Relay device

Abstract

To provide a relay device that improves work efficiency when replacing the relay body. [Solution] The relay device comprises a relay body and a socket. The relay body has a conductive portion. The socket has an insertion hole that distinguishes between an operating position and a test insertion position. The operating position is the insertion position of the conductive portion for making electrical contact between the relay body and the load connected to the relay body. The test insertion position is the insertion position of the conductive portion for electrically isolating the relay body from the load.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a relay device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, receiving and transforming power received from a power company or the like and safely distributing and transmitting the power to load equipment is known. In the receiving and transforming equipment, the control relay provided inside the control panel has a service life. Therefore, it is necessary for an operator to periodically replace the control relay.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the replacement operation of the relay body in the control relay, the operator needs to accurately perform the replacement operation within the limited time during the power outage of the target control panel. However, since the replacement operation of the relay body is performed while checking the state of the equipment by visual inspection, palpation, etc. by the operator, the replacement operation may take time and it may be difficult to perform an accurate replacement operation.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a relay device capable of improving the workability during the replacement of the relay body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the relay device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a relay body and a socket. The relay body has a conductive portion. The socket has an insertion hole that distinguishes between an operating position and a test insertion position. The operating position is the insertion position of the conductive portion for making electrical contact between the relay body and the load connected to the relay body. The test insertion position is the insertion position of the conductive portion for electrically isolating the relay body from the load. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view of a relay device according to an embodiment, showing the socket and relay body in the operating position. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view of the relay device according to the embodiment, showing the socket and relay body at the test insertion position. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front view of the relay device according to the embodiment, showing the socket and relay body in the operating position. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view of the relay device according to the embodiment, showing the socket and relay body at the test insertion position. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view of the relay device according to the embodiment, and shows a socket where the lamp is not lit. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a plan view of the relay device according to the embodiment, showing the socket and relay body with a green light. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a plan view of the relay device according to the embodiment, showing the socket and relay body with a red light on the lamp. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a front view of a relay device according to an embodiment, and shows the information processing unit included in the relay device. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a functional block diagram of an example of a relay device according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the operating principle of a relay device. [Figure 11]Figure 11 shows an example of a time chart output by the time chart generation unit of the relay device according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the information processing unit and time chart generation unit of the relay device according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, embodiments of the relay device 1 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The configuration of the embodiments described below, as well as the operation and results (effects) brought about by said configuration, are merely examples and are not limited to the following description. In this specification, ordinal numbers are used only to distinguish parts and components and do not indicate order or priority.

[0009] First, the configuration of the relay device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a plan view of the relay device 1 according to this embodiment, showing the socket 11 and relay body 12 at the operating position 111C1. Figure 2 is a plan view of the relay device 1 according to this embodiment, showing the socket 11 and relay body 12 at the test insertion position 111C2. The relay device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is an example of a control relay installed inside a control panel in a power receiving and transforming facility.

[0010] Here, the operating position 111C1 is the insertion position of pin 121 for normal operation of the substation equipment by making electrical contact between the relay body 12 and the load connected to the relay body 12. The test insertion position 111C2 is the insertion position of pin 121 for checking the operation of the relay body 12 without making electrical contact between the relay body 12 and the load. The load refers to the load equipment to which the substation equipment having the relay device 1 transmits power. Details of pin 121 will be described later.

[0011] In the following description, an X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis orthogonal coordinate system is defined. In a plan view of the relay device 1, the short side direction is defined as the X-axis direction, and the long side direction in the plan view of the relay device 1 is defined as the Y-axis direction. Further, the direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is defined as the Z-axis direction. The X-axis direction may also be referred to as the width direction. The Y-axis direction may also be referred to as the depth direction. The Z-axis direction may also be referred to as the height direction. Note that the X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis orthogonal coordinate system is a coordinate system used for convenience, and the embodiments of the present invention can also be applied to the relay device 1 to which this coordinate system cannot be applied.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the relay device 1 includes a socket 11 and a relay body 12. In FIGS. 1 and 2, only the outer contour line of the relay body 12 is shown, and other configurations are omitted.

