Control center and method for detecting incorrect insertion of control center unit device

Abstract

To reduce workload and human error by automating a collating process by detecting incorrect insertion of a unit device.SOLUTION: A control center includes a housing having a plurality of chambers, a plurality of unit devices provided in the plurality of chambers that can be inserted and removed, a plurality of RF tags provided in a position that corresponds to each of the chambers in the housing for recording information set for each of the chambers, a plurality of readers provided in each of the unit devices and capable of reading information recorded in the RF tags, a determination process unit capable of executing a determination process for determining whether the chambers into which the unit devices are inserted are correct or incorrect on the basis of information on the RF tags read by a reader, and a reporting processing unit capable of executing a reporting process for reporting the determination result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a control center and a method for detecting incorrect insertion of a unit device of the control center. [Background technology]

[0002] The control center can accommodate unit devices in a number of storage chambers provided in the housing, each of which can be inserted and removed. In this case, the control center can be used by replacing or interchanging unit devices as long as the unit devices have the same format, shape, capacity, circuit specifications, circuit functions, etc. Furthermore, as long as the shape of the unit devices is the same, they can be inserted into the storage chambers even if the circuit specifications, circuit functions, etc. are different.

[0003] However, if a load connected to a unit device is operated while the unit device is incorrectly inserted, there is a risk that the circuit of the unit device may malfunction or be damaged. Therefore, in the conventional configuration, workers would patrol the area to check the unit device to prevent incorrect insertion of the unit device, but this posed problems such as workload and human error. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-201015 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, an embodiment of the present invention provides a control center that can automate the checking work by detecting the incorrect insertion of a unit device, thereby reducing the workload and human error. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The control center of the embodiment comprises a housing having a plurality of storage chambers, a plurality of unit devices that are insertable and removable into the plurality of storage chambers, a plurality of RF tags that are provided at positions corresponding to each of the storage chambers in the housing and record information set for each of the storage chambers, a plurality of readers that are provided in each of the unit devices and can read the information recorded on the RF tags, a judgment processing unit that is capable of executing a judgment process to determine whether the storage chamber into which the unit device has been inserted is correct or incorrect based on the information on the RF tags read by the readers, and an alarm processing unit that is capable of executing an alarm process to alarm the results of the judgment process.

[0007] The control center's method for detecting the incorrect insertion of a unit device in an embodiment is a method for detecting the incorrect insertion of a unit device into a plurality of storage chambers provided in a housing when the unit device is inserted into the storage chamber, and includes an installation process for installing a plurality of RF tags storing information set for each storage chamber at positions corresponding to each of the storage chambers in the housing; a reading process for reading the RF tag provided corresponding to the storage chamber into which the unit device is to be inserted using a reader capable of reading the information stored in the RF tag provided in the unit device when the unit device is inserted into the storage chamber; a determination process for determining whether the storage chamber into which the unit device has been inserted is correct or incorrect based on the information read from the RF tag by the reader; and a notification process for notifying an operator of the result of the determination. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the configuration of a control center according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the configuration of a unit device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a storage chamber into which a unit device according to a first embodiment can be inserted; [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of steps in a method for detecting an incorrect insertion of a unit device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which an RF tag according to a second embodiment is attached to a nameplate; [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a storage chamber into which a unit device according to a third embodiment can be inserted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, several embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that substantially the same elements in several embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0010] (First embodiment) The control center 1 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called closed distribution panel that controls multiple motors as loads (not shown). The control center 1 includes a housing 10, a reader 20, and a unit device 30. The unit device 30 has the function of, for example, opening and closing an electric circuit to a load (not shown). The housing 10 forms the outer shell of the control center 1. The housing 10 includes a box body 11, a storage chamber 12, a door 13, a nameplate 14, and an RF tag 15. The box body 11 is formed, for example, in the shape of a vertically long rectangular box. A plurality of storage chambers 12 (six in this case) are provided, for example, lined up in the vertical direction of the box body 11. The storage chambers 12 are vertically separated by partition plates (not shown). The storage chambers 12 are formed in a rectangular shape with an open front.

