Security relay

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a security relay having a security function that makes it possible to control energization of an external circuit, which is connected to the relay, in accordance with the presence or absence of a relay energization permission instruction from the outside. [Solution] This security relay uses an external signal to control whether or not an external circuit is to be energized, and comprises a control unit for receiving an external signal, analyzing the received signal, and then determining whether or not the external circuit is to be energized on the basis of an analysis result, and a power supply unit for supplying power to the control unit, the control unit including a reception unit for receiving a signal from an external device. The security relay is configured to perform energization processing after determining whether or not the external circuit is to be energized on the basis of reception and analysis, performed by the reception unit, of an energization permission signal from the external device.

Description

Security Relay

[0001] The present invention relates to a relay, and more particularly to a security relay having a security function that enables control of energization to a connected external circuit depending on whether or not an external instruction to allow relay energization is received.

[0002] Many relays with various features have been used in the past, and relays with a wide variety of functions have been developed and used. A relay is a device that controls the flow of current to one terminal of a device by triggering the flow of current to another terminal, and is used, for example, to ensure safety when passing large currents and to ensure reliable operation. In recent years, security relays that not only control current flow but also have security functions have also become available.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 8-168162 discloses a technology relating to a relay having various functions. This technology relates to a multi-function protective relay that has integrated control functions such as switching on and off a switch, protection functions such as earth fault protection and overcurrent protection, measurement functions for current and voltage, and transmission functions for sequences and the like with a higher-level control device, and is equipped with storage means for storing control data, input means for inputting information, communication means for communicating information with the outside, and storage control means for controlling the writing of control data in accordance with a mode indicated by an instruction means.

[0004] While this technology certainly makes it possible to provide a relay with many functions, it is difficult to respond to abnormal situations such as the unauthorized opening and closing of a contact device, and it is difficult to respond to unauthorized manipulation of an external circuit to which the relay is connected, and therefore it cannot be said to be a sufficient technology from a security perspective.

[0005] The security function of a relay is important because it enables it to cut off power to prevent unauthorized use, and is considered to be an effective function from a crime prevention perspective, protecting devices that use relays, such as automotive electronic components, from unauthorized operation.Therefore, there has been a need for the development of a security relay equipped with a security function that controls the power supply to external circuits depending on whether or not an external command to allow power supply to the relay is received.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-168162

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a security relay equipped with a security function that makes it possible to control the flow of electricity to a connected external circuit depending on whether or not an external instruction to allow the relay to be energized is received.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the security relay of the present invention is a security relay for controlling whether or not to energize an external circuit based on an external signal, and the security relay comprises: a control unit that receives a signal from the outside, analyzes the received signal, and determines whether or not to energize the external circuit based on the analysis result; and a power supply unit that supplies power to the control unit, and the control unit comprises a receiving unit that receives a signal from an external device, and the receiving unit receives and analyzes the energization permission signal from the external device, determines whether or not to energize the external circuit, and then performs the energization process.

[0009] The security relay is a contact relay having an electromagnetic section having an electromagnet and a contact section that brings a movable contact into contact with or separates a fixed contact as current is passed through the electromagnet, and the control section performs a current-passing process to energize the external circuit and pass current through the electromagnetic section by having the receiving section receive and analyze the current-passing permission signal from the external device. The power supply section is configured to be connected to both the relay terminal on the electromagnetic section side and the relay terminal on the contact section, and to ensure power supply for the control section, when there is no current between the relay terminals on the electromagnetic section side, it obtains power from the relay terminal on the contact section side and supplies power to the control section for performing its control function, and when there is current between the relay terminals on the electromagnetic section side, it obtains power from the relay terminal on the electromagnetic section side and supplies power to the control section for performing its control function.

