Security switch

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a security switch that has a security function that not only controls energization of an external circuit that is connected to the switch on the basis of whether there has been an energization permission instruction for the switch from the outside but that also monitors whether the operation of the external circuit is normal. [Solution] The present invention comprises a control unit that receives signals from an external device, analyzes the received signals, and, on the basis of the results of the analysis, determines whether an external circuit is to be energized, a connection situation monitoring means that monitors a current value for the external circuit and issues alert signals upon detecting abnormal values, and a secure operation control means that performs alert processing upon detecting a preset alert signal. The secure operation control means comprises a transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving information to / from the external device and receives / analyzes alert signals from the connection situation monitoring means in order to transmit the operation situation of the external circuit to the external device.

Description

security switch

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch that controls current flow, and in particular to a security switch that controls current flow to a connected external circuit depending on whether or not there is an external instruction to allow current flow, and that has a security function of monitoring whether the external circuit is operating normally.

[0002] Numerous switches with various ingenious features have been used in the past, and switches with a wide variety of functions have been developed and are now in use. There are a variety of devices that perform switching on electrical circuits, such as relays. The role of a relay is to control the flow of current through one terminal of the device, triggering the flow of current through the other terminals. This ensures safety when large currents are passed through the device and ensures reliable switch operation. In recent years, security relays that incorporate security functions into this basic function of current control have been developed and used.

[0003] One example of technology relating to switches with various functions is found in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 8-168162. This publication discloses technology relating 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] This technology certainly makes it possible to provide a relay with many functions, but it is difficult to respond to abnormal situations such as the unauthorized removal of a switch or relay or the release of the power supply control of a switch or relay, and it is also difficult to respond to unauthorized manipulation of an external circuit to which the switch or relay is connected, so it cannot be said to be a sufficient technology from a security perspective.

[0005] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Publication No. 7300564 discloses the configuration of an electromagnetic relay that includes a control unit that receives a signal from the outside, analyzes the received signal, and determines whether or not to apply electricity to the electromagnetic unit based on the analysis results, and a power supply switching unit that selects or switches between power to the electromagnetic unit or power to the contact unit and supplies power to the control unit.

[0006] This configuration certainly enables the control unit to control switches and relays in response to external instructions, but it is difficult to respond to abnormal situations in the external circuit or fraudulent acts against the external circuit, and from a security perspective, this technology still has room for improvement.

[0007] While it is important for the security function of switches and relays to cut off power and prevent unauthorized use, it is also desirable to be able to quickly detect unauthorized activity by monitoring the operation status of external circuits. This configuration is considered to be an effective function from the perspective of crime prevention, as it protects devices that use switches and relays, such as electronic components in automobiles, from unauthorized operation. Therefore, there has been a need for the development of a security switch that controls power to connected external circuits based on the presence or absence of an external command to allow power to be applied to the switch or relay, and has a security function that monitors whether the external circuit is operating normally.

[0008] JP-A-8-168162 Patent No. 7300564

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a security switch that controls the flow of electricity to a connected external circuit depending on whether or not an external instruction to allow the switch to be powered on is received, and that has a security function that monitors whether the external circuit is operating normally.

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the security switch of the present invention is a security switch that controls whether or not to energize an external circuit based on a signal from outside and manages the operating status of the external circuit, and is equipped with a control unit that receives a signal from an external device, analyzes the received signal, and determines whether or not to energize the external circuit based on the analysis results, a connection status monitoring means that monitors the current value of the external circuit and issues an alert signal when an abnormal value is detected, and a secure operation control means that performs alert processing when a predetermined alert signal is detected, and the secure operation control means is equipped with a transceiver unit for sending and receiving information to and from the external device, and is configured to receive and analyze the alert signal from the connection status monitoring means and send the operating status of the external circuit to the external device.

