Device switching method and device switching apparatus

Abstract

To provide a device switching method and a device switching apparatus for improving work efficiency of switching devices connected via cables.SOLUTION: A device switching method according to the embodiment includes: in a state in which a first connection section and a first device 10 are connected via a cable, a second connection section and a second device 30 are connected via a cable, and a second separation terminal 23B of a third connection section and a third device 40 are connected via a cable, performing a test to confirm a conductive state of a signal path to the third device 40 by transmitting a first test signal from the second separation terminal 23B to the third device 40; switching a plurality of switches 241 to 244 when the conductive state of the signal path is confirmed; electrically connecting the first device 10 and the third device 40; performing a test to confirm the operation of the third device 40 by supplying a second test signal from the first device 10 to the third device 40; separating a first separation terminal 21C and a second separation terminal 23C from a switching board 20 when the operation of the third device 40 is normal; and mounting the second separation terminal 23C to the first connection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a device switching method and a device switching apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, in a substation, when switching from an existing device connected to a switchboard by a cable to a new device, it is necessary to test the soundness of the new device in the operating environment beforehand. However, it is not possible to test the new device by stopping the existing device during the hours when the existing device is operating (e.g., during the day), and the test of the new device must be performed during a limited time period (e.g., a few hours at night). When there are a large number of cables connecting the switchboard and the devices, it takes a long time just to remove and install the cables connected to the switchboard for testing, so it may take several days to perform tests to confirm the soundness of the new device.

[0003] Conventionally, a process has been proposed in which a switchboard is installed between a first device and a second device, and the device connected to the first device is switched between the second device and the third device by the switchboard, thereby testing the third device. By using a switchboard, the device electrically connected to the first device can be switched by a switch provided in the switchboard, which reduces the work of switching the cable connected to the first device from the second device to the third device, and reduces the burden on the worker performing the test. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-92545 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For example, when a cable connected to a terminal is to be removed from the terminal and attached to another terminal, the cable must be removed from the terminal, separated into its core wires, and then connected to the other terminal. This work must be done for each cable, and the more cables there are, the more time-consuming the work becomes.

[0006] The embodiments of the present invention have been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aim to provide an equipment switching method and equipment switching device that improve the work efficiency of switching equipment connected via a cable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A device switching method according to an embodiment is a method for switching a second device connected to a first device via a cable to a third device using a switching board including first to third connection parts that can be connected to devices via cables, and a switch that switches an electrical connection state between the first connection part and the second connection part and between the first connection part and the third connection part, the first connection part being separable from the first connection part and including a first separation terminal that is electrically connected to the switch and the cable when attached to the first connection part, and the third connection part being separable from the third connection part and including a second separation terminal that is electrically connected to the switch and the cable when attached to the third connection part, wherein the first connection part and the first device are connected via a cable, and the second connection part and the second device are connected via a cable. a first test is performed to confirm a continuity state of the cable connected to the third equipment by transmitting a first test signal from the second separate terminal to the third equipment when a predetermined signal is acquired from the third equipment, and a second test signal is supplied from the first equipment to the third equipment to confirm the operation of the third equipment by supplying a second test signal from the first equipment to the third equipment, the second test signal causing the third equipment to perform a predetermined operation, and when the operation of the third equipment is determined to be normal based on the result of the second test, the first separate terminal and the second separate terminal are separated from the switching board, and the second separate terminal is attached to the first connection part. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a device switching method and a device switching device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a device switching method and a device switching device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a device switching method and a device switching device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a test device used in the device switching method of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a device switching method and a device switching device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a device switching method and a device switching device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a device switching method and a device switching device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a device switching method and a device switching device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of a device switching method and a device switching device according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, a device switching method and a device switching apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3 are diagrams for explaining an example of an equipment switching method and an equipment switching device according to the first embodiment. The equipment switching device according to the present embodiment includes a switching panel 20 and a test device 50, and the equipment switching method is a method of switching a second equipment 30 to a third equipment 40 using the switching panel 20 and the test device 50.

[0010] First, before applying the device switching method of this embodiment, the switchboard (first device) 10 and the existing device (second device) 30 are electrically connected via multiple cables. In the following, an example will be described in which the switchboard 10 and the existing device 30 are installed in a substation. The process to which the device switching method of this embodiment is applied is not limited to this example, and the method can be applied to a work process in which a switching board is used to test the soundness of a new device when one of two devices (second device) connected by multiple cables is switched to a new device.

[0011] The switchboard 10 transforms the power supplied from the power system to a low voltage and supplies the transformed power to the existing equipment 30. The switchboard 10 includes a first terminal block 10A and a second terminal block 10B. The first terminal block 10A and the second terminal block 10B each include a plurality of fixed terminals fixed to the switchboard 10.

