DE102006030911B3 - Relay unit for use in electrical or in electronic circuits, devices and components, has switching arrangement, consisting of two relay coils with separate contact sets per relay coil, fault indicator coil and additional working contact - Google Patents

Abstract

The unit has switching arrangement, consisting of two relay coils (K1.1,K1.2) with separate contact sets per relay coil, fault indicator coil and an additional working contact. The individual components are switched to the relay pulse loop and fault indicator loop and working contact loop and the contacts are separately assigned for external contact and remain at the relay unit. The fault indicator contact loop is switched such that in the over all operation in the fault indicator loop is shown as a contact. The working contact loop has two working contacts comprising a break contact or closure and the closing contacts and opening contacts are switched parallel in series.

Description

field of use

The Invention finds application in circuits of electrical control and switchgear as auxiliary relays, e.g. as coupling relay, as load or Control / contactor, if the intended properties the invention should be used for the purposes of, in particular the redundancy of the relay coils in functional connection with the Relay / contactor contacts with simultaneous self-monitoring the relay coils.

in this connection There is a wide range of applications, in which conventional Relay against these relay functional units can be replaced to to increase functional safety in general and to improve cyclical maintenance and testing effort too minimize (at minor Additional costs for the plant engineering).

By the possibility, the fault messages of To group relay or form as a collective fault message is the additional monitoring effort by connecting to any monitoring systems low.

Example of use: When using programmable automation technology (machine controls, Building automation) arrive at the digital inputs and digital outputs often Coupling relay used, which by the described relay functional units can be replaced. The invention is used in particular for self-monitoring of the used Relay functional units with simultaneous redundancy of the effective Make contact. In principle, regardless of the number of used Relay functional units can monitored with only one collective fault At the same time, however, the function of the effective working contact remains receive. This reduces maintenance and testing work and avoids failures of Plants and costly customer service especially outside normal Working hours. The relays can even at higher Safety requirements, taking into account that certain disorders of the contacts e.g. Contact spring break, burning contacts or the like. Not in principle be recorded. An application in terms of safety equipment with component testing is without additional Design effort in the form described not possible.

When A concrete example is the use of the relay functional unit in electrical controls in which the function of electrical Always ensure relays is, however, a service (repair, maintenance) in case of error due to difficult accessibility only conditionally or with large Effort possible is (e.g., controls in highway tunnels). By the timely Recognition of the first error case with further function of the relay function unit can this Calls planned be achieved and so an economic procedure.

The Principle leaves Transmit to any relay and contactor controls.

characteristics the known technical solutions

Known is that elevated at Functional requirements (e.g., redundancy) for functional realization two contactors / relays be used (sometimes as a functional unit). The function monitoring but always takes place via the coils associated contacts (normally closed or normally open), what a single monitoring the functional unit requires. These components are designed as so-called safety relay very expensive and correspondingly costly. They are therefore used only for specific requirements.

• • Sie verfügen nur über einfache Kontakte (Öffner oder Schließer) zur Überwachung der Relais, diese müssen also einzeln überwacht und die Plausibilität der Relaiskontakte zwischen Arbeitskontakten und Überwachungskontakten logisch überprüft werden. Die Ausbildung von Sammel- oder Gruppenstörmeldungen ist hierbei nicht möglich.
• • Sie sind konstruktiv aufwändig und für breite Anwendungsgebiete aus Kostengründen nicht geeignet.
• • Sie werden vorwiegend als Sicherheitsrelais (in der Regel bauteilgeprüft) eingesetzt für Anlagen mit hohen Sicherheitsanforderungen.

Known technical solutions are characterized by the following features:

• • They only have simple contacts (normally closed or normally open) to monitor the relays, so they must be individually monitored and the plausibility of the relay contacts between normally-open contacts and monitoring contacts must be checked logically. The formation of group or group error messages is not possible here.
• • They are structurally complex and not suitable for a wide range of applications for cost reasons.
• • They are mainly used as safety relays (usually type-tested) for systems with high safety requirements.

A simple technical solution, with the faulty relay coil nevertheless the switching functions realized and a fault message is formed, has not been described.

