Opening and closing system

Abstract

To provide an opening and closing system that has the function of detecting a failure in a switch in an electrical circuit between an input device and an output device while the electrical circuit between the input device and the output device is maintained, and that can cut off the supply of power or electrical signals from the input device to the output device when a short circuit occurs between the input device and the output device.SOLUTION: An opening and closing system 1 includes a parallel circuit RS having a plurality of circuits R connected in parallel, each having a plurality of switches SW connected in series, a detection device 11 which sequentially selects a switch SW to be inspected one by one from the plurality of switches SW, instructs the selected switch SW to be inspected to open or close, and detects a fault in the switch SW that has been instructed to open or close on the basis of a feedback signal FB output from the circuit R having the switch SW that has been instructed to open or close, and a circuit 13 which is an insulating circuit connected between the input side device 2 and the parallel circuit RS.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for detecting a fault in a switch. [Background technology]

[0002] In a system for supplying power or an electrical signal from an input device to an output device, it may be necessary to cut off the current between these devices in an emergency, etc. In such cases, a system is widely adopted in which a switch is placed between the input device and the output device to open and close the electrical path between these devices, and the switch is kept closed under normal circumstances and opened in an emergency, etc.

[0003] In the above-described system, if a fault (short-circuit fault) occurs that makes it impossible to switch the switch from a closed state to an open state, it becomes impossible to cut off the power or electrical signals from the input-side device to the output-side device in an emergency, etc. For example, if the supply of power to the output-side device must be cut off quickly in an emergency, if the electrical circuit cannot be opened due to a short-circuit fault in the switch, the output-side device will continue to operate, which could lead to a serious accident.

[0004] To avoid the above problems, it is necessary to frequently inspect the switches to check for faults. However, if the supply of power or electrical signals from the input device to the output device is interrupted during frequent inspections, the operation of those devices will be hindered. Therefore, a system is needed to inspect the switches located between those devices while continuing the supply of power or electrical signals from the output device to the input device.

[0005] Patent Document 1 is a patent document that discloses technology that meets such needs. Patent Document 1 describes a switching system that inspects whether or not a fault has occurred in all switches by providing multiple electric circuits connected in parallel between an input device and an output device, providing a switch for each of the multiple electric circuits, sequentially selecting an electric circuit to be inspected one by one from the multiple electric circuits using an instruction device, switching the switch for the electric circuit to be inspected from the closed state to the open state while maintaining the switch for the electric circuits not to be inspected in the closed state, and determining whether or not the current flow state of the electric circuit to be inspected changes with the switching using a detection device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-092822 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The risk of a short circuit between the output of the input device and the input of the output device, bypassing the switching system described in Patent Document 1, due to an error in the design, manufacturing, connection, etc. of the input or output device connected to the switching system described in Patent Document 1 cannot be completely eliminated.

[0008] Even if a short circuit occurs between the output of such an input device and the input of an output device, it is difficult for relevant personnel to notice the short circuit because power or electrical signals are normally supplied from the input device to the output device while the input and output devices are in operation. Then, in an emergency, when all the switches in the switching system are switched to the open state and the power or electrical signals from the input device to the output device should be cut off, the supply of power or electrical signals from the input device to the output device is maintained through the short-circuited path, and it is only when the cut-off fails that relevant personnel notice the occurrence of the short circuit. In that case, the operation of the output device, which should be shut down, is not stopped, which poses the risk of a serious accident.

[0009] If a short circuit bypassing the switching system always exists between an input device and an output device connected via a switching system, the short circuit can be detected by switching all switches in the switching system to the open state and checking whether a short circuit exists between the input device and the output device, for example, when connecting the input device and the output device via the switching system. However, a short circuit between the output device and the input device may or may not occur depending on the various combinations of the circuit states of the output device and the input device. It is difficult to comprehensively check for the presence or absence of a short circuit in all of these states.

[0010] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a switching system that has a function of detecting a failure in a switch in an electrical circuit between an input device and an output device while the electrical circuit between the input device and the output device is maintained, and that can cut off the supply of power or an electrical signal from the input device to the output device when a short circuit occurs between the input device and the output device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides, as a first aspect, a switching system that is arranged between an input side device and an output side device, and among a plurality of parallel-connected electric circuits each having a switch, maintains electrical continuity in at least one electric circuit while instructing the switches of the other electric circuits to open or close, detects a failure of the switch based on the electrical continuity state of the other electric circuits, and when the input side device and the output side device are short-circuited, causes the current output from the input side device to flow to an input side ground that is a ground common to the input side device so that no current flows from the input side device to the output side device.

[0012] According to the first aspect of the switching system, when the input side device and the output side device are short-circuited, the power or electrical signal output from the input side device flows to a ground common to the input side device, and therefore the supply of power or electrical signal from the input side device to the output side device is cut off.

[0013] In the switching system of the first aspect described above, a second aspect may be adopted in which the switching system has an input side circuit and an output side circuit that are insulated from each other, and is provided with an isolation circuit that transmits power or an electrical signal input to the input side circuit to the output side circuit, the input side circuit being connected to the input side ground, and the output side circuit being connected to an output side ground that is a ground common to the output side device and different from the input side ground.

[0014] In the switching system of the second aspect described above, a third aspect may be adopted in which the isolation circuit transmits power or an electric signal from the input side circuit to the output side circuit by any one of magnetic force, light, radio waves, and sound.