[0011] The security switch is also configured to include an operation status monitoring means that monitors the operation status of the secure operation control means and, when the secure operation control means receives an alert signal, issues an alarm sound from an internal speaker. The operation status monitoring means is also configured to include an external speaker for issuing an alarm sound, and to include a switching means that, when the external speaker is removed, switches to issue an alarm sound from the internal speaker.

[0012] The operation status monitoring means communicates with the secure operation control means by wire or wirelessly and is detachably connected to the secure operation control means. The security switch communicates with the operation status monitoring means or the secure operation control means and includes operation status notification means that transmits alert information to an external device if no communication is received from the operation status monitoring means or the secure operation control means within a certain period of time.

[0013] The security switch is configured to control the operation of the external circuit by switching on and off the contacts of the contact relay, and the security switch is configured to control the operation of the external circuit by switching on and off the contacts of the contact relay, and the security switch is configured to control the operation of the external circuit by switching on and off the contacts of the contact relay, and the security switch is configured to control the operation of the external circuit by switching on and off the contacts of the contact relay, and the security switch is configured to control the operation of the external circuit by switching on and off the contacts of the contact relay, and the security switch is configured to control the operation of the external circuit by switching on and off the contacts of the contact relay, and

[0014] The security switch is configured to control current flow by switching a semiconductor relay having an input unit that issues an instruction in response to an input signal and an output unit that operates according to the instruction issued by the input unit, and to control current flow by switching the semiconductor relay.The security switch is configured to control current flow by switching a transformer-coupled relay having an input unit that receives an input signal and an output unit that operates according to the signal received by the input unit, and to control current flow by switching the transformer-coupled relay.

[0015] The external circuit may be a circuit that controls current flow using a fuse or a switch, and the security switch may control whether or not current is flowing between terminals of the fuse or through the switch.The external circuit may be a control circuit for a vehicle, and the security switch may control whether or not current is flowing through the control circuit.

[0016] The present invention has the configuration described above in detail, and therefore has the following effects. 1. Because the security switch is configured to include a control unit, it is possible to control whether or not to supply power to the external circuit based on a signal received by the control unit. Furthermore, because the connection status monitoring means is configured to monitor the current value of the external circuit, it is possible to immediately detect abnormalities in the external circuit. Furthermore, because the secure operation control means is configured to analyze a preset alert signal, it is possible to detect any abnormal state that occurs in the external circuit. 2. Because the operation status monitoring means is configured to monitor the operation status of the secure operation control means, it is possible to immediately generate an alarm sound when the secure operation control means detects an abnormal state.

[0017] 3. Because the operation status monitoring means is configured to have an internal speaker and an external speaker, even if a malfunction or fraud occurs in the external speaker, it is possible to switch to the internal speaker and emit an alarm sound. 4. Because the operation status monitoring means is configured to be detachably installed in the secure operation control means, it is possible to monitor the operation status from outside the device or from a remote location.

[0018] 5. If the operation status monitoring means or the secure operation control means does not communicate within a certain period of time, the operation status notification means is configured to send alert information to the external device, making it possible to detect an abnormal state of the operation status monitoring means. 6. If the operation status notification means or the external device is configured to send the operation status of the external circuit to the management server, it becomes possible to manage the status of the external circuit by the server.

[0019] 7. Because the basic structure of the security switch is a contact relay, it is possible to control the flow of electricity using a control unit with a simple structure that keeps costs down. 8. Because the basic structure of the security switch is a semiconductor relay, it is possible to provide a small relay with security functions that has a longer service life, fewer failures, is high-speed, and has voltage resistance compared to mechanical types.

[0020] 9. Because the basic structure of the security switch is a transformer-coupled relay, it is possible to provide a relay with a longer service life, fewer failures, and security functions. 10. Because the external circuit is a fuse or switch, it is possible to ensure security by preventing power supply and operation without a signal from an authenticated external device, not just via a switch but also via a fuse, etc., in the operation control of automobiles, etc.

