Relay module and relay terminal block using the same

Abstract

To provide a relay module and a relay terminal base that can reduce a workload of a worker and save space.SOLUTION: A relay terminal base comprises a plurality of relay modules and a select signal generating device. Each of the relay modules comprises a selective signal transmission device. The relay module is connected to a plurality of input signal transmission lines, selects one input signal transmission line according to a select signal output from the select signal generating device and outputs a signal input to the selected input signal transmission line via an output signal transmission line. Also, the relay terminal base comprises an input-output module, and is also capable of outputting a signal input from the plurality of input signal transmission lines as a serial signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a relay terminal block used in monitoring systems and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in monitoring systems that monitor the status of various equipment on-site, signal lines that transmit data such as contact signals from each piece of equipment are connected to terminals or measuring instruments (e.g., data loggers) in a central monitoring room, allowing for remote monitoring and analysis of each piece of equipment. In this case, relay terminal blocks may be installed between each piece of equipment and the terminals in the monitoring room to relay the numerous signal lines used. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-208794 [Patent Document 1] Publication number 7-27671 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] As the number of devices to be monitored increases, the number of signal lines transmitting various data from each device also increases. For example, in large-scale facilities, the number of connections from each device to the terminal blocks, and from the terminal blocks to the monitoring room terminals, can sometimes reach hundreds or even thousands. In addition, multiple types of data may be transmitted from each device. As the number of signal wire connections increases, the area required for installing the terminal block also increases, and the burden on workers in connecting the wires and checking the connection status of the signal wires on the input and output sides of the terminal block also increases. As a result, problems arise such as the need to secure a large installation space for the terminal block and the increased time and cost required for connection work.

[0005] In view of the above issues, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a relay module and a relay terminal block using the same that can reduce the workload on workers and save space in relay terminal blocks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The relay module according to the present invention is A relay module that constitutes a relay terminal block that relays multiple input signals from external devices and outputs them to an external terminal for monitoring or measurement, Multiple input signal transmission lines and selective signal transmission device Select signal transmission line and output signal transmission line A common input / output terminal connected to the aforementioned select signal transmission line and Equipped with, The plurality of input signal transmission lines and the select signal transmission line are connected to the selective signal transmission device. The selective signal transmission device periodically and sequentially selects one of the plurality of input signals and outputs it via the output signal transmission line. The input / output terminals are expandable by connecting them to other relay modules and sharing the select signal transmission lines.

[0007] In the above configuration, the relay module is Multiple LEDs, Digital signal generation device, It is further equipped with a distribution device, The distribution device selects one of the plurality of input signals using the selective signal transmission device, and at the same time selects one of the LEDs. The digital signal generation device outputs a signal to the selected LED. It may be configured in this way.

[0008] The relay terminal block according to the present invention is The relay module is provided in multiple locations, Equipped with a select signal generator, The select signal generator outputs the select signal generated by the select signal generator to the select signal transmission line. Each of the select signal transmission lines of the relay module is connected to each other.

[0009] In the above configuration, the relay terminal block further includes an input / output module, the input / output module includes a select signal input port, a relay module signal input port, and a relay terminal block communication port, the select signal input port is connected to the select signal transmission line, the relay module signal input port is connected to the output signal transmission line corresponding to each of the plurality of relay modules, the input / output module may be configured to output the signals input to the plurality of input signal transmission lines as serial signals from the relay terminal block communication port.

[0010] The relay terminal block according to the present invention is a relay terminal block for relaying a plurality of input signals input from an external device and outputting them to an external terminal for monitoring or measurement, includes a relay module and a select signal generator that periodically generates a select signal, the relay module includes a plurality of input signal transmission lines and one output signal transmission line and a plurality of select signal transmission lines for transmitting the select signal, periodically and sequentially selects one input signal specified by the select signal from the plurality of input signals, outputs the selected input signal via the output signal transmission line, and is expandable by connecting to other relay modules and sharing the select signal transmission line.

Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to save space in the relay module and the relay terminal block using the same, and reduce the burden on the operator for wiring work.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1(a) and (b) are configuration diagrams of a relay module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 1(c) is a schematic diagram for explaining the function of a selective signal transmission device. [Figure 2] It is a configuration diagram of a relay module according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a configuration diagram of a relay module according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a configuration diagram of a relay module according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a configuration diagram of an integrated relay terminal block according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a configuration diagram of an integrated relay terminal block according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart of data communication using the integrated relay terminal block according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a configuration diagram of a relay module according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the connection relationship of the relay module according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a relay module group according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, none of the following embodiments gives a limiting interpretation in the determination of the gist of the present invention. Also, the same or similar members may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the relay module 1. The relay module 1 is incorporated, for example, on a single circuit board or within a single enclosure, and has a single basic configuration. The same applies to other embodiments below.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1(a), the relay module 1 is equipped with an input terminal block 4 on which terminals 3 for connecting various external signal lines 2 that transmit signals from various external devices are arranged. Each external signal line 2 consists of one external signal line 2S and one ground line 2G, forming a pair. For example, 32 external signal lines 2 in 16 pairs are connected to the input terminal block 4.

[0016] The connection wiring 5 (input wiring) is connected to the external signal line 2 via terminal 3 of the input terminal block 4, and receives signals (data conveying the status of equipment, etc.) from various external devices transmitted by the external signal line 2. The external signal line 2S is connected to the input signal transmission line 5S of the connection wiring 5, and the ground line 2G is connected to the input signal ground line 5G of the connection wiring 5. The connection wiring 5 is electrically connected to the input side (input port) of the selective signal transmission device 6 (e.g., a multiplexer), and signals from various devices transmitted by the external signal line 2 are input as input signals to the input side (input port) of the selective signal transmission device 6 via the connection wiring 5.

[0017] The select signal generator 7 generates a select signal for controlling the selective signal transmission device 6. The select signal generated by the select signal generator 7 is an n-bit (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1) digital signal that changes periodically (time-division multiplexing), and is input (in parallel) to the control signal port (control signal input terminal) of the selective signal transmission device 6 via n, for example, four, connection wires 8.

[0018] Furthermore, the output side (output port) of the selective signal transmission device 6 is connected to an output signal line 9 and a ground line 10, and one of the input signals is selected and output via the output signal line 9 and ground line 10.

