Emergency Power Supplies and Power Distribution Equipment

Abstract

An emergency power supply device and a power distribution device therefor are provided that are capable of supplying both single-phase AC power and three-phase AC power from an emergency power source and stabilize the voltage in the supply of single-phase AC power. [Solution] A power distribution device 5 includes an inverter circuit 53 that converts single-phase AC power to three-phase AC power, a first power line 54 for supplying the single-phase AC power to a first load 3, a second power line 55 for supplying the single-phase AC power to the inverter circuit, a third power line 56 for supplying the three-phase AC power converted by the inverter circuit to a second load 4, a power distribution means that can distribute the single-phase AC power to the first and second power lines, and a power distribution means that can distribute the three-phase AC power converted by the inverter circuit to the third power line. An emergency power supply device connects an emergency generator to the power distribution device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an emergency power supply device for supplying power generated by an emergency generator to desired loads in an emergency when normal power is not supplied due to a power outage, and a power distribution device used in the emergency power supply device. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, when the supply of normal power is interrupted (power outage), a generator (a so-called private generator) is operated as an emergency power source, and various loads (electrical appliances, etc.) are operated using the power generated by the generator. In this case, it is necessary to switch between the normal power source and the emergency power source, and thus devices for this switching have been developed (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] Incidentally, typical private power generating systems are primarily used in homes to power loads (such as general household appliances) that require single-phase 100V, and therefore use single-phase AC generators. Single-phase 100V AC generators are the mainstream, particularly in homes. In contrast, commercial power generating systems, particularly those that need to be used as motive power, use three-phase 200V AC generators. Even in commercial applications, power must be supplied not only to loads that require three-phase AC power (such as large electrical appliances like motors), but also to loads that simultaneously require single-phase AC power (such as small electrical appliances like control devices and office automation equipment). In such cases, a single-phase portion of a three-phase distribution line from a three-phase AC power line is branched off and extracted as single-phase AC power for use (see Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-142102 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-180117 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-257696 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In an emergency such as a power outage that cuts off the supply of normal power, when attempting to supply power to loads from an emergency power supply, if the loads include both those that can be supplied with single-phase AC power and those that can be supplied with three-phase AC power, it has been simple and common to supply three-phase AC power using a three-phase AC generator and then branch off the single-phase portion.

[0006] However, the voltage of three-phase AC power generated by a three-phase AC generator is prone to instability, and when single-phase AC power branched off from the single-phase component is supplied to a target load, the instability of the voltage can cause operational problems. For example, when an emergency generator simultaneously supplies power to a motor for operating a compressor, pump, or the like, and a control device for controlling the motor, three-phase AC power may be supplied to the motor and single-phase AC power to the control device, and this can cause problems such as unstable motor control due to malfunction of the control device.

[0007] In addition, while single-phase AC generators are relatively inexpensive, three-phase AC generators are often expensive, and so even though they are essential in the event of a power outage, users are hesitant to prepare expensive three-phase AC generators for such emergencies. Furthermore, some users may change the location of their emergency power supply, especially in the event of a power outage that occurs in only a limited area, and when the new location uses single-phase AC power exclusively, there is a strong demand for a power source with a stable voltage.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an emergency power supply device and a power distribution device therefor that are capable of supplying both single-phase AC power and three-phase AC power from an emergency power source and that stabilize the voltage in the supply of single-phase AC power. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Therefore, the present invention relates to an emergency power supply device that can provide both single-phase AC power and three-phase AC power from an emergency power supply, and is characterized in that it comprises a single-phase AC generator and a power distribution device that can supply power from the single-phase AC generator individually to a plurality of loads, and the power distribution device comprises an inverter circuit that converts single-phase AC power to three-phase AC power, a first power line for supplying the single-phase AC power generated by the single-phase AC generator to a first load, a second power line for supplying the single-phase AC power generated by the single-phase AC generator to the inverter circuit, a third power line for supplying the three-phase AC power converted by the inverter circuit to a second load, power distribution means that can distribute the single-phase AC power generated by the single-phase AC generator to the first and second power lines, and power distribution means that can distribute the three-phase AC power converted by the inverter circuit to the third power line.

[0010] According to the above configuration, single-phase AC power generated by the single-phase AC generator can be supplied to each load. That is, by using the above power distribution device, even if the loads to be supplied with emergency power include both those that can be supplied with single-phase AC power and those that can be supplied with three-phase AC power, power can be distributed and supplied to both of them. In this case, since the power generated by the single-phase AC generator can be directly supplied as single-phase AC power, the voltage of the supplied power can be stabilized. On the other hand, since the three-phase AC power can be supplied after being converted from single-phase AC power to three-phase AC power by an inverter circuit, it can be simultaneously used by loads that can be supplied with three-phase AC power.

[0011] Here, by supplying single-phase AC power generated by a single-phase AC generator via a single-phase three-wire system, it becomes possible to selectively use single-phase 100V power or single-phase 200V power. Similarly, with three-phase AC power converted by an inverter circuit, it is possible to select 100V or 200V, and provide the converted three-phase AC power via a three-phase three-wire system. The inverter circuit converts single-phase AC power into three-phase AC power using an AD / DC converter and a DC / AC inverter with a switching circuit.

