JPH0636661A - Diagnostic system for relay - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent a system down that could be caused by faults in a relay by performing automatic diagnosis of the relay when power is input to the system or when the system is restarted, and reporting the result of the diagnosis. CONSTITUTION:When power is input to a system or when the system is reset a signal line PORTin connected to a relay 1 is automatically separated by a separation means 2 to form a circuit for the diagnosis of the relay 1. Then a test signal is imparted by an imparting means 4 and voltages when the relay 1 is turned on and when the relay is turned off are measured by a measuring means 3 and any contact fault or insulation failure of the relay is diagnosed by a diagnostic means 6. The result of the diagnosis is displayed by a reporting means 7, and an alarm is given if there is some abnormality. Therefore, self- diagnosis can easily be done not only when power is input to the system for startup but also when the system is reset, so any abnormality can be dealt with at early stages, the relay 1 can always be held in a normal state and the reliability of the system can be enhanced.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a relay diagnosing device for diagnosing a relay in a device for switching a signal line by a relay so that the relay of the device can always be maintained in a normal state.

With the recent increase in the scale and wide area of computer systems, high system reliability is required.

In order to meet such demands, for example, a communication line is provided with a backup line, and when a line failure occurs, a system with improved reliability is realized by switching to the backup line and continuing the work. Have been served.

Switching of such a line is usually performed by using a relay, but consideration for reliability of the relay itself has been poor.

Therefore, there is a demand for a system capable of improving the reliability of all the elements constituting the system and improving the reliability as a whole.

[0006]

2. Description of the Related Art Line switching in a computer system is usually performed by a multiplexer (MPX). However, in a specific case such as connecting by using a telephone line, MPX cannot be used in conventional relays. A relay switching device that switches at is used.

Further, even in a configuration in which a plurality of input / output devices connected to a computer system are switched and used, a relay is often used.

However, in a device for switching the signal line with a relay, the level of a signal during operation becomes unstable due to an abnormality such as a defective relay, a defective contact of the relay, or a defective insulation, which causes malfunction or system down. It was

However, the conventional device using the relay does not have a function of diagnosing the relay in particular, and it is the present condition that the measures are taken after the abnormality occurs, and the failure is prevented in advance. There was no way to deal with it in advance.

Further, the preventive replacement of the relay is also performed by back-calculating the guaranteed number of operations of the relay from the operation time, and there is a problem that it is not possible to know the exact replacement time.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. An object of the present invention is to automatically diagnose and notify the function of the relay when the power is turned on or the system is restarted. In addition to being able to deal with the failure of the relay at an early stage, if the relay is normal, the number of times the relay operates is accurately counted, and the time to replace is determined and notified to prevent the system from going down due to the failure of the relay. , To provide a relay diagnostic device capable of improving system reliability.

[0012]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of a relay diagnostic device according to the present invention.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 1 electrically disconnects the relay 1 from a peripheral circuit, and a predetermined signal to the relay 1 separated by the disconnecting means 2. Giving means 4 for giving, and the giving means 4
Based on the measurement result of the measuring means 3 for measuring the output of the relay 1 to which a predetermined signal is given by
It comprises a diagnostic means 6 for diagnosing the quality of the relay 1.

For the same purpose, the invention according to claim 2 is a counting means 5 for counting the number of times of operation of the relay 1.
A diagnostic means 6 for diagnosing the quality of the relay 1 based on the count value of the counting means 5 and a predetermined value, and an informing means 7 for informing the diagnostic result of the diagnostic means 6.

[0015]

The relay diagnosing device of the present invention is configured such that the relay 1 is automatically operated by the disconnecting means 2 when the power is turned on or reset.
The signal line PORT _in connected to is disconnected, a circuit for diagnosing the relay 1 is formed, a test signal is given by the giving means 4, and the voltage in the ON / OFF state of the relay 1 is measured by the measuring means 3. The diagnosis means 6 diagnoses the contact failure and insulation failure of the relay. Then, the result of the diagnosis is displayed by the notification means 7, and if there is an abnormality, an alarm is issued.