[0019] The relay module 1 includes an input / output terminal block 12 with multiple terminals 11 arranged in a row, and the output signal line 9 and the ground line 10 are connected to the terminals 11. Furthermore, the connection wiring 8 that transmits the select signal is electrically connected to terminal 11 of the input / output terminal block 12. The select signal is input to the selective signal transmission device 6 via the input / output terminal block 12 as described above. Furthermore, output signal lines 13 are connected to the input / output terminal block 12, which in turn connects to terminals and measuring instruments in the monitoring room, enabling remote monitoring and data analysis of the status of each device. The output signal line 13 includes a select signal transmission line 137 that outputs a select signal, an output signal transmission line 139 (connected to output signal line 9), and a ground line 130 (connected to ground line 10). Each connection wire 8 is connected to a select signal transmission line 137. The select signal transmission line 137 is connected to the select signal transmission device 6 via the input / output terminal block 12.

[0020] Figure 1(b) shows an example of the wiring configuration of the input terminal block 4. The ground lines 2G of each external signal line 2 are connected to each other, and further connected to one input signal ground line 5G of the connection wiring 5, and connected to the selective signal transmission device 6. The external signal line 2S of each external signal line 2 is connected to the selective signal transmission device 6 via the input signal transmission line 5S.

[0021] Figure 1(c) is a schematic diagram illustrating the function of the selective signal transmission device 6. The selective signal transmission device 6 is controlled by multiple types of select signals generated by the select signal generator 7. The select signals change periodically and are input to the selective signal transmission device 6 via n, for example, four, connection wires 8. Each connection wire 8 transmits a signal of "1" or "0", and the n connection wires 8 transmit two signals. n A digital signal consisting of any combination of "1" or "0" is transmitted to the selective signal transmission device 6.

[0022] In the example shown in Figure 1(c), 16 types (2 n =24 A combination signal of "1" or "0" (select signal) is input to the selective signal transmission device 6 in a periodically changing (cyclical) manner. The select signal generator 7 generates, for example, a binary number from 0 to 2 n The values ​​up to a certain point are output sequentially and cyclically as n-bit signals in parallel at predetermined intervals (for example, from 1 ms to 10 ms). Note that n is not limited to 4.

[0023] Each input signal transmission line 5S connected to the selective signal transmission device 6 is associated with a single select signal. Only the input signal transmission line 5S selected (specified) by the select signal is electrically connected to the output signal line 9 and transmits the input signal from that input signal transmission line 5S. If the combination of signals transmitted by the four connection wires 8 is denoted as (A, B, C, D), then for example, if (A, B, C, D) is (0, 0, 0, 0), then input signal line s01 of the input signal transmission line 5S is electrically connected to the output signal line 9. If (A, B, C, D) is (0, 0, 0, 1), then input signal line s02 is electrically connected to the output signal line 9, and the respective input signals are transmitted to the output signal line 9. The same applies to subsequent input signals.

[0024] The selective signal transmission device 6 can easily and inexpensively realize the relay module 1 by using a commercially available multiplexer. Furthermore, the multiplexer can operate within a predetermined range of negative to positive input voltages, and can output a selected input signal within that operating voltage range. If the input signal exceeds the operating range of the multiplexer, an operational amplifier or the like may be added to the input side as appropriate (for example, between the input terminal block 4 and the selective signal transmission device 6) to change the range of variation of the input signal.

[0025] The signal output from the relay module 1 is output to an external device (such as a monitoring device or measuring instrument) via the output signal line 13. The output signal line 13 consists of a total of n+2 transmission lines: n (for example, 4) select signal transmission lines 137, one output signal transmission line 139 from the select signal transmission device 6, and a ground line 130. The selective signal transmission device 6 sets the number of output signal transmission lines 139 to 2 for the number of input signal transmission lines 5S. n The number of wires can be reduced to one-half. For example, if the number of external signal lines 2 is 32 (16 pairs) and n=4, the number of wires on the output side can be reduced to 6 (=4+2). As a result, the relay module 1 can be made more space-saving and the workload on the workers can be reduced. Furthermore, the number (and weight) of wires is reduced, making it possible to lighten the relay module 1. Furthermore, the external device can identify the corresponding input signal line, i.e., the device that transmits a signal to the input signal line, using a select signal. Based on the combination of the identified device and its output signal, each device can be monitored or measured.

[0026] (Embodiment 2) If the signals from each device are analog signals, the relay module 1 can convert them to digital signals and output them.

[0027] Figure 2(a) shows an example configuration in which the ADC 14 is connected to the output signal line 9 of the selective signal transmission device 6. When an analog signal is input from the external signal line 2, the output of the selective signal transmission device 6 is connected to the ADC 14, and the analog signal, which is the output signal output from the output signal line 9, is converted into a digital signal by the ADC 14. The output of the ADC 14 is connected to the output signal transmission line 139. Although it is possible to provide multiple ADCs separately for the external signal line 2 (input signal transmission line 5S) and input their outputs to the selective signal transmission device 6, as shown in Figure 2(a), a single ADC 14 can convert the signal input from the external signal line 2 into a digital signal and output it, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the relay module.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2(b), an operational amplifier 30 may be provided as a voltage follower for each external signal line 2, and its output may be input to the selective signal transmission device 6. When the external signal line 2 (input signal transmission line 5S) transmits a weak signal such as a sensor, the input impedance to the selective signal transmission device 6 can be increased to prevent the analog signal from changing. In addition, the voltage of the input signal may be corrected by the operational amplifier 30 as needed so that the output signal output from the output signal line 9 (output signal of the selective signal transmission device 6) falls within the operating range of the ADC 14. The output signal from the output signal transmission line 139 can be corrected by software on the monitoring device or measuring instrument side according to the amount of correction.

[0029] Alternatively, a switch element 31, for example a MOSFET, and a load 33, for example a 250[Ω] resistor, may be arranged in series between the input signal transmission line 5S and the ground line 10. The switch element 31 can be electrically controlled by the selection signal line 32 to select between an on (closed) state and an off (open) state. When the switch element 31 is off, the electrical signal from the external signal line 2 (input signal transmission line 5S) is directly input to the operational amplifier 30. When the switch element 31 is on, the load 33 can convert the current change of the electrical signal in the input signal transmission line 5S into a voltage change and input it to the operational amplifier 30. Therefore, it is possible to switch between current and voltage inputs according to the electrical signal input from the external signal line 2.

[0030] The voltage of the selection signal line 32 may be supplied from an external device (such as a monitoring device or measuring instrument), but it can also be supplied from a power supply installed in the relay module 1. Furthermore, the switch element 31 may be a mechanical switch, such as a DIP switch, instead of an electrical switch like a MOSFET. The switch element 31 may also be manually operated according to the specifications of the electrical signal from the input signal line 2. Furthermore, the operational amplifier 30 and the current-voltage switching (configuration of switch element 31 and load 33) are also applicable to Embodiment 1.