[0012] A plurality of wires in the switchboard 10 are electrically connected to a plurality of fixed terminals of the first terminal block 10A. Each of the plurality of fixed terminals of the first terminal block 10A is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of fixed terminals of the second terminal block 10B in the switchboard 10. One ends of a plurality of cables are electrically connected to the plurality of fixed terminals of the second terminal block 10B. That is, the second terminal block 10B can be connected to an external device via a plurality of cables.

[0013] The existing device 30 includes a third terminal block 30A and a fourth terminal block 30B. The third terminal block 30A and the fourth terminal block 30B each include a plurality of fixed terminals fixed to the existing device 30.

[0014] A plurality of cables, each having one end connected to the second terminal block 10B of the switchboard 10, are electrically connected to a plurality of fixed terminals of the third terminal block 30A. A plurality of wirings in the existing device 30 are electrically connected to the plurality of fixed terminals of the fourth terminal block 30B. Also, each of the plurality of fixed terminals of the fourth terminal block 30B is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of fixed terminals of the third terminal block 30A in the existing device 30.

[0015] The newly installed device 40 includes an eleventh terminal block 40A and a twelfth terminal block 40B. The eleventh terminal block 40A and the twelfth terminal block 40B each include a plurality of fixed terminals fixed to the newly installed device 40. A plurality of wirings in the new device 40 are electrically connected to the plurality of fixed terminals of the eleventh terminal block 40A. Also, each of the plurality of fixed terminals of the eleventh terminal block 40A is electrically connected to a corresponding plurality of fixed terminals of the twelfth terminal block 40B in the new device 40.

[0016] When switching the existing device 30 to the new device 40, the other ends of the multiple cables connected to the multiple separate terminals 23C of the switching board 20 are electrically connected to the multiple fixed terminals of the twelfth terminal block 40B. The switching board 20 includes a first connection section, a second connection section, a third connection section, a switching section 24, and switches 241-244. The first connection section includes a fifth terminal block 21A and a sixth terminal block 21B. The second connection section includes a seventh terminal block 22A and an eighth terminal block 22B. The third connection section includes a ninth terminal block 23A and a tenth terminal block 23B. The switching board 20 also has a function of outputting a signal for testing the newly installed device 40 to the newly installed device 40 based on a control signal from a test device 50 described later.

[0017] The fifth terminal block 21A includes a plurality of fixed terminals fixed to the switching board 20. The sixth terminal block 21B is provided with a plurality of separate terminals (first separate terminals) 21C that can be separated from the switching board 20. The separate terminals 21C may be integrally formed, or each of the terminals may be individually separable from the switching board 20.

[0018] In a state where the plurality of separated terminals 21C are attached to the sixth terminal block 21B, the plurality of fixed terminals of the fifth terminal block 21A are electrically connected to the corresponding plurality of separated terminals 21C. In addition, in a state where the plurality of separated terminals 21C are attached to the sixth terminal block 21B, each of the plurality of separated terminals 21C is electrically connected to the input terminals 241A-244A of the switches 241-244, respectively, via wiring in the switching board 20.

[0019] In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, four switches 241-244 are shown on the switching board 20 for the purpose of explanation, but the switching board 20 may be provided with the same number of switches as the number of terminals included in the terminal blocks 21A-23B.

[0020] The seventh terminal block 22A and the eighth terminal block 22B each include a plurality of fixed terminals fixed to the switching board 20. Each of the plurality of fixed terminals of the seventh terminal block 22A is electrically connected to the first output terminals 241B-244B of each of the switches 241-244 of the switching board 20 through wiring in the switching board 20. Also, each of the plurality of fixed terminals of the seventh terminal block 22A is electrically connected to a corresponding plurality of fixed terminals of the eighth terminal block 22B. Each of the plurality of fixed terminals of the eighth terminal block 22B is electrically connected to a plurality of fixed terminals of the third terminal block 30A of the existing device 30 through cables. That is, the power supplied from the switchboard 10 can be supplied to the wiring in the existing device 30 through the first terminal block 10A, the second terminal block 10B, the plurality of cables, the switching board 20, the third terminal block 30A, and the fourth terminal block 30B.

[0021] The ninth terminal block 23A includes a plurality of fixed terminals fixed to the switching board 20. In addition, each of the plurality of fixed terminals of the ninth terminal block 23A is electrically connected to the second output terminals 241C-244C of the switches 241-244 via wiring in the switching board 20.

[0022] A plurality of separate terminals (second separate terminals) 23C that can be separated from the switching board 20 are attached to the tenth terminal block 23B. The plurality of separate terminals 23C may be integrally configured, or each of the terminals may be configured to be individually separable from the switching board 20.