[0015] According to the switching system of the second or third aspect, the power or electrical signal output from the input side device always flows to the common ground with the input side device via the input side circuit of the isolation circuit, so even if the input side device and the output side device are short-circuited, when all switches are switched to the closed state, the power or electrical signal output from the input side device will not flow to the output side device.

[0016] In the switching system of the second aspect described above, a configuration may be adopted as a fourth aspect in which the output of the isolation circuit is stopped when an abnormality in the power or electrical signal output from the isolation circuit is detected.

[0017] According to the switching system of the fourth aspect, when a failure occurs in the insulating circuit, the supply of power or an electric signal from the input side device to the output side device is stopped.

[0018] In the opening and closing system of the first aspect described above, a configuration may be adopted as a fifth aspect, which includes a detection device that performs the detection, and an instruction device that instructs each of the switches of the multiple electrical circuits to open if a predetermined signal is not received from the detection device at a predetermined time interval.

[0019] According to the switching system of the fifth aspect, when a detection device that detects a failure in a switch fails, the electric circuit between the devices is opened.

[0020] In the switching system of the first aspect described above, a sixth aspect may be adopted in which each of the plurality of electrical circuits has a plurality of switches, and the opening / closing instruction instructs one or more switches of each of the other electrical circuits to open or close.

[0021] According to the switching system of the sixth aspect, a failure of a switch in an electric circuit between devices is detected while the electric circuit is maintained. Furthermore, even if a failure occurs in one of the switches, the electric circuit between devices can be opened.

[0022] In the switching system of the sixth aspect described above, a seventh aspect may be adopted in which, when a failure of any of the switches is detected, one or more switches of each of the multiple electrical circuits are instructed to open.

[0023] According to the switching system of the seventh aspect, if a failure occurs in any of the switches, the electrical path between the devices is opened.

[0024] In the switching system of the sixth aspect described above, an eighth aspect may be adopted in which, after detecting a failure in any of the switches, the opening and closing instructions and the detection of the failure are given in multiple electrical circuits excluding the electrical circuit having the switch in which the failure has been detected.

[0025] According to the switching system of the eighth aspect, even if a failure occurs in any of the switches, detection of a failure in the switches of the multiple electrical circuits, excluding the electrical circuit having the failed switch, is continued while maintaining electrical current flow between the devices.

[0026] In the switching system of any of the sixth to eighth aspects described above, a ninth aspect may be adopted in which the system is provided with a detection device that performs the detection, and an instruction device that instructs one or more switches of each of the plurality of electrical circuits to open if a predetermined signal is not received from the detection device at a predetermined time interval.

[0027] According to the switching system of the ninth aspect, when a detection device that detects a failure in a switch fails, the electric circuit between the devices is opened. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an opening and closing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a detection device and an indication device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart of a detection process according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates a state in which a short circuit occurs in a switching system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of an opening and closing system according to a modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a monitoring device according to a modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an opening and closing system according to a modified example. [Figure 8A] 10 is a flowchart of a detection process according to a modified example. [Figure 8B] 10 is a flowchart of a detection process according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] [Embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a switching system 1. The switching system 1 is electrically connected between an input device 2 and an output device 3, and serves to cut off the power or electrical signal normally supplied from the input device 2 to the output device 3 in an emergency or the like. In the following description, it is assumed that the input device 2 is a power supply device, and the output device 3 is a device that operates using power supplied from the input device 2. However, it is also possible for the input device 2 to supply a predetermined electrical signal to the output device 3, and for the output device 3 to operate in accordance with the electrical signal supplied from the input device 2.

[0030] The switching system 1 includes a plurality of electric circuits R(i) (i=1, 2, ..., n (n≧2)), a detection device 11, an indication device 12, and a circuit 13. The plurality of electric circuits R(i) are connected in parallel and have a common input terminal IN and a common output terminal OUT. Hereinafter, the plurality of electric circuits R(i) connected in parallel will be referred to as a "parallel electric circuit RS."

[0031] Each of the multiple electric circuits R(i) has switches SW(i,j) (i = 1, 2, ..., n (n ≥ 2), j = 1, 2, ..., m (m ≥ 1)). The type of the switches SW(i,j) is not limited. That is, the switches SW(i,j) may be any type of switches, such as an electromagnetic relay (mechanical relay, contact relay) or a semiconductor relay (solid-state relay, contactless relay). When m is 2 or more, that is, when each of the electric circuits R(i) has multiple switches SW(i,j), the multiple switches SW(i,j) are connected in series in each of the electric circuits R(i), as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0032] As long as one or more of the multiple electric circuits R(i) in the parallel electric circuit RS remains energized, the energization between the input side device 2 and the output side device 3 is maintained. At this time, the voltage of the power supplied from the input side device 2 to the output side device 3 remains constant regardless of the number of energized electric circuits R(i). On the other hand, when the energization of all the electric circuits R(i) in the parallel electric circuit RS is interrupted, the energization between the input side device 2 and the output side device 3 is interrupted.

[0033] A feedback signal FB(i) (i = 1, 2, ..., n (n ≥ 2)) is output from each of the multiple electric circuits R(i) to the detection device 11. The feedback signal FB(i) indicates the voltage between each switch SW(i,m) (the switch SW(i,j) on the most output side) of each of the multiple electric circuits R(i) and the output terminal OUT. The feedback signal FB(p) of the electric circuit R(p) (p is any natural number from 1 to n) indicates ON when all switches SW(p,j) of the electric circuit R(p) are closed, and indicates OFF when at least one switch SW(p,j) of the electric circuit R(p) is open.

