DE102011011508A1 - System for condition controlling and data logging of plugged surge protection device utilized in e.g. low voltage system, has reading device with interface for data transfer to processing system, where data of system is stored in database - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has an error detection unit, a radio frequency identification-transponder and a hand reading device. The reading device has a display and operating unit and a reading head that is mechanically connected to plugged surge protection devices. The reading device has an interface for data transfer to a data processing system i.e. personal computer, where data e.g. article number and last testing data, of the processing system is stored in a database in the reading device. A stationary monitoring device has a LED display for identifying the defective protection device.

Description

The invention relates to a system for condition control and data logging of interchangeable, especially plugged overvoltage protection devices, in particular in their use in overvoltage networks and telecommunications and information technology, the respective devices having an error detection unit and are wirelessly readable and interrogated by means of an RFID transponder, Furthermore, the respective devices during the test and readout processes at their place of use, in particular slot remain according to the preamble of claim 1.

From the DE 10 2004 006 987 B3 is an arrangement for condition control and logging of overvoltage protection devices, especially when their use in low-voltage networks or information technology previously known. The local arrangement comprises at least one error detection unit structurally combined with the overvoltage protection device in a housing, wherein the error detection unit can be read and queried via an RFID transponder located in the housing. With this arrangement, a possible error case should be detected galvanically and energetically separated and display the error signal in such a way that both an on-site display and a display by remote polling is possible. In case of inspections to be carried out with inspection of system components relevant data of functioning and still intact overvoltage protection devices can be logged in order to B. with changed application requirements or preventive aspect to replace those surge protection devices in which z. For example, malfunctions may be expected until the next due revision. An Indian DE 10 2004 006 987 63 proposed handheld reader is used to read out individual overvoltage protection devices. Only one transponder installed in an overvoltage protection device, which is located in the read range of the reader, is checked here. Such a check should be possible both in the mounted and disassembled state. An interrogation routine, which is started with the reader, starts the examination of the transponder state. If no transponder is detected, an error message relating to the overvoltage protection device occurs. If, on the other hand, a transponder is detected, the data record stored in the transponder is transferred, processed in the reader and logged. In addition, the important parameters for the documentation, eg. As test data, displayed and stored for further processing.

A fixed reader can be used to simultaneously monitor multiple surge protectors. Here readers are to be used, which have a larger reading range. All transponders in read range are continuously polled. If it is detected that a transponder is no longer responding, an error message is generated. About this error message, the defective surge protection device should be identifiable.

The US 2002/0021226 A1 shows, moreover, that it is known to monitor switching states of installation devices not wired, but with the help of built-in transponders in the respective devices.

The use of transponders for wireless polling, especially in conjunction with a thermostat is in the CH 679 707 A5 explained. The use of passive transponders for monitoring electrical equipment is in the U.S. Patent 5,680,106 . U.S. Patent 5,942,991 and the EP 1 172 638 A1 explained.

Although the above-described methods and techniques of known solutions allow the detection of fault conditions of individual overvoltage protection devices or smaller groups of such protection modules. However, if z. B. in information technology systems, a very large number of lines must be provided with surge protection devices, there is an extremely high number of test objects. A more or less continuous or at defined intervals monitoring requires that each test result must be clearly assigned to a particular surge protection device and logged. This is associated with a considerable effort, so that in many cases, the desired verification does not occur.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an advanced system for condition control and data logging of replaceable, especially plugged overvoltage protection devices, especially in their use in low voltage networks as well as telecommunications and information technology, which is universally applicable and that on the method of non-contact testing of overvoltage protection Modules with integrated RFID technology goes back. It should be possible to check online in the system to be created, while ensuring that the test results for each individual protection module can be assigned and retrieved. The system should additionally create the possibility that especially very large systems with a variety of overvoltage protection devices or overvoltage protection modules can be checked online. With the help of a suitable visualization and evaluation software should be targeted without much effort Replacement of defective surge protection devices can be done.