As a result, the self-diagnosis can be easily performed not only when the power is turned on for the first time but also when the power is reset. Therefore, it is possible to take an early action, always maintain the relay 1 in a normal state, and enhance the reliability of the system. .

According to the second aspect of the invention, when the relay 1 is normal, the counting means 5 continues the operation while accurately counting the number of times the relay 1 operates, and the counting means 5 guarantees a predetermined value, for example, operation guarantee. When the number of times is exceeded, diagnostic means 6
It recognizes this and notifies that effect.

As a result, it is possible to know the exact replacement time of the relay 1 and prevent the relay 1 from being defective.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the same or corresponding portions as those in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, and A and B (inside the dotted line) are the portions related to the features of the present invention.

The portion A, together with the CPU 31, constitutes a separating means 2, a measuring means 3, and a diagnosing means 6. Also,
The portion B constitutes the counting means 5. The part B is operated by an uninterruptible power supply (VCSTB) backed up by, for example, a battery.

First, the main functions for self-diagnosis in this configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

[0023] RV21 _a, 21 _b is the receiver (if you collectively are referred to as "receiver 21") is. RV21
_a receives the signal line PORT _in from the outside.

This RV 21 _a is a signal * from a receiver control register (hereinafter referred to as “RV control register”) 25.
It is made active or inactive by G1.
At the time of self-diagnosis, the RV 21 _a is made inactive and the signal PORT _in from the outside is cut off.

The RV 21 _b forms a circuit for self-diagnosis directly related to the present invention.

The RV 21 _b is activated or inactivated by the signal * G2 from the RV control register 25. Further, the RV 21 _b forms a circuit for applying the test signal TEST from the RV control register 25 to the relays 1 _a , 1 _b , 1 _c (hereinafter, collectively referred to as “relay 1”).

The output terminal of each receiver RV21 _a, 21 _b are connected to the relay 1 also Izure, control terminal gate signal is supplied is connected to the RV control register 25.

The relays 1 _a , 1 _b and 1 _c are for switching output ports, one of which is connected to the receivers 21 _a and 21 _b as described above and the other of which is the output port PORT.
And has a _{1 ou t, PORT2 out, PORT3} out.

Multiplexer (hereinafter referred to as "MPX")
Reference numeral 22 is for selecting the output of the relays 1 _a , 1 _b , 1 _c or its own power supply (VCC) by _a selection signal given from a multiplex control register (hereinafter referred to as “MPX control register”) 24, and its output is A It is supplied to the / D converter 23.

The A / D converter 23 is a known one that converts the analog signal output by the MPX 22 into a digital signal.

Predetermined data is set in the MPX control register 24 from the CPU 31, and the contents set in the MPX control register 24 are given to the MPX 22 as a selection signal.

The RV control register 25 is set with predetermined data from the CPU 31, and each receiver R is set according to the contents set in the RV control register 25.
V21 _a, 21 _b active or inactive is controlled for, also sends a test signal.

The relay control register 28 is connected to each of the relays 1 _a , 1 _a via the relay drivers 27 _a , 27 _b , 27 _c.
b, 1 _c of the solenoid _{RL26 a, 26 b, 26 c} ( may be collectively below as "solenoid 26") are connected to, by a predetermined data from the CPU31 is set, the desired relay 1 _a, A signal for selecting and connecting 1 _b and 1 _c is transmitted.

Relay control register 28 and solenoid RL
26 _a, 26 _b, the relay driver 27 described above between the 26 _{c a,} 27 _b, 27 _c is inserted, the solenoid R inverts the signal from the relay control register 28
L26 _a, driving the 26 _b, 26 _c.

RLs 26 _a , 26 _b and 26 _c are solenoids, which correspond to the relays 1 _a , 1 _b and 1 _c , respectively, and are relayed by a signal from the relay control register 28.
This is to open and close the contact of.