[0034] 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the detection device 11 and the instruction device 12. The detection device 11 includes a calculation unit 111, a storage unit 112, an input / output IF (Interface) unit 113, and a UI unit 114. The storage unit 112 includes a storage device such as a hard disk drive, and stores programs and data. The calculation unit 111 includes a processor and memory used as a work area for data processing, and executes various types of data processing in accordance with the programs stored in the storage unit 112.

[0035] The input / output IF unit 113 has a plurality of input terminals T(i) (i = 1, 2, ..., n (n ≥ 2)) corresponding to each of the plurality of electric circuits R(i), and a feedback signal FB(i) output from each of the plurality of electric circuits R(i) is input to the corresponding input terminal T(i). The calculation unit 111 identifies the conduction state of each of the plurality of electric circuits R(i) based on the feedback signal FB(i) input to each input terminal T(i). That is, the calculation unit 111 determines that the electric circuit R(p) is conducting if the feedback signal FB(p) (p is any natural number from 1 to n) indicates ON, and determines that the electric circuit R(p) is not conducting if the feedback signal FB(p) indicates OFF.

[0036] The calculation unit 111 outputs an ON instruction signal or an OFF instruction signal to each of the multiple switches SW(i, j) via the input / output IF unit 113. The ON instruction signal is a signal that instructs the switch SW(i, j) to close, and the OFF instruction signal is a signal that instructs the switch SW(i, j) to close.

[0037] The UI unit 114 includes, for example, a touch display having a touch panel laminated on the display surface of the display, and displays various information and accepts operations by the user. Note that the UI unit 114 may be configured as a device separated from the main body of the detection device 11, and the UI unit 114 may be connected to the input / output IF unit 113.

[0038] The detection device 11 instructs each of the multiple switches SW(i,j) to open or close at different times, monitors the current flow state of the electric circuit R(i) indicated by the feedback signal FB(i), and detects a fault in the switch SW(i,j) that has been instructed to open or close based on whether or not there is a change in the current flow state. Hereinafter, the process performed by the detection device 11 to detect a fault in the switch SW(i,j) will be referred to as the "detection process." Figure 3 is a flow chart of the detection process. The flow of the detection process will be explained below.

[0039] The detection process is started, for example, in response to a start operation by the user on the UI unit 114. When the detection process starts, the calculation unit 111 first instructs all switches SW(i,j) to close (step A01). Specifically, the calculation unit 111 outputs an ON instruction signal to all switches SW(i,j). Switches SW(i,j) that have received the ON instruction signal each perform a closing operation. Note that switches SW(i,j) that are already closed at the time of receiving the ON instruction signal maintain their closed state. As a result, the parallel electrical circuit RS is in a state in which all switches SW(i,j) are closed.

[0040] Next, the calculation unit 111 sets an initial value of 1 to counters p and q for selecting a switch SW(i,j) (step A02). Counter p is a counter for selecting the pth electric circuit, i.e., electric circuit R(p), from among the multiple electric circuits R(i). Counter q is a counter for selecting the qth switch, i.e., switch SW(p,q), from among one or more switches SW(p,j) that the electric circuit R(p) has.

[0041] Next, the calculation unit 111 instructs the switch SW(p, q) to open (step A03). Specifically, the calculation unit 111 outputs an OFF instruction signal to the switch SW(p, q). The switch SW(p, q) performs an opening operation upon receiving the OFF instruction signal.

[0042] Next, the calculation unit 111 detects a fault (in this case, a short-circuit fault) in the switch SW(p,q) that was instructed to be opened in step A03, based on the feedback signal FB(p) corresponding to the electric circuit R(p) having the switch SW(p,q) that was instructed to be opened in step A03 (step A04). Specifically, if the feedback signal FB(p) indicates OFF, the calculation unit 111 determines that the switch SW(p,q) is not faulty, and if the feedback signal FB(p) indicates ON, the calculation unit 111 determines that the switch SW(p,q) is faulty.

[0043] If a failure of the switch SW(p, q) is detected in step A04 (step A04: YES), the calculation unit 111 instructs all the switches SW(i, j) to open (step B01). Specifically, the calculation unit 111 outputs an OFF instruction signal to all the switches SW(i, j). The switches SW(i, j) that have received the OFF instruction signal each perform an opening operation.

[0044] The process of step B01 is a process of cutting off the power supply from the input side device 2 to the output side device 3 when a failure occurs in any of the multiple switches SW(i,j). The output side device 3 is designed to operate on the safe side when the power supply is cut off. Therefore, when a failure occurs in any of the multiple switches SW(i,j), the output side device 3 operates on the safe side, ensuring safety.

[0045] Next, the detection device 11 outputs the fault detection result by the calculation unit 111 (step B02). In this embodiment, in step B02, the UI unit 114 displays information to notify the user of the switch SW(i,j) in which a fault has been detected. The display format of the UI unit 114 may be, for example, a format that illustrates the switch in which a fault has been detected on a diagram of the parallel electric circuit RS, or a format that displays text such as "Switch No. XX is faulty."

[0046] After executing step B02, the detection device 11 ends the series of detection processes.

[0047] If no failure of the switch SW(p, q) is detected in step A04 (step A04: NO), the calculation unit 111 instructs the switch SW(p, q) to close (step A05). Specifically, the calculation unit 111 outputs an ON instruction signal to the switch SW(p, q). The switch SW(p, q) performs a closing operation upon receiving the ON instruction signal.

