AC and the plurality of loads 31. In the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 22 acquires a current value measured by the measurement unit 21. The acquisition unit 22 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The function of the acquisition unit 22 is realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or a processor that constitutes the acquisition unit 22 executing software (computer program) stored in the second storage unit 25.

[0056] When the acquisition unit 22 acquires a current value or a voltage value, the second control unit 24 controls the second communication unit 27 so as to output the acquired current value or voltage value to the main breaker 10. The second control unit 24 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the second control unit 24 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting the second control unit 24 executing software (computer programs) stored in the second storage unit 25.

[0057] The second storage unit 25 is a storage device that stores information necessary for information processing for interrupting an electric circuit, such as software executed by the acquisition unit 22 and the second control unit 24. The second storage unit 25 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0058] The second communication unit 27 is a communication circuit that enables the measurement unit 20 to communicate with the main breaker 10 and the server device 200. In this embodiment, the second communication unit 27 is a circuit that performs wireless communication, and specifically, the second communication unit 27 performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Note that the second communication unit 27 may also be a circuit that performs wired communication.

[0059] 1, the measurement unit 21, the acquisition unit 22, the second control unit 24, the second storage unit 25, and the second communication unit 27 are housed in a housing 2 of the measurement unit 20. The housing 2 is an example of a housing unit. However, this is not limiting, and the housing 2 may house the acquisition unit 22, the second control unit 24, the second storage unit 25, and the second communication unit 27, and the measurement unit 21 may be disposed outside the housing 2, in a distribution board cabinet 5.

[0060] In this embodiment, the housing 1 and the housing 2 are separate bodies and are separate housings.

[0061] Next, the server device 200 will be described.

[0062] The server device 200 is an example of an external device. In this embodiment, the server device 200 is a cloud server. Alternatively, for example, a high-performance processor dedicated to the circuit breaker 100 may be used as the external device instead of the server device 200. An external device such as the server device 200 is installed outside the building B, and more specifically, is installed in a location remote from the building B. The external device may also be installed inside the building B.

[0063] The server device 200 is a device used by an administrator who manages the circuit breaker 100 .

[0064] The server device 200 includes a third communication unit 201. The third communication unit 201 is a communication circuit that enables the server device 200 to communicate with the master breaker 10 and the measurement unit 20. In this embodiment, the third communication unit 201 is a circuit for performing wireless communication, and specifically, the third communication unit 201 performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The third communication unit 201 outputs second update information for updating the second software to the master breaker 10. Note that the third communication unit 201 may be a circuit for performing wired communication.

[0065] Furthermore, the first update information for updating the first software is not output from the server device 200 to the distribution board 50 (that is, the main breaker 10 and the measurement unit 20).

[0066] The second update information is information created by an administrator or the like who manages the circuit breaker 100. As described above, the administrator creates the second update information when an electrical appliance that can become a new type of load is created and sold. The second software is updated with the second update information, and becomes second software that corresponds to the new type of load. Even when the second detection unit 12 executes this updated second software, the second anomaly is not falsely detected.

[0067] Next, the operation of the circuit breaker 100 according to this embodiment configured as above will be described.

[0068] First, an operation example 1 in which the first abnormality and the second abnormality are detected will be described.

[0069] [Example 1] 2 is a flowchart of an operation example 1 according to the present embodiment. The operation in FIG. 2 is performed, for example, after a distribution board 50 (circuit breaker 100) is installed in a building B and a plurality of loads 31 are connected to the distribution board 50 in the building B.

[0070] First, the measurement unit 21 measures the value of the current flowing through the electrical path between the AC power supply AC and the plurality of loads 31 (S10).

[0071] The acquiring unit 22 acquires the current value measured by the measuring unit 21 (S12). The second communication unit 27 outputs the current value acquired by the acquiring unit 22 to the first communication unit 17. More specifically, the acquiring unit 22 outputs current value information linking the measured current value with the time when the current value was measured to the first communication unit 17. The first communication unit 17 acquires the current value information output by the second communication unit 27.