In the patent DE 36 42 233 C2 a device for the self-monitoring of relay contacts is described. The object of the inventive solution described therein is to provide a device for monitoring relay contacts, which automatically detects the state in which a relay has become inoperative and the intended redundant relay has taken over the function of this inoperable relay. The object of the invention according to patent DE 36 42 233 C2 is to achieve a safe shutdown in safety circuits, for the cases in which a relay of the safety circuit has become inoperative and this Zu was identified by a corresponding message.

The changeover contacts of two relays are according to patent DE 36 42 233 C2 connected so that different functions are assigned to the different switch positions (foot contacts are connected to each other). If a relay contact sticks when switching off a connected system, the unit is switched off by the lost redundancy secured (see patent DE 36 42 233 C2 , Column 3 middle). The change-over switches have a different function in the switch-on state than in the switch-off state.

In contrast to the patent DE 36 42 233 C2 is not pursued with the present inventive solution, the secure shutdown of drive units, etc. for the protection of persons with a corresponding monitoring of the relay contacts. With the present inventive solution, a self-monitored relay functional unit is shown, which is suitable for detecting malfunctions of their redundantly executed relay coils and relaying them while at the same time maintaining their actual switching function. The normally open contact remains functional in the event of a simple fault, but a fault message is generated about the faulty state of a relay of the relay functional unit.

The changeover contacts are in the inventive solution in contrast to the circuit according to the patent DE 36 42 233 C2 connected so that their overall effect within the fault message loop represents a contact (the foot contacts form the effective output, the changeover contacts are connected to each other). If both relays of the relay function unit are working properly, the switching output S13 / S14 of the fault message loop is identical both when switched on and when switched off.

The characteristic of the inventive solution is compared to the circuit according to the patent DE 36 42 233 C2 in particular, that in the switched on as well as in the off state at the contact points S13 and S14 according to 1 the same switching state exists, if no relay coil is disturbed. Only then is independent of the states ON and OFF of the relays a (collective) fault monitoring of one or more relay functional units possible, so that no further Plausibiltätskontrolle the operating conditions of the respective relay is required. This contact can therefore be switched directly to a starch signaling device. A fault message occurs when the operating states of the relays K1 and K2 are different from each other (faulty state).

Object of the invention

• • Die Relaisfunktionseinheit überwacht sich hinsichtlich der Funktion ihrer Relaisspulen selbst, so dass der Ausfall einer Relaisspule fernüberwacht angezeigt werden kann, wobei diese Anzeige als Einzel-Gruppen- oder Sammelstörungsmeldung ausgeführt werden kann.
• • Die Funktionsstörung einer Relaisspule beeinträchtigt die Funktionalität der Arbeitskontaktschleife nicht, da diese durch Arbeitskontakte mehrerer Spulen gebildet wird, d.h. der Ausfall einer Relaisspule hat keine Folgen für die Funktion des Gesamtsystems.
• • Im Gegensatz zu bisherigen technischen Lösungen erfordert der Ausfall einer Relaisspule der Relaisfunktionseinheit nicht deren sofortigen Ersatz, da die Funktion des Gesamtsystems nicht beeinträchtigt wird, solange mindestens noch eine Relaisspule ungestört funktioniert, d.h. es müssen keine Sofortmaßnahmen zur Störungsbehebung eingeleitet werden.

The aim of the invention is to realize by a very simple principle, a partially redundant relay functional unit with the properties of the invention cost, so that their wide application is economically possible.

• • The relay function unit monitors itself for the function of its relay coils, so that the failure of a relay coil can be monitored remotely, and this display can be executed as a single group or collective fault message.
• • The malfunction of a relay coil does not impair the functionality of the normally open contact loop, as it is formed by working contacts of several coils, ie the failure of a relay coil has no consequences for the function of the entire system.
• • In contrast to previous technical solutions, the failure of a relay coil of the relay function unit does not require their immediate replacement, since the function of the entire system is not affected, as long as at least one relay coil functions undisturbed, ie no immediate action to correct the problem must be initiated.

statement the essence of invention

The invention is based on the object to propose a circuit arrangement for a partially redundant electromechanical relay functional unit with a redundancy of the normally open contact function and the relay coil function is ensured and with the self-monitoring in case of failure of a relay coil is possible (see paragraph embodiments and 1 to 3 ).

By the simple way of execution However, certain error possibilities the contact blocks (welding contacts), but the relay function unit is working the type of training of the work contact loop on.

