EP2845211B1 - Monitoring sytem of an electromagnetic relay - Google Patents

Monitoring sytem of an electromagnetic relay Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2845211B1
EP2845211B1 EP12733443.1A EP12733443A EP2845211B1 EP 2845211 B1 EP2845211 B1 EP 2845211B1 EP 12733443 A EP12733443 A EP 12733443A EP 2845211 B1 EP2845211 B1 EP 2845211B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
relay
current
coil
switching
current signal
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EP12733443.1A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2845211A1 (en
Inventor
Martin KRUSS
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Siemens AG
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Siemens AG
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/0015—Means for testing or for inspecting contacts, e.g. wear indicator
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H47/00—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the relay and designed to obtain desired operating characteristics or to provide energising current
    • H01H47/002—Monitoring or fail-safe circuits
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/50—Means for detecting the presence of an arc or discharge
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/0015—Means for testing or for inspecting contacts, e.g. wear indicator
    • H01H2001/0031—Means for testing or for inspecting contacts, e.g. wear indicator by analysing radiation emitted by arc or trace material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H47/00—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the relay and designed to obtain desired operating characteristics or to provide energising current
    • H01H2047/008—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the relay and designed to obtain desired operating characteristics or to provide energising current with a drop in current upon closure of armature or change of inductance

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a switching arrangement comprising an electromagnetic relay having a relay coil, relay contacts and a relay armature operatively connected to the relay contacts, and having a monitoring device adapted to monitor the operation of the relay.
  • the invention also relates to a method for monitoring the functioning of such an electromagnetic relay.
  • Electromagnetic relays In electrical devices, electromagnetic relays are often used to perform controlled switching operations. Electromagnetic relays usually consist of a relay coil and at least one pair of electrical relay contacts. If an electric current is applied to the relay coil, the relay coil generates a magnetic field which sets a relay armature in motion, whereby - in the case of self-opening relays - a closing of the relay contacts is effected so that a current flow through the relay contacts is possible. If the current flowing through the relay coil is interrupted again, the movable part of the relay contacts, for example by means of a spring device, is moved back into its starting position via the relay armature, which causes the relay contacts to open and interrupts the flow of current through them. For self-closing relay, the contacts are closed in the de-energized state of the relay coil and opened in the current-carrying state; Change-over relays switch between two switching states.
  • Electromagnetic relays are usually used where, by means of a comparatively low current from a drive circuit, a comparatively larger current in a switching circuit to be switched on or off.
  • the electromagnetic relay in this case forms a Galvanic decoupling of the control circuit and the switching circuit.
  • Electromagnetic relays are used, for example, in electrical protective devices for monitoring electrical energy supply networks in order to trigger a tripping of an electrical circuit breaker in the event of a fault in the electrical energy supply network by closing the relay contacts of a so-called "command relay", thus interrupting the fault current.
  • electromagnetic relays in such safety-relevant areas, it is of utmost importance to ensure the functional reliability of the relay at all times or to replace defective relays at short notice.
  • a monitoring of the relay can be made to detect the actual state of wear of the relay can.
  • it makes sense initially to return their actual state, ie open or closed, to the control device of the relay coil.
  • an error in the relay control is concluded.
  • monitoring is relatively complex, because in this case the achieved by the relay galvanic decoupling between control circuit and switching circuit for feedback of information about the state of the relay contacts must be exceeded.
  • an error can only be detected if it has already occurred, ie the relay contacts have already assumed an undesired state. A predictive monitoring is not possible.
  • US 2011/228438 A1 discloses a switching arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method according to the preamble of claim 8.
  • the invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a switching arrangement of the type mentioned above and a method to allow a predictive review of the relay contacts and the relay armature to possibly occurred errors.
  • the invention is based on the finding that by the movement of the relay armature of the primary side by the relay coil flowing coil current influenced in a typical manner becomes. Therefore, the monitoring device can make an indication of the functionality of the relay on the basis of the coil current indicating current signal.
  • the invention provides that the monitoring device is configured to monitor the operation of the relay the course of the current signal when switching on and / or off the relay - ie during the movement phases of the relay armature - to investigate.