[0013] A plurality of insertion holes 111C are formed in the upper surface 111 of the socket 11. Each of the plurality of insertion holes 111C is formed along the Z-axis direction. Each of the plurality of insertion holes 111C is arranged in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Each of the plurality of insertion holes 111C does not penetrate the socket 11 in the Z-axis direction..

[0014] In each of the plurality of insertion holes 111C, an operation position 111C1 and a test insertion position 111C2 are distinguished. More specifically, on the upper surface 111 of the socket 11, a first connection portion and a second connection portion having insertion holes 111C into which a plurality of pins 121 are inserted are provided. The first connection portion is provided at the operation position 111C1 of the insertion hole 111C, and the second connection portion is provided at the test insertion position 111C2 of the insertion hole 111C.

[0015] The operation position 111C1 where the first connection portion is provided is the insertion position of the pin 121 for conducting the relay body 12 and the load connected to the relay body 12.

[0016] Also, in the present embodiment, the operation position 111C1 is a position closer to the -X direction at each of the plurality of insertion holes 111C (see FIG. 1). FIG. 1 shows a state where the relay body 12 (pin 121) is inserted into the operation position 111C1 of the insertion hole 111C.

[0017] The test insertion position 111C2 where the second connection portion is provided is the insertion position of the pin 121 that electrically isolates the relay body 12 and the load connected to the relay body 12.

[0018] Also, in the present embodiment, the test insertion position 111C2 is a position closer to the +X direction at each of the plurality of insertion holes 111C, and is a position on the +X direction side of the operation position 111C1 (see FIG. 2). FIG. 2 shows a state where the relay body 12 (pin 121) is inserted into the test insertion position 111C2 of the insertion hole 111C.

[0019] The operation position 111C1 and the test insertion position 111C2 are not limited to the above-described positions. For example, the operation position 111C1 may be a position closer to the +Y direction at each of the plurality of insertion holes 111C, and the test insertion position 111C2 may be a position closer to the -Y direction at each of the plurality of insertion holes 111C.

[0020] In the following description, the relay body 12 when the plurality of pins 121 are inserted into the operation position 111C1 of the insertion hole 111C may be referred to as the relay body 第12C1, and the relay body 12 when the plurality of pins 121 are inserted into the test insertion position 111C2 of the insertion hole 111C may be referred to as the relay body 第12C2. Also, the same reference numerals are used in each figure.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a seal S is attached to the upper surface 111. The seal S indicates the type of the operating power supply (AC power supply or DC power supply) of the relay device 1 by color. For example, in the case of an AC power supply, it is blue, and in the case of a DC power supply, it is yellow. The seal S may indicate the type of the operating power supply by a color other than the above, or may indicate the type of the operating power supply by characters, symbols, or the like instead of color.

[0022] Next, with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the configurations of the operating position 111C1 and the test insertion position 111C2 will be described in more detail. Figure 3 is a front view of the relay device 1 according to this embodiment, showing the socket 11 and the relay body 12 at the operating position 111C1. Figure 4 is a front view of the relay device 1 according to this embodiment, showing the socket 11 and the relay body 12 at the test insertion position 111C2. Figure 3 shows the configuration of the relay device 1 in which a plurality of pins 121 are inserted into the operating position 111C1 of the insertion hole 111C. Figure 4 shows the configuration of the relay device 1 in which a plurality of pins 121 are inserted into the test insertion position 111C2 of the insertion hole 111C.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the socket 11 has a multilayer structure having a first portion 11a and a second portion 11b. The first portion 11a is the part that is in contact with the relay body 12. The first portion 11a extends in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. The second portion 11b is superimposed on the first portion 11a in the Z-axis direction and has an isolation portion P that electrically isolates the relay body 12 from the load, and is electrically connected to the load. The first portion 11a and the second portion 11b are formed in a substantially flat plate shape. The isolation portion P is made of an insulator such as thermoplastic plastic or silicon.

