Earthquake-sensing power supply breaker device

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an earthquake-sensing power supply breaker device which has a simple structure, is inexpensive, can be easily installed without depending on a professional, and can securely cut off a power supply during vibration caused by an earthquake. The present invention is provided with: a circuit breaker that is provided between a plug and an output outlet and that is capable of interrupting the supply of power to the output outlet; an opening / closing switch that is provided between a non-ground-side terminal of the plug and a ground cable and is capable of switching from always non-conductive to conductive between the non-ground-side terminal and the ground cable; an earthquake-sensing unit that detects shaking of a predetermined amount or more and outputs a detection signal; and a control unit that outputs a control signal respectively to the circuit breaker and the opening / closing switch in response to the detection signal, and switches the opening / closing switch to the conductive state.

Description

Earthquake-sensing power cutoff device

[0001] The present invention relates to a device that cuts off power supply when vibrations caused by earthquakes or the like occur.

[0002] Various earthquake-sensitive power interrupters have been proposed as a measure to prevent electrical fires during earthquakes. For example, the earthquake-sensitive breaker control device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is designed to be inserted into a building's outlet, and when it detects an earthquake, it generates a pseudo-earthquake, which then trips the breaker and cuts off the power supply (hereinafter referred to as a total interrupter type). Furthermore, the earthquake-sensitive breaker devices disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3 are also designed to be inserted into a building's outlet, and when it detects shaking, it cuts off AC power to connected electrical equipment (hereinafter referred to as a specific interrupter type).

[0003] JP 2017-121112 A JP 2018-093698 A JP 2014-161213 A

[0004] However, the total circuit breaker needs to be connected to the building's ground wire to generate a pseudo current. For this reason, if the building does not have an outlet with a ground terminal, the total circuit breaker cannot be used. In contrast, the specific circuit breaker can be used with an outlet without a ground terminal, but it can only cut off the power to the AC output of the unit. Therefore, electrical equipment using other outlets will remain energized even after an earthquake, which could cause an electrical fire.

[0005] On the other hand, the earthquake-sensitive circuit breaker system disclosed in Patent Document 2 has an earthquake-sensitive relay that generates a pseudo current in the distribution board, and also has a circuit breaker function that cuts off AC output in the outlet unit. In other words, the earthquake-sensitive circuit breaker system has both a total circuit breaker function and a specific circuit breaker function. However, Patent Document 2 discloses an earthquake-sensitive circuit breaker system that includes everything from the distribution board to the outlet unit, and installing the earthquake-sensitive relay in the distribution board and wiring it requires professional electrical work. This makes installation difficult and costly.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and its object is to provide an earthquake-sensitive power supply cutoff device that is simple in structure, inexpensive, can be easily installed by anyone, even by non-professionals, and can reliably cut off the power supply when subjected to vibrations caused by an earthquake.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the earthquake-sensitive power cutoff device of the present invention is an earthquake-sensitive power cutoff device comprising a plug (201) to be inserted into a power outlet (300) fixed to a building, and output outlets (205(1) to 205(3)) that supply power from the plug (201), and a circuit breaker (203) that is provided between the plug (201) and the output outlets (205(1) to 205(3)) and is capable of cutting off the supply of power to the output outlet, and a non-grounded terminal of the plug (201) and a grounded terminal (207). and an open / close switch (104, Ry) that is provided between the non-grounded terminal and the grounded terminal (207) and can switch between non-conduction and conduction at all times; a seismic sensor (101) that detects shaking of a predetermined level or more and outputs a detection signal; and a control unit (102) that outputs control signals (SD, SD1, SD2) to the circuit breaker (203) and the open / close switch (104, Ry) in response to the detection signal, thereby switching the circuit breaker (203) to a cut-off state and the open / close switch (104, Ry) to a conduction state.

[0008] By configuring it in this way, the circuit breaker can be switched to a cut-off state and the open / close switch to a conducting state, and even if the open / close switch is conducting and no pseudo-earthquake leakage current occurs, the circuit breaker can perform a specific cut-off operation, thereby providing an inexpensive and safe earthquake-sensitive power cut-off device that can reliably cut off the power supply when an earthquake occurs.

[0009] Furthermore, depending on whether the ground terminal (207) is connected or disconnected to the building's ground terminal (301), it is possible to switch between a full shutdown operation in which the open / close switch (104, Ry) is conductive and generates a pseudo-earth leakage current, and a specific shutdown operation in which the circuit breaker (203) cuts off the power supply to the output outlets (205(1) to 205(3)). With this configuration, if a building-side ground terminal is installed, it is possible to select between a full shutdown operation and a specific shutdown operation depending on whether the ground terminal (207) is connected to the building-side ground terminal (301). Furthermore, if the building-side ground terminal (301) is not installed, the ground terminal (207) is in an open state, and only the circuit breaker in the second enclosure is activated to perform the specific shutdown operation. Therefore, whether the building-side ground terminal (301) is present or not, a safe power shutdown is possible.