  • the monitoring device is adapted to monitor the operation of the relay when switching on the relay, the course of the current signal then whether it has a local minimum, and in the absence of local Minimums to generate a first error signal indicating a defect of the relay.
  • the movement of the relay armature reduces the air gap and thus also the magnetic resistance in the relay coil. This increases the magnetic flux, so that the current flow of the coil current is reduced accordingly.
  • the relay armature strikes its end position, the relay contacts and the air gap in the relay coil are closed and a local minimum of the current flow of the coil current is achieved. Thereafter, the magnetic field and the coil current build up along a conventional charging curve.
  • the monitoring device can therefore use the occurrence of the local minimum to make a statement as to whether the relay armature has reached its end position and the switch-on process has therefore expired as expected.
  • the monitoring device is set up to carry out the checking of the course of the current signal during a test time and to generate the first error signal if the local minimum does not occur until the end of the first test time.
  • the monitoring device is set up to examine the course of the current signal, if after the occurrence of the local minimum another local minimum follows, and upon the occurrence of the further local minimum, generate a second error signal indicating a failure of the relay.
  • a further advantageous embodiment of the switching arrangement according to the invention also provides that the monitoring device is set up to wait for a predetermined waiting time after the start of the switching of the relay before it begins with the monitoring of the functionality of the relay.
  • the monitoring device is adapted to monitor the operation of the relay when switching off the relay, the course of the current signal to see whether it has a local maximum, and in the absence of the local Maximum to produce a third error signal indicating a defect of the relay.
  • the monitoring of the functionality of the relay can also be checked during the switch-off of the relay coil become.
  • the magnetic field in the coil first builds up, which is reflected in a decreasing course of the coil current. If the magnetic field has become sufficiently weak, the relay armature can no longer be held in its switched-on position and begins to move in the direction of its rest position.
  • a coil current is again induced in the relay coil by the movement of the relay armature, which degrades gradually only after reaching the rest position of the relay armature, so that the course of the coil current has a local maximum at the time of reaching the rest position of the relay armature. Based on this local maximum, the monitoring device can therefore monitor the expected course of the shutdown of the relay.
  • the switching arrangement in the current path of the relay coil has a measuring resistor through which the coil current when switching off the relay flows.
  • the monitoring device is configured to monitor a noise of the current signal when the relay is switched off and to generate a wear signal indicating wear of the relay contacts if the noise of the current signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value for a period of time which is longer than a predetermined tolerance period.
  • the invention is based on the finding that a switching spark occurring when the relay contacts are opened generates a high-frequency signal which has an effect on the relay coil on the primary side of the relay and induces a correspondingly high-frequency noise signal there.
  • the duration of the noise of the current signal can therefore be concluded on the duration of the switching spark and thus on a wear of the switching contacts, since with increasing wear of the switching contacts, the duration of the switching spark also increases. If the duration of the noise - and thus the duration of the switching spark - exceeds a predetermined tolerance period (to be determined, for example, by switching attempts for each relay type), the wear signal is generated.
  • the duration of the noise is regarded as the time duration during which the noise-specifically an amplitude of the superimposed noise signal-exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
  • the course of the current signal when switching on and / or switching off the relay is examined to monitor the functionality of the relay.
  • the course of the current signal is then checked whether it has a local minimum, and in the absence of the local minimum, a defect of the relay is detected.
  • the course of the current signal is examined to monitor the functionality of the relay when the relay is switched off, whether it has a local maximum and even if the local maximum is absent a defect of the relay is detected.
  • FIG. 1 is an extremely schematic representation of an embodiment of a switching arrangement 10 is shown.
  • the switching arrangement 10 comprises an electromagnetic relay 11 having a relay coil 11a, a relay armature 11b and schematically indicated relay contacts 11c for closing and interrupting a switching current path 12, not further described below, to which any electrical load can be connected.
  • the switching arrangement further comprises a voltage source 13, which serves to provide a switch-on voltage to be applied to the relay coil 11a for switching on the relay 11, a current measuring device 14 in the form of any suitable current sensor and a monitoring device 15 which is used to monitor the functioning of the relay 11, in particular the Relay contacts 11c and the relay armature 11b, is set.
  • the switching arrangement has a measuring resistor 16 which can be connected via a switching device 17 to the relay coil 11a and serves to detect the coil current flowing through the relay coil when the relay 11 is switched off.
  • FIG. 2 a diagram with a typical course 21 of the coil current during the switching of the relay 11.