[0023] In a state where the multiple separate terminals 23C are attached to the tenth terminal block 23B, the multiple fixed terminals of the ninth terminal block 23A are electrically connected to the multiple corresponding separate terminals 23C via the tenth terminal block 23B. One end of the multiple cables connected to the eleventh terminal block 40A of the newly installed device 40 is electrically connected to the multiple separate terminals 23C. That is, the power supplied from the switchboard 10 can be supplied to the wiring in the newly installed device 40 via the first terminal block 10A, the second terminal block 10B, the multiple cables, the switching board 20, the eleventh terminal block 40A, and the twelfth terminal block 40B.

[0024] The switching unit 24 has a function of simultaneously switching the connection states of the switches 241-244. For example, when the switch of the switching unit 24 is set to the first output terminal 24C side, the input terminals 241A-244A of the switches 241-244 are electrically connected to the first output terminal 24B, and when the switch of the switching unit 24 is set to the second output terminal 24C side, the input terminals 241A-244A of the switches 241-244 are electrically connected to the second output terminals 241C-244C. The switch of the switching unit 24 can be switched manually or by a switching signal from the test device 50.

[0025] 1, before testing of the newly installed device 40, the switches of the changeover unit 24 are arranged on the first output terminal 24B side, and the input terminals 241A-244A of the switches 241-244 are electrically connected to the first output terminals 241B-244B. That is, the first terminal block 10A of the switchboard 10 is electrically connected to the third terminal block 30A of the existing device 30 via the cable and the changeover board 20.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a test device used in the device switching method of the first embodiment. The test device 50 is a computing device equipped with a processor and a memory unit in which a program executed by the processor is recorded, and can realize various functions by software or a combination of software and hardware.

[0027] The test device 50 includes a control unit 51 , a storage unit 52 , an output unit 53 , an input unit 54 , and a communication unit 55 . The input unit 54 is connected to an operation means such as a mouse, a keyboard, or a touch panel, and can acquire input information through user operations. The input unit 54 is also connected to an audio input means such as a microphone, and can acquire input audio information. The input unit 54 records the acquired input information in the storage unit 52.

[0028] The output unit 53 outputs various information to devices connected to the test device 50. The output unit 53 may include, for example, a display means such as a display, or an audio output means such as a speaker. The output unit 53 outputs visually recognized information and audibly recognized information to the output means.

[0029] The communication unit 55 is configured to be able to communicate with other devices via a network such as the Internet or Ethernet (registered trademark), etc. The communication unit 55 can record information acquired from an external device in the storage unit 52, and can transmit information read from the storage unit 52 to the external device.

[0030] The storage unit 52 includes, for example, a main storage unit and an auxiliary storage unit. The main storage unit may include, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) and a random-access memory (RAM). The ROM is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data, and can store data and various setting values ​​used by the control unit 51 (described later) when performing various processes. The RAM may be used as a so-called work area for temporarily storing data when the control unit (described later) performs various processes. The main storage unit of this embodiment is, for example, a RAM, and is used as a memory.

[0031] The auxiliary storage unit is a non-transient computer-readable storage medium of a computer with the control unit as its core. The auxiliary storage unit is, for example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), a HDD (hard disk drive), or an SSD (solid state drive). The auxiliary storage unit can store a program executed by the control unit 51 described later, data used by the control unit 51 in performing various processes, data generated by the processes in the control unit 51, or various setting values. The auxiliary storage unit is a memory that stores various information, and stores, for example, data of the test results of the newly installed device 40 and various parameters used in the test. The storage unit 52 may also include a memory or HDD externally attached to the test device 50.

[0032] The control unit 51 executes a program stored in the memory unit 52 to perform a soundness test of the newly installed device 40 using the switching panel 20. The control unit 51 includes a switching control unit 511, a first testing unit 512, and a second testing unit 513.

[0033] The switching control unit 511 switches the electrical connection states between the input terminals 241A-244A and the output terminals 241B-244B, 241C-244C of the switches 241-244 of the switching panel 20. The switching control unit 511 can switch the connection states of the switches 241-244 individually, and can also switch the connection states of the switches 241-244 all at once.

[0034] When performing a health test on the newly installed equipment 40, the switching control unit 511 can, for example, switch the switches 241-244 as shown in FIG. 2 to electrically connect the input terminals 241A-244A and the second output terminals 241C-244C, and electrically connect between the second terminal block 10B of the distribution board 10 and the fifth terminal block 40A of the newly installed equipment 40 via a cable and the switching board 20.