[0011] The multiple storage chambers 12 can be configured, for example, with the same or different vertical dimensions, but with the same horizontal dimensions. In this case, the vertical dimension of each storage chamber 12 can be set at any dimension within a range of 200 mm to 600 mm at 100 mm intervals, for example. In other words, the control center 1 can be configured with any combination of storage chambers 12 of five different sizes. In the following description, the multiple storage chambers 12 may be referred to as storage chambers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, and 12f, respectively.

[0012] A plurality of doors 13 are provided corresponding to the plurality of storage chambers 12. The doors 13 are rotatably provided on the front side of the storage chambers 12 and are configured to be able to open and close the front opening of the storage chambers 12. As shown in FIG. 1 , the nameplate 14 is provided at a predetermined position on the front side of each door 13, for example, near the lower right end. The nameplate 14 is configured, for example, in the shape of a plate and is detachably provided on the door 13. In this case, the nameplate 14 is attached to the door 13 directly, for example, with screws or indirectly via a case that can accommodate the nameplate 14. The nameplate 14 displays, for example, information, using letters, symbols, etc., about the unit device 30 to be inserted into the storage chamber 12 corresponding to the door 13 to which the nameplate 14 is attached.

[0013] The RF tags 15 are provided at positions corresponding to the respective storage chambers 12 in the housing 10. In this case, the RF tags 15 are provided, for example, on the front side of each door 13 so as to be exposed to the outside, as shown in Fig. 1. The RF tags 15 are not limited to being provided on the front side of the doors 13, but may also be provided on the back side of the doors 13 or on the wall surface of the storage chambers 12.

[0014] The RF tag 15 records information set for each storage chamber 12. The information recorded in the RF tag 15 is information necessary when manufacturing and maintaining the control center 1. In this case, the information recorded in the RF tag 15 includes, for example, position information regarding the arrangement of each storage chamber 12 in the control center 1 and device information for identifying each unit device 30 that can be inserted into each storage chamber 12. The position information may indicate the arrangement of the unit device 30 with respect to the control center 1, or may indicate the relative positional relationship with other unit devices 30. The device information may include, for example, the type, shape, capacity, and circuit specifications of the unit device 30, and the name of the load connected to the unit device 30.

[0015] The reader 20 can read information recorded in the RF tag 15. The reader 20 can read information recorded in the RF tag 15 by using non-contact short-range wireless communication using, for example, radio waves or an electromagnetic field. The reader 20 is connected to a power supply unit (not shown) that supplies power to the reader 20.

[0016] The unit device 30 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular box overall, and is provided so as to be insertable and removable within each of the plurality of storage chambers 12. The outer dimensions of the unit device 30 are slightly smaller than the inner dimensions of the storage chambers 12 in which the unit device 30 is stored. The unit device 30 is configured so that it can receive power from a power supply unit, for example, independently of the reader 20. The unit device 30 is configured to have, for example, a circuit breaker and an electromagnetic switch (not shown). A so-called interlock is installed between the circuit breaker and the door 13, and is configured so that the door 13 cannot be opened when, for example, the circuit breaker is on, that is, when the load is energized.

[0017] The unit device 30 can be configured to have a display unit 31, a memory unit 32, and a control unit 33. The display unit 31 is configured with a well-known display device such as a display panel or a motor multi-relay, and is configured to be able to present various information such as the operating status of the load to the worker. As shown in FIG. 1, the display unit 31 is provided on the front side of the unit device 30, and when the door 13 is closed, it is exposed to the outside through an opening 131 formed in the door 13, and is visible from the outside. The display unit 31 can be configured to have a speaker (not shown). The speaker has the function of emitting sound to the surroundings of the unit device 30. In this case, the display unit 31 has the function of presenting various information to the worker by display, sound, etc.

[0018] In this embodiment, the reader 20 is provided in the display unit 31 as shown in Fig. 1. That is, the reader 20 is provided in the unit device 30. Then, like the display unit 31, the reader 20 is exposed to the outside through an opening 131 formed in the door 13 when the door 13 is closed, and is visible from the outside.