[0024] In this embodiment, the socket 11 is a double structure composed of a first part 11a and a second part 11b, but is not limited to this, and may be a triple structure further having a third part.

[0025] The first portion 11a has an upper surface 111 and four ramps 112 (see Figures 1 and 2). The insertion hole 111C is formed extending in the -Z direction from the upper surface 111 of the first portion 11a. The four ramps 112 will be described later.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the relay body 12 has a plurality of pins 121. Each of the plurality of pins 121 protrudes in the -Z direction from the end of the relay body 12 in the -Z direction. Each of the plurality of pins 121 extends in the Z-axis direction. The lengths of each of the plurality of pins 121 in the Z-axis direction are approximately the same. Pins 121 are an example of conductive parts. The -Z direction is an example of a first direction.

[0027] Each of the multiple pins 121 is arranged in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. The positions where each of the multiple pins 121 is provided correspond to the positions where the insertion hole 111C is formed in the socket 11. Each of the multiple pins 121 is inserted in the -Z direction into the insertion hole 111C at the corresponding position.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, when the pin 121 is inserted into the test insertion position 111C2 of the insertion hole 111C, the pin 121 penetrates the first portion 11a and is inserted into the second portion 11b up to the isolation portion P which is not electrically connected to the load.

[0029] At this time, the relay body 12 is electrically connected to the first part 11a (socket 11) by the pin 121 passing through the first part 11a. Also, the relay body 12 is electrically isolated from the load connected to it by the pin 121 being inserted up to the isolation part P in the second part 11b, and is not electrically connected to the load.

[0030] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3, when the pin 121 is inserted into the operating position 111C1 of the insertion hole 111C, the pin 121 penetrates the first portion 11a and is further inserted into the second portion 11b to a position deeper (-Z direction side) than the test insertion position 111C2.

[0031] At this time, the relay body 12 becomes electrically connected to the first part 11a (socket 11) when the pin 121 penetrates the first part 11a. Furthermore, the relay body 12 becomes electrically connected to the load when the pin 121 is inserted to a position in the second part 11b where it is electrically connected to the load connected to the relay body 12.

[0032] When replacing the relay body 12, the worker can insert the pin 121 into the test insertion position 111C2 of the insertion hole 111C, thereby performing an operational test of the relay device 1 without creating electrical contact between the relay body 12 and the load connected to it. This prevents the malfunction of the relay body 12 from causing a malfunction in the load connected to it by creating electrical contact between the malfunctioning relay body 12 and the load connected to it.

[0033] Next, the four lamps 112 of the first part 11a will be described with reference to Figures 5, 6, and 7. Figure 5 is a plan view of the relay device 1 according to this embodiment, showing a socket 11 in which the lamps 112 are not lit. Figure 6 is a plan view of the relay device 1 according to this embodiment, showing a socket 11 and relay body 12 in which the lamps 112 are lit in green. Figure 7 is a plan view of the relay device 1 according to this embodiment, showing a socket 11 and relay body 12 in which the lamps 112 are lit in red.

[0034] The four lamps 112 are lamps that allow determination of the insertion state of the pin 121 into the insertion hole 111C, and whether the pin 121 is inserted into the test insertion position 111C2 of the insertion hole 111C, by the color of their illumination. The four lamps 112 are provided one at each end of the socket 11 (upper surface 111) in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The four lamps 112 are an example of a light source. The X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are an example of a second direction.

[0035] The number of lamps 112 is not limited to those described above. For example, two lamps 112 may be provided, one at each end of the socket 11 (upper surface 111) in the X-axis direction.

[0036] In this embodiment, the relay device 1 illuminates four lamps 112 in one of three colors—green, red, or orange—depending on the insertion state and position of the pins 121 into the insertion holes 111C.