[0035] When testing the health of the newly installed device 40, the first testing unit 512 performs a test (first test) to check the continuity of terminals and cables between the newly installed device 40 and the distribution board 10. In the first test, the first testing unit 512 outputs a control signal to the distribution board 10 and the switching board 20 to transmit a test signal (first test signal) to the newly installed device 40. For example, the test signal (power) supplied from the distribution board 10 to the newly installed device 40 may be a power signal for testing a continuity check, and may be different from a signal when the newly installed device 40 actually operates. In addition, the first testing section 512 may perform a continuity check of a signal path such as a cable between the newly-installed device 40 and the switching board 20 by supplying a test signal via a cable from the 10th terminal 23B of the switching board 20 to the 11th terminal block 40A of the newly-installed device 40.

[0036] The first testing section 512 can, for example, acquire from the newly installed equipment 40 test signals supplied to the 11th terminal block 40A, the 12th terminal block 40B of the newly installed equipment 40 and the wiring within the newly installed equipment 40, and determine whether or not the path from the distribution board 10 to the newly installed equipment 40 is conductive based on the acquired signals.

[0037] In addition, the first testing unit 512 does not need to perform a continuity check on all of the multiple cables between the newly installed equipment 40 and the switching panel 20 at the same time. For example, the switching control unit 511 may switch the switches 241-244 to supply a test signal to a predetermined number of cables, thereby performing a continuity check on each cable.

[0038] In the soundness test of the newly installed device 40, the second test section 513 performs an operation test (second test) of various functions of the newly installed device 40 after the continuity of the signal path to the newly installed device 40 such as the cable is confirmed by the above-mentioned first test. The second test is a test for confirming that the newly installed device 40 operates normally. The second test is performed, for example, by stopping some or all of the signals to the existing device 30 while the newly installed device 40 is operated. At this time, the second test section 513 can perform a test for each part of the multiple operations of the newly installed device 40 by switching the cable to which the signal for the operation test (second test signal) is input by the switches 241-244. The second test may be performed for each of multiple operations based on the signal input to multiple cables between the newly installed device 40 and the switching panel 20. In the second test, when a problem occurs in the newly installed device 40, it becomes easy to identify the part of the problem.

[0039] In the second test, the newly installed device 40 operates in a test mode in which some functions during normal operation are limited, and is capable of outputting a report of the results of the operation test in response to a test signal input. The second test unit 513 is capable of determining whether the newly installed device 40 is operating normally, for example, based on the report output from the newly installed device 40. The second test unit 513 may also operate the newly installed device 40 normally in the second test, and determine whether the newly installed device 40 is operating normally, based on an output signal from the newly installed device 40.

[0040] Next, an example of a process for switching an existing device (second device) 30 connected to a distribution board (first device) 10 via a cable to a new device (third device) 40 using a switching board 20 and a test device 50 will be described. The process described below cannot be performed while the existing device 30 is in operation, so it is performed during a time period when the existing device 30 can be stopped.

[0041] First, in order to test the newly installed device 40, the cables between the switchboard 10 and the existing device 30 are removed, and the switchboard 10 and the existing device 30 are connected via the switching board 20. At this time, the ends of the multiple cables between the switchboard 10 and the existing device 30 on the switchboard 10 side are disconnected one by one from the multiple fixed terminals of the second terminal block 10B, and connected to the multiple fixed terminals of the eighth terminal block 22B of the switching board 20, respectively. The other ends of the cables, one end of which is electrically connected to the multiple fixed terminals of the fifth terminal block 21A of the switching board 20, are connected one by one to the multiple fixed terminals of the second terminal block 10B of the switchboard 10.

[0042] Next, the newly installed device 40 and the switching panel 20 are electrically connected via cables. That is, the other ends of the multiple cables connected to the multiple separate terminals 23C of the switching panel 20 are connected one by one to the multiple fixed terminals of the twelfth terminal block 40B of the newly installed device 40. Note that the process of removing the cables from the terminals and the process of attaching the cables to the terminals may be performed by an operator or by the device switching device.

[0043] As described above, the test device 50 performs a test to confirm the soundness of the new device 40 in a state in which the switchboard 10, the existing device 30, and the new device 40 are connected to the switching board 20. First, in the first test, the switches 241-244 are switched by the switching control unit 511, and the eleventh terminal block 40A of the newly installed device 40 is electrically connected to the second terminal block 10B of the switchboard 10 via the cable and the switching board 20. The switching control unit 511 may sequentially switch the switches 241-244 to perform the first test on each of the multiple cables.