[0010] When a predetermined time has elapsed since the control unit (102) outputted a control signal to the circuit breaker (203) and the on-off switch (104, Ry), the on-off switch (104, Ry) can be returned to the open state. As a result, in a building where a circuit breaker itself is not installed, if the circuit breaker does not operate or if only a specific interruption occurs and not a total interruption, safety can be further improved by opening the normally open relay Ry after a predetermined time has elapsed to interrupt the pseudo-earth leakage current.

[0011] The device comprises a first housing (100) and a second housing (200) detachable from the first housing, the first housing (100) having an open / close switch (104, Ry), the second housing (200) having a plug (201), output outlets (205(1) to 205(3)) and a circuit breaker (203), and further, the seismic sensor (101) and the control unit (102) are provided in either the first housing (100) or the second housing (200), and the first housing (100) and the second housing (200) can be provided with power connectors (105, 202) that connect the non-grounded terminal of the plug (201) and the open / close switch (104, Ry), signal connectors (103, 204) that transmit control signals, and ground connectors (106, 206) that connect the open / close switch (104) and the ground terminal (207). This allows the first case (100) and the second case (200) to be assigned a total shutdown function and a specific shutdown function, respectively, facilitating maintenance and operation.

[0012] The device comprises a first housing (700) and a second housing (800) detachable from the first housing, the first housing (700) having a seismic sensor (101), the second housing (800) having an open / close switch (104, RY), a plug (201), output outlets (205(1) to 205(3)), a circuit breaker (203), and a control unit (211), and the first housing (700) and the second housing (800) can be provided with signal connectors (701, 801) for transmitting detection signals. This configuration makes it easy to replace the first housing (700) equipped with the seismic sensor (101). Furthermore, by providing the open / close switch (104, RY) in the second housing (800), there is no need to provide an AC power connector between the first housing (700) and the second housing (800), which further simplifies the configuration.

[0013] The earthquake-sensitive power cutoff device includes a plug (201) to be inserted into a power outlet fixed to a building, and output outlets (205(1) to 205(3)) that supply power from the plug (201), and is characterized by comprising: a circuit breaker (203) that is provided between the plug (201) and the output outlets (205(1) to 205(3)) and is capable of cutting off the supply of power to the output outlet; an earthquake-sensitive switch (501) that is provided between the non-grounded terminal of the plug (210) and the grounded terminal (207) and is capable of detecting shaking of a predetermined level or more and switching the state between the non-grounded terminal and the grounded terminal (207) from normally non-conductive to normally conductive; and a detection unit (601) that is provided between the grounded terminal (207) and the grounded terminal of the plug (201) and outputs a control signal (SD) to the circuit breaker (203) to switch the state to the cutoff state when the earthquake-sensitive switch (501) is closed.

[0014] With this configuration, when the ground terminal (207) is connected to the building's ground terminal, the earthquake-sensing switch (501) can generate a pseudo-current. Also, if the ground terminal (207) is open, the circuit breaker (203) can be operated simply by detecting the voltage of the detector (601). This allows for the construction of a simple and inexpensive earthquake-sensing power cutoff device.

[0015] The device comprises a first housing (500) and a second housing (600) that is detachable from the first housing (500), the first housing (500) having a seismic switch (501), the second housing (600) having a plug (201), output outlets (205(1) to 205(3)), a circuit breaker (203), and a detection unit (601), and the first housing (500) and the second housing (600) can each have a power connector (105, 202) that connects the non-grounded terminal of the plug (201) to the seismic switch (501), and a ground connector (106, 206) that connects the seismic switch (501) to the ground terminal (207). This configuration makes it easy to replace the first housing (500) that is provided with the seismic switch (501).

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an inexpensive and safe earthquake-sensitive power cutoff device that has a simple structure and can reliably cut off the power supply due to shaking during an earthquake.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the general configuration of a seismic power supply circuit breaker according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the general configuration of a seismic power supply circuit breaker according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the general configuration of a seismic power supply circuit breaker according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a separate type seismic power supply circuit breaker according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the general configuration of a seismic power supply circuit breaker according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing an example of a seismic switch in the seismic power supply circuit breaker illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing another example of a seismic switch in the seismic power supply circuit breaker illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the general configuration of a seismic power supply circuit breaker according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the appearances (A) and (B) of a separate type seismic power supply circuit breaker according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] An earthquake-sensitive power cutoff device according to an embodiment of the present invention can supply multiple AC outputs by inserting a plug into an AC power outlet fixed to a building. In particular, a circuit breaker capable of cutting off the power supply to the AC output is provided between the plug and the AC output, and an on-off switch capable of switching from a normally non-conductive state to a conductive state is provided between the non-grounded terminal of the plug and the grounding cable. In this embodiment, the on-off switch functions as a pseudo-earthquake generator. When a predetermined level of shaking is detected, the control unit controls the circuit breaker to switch to the off state and the on-off switch to the conductive state. This makes it possible to provide an inexpensive and safe earthquake-sensitive power cutoff device that can reliably cut off power in the event of an earthquake. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] 1. First Embodiment As illustrated in Figure 1, an earthquake-sensitive power supply cutoff device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a first housing 100 and a second housing 200. The connection surface F11 of the first housing 100 and the first connection surface F21 of the second housing 200 are mechanically and electrically connectable as described below. Furthermore, a power plug 201 is provided on the second connection surface F22 on the building side of the second housing 200, and can be mechanically and electrically connected to the building by inserting the power plug 201 into a power outlet 300. The power outlet 300 is a socket fixed to the building, for example, embedded in the wall of the building.