A supplementary object of the invention is to give an on-site installer the opportunity to determine which of the overvoltage protection devices, e.g. B. arranged in a cabinet is defective and must be replaced.

The object of the invention is achieved by a system according to the feature combination according to claim 1, wherein the dependent claims comprise at least expedient refinements and developments.

It is therefore assumed that a system for condition control and data logging of replaceable, especially plugged surge protection devices, especially in their use in low-voltage networks as well as the telecommunications and information technology, the respective devices have an error detection unit and wirelessly read by means of an RFID transponder. and are interrogatable. Furthermore, during testing and readout processes, the respective devices may remain at their place of use, in particular their allocated slot.

According to the invention, a hand-held reader with display and control unit is initially provided, wherein the hand-held reader comprises a read head, which can be coupled in a defined position-related manner mechanically to the respective overvoltage protection device to be read out. For this purpose, the reading head can have two gripping arm-like attachments, which surround the overvoltage protection device designed as a plug-in part. The unique assignment of the read head to the respective overvoltage protection device to be examined via the purely mechanical, defined position-related coupling prevents unwanted reading of a close-lying, other overvoltage protection device.

The handheld reader has an interface for data transfer to a data processing system, in particular a personal computer.

The handheld reader already stores the data of the tested overvoltage protection devices in a database, with data stored in the respective overvoltage protection device being used for this purpose.

These data include at least one article number and the date of the last inspection. The data may also include asset-specific or application-specific information.

From the above description it can be seen that the handheld reader is not used solely to read out status data of the respective overvoltage protection devices and graphically, z. B. represent on an alphanumeric display. On the contrary, the handheld reader has a program-controlled intelligence, with the aid of which the test and measurement results are stored in the designated database. When storing the measurement and test results, the date or the time is accurately registered in order to be able to realize a proper, tamper-proof data processing in case of later transfer of the contents of the database to or into a central data processing unit. Since the data storage takes place stating the respective measuring and testing time and in this case by the user changed date entries are not possible, results a high security with test reports created from the data.

The system according to the invention further comprises a stationary monitoring device.

In a spatial series arrangement of a plurality of overvoltage protection devices, for. As by mounting on a continuous top hat rail, such a stationary monitoring device is integrated into the array, the stationary monitor wirelessly monitors the adjacent surge protection devices in terms of their condition and reports error conditions via telecommunications contact via a bus system.

In addition, a display for identifying the respective defective, located in the neighborhood overvoltage protection device is provided on the stationary monitor. In this case, the identification can be made, for example, via a blink code of a light-emitting diode contained in the monitoring device.

In a preferred embodiment, each monitor is spatially associated with up to 10 overvoltage protection devices, with a series arrangement of more than 5 overvoltage protection devices having the monitoring device located substantially in the middle of the overall array.

Each of the overvoltage protection devices of the series arrangement to be monitored identifies itself with respect to the monitoring device by means of an addressing code, which, moreover, can be found on each overvoltage protection device, for example. B. is specified as a letter sequence or sequence of numbers.

On the above-mentioned bus system, several monitoring devices can be connected to groups of overvoltage protection devices and be checked online. The maximum number of connected groups of monitoring devices depends only on the performance of the bus system.

Each of the stationary monitoring devices has a reset or alarm acknowledgment release button or a device operating in a similar manner on its accessible front side.

According to the invention, all test and monitoring data can be transferred to a computer device or are loaded into such a computer device, wherein the computer device has a hierarchical user interface, with the help of which a graphical status display of all tested overvoltage protection devices of a system takes place in an overview or detail display.

Furthermore, all state changes are stored in a log file and it is specifically possible by application of programmatic means a test of overvoltage protection devices.

The synchronization of the database of the handheld reader with the central database takes place via the current check date in order to avoid manipulation of or in the central database or in the creation of test reports.

The invention will be explained below with reference to an embodiment.

The handheld reader can be used in a basic application as a stand-alone device for local function testing of individual overvoltage protection devices or overvoltage protection modules.

It is possible to use the handheld reader to read out and test protection modules on site.

