Test plug continuity checker

Abstract

To provide a test plug continuity checker capable of quickly and easily confirming continuity between respective terminals of a test plug.SOLUTION: The test plug continuity checker has a plug-in part terminal 1 of a test plug, and includes (A) a power supply 105, (B) a switch capable of selecting any one of a plurality of electric paths 1-44, and (C) a switch disposed on each electric path. The test plug continuity checker is composed of an insertion part terminal which is brought into contact with each terminal of the test plug and incorporates the test plug terminal on an electric path when the test plug is inserted, or an insertion part terminal which is arranged on an electric path branched from each electric path and incorporates the test plug terminal on the electric path when the test plug terminal is short-circuited, (D) light emitting elements 1-44 arranged at the tip of the incorporated test plug terminal, (E) a junction point 110 of the electric path at the tip of the light emitting element, and (F) a circuit returning from the junction point to a power source.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a test plug continuity checker, which is a device for checking the continuity of a test plug used in testing and measuring control devices and electrical circuits. More specifically, the present invention relates to a test plug continuity checker for quickly and easily checking the continuity of the test plug. [Background technology]

[0002] A test plug is a device that is inserted into a test terminal installed in a distribution panel, and separates the normally connected current transformer / voltage transformer circuit from the relay circuit, allowing testing of the relay while keeping voltage and current applied to the current transformer / voltage transformer circuit (see Patent Document 1 [Figure 13] for reference). To ensure that the current transformer / voltage circuit and the relay circuit are disconnected safely and reliably, it is necessary to check before using the test plug whether the insulation between the current transformer / voltage terminals and the relay terminals, and the short-circuit and open states between the terminals are as expected. For example, if a current transformer (CT) causes current to flow in the circuit on the current transformer side, it is necessary to confirm that the terminals on the current transformer side and the terminals on the relay side are insulated, that the terminals on the current transformer side through which the current flows are completely short-circuited to prevent high voltage, and that the terminals on the relay side are open. In addition, in the case of a transformer (VT), it is necessary to check that the terminals on the transformer side and the terminals on the relay side are insulated, that the terminals on the transformer side are open so that large currents do not flow even when voltage is applied, and that the terminals on the relay side are also open.