[0020] Note that some buildings may not be provided with a ground terminal 301. As will be described later, the seismic power shutoff device 1 according to this embodiment can select between a full shutoff operation and a specific shutoff operation if the building has a ground terminal 301 installed, and performs the specific shutoff operation if the building does not have a ground terminal 301 installed. A full shutoff occurs when a pseudo-earth leakage current flows through the ground terminal 301 and the grounding part 304, causing the breaker 303 of the distribution board 302 to operate and enter a cutoff state. According to this embodiment, safe power shutoff is possible whether or not the building has a ground terminal 301.

[0021] The first housing 100 and the second housing 200 may be fixed together using not only the plug-outlet means (power connector (plug) 105, outlet 202) described below but also other fixing means. Furthermore, the second housing 200 and the power outlet 300 may be fixed together using not only the plug-outlet means but also other fixing means. In other words, the earthquake-sensitive power cutoff device 1 only needs to be connected to the building so that the vibrations or shaking of the building caused by an earthquake can be transmitted.

[0022] The first housing 100 includes a seismic sensor 101, a control unit 102, a communication (signal) connector 103, a pseudo-fault current generator 104, a power connector 105, a ground connector 106, and a power supply unit 107. The communication connector 103, the power connector 105, and the ground connector 106 are provided on a connection surface F11 of the first housing 100.

[0023] The second housing 200 includes a power plug 201, a power connector 202, a circuit breaker 203, a communication (signal) connector 204, an AC power distribution unit 205, a plurality of AC output outlets 205(1) to 205(3), a ground connector 206, a ground terminal 207, and a power supply unit 208. The power connector 202, the communication connector 204, and the ground connector 206 are provided on a connection surface F21 of the second housing 200, and are connectable to the power connector 105, the communication connector 103, and the ground connector 106 of the first housing 100, respectively. In this way, a full shutdown function and a specific shutdown function can be assigned to the first housing 100 and the second housing 200, respectively, facilitating maintenance and operation.

[0024] In the first housing 100, the seismic sensor 101 is fixed to the inner wall of the first housing 100, and when it senses earthquake shaking, it outputs a detection signal to the control unit 102. Any shaking detection means can be used as the seismic sensor 101. For example, an acceleration sensor may be used to measure the period as well as the acceleration of the shaking, and the acceleration and period may be output as a detection signal to the control unit 102.

[0025] When the control unit 102 receives a detection signal from the seismic sensor 101, it determines from the detection signal whether the shaking is greater than or equal to a predetermined level. If the shaking is greater than or equal to the predetermined level (for example, equivalent to a seismic intensity of 5), the control unit 102 outputs a control signal SD to the communication connector 103 and the pseudo-earthquake generator 104. The communication connector 103 is, for example, a conductive terminal for transmitting the control signal SD, and is desirably configured to be able to firmly connect the first housing 100 to the second housing 200 by mating with the communication connector 204 of the second housing 200.

[0026] The pseudo earth leakage current generator 104 comprises a normally open relay Ry, which is a normally open on / off switch, and a resistor R connected in series with the normally open relay Ry. The operation of the normally open relay Ry from open to closed is initiated by a control signal SD from the control unit 102. The pseudo earth leakage current generator 104 is connected between the ungrounded terminal of the power connector 105 and the grounded connector 106, and when the normally open relay Ry is closed, the ungrounded terminal of the power connector 105 and the grounded connector 106 are electrically connected. Therefore, a pseudo earth leakage current flows through the pseudo earth leakage current generator 104 only when the grounded connector 106 is connected to the building's ground wire.

[0027] The power connector 105 is preferably a normal AC power plug, and can be electrically and mechanically connected by being inserted into the power connector 202 of the second housing 200 .

[0028] The ground connector 106 may be connected to the ground connector 206 of the second housing 200 through a ground cable C1. Alternatively, if the ground connector 106 is a plug-shaped conductive terminal, the first housing 100 can be firmly connected to the second housing 200 by inserting it into the ground connector 206 of the second housing 200. The power connector 105 and the ground connector 106 may also be integrated as a power plug with a ground terminal. In this case, the power connector 202 and the ground connector 206 of the second housing 200 are also integrated as a power outlet with a ground terminal.