[0048] Next, the calculation unit 111 detects a fault (in this case, an open fault) in the switch SW(p,q) that was instructed to be closed in step A05, based on the feedback signal FB(p) corresponding to the electric circuit R(p) having the switch SW(p,q) that was instructed to be closed in step A05 (step A06). Specifically, if the feedback signal FB(p) indicates ON, the calculation unit 111 determines that the switch SW(p,q) is not faulty, and if the feedback signal FB(p) indicates OFF, the calculation unit 111 determines that the switch SW(p,q) is faulty.

[0049] If a failure in the switch SW(p, q) is detected in step A06 (step A06: YES), the detection device 11 performs the processes of steps B01 and B02, and ends the series of detection processes.

[0050] If a fault in the switch SW(p,q) is not detected in step A06 (step A06: NO), the calculation unit 111 determines whether the counter p at that time is n (the number of electric circuits) (step A07). The process of step A07 is a process of determining whether the switch SW(p,q) selected as the target for fault inspection at that time is the switch SW(n,q) of the last electric circuit (n).

[0051] If it is determined in step A07 that the counter p is not n (step A07: NO), the calculation unit 111 increments the counter p by 1 (step A08). After that, the detection device 11 repeats the processes from step A03 onwards. The process of step A08 is a process for selecting the switch located one position below the switch SW(p, q) selected at that time in FIG. 1 as the target of a new open / close instruction.

[0052] If it is determined in step A07 that the counter p is n (step A07: YES), the calculation unit 111 determines whether the counter p at that time is m (the number of switches in each electric circuit) (step A09). The processing in step A09 is processing to determine whether the switch SW(n, q) selected as the target for fault inspection at that time is the last switch SW(n, m) in the last electric circuit (n).

[0053] If it is determined in step A09 that the counter q is not m (step A09: NO), the calculation unit 111 sets the counter p to 1 and also increments the counter q by 1 (step A10). Thereafter, the detection device 11 repeats the processes from step A03 onwards. The process of step A10 is a process for selecting, as the target of a new open / close instruction, the switch located immediately to the right of the switch SW(n,q) selected at that time, among the switches SW(1,j) of the first electric circuit (1).

[0054] If it is determined in step A09 that the counter q is m (step A09: YES), the calculation unit 111 sets the counter p to 1 and the counter q to 1 (step A11). Thereafter, the detection device 11 repeats the processes from step A03 onwards. The process of step A11 is a process for selecting the first switch SW(1,1) of the first electric circuit (1) as the target of a new opening / closing instruction.

[0055] The above is the flow of the detection process performed by the detection device 11. According to the above detection process, switches are selected one by one from the plurality of switches SW(i,j) in a cyclical manner, and the selected switches are checked for faults (short-circuit faults and open-circuit faults). During these inspections, the input side device 2 and the output side device 3 are always energized through one of the electrical paths, so the operation of the output side device 3 is not stopped unless a fault occurs in one of the switches. Therefore, regardless of whether the operation of the output side device 3 can be stopped, the switches are checked for faults as frequently as necessary.

[0056] In the above description of the detection process, the frequency of switching the switch to be inspected, for example, the time between performing the process of step A04 for a certain switch and performing the process of step A04 for the next switch, may be set appropriately.

[0057] The above-mentioned detection process is executed by the detection device 11. Therefore, if the detection device 11 fails, the failure of the switch SW(i, j) will not be detected, and there is a risk that a failure occurring in any of the switches will be overlooked. To avoid such inconvenience, the instruction device 12 provided in the switching system 1 detects a failure of the detection device 11, and if a failure of the detection device 11 is detected, performs a process to cut off the power supply between the input side device 2 and the output side device 3.

[0058] The configuration of the indicating device 12 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The calculation unit 111 of the detection device 11 outputs a predetermined signal S to the indicating device 12 via the input / output IF unit 113 at predetermined time intervals.

[0059] The instruction device 12 includes a calculation unit 121, a storage unit 122, an input / output IF unit 123, and a display unit 124. The storage unit 122 includes a storage device such as a hard disk drive, and stores programs and data. The calculation unit 121 includes a processor and memory used as a work area for data processing, and executes various data processing operations in accordance with the programs stored in the storage unit 122.

[0060] A signal S output from the detection device 11 at predetermined time intervals is input to the input / output IF unit 123. The calculation unit 121 measures the elapsed time after receiving the latest signal S via the input / output IF unit 123, and if the calculation unit 121 does not receive the next signal S before the elapsed time reaches a threshold, it determines that the detection device 11 is malfunctioning.

[0061] When the instruction device 12 detects a failure of the detection device 11, it instructs all the switches SW(i,j) to open via the input / output IF unit 123. Specifically, the instruction device 12 outputs an OFF instruction signal to all the switches SW(i,j). When each of the switches SW(i,j) receives the OFF instruction signal output from the instruction device 12, it performs an opening operation. As a result, the current between the input side device 2 and the output side device 3 is cut off.

[0062] The display unit 124 displays various information. The display unit 124 may be configured as a device separate from the main body of the instruction device 12, and the display unit 124 may be connected to the input / output IF unit 123. When the calculation unit 121 detects a failure of the detection device 11, the display unit 124 displays a message to notify the user of the failure of the detection device 11. For example, the display unit 124 displays text such as "The switch failure detection function has stopped."

[0063] According to the above-described switching system 1, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that one of the switches breaks down without the user's knowledge, and the current is not switched correctly when needed.