[0010] Furthermore, the security relay is a semiconductor relay having an input unit that issues instructions in response to an input signal, and an output unit that operates in response to instructions issued by the input unit, and the control unit performs a power supply process to energize the external circuit and energize the input unit by receiving and analyzing a power supply permission signal from the external device using the receiving unit, and the power supply unit is configured to be connected to both the relay terminal on the input unit side and the relay terminal on the output unit, and to ensure power supply for the control unit, when there is no current between the relay terminals on the input unit side, it obtains power from the relay terminal on the output unit side and supplies power to the control unit for performing its control function, and when there is current between the relay terminals on the input unit side, it obtains power from the relay terminal on the input unit side and supplies power to the control unit for performing its control function.

[0011] Furthermore, the security relay is a transformer-coupled relay having an input unit that receives an input signal and an output unit that operates in response to the signal received by the input unit, and the control unit performs a power supply process to energize the external circuit and energize the input unit by having the receiving unit receive and analyze a power supply permission signal from the external device, and the power supply unit is configured to be connected to both the relay terminal on the input unit side and the relay terminal on the output unit, and to ensure power supply for the control unit, when there is no current between the relay terminals on the input unit side, it obtains power from the relay terminal on the output unit side and supplies power to the control unit for performing its control function, and when there is current between the relay terminals on the input unit side, it obtains power from the relay terminal on the input unit side and supplies power to the control unit for performing its control function.

[0012] The external circuit is a circuit that controls current flow using a fuse or a switch, and the security relay controls whether current flows between the terminals of the fuse or through the switch. The security relay is also equipped with monitoring means for detecting voltage fluctuations in the external circuit to detect removal of the external circuit.

[0013] The present invention has the configuration described above in detail, and therefore has the following advantages. 1. Because the security relay is configured to include a control unit, it is possible to control whether or not to energize an external circuit based on a signal received by the control unit, ensuring security. Furthermore, because a power supply unit is provided, it is possible to arbitrarily switch and supply power to the control unit, ensuring a reliable power supply for the control unit. 2. Because the basic structure of the security relay is a contact relay, it is possible to control energization using the control unit with a simple structure that keeps costs down. Furthermore, it is possible to ensure power by switching the power supply on the electromagnetic unit side or the contact unit side.

[0014] 3. Because the basic structure of the security relay is a semiconductor relay, it is possible to provide a small relay with security functions that has a longer service life and fewer failures than mechanical types, is fast and has voltage resistance. 4. Because the basic structure of the security relay is a transformer-coupled relay, it is possible to provide a relay with security functions that has a longer service life and fewer failures.

[0015] 5. By using a fuse or switch as the external circuit, it is possible to ensure security by preventing power supply and operation without a signal from an authenticated external device, not only through a relay but also through a fuse, etc., in the operation control of an automobile, etc. 6. By providing a monitoring means in the security relay, it is possible to easily detect any unauthorized access to the external circuit, ensuring a higher level of security.

[0016] The security relay according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a security relay according to the present invention, Fig. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a mechanical security relay, Fig. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a security relay made up of a semiconductor relay, and Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a security relay made up of a transformer-coupled relay.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the security relay 1 of the present invention is a relay comprising a control unit 100 and a power supply unit 200, and is a security relay in which the basic structure of the relay can be selected from mechanical, semiconductor, and transverse coupling types, and is a security relay equipped with a security function that enables control over whether or not to energize an external circuit based on a signal such as an instruction to allow relay energization from an external source.

[0018] The control unit 100 is a component that receives a signal S from the outside, analyzes the received signal S, and determines whether or not to energize the external circuit 10 to which the security relay 1 is connected based on the analysis results. The security relay 1 is connected to the external circuit 10 as shown in FIG. 1 . The control unit 100 analyzes whether the received signal S is an authenticatable signal, and if it is, starts energizing the electrically connected external circuit 10. In other words, an electronic device or the like that includes the external circuit 10 to which the security relay 1 is connected cannot be activated unless the signal S is authenticated, thereby maintaining security.