[0044] The first testing unit 512 controls the switchboard 10 and the switching board 20 to output a signal for a continuity test to the cable electrically connected between the switchboard 10 and the newly installed device 40 by the switches 241-244. When the first testing unit 512 can acquire a predetermined test signal from the newly installed device 40, it determines that the signal path of the cable or the like to be tested is conductive. The switching control section 511 switches the cables or the like to be tested and the first test section 512 performs the first test repeatedly, so that the first test is performed on the signal paths of all the cables or the like.

[0045] If any signal path is not conductive in the first test, the first test unit 512 presents the signal paths that are determined to be not conductive to the operator, for example, by the display means or audio output means of the output unit 53. If it is determined that all signal paths are conductive in the first test, the second test is performed.

[0046] First, in the second test, the switches 241-244 are switched by the switching control unit 511, and the eleventh terminal block 40A of the newly installed device 40 is electrically connected to the second terminal block 10B of the switchboard 10 via the cable and the switching board 20. The switching control unit 511 may sequentially switch the switches 241-244 to perform the first test on each of the multiple cables.

[0047] The second testing unit 513 controls the switchboard 10 and the switching board 20 to output a signal for an operation test to a cable electrically connected between the switchboard 10 and the newly installed device 40 by the switches 241-244. At this time, the newly installed device 40 may be operating in a test mode in which some functions during actual operation are limited, for example. The second testing unit 513 can determine whether the operation of the newly installed device 40 is normal or not by acquiring, for example, an output signal acquired from the newly installed device 40 and a report of the test results.

[0048] The switching control section 511 switches between cables etc. to be tested and the second test section 513 repeats the second test, and the second test is performed on the operations based on the signals input to all the cables. If any function does not operate normally in the second test, second test unit 513 presents the operation determined to be abnormal to the worker, for example, by the display means or audio output means of output unit 53. If it is determined in the second test that all functions of newly installed device 40 operate normally, the test of the soundness of newly installed device 40 ends.

[0049] As described above, according to the equipment switching method and equipment switching device of this embodiment, the equipment connected to the distribution board 10 can be switched by the switching board 20. Therefore, even if a health test of the newly installed equipment 40 is performed, for example, at a specified time period over several days, the test can be carried out without having to change the cable connection position each time for each day's test.

[0050] After the soundness test of the newly installed device 40 is completed and it is confirmed that the operation of the newly installed device 40 is problem-free, the multiple separation terminals 21C are removed from the sixth terminal block 21B, and the multiple separation terminals 23C are removed from the tenth terminal block 23B. At this time, the multiple separation terminals 23C are in a state in which one end of a cable connected to the eleventh terminal block 40A of the newly installed device 40 is attached to the other end of the cable. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 3, the multiple separation terminals 23C are attached to the sixth terminal block 21B, and the switchboard 10 and the newly installed device 40 are electrically connected via the cable. In this case, since there is no configuration such as the switches 241-244 between the newly installed device 40 and the switchboard 10, the newly installed device 40 is not stopped due to a failure of the switches 241-244, and the reliability of the newly installed device 40 during operation can be ensured. In the above-described device switching method, the separation terminal may be removed or attached by an operator or by a device switching device.

[0051] After connecting the switchboard 10 and the new equipment 40 as described above, the cable between the existing equipment 30 and the switching board 20 is removed from the switching board 20, and the replacement work of the existing equipment 30 with the new equipment 40 is completed. In addition, in a state where the plurality of separated terminals 21C are attached to the sixth terminal block 21B, the plurality of separated terminals 23C are attached to the tenth terminal block 23B, and the new device 40 is connected to the switchboard 10 via the configuration of the switches 241-244 of the switchboard 20, the existing device 30 may be removed from the switchboard 20 to complete the replacement work of the existing device 30 with the new device 40. In this case, it is possible to reduce the number of steps in the device switching method.

[0052] According to the device switching method and device switching device of the present embodiment, by using the switching board 20 including the separation terminal, it is possible to significantly reduce the time required for changing the installation position of the cable connecting the devices. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time and manpower required for the soundness test performed when switching the devices. In other words, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the work efficiency of the switching work of the devices connected via the cable.

[0053] Next, a device switching method and a device switching apparatus according to a second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0054] 5 to 7 are diagrams for explaining an example of a device switching method and a device switching device according to the second embodiment. The equipment switching device of this embodiment includes a switching panel 20, a test device 50, and a temporary panel 60, and in the equipment switching method of this embodiment, the existing equipment 30 is replaced with new equipment 40 using the switching panel 20, the test device 50, and the temporary panel 60.