[0072] In addition, in this embodiment, in step S10, the measurement unit 21 constantly measures the value of the current flowing in the electric circuit, and in step S12, the acquisition unit 22 constantly acquires the measured current value, and the second communication unit 27 outputs the current value to the first communication unit 17. That is, in the measurement unit 20, the measurement unit 21 constantly measures (monitors) the value of the current flowing in the electric circuit, and all of the current values ​​are acquired by the acquisition unit 22 and output to the main breaker 10 by the second communication unit 27.

[0073] Next, the first detection unit 11 executes the first software stored in the first storage unit 15 and detects a first abnormality in the electric circuit based on the current value information (current value) acquired by the second communication unit 27 (S14). For example, the first detection unit 11 that has executed the first software may detect a first abnormality in the electric circuit when the acquired current value is greater than or less than a first threshold value, in other words, the first detection unit 11 may detect that there is a first abnormality, but this is not limited to this.

[0074] If the first detection unit 11 does not detect the first abnormality, that is, if there is no first abnormality (No in S14), the second detection unit 12 executes the second software to detect a second abnormality (S16). More specifically, by executing the second software, the second detection unit 12 detects an arc as a second abnormality in the electric circuit based on the current value information (current value) acquired by the second communication unit 27. For example, the second detection unit 12 that has executed the second software may detect the second abnormality when the acquired current value is greater or smaller than a second threshold, that is, the second detection unit 12 may detect the presence of a second abnormality, but this is not limiting.

[0075] If the first detection unit 11 detects a first abnormality, that is, if a first abnormality exists (Yes in S14), or if the second detection unit 12 detects a second abnormality, that is, if a second abnormality exists (Yes in S16), the circuit breaker 13 breaks the electrical circuit (S18).

[0076] When the first abnormality or the second abnormality is detected, the first control unit 14 outputs a disconnection signal to the interrupter unit 13. Furthermore, the interrupter unit 13 generates an open signal to open the contact unit in response to the disconnection signal output by the first control unit 14, and outputs the generated open signal to the contact unit. The open signal from the interrupter unit 13 opens the contact unit, thereby interrupting the electric circuit.

[0077] Furthermore, if the second detection unit 12 does not detect the second abnormality, that is, if there is no second abnormality (No in S16), the operation ends.

[0078] In this operation example, step S16 is performed after step S14, but the order may be reversed. Also, step S14 and step S16 may be performed simultaneously. Even in these cases, if there is a first abnormality or a second abnormality, the circuit breaker 13 breaks the electric circuit.

[0079] Next, an operation example 2 in which the first software executed by the first detection unit 11 is updated and an operation example 3 in which the second software executed by the second detection unit 12 is updated will be described.

[0080] [Examples 2 and 3] Fig. 3 is a flowchart of an operation example 2 according to the present embodiment. More specifically, Fig. 3 shows an example in which the first software is updated.

[0081] Fig. 4 is a flowchart of an operation example 3 according to the present embodiment. More specifically, Fig. 4 shows an example in which the second software is updated.

[0082] The operations shown in Figures 3 and 4 are performed, for example, after a serviceman or administrator becomes aware that an electrical appliance that can be a new type of load has been created and creates the first update information and the second update information. When a new type of load is connected as described above, the first software and the second software must be updated to prevent false detections. It is preferable that the operations shown in Figures 3 and 4 be performed after a new type of load described in "Problem to be Solved by the Invention" is connected to the distribution board 50 as one of the multiple loads 31.

[0083] First, an example in which the first software is updated will be described.

[0084] Before proceeding with the explanation using FIG. 3 , the prerequisites for updating the first software will be explained. If the first software is updated while the first detection unit 11 detects the first abnormality, there is a possibility that a false detection will occur during the update. Furthermore, the first detection unit 11 constantly detects the first abnormality while power is being supplied to the distribution board 50 from the alternating current power source AC. For this reason, the first software needs to be updated while power is not being supplied to the distribution board 50 from the alternating current power source AC. Here, an example is shown in which the distribution board 50 is removed from the wall of building B by a serviceman, and the first software is updated while power is not being supplied to the distribution board 50 from the alternating current power source AC.

[0085] More specifically, an example in which the first software is updated will be described using the second operation example shown in FIG.