By a very simple, but effective design of the relay function unit whose function should continue to exist even if one relay coil or when switching the normally open contacts and the type of interconnection an error message can be implemented as self-monitoring. Both the possibility of individual monitoring of a relay functional unit as well as the group or collective fault message of several relay functional units should exist (see paragraph examples and 8a to 8c ).

Features of the invention

Of the according to the invention relay functional unit is based on a circuit arrangement with which by circuitry shortcut of several relay coils and their associated working contacts and auxiliary contacts in each case to a separate relay coil loop, a separate Normally open loop and a separate alarm loop per relay function unit a functional redundancy of the function of relay coils and working contacts one hand on the other hand, thereby self-monitoring of the relay functional unit as individual monitoring, as group or group fault monitoring be realized with the use of multiple relay functional units can. In case of failure of a relay coil of the relay functional unit is Ensures the function of the relay function unit as long as as long as a relay coil with the associated contact sets works.

These Functions are created by the formation of a respective relay coil loop, a normally open loop and a fault alarm contact loop per relay functional unit reached. To form the relay coil loop, the relay coils the relay functional unit parallel to each other, the working contacts depending on requirements in parallel or in series with each other and the fault alarm contacts interconnected as change-over contacts in series with each other, so that for himself the external wiring of the relay functional unit for each loop only two electrical connection points result.

Provided it for any reason should be required, the training of the three loops through To realize external interconnection, this is at appropriate constructive training of the relay functional unit possible.

When are constructive design features of the relay functional unit Both the compact and the modular design possible.

at The compact design, all components to a constructive Unit, e.g. grouped together within a common housing. In the modular design can Single relay by mechanical connection to a relay functional unit be summarized, which in addition to the mechanical adaptation, e.g. on a mounting rail, a support plate or directly between the individual modules and the electrical contact in one go could be done. It is also possible Single modules over a support base mechanically and electrically adapt. By the way of training the contact paths within such a support base can each individual, Group or collective fault messages via the Operating condition (disturbed / undisturbed) of the Relay function unit formed and for external processing to disposal be put.

Through-plating can take place in the compact housing, in the socket (in the case of plug-in relays) or by forming bridges on the external terminals of the relay contact unit. Depending on the circuit type of the fault message loop (normally closed or normally open function), the through-connection must be designed as a series connection (normally closed) or as a parallel connection (normally open) (see paragraph examples and examples) 4 to 7 ).

A Another constructive design would be the formation of the relay functional unit as a prinel Relay for boardsFixing or as a module for system technology components (eg as input / output module for DDC, PLC, fieldbus modules), pre-assembled with commercial Components.

In Further embodiment of the invention can corresponding electronic or mechanical components for the immediate on-site signaling of the operating state of the Relay function unit can be used, the self-components may be the relay functional unit.

to Avoidance of indifferent states due to the pre- or Lagging contacts during of the switching process can on the side of the fault message loop for single, group or collective fault processing modules to the time delay be used. With SPS / DDC technology these can Functions in the automation stations are parameterized.

• • Einsatz zur Kontaktvervielfältigung (siehe Absatz Ausführungsbeispiele und 9).
• • Einsatz zur Überwachung externer, redundanter Kontaktgeber (z.B. Endlagenschalter, Doppeltürkontakte etc.) (siehe Absatz Ausführungsbeispiele und 10)

Application variants for the relay functional unit can be:

• • use for contact duplication (see paragraph examples and 9 ).
• • Use for monitoring external, redundant contactors (eg limit switches, double-door contacts, etc.) (see paragraph examples and examples) 10 )

embodiments

Notes on the figures:

• • The Contacts of the normally open contact and fault message loop can be used for used for direct control of electrical components or as potential-free Contacts for connection to monitoring systems be used. For reasons plausible Representation wound in the external wiring each one power source and possibly a light considered.
• • The figures represent examples that are explained by Vari ation of the contact types (normally closed, normally open) can be changed.
• • On the representation of the possibly required time delay of the fault message loop sore in the figures.
• • The Current / voltage sources are with regard to the voltage level, DC or AC voltage as required, provided that all components correspond the requirements are designed and resilient.