[0055] The temporary panel 60 is a non-operational facility that is not connected to the equipment in operation (the distribution panel 10 and the existing equipment 30), and the temporary panel 60 is installed adjacent to the switching panel 20. In principle, the interior of the temporary panel 60 and the interior of the switching panel 20 are separated into separate spaces by a partition wall arranged at the boundary between them. The partition wall between the temporary panel 60 and the switching panel 20 has a through opening large enough for multiple cables to pass through. At least a part of the partition wall between the temporary panel 60 and the switching panel 20 may be configured to be removable.

[0056] The temporary board 60 has a fourth connection section including a thirteenth terminal block 61. The thirteenth terminal block 61 has a plurality of separate terminals (third separate terminals) 61C. The plurality of separate terminals 61C may be integrally configured, or each terminal may be configured to be individually separable from the temporary board 60. The temporary board 60 may have a function of outputting a test signal from the fourth connection section in response to a control signal from the test device 50.

[0057] The plurality of separated terminals 61C are connected to the other ends of a plurality of cables, each having one end connected to the eleventh terminal block 40A of the newly installed device 40. The plurality of cables between the thirteenth terminal block 61 and the eleventh terminal block 40A are inserted through the inside of the switching board 20 into the temporary board 60 from an opening in the partition wall between the switching board 20 and the temporary board 60.

[0058] The first testing section 512 of the testing device 50 performs a continuity check (first test) between the temporary board 60 and the newly installed equipment 40. The first testing section 512 outputs a control signal to the temporary board 60 to transmit a test signal from the thirteenth terminal block 61 to the eleventh terminal block 40A, and causes the temporary board 60 to supply the signal via a cable to the newly installed equipment 40, thereby performing a test to check the continuity of a signal path (second signal path) between the newly installed equipment 40 and the temporary board 60 through a cable or the like. Note that since the temporary board 60 is a non-operational device that is not connected to the switchboard 10 and the existing equipment 30, it is possible to test the continuity between the temporary board 60 and the newly installed equipment 40 even during a time period when the existing equipment 30 is in operation.

[0059] When the first test by the first testing section 512 is completed and it is confirmed that there is no problem (continuity) in the continuity state of the signal path of the cable between the temporary board 60 and the newly installed device 40, the multiple separated terminals 61C are removed from the thirteenth terminal block 61 and attached to the tenth terminal block 23B. At this time, a part of the partition wall between the temporary board 60 and the switching board 20 is removed, the space in the temporary board 60 and the space in the switching board 20 are temporarily connected, and the multiple separated terminals 61C are moved from inside the temporary board 60 to inside the switching board 20. After the multiple separated terminals 61C are attached to the tenth terminal block 23B, a part of the partition wall provided at the boundary between the temporary board 60 and the switching board 20 is attached to the original position, and the internal spaces of the temporary board 60 and the switching board 20 are returned to the state of being individually partitioned.

[0060] The second test section 513 is the same as that of the first embodiment. That is, when performing a soundness test on the newly installed device 40, the second test section 513 performs an operation test (second test) on the newly installed device 40 after the first test. The second test is a test for confirming that the newly installed device 40 operates normally. The second test is performed, for example, by stopping some or all of the signals to the existing device 30 while the newly installed device 40 is operating. At this time, the switching control section 511 and the second test section 512 can perform a test for each part of the operation of the newly installed device 40 by switching the cable through which the signal is input by the switches 241-244. The second test may be performed for each of a plurality of operations based on the signals input to a plurality of cables. In the second test, when a problem occurs in the newly installed device 40, it becomes easy to identify the problem location.

[0061] As described above, according to the equipment switching method and equipment switching device of this embodiment, by performing the first test using the temporary panel 60, it is possible to proceed with part of the soundness test of the newly installed equipment 40 even during the time period when the existing equipment 30 is in operation, and the constraints on the time period for equipment switching can be alleviated. In addition, since the equipment connected to the switchboard 10 can be switched by the switching panel 20, even if the soundness test of the newly installed equipment 40 is performed, for example, during a predetermined time period over several days, the test can be performed without changing the connection position of the cable each time for the test on each day.

[0062] After the soundness test of the newly installed device 40 is completed and it is confirmed that the operation of the newly installed device 40 is problem-free, the multiple separation terminals 21C are removed from the sixth terminal block 21B, and the multiple separation terminals 61C are removed from the tenth terminal block 23B. At this time, the multiple separation terminals 61C are in a state in which one end of a cable connected to the eleventh terminal block 40A of the newly installed device 40 is attached to the other end of the cable. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7, the multiple separation terminals 61C are attached to the sixth terminal block 21B, and the switchboard 10 and the newly installed device 40 are electrically connected via the cable. In this case, since there is no configuration such as the switches 241-244 between the newly installed device 40 and the switchboard 10, the newly installed device 40 is not stopped due to a failure of the switches 241-244, and the reliability of the newly installed device 40 during operation can be guaranteed.