[0019] The power supply unit 200 is a member that supplies power to the control unit 100. In this embodiment, as the power for the control unit 100, power from a relay terminal, which will be described later, is selected or switched and supplied as the power source for the control unit 100.

[0020] 1, the power supply unit 200 is connected to both the input terminals (terminals A and B) and the output terminals (terminals C and D) of the security relay, and when there is no current between the input terminals, the power supply unit 200 obtains power from the output terminals and supplies it to the control unit 100 to perform its control functions. This power is weak, so it does not affect electronic devices or the like to which the external circuit 10 controlled by the security relay 1 is connected.

[0021] When current is flowing between the input terminals (terminals A and B), power cannot be obtained from the output terminals. Therefore, the power supply unit 200 obtains power from the input terminals to supply power to the control unit 100 for performing its control functions. This configuration makes it possible to switch the power supply for the control unit 100, and ensure that the power supply for the control unit 100 is secure. Details of the operation of the power supply unit 200 will be described later.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1 , in this embodiment, the control unit 100 is configured to include a receiving unit 110. The receiving unit 110 receives a signal emitted by an external device 20 having a communication function, such as a smartphone or a smart key. The receiving unit 110 receives and analyzes a power supply permission signal from the external device 20 to determine whether or not to supply power to the external circuit 10. When the power supply permission signal from the external device 20 is authenticated, the control unit 100 performs control to supply power to the external circuit 10.

[0023] In this embodiment, communication between the control unit 100 and the external device 20 uses Bluetooth (registered trademark) encrypted communication, and authentication and communication between the control unit 100 and the external device 20 is performed by pairing, but this configuration is not limited to this, and it is of course possible to use other communication standards such as Wi-Fi.

[0024] With the above configuration, for example, if an authenticated smart key or an authenticated smartphone is not held, communication with the vehicle is not possible when unlocking or locking the vehicle or starting the engine. Therefore, power is not supplied to the vehicle, and the vehicle cannot be moved at all. This configuration easily ensures security, such as preventing vehicle theft. Furthermore, even if the security relay 1 itself is tampered with to allow power to be supplied to the relay, power is not supplied to the external circuit 10 to which the security relay 1 is connected, preventing the vehicle from being moved, thereby ensuring an even higher level of security. This configuration enables robust security, ensuring that power is not supplied to the external circuit 10 and the vehicle cannot be started without a signal from an authenticated external device 20.

[0025] Next, an embodiment of the security relay 1 will be described. As shown in Fig. 2, the security relay 1 according to the present invention can be configured as a contact relay. In this embodiment, the security relay 1 is configured as a contact relay including an electromagnetic unit 300 having an electromagnet 310, and a contact unit 400 that brings a movable contact 410 into contact with or separates a fixed contact 420 from another contact when current is applied to the electromagnet 310.

[0026] More specifically, the electromagnetic unit 300 is a member for switching between energized and de-energized states on the contact unit 400 side, and in this embodiment includes an electromagnet 310 having a coil, as shown in Fig. 1. When a current is passed between terminals (terminals A and B) on the electromagnetic unit 300 side, the electromagnet 310 provided between the terminals generates a magnetic force.

[0027] 1, the contact unit 400 is a member for supplying power to a connected electronic device, and in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, includes a movable contact 410 and a fixed contact 420. When current is passed through the electromagnet 310 of the electromagnetic unit 300, a magnetic force is generated, causing the movable contact 410 to come into contact with the fixed contact 420, thereby conducting current between the terminals (terminals C and D) on the contact unit 400 side, and supplying power to the electronic device. When current is cut off to the electromagnetic unit 300, the contact between the movable contact 410 and the fixed contact 420 is released, cutting off current between terminals C and D, and stopping the supply of power to the electronic device.

[0028] The control unit 100 performs a power-on process in which the external circuit 10 is energized and the electromagnetic unit 300 is energized by the receiving unit 110 receiving and analyzing the power-on permission signal from the external device 20 .