The Invention will be explained below with reference to the drawings. The associated Figures show:

1 :

Basic circuit arrangement the relay functional unit with training of the relay loop, the Normally open contact loop and the fault signaling contact loop as well with external wiring.

These Figure shows the execution the internal interconnection of the relay functional unit and by way of example their external wiring. The fault signaling contact loop is in each case by a changer of the relay coils K1.1 and K1.2. educated, being this as a closer are switched. The relay coil loop is through the parallel connection the two relay coils K1.1 and K1.2 formed. The contact contact loop consists of a normally open contact of the relay coils K1.1 and K1.2, which are connected in parallel to each other.

2 :

Relay function unit in trouble-free Operation, exemplified by external sound of the relay loops with a monitoring contact (for example, closer)

Become the relay coils of the relay coil loop by a normally open contact of an external circuit, the normally open contacts K1.1 switch and K1.2 independently one another.

at Tightening the relay coils K1.1 and K1.2 switches the associated fault signaling contacts of the Störmeldekontaktschleife also around, so that the circuit of the fault alarm contact loop after not closed before.

3 :

Relaisfunktfonseinheit in disturbed Operation, exemplified with external wiring of the relay loops with a monitoring contact (for example, closer)

at disorder one of the two relay coils (K1.2) does not switch in the example the associated one K1.2 work contact nor the associated fault contact K1.2 to.

The Function of the working contact loop is due to the working contact K1.1 the trouble-free Coil K1.1 despite fault the relay coil K1.2 available.

at disorder the relay coil K1.2 does not switch its associated changeover contact K1.2 so that only the changer K1.1 the undisturbed relay coil K1.1 toggles. This will cause the fault alarm contact loop closed, leaving a fault message is signaled.

4 :

Fault message loop of the relay functional unit, trained in normally open function

Becomes the fault message loop in normally open function trained, then it is in the undisturbed state of both relay coils open, independently of whether the relay coils are excited or at rest. In a disturbed state a relay coil is the fault message loop closed at external excitation, since only the changer of the undisturbed relay switches over while the changer of the disturbed Relay remains in its position.

5 :

Fault message loop of the relay functional unit, trained in opening function

Becomes the fault message loop designed in an opener function, then she is undisturbed State of both relay coils closed, regardless of whether the relay coils are agitated or at rest. In the disturbed state of a relay coil Is the alarm loop open with external arousal, because only the changer of undisturbed Relay switches while the changer of the disturbed Relay remains in its position.

6 :

NO contact loop the relay functional unit, designed in normally open function

If the normally open contact loop is designed as a normally open contact, then it is open in the de-energized state of both relay coils (OFF state). In the excited, undisturbed state of both relay coils, the normally open contact loop is over both parallelge switched working contacts closed. If a relay coil malfunctions, the operating current contact loop is nevertheless closed in the excited state, since the normally open contact (normally open contact) of the undisturbed relay coil closes the normally open contact loop

7 :

NO contact loop the relay functional unit, designed in NC function

Becomes the normally open contact loop in NC function trained then she is in the de-energized state of both relay coils (OFF state) closed. In the excited, undisturbed state of both relay coils is the normally open contact loop over both series contacts are closed. In case of disturbance only A relay coil is in the excited state, the working current contact loop still open, because the working current contact (NC contact) the undisturbed Relay coil opens the working current contact loop.

8a to c:

Stringing together of several relay functional units with external wiring and formation of a common collective fault message, exemplified with internal through-contacting of the fault message loops or external connection of fault alarm loops of the various relay functional units ( 8a ).

If several relay functional units are required, they can be constructively formed by stringing together individual relay functional units, eg in blocks. In this case, the individual relay functional units can optionally be designed as normally closed or normally open according to the application in the normally open contact loop. The alarm loops of the relay functional units can optionally be configured as individual, group or collective fault messages according to the requirements ( 8c ).

In 8b the monitoring of external redundant double contacts in the relay function unit R2 is shown (see also 10 ). This shows the function monitoring of external contacts, whereby the failure of a closer is indicated by the non-responding relay of the relay loop.

9 :

Embodiment of the relay functional unit for use as contact duplication, exemplified for the normally open function

to Connecting a message to different control systems must be the Contacts are electrically isolated. For this, the Relay function unit also with several separate working current contact loops both in normally closed and also in NO function or be formed in a mixed manner.