[0012] In the invention having the above configuration, the power distribution means includes a first changeover switch that enables changeover from the normal power source to the emergency power source, and the power distribution means includes a second changeover switch that enables changeover from the normal power source to the supply of three-phase AC power converted by the inverter circuit, and the operation levers of the first and second changeover switches can be integrated with a different power source simultaneous on / off lever that is suspended and fixed on the operation lever and can be operated simultaneously.

[0013] In the above configuration, the first and second changeover switches can be used to switch the power supply source from the normal power source to the emergency power source, and by operating these switches simultaneously, it is possible to simultaneously supply single-phase AC power to the inverter circuit and supply three-phase AC power output from the inverter circuit to a load (second load).In addition, it is possible to simultaneously supply power to a load (first load) that receives single-phase AC power, making it possible to stabilize the operating state when both loads are operated in synchronous mode.

[0014] In the case of the above configuration, the different power source simultaneous ON / OFF lever is provided with a limiting means for limiting switching from a state connected to a normal power source to another, and the limiting means includes a stopper member that protrudes while being urged toward a movable range to which the different power source simultaneous ON / OFF lever should move when being switched, a first electromagnetic actuator that retracts the stopper member against the urging, and a second electromagnetic actuator that limits the retraction of the stopper member, and the first and second electromagnetic actuators can be operated by single-phase AC power generated by the single-phase AC generator.

[0015] In this configuration, the first and second electromagnetic actuators are operated by power generated by the single-phase AC generator, and therefore operate only when emergency power is supplied. Furthermore, the first electromagnetic actuator restricts direct operation of the power on / off lever, and the second electromagnetic actuator restricts operation of the first electromagnetic actuator. Therefore, when the second electromagnetic actuator is not operating (not in an allowable state), the first electromagnetic actuator cannot be operated manually. As a result, these electromagnetic actuators can operate the power on / off lever when power generated by the single-phase AC generator is supplied, preventing inadvertent power supply switching operations.

[0016] Furthermore, in any of the inventions having the above configurations, the power distribution means may be provided on the first power line and include a first connector that enables a first load to be connected, the connector being interposed between the first load and the power line that supplies normal power, and the power distribution means may be provided on the third power line and include a second connector that enables a second load to be connected, the connector being interposed between the second load and the power line that supplies normal power.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the power distribution device can be detached by connecting the first and second connectors. In the case of such a detachable power distribution device, it is not necessary to connect the power distribution device at all times, and it can be used by simply connecting the connectors when in use.

[0018] In the invention configured as described above, the first and second connectors are connected to cut off the power supply from the normal power source and supply power from the emergency power source to the load, and a start-up interlock circuit that starts the power supply from the emergency power source is connected to the first and second connectors, and the start-up interlock circuit can be activated by the supply of single-phase AC power generated by the single-phase AC generator.

[0019] According to the above configuration, when the first and second connectors are connected properly and the normal power supply is cut off and power is normally supplied to the load from the emergency power supply, the supply of power from the emergency power supply (single-phase AC generator) activates the start interlock circuit, enabling the supply of emergency power to the load. Therefore, it is possible to prevent both the emergency power supply and the normal power supply from being supplied simultaneously.

[0020] Similarly, a stop interlock circuit that stops the power supply from the normal power source may be connected to the first and second connectors, and the stop interlock circuit may be operated by an electromagnetic switch that is activated by the supply of single-phase AC power generated by the single-phase AC generator.

[0021] In such a configuration, in the event of a power outage, the power distribution device is connected by a connector to the power line connecting the load and the normal power source, and in a situation where emergency power is already being supplied, even if the normal power source is restored, the supply of the normal power source to the load can be maintained in a cut-off state.

[0022] On the other hand, the present invention relating to the power distribution device is used in the above-mentioned emergency power supply device and can distribute single-phase AC power from a single-phase AC generator, and this power distribution enables the above-mentioned emergency power supply device to operate normally.

[0023] Furthermore, all of the elements that make up the power distribution device are housed within a single housing, and by configuring the entire device to be movable, the power distribution device can be moved as a whole and installed at a desired location. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] The emergency power supply device of the present invention can supply both single-phase AC power and three-phase AC power. Furthermore, since the emergency power source is generated by a single-phase AC generator, the single-phase AC power is supplied directly from the power source, and the supplied voltage is stable.

[0025] Furthermore, the power distribution device of the present invention can simultaneously supply the above-mentioned single-phase AC power with a stable voltage and the converted three-phase AC power, and in particular can simultaneously operate large electrical appliances such as motors and small electrical appliances such as their controllers using an emergency power supply. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram illustrating a case where two types of power are supplied from a normal power source. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing details of a power distribution device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of power supply when a normal power source is supplied. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of power supply during emergency power supply. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a control means for a lever for simultaneously turning on and off different types of power sources. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the use state of the control means for the lever for simultaneously turning on and off different types of power sources. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a mode of use of an embodiment. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating connection states in a connector. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when a normal power supply is supplied in a modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of supplying emergency power. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <Normal power supply flow> The emergency power supply device of the present invention is intended to distribute and use the power of a generator in an emergency, such as when the supply of normal power is stopped due to a power outage or the like. First, we will explain the supply of single-phase power and three-phase power when normal power is being supplied (normally).