[0029] As shown in Fig. 2, the power supply unit 200 is configured to be connected to both the relay terminals (terminals A and B) on the electromagnetic unit 300 side and the relay terminals (terminals C and D) of the contact unit 400. When there is no current between the relay terminals on the electromagnetic unit 300 side, the power supply unit 200 obtains power from the relay terminals on the contact unit 400 side and supplies power to the control unit 100 for performing the control function. When there is current between the relay terminals on the electromagnetic unit 300 side, the power supply unit 200 obtains power from the relay terminals on the electromagnetic unit 300 side and supplies power to the control unit 100 for performing the control function. This configuration makes it possible to reliably secure a power source for the control unit 100, thereby ensuring security.

[0030] The security relay 1 according to the present invention can be configured as a semiconductor relay, as shown in Fig. 3. In this embodiment, the security relay 1 is configured as a semiconductor relay having an input unit 500 that issues instructions in response to an input signal, and an output unit 600 that operates according to the instructions issued by the input unit 500.

[0031] More specifically, the input unit 500 is a member for switching between energized and de-energized states on the output unit 600 side, and as one example, can be configured to be composed of an input circuit including a light-emitting element 510, as shown in Fig. 3. In this example, the light-emitting element 510 is composed of an LED, and when the LED is energized, it emits light to generate an optical signal.

[0032] The output unit 600 is a component for supplying power to an electronic device in which the security relay 1 of the present invention is installed, and in this embodiment, for example, it can be configured to include a light-receiving element 610, as shown in Figure 3. When an optical signal is transmitted by energizing the light-emitting element 510 of the input unit 500, the light-receiving element 610 detects the optical signal and a current flows, which drives the drive circuit 630, enabling the output circuit 620 to be energized, energizing the terminals (terminals C and D) on the output unit 600 side, and supplying power to the electronic device. Furthermore, when the power supply to the input unit 500 is cut off, the optical signal from the light-emitting element 510 is released, the power supply between terminals C and D is cut off, and the power supply to the electronic device is stopped.

[0033] In this embodiment, the input section 500 and output section 600 of the semiconductor relays that make up the security relay 1 can be configured as solid-state relays (SSRs). The light-emitting element 510 and light-receiving element 610 can be configured as appropriate, such as a photocoupler, a phototriac, or a combination of an LED and a photodiode array. The drive circuit 630 can be configured with a zero-cross circuit and a trigger circuit. Furthermore, the output circuit 620 of the output section 600 can be configured as appropriate, such as a thyristor, a triac, or a MOSFET. Of course, it is also possible to select a configuration that does not use the light-emitting element 510 or the light-receiving element 610.

[0034] The control unit 100 performs a power-on process to turn on the external circuit 10 and to power on the input unit 500 by having the receiving unit 110 receive and analyze the power-on permission signal from the external device 20 .

[0035] As shown in Fig. 3, the power supply unit 200 is configured to be connected to both the relay terminals (terminals A and B) on the input unit 500 side and the relay terminals (terminals C and D) on the output unit 600 side. When there is no current between the relay terminals on the input unit 500 side, the power supply unit 200 obtains power from the relay terminals on the output unit 600 side and supplies power to the control unit 100 for performing its control function. When there is current between the relay terminals on the input unit 500 side, the power supply unit 200 obtains power from the relay terminals on the input unit 500 side and supplies power to the control unit 100 for performing its control function. This configuration makes it possible to reliably secure a power source for the control unit 100, thereby ensuring security.

[0036] By using a semiconductor relay having the above-described structure as the relay structure of the security relay 1 according to the present invention, the service life is extended compared to a mechanical structure, and it is possible to prevent the relay from breaking down and becoming unusable for a long period of time. Furthermore, because of its high-speed operation, it is possible to provide a security relay 1 with a security function that operates quickly. Furthermore, because it can be made smaller, there are fewer restrictions on the installation location, making it possible to provide a highly convenient security relay 1.