[0064] As described above, the switching system 1 plays a role in cutting off the power or electrical signals normally supplied from the input side device 2 to the output side device 3 in an emergency or the like. That is, in an emergency or the like, the instruction device 12 outputs an OFF instruction signal to all the switches SW(i,j) in response to an externally input cut-off instruction, and each of the switches SW(i,j) performs an opening operation in response to the OFF instruction signal output from the instruction device 12. As a result, the current flow between the input side device 2 and the output side device 3 via the parallel electrical circuit RS is cut off.

[0065] As described above, even if the current flow between the input device 2 and the output device 3 via the parallel electrical circuit RS is properly cut off, if the input device 2 and the output device 3 are short-circuited for some reason, such as a design error, the supply of power or electrical signals from the input device 2 to the output device 3 will continue, causing the output device 3 to continue operating, which could result in a serious accident.

[0066] In this application, a short circuit between the input side device 2 and the output side device 3 means a state in which the output of the input side device 2 and the input of the output side device 3 are electrically connected, bypassing the parallel electrical circuit RS.

[0067] The switching system 1 is provided with a circuit 13 that causes the current output from the input device 2 to flow to the ground of the input device 2 so that even if a short circuit occurs between the input device 2 and the output device 3, the current output from the input device 2 does not flow to the output device 3 via the short-circuited electrical path.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 1 , circuit 13 is connected between the output of input-side device 2 and input terminal IN of parallel electrical circuit RS. Circuit 13 has input-side circuit 131 and output-side circuit 132. Input-side circuit 131 and output-side circuit 132 are electrically insulated from each other, and are an isolated circuit that transmits power or an electrical signal from input-side circuit 131 to output-side circuit 132 by magnetic force. That is, input-side circuit 131 and output-side circuit 132 each have a coil, and when a current flows through the coil of input-side device 2, a magnetic force is generated by the current, and the magnetic force causes a current to flow in the coil of output-side device 3 by electromagnetic induction. As a result, power or an electrical signal is transmitted from input-side circuit 131 to output-side circuit 132, which are electrically insulated from each other.

[0069] The hot terminal of the input circuit 131 is connected to the output of the input device 2 , and the cold terminal of the input circuit 131 is connected to the input ground, which is a ground common to the input device 2 .

[0070] The hot side terminal of the output side circuit 132 is connected to the input end IN of the parallel circuit RS, and the cold side terminal of the output side circuit 132 is connected to the output side ground, which is a common ground with the output side device 3 and is a ground different from the input side ground.

[0071] In the switching system 1 having the circuit 13 between the input-side device 2 and the parallel electrical circuit RS as described above, the current output from the input-side device 2 flows to the input-side ground via the input-side circuit 131 of the circuit 13. The resistance value of the input-side circuit 131 is sufficiently smaller than the expected resistance value of the output-side device 3. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, even if the input-side device 2 and the output-side device 3 are short-circuited and an electrical circuit BP is formed that bypasses the parallel electrical circuit RS, the current output from the input-side device 2 flows to the input-side ground via the input-side circuit 131 of the circuit 13, and does not flow to the output-side device 3 via the electrical circuit BP.

[0072] By providing the above-mentioned circuit 13, in the switching system 1, when the power or electrical signal supplied from the input side device 2 to the output side device 3 by the parallel electrical circuit RS is cut off, even if the input side device 2 and the output side device 3 are short-circuited, power or electrical signals will not be supplied from the input side device 2 to the output side device 3.

[0073] [Variations] The above-described embodiment may be modified in various ways within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Examples of such modifications are shown below. These modifications may also be combined as appropriate.

[0074] [Variation 1] In the above-described embodiment, the circuit 13 is an isolated circuit that transmits power or an electric signal from the input circuit 131 to the output circuit 132 by magnetic force, but the circuit 13 may be an isolated circuit that transmits power or an electric signal from the input circuit 131 to the output circuit 132 by a transmission medium other than magnetic force. For example, power or an electric signal may be transmitted from the input circuit 131 to the output circuit 132 by any one of light, radio waves, and sound.

[0075] Examples of components that can be used in the circuit 13 include an insulating DC-DC converter, a transformer, a photocoupler, an acoustic coupler, and a digital isolator.

[0076] [Variation 2] In the above-described embodiment, circuit 13 is an isolated circuit, but a circuit that is not an isolated circuit may be used as circuit 13 as long as it is a circuit that flows the current output from input side device 2 to the ground of input side device 2 so that no current flows from input side device 2 to output side device 3 when input side device 2 and output side device 3 are short-circuited.

[0077] For example, circuit 13 may be a circuit having a switch provided on an electrical circuit between the output of input side device 2 and the input end IN of parallel electrical circuit RS, and a detector for detecting a short circuit between input side device 2 and output side device 3, and configured to switch the switch to a closed state when the detector detects a short circuit.

[0078] [Variation 3] If circuit 13 fails and the input side device 2 and output side device 3 are short-circuited, the current output from input side device 2 will not flow to the input side ground but will flow to output side device 3 via circuit BP, and even if the parallel circuit RS is shut off, the current output from input side device 2 will continue to flow to output side device 3 via circuit BP.

[0079] To avoid the above problem, the switching system 1 may include a monitoring device that stops the output of the circuit 13 when an abnormality in the power or electrical signal output from the circuit 13 is detected.

[0080] 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of an opening and closing system 1 according to this modification. The opening and closing system 1 according to this modification includes a monitoring device 14 in addition to the components included in the opening and closing system 1 according to the embodiment described above.

[0081] 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the monitoring device 14. The monitoring device 14 includes a calculation unit 141, a storage unit 142, an input / output IF unit 143, and a display unit 144. The storage unit 142 includes a storage device such as a hard disk drive, and stores programs and data. The calculation unit 141 includes a processor and memory used as a work area for data processing, and executes various types of data processing in accordance with the programs stored in the storage unit 142.