[0029] The power supply unit 107 is connected to the power connector 105, converts AC power into DC power, and supplies it to the seismic sensor unit 101, the control unit 102, the normally open relay Ry of the pseudo earth leakage generator 104, and other electrical equipment (such as indicators). It is desirable that the power supply unit 107 be equipped with an emergency battery.

[0030] In the second housing 200, the power plug 201 is plugged into a building power outlet 300 to receive AC power. The power outlet 300 has a non-grounded terminal 300a and a grounded terminal 300b. The power line PL of the power plug 201 is connected to the power connector 202 and the power supply unit 208, and is further connected to AC output outlets 205(1) to 205(3) through the AC power distribution unit 205. The power supply unit 208 converts AC power into DC power and supplies it to the circuit breaker 203 and other electrical devices (such as indicators). It is desirable that the power supply unit 208 be equipped with an emergency battery. Although FIG. 1 illustrates three AC output outlets 205(1) to 205(3), the number of AC output outlets may be one or more.

[0031] In this embodiment, the AC power distribution unit 205 has a circuit breaker 203, and the line of the grounded terminal of the power line PL is connected to each AC output outlet through the circuit breaker 203. Therefore, when the circuit breaker 203 is activated, the power supply to each AC output outlet is cut off.

[0032] The circuit breaker 203 is activated by receiving a control signal SD from the control unit 102 of the first housing 100 via the communication connector 204, and cuts off the power supply to the AC output outlet. Therefore, in the second housing 200, a specific cutoff operation is performed in response to the control signal SD.

[0033] As described above, the ground connector 206 provided on the first connection surface F21 of the second housing 200 can be connected to the ground connector 106 of the first housing 100. The ground connector 206 is connected by a conductor to the ground terminal 207 provided on the second connection surface F22. The ground terminal 207 of the second housing 200 can be connected to the ground terminal 301 on the building side through the ground cable C2. If the ground terminal 301 is not provided on the building side, the ground cable C2 will be in an open state.

[0034] Therefore, when the grounding connector 106 of the first housing 100 and the grounding connector 206 of the second housing 200 are connected, and the grounding terminal 207 of the second housing 200 is connected to the grounding terminal 301 on the building side, the normally open relay Ry of the first housing 100 closes, causing a pseudo-earth leakage current to flow through the pseudo-earth leakage generator 104, and the above-mentioned full-shutoff operation is performed.

[0035] On the other hand, if the grounding cable C2 is in an open state and the grounding terminal 207 of the second housing 200 is not connected to the building-side grounding terminal 301, no pseudo-earth leakage current will flow through the pseudo-earth leakage generator 104 even if the normally open relay Ry of the first housing 100 is closed by the control signal SD. Therefore, in this case, a total break by the breaker 303 will not occur. Instead, the control signal SD activates the breaker 203, which executes a specific breaker operation, cutting off the power supply to the AC output outlet.

[0036] As described above, according to this embodiment, if the building-side ground terminal 301 is installed, it is possible to select between a full shutdown operation and a specific shutdown operation depending on whether or not the ground cable C1 (or the ground cables C1 and C2) is connected to the ground terminal 301. Furthermore, if the building-side ground terminal 301 is not installed, the ground cable C1 or C2 is in an open state, and only the circuit breaker 203 in the second housing 200 is activated to perform the specific shutdown operation. Therefore, according to this embodiment, safe power shutdown is possible regardless of whether or not the building-side ground terminal 301 is installed.

[0037] 2. Second Embodiment In the first embodiment described above, the control signal SD is output from the control unit 102 to the pseudo earth leakage generator 104 and the circuit breaker 203, but this is not limited to this. As will be described below, in the case of a building where no breaker is installed, if the breaker does not operate or if only a specific circuit breaker occurs and not a total circuit breaker, safety can be further improved by individually controlling the pseudo earth leakage generator 104 and the circuit breaker 203.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 2, the earthquake-sensitive power supply cutoff device according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a first housing 100A and a second housing 200. However, blocks having the same functions as those in the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numbers or have an "A" added after the reference numbers to simplify the explanation.

[0039] When the control unit 102A of the first housing 100A receives a detection signal from the seismic sensor 101, the control unit 102A determines from the detection signal whether the shaking is greater than or equal to a predetermined level. If the shaking is greater than or equal to the predetermined level, the control unit 102A generates control signals SD1 and SD2 separately, outputs the control signal SD1 to the pseudo earth leakage generator 104, and outputs the control signal SD2 to the circuit breaker 203 via the communication connectors 103 and 204.

[0040] As already explained, the circuit breaker 203 is activated to cut off the power supply to the AC output outlet upon receiving the control signal SD2 from the control unit 102A of the first housing 100. Therefore, in the second housing 200, the specific cut-off operation is executed in response to the control signal SD2.