The counter 5 _a, 5 _b, 5 _c is intended to count the number of operations of the relay, by a signal from the CPU 31, relay control register 28 each solenoid RL2
To 6 _a, 26 _b, each time of operating a 26 _c, the counter 5 _a, 5 _b, 5 signals to _c corresponding to the solenoid 26 is sent, the number of operations of the relay is counted.

[0037] The counter 5 _a, 5 _b, 5 _c is backed up by a battery or uninterruptible power supply (VCSTB), to count only when the power is applied, to the enable (EN) pin Is powered directly by its own power supply (VCC).

29 _a , 29 _b , and 29 _c are AND gates (hereinafter collectively referred to as “AND gate 29”), and when the relays 1 are replaced, counters 5 _a , 5 _b ,
It is for generating a reset signal for clearing 5 _c .

[0039] The AND gates 29 _a, 29 _b, 29 one input terminal is the own via the inverter 30 power _c (VCC)
And an inverted signal of its own power supply (VCC) is supplied from the inverter 30.

Therefore, one input terminal of the AND gate 29 is always "0" when the own power supply (VCC) is on. Therefore, the output terminal of the AND gate 29 is AND
It is always "0" regardless of the state of the other input terminal of the gate 29, and the counter 5 is never cleared.

When the self power supply (VCC) is on, the enable terminal of the counter 5 is "1", so the counter can be operated at any time. Therefore, each time the relay control register 28 drives each relay driver 27, the clock CK is input to the corresponding counter 5, and the number of times of relay operation is integrated.

On the other hand, the other input terminal of the AND gate 29 has a driver 27 and pull-up resistors R1 and R, respectively.
2, R3 and the solenoids RL26 _a, 26 _b, 26 _c
It is connected to the.

Therefore, if the self power supply (VCC) is turned off,
AND gate 29_a, 29_b, 29 _cOne terminal is
Since the signal is inverted by the inverter 30, it is always "1".
Becomes Therefore, depending on the state of the other terminal of the AND gate,
It is decided whether or not the clear function of the counter 5 is activated.
It

D1, D2 and D3 are diodes for preventing solenoid back electromotive force, and C is a capacitor for eliminating solenoid electromotive force noise.

Further, warning and warning lamp 7 _a is as it emits an alarm lamp or buzzer when an abnormality is found, the screen keyboard controller 7 _b is CRT 7 _C or keyboard 7 _d
It controls input and output from. The CRT 7 _c is for displaying a diagnosis result, and the keyboard 7 _d is for inputting an instruction regarding diagnosis, and both are well known.

Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS.

When the power is turned on or reset, the CPU 31
When the start of the diagnosis is instructed from, the self-diagnosis program is started (step S1). At this time, initialization is performed in order to initialize various registers.

In the self-diagnosis, first, the self-power supply voltage (VCC) is measured (step S2). In order to ensure self-diagnosis, this is to confirm the normality of the power source before diagnosing the insulation failure or contact failure of the relay.

[0049] In the measurement of the local supply voltage, CPU 31 by setting the "0" in all bits of the relay control registers 28, to stop the current supply to the solenoids _{RL26 a, 26 b, 26 c} , relay 1 Break all ( _a , 1 _b , 1 _c ).

Further, the CPU 31 uses the RV control register 2
By setting a predetermined value in 5, the receiver RV2
1 _a, 21 _b the gate signal * G1 to * the G2 to H level, to turn off the circuit for the signal input and the self-diagnosis from the input port PORT1 _in by the RV21 _a, 21 _b to the high impedance.

The CPU 31 also sets a predetermined value in the MPX control register 24. As a result, the MPX 22 responds to the signal from the MPX control register 24 to generate its own power
Select (VCC).

As a result, a circuit for measuring the self power supply voltage is formed, and the signal (self power supply voltage VCC) from the MPX 22 is supplied to the A / D converter 23 and converted into a digital signal. The CPU 31 reads the signal from the A / D converter 23 and sets it as the own power supply voltage value.