  • a curve 22 of the contact voltage is shown, that is the voltage which can be applied via the relay contacts 11c to a load connected to the switching current path.
  • a turn-on voltage is applied to the relay coil via the voltage source 13.
  • This first causes an increase of the coil current (current waveform 21) during a first period T 1 , until after expiration of T 1, a local maximum of the coil current is reached and the relay armature of the relay begins to move.
  • the movement of the relay armature during a second period T 2 leads to a closing of the relay contacts 11 c.
  • the moving relay armature 11b influences the magnetic field of the relay coil 11a so that the coil current first drops and tends towards a local minimum.
  • the monitoring device 15 is supplied with a current signal emitted by the current measuring device and characterizing the coil current. As a result of the course of the current signal, the monitoring device 15 can recognize the proper operation of the switch-on process by monitoring the course of the current signal in response to the occurrence of the local minimum 23. If this local minimum does not occur within a predetermined test time T P, on, then the monitoring device 15 outputs a first error signal which indicates a defect of the relay.
  • the test time T P, a can be based on the maximum specified in the data sheet of the relay 11 duration of the switch-on, this is usually specified by the relay manufacturers in the corresponding technical data sheets.
  • the monitoring device 15 is not activated until after expiration a predetermined waiting time T W begins with the investigation of the course of the current signal.
  • the waiting time T W should be dimensioned so short that only fluctuations at the beginning of the switch-on are excluded from the analysis, but there is no risk that the local minimum 23 itself could be excluded.
  • the monitoring device 15 can also be set up to further investigate the course of the current signal after detection of the local minimum 23, as to whether another (or more) local minimum occurs (not in FIG FIG. 2 shown). This could indicate unwanted repeated opening or incomplete closing of the relay contacts 11c. In this case, the monitoring device 15 would generate a second error signal when it detects such a further local minimum. This form of further monitoring can be carried out, for example, during a connection period T 3 .
  • FIG. 3 finally shows a diagram in which a course 31 of the coil current and a curve 32 of the contact voltage during the turn-off of the relay 11 are shown.
  • the switch-off operation begins by disconnecting the relay coil 11a from the voltage source 13 via the switching device 17.
  • a current path via the measuring resistor 16 is closed, over which the coil current flows during the switch-off operation, so that a detection of the coil current via the current measuring device 14 is possible.
  • the magnetic field of the relay coil 11a Due to the no longer applied turn-on voltage, the magnetic field of the relay coil 11a begins to degrade, which can be seen in the course of the coil current in the period T 4 . If the magnetic field of the relay coil 11a then reaches a minimum value, the relay armature 11b can no longer be held in its switched-on position and begins to move in the direction of the rest position.
  • the period of movement of the relay armature 11b to its final OFF position is in FIG. 3 indicated as T 5 . During the period T 5 breaks through the opening of the switch contacts 11 c and the contact voltage, which can be seen on the course 32 of the contact voltage.
  • the monitoring device 15 can thus detect the proper course of the switch-off process on the course of the output from the current measuring device, the coil current characterizing current signal by monitoring the course of the current signal to the occurrence of the local maximum 33 out. If this local maximum does not occur within a predetermined second test time T P, OFF, the monitoring device 15 emits a third error signal which indicates a defect in the relay.
  • the test time T P, out can be based on the maximum duration of a switch-off operation of the relay 11, this is normally specified by the relay manufacturers in the corresponding technical data sheets.
  • the monitoring device 15 when switching off the relay 11 also investigates a noise behavior of the current signal (in FIG. 3 shown schematically as a superimposed noise signal 34).
  • the duration of a stronger superimposed noise signal can namely a conclusion on the duration of a switching spark, which occurs when opening between the relay contacts 11 c, and causes due to its high-frequency properties influencing the coil current in the form of a superimposed noise signal. If the duration of the noise signal caused by the switching spark exceeds a predetermined tolerance period, the monitoring device 15 emits an aging signal which causes an advanced wear of the relay contacts indicates, so that an exchange of the relay 11 can be caused.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Schaltanordnung mit einem elektromagnetischen Relais, das eine Relaisspule, Relaiskontakte und einen mit den Relaiskontakten in Wirkverbindung stehenden Relaisanker aufweist, und mit einer Überwachungseinrichtung, die zur Überwachung der Funktionstüchtigkeit des Relais eingerichtet ist. Die Erfindung bezieht sich auch auf ein Verfahren zum Überwachen der Funktionstüchtigkeit eines solchen elektromagnetischen Relais.The invention relates to a switching arrangement comprising an electromagnetic relay having a relay coil, relay contacts and a relay armature operatively connected to the relay contacts, and having a monitoring device adapted to monitor the operation of the relay. The invention also relates to a method for monitoring the functioning of such an electromagnetic relay.