[0021] 11. Since the vehicle control circuit is monitored as an external circuit, unauthorized use of the vehicle can be easily detected, ensuring high levels of vehicle security.

[0022] The security switch 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 switch according to the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a security switch using a fuse as an external circuit. Figs. 3a and 3b are conceptual diagrams of a security switch made up of a mechanical relay, and Fig. 3c is a conceptual diagram of a security switch made up of a mechanical relay provided with a power supply unit. Figs. 4a and 4b are conceptual diagrams of a security switch made up of a semiconductor relay, and Fig. 4c is a conceptual diagram of a security switch made up of a semiconductor relay provided with a power supply unit. Figs. 5a and 5b are conceptual diagrams of a security switch made up of a transformer-coupled relay, and Fig. 5c is a conceptual diagram of a security switch made up of a transformer-coupled relay provided with a power supply unit.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the security switch 1 of the present invention is a switch equipped with a control unit 100, a connection status monitoring means 200, and a secure operation control means 300, and is a security switch that can be selected as the basic structure of the switch, be it mechanical, semiconductor, or tunnel coupling, and is equipped with a security function that controls whether or not electricity is supplied to the external circuit 10 based on a signal from the external device 20, and manages the operating status of the external circuit 10.

[0024] The control unit 100 receives signals from the external device 20, analyzes the received signals, and determines whether or not to energize the external circuit 10 to which the security switch 1 is connected based on the analysis results. The security switch 1 is connected to the external circuit 10 as shown in FIG. 1 . The control unit 100 analyzes whether the signal received from the external device 20 is an authenticable signal, and if it is, starts energizing the connected external circuit 10. In other words, an electronic device or the like having the external circuit 10 connected to the security switch 1 cannot be activated without authentication using a signal from the external device 20, thereby maintaining security. The control unit 100 may be mounted inside the security switch 1 or mounted remotely externally. The external device 20 may be any device capable of sending and receiving information to and from the security switch 1, such as a smartphone, smart key, or breathalyzer.

[0025] In this embodiment, the security switch 1 can be configured to include a power supply unit 900. The power supply unit 900 is a component that supplies power to the control unit 100, the connection status monitoring means 200, the secure operation control means 300, the operation status monitoring means 400, etc. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 900 may be configured to obtain power directly from a power source such as a battery, or from a relay terminal, as power for the control unit 100, the connection status monitoring means 200, the secure operation control means 300, the operation status monitoring means 400, etc.

[0026] Specifically, the control unit 100, the connection status monitoring means 200, the secure operation control means 300, and the operation status monitoring means 400 may be configured to obtain power from any location in the external circuit 10, or from another circuit independent of the circuit to which the security switch 1 is connected. It is also possible to obtain power from the input terminal of the security switch 1.

[0027] Furthermore, it is possible to connect to both the input terminals (terminals A and B) and the output terminals (terminals C and D) of the security switch 1, and when there is no current between the input terminals, obtain power from the output terminals and supply it to the control unit 100, connection status monitoring means 200, secure operation control means 300, operation status monitoring means 400, etc. This power is weak, so it does not affect electronic devices etc. to which the external circuit 10 controlled by the security switch 1 is connected.

[0028] When current is flowing between the input terminals (terminals A and B), it becomes impossible to obtain power from the output terminals. Therefore, the power supply unit 900 obtains power from the input terminals and supplies power to the control unit 100, connection status monitoring means 200, secure operation control means 300, operation status monitoring means 400, etc. With this configuration, it becomes possible to switch the power supplies of the control unit 100, connection status monitoring means 200, secure operation control means 300, operation status monitoring means 400, etc., and it becomes possible to reliably secure power supplies for the control unit 100, connection status monitoring means 200, secure operation control means 300, operation status monitoring means 400, etc.