[0028] FIG. 1 shows an emergency power supply device according to the present invention in a non-operating state. This figure illustrates a case in which power is supplied to both a power pump (electric pump) using three-phase 200V power and its control panel (a power control panel using single-phase 200V power), and the power pump is controlled by a control signal from the control panel. As shown in this figure, a normal power source is connected to indoor wiring via an existing distribution panel 1, and power is supplied at a predetermined voltage (the figure illustrates a three-phase, three-wire system using 200V power). This power supply is branched by a power panel 2, and different types of power can be supplied to a control panel (a commercial power control panel or other load (first load) using single-phase 200V power) 3 and a power pump (other load (second load) using three-phase 200V power) 4, respectively.

[0029] In supplying this type of normal power, a main breaker 21 is installed in the power panel 2, and then a power branch terminal block 22 is used to branch the power into three-phase power and single-phase power. The power branched into single-phase power is supplied directly to the power control panel (first load) 3, while the power branched into three-phase power (the supply power itself) is supplied to the power pump (second load) 4 via a second main breaker 23. Power is supplied to the power control panel 3 via a single-phase AC power line 20a that runs from the power branch terminal block 22 to the power control panel 3, and power is supplied to the power pump 4 via a three-phase AC power line 20b that runs from the power branch terminal block 22 to the power pump 4.

[0030] The illustrated example shows a case where the power pump 4 is controlled by the power control panel 3, and therefore an electromagnetic switch 24 for controlling the power pump 4 is provided on the power panel 2. A control command (operation command) processed by the power control panel 3 is input to the electromagnetic switch 24.

[0031] As in the above example, when power supply to the power control panel 3 is required at the same time as operating the power pump 4, normal operation is not possible with power supplied to only one of them, and in particular, if single-phase AC power with a stable voltage is not supplied to the control panel 3, the control panel 3 will not function normally, resulting in unstable operation of the power pump 4. Furthermore, since the control device used in the control panel 3 is a type of precision equipment, a supply of unstable voltage power could cause malfunctions in the precision equipment.

[0032] The present invention provides a stable supply of power from a power source generated by a generator to electrical appliances (including electronic devices) that require the supply of two different types of power (particularly three-phase AC power and single-phase AC power) as described above. Therefore, embodiments of a power distribution device and an emergency power supply device for this purpose will be described below.

[0033] <Power distribution equipment and emergency power supply equipment> 2 and 3 are diagrams showing a power distribution device and an emergency power supply device that enable emergency power supply to a power supply path that uses a normal power source. As shown in these figures, the emergency power supply device is basically formed by connecting an emergency generator 6 to a power distribution device 5. Note that Fig. 2 shows the state including the power supply portion from the normal power source, while Fig. 3 shows only the power distribution device 5.

[0034] Therefore, as shown in these figures, the power distribution device 5 is provided with connection side connectors 7b, 8b that are connectable to withered fixed side connectors 7a, 8a that are provided midway along the power lines 20a, 20b that supply power from the normal power source to the first and second loads (control panel and pump) 3, 4, and supplies emergency power via these connectors 7 (7a and 7b, the same below) and 8 (8a and 8b, the same below).

[0035] The power distribution device 5 is provided with two switches 51, 52 (a first changeover switch 51 and a second changeover switch 52) and is configured to be able to switch the power supply source to the connectors 7, 8. These switches (changeover switches) 51, 52 are of the same type and are operated simultaneously, and by operating the switches, it is possible to select the supply of normal power when connecting to one, and the supply of emergency power when connecting to the other.

[0036] The power distribution device 5 is also provided with an inverter (inverter circuit) 53, which receives input of single-phase three-wire AC power and converts it into three-phase three-wire AC power; specifically, the conversion is performed by an AD / DC converter and a DC / AC inverter using a switching circuit.

[0037] The power supplied to this power distribution device 5 is single-phase three-wire AC power generated by an emergency generator 6. Specifically, this is single-phase 100 / 200V AC power generated by the emergency generator 6, and is transmitted to one of the switches (first changeover switch) 51. By connecting two ungrounded electric wires from this single-phase 100 / 200V AC power, single-phase 200V AC power can be transmitted. Since the connection of these two ungrounded electric wires can be performed by the switch (first changeover switch) 51, a power line 54 for transmitting power supplied from the emergency generator 6 to the switch (first changeover switch) 51 is switched by this switch (first changeover switch) 51, and the power is supplied to the first load (control panel) 3 via the connector 7 through both the power line (54) transmitting the single-phase 200V AC power and the power line (54) transmitting the single-phase 200V AC power. In this sense, these power lines 54, (54) function as first power lines.

[0038] Furthermore, a power line (second power line) 55 for supplying power to the inverter 53 is connected to the power input terminal of the one switch (first changeover switch) 51, and single-phase 100 / 200V AC power (three-wire system) is supplied directly to the inverter 53. Therefore, there is no need to switch this power line (second power line) 55. Furthermore, three-phase 200V AC power output from the inverter 53 is supplied to the other switch (second changeover switch) 52, and a power line 56 for this purpose is connected to the contacts of the other switch (second changeover switch) 52. As a result, once power generation by the emergency generator 6 starts, the three-phase 200V AC power converted by the inverter 53 can be supplied to the other switch (second changeover switch) 52.