[0037] More specifically, the socket 11 has a determination unit and an instruction unit (not shown). The determination unit determines the insertion state and insertion position of the pin 121 into the insertion hole 111C, determines the illumination color, and outputs the determined illumination color information to the instruction unit. The instruction unit then receives the determined illumination color information from the determination unit and outputs an instruction to the four lamps 112 to illuminate the four lamps 112 with the illumination color determined by the determination unit.

[0038] If pin 121 is inserted into the operating position 111C1 of the insertion hole 111C, and the insertion of pin 121 into the insertion hole 111C is normal, and there is electrical conductivity between the relay body 12 and the load connected to the relay body 12, the determination unit determines that the insertion state of pin 121 into the insertion hole 111C is normal and that the insertion position of pin 121 is the operating position 111C1. The determination unit then determines the illumination color to be green and outputs the illumination color (green) information to the instruction unit.

[0039] The instruction unit receives information on the determined lighting color (green) from the determination unit and outputs an instruction to the four lamps 112 to light up the four lamps 112 with the lighting color (green) determined by the determination unit. Through the above procedure, the relay device 1 lights up the four lamps 112 in green.

[0040] If the insertion of the pin 121 into the insertion hole 111C is not performed correctly (for example, due to poor contact caused by insufficient insertion), the determination unit determines that the insertion state of the pin 121 into the insertion hole 111C is not normal. The determination unit then determines the illumination color to be red and outputs the illumination color (red) information to the instruction unit.

[0041] The instruction unit receives information on the determined lighting color (red) from the determination unit and outputs an instruction to the four lamps 112 to light up the four lamps 112 with the lighting color (red) determined by the determination unit. Through the above procedure, the relay device 1 lights up the four lamps 112 in red.

[0042] If pin 121 is inserted into the test insertion position 111C2 of the insertion hole 111C, the determination unit determines that the insertion position of pin 121 is the operational position 111C1. The determination unit then determines the illumination color to be orange and outputs the illumination color (orange) information to the instruction unit.

[0043] The instruction unit receives the information of the determined lighting color (orange) from the determination unit and outputs an instruction to the four lamps 112 to light up the four lamps 112 with the lighting color (orange) determined by the determination unit. Through the above procedure, the relay device 1 lights up the four lamps 112 in orange.

[0044] In the following explanation, the lamp 112 that lights up green will be referred to as lamp 112C1, the lamp 112 that lights up orange will be referred to as lamp 112C2, and the lamp 112 that lights up red will be referred to as lamp 112C3. The same symbols will also be used in each figure.

[0045] In Figures 1 and 6, pin 121 is inserted into the operating position 111C1 of the insertion hole 111C, and the insertion of pin 121 into the insertion hole 111C is performed correctly, resulting in electrical contact between the relay body 12 and the load connected to the relay body 12. At this time, the relay device 1 illuminates the four lamps 112 in green.

[0046] In Figure 2, pin 121 is inserted into the test insertion position 111C2 of the insertion hole 111C. At this time, the relay device 1 illuminates the four lamps 112 in orange.

[0047] In Figure 5, pin 121 is not inserted into the insertion hole 111C. In this case, the relay device 1 does not light up the four lamps 112. Although not shown in the figure, even if a predetermined time has elapsed after pin 121 has been properly inserted into the insertion hole 111C, and the relay body 12 and the load are electrically connected and the power receiving and transforming equipment is operating normally, the relay device 1 also does not light up the four lamps 112.

[0048] In Figure 7, pin 121 is not properly inserted into the insertion hole 111C. At this time, the relay device 1 illuminates all four lamps 112 in red.

[0049] Next, we will explain the procedure for the worker to check the color of the lamp 112 when replacing the relay body 12. When the worker inserts the pin 121 into the test insertion position 111C2 to check the operation of the relay body 12, the worker first inserts the pin 121 in the -X direction relative to the insertion hole 111C.

[0050] As a result, pin 121 is inserted into the operating position 111C1. If pin 121 is properly inserted into the insertion hole 111C, the relay device 1 illuminates the four lamps 112 in green. If pin 121 is not properly inserted into the insertion hole 111C, the relay device 1 illuminates the four lamps 112 in red.