[0029] The connection status monitoring means 200 is a means for monitoring the connection status with the external circuit 10. In this embodiment, the connection status monitoring means 200 constantly monitors the current value of the external circuit 10 and issues an alert signal when an abnormal value is detected. For example, if the security switch 1 and the external circuit 10 are disconnected or an abnormal operation is performed on the external circuit 10, a change occurs in the resistance value (current value) of the external circuit 10. The connection status monitoring means 200 is configured to issue an alert signal when it detects a change in this value during monitoring. This configuration makes it possible to immediately detect an abnormal situation occurring in the external circuit 10.

[0030] The secure operation control means 300 is a component for monitoring the operation of the security switch 1 and the external circuit 10, and in this embodiment, is a component for monitoring whether the external circuit 10 is operating normally, whether the external circuit 10 has been inappropriately disconnected or changed, whether there is damage (disconnection) to the control lines, etc., based on alert information issued from the connection status monitoring means 200. When an alert signal issued from the connection status monitoring means 200 is detected, if the signal indicates a preset abnormal value, alert processing is performed.

[0031] 1, in this embodiment, the secure operation control means 300 is configured to include a transceiver unit 310. The transceiver unit 310 receives a signal emitted by an external device 20 capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the security switch 1, such as a smartphone, a smart key, or an alcohol detector. The transceiver unit 310 receives and analyzes a power supply permission signal from the external device 20, and the control unit 100 determines 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.

[0032] Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving unit 310 is configured to transmit the operating status of the external circuit 10 to the external device 20. The secure operation control means 300 receives and analyzes the alert signal transmitted by the connection status monitoring means 200. The analysis result relating to the operating status of the external circuit 10 is configured to be transmitted to the external device 20 via the transmitting / receiving unit 310. With this configuration, if an abnormality occurs in the device to which the security switch 1 is attached, it is possible to immediately transmit alarm information to the outside, making it possible to provide a switch with high security functions.

[0033] In this embodiment, communication between the transceiver unit 310 of the secure operation control means 300 and the external device 20 is performed via a wired connection or the Internet, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to configure the secure operation control means 300 and the external device 20 to authenticate and communicate with each other by pairing using Bluetooth (registered trademark) encrypted communication, and it is also possible to use other communication standards such as Wi-Fi.

[0034] 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. This prevents power from being turned on inside the vehicle, making it impossible to move the vehicle at all. This makes it easy to ensure security, such as preventing vehicle theft. Furthermore, if unauthorized manipulation is performed, such as tampering with the security switch 1 itself or disconnecting the switch from the external circuit 10, the connection status monitoring means 200 and secure operation control means 300 will operate, making it possible to immediately detect an abnormality. This makes it possible to transmit an abnormality to the external device 20 and control the vehicle so that it cannot be moved, ensuring a high level of security.

[0035] In this embodiment, the connection status monitoring means 200 can be configured to constantly transmit monitoring information related to the operating status of the security switch 1 and the external circuit 10 to the secure operation control means 300. Furthermore, the secure operation control means 300 can be configured to constantly transmit information related to the operating status of the security switch 1 and the external circuit 10 to the outside after determining whether the security switch 1 and the external circuit 10 are operating normally and whether they have been inappropriately disconnected or changed based on the monitoring information constantly transmitted from the connection status monitoring means 200. This configuration makes it possible to prevent abnormal situations from being overlooked, and ensures a higher level of security.

[0036] 1 or 2, the security switch 1 can be configured to include an operation status monitoring means 400. The operation status monitoring means 400 is a means for monitoring the secure operation control means 300 and issuing an alarm if an abnormality occurs. In this embodiment, the operation status monitoring means 400 constantly monitors the operation status of the secure operation control means 300, and acquires information related to the operation status and information related to alert processing transmitted from the secure operation control means 300.

[0037] When the operation status monitoring means 400 determines from the acquired information that an abnormality has occurred (for example, when the secure operation control means 300 receives an alert signal), it is configured to perform processing to sound an alarm from the internal speaker 410. With this configuration, when the secure operation control means 300 detects an abnormal state, it becomes possible to immediately sound an alarm, and it is expected that this will have the effect of stopping and deterring actual fraudulent activities.