[0037] As another embodiment of the security relay 1 according to the present invention, a transformer-coupled relay can be selected as the relay structure, as shown in Fig. 4. In this embodiment, the security relay is configured to include an input unit 700 that receives an input signal and an output unit 800 that operates in response to the signal received by the input unit 700.

[0038] More specifically, the input unit 700 is a member for switching the power supply / non-power supply on the output unit 800 side, and in this embodiment, it is made up of a primary coil 710 of a transformer that constitutes a relay, as shown in Fig. 4. The output unit 800 is a member for supplying power to an electronic device in which the security relay 1 of the present invention is installed, and in this embodiment, it is equipped with a secondary coil 810 of a transformer that constitutes a relay, as shown in Fig. 4.

[0039] That is, when current is applied to the primary coil 710 of the transformer, a current flows through the secondary coil 810 due to electromagnetic induction. This allows current to flow through the output section 800, causing current to flow between the terminals (terminals C and D) on the output section 800 side, and power is supplied to the electronic device. Furthermore, when current to the input section 700 is cut off, the electromagnetic induction effect disappears, so current flow to the secondary coil 810 side stops, current flow between terminals C and D is cut off, and power supply to the electronic device is stopped. In this embodiment, the input section 700 and output section 800 that make up the security relay 1 are made up of transformers, each with a structure in which the primary coil 710 and secondary coil 810 are wound around an iron core (not shown).

[0040] The control unit 100 performs a power-on process to turn on the external circuit 10 and to energize the input unit 700 by having the receiving unit 110 receive and analyze the power-on permission signal from the external device 20 .

[0041] As shown in Fig. 4, the power supply unit 200 is configured to be connected to both the relay terminals (terminals A and B) on the input unit 700 side and the relay terminals (terminals C and D) on the output unit 800 side. When there is no current between the relay terminals on the input unit 700 side, the power supply unit 200 obtains power from the relay terminals on the output unit 800 side and supplies power to the control unit 100 for performing its control function. When there is current between the relay terminals on the input unit 700 side, the power supply unit 200 obtains power from the relay terminals on the input unit 700 side and supplies power to the control unit 100 for performing its control function. This configuration makes it possible to reliably secure a power source for the control unit 100, thereby ensuring security.

[0042] By configuring the relay structure of the security relay 1 according to the present invention as a transformer-coupled relay having the above-described structure, the service life is extended compared to a mechanical configuration, and it is possible to prevent the relay from failing and becoming unusable for a long period of time, thereby making it possible to provide a highly convenient security relay 1.

[0043] In this embodiment, the external circuit 20 is a circuit that controls current flow using a fuse or a switch. That is, the security relay 1 according to the present invention is configured to control whether current flows between fuse terminals or through a switch. With this configuration, for example, in the operation control of an automobile or the like, it is possible to ensure security by preventing current flow and operation without a signal from an authenticated external device, not only through the relay but also through the fuse. In other words, after obtaining power from the relay terminal, it is possible to easily control devices other than the relay, ensuring sufficient security.

[0044] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the security relay 1 according to the present invention can be configured to include a monitoring means 900. The monitoring means 900 detects voltage fluctuations in the external circuit 10 connected to and controlled by the security relay 1. This allows for detection of removal of the external circuit 10 or tampering. This configuration makes it possible to easily detect tampering with the external circuit 10, ensuring a higher level of security.

[0045] The security relay 1 according to the present invention can be used in automobiles as described above, as well as in all kinds of devices such as machine tools, home appliances, and locking and unlocking buildings, and can easily add security functions by simply replacing an existing relay.

[0046] Conceptual diagram of a security relay according to the present invention. Conceptual diagram of a mechanical security relay. Conceptual diagram of a security relay made of a semiconductor relay. Conceptual diagram of a security relay made of a transformer-coupled relay.