[0031] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 2(c), the output of the ADC14 may be input to an arithmetic processing unit 34, such as a microcontroller. The voltage converted by the ADC14 may be converted to a digital value by the arithmetic processing unit 34. The voltage value converted to a digital value by the arithmetic processing unit 34 is output as a serial signal to the output signal transmission line 139. The converted digital value may also be output as a parallel signal bit by bit.

[0032] In all cases shown in Figures 2(a), (b), and (c), it is necessary to select an ADC14 with a conversion speed faster than the period of the select signal of the selective signal transmission device 6, or to set the period of the select signal to be longer than the conversion time (sampling time) of the ADC14. For example, setting the time interval (period) between each select signal to 1 ms to 10 ms will make it longer than the conversion time of a typical commercially available ADC, but the above period is not limited to this.

[0033] (Embodiment 3) In the example shown in Figure 1(b), the input terminal block 4 is configured to short-circuit each ground line 2G of the external signal line 2, creating a single common ground line. However, short-circuiting ground lines 2G connected to different devices may cause signal interference or generate noise. Furthermore, the potentials of each ground line 2G may differ. In this embodiment, each external signal line 2 connected to different devices is electrically isolated, allowing the input signals to be input to the selective signal transmission device 6 without interfering with each other.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3(a), the external signal lines 2 connected to terminal 3 of the input terminal block 4 are each input to the photocoupler 16. Specifically, as described above, each external signal line 2 consists of an external signal line 2S and a ground line 2G, and the input signal transmission line 5S and input signal ground line 5G connected to each are connected to the input terminals of the photocoupler 16.

[0035] Each photocoupler 16 outputs a signal in proportion to the voltage of the input signal on each external signal line 2. The output signal line 17 of each photocoupler 16 is input to the selective signal transmission device 6, and the ground line 18 of each photocoupler 16 is short-circuited to each other and input to the selective signal transmission device 6. Furthermore, the output signal line 17 transmits the input signal to the selective signal transmission device 6, and in that sense constitutes a part of the input signal transmission line 5S.

[0036] The ground lines 2G (and external signal line 2S) of each external signal line 2 are electrically isolated from each other and do not interfere with one another.

[0037] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 3(b), an LED indicator 19 may be placed between the photocoupler 16 and the selective signal transmission device 6, and the LED may be lit when it is detected that a signal has been output to the output signal line 17. This makes it possible to visually check the status of the input signals of each external signal line 2. By installing an LED between each output signal line 17 and the ground line 18, the LED can be made to light up when an electrical signal is input to the output signal line 17. Alternatively, for example, a comparator may be connected in parallel to each output signal line 17, and when the output signal line 17 exceeds a predetermined voltage (reference voltage) as determined by the comparator, power may be supplied to the LED to light up. Furthermore, when a voltage above the reference voltage is detected, the system may be configured to hold the voltage for a predetermined time using a latch circuit or the like and supply power to the LED. Furthermore, by sequentially inputting signals with a voltage equal to or higher than the reference voltage as test signals to each external signal line 2, the connection status of each input signal 2 can be visually confirmed, thereby reducing the workload of the wiring operator. It is also possible to install only one of the photocoupler 16 and the LED indicator 19, or to combine it with the configuration shown in Embodiment 2.

[0038] As one embodiment, Figure 4(a) shows an LED control device 35 that uses a full-color LED and is provided on the output side of the arithmetic processing unit 34 as an LED indicator 19. The output of the ADC14 is input to the arithmetic processing unit 34 (digital signal generator). The arithmetic processing unit 34 converts the voltage of the output signal of the ADC14 into a unique digital value, as described above, and outputs the digital signal to the distribution device 38 (demultiplexer) via the output line 37. This can be realized, for example, by using the principle of a known digital voltmeter and using a microcontroller or the like as the arithmetic processing unit 34.

[0039] Furthermore, the arithmetic processing unit 34 generates an RGB signal, which is an LED control signal consisting of a combination of "1 (H)" and "0 (L)," according to the output voltage of the input ADC 14. For example, as the output voltage of the ADC 14 increases, the pulse width of the H state of the RGB signal is controlled so that the pulse duty cycle is proportional to the light emission intensity of each R (red), G (green), and B (blue) LED, and each color signal is generated as a digital signal and input to the LED control device 35 via the RGB signal line 36. A correspondence table between voltage values ​​and colors (combinations of RGB intensities) can be stored in the memory built into the arithmetic processing unit 34 in advance, and a digital signal that sets each RGB intensity can be generated according to the correspondence table. The output signal pulse ("1(H)") is set to a voltage higher than the LED's threshold voltage in order to make the LED light up.

[0040] The distribution device 38 (demultiplexer) receives a select signal via the select signal line 39. The distribution device 38 distributes the output signal of the arithmetic processing unit 34 according to the select signal and outputs it to the LED control device 35 via the output line 40. The distribution device 38 receives n signals, for example, 4 "1" and 4 "0" signals, via the select signal line 39. n For example, 2 4Sixteen combinations of select signals are input. The same number of output signal lines 40 (distribution signal lines) as the number of combinations of select signals are connected to the LED control device 35. For one combination of select signals, one output signal line 40 is selected, and the output signal from the arithmetic processing unit 34 is output from the selected output signal line 40 to the LED control device 35.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4(b), the LED control device 35 is provided with the same number (two) of full-color LEDs 41 as the signal transmission lines 2S. n In order to enable the full-color LED 41 to emit light of a desired color, it is composed of a set of three RGB LEDs. Each full-color LED 41 is joined to the RGB signal lines 36 via a switch element 42 (LED on / off (switch) element), for example, a MOSFET. One switch element 42 is provided for each of the three signals of R, G, and B. Therefore, three switch elements 42 form one set. n Two sets of switch elements 42 are respectively connected to two n output signal lines 40. Therefore, the same signal is input to one set of switch elements 42.