[0003] In the past, in order to check for short circuits, open circuits, and insulation, the continuity between each of the many possible combinations of terminals had to be checked manually with a tester, or complex circuits had to be switched using a switch to connect each terminal in order and then measured with a tester (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2), but this was a cumbersome operation and a burden on the worker. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-212308 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6606959 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a test plug continuity checker that can quickly and easily check the continuity between the terminals of a test plug. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The inventors conducted extensive research to achieve the above-mentioned object, and discovered that by placing a light-emitting element at the tip of each terminal of a test plug and using this light-emitting element to check the continuity, it is possible to quickly and easily check the continuity of the test plug, eliminating the need to switch between complex circuits to connect each terminal in sequence and measure with a tester, and thus arrived at the present invention. 1. A test plug continuity checker with a test plug insertion section. A test plug continuity checker comprising: (A) a power source; (B) a switch capable of selecting one of multiple electrical circuits; (C) plug-in terminals arranged on each electrical circuit, which come into contact with each test plug terminal when a test plug is inserted and incorporate the test plug terminals into the electrical circuit; or plug-in terminals arranged on electrical circuits branching from each electrical circuit, which come into contact with each test plug terminal and incorporate the test plug terminals into the electrical circuit when a short occurs between the test plug terminals; (D) a light-emitting element arranged at the end of the incorporated test plug terminal; (E) a junction of electrical circuits at the end of the light-emitting element; and (F) a circuit returning from the junction to the power source. 2. A test plug continuity checker as described in 1 above, in which the plug terminals (C) are arranged on each electrical circuit and, when the test plug is inserted, make contact with each test plug terminal at two contact points, thereby incorporating the test plug terminals into the electrical circuit. 3. A test plug continuity checker as described in 1 above, in which the plug terminals of (C) are arranged on an electric circuit branching from each electric circuit, and when a test plug is inserted, they make contact with each test plug terminal at one point, and when a short circuit occurs between the test plug terminals, they are inserted into the electric circuit. 4. A test plug continuity checker according to any one of 1 to 3 above, wherein the switch is a rotary switch or a slide switch. 5. A test plug continuity checker as set forth in claim 4, which has multiple sockets and allows test plugs of different shapes to be inserted into each socket. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] By using the test plug continuity checker of the present invention, the continuity of the test plug can be checked quickly and easily. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] This shows a test plug continuity checker of the present invention, which has a plug terminal that makes contact with the test plug terminal at two points. A is an overall view, and the internal structure of the plug terminal is illustrated so that the plug terminal can be easily seen. B is an end view of the plug when A is cut along the longitudinal axis, and C is an end view of B when a test plug is inserted. Note that Figure 1 shows a checker with two plugs. [Figure 2] 1 shows a circuit diagram of a test plug continuity checker of the present invention, which has a plug terminal that makes two contacts with the terminal of a test plug. This shows the state before the test plug is inserted. [Figure 3] This is the same as Figure 2, showing the state after the test plug has been inserted. [Figure 4] This is the same as Figure 2, showing the state when test plug terminal 1 is shorted to terminal 2. [Figure 5] The circuit diagram of the test plug continuity checker of the present invention is shown, which has a plug terminal that makes a single contact with the terminal of the test plug. The diagram shows the state before and after the test plug terminal is inserted, with no short circuit between the test plug terminals. [Figure 6] This is a diagram similar to [Figure 5], showing the state when test plug terminal 1 is short-circuited to terminal 2. [Figure 7] The test plug for VT is shown. Each terminal is open. [Figure 8] The test plug for the CT is shown. Terminals 1 to 4 on the transformer side are all short-circuited by the shorting bar. [Figure 9] This shows the appearance of the test plug, which creates the same electrical flow as when the test plug is not used. The U-shaped shorting bar shorts 1 and 11, 2 and 22, 3 and 33, and 4 and 44. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0010] A test plug continuity checker is a device for checking the continuity between each terminal of a test plug. This test plug continuity checker has a test plug insertion portion 100 (Figs. 1A and 1B), and by inserting a test plug into this (Fig. 1C), the continuity of the test plug can be checked.

[0011] 1. Circuit configuration of the test plug continuity checker The entire circuit is formed by connecting each component in the order of (A) power source to (F) circuit from the junction back to the power source. Of course, (A) to (F) do not always have to be directly connected, but they may also be indirectly connected via different components.

[0012] (1) Power supply The power supply (105 (Fig. 2)) can be either a DC power supply or an AC power supply. If it is a DC power supply, it can be, for example, DC 1.5V, although this depends on the resistance of the light emitting element and the entire circuit. If it is an AC power supply, it can be, for example, AC 100V, which is the general household power supply in Japan.

[0013] (2) Switch There are no particular restrictions on the type of switch (108 (Figure 2)), but since there are usually around eight selectable electrical circuits, a rotary switch or slide switch is preferable to allow smooth switching between these, and a rotary switch is especially preferable.