[0063] After connecting the switchboard 10 and the new equipment 40 as described above, the cable between the existing equipment 30 and the switching board 20 is removed from the switching board 20, and the replacement work of the existing equipment 30 with the new equipment 40 is completed. In addition, in a state where the plurality of separated terminals 21C are attached to the sixth terminal block 21B, the plurality of separated terminals 61C are attached to the tenth terminal block 23B, and the new device 40 is connected to the switchboard 10 via the configuration of the switches 241-244 of the switchboard 20, the existing device 30 may be removed from the switchboard 20 to complete the replacement work of the existing device 30 with the new device 40. In this case, it is possible to reduce the number of steps in the device switching method.

[0064] As described above, according to the device switching method and device switching device of this embodiment, by using the switching panel 20 including the separation terminal, it is possible to significantly reduce the time required for the work of changing the installation position of the cable connecting the devices. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time and manpower required for the soundness test performed when switching the devices. In other words, according to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the work efficiency of the switching work of the devices connected via the cable.

[0065] Next, a device switching method according to the third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0066] 8 and 9 are diagrams for explaining an example of a device switching method and a device switching device according to the third embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that the second terminal block 10B of the distribution board 10 has a plurality of separate terminals (fourth separate terminals) 10C, and that the sixth terminal block 21B of the switching board 20 has a plurality of fixed terminals.

[0067] One end of a cable is attached to the plurality of separate terminals 10C of the second terminal block 10B, and the separate terminals are electrically connected to the plurality of fixed terminals of the fifth terminal block 21A of the switching board 20 via the cable. The plurality of separate terminals 10C may be integrally configured, or each of the terminals may be configured to be separable from the temporary board 60 individually.

[0068] The multiple fixed terminals of the sixth terminal block 21B of the switching board 20 are electrically connected to the input terminals of the switches 241-244 via wiring within the switching board 20, and are also electrically connected to the fifth terminal block 21A via the sixth terminal block 21B.

[0069] The test device 50 performs a soundness test (first test and second test) of the newly installed device 40 using the multiple separated terminals 10C of the switchboard 10 and the switching board 20. The soundness test of the newly installed device 40 is performed in the same manner as in the above-mentioned first embodiment. In this embodiment, after the second test is completed, the multiple separated terminals 10C of the second terminal block 10B and the multiple separated terminals 23C of the tenth terminal block 23B are removed. At this time, the switching board 20 and the existing device 30 are removed from the switchboard 10. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9, the multiple separated terminals 23C are attached to the second terminal block 10B of the switchboard 10.

[0070] As described above, according to the device switching method and device switching device of the present embodiment, by using the switching board 20 including the separation terminal, it is possible to significantly reduce the time required for the work of changing the installation position of the cable connecting the devices. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time and manpower required for the soundness test performed when switching the devices. In addition, in this embodiment, after the soundness test of the newly installed device 40 is completed, the newly installed device 40 is connected to the distribution board 10 via a cable, so that the switching board 20 is not interposed between the distribution board 10 and the newly installed device 40 when the newly installed device 40 is operated. Therefore, the newly installed device 40 does not stop due to a malfunction of the switching board 20, and the reliability of the operation by the distribution board 10 and the newly installed device 40 can be improved. That is, according to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the switching operation of devices connected via a cable.

[0071] The program according to the present embodiment may be transferred in a state where it is stored in an electronic device, or in a state where it is not stored in an electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or in a state where it is stored in a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing a program and is computer-readable.

[0072] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 10...distribution board (first device), 10A...first terminal block, 10B...second terminal block, 10C, 21C, 23C, 61C...separate terminal, 20...switching board, 21A...fifth terminal block, 21B...sixth terminal block, 22A...seventh terminal block, 22B...eighth terminal block, 23A...ninth terminal block, 23B...tenth terminal block, 24...switching section, 24B...first output terminal, 24C...second output terminal, 241-244...switching device, 241A-244A...input terminal, 241B-244 B...first output terminal, 241C-244C...second output terminal, 30...existing device (second device), 30A...third terminal block, 30B...fourth terminal block, 40...newly installed device (third device), 40A...eleventh terminal block, 40B...twelfth terminal block, 50...testing device, 51...control unit, 511...switching control unit, 512...first testing unit, 513...second testing unit, 52...storage unit, 53...output unit, 54...input unit, 55...communication unit, 60...temporary panel, 61...thirteenth terminal block