[0051] Then, with pin 121 inserted in the operating position 111C1, the operator moves the relay body 12 in the +X direction while still holding it. This moves pin 121 into the test insertion position 111C2, causing the relay device 1 to illuminate the four lamps 112 in orange.

[0052] At this point, the worker recognizes that the insertion of the pin 121 into the insertion hole 111C has been successful by visually confirming that the lamp 112 lights up green when the pin 121 is inserted into the insertion hole 111C while being aligned with the -X direction.

[0053] Furthermore, when the operator inserts the pin 121 into the insertion hole 111C while aligning it with the -X direction, the lamp 112 lights up red, which allows the operator to recognize that the insertion of the pin 121 into the insertion hole 111C was not performed correctly and that there is a poor contact between the pin 121 and the socket 11.

[0054] Then, the worker recognizes that pin 121 has been inserted into the test insertion position 111C2 by visually observing that lamp 112 lights up orange when the relay body 12 is moved in the +X direction while holding it, from the state in which pin 121 is inserted into the operating position 111C1 of insertion hole 111C.

[0055] In this way, when replacing the relay body 12, the worker can easily determine whether there is poor contact between the pins 121 and the socket 11, or whether the pins 121 are inserted into the test insertion position 111C2 of the insertion hole 111C, by visually checking the color of the four lamps 112.

[0056] The combination of the insertion state and position of the pin 121 into the insertion hole 111C and the color of the lamp 112 is not limited to those described above. For example, when the pin 121 is inserted into the insertion hole 111C normally, the relay device 1 may light up the four lamps 112 in orange, or when the pin 121 is inserted into the test insertion position 111C2 of the insertion hole 111C, the relay device 1 may light up the four lamps 112 in red.

[0057] Even in this case, the worker can easily determine, by visually checking the color of the lamp 112 when replacing the relay body 12, whether there is poor contact of the pin 121 with the socket 11, or whether the pin 121 is inserted into the test insertion position 111C2 of the insertion hole 111C.

[0058] Next, the processing of information indicating the conductivity state of the relay body 12 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a front view of the relay device 1 according to this embodiment, and shows the information processing unit 11A of the relay device 1. Figure 9 is a functional block diagram of an example of the relay device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0059] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the socket 11 has an information processing unit 11A. The information processing unit 11A processes information indicating the conduction state of the relay body 12. The information processing unit 11A is located inside the first part 11a of the socket 11. The information processing unit 11A includes a memory 113, a processor 114, and an I / F 115. One information processing unit 11A is provided for each relay device 1 (socket 11) installed in the control panel.

[0060] Memory 113 stores information indicating the conductivity state of the relay body 12 when pin 121 is inserted into the operating position 111C1 of the insertion hole 111C. The processor 114 records the information indicating the conductivity state of the relay body 12 in memory 113. The interface 115 communicates the information indicating the conductivity state of the relay body 12 recorded in memory 113.

[0061] Here, the information indicating the conductivity state of the relay body 12 is, for example, information indicating the time that the contacts (not shown) of the relay body 12 paired with the target socket 11 are ON. The contacts will be described later.

[0062] The relay device 1 has a time chart generation unit 13. The I / F 115 wirelessly transmits information indicating the continuity state of the relay body 12, which is recorded in the memory 113, to the time chart generation unit 13. The time chart generation unit 13 then receives the information indicating the continuity state of the relay body 12 from the I / F 115 and generates and outputs a time chart showing the continuity state of the relay body 12 based on this information. The time chart generation unit 13 is an example of a graph generation unit. The time chart is an example of a graph.

[0063] The information processing unit 11A may be connected to the time chart generation unit 13 by a cable or the like during the replacement of the relay body 12, and the I / F 115 may transmit the continuity status information of the relay body 12, which is recorded in the memory 113, to the time chart generation unit 13 via a wired connection.