[0014] (3) The position of the plug terminal and the light-emitting element on the circuit The plug terminals (plug terminals 1 (Figs. 2, 3, 5, and 6)) are either located on each electrical circuit and make contact with each test plug terminal when the test plug is inserted, thereby incorporating the test plug terminals into the electrical circuit of the test plug continuity checker (Fig. 2 → 3), or are located on electrical circuits branching from each electrical circuit and make contact with each test plug terminal, incorporating the test plug terminal into the electrical circuit when a short circuit occurs between the test plug terminals (Fig. 5 → 6). There are mainly two types: those that make contact with the test plug terminals through two contact points and incorporate the test plug terminal into the electrical circuit, and those that are located on a branched electrical circuit and make contact through one contact and incorporate the test plug terminal into the electrical circuit when a short circuit occurs between the test plug terminals. Furthermore, in the case of two contact points, for example, the essence is to ensure an electrical inlet and outlet, so it is also possible to configure an inlet with two or more contacts, and together with the outlet, make a total of three or more contacts. (I) More specifically, "two-contact point contact" means that when the test plug is inserted, each test plug terminal (test plug terminal 1 in Fig. 1C) is in contact with two contact points by a pair of plug-in terminals on the checker side (plug-in terminals 1 in Fig. 1) (Fig. 1C). Test plug terminals 1 are usually long and thin rod-shaped, so the pair of plug-in terminals 1 on the checker side are brought into contact with this rod-shaped terminal at two points (Fig. 1C), creating an inlet and outlet for electricity, and the test plug terminals are incorporated into the electrical circuit on the checker side. In the case of two contacts, no circuit is formed when the test plug is not inserted, so electricity does not flow to the circuit selected by the switch (Figure 2. No electricity flows to circuit 1). By inserting the test plug, a circuit is formed and electricity flows through the circuit selected by the switch (Figure 3. Electricity flows through circuit 1), causing the light-emitting element (LED1) of the circuit selected by the switch to light up. If a short circuit occurs between the test plug terminals, electricity will also flow there (Figure 4. Electricity also flows beyond the test plug terminal of Circuit 2), and the light-emitting element (LED2) of the test plug terminal to which the short circuit occurs will also light up.

[0015] (II) Being arranged on a branched electric circuit and making contact with each test plug terminal at one contact point means that a plug terminal on the branched electric circuit (e.g., plug terminal 1 in Figure 5) makes contact with each test plug terminal at one contact point when the test plug terminal is inserted (e.g., in Figure 5, it makes contact at the tip indicated by "test plug terminal 1"). In the case of a two-contact configuration, two terminals (e.g., plug terminal 1 in Figure 1B) make contact with the test plug terminal (Figure 1C), but in the case of a single contact, only one terminal makes contact with the test plug terminal. In Figures 1B and 1C, this is the case where there is only one terminal, not a pair, of plug terminal 1. Since there is only one contact, if there is no short circuit, no circuit is formed (Fig. 5), and no electricity flows through the branched electrical path (131). However, if a short circuit occurs between the terminals of the test plug, a circuit is formed (Fig. 6), and electricity also flows to the terminal (2) at the other end of the short circuit (Fig. 6), causing the light-emitting element (LED2) at the terminal at the other end of the short circuit to light up. Furthermore, if the test plug is not inserted, or if it is inserted but there is no short circuit between the test plug terminals, no electricity flows through the branched electric circuit (Fig. 5 131), but a circuit is formed in the non-branched electric circuit and electricity flows through it, so the light-emitting element (LED1) on the selected electric circuit always lights up regardless of whether it is inserted or short circuited (Fig. 5). This is different from when there is contact with two contact points.

[0016] (III) In either case, in these circuits, a light-emitting element (LED 1) is placed between the test plug terminal (e.g., test plug terminal 1 in Figure 3) when the test plug is inserted and the junction (110) of each electrical path, so that each electrical path has a corresponding light-emitting element. This makes it possible to see at a glance whether or not the selected test plug terminal is shorted to another test plug terminal by checking whether or not each light-emitting element is lit. For example, by selecting "1" with switch (108) (Figures 4 and 6), it is possible to see at a glance which test plug terminal is shorted from terminal 1 without switching the circuit (in Figures 4 and 6, a short to terminal 2 is immediately visible). By switching the switch in order from "1" to "2", "3", etc., the presence or absence of shorts between all terminals can be quickly and easily confirmed. Instead of switching the circuit each time and measuring with one tester, by placing a light-emitting element at the end of each test plug terminal, each light-emitting element can essentially act as a tester, making it possible to check for shorts between the test plug terminals without having to switch the circuit in a complicated manner. This allows for quick and easy test plug continuity checks. Furthermore, since there is no longer a need to switch circuits, the circuit itself is simpler.

[0017] (VI) As for the difference between two contacts and one contact, with two contacts, a circuit is not formed and no electricity flows unless the test plug is inserted (Fig. 2), so the power switch can be omitted, which is expected to reduce the number of components and save power. Furthermore, the selected test plug terminal itself may develop an oxide film that prevents electricity from flowing in from the insertion terminal side. With two contacts, however, this insulation state can be confirmed by the fact that the light-emitting element of the selected electrical circuit will no longer light up even when the test plug is inserted. In other words, the continuity of the test plug terminal itself can also be confirmed. Because of these advantages, a plug-in terminal that makes contact with two contact points is more preferable than a plug-in terminal that makes contact with one contact point.