The test results are stored in the handheld reader in the form of a database transferable to a personal computer.

The handheld reader includes the readhead with gripping clips for mounting it on an overvoltage protection module with a cable connection between the readhead and the handheld reader.

The handheld reader also includes an operator keyboard and an alphanumeric display.

By a built-in accumulator handheld reader is used net-free, the data transfer from the handheld reader to the personal computer, for example, via a USB interface with a corresponding USB cable.

When the necessary data mapping software is loaded onto the personal computer, the data provided by the handheld reader can be read in and used for various convenience functions.

These comfort features include z. Example, the creation of databases that describe the arrangement of the respective surge protection devices, with a program-controlled examination of such a complete system can be done.

Also, the data taken from the handheld reader data are stored on the personal computer in a special memory area and protected by measures, as described below, from manipulation.

The USB connection between the personal computer and the handheld reader makes it possible to download up-to-date databases; it is also possible to upload databases and current test results from the handheld reader to the personal computer with automatic synchronization of existing databases.

With the help of the personal computer is in addition the possibility of export or import of complete databases and the printing of test reports z. These include, for example, location, article number, condition, surge protectors, exam date, examiner name and user-specific comments.

In the test report, information on the status and the time and date of the last check under the note "last successfully checked" is only output if the corresponding data records were previously synchronized with the handheld reader. This presents itself as an effective protective measure against manipulation of test results.

Thus, to create a test report, the test results must first be taken over synchronously by the handheld reader. Based solely on databases that are read on the PC, z. Eg by importing Excel files, a valid test report can not be created.

The stationary monitoring device according to the invention, like the overvoltage protection devices, is designed in a terminal block housing and permits permanent online monitoring of several overvoltage protection modules.

So z. B. a monitor up to 10 surge protection modules are assigned.

The proper condition of this selected group of protection modules is checked wirelessly by the respective monitoring device. The result is displayed locally via an integrated light-emitting diode and remotely signaled via a change-over contact present in the device.

Both the LED display and the telecommunications contact form a summary statement about the status of all protection modules assigned to the device.

By means of a pushbutton located on the front panel, each individual faulty overvoltage protection module of the group can be identified and it is possible to reset the remote signaling contact, which corresponds to an alarm acknowledgment.

A bus interface integrated in each monitor can be used to combine up to 15 monitoring devices into one complex monitoring system. On such a bus, in addition to the monitoring devices, a personal computer or a laptop can be connected.

Hierarchically tiered programs are available for monitoring and managing the data or personal computer. Thus, with a basic program, a graphical status display of the monitoring devices with associated protection modules, be made. The program also allows you to enter a system description and explain the protection modules, including saving and loading such descriptions.

All state changes of the overvoltage protection modules are logged and entered in a protected file. The current system status can be printed out and stored as a test report.

With the help of the program, it is additionally possible to test and program all protection modules assigned to the respective monitoring device. Also, the version number of the or the monitoring devices used can be queried.

With a further program, which improves the clarity due to the high number of detailed information available, several basic programs can be started and managed.

In one embodiment, it is possible to monitor and manage up to 3000 surge protection devices. This program, which is designed as a "status center", enables a graphical sum display per monitoring system, optical and acoustic signaling in the event of changes in status, display of the assigned basic program for a detailed view in the event of a fault and for processing status changes, acknowledgment of pending alarms and switching off an acoustic alarm ,

This turns the program implementation into a hierarchically structured system for monitoring overvoltage protection modules, which is able to cover all levels and operating modes of automation technology.

The current status, the date of the last test and the article number of the overvoltage protection module are already stored in the overvoltage protection module. Thus, there is always a clear assignment of the local installation location, z. B. Terminal name or slot, state of the protection module and test date given.

The respective overvoltage protection modules or overvoltage protection devices can be checked locally during installation without removing them and their status can be displayed. This can be realized both locally with the handheld reader and by using the stationary monitoring device.

In addition to the manual, regular on-site inspection with the handheld reader, the stationary monitoring device provides permanent online remote monitoring. Here, the time-consuming, manual on-site inspection can be omitted or limited to a few individual cases.