[0039] The other switch (second changeover switch) 52 has contacts for starting the supply of the converted three-phase 200V AC power to the second load (pump) 4, and the contacts can be connected by operating the switch (second changeover switch) 52, and this connection makes it possible to supply three-phase 200V AC power to the second load (pump) 4 via the connector 8. With the above configuration, the power lines 56, (56) function as a third power line.

[0040] As described above, the single-phase AC power generated by the emergency generator 6 is supplied to the target load 3 via the connector 7 by one of the switches (first changeover switch) 51, and can be distributed to the other first power line (54) and the second power line 55 supplied to the inverter 53. In this sense, the switch (first changeover switch) 51 and the connector 7 constitute a power distribution means. Note that, as will be described later, if the switch (first changeover switch) 51 is not switched or the connector 7 is not replaced, the power distribution means can also be constituted by either one of them.

[0041] Furthermore, the three-phase AC power converted by the inverter 53 is supplied to the target load 4 via the connector 8 by the other switch (second changeover switch) 52, enabling distribution to the third power line (56) for this purpose, and in this sense, the switch (second changeover switch) 52 and the connector 8 constitute a power distribution means. As will be described later, this power distribution means can also be configured by either the switch (second changeover switch) 52 or the connector 8 if the switch is not changed or the connector 8 is not replaced.

[0042] A breaker 57 is installed to prevent leakage of electricity in the power supply from the above-mentioned emergency generator 6 to one of the switches (first changeover switch) 51, and the operation levers of the two switches (changeover switches) 51, 52 are integrally configured as a common single different power source simultaneous ON / OFF lever 58. By operating the different power source simultaneous ON / OFF lever 58 that integrally configures both operation levers, it is possible to simultaneously operate the supply to the first load (control panel) 3 (via connector 7) and the supply to the second load (pump) 4 (via connector 8).

[0043] With this configuration, it is possible to select whether the power supply is normal power or emergency power by operating the switches (changeover switches) 51 and 52. In this case, if emergency power is selected, an interlock function must be provided to prevent normal power from being supplied. The interlock will be described later.

[0044] In this embodiment, the connectors connected to the fixed connectors 7a and 8a are changeable. That is, when receiving a normal power supply, the connectors are short-circuited and the power lines are connected.

[0045] That is, when receiving power from a normal power source, short-circuit connectors 7c and 8c are attached to the fixed connectors 7a and 8a, shorting the input and output lines and directly connecting the input and output sides, as shown in Figure 4. This direct connection of the power lines prevents the supplied power from flowing to or being input from elsewhere, and allows only power from the normal power source to be supplied.

[0046] On the other hand, when receiving an emergency power supply, as shown in Figure 5, by attaching the connection side connectors 7b and 8b connected to the power distribution device 5 to the fixed side connectors 7a and 8a, the circuit on the normal power supply side can be cut off and the circuit on the emergency power supply side (power distribution device side) can be used.

[0047] In this case, the switches (change-over switches) 51 and 52 are simultaneously connected to the connecting connectors 7b and 8b by the different power supply simultaneous ON / OFF lever 58. This connects the power lines from the emergency power source to the first and second loads 3 and 4 via the connectors 7 and 8, so that the power generated by the emergency generator 6 can be supplied to these loads 3 and 4.

[0048] In this case, the switches (changeover switches) 51 and 52 connect the power lines to the connectors 7 and 8 by operating the power on / off lever 58. However, if the supply path is changed by changing the connectors 7 and 8 (by installing 7b and 8b instead of 7c and 8c), the operation of the switches (changeover switches) 51 and 52 may be unnecessary. That is, the connectors may be wired from the beginning without being switched. In this case, however, care must be taken to start the operation of the emergency generator 6 after wiring (after installing the connectors) to avoid power supply due to the return of the normal power source. Furthermore, if the connectors are not connected properly or are connected incorrectly, there is a risk of electric shock or leakage. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a device to prevent electric shock while still allowing the switches (changeover switches) 51 and 52 to be operated. For this purpose, a limiting device for limiting the operation of the power on / off lever 58 may be used.

[0049] <Means for limiting simultaneous power on and shut-off levers for different power sources> Now, the limiting means for limiting the operation of the different power supply simultaneous ON / OFF lever 58 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the limiting means. As shown in FIG. 6(a), the limiting means 9 is composed of a first electromagnetic actuator 9a and a second electromagnetic actuator 9b. The first electromagnetic actuator 9a has a compression spring 92 attached to a rod 91 that can be electromagnetically moved back and forth, and urges the rod 91 in a protruding direction toward the different power supply simultaneous ON / OFF lever 58. Therefore, when the electromagnetic actuator 9a is activated, it can retract against the urging force of the compression spring 92, but when the electromagnetic actuator 9a is not activated, the protruding state is maintained by the compression spring 92. The retractable rod 91 forms a stopper. In other words, when rod 91 is in the protruding state, the tip of rod 91 is positioned inside the end of different power source simultaneous ON / OFF lever 58, and is arranged so that when an attempt is made to move different power source simultaneous ON / OFF lever 58, the tip of rod 91 obstructs said movement.