In elektrischen Geräten werden zur Durchführung von gesteuerten Schalthandlungen häufig elektromagnetische Relais eingesetzt. Elektromagnetische Relais bestehen üblicherweise aus einer Relaisspule und zumindest einem Paar elektrischer Relaiskontakte. Wird an die Relaisspule ein elektrischer Strom angelegt, so wird in der die Relaisspule ein Magnetfeld erzeugt, das einen Relaisanker in Bewegung setzt, wodurch - bei selbstöffnenden Relais - ein Schließen der Relaiskontakte bewirkt wird, so dass ein Stromfluss über die Relaiskontakte möglich ist. Wird der durch die Relaisspule fließende Strom wieder unterbrochen, so wird über den Relaisanker der bewegliche Teil der Relaiskontakte, beispielsweise mittels einer Federeinrichtung, in seine Ausgangslage zurückbewegt, was ein Öffnen der Relaiskontakte bewirkt und den Stromfluss über diese unterbricht. Bei selbstschließenden Relais sind die Kontakte im stromlosen Zustand der Relaisspule geschlossen und im stromdurchflossenen Zustand geöffnet; Umschaltrelais schalten zwischen zwei Schaltzuständen um.In electrical devices, electromagnetic relays are often used to perform controlled switching operations. Electromagnetic relays usually consist of a relay coil and at least one pair of electrical relay contacts. If an electric current is applied to the relay coil, the relay coil generates a magnetic field which sets a relay armature in motion, whereby - in the case of self-opening relays - a closing of the relay contacts is effected so that a current flow through the relay contacts is possible. If the current flowing through the relay coil is interrupted again, the movable part of the relay contacts, for example by means of a spring device, is moved back into its starting position via the relay armature, which causes the relay contacts to open and interrupts the flow of current through them. For self-closing relay, the contacts are closed in the de-energized state of the relay coil and opened in the current-carrying state; Change-over relays switch between two switching states.