[0047] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 security relay S signal 10 external circuit 20 external device 100 control unit 110 receiving unit 200 power supply unit 300 electromagnetic unit 310 electromagnet 400 contact unit 410 movable contact 420 fixed contact 500 input unit 510 light-emitting element 600 output unit 610 light-receiving element 620 output circuit 630 drive circuit 700 input unit 710 primary coil 800 output unit 810 secondary coil 900 monitoring means

Claims

1. In a security relay for controlling the energization of an external circuit (10) by a signal from the outside, the security relay (1) receives a signal from the outside, analyzes the received signal, and based on the analysis result, determines whether to energize the external circuit. The security relay includes a control unit (100) and a power supply unit (200) that supplies power to the control unit (100). The control unit (100) includes a receiving unit (110) for receiving a signal from an external device (20). When the receiving unit (110) receives and analyzes an energization permission signal from the external device (20), the security relay determines whether to energize the external circuit (10) and then performs an energization process.

2. The security relay (1) is a contact relay including an electromagnetic unit (300) having an electromagnet (310) and a contact unit (400) that contacts or separates a movable contact (410) and a fixed contact (420) when the electromagnet is energized. When the receiving unit (110) receives and analyzes an energization permission signal from the external device (20), the control unit (100) performs an energization process to energize the external circuit (10) and energize the electromagnetic unit (300). The power supply unit (200) is connected to both the relay terminal on the electromagnetic unit (300) side and the relay terminal of the contact unit (400). To ensure the power supply for the control unit (100), when the relay terminals on the electromagnetic unit (300) side are not energized, power is obtained from the relay terminal on the contact unit (400) side and supplied to the control unit (100) to enable it to perform its control function. When the relay terminals on the electromagnetic unit (300) side are energized, power is obtained from the relay terminal on the electromagnetic unit (300) side and supplied to the control unit (100) to enable it to perform its control function. The security relay according to claim 1 is characterized by the above.

3. The security relay (1) is a semiconductor relay including an input unit (500) that issues an instruction according to an input signal and an output unit (600) that operates according to the instruction issued by the input unit (500). The control unit (100) performs an energization process of energizing the external circuit (10) and the input unit (500) by receiving and analyzing the power supply permission signal from the external device (20) by the receiving unit (110). The power supply unit (200) is configured to be connected to both the relay terminal on the input unit (500) side and the relay terminal of the output unit (600). To ensure the power supply of the control unit (100), when the relay terminals on the input unit (500) side are non-energized, power is obtained from the relay terminals on the output unit (600) side and supplied to the control unit (100) to enable the control function. When the relay terminals on the input unit (500) side are energized, power is obtained from the relay terminals on the input unit (500) side and supplied to the control unit (100) to enable the control function. The security relay according to claim 1, characterized in that.

4. The security relay (1) is a transformer-coupled relay including an input unit (700) that receives an input signal and an output unit (800) that operates according to the signal received by the input unit (700). The control unit (100) performs an energization process of energizing the external circuit (10) and the input unit (700) by receiving and analyzing the power supply permission signal from the external device (20) by the receiving unit (110). The power supply unit (200) is configured to be connected to both the relay terminal on the input unit (700) side and the relay terminal of the output unit (800). To ensure the power supply of the control unit (100), when the relay terminals on the input unit (700) side are non-energized, power is obtained from the relay terminals on the output unit (800) side and supplied to the control unit (100) to enable the control function. When the relay terminals on the input unit (700) side are energized, power is obtained from the relay terminals on the input unit (700) side and supplied to the control unit (100) to enable the control function. The security relay according to claim 1, characterized in that.

5. The external circuit (20) consists of a circuit that performs energization control using a fuse or a switch, and the security relay (1) controls the energization between the terminals of the fuse or the availability of energization of the switch. The security relay according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that.

6. The security relay (1) is provided with monitoring means (900) for detecting the removal of the external circuit (10) by detecting voltage fluctuations in the external circuit (10). The security relay according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that.

Images