10

embodiment the relay function unit for monitoring external double contacts by separate connection of the relay coils

For monitoring External contacts duplicate these and place them one by one Relay of a relay functional unit switched on In the event of failure of a Contact then becomes a fault message generated.

Requirement: The contacts are redundant and close, if there is no malfunction at the same time (within a defined time window).

typical Application: Very important or hard-to-reach contacts with security requirements.

Claims (13)

Circuit arrangement for a self-monitored relay function unit for use in electrical or electronic circuits, devices and components characterized in that the function unit consists of 2 relay coils, each having separate sets of contacts per relay coil, each relay coil in each case a fault signal contact (changeover) and in each case at least one additional contact ( Normally closed or normally open) and these individual components are connected to form a relay coil loop, a fault alarm contact loop and a make contact loop, and the connections of each individual loop are suitable for external contacting, are available at the relay functional unit, the fault alarm contact loop is connected in such a way that its Overall effect within the fault message loop as a contact represents (the foot contacts of the changer form the effective output, the changeover contacts of the changer are mutually connected) and the make contact loop consists of at least two normally-open contacts (each with 1 normally open contact per relay coil) as opener or closer, with make contacts in parallel and normally closed contacts connected in series. Circuit arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that in case of failure of a relay coil of the relay coil loop the intended function of the relay coil loop and thus the function of the relay functional unit thereby it remains that at least one relay coil is still functional. Circuit arrangement according to claim 1 to 2 characterized characterized in that in case of failure of a relay coil of the relay coil loop the intended function the working current loop is maintained by the fact that the defective relay coil associated unserviceable Working current contacts have no influence on the function of the working current contact loop have, if still undisturbed Working current contact of at least one relay coil ready for operation within the working current loop of the relay functional unit acts. Circuit arrangement according to claim 1 to 3 characterized characterized in that by the type of interconnection of the relay coils the relay coil loop associated fault alarm contacts a self-monitoring the relay functional unit in case of failure of a relay coil on the Störmeldekontaktschleife possible is, if still an undisturbed relay coil within the relay coil loop and thus still an undisturbed fault alarm contact within the fault message loop acts. Circuit arrangement according to claim 1 to 4 characterized characterized in that the fault alarm contacts the fault signaling contact loop are designed as change-over contacts, optionally - however uniform - either in opener or in normally open function can be switched. Circuit arrangement according to claim 1 to 5 characterized characterized in that the message of the malfunction of a relay coil by the fault message contact loop takes place in that the switching state of the disturbed relay coil associated Störmeldekontaktes (Changer) opposite the the undisturbed Relay coil associated Störmeldekontaktes (Changer) does not change and so the fault message contact loop changed their internal switching state. Circuit arrangement according to claim 1 to 6 characterized in that the interconnection of the relay coil loop according to the invention, Normally open loop and fault signaling contact loop, either within the relay functional unit or by external switching circuit can be realized. Circuit arrangement according to claim 1 to 7 characterized characterized in that the relay functional unit constructive optional be realized as a compact unit or by individual relays can. Circuit arrangement according to claim 1 to 8 characterized in that when the relay functional unit is realized by individual relays, these relays be designed constructively so can, that their juxtaposition to a relay functional unit corresponding constructive design of housings and of Einreihkontakten can be done on each relay and so far an external Wiring for the formation of relay coil loop, working contact loop and fault message contact loop is dispensable. Circuit arrangement according to claim 1 to 9 characterized characterized in that when using multiple relay functional units the fault message monitoring either separately per relay functional unit or as group or collective fault message suitable connection of fault alarm contact loops can be done. Circuit arrangement according to claim 1 to 10 characterized characterized in that the realization of one or more relay functional units by suitable adaptation of individual relays on one or more Relay carrier sockets can be done in which contact tracks to form the relay coil loop, the normally open loop and the fault message loop are present can, over that an electrical connection to the terminals of the individual relay can be realized. Circuit arrangement according to claim 1 to 11 characterized marked for on-site monitoring the coil function this optically by using light emitting diodes monitored with appropriate logic circuit or by a mechanical display can be. Circuit arrangement according to claim 1 to 12 characterized characterized in that the components of the relay functional unit as well as DC DC as well for AC AC running can be and different voltage levels are possible.