[0086] To update the first software, a service technician works in building B. First, the service technician removes the distribution board 50 from the wall of building B (S40). That is, the electrical connection between the distribution board 50 and the alternating current power source AC and the electrical connection between the distribution board 50 and the plurality of loads 31 are cut off.

[0087] Furthermore, a dedicated device carried by the service technician outputs first update information for updating the first software (S42). The dedicated device is a device in which the first update information is stored and outputs the stored first update information to the distribution board 50 (more specifically, the circuit breaker 100). For example, the dedicated device may be a tablet terminal, a personal computer, a mobile phone terminal, or a dedicated control device, and is carried to building B by the service technician. As an example, the dedicated device outputs the first update information stored therein to the distribution board 50 via an information interface included in the distribution board 50. The information interface is, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. As a result, the first update information is stored in the first storage unit 15 of the distribution board 50. At this time, it is preferable that power is supplied to the distribution board 50 from the dedicated device. In this manner, the distribution board 50 (circuit breaker 100) acquires the first update information, for example, from the dedicated device. In other words, the acquisition path of the first update information is the path from the dedicated device to the circuit breaker 100.

[0088] Next, in the main breaker 10, the first control unit 14 updates the first software executed by the first detection unit 11 based on the first update information stored in the first storage unit 15 (S44). By updating the first software, the first software becomes first software that corresponds to the new type of load. By executing this updated first software, the first detection unit 11 does not erroneously detect a first abnormality based on the acquired current value or voltage value.

[0089] The following is an example of updating the first software. As described above, a first anomaly is detected when the acquired current value is greater or smaller than the first threshold value. However, by updating the first software, the first threshold value is changed. This reduces the occurrence of false detection of a first anomaly.

[0090] Thereafter, a serviceman attaches the distribution board 50 to the wall of the building B. That is, the distribution board 50 and the alternating current power supply AC are electrically connected, and the distribution board 50 and the plurality of loads 31 are electrically connected.

[0091] The first abnormality detected by the first detection unit 11 is an abnormality that is constantly detected while power is being supplied from the alternating current power supply AC to the main breaker 10. Therefore, in step S40, the first detection unit 11 does not detect the first abnormality during the period from when the distribution board 50 is removed from the wall surface of the building B until when it is reinstalled.

[0092] Furthermore, in this operation example, the first software is not updated while the first detection unit 11 detects the first abnormality, and therefore, the occurrence of erroneous detection during the update of the first software is suppressed.

[0093] Next, an operation example 3 shown in FIG. 4 will be described.

[0094] The server device 200 outputs the second update information created by the serviceman or administrator to the first communication unit 17 (S50). The first communication unit 17 acquires the output second update information. In this way, the distribution board 50 (circuit breaker 100) acquires the second update information from the server device 200 via the first communication unit 17 or the like. In other words, the acquisition path for the second update information is the path from the server device 200 to the circuit breaker 100.

[0095] In the main breaker 10, the first control unit 14 updates the second software executed by the second detection unit 12 based on the second update information acquired by the first communication unit 17 (S52). By updating the second software, the second software becomes second software that corresponds to the new type of load. By executing this updated second software, the second detection unit 12 does not erroneously detect the second abnormality.

[0096] The following is an example of updating the second software. As described above, a second anomaly is detected when the acquired current value is greater or smaller than the second threshold value. However, by updating the second software, the second threshold value is changed. This reduces the occurrence of false detection of a second anomaly.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the second software is updated using the acquired second update information, the second detection unit 12 suspends detection of the second abnormality. In other words, the second detection unit 12 does not detect the second abnormality while the second software is being updated by the first control unit 14. As with the first detection unit 11, if the second software is updated while the second detection unit 12 is detecting the second abnormality, a false detection may occur during the update. When the second software is updated, the second detection unit 12 suspends detection of the second abnormality, so that such a false detection does not occur.

[0098] As shown in Operation Example 2 and Operation Example 3 in FIGS. 3 and 4, in this embodiment, the route for acquiring the first update information is different from the route for acquiring the second update information.

[0099] The circuit breaker 100 acquires the first update information from, for example, a dedicated device. In other words, the acquisition path of the first update information is the path from the dedicated device to the circuit breaker 100. As described above, the dedicated device is a device that stores the first update information and outputs the first update information to the circuit breaker 100, and is, for example, a device that is carried by a service person and brought to building B in order to update the first software.