[0050] The second electromagnetic actuator 9b is disposed behind the first electromagnetic actuator 9a and restricts the movement of the rear end of the rod 91 of the first electromagnetic actuator 9a, which moves back and forth. The second electromagnetic actuator 9b also has a movable element 94, and the tip of this movable element 94 is provided so as to be able to appear and disappear within the movable range of the rear end 93 of the rod 91 of the first electromagnetic actuator 9a. When the tip of the movable element 94 appears within the movable range of the rear end 93 of the rod 91, the rear end 93 of the rod 91 is restricted by the movable element 94, and as a result, the rod 91 cannot be retracted. On the other hand, when the tip of the movable element 94 retracts outside the movable range of the rear end 93 of the rod 91, the rod 91 can be freely moved back and forth. Therefore, in order to operate the first electromagnetic actuator 9a (to move the rod 91 back), the second electromagnetic actuator 9b must be operated, causing the moving element 94 to move back and move its tip outside the range of motion of the rear end 93 of the rod 91.

[0051] The reason why the operation of the different power source simultaneous ON / OFF lever 58 is restricted in two stages by the first and second electromagnetic actuators 9a and 9b in this way is to prevent the rod 91 of the first electromagnetic actuator 9a from being artificially (forcibly) moved back to operate the different power source simultaneous ON / OFF lever 58. In other words, when a user attempts to operate the different power source simultaneous ON / OFF lever 58, in a state in which the rod 91 acts as a stopper to restrict the movement of the lever 58, the retraction of the rod 91 is prevented so that the user will not find the presence of the rod 91 to be an obstacle and forcibly move it.

[0052] The two-stage limiting means 9 described above operates in two stages. That is, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the second electromagnetic actuator 9b operates first, retracting the moving element 94, and then the first electromagnetic actuator 9a is activated. The two actuators 9a and 9b are linked, so that when the moving element 94 of the second electromagnetic actuator 9b retracts, the first electromagnetic actuator 9a is activated. Furthermore, when the rod 91 of the first electromagnetic actuator 9a protrudes, the second electromagnetic actuator 9b moves the operating element 94 forward.

[0053] Furthermore, the first electromagnetic actuator 9a can be adjusted using a timer or the like so that the time it maintains its operating state (the drive time for retracting the rod 91) is within the time required to operate the different power supply simultaneous on / off lever 58 (e.g., several seconds to several tens of seconds). When the operating state is released (the drive state ends), the rod 91 is guided in the protruding direction by the bias of the compression spring 92. Therefore, the different power supply simultaneous on / off lever 58 cannot be moved after the time has elapsed. Also, once the lever 58 has been moved, it cannot be moved again after it has been returned. At this time, to enable the lever 58 to return (restoration), the different power supply simultaneous on / off lever 58 in its moved state is positioned on the axis of the tip of the rod 91 of the first electromagnetic actuator 9a, as shown in FIG. 6(b) . When the rod 91 protrudes due to the bias of the compression spring 92, the tip of the rod 91 can stop in abutment with the end face of the different power supply simultaneous on / off lever 58. If the return (restoration) operation of the different power supply simultaneous ON / OFF lever 58 is not permitted, the rod 91 may be configured to protrude on the opposite side of the different power supply simultaneous ON / OFF lever 58 .

[0054] In this embodiment, as described above, the connectors 7 and 8 are provided with an interlock function to prevent simultaneous supply of power, but by linking the restricting means 9 of the different power supply simultaneous ON / OFF lever 58 with the interlock of the connectors 7 and 8, it is possible to prevent unexpected situations caused by incomplete or incorrect connection of the connectors 7 and 8.

[0055] 7, a second electromagnetic actuator 9b can be included in an interlock formed on two connecting connectors 7b, 8b on the connecting side, and the second electromagnetic actuator 9b can be configured to be operable when the interlock allows the start of emergency power supply. In this way, by controlling the operating conditions of the second electromagnetic actuator 9b by the interlock, it is possible to prevent emergency power from being supplied when the connection of the connectors 7, 8 is incomplete, and to prevent electric shock or leakage caused by the connectors 7, 8 due to incomplete connection, etc.

[0056] <Mode of use> The configuration of this embodiment of the power distribution device (emergency power supply device if an emergency generator is included) is as described above, so when using this embodiment, it is basically done by replacing the connectors 7, 8 and starting the emergency generator 6.

[0057] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 8, an existing distribution panel 1 for receiving a supply of normal power and a power panel 2 connected thereto are installed at the location where the power is to be supplied, and are therefore provided as the fixed side. On the other hand, an emergency generator 6 and a power distribution device 5 for distributing the power it supplies can be used by connecting them to the power panel 2, and are therefore provided as the connection side. The desired power (single-phase AC power or three-phase AC power) for the target loads is branched inside the power panel 2 or supplied via connectors 7a, 8a on the fixed side, and therefore the power lines for these are configured to be connected from the power panel 2 to each target load.