At the time of measuring the self-power source voltage, the solenoid RL2
6 _a, 26 _b, 26 of the driving of _c is stopped to all the relay 1 Blake, to prevent the flow of current due to the makeup of the relay 1, to suppress the effect of the self-supply voltage, an accurate This is because the own power supply voltage is measured.

Then, it is checked whether or not the measured self-power supply voltage value is within the specified range (step S3). Own power supply (V
The specified voltage value of CC is registered in the ROM or RAM 32 in advance.
Determine the normality of C).

When it is determined in step S3 that the voltage value is normal, the fact that the self-power supply voltage value has ended normally within the specified range and the voltage value of the measurement result is displayed on the screen _7c . To do. (Step S4).

Next, the voltage of the RV 21 via each relay 1 is measured (step S5). That is, each relay 1 _a , 1
_With relays _b , _1c all broken, each relay _1a ,
By measuring the voltage of the 1 _b, 1 _c, to check the state of the insulation.

Therefore, the CPU 31 uses the RV control register
Set a predetermined value to 25, RV21 _aGate signal to
G1 is set to "1" (high impedance) from the outside
Signal line PORT_inRV21_bGame to
Form a circuit for self-diagnosis with the signal * G2 set to "0"
To achieve.

Then, the CPU 31 gives the relay control register 28 a signal for turning off all the solenoids 26.

[0059] Since the signal "0" supplied from the relay control register 28 to the respective solenoids RL26 _a, 26 _b, 26 _c is to be inverted by the driver 27 _a, 27 _b, 27 _c becomes "1", from the own power supply (VCC) each solenoid RL26 _a, 2
6 _b, the current passing through the 26 _c is interrupted, the relay 1 _a,
1b and _1c are turned off.

In such a state, the CPU 31 determines, for example, MP
A predetermined value for selecting PORT1 _out is set in the X control register 24. As a result, the MPX 22 selects PORT1 _out according to the signal from the MPX control register 24.

When "1" is given as the test signal TEST from the RV control register 25, the A / D converter 23 receives the signal from the MPX 22 and converts it into a digital signal.

The CPU 31 uses the A / D converter 23.
Receive the signal from and read the receiver voltage value. Similarly, the relays 1 _b and 1 _c are also measured.

In this way, each relay 1 _a , 1 _b , 1 _c
The insulation resistance of can be measured.

[0064] Then, the voltage of the relays 1 _a, 1 _b, 1 receiver via _c RV21 _b measured, the relays 1 _a, 1
Check the contact resistance of _b and 1 _c .

Therefore, the CPU 31 determines that the relay control register
In the star 28, for example, the solenoid 26 _aSignal to select
send. Solenoid 26 of relay control register 28_aAgainst
The corresponding signal "1" is inverted by the driver 27a to "0".
Therefore, the solenoid 26_aCurrent from its own power supply (VCC)
Is supplied to turn on relay 1.

Further, the CPU 31 sets a predetermined value for selecting PORT1 _out in the MPX control register 24. As a result, the MPX 22 has the MPX control register 24.
Select PORT1 _out according to the signal from.

[0067] Thus, the circuit for measuring the receiver voltage value via the relay 1 _a is formed. Therefore, when “1” is given as the test signal TEST from the RV control register 25, the A / D converter 23 receives the signal from the MPX 22 via the relay 1 _a and converts it into a digital signal.

The CPU 31 uses the A / D converter 23.
Receive the signal from and read the receiver voltage value.

Then, in the same manner, the relays 1 _b , 1 _c are sequentially _{turned on.}
Measuring the voltage values of the receiver RV21 _b having passed through the further gate signals * G2 is "0", TEST is also measured state of "0".

In this way, each relay 1 _a , 1 _b , 1 _c
The contact resistance of can be measured.