[0100] On the other hand, the circuit breaker 100 acquires the second update information from the server device 200. That is, the acquisition path of the second update information is the path from the server device 200 to the circuit breaker 100.

[0101] Therefore, in this embodiment, the route for acquiring the first update information is different from the route for acquiring the second update information.

[0102] That is, when the second software for detecting the second abnormality is updated, the service technician does not need to perform the work in building B. In the main breaker 10, the second software is updated based on the second update information output from the server device 200 that is located in a location remote from building B. Therefore, the second software can be updated more easily than when the service technician performs the work in building B, for example.

[0103] In practice, the first software is rarely updated, while the second software is often updated. The frequency with which the first software is updated is overwhelmingly lower than the frequency with which the second software is updated, for example, less than one-tenth of the frequency with which the first software is updated. In other words, the second software, which is frequently updated, can be easily updated, thereby realizing a circuit breaker 100 that eliminates the effort required for updating.

[0104] [Effects, etc.] The circuit breaker 100 according to this embodiment includes a first detection unit 11, a second detection unit 12, and a control unit. The first detection unit 11 executes first software to detect a first abnormality in the electrical circuit based on a current value or a voltage value in the electrical circuit between the alternating current power supply AC and the load 31. The second detection unit 12 executes second software different from the first software to detect a second abnormality different from the first abnormality. The control unit (first control unit 14) updates the first software based on first update information for updating the first software, and updates the second software based on second update information for updating the second software. The first update information is obtained via a different route than the second update information.

[0105] As described above, if an electrical appliance (i.e., a new type of load) created after the circuit breaker and distribution board disclosed in Patent Document 1 were manufactured is connected to the circuit breaker and distribution board, the following problem is expected. In such a case, if software stored at the time of manufacture of the circuit breaker and distribution board disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used, a problem of frequent false detection is expected. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the first software and second software stored at the time of manufacture are updated, thereby suppressing the occurrence of false detection even when a new type of load is connected to the circuit breaker 100 and distribution board 50.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the acquisition path of the first update information is different from the acquisition path of the second update information. More specifically, the circuit breaker 100 acquires the first update information from, for example, a dedicated device carried by a serviceman performing work in building B. In other words, the acquisition path of the first update information is the path from the dedicated device to the circuit breaker 100. On the other hand, the circuit breaker 100 acquires the second update information from the server device 200. In other words, the acquisition path of the second update information is the path from the server device 200 to the circuit breaker 100.

[0107] In this way, when the second software for detecting the second abnormality is updated, the service technician does not need to perform the work in building B. In the main breaker 10, the second software is updated based on the second update information output from the server device 200 located in a location remote from building B. Therefore, the second software can be updated more easily than when the service technician performs the work in building B, for example.

[0108] In summary, when a plurality of pieces of software are used, the circuit breaker 100 can easily update the software for detecting anomalies. More specifically, when the circuit breaker 100 uses first software and second software, the circuit breaker 100 can easily update at least the second software.

[0109] Furthermore, in the circuit breaker 100, if the second software can be easily updated, the occurrence of false detection of the second abnormality can be easily suppressed even when a new type of load is connected to the distribution board.

[0110] Furthermore, for example, the circuit breaker 100 according to the present embodiment includes a communication unit (first communication unit 17) that acquires second update information. When the second software is updated by the acquired second update information, the second detection unit 12 stops detecting the second abnormality.

[0111] Since the circuit breaker 100 according to this embodiment is provided with the first communication unit 17, when the second software for detecting the second abnormality is updated, the service person does not need to perform the work in building B. For example, the second software can be updated more easily than when the service person performs the work in building B.

[0112] Therefore, when a plurality of pieces of software are used, the software for detecting an abnormality can be easily updated in the circuit breaker 100. More specifically, when the first software and the second software are used, the circuit breaker 100 can easily update at least the second software.

[0113] Furthermore, if the second software is updated while the second detection unit 12 is detecting the second abnormality, there is a possibility that a false detection will occur during the update. However, in this embodiment, when the second software is updated, the second detection unit 12 stops detecting the second abnormality, so that such a false detection will not occur.