[0082] The input / output IF unit 143 receives the input of power output from the output side circuit 132 of the circuit 13 and outputs the voltage value of that power to the calculation unit 141. Furthermore, the input / output IF unit 143 continuously outputs an enable signal ES to the input side circuit 131 of the circuit 13 while the calculation unit 141 determines that the circuit 13 is normal.

[0083] When the calculation unit 141 receives the voltage value of the power output from the output side circuit 132 of the circuit 13 from the input / output IF unit 143, it determines whether the voltage value is within a specified range, and determines that the circuit 13 is normal if it is within the specified range, and that the circuit 13 is faulty if it is outside the specified range. The calculation unit 141 instructs the input / output IF unit 143 to output an enable signal ES only while it is determining that the circuit 13 is normal. In accordance with the instruction of the calculation unit 141, the input / output IF unit 143 continuously outputs the enable signal ES to the input side circuit 131 of the circuit 13 while it is determining that the circuit 13 is normal.

[0084] While the input side circuit 131 of the circuit 13 is receiving the enable signal ES output from the monitoring device 14, it passes the current input from the input side device 2 through the coil and transmits power or an electrical signal to the output side circuit 132. However, when the output of the enable signal ES from the monitoring device 14 is interrupted, the current input from the input side device 2 is dropped to the input side ground without passing through the coil, and the transmission of power or an electrical signal to the output side circuit 132 is stopped.

[0085] The display unit 144 displays various types of information. The display unit 144 may be configured as a device separate from the main body of the monitoring device 14, and may be connected to the input / output IF unit 143. When the calculation unit 141 detects a fault in the circuit 13, the display unit 144 displays a message to notify the user of the fault in the circuit 13. For example, the display unit 144 displays text such as "The insulation circuit is faulty."

[0086] According to the opening and closing system 1 of this modified example, if a failure occurs in the circuit 13, the supply of power or electrical signals from the input side device 2 to the output side device 3 is stopped, thereby avoiding the inconvenience of the circuit 13 failing without the user's knowledge and not closing the current when needed.

[0087] [Variation 4] In the above-described embodiment, the functions of the detection device 11 and the instruction device 12 are realized by a processor performing data processing in accordance with a program. In the above-described third modification, the functions of the monitoring device 14 are realized by a processor performing data processing in accordance with a program. Alternatively, at least one of the detection device 11, the instruction device 12, and the monitoring device 14 may be configured as a so-called dedicated device that realizes the above-described functions by hardware.

[0088] Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a switching system 1 including an instruction device 12 realized by hardware. Fig. 7 illustrates a case where the number of electric circuits R(i) included in the switching system 1 is two (i.e., n=2), and the number of switches SW(i,j) included in each of the electric circuits R(i) is two (i.e., m=2).

[0089] 7, the indicator 12 has a timer TM(i,j) corresponding to each of the plurality of switches SW(i,j). Each of the plurality of timers TM(i,j) outputs an OFF instruction signal to the corresponding switch SW(i,j) when a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the last OFF instruction signal was received from the detector 11.

[0090] The detection device 11 cyclically selects one switch from the four switches at a time, for example, switch SW(1,1), switch SW(2,1), switch SW(1,2), switch SW(2,2), switch SW(1,1), ..., every time a predetermined time T2 elapses, and outputs an OFF instruction signal to the selected switch and the timer corresponding to that switch, and then outputs an ON instruction signal.

[0091] Note that there is a relationship between the predetermined time T1 for the timer to output an OFF instruction signal to the switch and the predetermined time T2, which is the interval at which the detection device 11 selects a switch, of which T1 = T2 × 4 + α (where α is the allowable operation delay time when the detection device 11 is operating normally). In other words, when the detection device 11 is operating normally, if the timer TM(i, j) does not receive an OFF instruction signal by the time it should receive the next OFF instruction signal after it last received the OFF instruction signal, it outputs an OFF instruction signal to the corresponding switch SW(i, j).

[0092] If the timer TM(i,j) receives an OFF instruction signal before the predetermined time T2 has elapsed, it resets its timekeeping and starts a new timer. Therefore, as long as the detection device 11 is operating normally and an OFF instruction signal is received before the predetermined time T2 has elapsed, the timer will not output an OFF instruction signal to the corresponding switch SW(i,j).

[0093] According to the switching system 1 of this modification, if the detection device 11 fails and an OFF instruction signal is not output to each of the switches SW(i,j) at a predetermined time interval, the timers TM(i,j) corresponding to each of the switches SW(p,q) sequentially detect the failure of the detection device 11, and open the switches SW(i,j). As a result, the electrical path between the input side device 2 and the output side device 3 is interrupted.

[0094] [Variation 5] In the above-described embodiment, the detection device 11 selects one switch to be inspected from among the plurality of switches SW(i, j) one by one. That is, two or more switches do not simultaneously perform opening and closing operations in accordance with instructions from the detection device 11. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of switches simultaneously perform opening and closing operations.

[0095] 8A and 8B (hereinafter, these figures will be collectively referred to as FIG. 8) are a flowchart of an example of detection processing performed by the detection device 11 of the switching system 1 according to this modified example. The detection device 11 instructs all switches SW(i, j) to close (step A01). Then, the detection device 11 sets a counter q to 1 (step C01).