[0041] The pseudo earth leakage current generator 104 is activated by a control signal SD1 from the control unit 102A, which closes the normally open relay Ry. Therefore, if the grounding connector 106 is connected to the building's ground wire, when a pseudo earth leakage current flows through the pseudo earth leakage current generator 104, the building's breaker is activated and a full shutdown operation is performed. However, if the building does not have a breaker or if the breaker does not activate due to some kind of failure, a full shutdown does not occur and the AC power remains active, causing the pseudo earth leakage current to continue flowing through the pseudo earth leakage current generator 104. This continued flow of pseudo earth leakage current can cause an electrical fire.

[0042] To avoid such a situation, the control unit 102A according to this embodiment outputs a control signal SD1 to open the circuit to the pseudo earth leakage generator 104 when the pseudo earth leakage current flows for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) based on an internal timer (i.e., when a total interruption has not occurred). This opens the normally open relay Ry to interrupt the pseudo earth leakage current, thereby avoiding the risk of an electrical fire.

[0043] As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in the case of a building in which a breaker itself is not installed, if the breaker does not operate or if only a specific interruption occurs and not a full interruption, safety can be further improved by opening the normally open relay Ry of the pseudo earth leakage current generator 104 after a predetermined time has elapsed to interrupt the pseudo earth leakage current.

[0044] 3. Third Embodiment In the first and second embodiments described above, the seismic sensor 101 and the control unit 102 / 102A are provided in the first housing 100 / 100A, but this is not limited to this, and similar functions can also be provided in the second housing 200.

[0045] 3, the earthquake-sensitive power supply cutoff device according to the third embodiment of the present invention has a first housing 100B and a second housing 200B. However, blocks having the same functions as those in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numbers or have the letter "B" added after the reference numbers to simplify the description.

[0046] The first housing 100B includes a communication connector 103, a pseudo-fault current generator 104, a power connector 105, a ground connector 106, and a power supply unit 107, and the functions of the seismic sensor 101 and the control unit 102 have been transferred to the second housing 200B. The second housing 200B is provided with a power plug 201, a power connector 202, a circuit breaker 203, a communication connector 204, an AC power distribution unit 205, a plurality of AC output outlets 205(1) to 205(3), a ground connector 206, a ground terminal 207, and a power supply unit 208, as well as a seismic sensor 210 and a control unit 211.

[0047] The seismic sensor 210 has the same functions as the seismic sensor 101 described above, and the control unit 211 has the same functions as the control unit 102 described above. That is, when it is determined that the shaking is equal to or greater than a predetermined level based on the detection signal from the seismic sensor 210, the control unit 211 outputs a control signal SD1 to the pseudo earth leakage generator 104 in the first housing 100B via the communication connectors 204 and 103, and outputs a control signal SD2 to the circuit breaker 203. Details of these functions are as described above, and will not be repeated here. Needless to say, the same applies when the control unit 211 outputs the control signal SD to the pseudo earth leakage generator 104 and the circuit breaker 203 as in the first embodiment.

[0048] As described above, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, by providing the seismic sensor in the second housing 200B, the first housing 100B is made lighter and the seismic sensor 210 can more reliably detect shaking of the building.

[0049] <External Shape> The first and second housings shown in Figures 1 to 3 are electrically and mechanically integrated to achieve the earthquake-sensing power cutoff function. The first and second housings can be combined in various forms. Below, the first housing 100 and second housing 200 in the first embodiment will be described as an example.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, for convenience, the description will be based on XYZ orthogonal coordinate axes. In Figure 4, the first housing 100 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and two plug terminals of the power connector 105 and a communication connector 103 (not shown) are provided on a connection surface F11 parallel to the YZ plane. The two plug terminals of the power connector 105 are aligned in the Y-axis direction. The ground cable C1 is taken out from one side surface of the first housing 100 in the Y-axis direction and connected to the ground connector 206 of the second housing 200. The plug terminal of the power connector 105 is inserted into and fixed to the power connector 202 on the second connection surface F21 of the second housing 200.

[0051] The second housing 200 has a protrusion 250 that protrudes in the X-axis direction from a first connection surface F21 that is parallel to the YZ plane. With the protrusion 250 of the second housing 200 in contact with the front top panel 150 of the first housing 100 in the Z-axis direction, the plug-in terminal of the power connector 105 is inserted into the power connector 202 on the second connection surface F21. In this way, the first housing 100 is fixed in place, fitted into a step formed by the protrusion 250 and the first connection surface F21. Because the two plug-in terminals of the power connector 105 are aligned in the Y-axis direction, the first housing 100 is resistant to vibration in the Y-axis direction relative to the power connector 202, and is also resistant to vibration in the Z-axis direction because it is limited by the protrusion 250.

[0052] 4. Fourth Embodiment The earthquake-sensitive power supply cutoff devices according to the first to third embodiments described above are separated into a first housing and a second housing, but are not limited to this and may be formed integrally.