[0042] The output signal from the arithmetic processing unit 34 is input to one set of switch elements 42 via one output signal line 40 selected by the select signal, and only one set of switch elements 42 is in the ON state. Through the selected and ON one set of switch elements 42, three signals of R, G, and B are input to the R, G, and B LEDs of the full-color LED 41 via the RGB signal lines 36. When the voltages of the R, G, and B signals become higher than the threshold voltages of the corresponding LEDs (become "1"), each LED emits light, and the full-color LED 41 emits light of a desired color. That is, the LED control signal (RGB signal) is output from the arithmetic processing unit 34 to the full-color LED 41 selected by the distribution device 38 according to the select signal, and the full-color LED 41 emits light in a color corresponding to the output voltage of the ADC 14. By arranging the full-color LEDs 41 in accordance with each input signal line 2S, for example, as shown in Figure 3(b), the voltage input to each input signal line 2S can be visually confirmed by the color of the LED's emission. Alternatively, a single (monochromatic) LED may be used instead of the full-color LED 41, and the voltage input to each input signal line 2S may be visually confirmed by the light intensity of the LED.

[0043] (Embodiment 4) Multiple relay modules 1 in any of the above embodiments can be connected together, each of which can be treated as a single unit. Figure 5 shows an example of an integrated relay unit (relay terminal block) 100 in which multiple relay modules 1 are connected. In this case, the relay unit 100 is configured with each relay module 1 as a subunit. In Figure 5, the embodiment shown in Figure 2(b) is used as an example of the relay module 1, but other embodiments can also be used. As shown in Figure 5, a conceptual diagram is shown illustrating a relay unit 100 in which multiple relay modules 1a, 1b, ..., 1m are installed on a single circuit board 15 (or housing). Each relay module 1 can be any of the embodiments described above. Note that notations such as "1a, 1b, ...1m" indicate that the number of relay modules 1 is not limited to three.

[0044] External signal lines 2a, 2b, and 2m are connected to relay modules 1a, 1b, ...1m, respectively, and output signal lines 9a, 9b, ...9m and ground lines 10a, 10b, ...10m from selective signal transmission devices 6a, 6b, ...6m are connected to input / output terminal blocks 12a, 12b, ...12m, respectively. Ground wires 10a, 10b, ..., 10m are connected to each other.

[0045] Furthermore, the select signal transmission lines 137a, 137b, ..., 137m from the select signal generator 7 are connected to the input / output terminal blocks 12a, 12b, ..., 12m, and are also connected to each other. By connecting (commonizing) the terminals to which the select signal transmission lines 137a, 137b, ...137m of input / output terminal blocks 12a, 12b, ...12m are connected with wiring, it becomes possible to easily connect multiple relay modules 1a, 1b, ...1m. In other words, the input / output terminal block 12 makes it easy to expand the relay module 1.

[0046] The wiring output to a device (e.g., monitoring device, measuring instrument, etc.) that receives signals from the relay unit 100 consists of one set of select signal transmission lines 137a, one ground line 130m, and output signal transmission lines 139a, 139b, ... 139m. Selective signal transmission devices 6a, 6b, ... 6m, controlled by a common select signal, electrically connect one of several external signal lines 2a, 2b, ... 2m to the output signal transmission lines 139a, 139b, ... 139m. As a result, the signal output from the one external signal line selected from 2a, 2b, ... 2m is output from the output signal transmission lines 139a, 139b, ... 139m.

[0047] If the number of select signal transmission lines 137a is n and the number of relay modules 1a, 1b, ... 1m is k, then the number of transmission lines output from the relay unit 100 will be n+1+k. When n=4 and there are 32 external signal lines 2 (16 pairs), the relay unit 100, which houses k=10 relay modules 1, has 4+1+10 transmission lines on the output side for 32 × 10 external signal lines 2, which can be reduced to about 1 / 20th of its original size. Therefore, the number of connections on the output side can be significantly reduced. As a result, the workload and working time can be reduced. Furthermore, the wiring space on the output side can be saved, making the relay unit 100 smaller and lighter.

[0048] Furthermore, the above embodiments can be appropriately adopted according to the type and characteristics of the connected equipment, and the characteristics of the electrical signal input from the external signal line 2 (for example, the amplitude of the signal), and it is also possible to combine relay modules 1a, 1b, ..., 1m, which employ different embodiments, into a single relay unit 100. For example, relay module 1 may be provided for each location of equipment, such that relay module 1a receives signals from equipment located in area A, and relay module 1b receives signals from equipment located in area B. Alternatively, relay module 1 may be provided for each type of equipment (or signal type), such that relay module 1a receives signals from equipment A, and relay module 1b receives signals from equipment B.

[0049] The input / output terminal block 12 has the select signal transmission line 137, which receives the select signal, and the output signal transmission line 139 (and ground line 130), which outputs the signal from the selective signal transmission device 6, all connected together. However, since the select signal transmission line 137 is connected between each relay module 1a, 1b, ... 1m, a terminal block for the select signal transmission line 137 may be provided separately from the input / output terminal block 12 at a location suitable for the layout in which the relay modules 1a, 1b, ... 1m are arranged (for example, above or below each relay module 1 in the drawing) to facilitate connection.

[0050] (Embodiment 5) As shown in Figure 6, the relay unit (relay terminal block) 100 can also be equipped with an input / output module 20, which can output as a serial signal. In other words, in this embodiment, one relay unit (relay terminal block) is configured by combining the relay unit and input / output module of Embodiment 4. In the expandable embodiment 4, the signal lines output from the relay unit 100 are a plurality of select signal lines 137, a ground line 130, and output signal transmission lines 139a, 139b, ..., 139m, and in particular the number of output signal transmission lines 139 changes depending on the number of relay modules 1 to be expanded. Since the select signal line 137 and the ground line 130 are common, the indicators for distinguishing between relay modules 1a, 1b, ..., 1m have been omitted.

[0051] The monitoring device or measuring instrument that processes (for example, monitors or analyzes) the output signals from the relay unit 100 requires hardware input ports to receive these multiple output lines. The number of input ports will need to change depending on the number of relay modules 1 that are added. The input / output module 20 allows signals from multiple select signal lines 137 and output signal transmission lines 139a, 139b, ... 139m to be output from a single relay unit output line (relay terminal block output line) 21. The ground line 130 is connected to the ground line 22.

[0052] The input / output module 20 associates the select signal input from the select signal line 137 with the signals input from the output signal transmission lines 139a, 139b, ..., 139m of each relay module 1a, 1b, ..., 1m, and further associates the combination of the select signal with the relay modules 1a, 1b, ..., 1m with the signals input from the output signal transmission lines 139a, 139b, ..., 139m (hereinafter sometimes referred to as data signals). The select signal 137 is n bits of information (data) as described above, so the select signal is, for example, from 0 to 2 n It can be identified by the identification number of the binary value up to a certain point. Therefore, by combining the identification number of the select signal with the identification number that identifies the output signal transmission lines 139a, 139b...139m, i.e., relay modules 1a, 1b,...1m (for example, an integer number from 1 to k for relay module 1), the signal input from input signal line 2 can be uniquely determined.