System state changes are detected immediately by the permanent monitoring. This ensures that no safety-relevant fault conditions remain undetected over a longer period of time.

Defective overvoltage protection modules can be replaced with new modules without additional aids on site. For this purpose, the use of the handheld reader or the use of the display of stationary monitoring devices in the appropriate system is sufficient.

The monitoring system gives the possibility to not only report a local display and display but also a total display or individual states.

In the simplest case, only the collective message about the status of the entire monitoring is provided by means of a remote signaling contact. This telecommunication contact can then be reset in the sense of an alarm acknowledgment.

However, it is also possible to remotely transfer the status information of each individual overvoltage protection module of the complete monitoring system via the integrated serial bus to a monitoring PC.

For such a monitoring PC, a user interface for system monitoring is created with the different functionalities can be realized. These functions include a graphical status display as an overview and detail view, the functionality of saving all status changes in a file, and the testing and programming of the protection modules.

The monitoring system also provides the ability to back-document the system description, the current equipment status and the latest test results and incorporate it into a personal computer data processing system.

For this purpose, meaningful databases are created using the associated software. Content of the databases is z. These include, for example, the description of the system configuration, information on the types of devices and article numbers used, test results, the last test date, the last successful test date and the recording of user-specific comments.

The databases of the remote reader and the personal computer are transferable and synchronized by date.

Test results of manual tests in the handheld reader are stored in a database provided there.

Test reports can be automatically generated on a personal computer using the system software.

The database with the test results can be transferred to a file, which can be imported or exported by almost all known database and spreadsheet programs for further processing.

The monitoring system is scalable according to the invention with the possibility of a demand-oriented extension with respect to the hardware and the associated software, d. H. the user interface of the monitoring system.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102004006987 B3 [0002]
• DE 10200400698763 [0002]
• US 2002/0021226 A1 [0004]
• CH 679707 A5 [0005]
• US 5680106 [0005]
• US 5942991 [0005]
• EP 1172638 A1 [0005]

Claims (7)

System for state control and data logging of interchangeable, especially plugged surge protection devices, especially when used in low-voltage networks as well as telecommunications and information technology, the respective devices have an error detection unit and wirelessly readable and interrogated by means of RFID transponders, the respective devices during the test and read processes at their place of use, in particular slot remain, characterized in that a hand-held reader is provided with display and control unit, wherein the hand-held reader comprises a read head, which is defined positionally mechanically coupled to the respective overvoltage protection device to be read, the handheld reader via a Interface for data transfer to a data processing system has, which already takes place in the handheld reader storage of the data of the surge protective devices in a database, for this purpose the data stored in the respective surge protection device is used at least with regard to the article number and date of the last test. System according to claim 1, characterized in that in a spatial arrangement of a plurality of overvoltage protection devices in the series arrangement, a stationary monitoring device is integrated, said stationary monitoring device wirelessly monitors the respective adjacent surge protective devices with respect to their condition and reports fault conditions by means of telecommunications contact and / or a bus system , wherein further provided on the stationary monitoring device, a display for identifying the respective defective, located in the neighborhood overvoltage protection device. System according to claim 2, characterized in that each monitor is spatially associated with up to 10 overvoltage protection devices, wherein in the series arrangement of more than 5 overvoltage protection devices, the monitoring device is located substantially in the middle of the total row arrangement. System according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that on the bus system, several monitoring devices with groups of overvoltage protection devices are online verifiable. System according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that each of the monitoring devices on its accessible front side has a reset or alarm acknowledgment triggering device. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all test and monitoring data are transmitted or loaded in a computer device, wherein the computer device has a hierarchical user interface, with the aid of which a graphical status display of the overvoltage protection devices of a system in overview and detailed representation , all state changes are stored in a log file and a test of overvoltage protection devices of the respective system is possible. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a synchronization of the database of the handheld reader with the central database on the current date takes place in order to avoid manipulation of or in the central database or in the preparation of test reports.