[0053] 5, for example, the internal circuit of the third embodiment is installed inside the housing 400. That is, the housing 400 contains the seismic sensor 101, the control unit 102A, the pseudo earth leakage generator 104, the power plug 201, the circuit breaker 203, the AC power distribution unit 205, the plurality of AC output outlets 205(1) to 205(3), the ground terminal 207, and the power supply unit 401. However, blocks having the same functions as those in the third embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0054] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, all components are arranged within a single housing 400, which makes manufacturing easier and enables the seismic sensor 210 to more reliably detect shaking of the building.

[0055] 5. Fifth Embodiment In the earthquake-sensitive power supply circuit breakers according to the first to fourth embodiments described above, the control unit operates the pseudo earth leakage generator 104 and the circuit breaker 203 in response to a detection signal from the earthquake-sensing unit 101. However, by employing an earthquake-sensitive switch that combines the functions of the earthquake-sensing unit 101 and the pseudo earth leakage generator 104, it is possible to obtain an earthquake-sensitive power supply circuit breaker that is simpler in configuration and more cost-effective. This will be explained below with reference to Figures 6 and 7. However, blocks that have the same functions as those in the first to third embodiments will be assigned the same reference numbers and their explanations will be simplified.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 6, the earthquake-sensitive power supply cutoff device according to the fifth embodiment comprises a first housing 500 and a second housing 600. A feature of this embodiment is that the first housing 500 is provided with an earthquake-sensitive switch 501, and the second housing 600 is provided with a detection unit 601.

[0057] The first housing 500 is equipped with a seismic switch 501, a resistor R, a power connector 105, and a ground connector 106. The seismic switch 501 is a normally open switch that closes its circuit in response to shaking. If the ground terminal 207 of the second housing 600 is connected to the building's ground terminal 301 via the ground cable C2, a pseudo-earth leakage current flows when the seismic switch 501 is closed, and the pseudo-earth leakage current is interrupted when the seismic switch 501 is opened. On the other hand, if the building's ground terminal 301 is not provided or the ground cable C2 is open, no pseudo-earth leakage current will be generated even if the seismic switch 501 is closed.

[0058] The second housing 600 is provided with the already-mentioned power plug 201, power connector 202, circuit breaker 203, AC power distribution unit 205, multiple AC output outlets 205(1) to 205(3), ground connector 206, and ground terminal 207, and in this embodiment is also provided with a detection unit 601. The ground connector 206 is connected to the ground terminal 207 by a conductor, and the ground terminal 207 can be connected to a ground terminal 301 on the building side through a ground cable C2. If the ground terminal 301 is not provided on the building side, the ground cable C2 is in an open state.

[0059] The detection unit 601 is connected between the grounded terminal of the power plug 201 and the grounded connector 206 and grounded terminal 207, and detects the change in voltage when the seismic switch 501 is closed, and outputs a control signal SD to the circuit breaker 203. If the seismic switch 501 is open, the detection unit 601 does not detect any voltage. When the seismic switch 501 is closed from this state, the non-grounded terminal of the power plug 201 is connected to the grounded connector 206 through the seismic switch 501, and the detection unit 601 detects the voltage of the AC power supply. At this time, the detection unit 601 outputs a control signal SD to the circuit breaker 203, which causes the circuit breaker 203 to cut off the power supply to the AC output outlets 205(1) to 205(3).

[0060] If the ground terminal 207 of the second housing 600 is connected to the ground terminal 301 on the building side through the ground cable C2, a pseudo-fault current will flow when the seismic switch 501 is closed, which will activate the breaker 303 on the building side. The seismic switch 501 will be described below with reference to Figure 7.

[0061] <Seismic switch> As illustrated in Figure 7, the main body 2 of the seismic switch 501 is composed of a lower plate 10 made of a conductive flat metal plate, an upper plate 20 made of a conductive flat metal plate arranged parallel to and above the lower plate 10 with a predetermined gap, and a contact metal ball (weight member) 36 suspended swingably from the underside of the upper plate 20 by a coil spring 37.

[0062] The lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 are each fixed to the front surface of the mounting plate (base member) 5 by means of screws, welding, or the like (not shown).

[0063] The contact metal ball 36 suspended by the coil spring 37 is placed in a circular opening 11 formed in the lower plate 10. A predetermined gap is formed between the inner edges of the opposing openings 11 and the outer surfaces of the contact metal balls 36, and the contact metal balls 36 and the lower plate 10 (openings 11) form a seismic vibrator. In other words, when a vibration of a predetermined magnitude or greater is applied to the seismic switch 501, the contact metal ball 36 suspended by the coil spring 37 swings, causing the inner edge of the opening 11 to come into contact with the outer surface of the contact metal ball 36, thereby activating the seismic switch 501.