[0114] Furthermore, for example, the communication unit (first communication unit 17) acquires the second update information from the cloud server (server device 200).

[0115] This allows the first communication unit 17 to acquire the second update information from the cloud server (server device 200).

[0116] Furthermore, for example, the circuit breaker 100 according to this embodiment includes a breaker unit 13 that breaks the electrical circuit when a first abnormality or a second abnormality is detected. The distance between the communication unit (first communication unit 17) and the second detection unit 12 is shorter than the distance between the breaker unit 13 and the second detection unit 12.

[0117] As a result, the cutoff unit 13 is disposed at a position farther from the second detection unit 12 than the first communication unit 17. Therefore, the cutoff unit 13 is less susceptible to the influence of the digital noise output from the second detection unit 12.

[0118] Furthermore, for example, the circuit breaker 100 according to the present embodiment includes an adjustment unit 16 for adjusting the sensitivity with which the first detection unit 11 detects the first abnormality.

[0119] Thereby, for example, the sensitivity at which the first abnormality is detected is adjusted by the user operating the adjustment unit 16.

[0120] For example, the first detector 11 detects at least one of an overcurrent, a ground fault, and a missing neutral conductor as the first abnormality, and the second detector 12 detects at least one of an arc, lightning, and an earthquake as the second abnormality.

[0121] This allows the circuit breaker 100 to detect at least one of an overcurrent, a ground fault, and a missing neutral conductor as a first abnormality, and to detect at least one of an arc, lightning, and an earthquake as a second abnormality.

[0122] Furthermore, for example, a distribution board 50 includes the circuit breaker 100 and a distribution board cabinet 5 that houses the circuit breaker 100.

[0123] As described above, when a plurality of pieces of software are used in the circuit breaker 100, it is possible to easily update the software for detecting anomalies. Therefore, when a plurality of pieces of software are used in the distribution board 50 equipped with such a circuit breaker 100, it is also possible to easily update the software for detecting anomalies.

[0124] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0125] The communication method between the devices described in the above embodiment is merely an example, and is not particularly limited to this.

[0126] In the above-described embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processing operations may be changed, or multiple processing operations may be performed in parallel.

[0127] In the above-described embodiments, components such as the control unit may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0128] Furthermore, components such as the control unit may be realized by hardware. For example, components such as the control unit may be circuits (or integrated circuits). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0129] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, device, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Also, the present invention may be realized as any combination of a system, device, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium. For example, the present invention may be realized as the distribution board or server device of the above-described embodiments, or as an information processing method executed by the distribution board. The present invention may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such an information processing method, or as a non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded. Such programs include application programs for causing a computer, such as a general-purpose information terminal, to function as the server device of the above-described embodiments.

[0130] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 5 Distribution board cabinet 11 First detection unit 12 Second detection unit 13 Breaker 50 Distribution board 100 Circuit Breakers AC alternating current power supply

Claims

1. a first detection unit that executes first software to detect a first abnormality in an electric path between an AC power source and a load based on a current value or a voltage value in the electric path; a second detection unit that detects a second abnormality different from the first abnormality by executing second software different from the first software; a control unit that updates the first software based on first update information for updating the first software and updates the second software based on second update information for updating the second software; The Communications Department and a breaker that breaks the electrical path when the first abnormality is detected or when the second abnormality is detected, an acquisition path of the first update information and an acquisition path of the second update information are different; The distance between the communication unit and the second detection unit is shorter than the distance between the blocking unit and the second detection unit. Circuit breaker.

2. The communication unit acquires the second update information, When the second software is updated by the acquired second update information, the second detection unit stops detecting the second abnormality.

10. The circuit breaker of claim 1.

3. The communication unit acquires the second update information from a cloud server.

3. The circuit breaker of claim 2.

4. an adjustment unit for adjusting the sensitivity at which the first abnormality is detected by the first detection unit; A circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first detection unit detects at least one of an overcurrent, a ground fault, and a missing neutral conductor as the first abnormality, The second detection unit detects at least one of an arc, lightning, and an earthquake as the second abnormality. A circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 5; a distribution board cabinet for storing the circuit breaker; Distribution board.

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