[0019] The memory unit 32 is configured with a storage device such as a hard disk drive or flash memory, and is configured to be able to store various information that is scheduled to be added, rewritten, or deleted. The memory unit 32 stores, for example, authentication information. The authentication information includes, for example, information indicating the position of the storage chamber 12 into which the target unit device 30 can be inserted. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, if the authentication information stored in the memory unit 32 includes information indicating the storage chamber 12a, the target unit device 30 can be inserted into the storage chamber 12a.

[0020] Here, unit devices 30 can be interchanged or swapped between multiple storage chambers 12, for example, as long as the unit devices 30 have the same format, shape, capacity, circuit specifications, etc. In other words, if there are multiple storage chambers 12 that meet certain conditions, a unit device 30 can be inserted into one of the storage chambers 12 as appropriate. Therefore, the authentication information can include information indicating the positions of multiple storage chambers 12 into which a unit device 30 can be inserted. As shown in FIG. 3, for example, if the information stored in memory 32 includes information indicating storage chambers 12b and 12c, the target unit device 30 can be inserted into storage chambers 12b and 12c. Note that memory 32 may be installed external to the unit device 30.

[0021] The control unit 33 is mainly configured with a microcomputer having a CPU (not shown) and storage areas (not shown) such as ROM and RAM, and controls the entire unit device 30. The control unit 33 is electrically connected to the reader 20, the display unit 31, and the storage unit 32. The acquisition processing unit 34, the determination processing unit 35, and the notification processing unit 36 ​​are virtually realized by the CPU executing a computer program stored in the storage area, that is, they are realized by software. Note that at least some of the acquisition processing unit 34, the determination processing unit 35, and the notification processing unit 36 ​​may be configured to be realized by hardware.

[0022] The acquisition processing unit 34 can execute an acquisition process. The acquisition process includes a process of acquiring authentication information related to the target unit device 30 from the information stored in the memory unit 32. The determination processing unit 35 can execute a determination process. The determination process includes a process of determining whether the accommodation chamber 12 into which the unit device 30 is inserted is authentic or not, based on the information of the RF tag 15 read by the reader 20.

[0023] Furthermore, the determination process includes a process of cutting off the power supply to the unit device 30, that is, disabling the operation of the load connected to the unit device 30, when it is determined based on the information of the RF tag 15 read by the reader 20 that the storage room 12 into which the unit device 30 is inserted is incorrect. On the other hand, the determination process includes a process of enabling the unit device 30 to continue to be used, that is, enabling the operation of the load connected to the unit device 30, when it is determined based on the information of the RF tag 15 read by the reader 20 that the storage room 12 into which the unit device 30 is inserted is correct.

[0024] The notification processing unit 36 ​​can execute notification processing. The notification processing includes processing for notifying the result of the determination processing. The notification processing unit 36 ​​can execute the notification processing using, for example, the display unit 31. When executing the notification processing using the display unit 31, the notification processing unit 36 ​​can display symbols or characters such as "OK" or "NG" or display the color or lighting pattern of an indicator light (not shown). This allows the worker to easily confirm whether the accommodation chamber 12 into which the unit device 30 has been inserted is correct or incorrect by checking the determination result displayed on the display unit 31. Furthermore, if the display unit 31 is configured to have a speaker, the notification processing can include audio notification using the speaker.

[0025] An example of a method for detecting erroneous insertion of a unit device 30 into a storage chamber 12 will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. In the following description, it is assumed that all of the processes performed by the processing units 34 to 36 are performed primarily by the control unit 33. As shown in Fig. 4, the detection of erroneous insertion of a unit device 30 is performed in the order of an installation process (step S11), a reading process (step S12), an acquisition process (step S13), a determination process (steps S14 to S15), and a notification process (step S16).

[0026] First, in step S11, an operator places multiple RF tags 15 at positions corresponding to the respective storage chambers 12 of the housing 10, in this case, on the doors 13. Next, in step S12, the control unit 33 reads the RF tags 15 with the reader 20 when the unit device 30 is inserted into the storage chamber 12. Thereafter, in step S13, the control unit 33 acquires authentication information related to the target unit device 30 from the information stored in the memory unit 32, for example, information indicating the position of the storage chamber 12 into which the unit device 30 can be inserted.