[0064] The I / F 115 wirelessly transmits the continuity status information of the relay body 12, which is recorded in the memory 113, to the time chart generation unit 13. This allows the worker to check the continuity status information of the relay body 12 when the equipment in the control panel is continuing, without touching the equipment inside the control panel, thereby reducing the risk of electric shock during work.

[0065] Here, we will explain the operating principle of the relay device. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the operating principle of relay device 1. In general, when current flows through the coil of a relay device, an electromagnetic force is generated in the iron core, which moves the movable contact. On the output side, the movable contact comes into contact with the fixed contact, closing the output circuit and creating conductivity.

[0066] In this embodiment, when the contacts of the relay body 12 are ON, it means that the movable contacts of the relay body 12 move due to the electromagnetic force of the coil (not shown) generated by the flow of current through the coil, making contact with the fixed contacts, and thus closing the output circuit. In the following description, when the contacts of the relay body 12 are OFF, it means that no current is flowing through the coil, and the movable contacts of the relay body 12 are not making contact with the fixed contacts, and therefore the output circuit is not closed.

[0067] Generally, some relay devices have contacts that are OFF when there is conduction and ON when there is no conduction. Other relay devices have contacts that are OFF when there is no conduction and turn ON after a predetermined delay when conduction occurs.

[0068] Next, with reference to Figure 11, a time chart generated based on information indicating the conduction state of the relay body 12 will be described. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart output by the time chart generation unit 13 of the relay device 1 according to this embodiment. The time chart shown in Figure 11 is displayed, for example, by a monitor (not shown).

[0069] In the timing chart of Figure 11, relay devices A, B, C, D, E, F, and G are all the same as relay device 1 described above. The configurations of relay devices A, B, C, D, E, F, and G are the same as those of relay device 1, so their explanations are omitted.

[0070] In Figure 11, the state in which the contacts of the relay body 12 in relay devices A, B, C, D, E, F, and G are ON is indicated by "ON," and the state in which the contacts are OFF is indicated by "OFF." In the time chart, the vertical axis indicates whether the contacts of the relay body 12 in each relay device A, B, C, D, E, F, and G are ON or OFF, and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0071] Relay device A is a relay device in which the contacts are OFF when the relay body 12 is conducting and ON when the relay body 12 is not conducting. Relay device B is a relay device in which the contacts are OFF when the relay body 12 is not conducting, the contacts are ON for a predetermined time when the relay body 12 conducts, and then the contacts turn OFF after a predetermined time has elapsed. Relay devices C, D, and E are relay devices in which the contacts are ON when the relay body 12 is conducting and the contacts are OFF when the relay body 12 is not conducting. Relay devices F and G are relay devices in which the contacts are OFF when the relay body 12 is not conducting, and the contacts turn ON after a predetermined time delay when the relay body 12 conducts.

[0072] For example, at time T1, the contacts of relay devices A and B are OFF, and the contacts of relay devices C, D, E, F, and G are ON. Also, at time T2, the contact of relay device A is ON, and the contacts of relay devices B, C, D, E, F, and G are OFF. Here, time T0 is the time when current begins to flow through each relay device 1, and time Te is the time when the current flowing through each relay device 1 stops.

[0073] The worker checks the time chart shown in Figure 11 before replacing the relay device 1. This allows the worker to easily determine whether each relay device 1 in the control panel is conducting properly before replacing the relay body 12. Consequently, the relay device 1 can improve work efficiency by allowing the worker to replace only the relay body 12 that is not conducting properly when replacing the relay body 12.

[0074] [Processing flow by the information processing unit and time chart generation unit] Next, with reference to Figure 12, the processing flow by the information processing unit 11A and the time chart generation unit 13 will be described. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the information processing unit 11A and the time chart generation unit 13 of the relay device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0075] Figure 12 shows the processing flow of the information processing unit 11A and the time chart generation unit 13 from the time the processor 114 starts recording the continuity state of the relay body 12 before the relay body 12 is replaced until the time chart generation unit 13 outputs the time chart.