[0064] Here, by adjusting the diameter of the contact metal ball 36 or the opening 11 in the lower plate 10, the size of the gap between the contact metal ball 36 and the opening 11 can be adjusted, or by adjusting the thickness and strength of the coil spring 37, it is possible to easily set the magnitude of the shaking that activates the seismic switch 501 to a desired magnitude. In other words, with the seismic switch 501, by making the above adjustments, it is possible to set the magnitude of the shaking (seismic intensity) that activates the seismic power cutoff device 1 to any desired magnitude.

[0065] The conductive metal material constituting the lower plate 10, upper plate 20, and contact metal ball 36 of the seismic vibrator is preferably iron or gunmetal, but is not particularly limited as long as it is a metal that is conductive. It is desirable to use a material that does not develop rust that impairs conductive performance, that has been treated with a rust-preventing surface treatment such as plating, that is less likely to deteriorate over time, and that is strong enough to prevent deformation or breakage when subjected to earthquake vibrations.

[0066] Furthermore, the shape of the weight member is not limited to a cylindrical shape, but may be other shapes such as a square or spherical shape.

[0067] Figure 8 shows another example of the configuration of a seismic switch 501. The seismic switch 501 shown in this figure has a contact metal ball 36 swingably supported by a coil spring 37 on the upper surface of the lower plate 10, and the contact metal ball 36 is disposed in a circular opening 21 formed in the upper plate 20. In this example configuration, the magnitude of the vibration that activates the seismic switch 501 can be easily set to a desired magnitude by adjusting the diameter of the contact metal ball 36 or the opening 21 in the upper plate 20 to adjust the gap between the contact metal ball 36 and the opening 21, or by adjusting the thickness and strength of the coil spring 37.

[0068] The seismic switch 501 is not limited to the switch structure described above, and may have other configurations as long as it is configured to allow current to flow when a predetermined level of shaking is applied. Furthermore, it may have not only a physical switch structure, but also a configuration equipped with various sensors such as an acceleration sensor.

[0069] As described above, in the seismic switch 501, the seismic vibrator equipped with the coil spring 37 and the contact metal ball 36 is stable (stationary) under normal conditions. However, when an earthquake occurs and the shaking reaches a predetermined seismic intensity, the seismic vibrator senses the earthquake shaking and the contact metal ball 36 swings, contacting the lower plate 10 or the upper plate 20, establishing electrical continuity. Therefore, if the ground terminal 207 of the second housing 600 is connected to the building's ground terminal 301 via the ground cable C2, a pseudo-earthquake can be generated by shaking of a predetermined seismic intensity, activating the earth leakage breaker and shutting off the power supply. Furthermore, if the ground cable C2 is open, the detector 601 outputs a control signal SD to the circuit breaker 203, shutting off the power supply to the AC output outlets 205(1) to 205(3). This allows for the construction of a simple and inexpensive seismic power supply cutoff device.

[0070] Earthquakes cause initial vertical P-waves and subsequent horizontal S-waves, and the seismic vibrator 30 included in the seismic switch 501 is activated by both vertical P-waves and horizontal S-waves. Therefore, it is possible to create a false earth leakage current and activate the earth leakage breaker in response to both vertical P-waves and horizontal S-waves. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent electrical fires after an earthquake and also more reliably prevent fires when the power is restored.

[0071] 6. Sixth Embodiment In the third embodiment described above, the pseudo earth leakage generator 104 is provided in the first housing 100B and the seismic sensor 210 is provided in the second housing 200B. However, this is not limited to this. The seismic sensor can be provided in the first housing and the pseudo earth leakage generator in the second housing. By providing the pseudo earth leakage generator in the second housing, there is no need to provide an AC power connector between the first and second housings, further simplifying the configuration. The following description will be made with reference to Figures 9 and 10. However, blocks having the same functions as those in the third embodiment will be assigned the same reference numbers and their description will be simplified.

[0072] 9, the earthquake-sensitive power supply circuit breaker according to the sixth embodiment comprises a first housing 700 and a second housing 800. A feature of this embodiment is that the first housing 700 is provided with an earthquake-sensing unit 101, and the second housing 800 is provided with a pseudo earth leakage generator 104.

[0073] The first housing 700 is provided with the seismic sensor 101, a communication (signal) connector 701, a DC power connector 702, and a reset signal communication connector 703. The DC power connector 702 supplies DC power to the seismic sensor 101, the reset button RS, and an indicator lamp (not shown).

[0074] As already described, second housing 800 is provided with power plug 201, circuit breaker 203, AC power distribution unit 205, multiple AC output outlets 205(1) to 205(3), ground terminal 207, power supply unit 208, and control unit 211, as well as a communication connector 801, a DC power connector 802, and a reset signal communication connector 803. Pseudo earth leakage generator 104 is connected between the non-grounded terminal of power plug 201 and ground terminal 207.