Claims

1. a switchboard including first to third connection parts that can be connected to a device via a cable, and a switch that switches an electrical connection state between the first connection part and the second connection part and between the first connection part and the third connection part, the first connection part being separable from the first connection part and including a first separation terminal that is electrically connected to the switch and the cable when attached to the first connection part, and the third connection part being separable from the third connection part and including a second separation terminal that is electrically connected to the switch and the cable when attached to the third connection part, a first test is performed to confirm a continuity state of a signal path to the third device by transmitting a first test signal from the second separate terminal to the third device in a state in which the first connection portion and the first device are connected via a cable, the second connection portion and the second device are connected via a cable, and the second separate terminal of the third connection portion and the third device are connected via a cable; when it is confirmed by the first test that the signal path is conductive, a second test is performed in which the first device and the third device are electrically connected by switching the plurality of switches, and a second test signal is supplied from the first device to the third device to confirm an operation of the third device; When the second test confirms that the operation of the third equipment is normal, the first separation terminal and the second separation terminal are separated from the switching board, and the second separation terminal is attached to the first connection portion.

2. A device switching method further using a temporary panel having a fourth connection portion including a third separation terminal arranged adjacent to the switching panel and connected to the device via a cable, a first test is performed to confirm a continuity state of a second signal path to the third device by transmitting a first test signal from the third separate terminal to the third device in a state in which the first connection portion and the first device are connected via a cable, the second connection portion and the second device are connected via a cable, and a third separate terminal of the fourth connection portion and the third device are connected via a cable; When it is confirmed by the first test that the second signal path is conductive, the third separation terminal is removed from the temporary board and attached to the third connection portion, and the second test is performed; 2. The equipment switching method according to claim 1, wherein when the second test confirms that the operation of the third equipment is normal, the first separation terminal and the third separation terminal are removed from the switching board and the third separation terminal is attached to the first connection portion.

3. the temporary panel and the switching panel have an opening provided at a boundary between them, and at least a portion of the boundary is removable; a cable connected to the third separation terminal is connected to the third device through the opening and via the inside of the switching panel; 3. The equipment switching method according to claim 2, wherein the third separated terminal removed from the temporary panel is moved from inside the temporary panel into the switching panel by removing at least a portion of the boundary between the temporary panel and the switching panel, and attached to the third connection portion.

4. a switch for switching an electrical connection state between the first connection portion and the second connection portion and between the first connection portion and the third connection portion, the third connection portion being separable from the third connection portion, the switch comprising a second separation terminal electrically connected to the switch and the cable when attached to the third connection portion, the switch comprising: a first connection portion to a third connection portion; a first test is performed to confirm a continuity state of a signal path to the third device by transmitting a first test signal from the second separate terminal to the third device in a state in which the first connection portion and a fourth separate terminal of the first device are connected via a cable, the second connection portion and the second device are connected via a cable, and the second separate terminal of the third connection portion and the third device are connected via a cable; when it is confirmed by the first test that the signal path is conductive, a second test is performed in which the first device and the third device are electrically connected by switching the plurality of switches, and a second test signal is supplied from the first device to the third device to confirm an operation of the third device; When the result of the second test determines that the operation of the third equipment is normal, the second separation terminal is separated from the switching board, the fourth separation terminal is separated from the first equipment, and the second separation terminal is attached to the first equipment.

5. a switching board including first to third connection parts that can be connected to a device via a cable, and a switch that switches an electrical connection state between the first connection part and the second connection part and between the first connection part and the third connection part, the first connection part being detachable from the first connection part and including a first separate terminal that is electrically connected to the switch and the cable when attached to the first connection part, and the third connection part being detachable from the third connection part and including a second separate terminal that is electrically connected to the switch and the cable when attached to the third connection part; a first testing unit that performs a first test to confirm a continuity state of a signal path to the third device by transmitting a first test signal from the second separate terminal to the third device in a state in which the first connection unit and a first device are connected via a cable, the second connection unit and the second device are connected via a cable, and the second separate terminal of the third connection unit and the third device are connected via a cable; and a second testing unit that performs a second test to confirm an operation of the third device by switching the multiple switches to electrically connect the first device and the third device when it is confirmed that the signal path is continuity.

6. A temporary board is provided adjacent to the switching board and has a fourth connection portion including a third separate terminal connected to the device via a cable; the first testing unit performs the first test to confirm a continuity state of a second signal path to the third device by transmitting a first test signal from the third separate terminal to the third device in a state in which the first connection unit and the first device are connected via a cable, the second connection unit and the second device are connected via a cable, and the third separate terminal of the fourth connection unit and the third device are connected via a cable; 6. The device switching device according to claim 5, wherein when the first test confirms that the second signal path is conductive, the second testing section removes the third separation terminal from the temporary board and attaches it to the third connection section to perform the second test.

Images