[0038] The operation status monitoring means 400 can further be configured to include an external speaker 420. The external speaker 420 is a component that emits an alarm sound in response to an instruction from the operation status monitoring means 400, and when the external speaker 420 is attached to the operation status monitoring means 400, the alarm sound is emitted from the external speaker 420. The connection status of the external speaker 420 is constantly monitored, and if the external speaker 420 is illicitly removed or if a disconnection is detected, the switching means 430 performs processing to automatically switch the generation of the alarm sound to the internal speaker 410. With this configuration, even if illicit processing is performed to disable the alarm sound from being emitted, the internal speaker 410 can still emit the alarm sound, thereby enhancing security.

[0039] In this embodiment, the operation status monitoring means 400 is configured to communicate with the secure operation control means 300 via wire or wirelessly. The operation status monitoring means 400 is also configured to be detachably connected to the secure operation control means 300. That is, when the operation status monitoring means 400 is connected to the secure operation control means 300, they communicate with each other via wire, and when the operation status monitoring means 400 is separated from the secure operation control means 300, they communicate with each other wirelessly. With this configuration, it is possible to monitor the operation status of the security switch 1 and the external circuit 10 from outside the device or from a remote location.

[0040] The security switch 1 can be configured to include an operation status notification means 500. The operation status notification means 500 communicates with the operation status monitoring means 400 or the secure operation control means 300, and determines that some kind of abnormality has occurred if no communication is received from the operation status monitoring means 400 or the secure operation control means 300 within a certain period of time. The operation status notification means 500 is then configured to transmit alert information to the external device 20. In this embodiment, the operation status notification means 500 transmits the alert information to a management server 30, which will be described later. The management server 30 then transmits the alert information to the external device 20. This configuration makes it possible to more reliably detect abnormal situations, and ensure a higher level of security in the operation status of the security switch 1 and the external circuit 10.

[0041] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, an external management server 30 is provided, and the operation status notification means 500 and / or the external device 20 can be configured to transmit the operation status of the external circuit 10 sent from the secure operation control means 300 to the management server 300.

[0042] The management server 30 is a server for managing the operating status of the external circuit 10. For example, if a security switch 1 is attached to a vehicle and the operating status of the control circuit is managed, it is possible to manage the operating status for each vehicle equipped with the security switch 1 and to manage which vehicle is experiencing an abnormal situation.

[0043] The management server can be configured as a single server machine, but in this case, the number of processes will increase dramatically as the number of vehicles increases, so high processing power and reliability are required. To deal with this situation, it is possible to introduce multiple server computers and configure the system to perform distributed processing, etc.

[0044] The management server 30 (or a group of such servers) is expected to be located in a server management room at the head office, but it may also be located in a remote location. Furthermore, from the viewpoints of data management security, simplification of system operation and maintenance, and load distribution, a configuration may be adopted in which data management is performed using cloud computing technology.

[0045] In this embodiment, the operation status notification means 500 and / or the external device 20 and the management server 30 are configured to be connected via a network. The network is configured to use the Internet, but it is also possible to use a proprietary network. In addition, either a wired or wireless network can be used.

[0046] Next, an embodiment of the security switch 1 will be described. As shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the security switch 1 according to the present invention can be configured to include a contact relay 600 as a structure for controlling current flow. In this embodiment, the security switch 1 includes the contact relay 600, which includes an electromagnetic section 610 having an electromagnet 612, and a contact section 620 that brings a movable contact 622 into contact with or separates a fixed contact 624 as current flows through the electromagnet 612, and the current flow is controlled by switching the contact relay 600.