[0075] When the seismic sensor 101 detects shaking, it outputs a detection signal to the control unit 211 via communication connectors 701 and 801. In response to the shaking detection signal, the control unit 211 outputs a control signal SD1 to the pseudo-earth leakage generator 104 and outputs a control signal SD2 to the circuit breaker 203. The operations of the pseudo-earth leakage generator 104 and the circuit breaker 203 are as described in the above embodiment. The power supply unit 208 supplies DC power to the circuit breaker 203, the pseudo-earth leakage generator 803, and an indicator lamp (not shown), and also supplies DC power to the first housing 700 via DC power connectors 802 and 702.

[0076] <External Shape> The first and second housings shown in Fig. 9 are electrically and mechanically integrated to realize the earthquake-sensing power cutoff function. The first and second housings can be combined in various forms. Below, the first and second housings 700 and 800 in the sixth embodiment will be described as an example.

[0077] 10 , first housing 700 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and communication connectors 701 and 703 and a DC power connector 702 are arranged on the surface that connects to second housing 800. A reset button RS and an indicator lamp 704 are also provided on the front of first housing 700. Furthermore, a connecting portion 705 for connecting to second housing 800 is provided on the surface of first housing 700 that connects to second housing 800, and first housing 700 is detachable from second housing 800 in the X direction.

[0078] The second housing 800 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is provided with communication (signal) connectors 801 and 803 and a DC power connector 802 (not shown) on the surface connecting with the first housing 700, which are electrically connected to the communication connectors 701 and 703 and the DC power connector 702 of the first housing 700 when the first housing 700 and the second housing 800 are connected. In addition, an indicator lamp 804 is provided on the front surface of the second housing 800.

[0079] A ground terminal 207 is disposed at the lower end of the front face of the second housing 800, a plurality of AC output outlets 205(1) to 205(3) are disposed on the side, and a power plug 201 is disposed on the back. Therefore, with the power plug 201 of the second housing 800 inserted into the AC power outlet 300 on the building side, the first housing 700 can be easily attached and detached by sliding it in the X direction.

Claims

1. An earthquake-sensitive power cutoff device comprising a plug to be inserted into a power outlet fixed to a building, and an output outlet that supplies power from said plug, comprising: a circuit breaker that is provided between said plug and said output outlet and is capable of cutting off the supply of power to said output outlet; an open / close switch that is provided between the non-grounded terminal of said plug and the grounded terminal and is capable of switching from a constant non-conductive state to a continuous state between said non-grounded terminal and said grounded terminal; a seismic sensor that detects shaking of a predetermined level or more and outputs a detection signal; and a control unit that outputs control signals to said circuit breaker and said open / close switch in response to said detection signal, and switches said circuit breaker to a cutoff state and said open / close switch to a conductive state.

2. The earthquake-sensitive power cut-off device described in claim 1, characterized in that, depending on whether the grounding terminal is connected to the grounding terminal of the building, the open / close switch switches between a total cut-off operation in which the open / close switch is conductive and a pseudo-earth leakage current occurs, and a specific cut-off operation in which the circuit breaker cuts off the power supply to the output outlet.

3. The earthquake-sensitive power supply cutoff device described in claim 2, characterized in that the control unit returns the open / close switch to the open state when a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the control unit outputs the control signal to the circuit breaker and the open / close switch, respectively.

4. A seismic power supply cutoff device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a first housing and a second housing detachable from the first housing, the first housing having the open / close switch, the second housing having the plug, the output outlet and the circuit breaker, the seismic sensor unit and the control unit being provided in either the first housing or the second housing, and the first housing and the second housing each having a power connector connecting the non-grounded terminal of the plug and the open / close switch, a signal connector for transmitting the control signal, and a ground connector connecting the open / close switch and the ground terminal.

5. A seismic power supply cutoff device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a first housing and a second housing detachable from the first housing, the first housing having the seismic sensor, the second housing having the open / close switch, the plug, the output outlet, the circuit breaker and the control unit, and the first housing and the second housing having signal connectors for transmitting the detection signal.

6. An earthquake-sensitive power cutoff device comprising a plug to be inserted into a power outlet fixed to a building, and an output outlet that supplies power from said plug, comprising: a circuit breaker that is provided between said plug and said output outlet and is capable of cutting off the supply of power to said output outlet; a earthquake-sensitive switch that is provided between the non-grounded terminal and the grounded terminal of said plug and is capable of detecting shaking of a predetermined level or more and switching the connection between said non-grounded terminal and said grounded terminal from normally non-conductive to normally conductive; and a detection unit that is provided between the grounded terminal and the grounded terminal of said plug and outputs a control signal to the circuit breaker to switch it to the cutoff state when the earthquake-sensitive switch is closed.

7. The earthquake-sensitive power supply cut-off device described in claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a first housing and a second housing that is detachable from the first housing, the first housing having the earthquake-sensitive switch, the second housing having the plug, the output outlet, the circuit breaker, and the detection unit, and the first housing and the second housing are provided with a power connector that connects the non-grounded terminal of the plug to the earthquake-sensitive switch, and a ground connector that connects the earthquake-sensitive switch to the ground terminal.

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