[0096] Next, the detection device 11 instructs each of the switches SW(i, q) (where i = 2, 3, . . . , n) to open (step C02). That is, the detection device 11 simultaneously instructs all of the q-th switches of each of the electric circuits R(i) except for the electric circuit R(1) to open.

[0097] Next, the detection device 11 detects a fault (short-circuit fault) in each of the switches SW(i,q) (where i=2, 3, ..., n) based on each of the feedback signals FB(i) (where i=2, 3, ..., n) (step C03).

[0098] If a fault is detected in any of the switches SW(i,q) in the detection of step C03 (step C03: YES), the detection device 11 instructs all switches SW(i,j) (where i = 1, 2, ..., n) to open (step B01) and outputs the detection result (step B02).

[0099] In the detection of step C03, if no failure is detected in any of the switches SW(i,q) (step C03: NO), the detection device 11 instructs each of the switches SW(i,q) (where i=2, 3, . . . , n) to close (step C04). That is, the detection device 11 simultaneously instructs all of the q-th switches of each of the electric circuits R(i) except for the electric circuit R(1) that was instructed to open in step C02 to close.

[0100] Next, the detection device 11 detects a fault (open fault) in each of the switches SW(i,q) (where i = 2, 3, ..., n) based on each of the feedback signals FB(i) (where i = 2, 3, ..., n) (step C05).

[0101] If a fault is detected in any of the switches SW(i,q) in the detection of step C05 (step C05: YES), the detection device 11 instructs all switches SW(i,j) (where i = 1, 2, ..., n) to open (step B01) and outputs the detection result (step B02).

[0102] If no fault is detected in any of the switches SW(i, q) in the detection of step C05 (step C05: NO), the detection device 11 determines whether the counter q is m (step C06). If the counter q is not m (step C06: NO), the detection device 11 increments q by 1 (step C07) and repeats the processing from step C02 onwards. As a result, of the switches SW(i, j) of each of the electric circuits R(2) to R(n), the first switch, the second switch, ... are selected in order as switches to be inspected, and inspection of the selected multiple switches is performed simultaneously.

[0103] If it is determined in step C06 that the counter q is m (step C06: YES), the detection device 11 sets q to 1 (step C08) and instructs the switch SW(1,q) to open (step C09). Subsequently, the detection device 11 detects a fault (short-circuit fault) in the switch SW(1,q) based on the feedback signal FB(1) (step C10).

[0104] If a fault in the switch SW(1, q) is detected in the detection of step C10 (step C10: YES), the detection device 11 instructs all switches SW(i, j) (where i = 1, 2, ..., n) to open (step B01) and outputs the detection result (step B02).

[0105] If a fault in the switch SW(1,q) is not detected in the detection of step C10 (step C10: NO), the detection device 11 instructs the switch SW(1,q) to close (step C11). Subsequently, the detection device 11 detects a fault (open fault) in the switch SW(1,q) based on the feedback signal FB(1) (step C12).

[0106] If a fault in the switch SW(1, q) is detected in the detection of step C12 (step C12: YES), the detection device 11 instructs all switches SW(i, j) (where i = 1, 2, ..., n) to open (step B01) and outputs the detection result (step B02).

[0107] If a fault in the switch SW(1,q) is not detected in the detection of step C12 (step C12: NO), the detection device 11 determines whether the counter q is m (step C13). If the counter q is not m (step C13: NO), the detection device 11 adds 1 to q (step C14) and repeats the processing from step C09 onwards. As a result, the first switch, the second switch, ... of the electric circuit R(1) are selected in order as switches to be inspected, and the selected switches are inspected.

[0108] In the determination of step C13, if the counter q is equal to m (step C13: YES), the detection device 11 repeats the processing from step C01 onwards.

[0109] According to the switching system 1 of this modified example, fault inspections of multiple switches are performed at once, compared to the switching system 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment, thereby reducing the time required to inspect all switches for faults.

[0110] When following the flowchart of FIG. 8, in the processes of steps C01 to C07, the switches of circuits R(2) to R(n) are selected as the switches to be inspected, and in the processes of steps C08 to C14, the switch of circuit R(1) is selected as the switch to be inspected. The selection methods of the circuits having the switches selected as inspection targets in the processes of steps C01 to C07 and the circuits having the switches selected as inspection targets in the processes of steps C08 to C14 are not limited to this. For example, in the processes of steps C01 to C07, the switches of circuits R(1) to R(k) (where k is an arbitrary natural number with 1 < k < n) may be selected as the switches to be inspected, and in the processes of steps C08 to C14, the switches of circuits R(k + 1) to R(n) may be selected as the switches to be inspected.

[0111] [Modification Example 6] In the above-described embodiment, when the detection device 11 detects a failure of any one of the switches, it instructs all the switches to open. When a failure of any one of the switches is detected, for each of the plurality of circuits, if an open instruction is given to at least one switch that the circuit has, the power supply between the input-side device 2 and the output-side device 3 is cut off. Therefore, when the detection device 11 detects a failure of any one of the switches, a configuration may be adopted in which, for each of the plurality of circuits, an open instruction is given to at least one switch that the circuit has. For example, when the detection device 11 detects a failure of any one of the switches, for each of the plurality of circuits, an open instruction may be given to one of the plurality of switches that the circuit has (excluding the switch in which a short-circuit failure is detected).

[0112] [Modification Example 7] When the number of circuits is 3 or more, the switching system 1 may adopt a configuration in which, even after detecting a failure of any one of the switches, the detection process (see FIG. 3) is continuously executed in a plurality of circuits in which no switch failure has been detected.