[0058] As described above, when supplying power from the utility power source, the short-circuit connectors 7c, 8c are attached to the fixed connectors 7a, 8a, and this state is the normal usage state. In this normal usage state, the utility power source is always available to supply power to the target load, so the target load can be used continuously without any special operation.

[0059] On the other hand, in the event of a power outage (emergency), the short-circuit connectors 7c, 8c connected to the fixed connectors 7a, 8a are removed, and the connecting connectors 7b, 8b provided on the power distribution device 5 are attached. By replacing the connectors 7, 8, the power lines on the normal power supply side connected to the fixed connectors 7a, 8a are disconnected at the connecting connectors 7a, 8a, and the power supply to the target load is also cut off. At the same time, the power lines for supplying power from the emergency generator 6 are connected to the power panel 2 via the connecting connectors 7a, 8a, and each becomes ready to supply power. This state is the usage mode in an emergency.

[0060] As a usage pattern for emergencies, in this way, when the power distribution device 5 is connected to the power panel 2 only in emergencies and the desired power is supplied from the power generated by the emergency generator 6, the power distribution device 5 and the emergency generator 6 can be made portable. In such a portable configuration, for example, when the normal power supply is stopped (power outage) only in a specific area, the power distribution device 5 and the emergency generator 6 can be brought into that area to supply emergency power. Also, for example, when specific equipment needs to be operated for a short period of time at multiple facilities, such as when crops are grown within facilities at a farm, the power distribution device 5 and the emergency generator 6 can be brought into each facility sequentially as a temporary power supply and used to operate the desired equipment at each facility.

[0061] <Connector structure> In this embodiment, the power supply is switched by attaching the connecting connectors 7b, 8b or the short-circuit connectors 7c, 8c to the fixed connectors 7a, 8a provided on the power panel 2. The configuration of such connectors will now be described by way of example. Fig. 9 shows the contacts of two types of connectors, with Fig. 9(a) showing a connector for single-phase AC power and Fig. 9(b) showing a connector for three-phase AC power.

[0062] As shown in Figure 9(a), the connector for switching the supply of single-phase AC power has two types of connectors 7b and 7c interchangeably connected to a fixed connector 7a. This fixed connector 7a has two terminals (II terminals) used for connection to an interlock circuit (described below) short-circuited. A short-circuit connector 7c, which is attached to the fixed connector when supplying utility power, is configured to short-circuit both the power receiving and power transmitting terminals (RU terminals and TW terminals) of the two electric wires (non-grounded electric wires) that are conducted through the fixed connector 7a. With this configuration, attaching the short-circuit connector 7c to the fixed connector 7a directly connects the two electric wires (non-grounded electric wires), allowing utility power sent to the connectors 7a and 7b to be transmitted directly to the target load.

[0063] In contrast, the connection-side connector 7b, which is attached when supplying emergency power, has two terminals (supply-side terminals (e.g., U-terminal and W-terminal)) to which the two power lines connected to the power distribution device are connected, and only the supply-side power lines for the target load are connected. Note that the terminals (two I-terminals) of the connection-side connector that are connected to the short-circuited terminal (II-terminal) of the fixed-side connector 7a are connected to wiring that forms an interlock circuit, which will be described later. Furthermore, when normal power is supplied to the switch (change-over switch) 51, the terminals on the power receiving side (the R-terminal and T-terminal in the above example) can be wired to be connected to the switch (change-over switch) 51.

[0064] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 9(b), the connector for switching the supply of three-phase AC power also has two types of connectors 8b, 8c interchangeably connected to a fixed connector 8a. The fixed connector 8a is configured to short-circuit only the two terminals (II terminals) used for connection to the interlock line, as in the case of supplying single-phase AC power. The short-circuit connector 8c that can be attached to it shorts three sets of terminals (e.g., between the RU terminals, the SV terminals, and the TW terminals) so as to short-circuit three electric wires, since the connector supplies three-phase, three-wire AC power. With this configuration, attaching the short-circuit connector 8c to the fixed connector 8a directly connects the three electric wires, allowing normal power based on three-phase, three-wire AC power to be transmitted to the target load.

[0065] In contrast, the connection-side connector 8b, which is attached when supplying emergency power, has three electric wires connected to the power distribution device connected to three terminals (e.g., U-terminal, V-terminal, and W-terminal), and the supply-side power line to the target load is connected. As in the case of supplying single-phase AC power, the shorted terminal (II-terminal) of the fixed-side connector 8a is connected to wiring that forms an interlock circuit described below in the connection-side connector 8b. The terminals (two I-terminals) of the connection-side connector that are connected to the shorted terminal (II-terminal) of the fixed-side connector 7a are connected to wiring that forms an interlock circuit described below. As in the case of single-phase AC power, when normal power is supplied to the switch (change-over switch) 52, the power receiving-side terminals (the R-terminal, S-terminal, and T-terminal in the above example) can be wired to be connected to the switch (change-over switch) 52.