[0027] Then, in step S14, the control unit 33 compares the position information regarding the arrangement of each storage chamber 12 in the control center 1, which is read from the RF tag 15 by the reader 20, with the information indicating the position of the storage chamber 12 into which the unit device 30 can be inserted, which is obtained from the memory unit 32, and determines whether the two pieces of information match. In other words, it determines whether the storage chamber 12 into which the unit device 30 has been inserted is correct.

[0028] If it is determined that the storage chamber 12 into which the unit device 30 has been inserted is correct (YES in step S14), the control unit 33 shifts the process to step S16. On the other hand, if it is determined that the storage chamber 12 into which the unit device 30 has been inserted is incorrect (NO in step S14), the control unit 33 shifts the process to step S15, for example, controls a molded case circuit breaker to cut off the power supply from the primary side, cuts off the power supply to the unit device 30, and shifts the process to step S16.

[0029] Thereafter, in step S16, the control unit 33 displays information on the display unit 31 according to the determination result, and the detection of erroneous insertion of the unit device 30 into the accommodation chamber 12 is completed (END).

[0030] According to the embodiment described above, the control center 1 includes a housing 10, a plurality of unit devices 30, a plurality of RF tags 15, a plurality of readers 20, a determination processing unit 35, and a notification processing unit 36. The housing 10 has a plurality of storage chambers 12. The plurality of unit devices 30 are provided so as to be insertable into and removable from the plurality of storage chambers 12. The plurality of RF tags 15 are provided in positions of the housing 10 corresponding to the respective storage chambers 12, and record information set for each storage chamber 12. The plurality of readers 20 are provided in each unit device 30, and are capable of reading the information recorded in the RF tags 15. The determination processing unit 35 is capable of performing a determination process to determine whether the storage chamber 12 into which the unit device 30 is inserted is correct or incorrect, based on the information of the RF tags 15 read by the readers 20. The notification processing unit 36 ​​is capable of performing a notification process to notify the result of the determination process.

[0031] According to this, the RF tag 15 provided on the housing 10 and the reader 20 provided on the unit device 30 can detect incorrect insertion of the unit device 30 into the storage chamber 12. This avoids human error that occurs when manually verifying the unit devices, and reduces the workload by reducing the number of people required for the verification work.

[0032] Furthermore, the determination process further includes a process of cutting off the power supply to the unit device 30 when it is determined based on the information of the RF tag 15 read by the reader 20 that the storage chamber 12 into which the unit device 30 has been inserted is incorrect. According to this, when incorrect insertion of the unit device 30 is detected, the power supply to the unit device 30 can be cut off to disable operation of the load corresponding to the unit device 30. This makes it possible to prevent the load from being erroneously operated when the unit device 30 is incorrectly inserted, thereby preventing malfunctions such as malfunction or damage to the unit device 30.

[0033] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The control center 1 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the attachment position of the RF tag 15. Specifically, in this second embodiment, the RF tag 15 is attached to a nameplate 14 provided on the front surface of the door 13. The configuration other than the attachment position of the RF tag 15 can be the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0034] Here, if the arrangement of the unit devices 30 is changed in the control center 1, if the RF tag 15 is attached directly to the door 13, it will be necessary to replace the door 13 in accordance with the change in arrangement of the unit devices 30, which may result in laborious work. Therefore, for example, by attaching the RF tag 15 to a nameplate 14 that can be attached to and detached from the door 13 by inserting it into and removing it from the case, it is possible to accommodate changes in the arrangement of the unit devices 30 without changing the door 13 itself.

[0035] The second embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, since it is easier to adapt to modifications to the control center 1, the convenience of the control center 1 can be further improved.

[0036] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In this embodiment, the information used in the determination process differs from that in the above-described embodiments. Specifically, while the determination process in the above-described embodiments uses information about the position of storage chamber 12 into which unit device 30 can be inserted, in this third embodiment, the determination process is performed using device information for identifying unit device 30. In other words, the determination process includes a process of determining whether storage chamber 12 into which unit device 30 has been inserted is correct or incorrect, based on the device information for identifying the unit device in RF tag 15 read by reader 20.