[0053] The input / output module 20 includes a select signal input port 23 to which a select signal transmission line 137 is connected, and a relay module signal input port 24 to which output signal transmission lines 139a, 139b, ... 139m of relay modules 1a, 1b, ... 1m are connected. A select signal is input from the select signal input port 23, and signals from each relay module 1a, 1b, ... 1m are input from the relay module signal input port 24. Furthermore, the input / output module 20 is equipped with an arithmetic processing unit 25. Each time a select signal is input (or changed), the arithmetic processing unit 25 temporarily stores each data signal (or the content of the data signal, i.e., the data) and the value (or combination) of the select signal input from the output signal transmission lines 139a, 139b...139m in its memory device, and sequentially outputs the combination of the select signal identification number, the relay module identification number, and the data signal as a digital signal from the relay terminal block output line 21.

[0054] Alternatively, the ADC14 may be provided not in the relay module 1, but in, for example, the relay module signal input port 24 of the input / output module 20.

[0055] The signals input from input signal line 2 can be identified by each input signal line 2 (or each device) and output as serial signals via the relay terminal block output line 21 through the relay terminal block communication port (relay terminal block input / output port) 26. The output serial signal includes a select signal identification number and a relay module identification number, allowing a device (monitoring device or measuring instrument) that receives and analyzes the serial signal to identify each input signal line 2 (or each device) via software and perform monitoring and analysis. For example, monitoring and analysis can be easily performed using commercially available personal computers, and even if the number of input signal lines 2 and the number of relay modules 1 increase, it can be easily and flexibly adapted through minor software modifications.

[0056] Furthermore, the relay terminal block communication port 26 may also be equipped with a relay terminal block input line 27. The relay terminal block input line 27 may be configured to receive a request signal from a device (monitoring device or measuring instrument) that receives signals transmitted from the relay unit 100, and to output a signal corresponding to the select signal identification number and relay module identification number specified by the request signal. In this case, the arithmetic processing unit 25 may, upon receiving a request signal from the relay terminal block input line 27, read the corresponding select signal identification number and relay module identification number data from the data stored in the storage device and output them from the relay terminal block communication port 26 via the relay terminal block output line 21.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, the external terminal 28 for monitoring or measurement is connected to the relay terminal block communication port 26 via the relay terminal block input line 27, the relay terminal block output line 21, and the ground line 22. The external terminal 28 stores a database, for example in table format, containing a combination of a select signal identification number and a relay module identification number, and corresponding to the name or type of each piece of equipment on site for each input signal line 2. This database is stored in a storage device built into or attached to the external terminal 28. The data for each piece of equipment can be read sequentially by specifying the table number (a number assigned to each piece of equipment) in the registered database.

[0058] An example of one usage method is shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, the external terminal 28 reads the select signal identification number and relay module identification number corresponding to the i-th table number in the registered database from the storage device and transmits them to the relay unit 100 via the relay terminal block input line 27. The relay unit 100 reads data from its storage device that corresponds to the combination of the received select signal identification number and the relay module identification number. The storage device may be built into each relay module 1a, 1b, ..., 1m, but a storage device common to each relay module 1a, 1b, ..., 1m may also be built into the relay unit 100, for example, in the input / output module 20.

[0059] Subsequently, the relay unit 100 transmits the read data to the external terminal 28. The external terminal 28 receives the data, associates it with the combination of the select signal identification number and the relay module identification number, and takes appropriate action such as storing, displaying, or analyzing it. After that, the table number i is incremented by 1. Table number i is incremented sequentially from 1 until it equals the total number of input signals (input data) input from input signal line 2. Once the total number is reached, i is set to 1, and by periodically changing table number i, the status of each device can be monitored or measured at any time. Alternatively, instead of periodically changing the table number, the external terminal 28 may directly specify the required table number and send a data transmission request to the relay unit 100. Furthermore, when the relay unit 100 transmits data in response to a request from the external terminal 27, it may transmit only the corresponding data without transmitting the combination of the select signal identification number and the relay module identification number. Note that Figure 7 is just one example of a communication method and is not limited to this.

[0060] In all embodiments, power for the selective signal transmission device 6, select signal generator 7, ADC 14, photocoupler 16 and LED indicator 19, input / output module 20, arithmetic processing unit 34, etc., is supplied from a power supply (not shown). The power supply may be built into the relay module 1, relay unit 100, or input / output module 20, or it may be installed externally.

[0061] (Embodiment 6) In the embodiment 5 shown in Figure 6, each relay module 1a, 1b, ..., 1m can be housed in the relay unit 100, and the number of relay modules can be easily expanded by connecting them to the relay unit 100 via each input / output terminal block 12.

[0062] According to this embodiment 6, it is possible to connect multiple relay modules 1 to each other and further improve expandability. This will be explained in detail below with reference to Figures 8(a) and 8(b).

[0063] As shown in Figure 8(a), an analog or digital signal is input from the input signal line 2 connected to the input terminal block 4, and further input to the control device 51 via the connection wiring 5 (input signal transmission line 5S). In the control device 51, the select signal generator 6 outputs one input signal sequentially selected by the select signal generator 7 to the arithmetic processing unit 61 via the ADC 14. Furthermore, if the input signal is a digital signal, the ADC14 can be omitted, and the input signal can be directly input to the arithmetic processing unit 61. Furthermore, the components of the relay module 1, such as the arithmetic processing unit 61, the other select signal generators 6 and 7, and the ADC 14, are housed in a single enclosure 59, making them easy to carry and store.

[0064] When the input signal is an analog signal, the ADC14 can quantify the voltage value of the input signal as a digital number and output it. As a result, the relay module 1 measures the voltage of the input signal. Furthermore, by quantifying the potential difference across a resistor with a known resistance value as a digital value using the ADC14, it is also possible to measure the current value of the input signal using the relay module 1.

[0065] As previously described, from the output of the select signal generator 7, for example, from 0 to 2 n The identification number of the input signal (input signal line) represented in binary up to a certain point can be identified. In the configuration shown in Figure 6, the identification number can be identified from the output of the select signal generator 7 via the select signal input port 23. On the other hand, in the configuration shown in Figure 8(a), the arithmetic processing unit 61 can identify the identification number of the input signal from the output of the select signal generator 7. For example, the arithmetic processing unit 61 can incorporate the function of the select signal input port 23. Conversely, the arithmetic processing unit 61 can also control the select signal generator 7 to output an input signal corresponding to the identification number.