Elektromagnetische Relais werden üblicherweise dort eingesetzt, wo mittels eines vergleichsweise geringen Stromes aus einem Ansteuerstromkreis ein vergleichsweise größerer Strom in einem Schaltstromkreis ein- oder ausgeschaltet werden soll. Das elektromagnetische Relais bildet in diesem Fall eine galvanische Entkopplung des Ansteuerstromkreises und des Schaltstromkreises.Electromagnetic relays are usually used where, by means of a comparatively low current from a drive circuit, a comparatively larger current in a switching circuit to be switched on or off. The electromagnetic relay in this case forms a Galvanic decoupling of the control circuit and the switching circuit.

Elektromagnetische Relais werden beispielsweise in elektrischen Schutzgeräten zur Überwachung elektrischer Energieversorgungsnetze eingesetzt, um im Falle eines Fehlers (z.B. eines Kurzschlusses) in dem elektrischen Energieversorgungsnetz durch Schließen der Relaiskontakte eines sogenannten "Kommandorelais" eine Auslösung eines elektrischen Leistungsschalters zu veranlassen und so den Fehlerstrom zu unterbrechen. Beim Einsatz von elektromagnetischen Relais in solchen sicherheitsrelevanten Gebieten ist es von größter Wichtigkeit, die Funktionstüchtigkeit des Relais zu jedem Zeitpunkt zu gewährleisten bzw. defekte Relais kurzfristig austauschen zu können.Electromagnetic relays are used, for example, in electrical protective devices for monitoring electrical energy supply networks in order to trigger a tripping of an electrical circuit breaker in the event of a fault in the electrical energy supply network by closing the relay contacts of a so-called "command relay", thus interrupting the fault current. When using electromagnetic relays in such safety-relevant areas, it is of utmost importance to ensure the functional reliability of the relay at all times or to replace defective relays at short notice.

Da aufgrund von mechanischen Abnutzungen, insbesondere Kontaktabbrand, die Lebensdauer eines Relais prinzipiell begrenzt ist, kann vorgesehen sein, Relais an besonders sicherheitsrelevanten Stellen regelmäßig auszutauschen, bevor eine prognostizierte maximale Lebensdauer erreicht ist. Ein solcher vorauseilender Austausch des Relais stellt jedoch eine rein statische Maßnahme dar und steht in keinem Verhältnis zur tatsächlichen Abnutzung des Relais.Since due to mechanical wear, in particular contact erosion, the life of a relay is in principle limited, it can be provided to replace relays at particularly safety-relevant sites regularly before a predicted maximum life is reached. However, such an anticipatory replacement of the relay is a purely static measure and is disproportionate to the actual wear of the relay.

Alternativ kann eine Überwachung des Relais vorgenommen werden, um den tatsächlichen Abnutzungszustand des Relais erkennen zu können. Um eine Überwachung des Zustandes der Relaiskontakte vorzunehmen, bietet es sich zunächst an, ihren tatsächlichen Zustand, d.h. geöffnet oder geschlossen, an die Ansteuereinrichtung der Relaisspule zurückzukoppeln. Bei einer Abweichung zwischen dem Soll- und dem Istzustand der Relaiskontakte wird auf einen Fehler in der Relaisansteuerung geschlossen. Eine solche Überwachung ist jedoch vergleichsweise aufwändig, weil hierbei die von dem Relais erreichte galvanische Entkopplung zwischen Ansteuerstromkreis und Schaltstromkreis zur Rückkopplung der Information über den Zustand der Relaiskontakte überschritten werden muss. Außerdem lässt sich ein Fehler hierbei nur dann erkennen, wenn er bereits eingetreten ist, also die Relaiskontakte bereits einen ungewünschten Zustand eingenommen haben. Eine vorausschauende Überwachung ist nicht möglich.Alternatively, a monitoring of the relay can be made to detect the actual state of wear of the relay can. In order to carry out a monitoring of the state of the relay contacts, it makes sense initially to return their actual state, ie open or closed, to the control device of the relay coil. In case of a deviation between the setpoint and the actual state of the relay contacts, an error in the relay control is concluded. However, such monitoring is relatively complex, because in this case the achieved by the relay galvanic decoupling between control circuit and switching circuit for feedback of information about the state of the relay contacts must be exceeded. Furthermore In this case, an error can only be detected if it has already occurred, ie the relay contacts have already assumed an undesired state. A predictive monitoring is not possible.

Zudem wurden Bestrebungen unternommen, den Ansteuerstromkreis der Relaisspule möglichst fehlersicher auszugestalten. So ist z.B. aus der internationalen Patentanmeldung WO2009/062536 A1 bekannt, eine Ansteuerschaltung für eine Relaisspule mit zwei Schalteinrichtungen, z.B. Transistoren, zu versehen und den durch die beiden Schalteinrichtungen und die Relaisspule verlaufenden Strompfad durch Prüfsignale zu testen, die derart kurz ausgebildet sind, dass sie keine Bewegung der Relaiskontakte bewirken können. Mit dem bekannten Verfahren lässt sich zwar vorteilhaft der Ansteuerstromkreis für das Relais überwachen, ein Fehler auf Seiten der Relaiskontakte, z.B. ein Verschmelzen der Relaiskontakte oder ein Festklemmen eines die Relaiskontakte bewegenden Relaisankers kann mit der bekannten Überwachungsmethode jedoch nicht ausgeschlossen werden.In addition, attempts have been made to design the drive circuit of the relay coil as fail-safe as possible. For example, from the international patent application WO2009 / 062536 A1 known to provide a drive circuit for a relay coil with two switching devices, such as transistors, and to test the current passing through the two switching devices and the relay coil current path by test signals that are formed so short that they can not cause movement of the relay contacts. Although the control circuit for the relay can advantageously be monitored with the known method, an error on the part of the relay contacts, for example a fusion of the relay contacts or a clamping of a relay armature moving the relay contacts, can not be ruled out with the known monitoring method.