[0066] Here, the interlock will be described. The interlock used in this embodiment is a startup interlock that is activated when the supply of single-phase AC power and three-phase AC power from the emergency power supply is started. The interlock circuit for this purpose has a relay provided on each power line, and these two relays are configured to form a closed circuit as a whole by connecting the short-circuit terminals (II terminals) of the fixed-side connectors 7a and 8a to the terminals (two I terminals) of the connecting-side connectors 7b and 8b. The power source for activating the relays may be single-phase AC power, or a separate battery may be connected.

[0067] As described above, the two relays connected to each power line form a closed circuit when the short-circuit terminals (II terminals) of the fixed-side connectors 7a, 8a are connected to the connection terminals (two I terminals) of the connection-side connectors 7b, 8b. Therefore, unless the connectors 7a, 7b for single-phase AC power and the connectors 8a, 8b for three-phase AC power are connected, the interlock will not function and the emergency power supply will not be able to supply power to the target load.

[0068] In this way, by using two types of connectors (connection-side connectors 7b, 8b and shortening connectors 7c, 8c) appropriately, it is possible to prevent power mixing when the normal power supply is restored from a power outage state. In this embodiment, the power supply can be switched between the normal power supply and the emergency power supply by operating the switches (change-over switches) 51, 52, but it is also possible to cut off the supply of normal power when emergency power is being supplied without operating the switches (change-over switches) 51, 52. Furthermore, it is also possible to configure the system so that the supply power is limited in two stages: by the interlock circuit and the switches (change-over switches) 51, 52.

[0069] <Summary> Since this embodiment is configured as described above, when the normal power supply is stopped (in an emergency), by switching the connectors, single-phase AC power and three-phase AC power generated by the emergency generator 6 can be supplied to the desired loads 3, 4, respectively. The power generated by the emergency generator 6 is single-phase AC power, and the three-phase AC power is obtained by converting the single-phase AC power using the inverter 53, so that power can be supplied at a stable voltage to the load 3 that can be used with single-phase AC power. This allows stable operation of precision equipment such as a power control panel, even when the equipment is used.

[0070] <Modification> Next, a modification of the above-described embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 shows the modification. As shown in FIG. 10, the basic configuration is the same, but interlock circuits 71, 81 are provided in the connecting connectors 7b, 8b on the connecting side. An electromagnetic switch 59 is also provided, which is activated by emergency power supplied from the emergency generator 6, and this electromagnetic switch 59 activates the interlock circuits 71, 81. Of these interlock circuits 71, 81, the first interlock circuit 71 functions as a stop interlock for single-phase AC power supply, which cuts off the supply of normal power when emergency power is being supplied, and also functions as a start interlock for activating the second interlock circuit 81. The second interlock circuit 81 functions as a stop interlock for three-phase AC power supply, which cuts off the supply of normal power when emergency power is being supplied.

[0071] Specifically, when the emergency generator 6 starts and power is supplied to the power distribution device 5, the electromagnetic switch 59 operates, activating two types of relays that make up the first interlock circuit and cutting off the supply of single-phase AC power from the normal power supply, and at the same time activating one relay that makes up the second interlock circuit 81. In addition, the activation of the relay of the second interlock circuit 81 makes it possible to cut off the supply of three-phase AC power from the normal power supply.

[0072] By installing such interlock circuits 71, 81, if the switches 51, 52 are operated incorrectly (connected to a normal power source), it is possible to prevent normal power from being supplied to the loads 3, 4 (electrical power mixing) even if the normal power source recovers from a power outage.

[0073] In addition, in this modified example, since the connectors 7 and 8 are not replaced, it is assumed that the power distribution device 5 is connected with the connectors 7 and 8 always in a connected state. Therefore, switching to the emergency power supply is solely by operating the switches (changeover switches) 51 and 52. In that sense, this is necessary to prevent malfunctions due to incorrect operation of the switches (changeover switches) 51 and 52.

[0074] In the above configuration, switching between the normal power supply and the emergency power supply is performed by operating the switches (changeover switches) 51, 52. Therefore, when power is being supplied from the normal power supply, the normal power is connected to the switches (changeover switches) 51, 52 via the connectors 7, 8, as shown in FIG. 11. By operating the switches (changeover switches) 51, 52 and the different power supply simultaneous ON / OFF lever 58, power is again supplied to the loads 3, 4 via the connectors 7, 8.

[0075] On the other hand, when receiving power from the emergency generator 6, as shown in FIG. 12, by operating the switches (changeover switches) 51 and 52 with the different power supply simultaneous ON / OFF lever 58 and connecting the power line to the emergency power supply, the power line on the normal power supply side is cut off and the power supplied from the emergency power supply is supplied to the loads 3 and 4.

[0076] In this modified example, the power distribution device 5 is assumed to be constantly connected via the connectors 7 and 8, but the emergency generator 6 can be portable. Therefore, if emergency power is to be supplied only to a specific area or facility that has experienced a power outage in the event of a power outage in the normal power supply, the emergency generator 6 can be moved. For users who are reluctant to change connectors, this can be a convenient way to check the wiring status, since only the emergency generator 6 needs to be connected.

[0077] <Summary> Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and the components of the present embodiments may be changed or other components may be added. For example, in the above embodiment, switches 51 and 52 are used as devices for switching the power supply in power distribution device 5, but the present invention is not limited to switches 51 and 52 as long as it can simultaneously switch between a power line for single-phase AC power and a power line for three-phase AC power.