[0066] The arithmetic processing unit 61 has an input / output (I / O) unit, and a connector 52 is fixed to the housing 59 to enable electrical connection between the arithmetic processing unit 61 and an external terminal 28. The arithmetic processing unit 61 is connected to the connector 52 by connection wiring 50. The input / output unit can associate an identification number with each digitized input signal and output it to an external device such as the external terminal 28 via the signal lines included in the connection wiring 50 and the signal lines of the electrical cable 53 connected to the connector 52. For example, an identification number of the input signal can be added to the header of each input signal and output sequentially to the outside via the electrical cable 53. The arithmetic processing unit 61 may also have a memory device. It may temporarily store the digital values ​​of each input signal, associate an identification number with each input signal, and output them sequentially to the outside via the electrical cable 53. Thus, the relay module 1 has the function of outputting signals input in parallel from the input signal line 2 via the input signal transmission line 5S in a serial manner.

[0067] Furthermore, if the input signal input from input signal line 2 is a digital signal, the arithmetic processing unit 61 of the control device 51 may convert the input signal, which is input in parallel via the input terminal block 4 and connection wiring 5 (input signal transmission line 5S), into a serial signal without using the select signal generator 6 and select signal generator 7 (see Figure 8(b)). In this case, for example, the arithmetic processing unit 61 may be equipped with a shift register, and the input signal can be converted to a serial signal using the shift register. In both configurations shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), the relay module 1 outputs multiple input signals, which are input in parallel from the input signal transmission line 5S, serially to an external device (external terminal 28) via the connection wiring 50 and connector 52.

[0068] The electrical cable 53 and connecting wiring 50 have power supply lines in addition to signal lines, and power can be supplied to the relay module 1 from the external terminal 28 via the electrical cable 53 and connecting wiring 50. When power is supplied to the arithmetic processing unit 61, the arithmetic processing unit 61 supplies power to the selective signal transmission device 6, the select signal generator 7, the ADC 14, and other electrical devices (such as LEDs) within the relay unit 100. In this way, data communication and power supply can be performed by the electrical cable 53 connecting the external terminal 28 and the relay module 1.

[0069] Furthermore, two connectors (connector 54 and connector 55) are fixed to the housing 59. Connectors 54 and 55 can be, for example, male / female connectors that can be mated together. In this case, adjacent relay modules 1a, 1b, ... 1m can be easily connected mechanically and electrically by directly mating connector 54 and connector 55 together. The structure of connectors 54 and 55 is not limited to the above. For example, connectors 54 and 55 may be connected to each other with an intermediate component in between.

[0070] The arithmetic processing unit 61 electrically connects the relay modules 1a, 1b, ... 1m to each other via interconnection cables 56, 57 (connected to connectors 54, 55). For example, as shown in Figure 9(a), the interconnection cable 56b of relay module 1b is connected to the interconnection cable 57a of relay module 1a, which is connected to the left side of the figure, and the interconnection cable 57b of relay module 1b is connected to the interconnection cable 56c of relay module 1c, which is connected to the right side of the figure.

[0071] Power can be supplied and received between adjacent relay modules 1a and 1b via power lines included in interconnecting cables 56 and 57. For example, power can be supplied from relay module 1b, which is powered via connector 52b through electrical cable 53, to relay modules 1a and 1c via interconnecting cables 56b and 57b, respectively. Relay modules 1a and 1c can then receive power via interconnecting cables 57a and 56c, respectively. Similarly, power can be supplied and received from relay module 1c to relay module 1d via interconnecting cables 57c and 56d. In this way, power can be supplied sequentially between relay modules 1.

[0072] Furthermore, signals can be input and output between adjacent relay modules 1a and 1b via signal lines included in interconnecting cables 56 and 57. Each relay module 1a, 1b, ..., 1m is assigned a unique device number (ID number) so that it can communicate with each other via signal lines.

[0073] The relay module 1 (for example, relay module 1b) to which the electrical cable 53 is connected to connector 52 is designated as the master (parent unit). For example, by the method described below, relay module 1 can detect that the electrical cable 53 has been connected to connector 52 (hereinafter referred to as external connection), recognize that it is the master, and as a result can automatically designate relay module 1b as the master.

[0074] The electrical cable 53 includes a signal line (hereinafter referred to as the designation line) for designating the master, and this designation line is connected, for example, to the ground line of the electrical cable 53. The arithmetic processing unit 61 of the control device 51 of the relay module 1 to which the electrical cable 53 is connected determines whether the input / output terminal of the arithmetic processing unit 61 connected to this designation line is connected to ground (short) or not (open). If this input / output terminal is connected to ground, the control device 51 (arithmetic processing unit 61) recognizes it as the master, and if it is not connected, the control device 51 (arithmetic processing unit 61) recognizes it as a slave (slave unit). Furthermore, the arithmetic processing unit 61 may recognize whether it is a master or a slave based on whether or not voltage is applied to the power lines of the electrical cable 53. For simplicity, the relay module designated as the master will be referred to as the master relay module, and the relay modules designated as other slaves will be referred to as slave relay modules.

[0075] The master relay module 1b uses the processing unit 61b to output the recognition result that relay module 1b is the master to the other adjacent slave relay modules 1a and 1c via the interconnection cables 56b and 57b (see Figure 9(a)). To transmit the recognition result that relay module 1b is the master to the other slave relay modules 1a and 1c, the device number (ID number) assigned to the master relay module 1b may be transmitted. Alternatively, the master relay module 1b may transmit the recognition result to the slave relay modules 1a and 1c by providing a specific signal line (direction indicator line) in the interconnection cables 56b and 57b and setting the direction indicator line to, for example, L (low level) or H (high level).

[0076] For example, when sending a serial signal from slave relay modules 1a and 1c to master relay module 1b, the slave relay modules 1a and 1c need to recognize the location of master relay module 1b. Therefore, interconnection cables 56 and 57 are used to transmit the location (or direction) of master relay module 1b to slave relay modules 1a and 1c as follows.

[0077] As shown in Figure 9(a), the slave relay module 1a receives the recognition result of the master relay module 1b (directly) from the interconnection cable 56b of the master relay module 1b, which is connected to the connector 55a side (to the right in the figure), via the interconnection cable 57a. For example, the slave relay module 1a uses the control device 51 (arithmetic processing unit 61) to detect via the interconnection cable 57a that the direction indicator line of the interconnection cable 56b is L. Therefore, the slave relay module 1a recognizes that the master relay module 1b is present on the connector 55a side. The slave relay module 1a then outputs the recognition result of the master relay module 1b to the interconnection cable 56a connected to the other connector 54a. For example, the direction indicator line of the interconnection cable 56a is set to L.