US 2011/228438 A1 offenbart eine Schaltanordnung gemäß dem Oberbegriff vom Anspruch 1 und ein Verfahren gemäß dem Oberbegriff vom Anspruch 8. US 2011/228438 A1 discloses a switching arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method according to the preamble of claim 8.

Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Schaltanordnung der eingangs genannten Art sowie ein Verfahren anzugeben, um eine vorausschauende Überprüfung der Relaiskontakte und des Relaisankers auf ggf. aufgetretene Fehler zu ermöglichen.The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a switching arrangement of the type mentioned above and a method to allow a predictive review of the relay contacts and the relay armature to possibly occurred errors.

Diese Aufgabe wird hinsichtlich der Schaltanordnung durch eine Schaltanordnung gemäß Anspruch 1 gelöst.This object is achieved with regard to the switching arrangement by a switching arrangement according to claim 1.

Der Erfindung liegt die Erkenntnis zugrunde, dass durch die Bewegung des Relaisankers der primärseitig durch die Relaisspule fließende Spulenstrom in typischer Weise beeinflusst wird. Daher kann die Überwachungseinrichtung anhand des den Spulenstrom angebenden Stromsignals eine Angabe über die Funktionstüchtigkeit des Relais machen.The invention is based on the finding that by the movement of the relay armature of the primary side by the relay coil flowing coil current influenced in a typical manner becomes. Therefore, the monitoring device can make an indication of the functionality of the relay on the basis of the coil current indicating current signal.

Da die Beeinflussung des Spulenstroms durch eine Bewegung des Relaisankers hervorgerufen wird, ist erfindungsgemäß vorgesehen, dass die Überwachungseinrichtung dazu eingerichtet ist, zur Überwachung der Funktionstüchtigkeit des Relais den Verlauf des Stromsignals beim Einschalten und/oder Ausschalten des Relais - also während der Bewegungsphasen des Relaisankers - zu untersuchen.Since the influence of the coil current is caused by a movement of the relay armature, the invention provides that the monitoring device is configured to monitor the operation of the relay the course of the current signal when switching on and / or off the relay - ie during the movement phases of the relay armature - to investigate.

Konkret kann gemäß einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Schaltanordnung vorgesehen sein, dass die Überwachungseinrichtung dazu eingerichtet ist, zur Überwachung der Funktionstüchtigkeit des Relais beim Einschalten des Relais den Verlauf des Stromsignals daraufhin zu untersuchen, ob dieser ein lokales Minimum aufweist, und bei Ausbleiben des lokalen Minimums ein erstes Fehlersignal zu erzeugen, das einen Defekt des Relais angibt.Specifically, according to a further advantageous embodiment of the switching arrangement according to the invention can be provided that the monitoring device is adapted to monitor the operation of the relay when switching on the relay, the course of the current signal then whether it has a local minimum, and in the absence of local Minimums to generate a first error signal indicating a defect of the relay.