[0018] (4) Light-emitting element It is more preferable to use light emitting diodes (LEDs 1 to 4, 11, 22, 33, and 44 in FIGS. 2 to 6) as the light emitting elements. A filament may also be used as the light emitting element, in which case, for example, a filament miniature light bulb may be used. It is preferable to use a light-emitting diode with a high sensitivity and low voltage specification, so that poor contact can be confirmed by changes in illumination. For example, a DC 1.5V LED is more preferable than a DC 3V LED. It has been found that a DC 1.5V LED can achieve the same level of sensitivity as a conventional tester for continuity checks. Furthermore, a DC 1.5V LED can operate the continuity checker with a single dry cell battery.

[0019] (5) Confluence point A junction 110 (Figures 2 to 6) is a point where each electric path merges with another electric path that was split off by a switch. If there are multiple junctions, it is the first junction where the electric path merges with another electric path. For example, in Figure 2, for electric paths 1 and 2, the junction is where electric paths 1 and 2 merge, and for electric path 3, the junction is where 3 merges with the electric path where 1 and 2 merge. (6) Circuit returning from the confluence to the power source From the confluence, the circuit returns to the power source.

[0020] 2. Having multiple test plug outlets The shape of test plugs varies depending on the manufacturer, so a test plug continuity checker will be prepared for each manufacturer. However, if one continuity checker is equipped with a socket for each manufacturer and these are connected in parallel, it will be possible to check the continuity of test plugs from multiple manufacturers with one checker (Figure 1 has two sockets to accommodate test plugs from two manufacturers).

[0021] 3.How to use the test plug continuity checker We will explain the procedure for actually checking the continuity of test plugs for CT and VT.

[0022] (1) Check the continuity of the test plug for VT using a two-contact test plug continuity checker The test plug for VT must be in a state where the terminals on the transformer side and the relay side are both open, and the terminals on the transformer side and the relay side are insulated, i.e., they can be opened and separated. Specifically, this means that no metal shorting bar is used (Figure 7). Insert the test plug into the socket of the test plug continuity checker and set the rotary switch or other switch to 1 on the transformer side. Then, if the test plug is conducting normally, only the light-emitting element (LED1) corresponding to test plug terminal 1 will light up (Figure 3). The light-emitting elements (LEDs in Figure 3) corresponding to 2, 3, and 4, which are in the open state, and 11, 22, 33, and 44, which are in the insulated state, will not light up. If the test plug is not conducting normally, for example, if there is a short circuit from 1 to 2, the light-emitting element (LED2) corresponding to test plug terminal 2 at the short destination will also light up (Figure 4). If the insulation is broken, for example, if there is a short circuit from 1 to 11, the light-emitting element (LED11) corresponding to test plug terminal 11 at the short destination will also light up. Next, by simply switching the rotary switch or other switch to 2, 3, 4, 11, 22, 33, and 44, you can quickly and easily check the continuity between all terminals.

[0023] (2) Check the continuity of the test plug for CT using a two-contact test plug continuity checker When the test plug for a CT is inserted, the terminals on the current transformer side are fully shorted, the terminals on the current transformer side and the relay side are insulated, and the terminals on the relay side are open, meaning that the test plug must be in a state where it can be short-circuited. Specifically, the terminals on the current transformer side of the test plug must all be connected by a metal short-circuit bar (141) (Figure 8). Insert a test plug into the socket of the test plug continuity checker and set a switch such as a rotary switch to 1 on the current transformer side. Then, if the test plug's continuity is normal, not only 1 but also the light-emitting elements of terminals 2 to 4 that are shorted will light up. In an isolated state, 11, 22, 33, and 44 will not light up. If the continuity is abnormal, for example, if there is no short circuit from 1 to 2, 2 will not light up. If there are no short circuits from 2 to 4, none of the light-emitting elements from 2 to 4 will light up. If the insulation is broken, for example, if there is a short circuit from 1 to 11, 11 will light up. If the insulation to all 11, 22, 33, and 44 is broken, all of the light-emitting elements 11, 22, 33, and 44 will light up. Next, simply switch the rotary switch or other switch to 2, 3, 4, 11, 22, 33, 44, or if it is a rotary switch, just turn it, and you can quickly and easily check the continuity between all terminals.