[0078] Similarly, the slave relay module 1c receives (directly) the recognition result of the master relay module 1b, which is connected to the connector 54c side (interconnection cable 56c side), via the interconnection cable 56c. For example, it detects via the interconnection cable 56c that the direction indicator line of the interconnection cable 57b connected to the connector 55b is L. Therefore, the slave relay module 1c recognizes that the master relay module 1b is present on the connector 54c side. The slave relay module 1c then sets the direction indicator line of the interconnect cable 57c connected to the other connector 55c to L.

[0079] Since the slave relay module 1d is not directly connected to the master relay module 1b, it cannot directly input the recognition result of the master relay module 1b. The slave relay module 1d can (indirectly) input the recognition result of the master relay module 1b from the slave relay module 1c connected to the connector 54d side (the interconnection cable 56d side) via the interconnection cable 56d. In other words, the slave relay module 1d recognizes that a master exists on the connector 54d side. Then, the slave relay module 1d sets the direction indicator line of the interconnect cable 57d connected to the other connector 55d to L.

[0080] In this way, the slave relay modules 1a, 1c, and 1d can recognize which direction (either the connector 54 side or the connector 55 side) the master relay module 1b is located on, not only when it is directly connected to the master relay module 1b, but also when it is indirectly connected to the master relay module via the slave relay modules. For convenience, for each slave relay module, the direction in which the master relay module is located will be referred to as upstream, and the direction away from the master relay module will be referred to as downstream.

[0081] Figure 9(a) shows an example of four relay modules 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d, but the same applies when any number of relay modules 1 are connected. In this way, when the electrical cable 53 is connected to any of the relay modules 1a, 1b, ..., 1m, the relay module 1k to which the electrical cable 53 is connected is recognized as the master, and the other slave relay modules 1a, 1b, ..., 1m can automatically and sequentially recognize which direction the master relay module 1k is connected to. These operations can be performed by the arithmetic processing unit 61 within the relay module 1, and the arithmetic processing unit 61 can be, for example, a microcontroller or a combination of a microcontroller and a memory device.

[0082] Furthermore, if the connection order of each relay module 1a, 1b, ..., 1m, to which a device number (ID number) has been assigned, is predetermined, each slave relay module 1a, 1b, ..., 1m may recognize the position of the master relay module 1k by inputting the device number (ID number) of the master relay module 1k via connectors 54 and 55. However, as described above, by determining the direction of the master relay module 1k via the direction indicator lines through connectors 54 and 55, the worker does not need to connect the relay modules 1a, 1b, ..., 1m in a predetermined order, thereby reducing the workload on the worker on site.

[0083] As described above, each relay module can detect whether or not there is an external connection to connector 52 and automatically recognize whether it is a master or a slave. A relay module that recognizes itself as a slave can automatically recognize the direction in which the master relay module is located. Therefore, the operator can complete the designation of the relay module as either a master or a slave simply by connecting the electrical cable 53 to the connector 52.

[0084] For example, it is also possible to configure the arithmetic processing unit 61 to include a DIP switch or the like, allowing an operator to manually select (specify) whether the relay module is a master or a slave, and for the relay module to selectively recognize whether it is a master or a slave according to the state of the DIP switch. However, the above configuration further reduces the burden of setting work on the operator.

[0085] A slave relay module 1i, recognizing itself as a slave, outputs the signal input in parallel from the input signal line 2i (via the input signal transmission line 5S) as a serial signal in the direction (upstream) to which the master relay module 1k is connected, via the interconnection cable 56i (connector 54i) or interconnection cable 57i (connector 55i). At this time, the slave relay module 1i outputs a device number (ID number) uniquely assigned to each relay module to the upstream side via the interconnection cable 56i or interconnection cable 57i, in addition to the serial signal header. Therefore, the serial signal output from each slave relay module 1i includes at least the device number of the slave relay module 1i, each input signal input from the input signal line 2i, and the identification number corresponding to each input signal.

[0086] Furthermore, when the slave relay module 1i receives a serial signal generated by another slave relay module 1j (the downstream slave relay module 1j) via interconnection cables 56i and 57i, it outputs both the serial signal generated by the slave relay module 1j and the serial signal generated by the other slave relay module 1i to the upstream side. For example, after outputting the serial signal generated by the slave relay module 1i, it outputs the serial signal generated by the downstream slave relay module 1j. In this way, the serial signals generated by each slave relay module 1i, etc., are linked together from the upstream side to the downstream side and can be sequentially transmitted to the upstream side as a new serial signal. Furthermore, each slave relay module may transmit the serial signal to the upstream side with the reception time of the input signal added to it. Note that the order in which serial signals are transmitted is not limited to the above and can be changed as appropriate.

[0087] In this way, the master relay module 1k receives serial signals from all connected slave relay modules 1a, 1b, ... 1m via interconnection cables 56k and 57k. The master relay module 1k sequentially outputs the serial signals it generates (including the device number of the master relay module 1k, each input signal input from the input signal line 2k, and the identification number corresponding to each input signal) and the serial signals generated by the slave relay modules 1a, 1b, ..., 1m to an external device such as an external terminal 28 via the signal lines of the electrical cable 53k connected to the connector 52k. In other words, the master relay module 1k outputs a parallel signal consisting of multiple input signals input from the input signal line 2k via the input signal transmission line 5S and the serial signals input from the slave relay modules 1a, 1b, ..., 1m as a serial signal to the outside via the connector 52. In this case, for example, the arithmetic processing unit 61k may temporarily store the serial signals of each relay module in a memory device, read the serial signals from the memory device in order, and output them to an external device such as an external terminal 28.

[0088] Therefore, the external terminal 28 can identify and receive each input signal input to relay modules 1a, 1b, ... 1m and their input signal lines 2a, 2b, ... 2m from among the input signals input to all relay modules 1.

[0089] As described above, interconnecting cables 56 and 57 relay signal input and output between adjacent relay modules. Therefore, interconnecting cables 56 and 57 may be divided into input cables and output cables, and connectors 54 and 55 may also be divided into input connectors and output connectors accordingly.