[0078] Furthermore, when the interlock configuration in the embodiment is used, the switches 51 and 52 may not be provided, or the switches 51 and 52 may not be operated, and the wiring in the relevant parts may be fixed. In this case, the switches 51 and 52 may be used to ensure the wiring state, but they may also be directly connected.

[0079] Furthermore, the connectors 7, 8 according to the embodiment are configured with two types of connectors 7b, 7c, 8b, 8c interchangeable with the fixed connectors 7a, 8a. To ensure proper installation (to avoid installation errors), the connector tips may be colored to distinguish them. Alternatively, for example, the fixed connector for single-phase AC power may be male, and the fixed connector 8a for three-phase AC power may be female. Therefore, the connectors 7b, 7c, 8b, 8c to be installed thereto are female (7b, 7c) and male (8b, 8c), preventing installation errors. The short-circuit connectors 7c, 8c are not connected to the power distribution device 5, so they can be easily distinguished from the connecting connectors 7b, 8b.

[0080] Furthermore, although the power control panel 3 is exemplified as a load that uses single-phase AC power and the power pump 4 is exemplified as a load that uses three-phase AC power, other loads may also be connected. Furthermore, when using this embodiment, it is not necessary to use two types of AC power, single-phase and three-phase, and it can also be used when only single-phase AC power or only three-phase AC power is to be supplied, as necessary. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1 Existing distribution board 2 Power panel 3 Power control panel (first load) 4 Power pump (second load) 5 Power distribution device 6 Emergency generator (single-phase AC generator) 7a, 8a Fixed side connector 7b, 8b Connection side connector 7c,8c short-circuit connector 9. Control means for simultaneous power on / off lever for different types of power 9a First electromagnetic actuator 9b Second electromagnetic actuator 21,23 Main breaker 22 Power branch terminal block 24 Electromagnetic switch 51 Switch (first changeover switch) 52 Switch (second changeover switch) 53 Inverter (inverter circuit) 54, (54) Power Line (1st) 55 Power Line (2nd) 56, (56) Power Line (3rd) 57 Earth leakage breaker 58 Different power supply simultaneous on / off lever 59 Electromagnetic Switch 71,81 Interlock circuit 91 Rod (stopper) of first electromagnetic actuator 92 Compression spring 93 Rear end of rod 94 Moving Child

Claims

1. An emergency power supply device that enables the supply of both three-phase AC power to a power pump and single-phase AC power to a control panel that controls the power pump from an emergency power source, and stabilizes the voltage of the single-phase AC power supplied to the control panel, thereby allowing the control panel to input a control command for controlling the power pump to an electromagnetic switch, thereby stably controlling the power pump, a single-phase AC generator; and a power distribution device that can supply power from the single-phase AC generator to the control panel and the power pump individually, The power distribution device an inverter circuit that converts single-phase AC power into three-phase AC power; a first power line for supplying single-phase AC power generated by the single-phase AC generator to the control panel; a second power line for supplying single-phase AC power generated by the single-phase AC generator to the inverter circuit; a third power line for supplying the three-phase AC power converted by the inverter circuit to the power pump via the electromagnetic switch controlled by the control panel; a power distribution unit that can distribute single-phase AC power generated by the single-phase AC generator to the first and second power lines; power distribution means for distributing the three-phase AC power converted by the inverter circuit to the third power line; An emergency power supply device comprising:

2. the power distribution means is provided on the first power line and includes a first connector that enables connection of the control panel, the first connector being interposed between the control panel and a power line that supplies normal power to the control panel; The power distribution means is provided on the third power line and includes a second connector that enables connection of the power pump, and the second connector is interposed between the power pump and a power line that supplies a normal power source.

2. The emergency power supply device according to claim 1.

3. A power distribution device used in an emergency power supply device for stably controlling a power pump by stabilizing the voltage of single-phase AC power supplied to a control panel, thereby inputting a control command for controlling the power pump from the control panel to an electromagnetic switch, and which is connected to a single-phase AC generator to distribute single-phase AC power generated by the single-phase AC generator, an inverter circuit that converts the single-phase AC power into three-phase AC power; a first power line for supplying the single-phase AC power to the control panel; a second power line for supplying the single-phase AC power to the inverter circuit; a third power line for supplying the three-phase AC power converted by the inverter circuit to the power pump via the electromagnetic switch controlled by the control panel; a power distribution unit that can distribute the single-phase AC power to the first and second power lines; power distribution means for distributing the three-phase AC power converted by the inverter circuit to the third power line; A power distribution device comprising:

4. the power distribution means includes a first connector that is provided on the first power line and enables connection of the control panel, the first connector being interposed between the control panel and a power line that supplies normal power to the control panel; The power distribution means includes a second connector that is provided on the third power line and enables connection of the power pump, and the second connector is interposed between the power pump and a power line that supplies a normal power source. The power distribution device according to claim 3 .

5. 5. The power distribution device according to claim 3, wherein all of the components constituting the power distribution device are housed in a single housing, and the entire device is configured to be movable.

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