[0037] In this case, the authentication information stored in the memory unit 32 can include device information for identifying the unit device 30, such as the type, shape, capacity, and circuit specifications of the unit device 30, and the name of the load connected to the unit device 30. In the following description, the device information for identifying the multiple unit devices 30 will be referred to as 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e, respectively. As shown in Fig. 6, each RF tag 15 has recorded thereon device information 30a to 30e of the unit devices that can be inserted into each storage chamber 12, for example.

[0038] For example, if the authentication information stored in the memory unit 32 of the target unit device 30 includes device information 30a, the target unit device 30 can be inserted into the storage chamber 12 in which the RF tag 15 in which the device information 30a is recorded is provided. Then, in the determination process, the device information read from the RF tag 15 by the reader 20 is compared with the authentication information, i.e., the device information, acquired from the memory unit 32. Since the two pieces of information match, it is determined that the insertion of the target unit device 30 into the storage chamber 12 is correct. On the other hand, for example, if the authentication information stored in the memory unit 32 of the target unit device 30 includes device information 30b, the target unit device 30 cannot be inserted into the storage chamber 12 in which the RF tag 15 in which the device information 30a is recorded is provided. In this case, in the determination process, the device information read from the RF tag 15 by the reader 20 is compared with the authentication information, i.e., the device information, acquired from the memory unit 32. If the two pieces of information do not match, erroneous insertion of the unit device 30 is detected.

[0039] According to the third embodiment, if the device information for identifying the unit device 30, such as the type, shape, capacity, and circuit specifications of the unit device 30, matches, the load can be operated. Therefore, for example, if there is a regular unit device used for a load that cannot be stopped for a long period of time, a spare unit device configured with the same specifications as the regular unit device can be used in place of the regular unit device during maintenance of the regular unit device. As a result, the convenience of the control center 1 can be improved while preventing malfunctions caused by incorrect insertion of the unit device 30.

[0040] The above embodiments can be combined with each other, and only the characteristic features of two or more embodiments can be extracted and combined. The above-described embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] In the drawing, 1 indicates a control center, 10 indicates a housing, 13 indicates a door, 14 indicates a nameplate, 15 indicates an RF tag, 20 indicates a reader, 30 indicates a unit device, 35 indicates a determination processing section, and 36 indicates a notification processing section.

Claims

1. a housing having a plurality of chambers; a plurality of unit devices provided so as to be insertable into and removable from the plurality of accommodation chambers; a plurality of RF tags provided at positions corresponding to the respective storage chambers of the housing and recording information set for each of the storage chambers; a plurality of readers provided in each of the unit devices and capable of reading information recorded in the RF tags; a determination processing unit capable of executing a determination process for determining whether the accommodation chamber into which the unit device is inserted is correct or incorrect based on the information of the RF tag read by the reader; a notification processing unit capable of executing a notification process for notifying a result of the determination process; A control center comprising:

2. the housing has a plurality of doors for opening and closing the plurality of storage chambers, Each of the doors has a nameplate detachably provided on a front surface of the door, The RF tag is attached to the nameplate.

2. The control center of claim 1.

3. the determination process further includes a process of cutting off power supply to the unit device when it is determined that the accommodation chamber into which the unit device has been inserted is incorrect based on the information of the RF tag read by the reader.

3. The control center according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the information recorded in the RF tag includes device information for identifying the unit device, the determination process includes a process of determining whether the accommodation chamber into which the unit device is inserted is correct or incorrect based on device information for identifying the unit device in the RF tag read by the reader.

4. The control center according to claim 3.

5. A method for detecting erroneous insertion of a unit device into a plurality of storage chambers provided in a housing, the method comprising: an installation step of installing a plurality of RF tags, each storing information set for each of the storage compartments, at positions in the housing corresponding to each of the storage compartments; a reading step of reading the RF tag provided in the unit device corresponding to the storage chamber into which the unit device is to be inserted, using a reader capable of reading information stored in the RF tag provided in the unit device, when the unit device is inserted into the storage chamber; a determining step of determining whether the accommodation chamber into which the unit device has been inserted is correct or incorrect based on information read from the RF tag by the reader; a notification step of notifying an operator of the result of the determination; A method for detecting incorrect insertion of a unit device in a control center.

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