[0090] Figures 9(b) and 9(c) show the relay module 1 as seen from the input terminal block 4 side. Figure 9(b) shows an example where multiple relay modules 1 are connected in the left-right direction (X direction), and Figure 9(c) shows an example where multiple relay modules are connected in the up-down direction (Y direction). Multiple relay modules 1 can be linearly connected to each other by opposing connectors 54 and 55. The direction of connection can be adjusted as appropriate by the arrangement of connectors 54 and 55 installed on the housing 59, as shown in Figures 9(b) and (c). Furthermore, the number of relay modules 1 to be connected can be set as appropriate, for example, 4 or 8, but the maximum number that can be connected can be determined according to the processing capacity of the arithmetic processing unit 61.

[0091] As shown in Figure 10, multiple connected relay modules 1 can be housed in a housing 60 to form an expandable relay unit 100. Multiple relay modules 1 connected to each other by connectors 54 and 55 constitute a relay module group 58. Multiple relay module groups 58 can then be housed in the housing 60. Each electrical cable 53 is connected to an external device (external terminal 28) located outside the enclosure 60.

[0092] The worker simply needs to connect multiple relay modules 1 using connectors 54 and 55, and connect the electrical cable 53 to the connector 52 of one relay module. As a result, one master relay module 1 and other slave relay modules are automatically assigned to each group of relay modules 58, and each slave relay module 1 recognizes the direction (relative position) of the master relay module 1. Then, a relay unit 100 can be configured that outputs all input signals input in parallel to each group of relay modules 58 to an external terminal 28 serially via one master relay module 1. Therefore, the workload on workers can be significantly reduced.

[0093] Note that each relay module group 58 may be connected to one external terminal 28, or, as shown in Figure 10, multiple relay module groups 58 may be connected to one external terminal 28.

[0094] Furthermore, although the relay module groups 58 (58a, 58b, 58c) shown in Figure 10 all have four relay modules 1 connected to them, they may have different numbers of relay modules 1 connected to them. For example, relay module group 58a may have four relay modules 1 connected, relay module group 58b may have eight relay modules 1 connected, and relay module group 58c may have two relay modules 1 connected to them.

[0095] Note that, for the sake of visibility, ground lines may be omitted in the drawings, and multiple signal lines may be represented by a single signal line. [Industrial applicability]

[0096] According to the present invention, by adopting it in relay modules such as central monitoring systems that centrally monitor and measure the status of various devices on site, it is possible to reduce the workload of wiring relay modules, shorten working time, and save space for relay modules, thus having great industrial potential. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1. Relay module 2 Input signal lines 2S signal transmission line 2G Ground Line 3 terminals 4 Input terminal block 5. Connection Wiring 5S Input Signal Transmission Line 5G input signal ground line 6. Selective signal transmission device 7. Select signal generator 8 Connection Wiring 9. Output signal line 10 Ground Line 11 terminals 12 Input / output terminal block 13 Output signal line 130 Grand Line 137 Select signal transmission line 139 Output signal transmission line 14. ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) 15 Circuit board (housing) 16 Photocouplers 17 Output signal line 18 Grand Line 19 LED indicators 20 Input / Output Modules 21 Intermediate terminal block output lines 22 Grand Line 23 Select signal input ports 24 relay module signal input ports 25. Arithmetic Processing Unit 26 Relay terminal block communication port 27 Relay terminal block input line 28 External terminals 30 operational amplifiers 31 Switching element 32 Select signal lines 33. Load (resistance) 34. Arithmetic Processing Unit (Digital Signal Generator) 35 LED control devices 36 RGB signal line 37 Output lines 38. Demultiplexer 39 Select signal line 40 Output signal lines (distribution signal lines) 41 Full-color LEDs 42 Switching elements (LED switching elements) 50 Connection Wiring 51 Control device 52 connectors 53 Electrical Cables 54 Connectors 55 Connectors 56 Interconnection Cables 57 Interconnection Cables 58 Relay Module Groups 59 cabinets 60 cabinets 61. Arithmetic Processing Unit 100 relay units (relay terminal blocks)

Claims

1. A relay module that constitutes a relay terminal block that relays multiple input signals from external devices and outputs them to an external terminal for monitoring or measurement, Multiple input signal transmission lines and selective signal transmission device Select signal transmission line and output signal transmission line A common input / output terminal connected to the aforementioned select signal transmission line and Equipped with, The plurality of input signal transmission lines and the select signal transmission line are connected to the selective signal transmission device. The selective signal transmission device is output-controlled by a select signal supplied from the select signal transmission line at predetermined intervals, and outputs it to the external terminal as a serial signal to a specific relay module. The aforementioned input / output terminals are connected to other relay modules and share the aforementioned select signal transmission line. The relay module is expandable by having its output controlled by a common select signal, and is characterized in that it recognizes whether it is a master or a slave by signal lines connected to the input / output terminals.

2. A relay module comprising a relay terminal block that relays multiple input signals input from an external device and outputs them to an external terminal for monitoring or measurement, It comprises a housing, a control device housed in the housing, a plurality of input signal transmission lines, a first connector, a second connector, and a third connector. The first connector, the second connector, and the third connector are fixed to the housing at different positions from each other. The first connector and the second connector are arranged facing each other. Adjacent relay modules are connected by directly fitting the first or second connector of one relay module with the second or first connector of the other relay module. The control device is The relay module is recognized as a master relay module by detecting that there is an external connection to the third connector, and the relay module is recognized as a slave relay module by detecting that there is no external connection to the third connector. The slave relay module outputs the signal input via the input signal transmission line serially via the first connector or the second connector. The master relay module is characterized by outputting the signals input via the first connector, the second connector, and the input signal transmission line serially via the third connector.

3. The plurality of input signals are analog signals, Furthermore, the input signal transmission line is equipped with an analog-to-digital converter. The relay module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that one of the plurality of input signals selected is quantified as a digital value using the analog-to-digital converter.

4. The master relay module is powered via the third connector, The relay module according to claim 2, characterized in that the slave relay module is supplied with power via the first connector or the second connector.

5. The relay module is assigned a unique device number, The relay module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it outputs the signal input via the input signal transmission line in serial along with the device number.

6. The relay module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it assigns an identification number to each of the signals input via the input signal transmission line and outputs them serially.

7. comprising a plurality of the relay modules described in Claim 2, A relay terminal block characterized in that adjacent relay modules are connected to each other by fitting together the first connector and the second connector, thereby forming a group of relay modules.

8. comprising a plurality of relay modules, The relay terminal block according to claim 7, characterized in that each of the relay module group has one master relay module and at least one slave relay module.

9. The relay terminal block according to claim 8, characterized in that the master relay module of the group of relay modules is connected to one external terminal.

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