Receiver RV measured in step S5
It is determined whether the voltage value of 21 _b is within the regulation (step S
7). Here, RV via relays 1 _a , 1 _b , 1 _c
It is determined whether all the voltage values of 21 _b are within the range of the specified voltage value of RV21 _b .

[0072] At this time, branch if specified outside voltage value of the receiver RV21 _b having passed through the relay 1 _a, 1 _b, 1 _c is even one to step S14.

[0073] RV21 the _b measurement of the voltage value of is determined that all are normal, the screen 7 that the read voltage value and relay contacts resistance and insulation resistance is normal _c
(Step S8).

In this way, the RV at the time of disconnection of each relay is
By measuring the voltage value of 21 _b and comparing it with a specified value stored in advance, the state of the receiver, the contact resistance of the relay, and the insulation failure are diagnosed.

Next, the guaranteed operation number and the operation number of the relay are read (step S9). That is, the CPU 31 reads the values of the counters 5 _a , 5 _b , and 5 _c and the guaranteed operation times corresponding to the counter 5 stored in the ROM / RAM 32.

[0076] or each subsequent relay 1 _a, 1 _b, 1 guaranteed number of operations of _c is larger than the number of operations is checked (step S10). That is, the guaranteed operation number of each relay stored in advance in the ROM / RAM 32 is compared with the operation number of the relay to date.

[0077] For example, when guaranteed number of operations of the relay 1 _a is determined to be larger than the number of operations, since the relay 1 _a is a still be used continuously, the number of operations of the relay, it guaranteed number of operations, and the diagnosis result is normal _Is displayed on the screen _7c .

Similarly, if the diagnosis results of all the relays are normal, the self-diagnosis circuit previously formed is turned off, and the self-diagnosis ends. (Step 11). That is, the gate value * G1 of the receiver RV21 _a is set to “0”, and RV21
The gate value * G2 of _b is set to "1", the external signal line PORTin is connected, the self-diagnosis circuit is turned off, and the self-diagnosis ends.

Then, the normal operation mode is entered.

Note that in step S3
If the pressure value is abnormal, a message indicating that the power supply voltage value is abnormal is displayed.
Screen and the measured voltage value on screen 7_cDisplayed on the alarm
Light 7 _aStop the system after ringing or lighting (step
S6).

The operator turns off the own power supply (VCC) to check and repair the defective portion (step S16), and then step S
Return to 1 (power on).

If it is determined in step S10 that the number of relay operations exceeds the guaranteed number,
Displays a guaranteed number and relay the number of operations on the screen 7 _c, alarm,
Sounding the alarm lamp 7 _a or turned on (step S13).

[0083] Further, the voltage value of the RV21 _b in the step S7 is determined to be defined outside even one, it continues the relays 1 _a, 1 _b, RV21 _b voltage passed through the 1 _c are all defined outside It is checked (step S14). This is to confirm the state of the receiver RV21 _b , and when all the voltage values passing through the respective paths are abnormal, the abnormality of the RV21 _b is estimated.

[0084] When the receiver voltage via each relay is determined that all specified outside receiver RV21 _b of the effect is likely abnormalities displayed on the screen 7 _c, after sounding or light the warning and warning lamp 7 _a The system is stopped (step S15).

The operator confirms the abnormal portion based on the alarm, repairs the faulty portion, and then turns on the power again (step S16).

[0086] Further, if it is determined that there is abnormality in a part of the route at Step S14, the exchange request route and the relay 1 is problem displayed on the screen 7 _c, an alarm, stopping the system (Step S17). That is, of the relay 1 _a, 1 _b, the voltage value of the receiver RV21 _b having passed through the 1 _c, is a route judgment outside the range of the specified voltage value, the contact resistance or the relay 1 in the route, the abnormality of insulation resistance and that there is a high possibility of displaying the exchange request message and the like of the relay 1 on the screen 7 _c, ringing or lights a warning and warning lamp 7 _a, stops Shitemu.

Next, the operator turns off the own power supply (VCC), pulls out the corresponding relay 1 and replaces it with a new relay 1 (step S18), and step S1 (power-on).
Return to.