[0047] More specifically, the electromagnetic unit 610 is a member for switching between energized and de-energized states on the contact unit 620 side, and in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3a and 3b, includes an electromagnet 612 having a coil. When electricity is applied between terminals (terminals A and B) on the electromagnetic unit 610 side, the electromagnet 612 provided between the terminals generates a magnetic force.

[0048] Contact unit 620 is a member for supplying power to a connected electronic device, and in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3a and 3b, includes movable contact 622 and fixed contact 624. When current is passed through electromagnet 612 of electromagnetic unit 610, a magnetic force is generated, causing movable contact 622 to come into contact with fixed contact 624, thereby conducting electricity between terminals (terminals C and D) on the contact unit 620 side and supplying power to the electronic device. When current is cut off to electromagnetic unit 610, contact between movable contact 622 and fixed contact 624 is released, cutting off current between terminals C and D, and stopping the supply of power to the electronic device.

[0049] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 receives and analyzes a power supply permission signal from the external device 20 to perform a power supply process for putting the external circuit 10 into a power supply state and supplying power to the electromagnetic unit 610 .

[0050] Furthermore, this embodiment can be configured to include a power supply unit 900. As shown in FIG. 3c, the power supply unit 900 is configured to be connected to both the relay terminals (terminals A and B) on the electromagnetic unit 610 side and the relay terminals (terminals C and D) of the contact unit 620. When no current is conducted between the relay terminals on the electromagnetic unit 610 side, the power supply unit 900 obtains power from the relay terminals on the contact unit 620 side and supplies power to the control unit 100 for performing the control function. When current is conducted between the relay terminals on the electromagnetic unit 610 side, the power supply unit 900 obtains power from the relay terminals on the electromagnetic unit 610 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.

[0051] By making the relay structure of the security switch 1 according to the present invention the contact relay 600 having the above-described structure, it has become possible for the control unit to control the flow of electricity with a simple structure that keeps costs down.

[0052] 4a and 4b, the security switch 1 according to the present invention can be configured to include a semiconductor relay 700 as a current control structure. In this embodiment, the security switch 1 includes an input unit 710 that issues instructions in response to an input signal, and an output unit 720 that operates according to instructions issued by the input unit 710. Current control is performed by switching the semiconductor relay 700.

[0053] More specifically, the input unit 710 is a member for switching between energized and de-energized states on the output unit 720 side, and as one example, as shown in Figures 4a and 4b, can be configured to be composed of an input circuit including a light-emitting element 712. In this example, the light-emitting element 712 is composed of an LED, and when the LED is energized, it emits light to generate an optical signal.

[0054] The output unit 720 is a component for supplying power to an electronic device in which the security switch 1 of the present invention is installed. In this embodiment, for example, as shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the output unit 720 can be configured to include a light-receiving element 722. When an optical signal is transmitted by energizing the light-emitting element 712 of the input unit 710, the light-receiving element 722 detects the optical signal, causing a current to flow, which drives the drive circuit 726, enabling the output circuit 724 to be energized, energizing the terminals (terminals C and D) on the output unit 720 side, and supplying power to the electronic device. Furthermore, when the power supply to the input unit 710 is cut off, the optical signal from the light-emitting element 712 is released, the power supply between terminals C and D is cut off, and the power supply to the electronic device is stopped.

[0055] In this embodiment, the input section 710 and output section 720 of the semiconductor relay 700 constituting the security switch 1 can be configured as solid-state relays (SSRs). The light-emitting element 712 and light-receiving element 722 can be configured as appropriate, such as a photocoupler, a phototriac, or a combination of an LED and a photodiode array. The drive circuit 726 can be configured as a zero-cross circuit and a trigger circuit. Furthermore, the output circuit 724 of the output section 720 can be configured as appropriate, such as a thyristor, a triac, or a MOSFET. Of course, a configuration that does not use the light-emitting element 712 or the light-receiving element 722 can also be selected.

[0056] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 receives and analyzes a power-on permission signal from the external device 20 to put the external circuit 10 into a power-on state and performs a power-on process to energize the input unit 710 .