[0024] (3) Using a two-contact test plug continuity checker, check the continuity when connecting the terminals of the current transformer / transformer side and relay side of the test plug for CT and VT. The electrical flow is the same as when the test plug is not used. In other words, in Figures 2 and 5, the flow is 1 → 11, 2 → 22, 3 → 33, and 4 → 44. By inserting the test plug in this way, the electricity can be passed through the test plug and drawn out to the front side of the switchboard. Specifically, the test plug terminals 1 → 11, 2 → 22, 3 → 33, and 4 → 44 are connected by a metal U-shaped shorting bar (151) (Figure 9). In this case, you can also check the continuity between all terminals by performing the same operation as in (1) above. For example, if you select 1 using a rotary switch, the light-emitting elements 1 and 11 will light up if the continuity of the test plug is normal. If it is not normal, for example if there is a short circuit to 2 or 22, then 2 and 22 will also light up. Next, by simply switching the rotary switch or other switch to 2, 3, 4, 11, 22, 33, and 44, you can quickly and easily check the continuity between all terminals. (4) As described above, with any of the test plugs, a single test plug continuity checker of the present invention can quickly and easily check continuity without switching complex circuits. [Industrial Applicability]

[0025] The test plug continuity plug checker of the present invention allows the continuity state of a test plug to be checked quickly and easily, and is therefore useful in the electric power industry, where it is necessary to check the continuity of a test plug before testing a relay or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0026] Insertion terminals 1 to 4, 11, 22, 33, 44: Each insertion terminal Test plug terminals 1 to 4, 11, 22, 33, 44: Each test plug terminal LED1~4, 11, 22, 33, 44: Each LED Circles 1 to 4, Circle 11, Circle 22, Circle 33, Circle 44: Rotary switch selection Circuits 1 to 4, 11, 22, 33, and 44: Circuits selectable by rotary switch (circuits 3 and after are not shown) The numbers correspond to each other. 100 Insertion part 105 Power supply 108 Switch 110 Confluence 131 Branched Electrical Lines 141 Shorting Bar 151 U-shaped shorting bar

Claims

1. A test plug continuity checker having a test plug insertion portion, A test plug continuity checker comprising: (A) a power source; (B) a switch capable of selecting one of a plurality of electrical paths; (C) plug-in terminals arranged on each electrical path, which come into contact with each test plug terminal when a test plug is inserted and incorporate the test plug terminals into the electrical path; or plug-in terminals arranged on electrical paths branching from each electrical path, which come into contact with each test plug terminal and incorporate the test plug terminals into the electrical path when a short occurs between the test plug terminals; (D) a light-emitting element arranged at the end of the incorporated test plug terminal; (E) a junction of the electrical paths at the end of the light-emitting element; and (F) a circuit returning from the junction to the power source.

2. 2. A test plug continuity checker according to claim 1, wherein the plug terminals (C) are arranged on each electrical circuit, and when the test plug is inserted, they make contact with each test plug terminal at two contact points, thereby incorporating the test plug terminals into the electrical circuit.

3. 2. The test plug continuity checker of claim 1, wherein the plug terminal (C) is arranged on an electric circuit branching from each electric circuit, and when the test plug is inserted, it makes contact with each test plug terminal at one contact point, and when a short circuit occurs between the test plug terminals, it is a plug terminal that incorporates the test plug terminal into the electric circuit.

4. 4. The test plug continuity checker according to claim 1, wherein the switch is a rotary switch or a slide switch.

5. 5. The test plug continuity checker according to claim 4, which has a plurality of sockets, each of which can accept test plugs of different shapes.

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