[0076] In step S101 in Figure 11, first, a voltage is applied to the relay device 1. Then, in step S102, if there is no continuity in the relay body 12 of the relay device 1, in step S103, the processor 114 records information indicating a continuity error in the relay body 12 in the memory 113.

[0077] Then, in step S104, if the relay body 12 is not conductive again after a predetermined time has elapsed, in step S105, the processor 114 terminates recording the conductivity status of the relay body 12.

[0078] In steps S102 and S104, if the relay body 12 is conductive, in step S105, after the processor 114 finishes recording the conductivity status of the relay body 12, in step S106, the processor 114 instructs the I / F 115 to transmit the information on the conductivity status of the relay body 12 recorded in the memory 113 to the time chart generation unit 13. The I / F 115 then wirelessly transmits the information on the conductivity status of the relay body 12 recorded in the memory 113 to the time chart generation unit 13.

[0079] Then, in step S107, the time chart generation unit 13 receives wirelessly from the I / F 115 information regarding the conduction status of the relay body 12, which is recorded in the memory 113, and in step S108, the time chart generation unit 13 generates and outputs a time chart based on the received information. Processing by the information processing unit 11A and the time chart generation unit 13 is performed according to the above procedure.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, the relay device 1 comprises a relay body 12 and a socket 11. The relay body 12 has pins 121. The socket 11 has an insertion hole 111C which distinguishes between an operating position 111C1 and a test insertion position 111C2. The operating position 111C1 is the insertion position of the pins 121 for making electrical contact between the relay body 12 and the load connected to the relay body 12. The test insertion position 111C2 is the insertion position of the pins 121 for electrically isolating the relay body 12 from the load.

[0081] With the above configuration, when performing an operational test after replacing the relay body 12, the relay device 1 allows the operator to electrically isolate the relay body 12 from the load connected to the relay body 12 by inserting the pins 121 of the relay body 12 into the test insertion position 111C2 of the insertion hole 111C of the socket 11, thereby creating electrical conductivity between the relay body 12 and the socket 11. This allows for a quick operational test without causing any malfunction to the load connected to the relay body 12. Consequently, the relay device 1 can improve the workability when replacing the relay body 12.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the insertion hole 111C is formed along the Z-axis direction. The socket 11 has a multilayer structure comprising a first portion 11a and a second portion 11b. The first portion 11a extends in the X-axis and Y-axis directions and has the insertion hole 111C. The second portion 11b overlaps the first portion 11a in the Z-axis direction and has an isolation portion P that electrically isolates the relay body 12 from the load, and is electrically connected to the load. When the pin 121 is inserted into the test insertion position 111C2 of the insertion hole 111C, the pin 121 penetrates the first portion 11a and is inserted up to the isolation portion P in the second portion 11b.

[0083] With the above configuration, when the pin 121 of the relay body 12 is inserted into the test insertion position 111C2 of the insertion hole 111C, the pin 121 penetrates the first portion 11a, thereby creating electrical contact between the relay body 12 and the first portion 11a, allowing the operator to confirm the continuity of the relay body 12. Furthermore, since the pin 121 is inserted up to the isolation portion P in the second portion 11b, it does not make electrical contact with the load connected to the relay body 12, thus preventing the relay device 1 from causing malfunctions in the load connected to the relay body 12.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the first portion 11a has a lamp 112 that can determine the insertion state of the pin 121 into the insertion hole 111C, and whether the pin 121 is inserted into the test insertion position 111C2 of the insertion hole 111C, by the color of its illumination.