[0113] In this modification, when the detection device 11 detects a fault in any of the switches, it instructs all switches in the same electrical circuit as the detected fault to open, and then executes the detection process on multiple electrical circuits excluding the electrical circuit having the switch in which the fault was detected.

[0114] [Other variations] (1) In the above-described embodiment, the number of switches included in each of the plurality of electric paths is the same. However, the number of switches included in each of the plurality of electric paths may be different.

[0115] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the detection device 11 selects the switches to be inspected in order, with priority given to the vertical direction in the arrangement of the switches shown in Fig. 1. That is, the detection device 11 selects the switches to be inspected in the order of the first switch of the first electric circuit, the first switch of the second electric circuit, ..., the first switch of the nth electric circuit, and then selects the switches to be inspected in the order of the second switch of the first electric circuit, the second switch of the second electric circuit, ..., the second switch of the nth electric circuit.

[0116] The order in which the detection device 11 selects the switch to be inspected is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the detection device 11 selects the switch to be inspected sequentially with priority given to the horizontal direction in the arrangement of the switchgear shown in Fig. 1. In this case, the detection device 11 selects the switch to be inspected in the order of the first switch of the first electric circuit, the second switch of the first electric circuit, ..., the m-th switch of the first electric circuit, and then selects the switch to be inspected in the order of the first switch of the second electric circuit, the second switch of the second electric circuit, ..., the m-th switch of the second electric circuit.

[0117] (3) The detection device 11 and the instruction device 12 in the above-described embodiment and the monitoring device 14 in the above-described modification 3 notify the result of the detection of a fault by display. The method by which the detection device 11, the instruction device 12, and the monitoring device 14 notify the result of the detection of a fault is not limited to display, and the result of the detection of a fault may be notified by an alarm sound, a voice message, or the like.

[0118] (4) The results of fault detection by the detection device 11 and the instruction device 12 in the above-described embodiment and the results of fault detection by the monitoring device 14 in the above-described modification 3 are output to the user. The destination of the results of fault detection by the detection device 11, the instruction device 12, and the monitoring device 14 is not limited to the user. For example, the opening and closing system 1 may be configured to include an output unit that outputs data to an external device, and to output data indicating the results of fault detection by the detection device 11, the instruction device 12, or the monitoring device 14 to the external device via the output unit. For example, the output unit included in the opening and closing system 1 may transmit data indicating the results of fault detection by the detection device 11, the instruction device 12, or the monitoring device 14 to a remote device via a wireless or wired communication network.

[0119] (5) In the above-described embodiment, when the detection device 11 detects a failure in any of the switches, it instructs all the switches to open. Furthermore, when the instruction device 12 detects a failure in the detection device 11, it instructs all the switches to open. Furthermore, in the above-described third modification, when the monitoring device 14 detects a failure in the circuit 13, it instructs the circuit 13 to stop transmitting power or an electrical signal. The processing performed by the detection device 11, the instruction device 12, and the monitoring device 14 when they detect a failure is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible that only a notification of the failure detection result is sent, without instructing the switches to open or the circuit 13 to stop transmission. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1...switching system, 2...input side device, 3...output side device, 11...detection device, 12...indication device, 13...circuit, 14...monitoring device, 111...arithmetic unit, 112...storage unit, 113...input / output IF unit, 114...UI unit, 121...arithmetic unit, 122...storage unit, 123...input / output IF unit, 124...display unit, 131...input side circuit, 132...output side circuit, 141...arithmetic unit, 142...storage unit, 143...input / output IF unit, 144...display unit

Claims

1. A switching system that is arranged between an input side device and an output side device, and that maintains the flow of electricity in one or more of a plurality of parallel-connected electrical circuits, each having a switch, while instructing the switches of the other electrical circuits to open or close, detects a switch failure based on the current flow state of the other electrical circuits, and when the input side device and the output side device are short-circuited, flows the current output from the input side device to an input side ground that is a ground common to the input side device so that no current flows from the input side device to the output side device.

2. The present invention is directed to an isolation circuit having an input circuit and an output circuit that are insulated from each other, and transmitting power or an electrical signal input to the input circuit to the output circuit, wherein the input circuit is connected to the input ground, and the output circuit is connected to an output ground that is a common ground with the output device and is different from the input ground. The opening and closing system according to claim 1 .

3. The isolation circuit transmits power or an electric signal from the input circuit to the output circuit by any one of magnetic force, light, radio wave, and sound. The opening and closing system according to claim 2 .

4. When an abnormality in the power or electrical signal output from the isolation circuit is detected, the output of the isolation circuit is stopped. The opening and closing system according to claim 2 .

5. a detection device that performs the detection; and an instruction device that instructs each switch of the plurality of electric circuits to open when a predetermined signal is not received from the detection device at a predetermined time interval. The opening and closing system according to claim 1 .

6. Each of the plurality of electric circuits has a plurality of switches, and the opening / closing instruction instructs one or more switches of each of the other electric circuits to open or close. The opening and closing system according to claim 1 .

7. When a fault in any of the switches is detected, an instruction is given to open one or more switches in each of the plurality of electric circuits. The opening and closing system according to claim 6.

8. After detecting a fault in any of the switches, the instruction to open or close and the detection of the fault are given to a plurality of electric circuits excluding the electric circuit having the switch in which the fault is detected among the plurality of electric circuits. The opening and closing system according to claim 6.

9. a detection device that performs the detection; and an instruction device that instructs one or more switches of each of the plurality of electric circuits to open when a predetermined signal is not received from the detection device within a predetermined time interval. The opening and closing system according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

Images