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a configuration can be adopted in which a power supply unit 900 is provided. As shown in FIG. 4c , the power supply unit 900 is configured to be connected to both the relay terminals (terminals A and B) on the input unit 710 side and the relay terminals (terminals C and D) on the output unit 720 side. When there is no current between the relay terminals on the input unit 710 side, the power supply unit 900 obtains power from the relay terminals on the output unit 720 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 710 side, the power supply unit 900 obtains power from the relay terminals on the input unit 710 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.

[0058] By using the semiconductor relay 700 having the above structure as the relay structure of the security switch 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 switch 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 switch 1.

[0059] 5a and 5b, another embodiment of the security switch 1 according to the present invention can be configured to include a transformer-coupled relay 800 as a current control structure. In this embodiment, the transformer-coupled relay 800 includes an input unit 810 that receives an input signal and an output unit 820 that operates in response to the signal received by the input unit 810.

[0060] More specifically, the input unit 810 is a member for switching the power supply / non-power supply on the output unit 820 side, and in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5a and 5b, is made up of a primary coil 812 of a transformer that constitutes a relay. The output unit 820 is a member for supplying power to an electronic device in which the security switch 1 of the present invention is installed, and in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5a and 5b, is made up of a secondary coil 822 of a transformer that constitutes a relay.

[0061] That is, when current is applied to the primary coil 812 of the transformer, a current flows through the secondary coil 822 due to electromagnetic induction. This allows current to flow through the output section 820, causing current to flow between the terminals (terminals C and D) on the output section 820 side, and power is supplied to the electronic device. Furthermore, when current to the input section 810 is cut off, the electromagnetic induction effect disappears, so current flow to the secondary coil 822 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 810 and output section 820 that make up the security switch 1 are made up of transformers, each having a structure in which the primary coil 812 and secondary coil 822 are wound around an iron core (not shown).

[0062] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 receives and analyzes a power-on permission signal from the external device 20 to put the external circuit 10 into a power-on state and performs a power-on process to energize the input unit 810 .

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a configuration can be adopted in which a power supply unit 900 is provided. As shown in FIG. 5c, the power supply unit 900 is configured to be connected to both the relay terminals (terminals A and B) on the input unit 810 side and the relay terminals (terminals C and D) on the output unit 820 side. When there is no current between the relay terminals on the input unit 810 side, the power supply unit 900 obtains power from the relay terminals on the output unit 820 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 810 side, the power supply unit 900 obtains power from the relay terminals on the input unit 810 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.

[0064] By using the transformer-coupled relay 800 having the above-described structure as the relay structure of the security switch 1 according to the present invention, the service life is longer than that of 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 switch 1.

[0065] In this embodiment, the external circuit 10 is a circuit that controls current flow using a fuse or a switch. That is, the security switch 1 according to the present invention is configured to control whether current flows between the terminals of a fuse or through a switch. With this configuration, it is possible to ensure security in controlling the operation of an automobile or the like by preventing current flow and operation without a signal from an authenticated external device 20 via not only a relay but also a fuse.

[0066] In this embodiment, the external circuit 10 is a vehicle control circuit. That is, the security switch 1 according to the present invention is configured to control whether or not power is supplied to the vehicle control circuit. This configuration makes it possible to easily detect unauthorized use of the vehicle and ensure high levels of vehicle security.

[0067] The security switch 1 of the present invention can be used in automobiles as described above, as well as in all kinds of equipment such as machine tools, home appliances, and locking and unlocking buildings. By simply obtaining power from an existing relay or any other location and replacing an existing fuse or inserting it into an existing circuit, it is possible to easily add security functions.