[0085] With the above configuration, when replacing the relay body 12, the operator can easily determine if the pin 121 is not properly inserted into the test insertion position 111C2 of the insertion hole 111C by checking the color of the lamp 112, and furthermore, they can easily determine if the pin 121 is inserted into the test insertion position 111C2 of the insertion hole 111C. Consequently, the relay device 1 can improve the workability when replacing the relay body 12.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the pin 121 is inserted into the insertion hole 111C in the -Z direction. In addition, multiple lamps 112 are provided at the ends of the socket 11 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0087] With the above configuration, the operator can easily see the color of the lamp 112 located in the socket 11 when replacing the relay body 12. Consequently, the relay device 1 can improve the workability when replacing the relay body 12.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the socket 11 has a memory 113 that records information indicating the conductivity state of the relay body 12 when the pin 121 is inserted into the operating position 111C1 of the insertion hole 111C.

[0089] With the above configuration, the operator can check the continuity status of the relay body 12 recorded in memory 113, thereby identifying the faulty relay body 12 before replacing it and determining which relay body 12 needs to be replaced. Consequently, the relay device 1 can improve the workability when replacing the relay body 12.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the relay device 1 includes an I / F 115 that communicates information indicating the conduction state of the relay body 12, which is recorded in the memory 113, and a time chart generation unit 13 that receives information indicating the conduction state of the relay body 12 from the I / F 115 and generates a time chart indicating the conduction state of the relay body 12 based on the received information.

[0091] With the above configuration, the operator can easily identify a faulty relay body 12 before replacement work by checking the continuity status of the relay body 12 using the time chart generated by the time chart generation unit 13, and can determine which relay body 12 needs to be replaced before the replacement work is carried out. Consequently, the relay device 1 can improve the workability when replacing the relay body 12.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the I / F 115 wirelessly transmits information indicating the conduction status of the relay body 12, which is recorded in the memory 113, to the time chart generation unit 13.

[0093] With the above configuration, when an operator checks the information indicating the continuity status of the relay body 12 while the equipment inside the control panel is electrically connected, the operator can check this information without touching the equipment inside the control panel, thereby reducing the risk of electric shock from touching the equipment inside the control panel. Consequently, with the relay device 1, an operator can safely check the continuity status of the relay body 12 before replacing it.

[0094] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples only 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 variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 1. A, B, C, D, E, F, G Relay device 11 sockets 11a First part 11b Second part 12, 12C1, 12C2 relay body 13. Time Chart Generation Unit 111 Top surface 111C Insertion hole 111C1 Operating position (first connection point) 111C2 Test insertion position (second connection point) 112, 112C1, 112C2, 112C3 lamps 113 memory 115 I / F 121 pins P isolation part S Seal T0, T1, T2, Te time

Claims

1. A relay body having a conductive part, A socket having an insertion hole that distinguishes between an operating position, which is the insertion position of the conductive part for making electrical contact between the relay body and the load connected to the relay body, and a test insertion position, which is the insertion position of the conductive part for electrically isolating the relay body and the load, Equipped with, Relay device.

2. The insertion hole is formed along the first direction, The socket has a multilayer structure comprising: a first portion extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and having the insertion hole; and a second portion superimposed on the first portion in the first direction, having an isolation portion that electrically isolates the relay body from the load and is electrically connected to the load. When the conductive portion is inserted into the test insertion position of the insertion hole, the conductive portion penetrates the first portion and is inserted up to the isolation portion in the second portion. The relay device according to claim 1.

3. The first part has a light source that can determine, by the color of its illumination, the state in which the conductive portion is inserted into the insertion hole, and whether the conductive portion is inserted into the test insertion position of the insertion hole. The relay device according to claim 2.

4. The conductive portion is inserted into the insertion hole in the first direction, The light sources are provided in multiple locations at the end of the socket in the second direction. The relay device according to claim 3.

5. The socket has a memory that records information indicating the conductivity state of the relay body when the conductive portion is inserted into the operating position of the insertion hole. The relay device according to claim 1.

6. The system includes an interface for communicating the information recorded in the memory, and a graph generation unit that receives the information from the interface and generates a graph showing the conduction state of the relay body based on the information. The relay device according to claim 5.

7. The I / F transmits the information recorded in the memory to the graph generation unit wirelessly. The relay device according to claim 6.

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