At this time, when the relay 1 is pulled out, the corresponding counter 5 is reset, the operation integration counter 5 is initialized, and the new relay 1 is prepared for counting. The operation is as follows.

When the self power supply (VCC) is turned off, the self power supply (V
CC) goes to ground level. In this case, the solenoid R
When L26 is inserted, the other terminal of the AND gate 29 is grounded via the diodes of D1, D2, and D3, so that it becomes "0", and the output of the AND gate 29 also becomes "0". Therefore, the enable terminal of the counter 5
(EN) is "0" and the counter 5 is in a stopped state, but its contents are not cleared.

For relay replacement, for example, relay 1_aOutside
Then, relay 1, solenoid RL26, D1, D2, D
Since the diode of 3 is integrated, the solenoid R
L26_aIs also removed. Therefore, the solenoid RL26_aof
Both ends are open and uninterrupted via pull-up resistor R1
AND gate 29 connected to power supply current (VCSTB) _a
The other input terminal of is "1".

[0091] For this reason, the output terminal of the AND gate 29 _a also changes to "1", the counter 5 _a, which remove the solenoid RL26 _a is cleared.

[0092] That is, the output terminal of the AND gate 29 _a, 29 _b, 29 _c only when the disconnect the relay becomes "1", the counter 5 is reset, a new relay 1
Counting is newly started from the time when _a is inserted.

This makes it easy to replace the relay 1.
This ensures reliability and improves safety during replacement.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the diagnosis of the defect of the receiver 21 or the defect of the relay 1, the diagnosis of the frequency of use of the relay 1 and the judgment of the replacement time are comprehensively described has been described. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and each function may be separately provided as needed.

Although the present embodiment has been described with respect to the case of three relays, the number of relays is not limited to three.

[0096] In addition, the self-diagnosis is completed, the case went to the normal operation readiness, select the desired PORT _OUT, and begins monitoring the receiver voltage value, relay 1 _a according to the operation situation, 1 _b,
After selecting 1 _c , select the output port PORT _X (X = 1 to 3) corresponding to the selected relay 1 with MPX22 and
It can also be configured to continue normal operation while monitoring the _OUT signal voltage value.

As a result of this monitoring, if the receiver voltage value is normal, the operation is continued, but if an abnormality occurs in the receiver voltage value, the signal voltage value and the specified voltage value are displayed, and the specified voltage value of the receiver deviates. to that displayed on the screen 7 _c a are, ringing or to turn on the alarm or warning lamp 7 _a.

[0098] The operator continues the operation by switching ports as needed based upon the alarm or warning lamp 7 _a warning. With such a configuration, a more reliable system can be constructed.

[0099]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to automatically perform self-diagnosis of a power supply or a relay or determine the replacement time based on the frequency of use of the relay when the power is turned on or reset. A highly reliable relay diagnostic device can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of a relay diagnostic device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of a relay diagnostic device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 relay 2 disconnection means 3 measuring means 4 applying means 5 counting means (counter) 6 diagnostic means 7 notification means (alarm, screen)

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A device for disconnecting a signal line by a relay (1), comprising a disconnecting means (2) for electrically disconnecting the relay (1) from a peripheral circuit, and a disconnecting means (2) for disconnecting the relay (1). Applying means (4) for applying a predetermined signal to the relay (1) and measuring means (3) for measuring the output of the relay (1) to which the predetermined signal is applied by the applying means (4) And a diagnostic means (6) for diagnosing the quality of the relay (1) based on the measurement result of the measuring means (3). 2. A device for disconnecting a signal line by means of a relay (1), wherein a counting means (5) for counting the number of times the relay (1) is operated, and a count value and a predetermined value of the counting means (5). From the above, there is provided a relay diagnosing device comprising a diagnostic means (6) for diagnosing the relay (1) and an informing means (7) for informing a diagnostic result of the diagnostic means (6).