[0068] Conceptual diagram of a security switch according to the present invention. Conceptual diagram of a security switch using a fuse as an external circuit. Conceptual diagram of a security switch made of a mechanical relay. Conceptual diagram of a security switch made of a mechanical relay provided with a power supply unit. Conceptual diagram of a security switch made of a semiconductor relay. Conceptual diagram of a security switch made of a semiconductor relay provided with a power supply unit. Conceptual diagram of a security switch made of a transformer-coupled relay. Conceptual diagram of a security switch made of a transformer-coupled relay provided with a power supply unit.

[0069] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 security switch 10 external circuit 20 external device 30 management server 100 control unit 200 connection status monitoring means 300 secure operation control means 310 transmission / reception unit 400 operation status monitoring means 410 internal speaker 420 external speaker 430 switching means 500 operation status notification means 600 contact relay 610 electromagnetic unit 612 electromagnet 620 contact unit 622 movable contact 624 fixed contact 700 semiconductor relay 710 input unit 712 light-emitting element 720 output unit 722 light-receiving element 724 output circuit 726 drive circuit 800 transformer-coupled relay 810 input unit 812 primary coil 820 output unit 822 secondary coil 900 power supply unit

Claims

1. A security switch (1) for controlling whether or not to energize an external circuit (10) based on an external signal and for managing the operating status of the external circuit (10) comprises: a control unit (100) that receives a signal from an external device (20), analyzes the received signal, and determines whether or not to energize the external circuit (10) based on the analysis result; connection status monitoring means (200) that monitors the current value of the external circuit (10) and issues an alert signal when an abnormal value is detected; and secure operation control means (300) that performs alert processing when a preset alert signal is detected, wherein the secure operation control means (300) comprises a transceiver unit (310) for transmitting and receiving information to and from the external device (20), and receives and analyzes the alert signal from the connection status monitoring means (200) to transmit the operating status of the external circuit (10) to the external device (20).

2. The security switch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with an operation status monitoring means (400) that monitors the operation status of the secure operation control means (300) and, when the secure operation control means (300) receives an alert signal, emits an alarm sound from an internal speaker (410).

3. The security switch according to claim 2, characterized in that the operating status monitoring means (400) is provided with an external speaker (420) for emitting an alarm sound, and also with a switching means (430) for switching the internal speaker (410) to emit an alarm sound when the external speaker (420) is removed.

4. A security switch as described in claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the operation status monitoring means (400) communicates with the secure operation control means (300) via wired or wireless communication and is detachably connected to the secure operation control means (300).

5. A security switch according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the security switch (1) communicates with the operation status monitoring means (400) or the secure operation control means (300), and is provided with an operation status notification means (500) that transmits alert information to an external device (20) if no communication is received from the operation status monitoring means (400) or the secure operation control means (300) within a certain period of time.

6. The security switch according to claim 5, characterized in that the operation status notification means (500) and / or the external device (20) are configured to transmit the operation status of the external circuit (10) transmitted from the secure operation control means (300) to the management server (30).

7. The security switch (1) comprises a contact relay (600) having an electromagnetic part (610) having an electromagnet (612) and a contact part (620) that brings a movable contact (622) and a fixed contact (624) into contact with or separates them when current is applied to the electromagnet (612), and is characterized in that current control is performed by switching the contact relay (600).

8. A security switch according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the security switch (1) comprises a semiconductor relay (700) having an input section (710) that issues instructions in response to an input signal and an output section (720) that operates in response to instructions issued by the input section (710), and the current flow is controlled by switching the semiconductor relay (700).

9. A security switch according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the security switch (1) comprises a transformer-coupled relay (800) having an input section (810) for receiving an input signal and an output section (820) that operates in response to the signal received by the input section (810), and current control is performed by switching the transformer-coupled relay (800).

10. A security switch as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the external circuit (10) is a circuit that controls the flow of electricity using a fuse or a switch, and the security switch (1) controls whether or not electricity is allowed to flow between the terminals of the fuse or the switch.

11. A security switch as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the external circuit (10) comprises a vehicle control circuit, and the security switch (1) controls whether or not electricity is supplied to the control circuit.

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