Beim Einschalten des Relais verringert nämlich die Bewegung des Relaisankers den Luftspalt und damit auch den magnetischen Widerstand in der Relaisspule. Dadurch erhöht sich der magnetische Fluss, so dass sich der Stromfluss des Spulenstroms entsprechend reduziert. Beim Auftreffen des Relaisankers auf seine Endlage werden die Relaiskontakte und der Luftspalt in der Relaisspule geschlossen und es wird ein lokales Minimum des Stromflusses des Spulenstroms erreicht. Danach bauen sich das Magnetfeld und der Spulenstrom entlang einer üblichen Ladekurve auf. Die Überwachungseinrichtung kann daher anhand des Auftretens des lokalen Minimums eine Aussage darüber machen, ob der Relaisanker seine Endlage erreicht hat und der Einschaltvorgang folglich erwartungsgemäß abgelaufen ist.When the relay is switched on, the movement of the relay armature reduces the air gap and thus also the magnetic resistance in the relay coil. This increases the magnetic flux, so that the current flow of the coil current is reduced accordingly. When the relay armature strikes its end position, the relay contacts and the air gap in the relay coil are closed and a local minimum of the current flow of the coil current is achieved. Thereafter, the magnetic field and the coil current build up along a conventional charging curve. The monitoring device can therefore use the occurrence of the local minimum to make a statement as to whether the relay armature has reached its end position and the switch-on process has therefore expired as expected.

In diesem Zusammenhang kann gemäß zudem vorgesehen sein, dass die Überwachungseinrichtung dazu eingerichtet ist, die Überprüfung des Verlaufs des Stromsignals während einer Prüfzeit durchzuführen und das erste Fehlersignal zu erzeugen, wenn bis zum Ablauf der ersten Prüfzeit das lokale Minimum ausbleibt.In this connection, according to the invention, it can also be provided that the monitoring device is set up to carry out the checking of the course of the current signal during a test time and to generate the first error signal if the local minimum does not occur until the end of the first test time.

Um auch ein unvollständiges oder wiederholtes Schließen der Relaiskontakte beim Einschaltvorgang erkennen zu können, kann gemäß einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Schaltanordnung vorgesehen sein, dass die Überwachungseinrichtung dazu eingerichtet ist, den Verlauf des Stromsignals daraufhin zu untersuchen, ob nach dem Auftreten des lokalen Minimums ein weiteres lokales Minimum folgt, und beim Auftreten des weiteren lokalen Minimums ein zweites Fehlersignal zu erzeugen, das einen Defekt des Relais angibt.In order to be able to recognize an incomplete or repeated closing of the relay contacts during the switch-on process, according to a further advantageous embodiment of the switching arrangement according to the invention, it can be provided that the monitoring device is set up to examine the course of the current signal, if after the occurrence of the local minimum another local minimum follows, and upon the occurrence of the further local minimum, generate a second error signal indicating a failure of the relay.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Schaltanordnung sieht zudem vor, dass die Überwachungseinrichtung dazu eingerichtet ist, nach Beginn des Einschaltvorgangs des Relais eine vorbestimmte Wartezeit abzuwarten, bevor sie mit der Überwachung der Funktionstüchtigkeit des Relais beginnt.A further advantageous embodiment of the switching arrangement according to the invention also provides that the monitoring device is set up to wait for a predetermined waiting time after the start of the switching of the relay before it begins with the monitoring of the functionality of the relay.

Hierdurch können Schwankungen des Spulenstroms in der Anfangsphase des Einschaltvorgangs von der Analyse durch die Überwachungseinrichtung sicher ausgeschlossen werden. Gemäß einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Schaltanordnung kann zudem vorgesehen sein, dass die Überwachungseinrichtung dazu eingerichtet ist, zur Überwachung der Funktionstüchtigkeit des Relais beim Ausschalten des Relais den Verlauf des Stromsignals daraufhin zu untersuchen, ob dieser ein lokales Maximum aufweist, und bei Ausbleiben des lokalen Maximums ein drittes Fehlersignal zu erzeugen, das einen Defekt des Relais angibt.As a result, fluctuations in the coil current in the initial phase of the switch-on process can be reliably excluded from the analysis by the monitoring device. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the switching arrangement according to the invention can also be provided that the monitoring device is adapted to monitor the operation of the relay when switching off the relay, the course of the current signal to see whether it has a local maximum, and in the absence of the local Maximum to produce a third error signal indicating a defect of the relay.

Hierdurch kann die Überwachung der Funktionstüchtigkeit des Relais auch beim Ausschaltvorgang der Relaisspule überprüft werden. Typischerweise baut sich nämlich beim Ausschalten eines Relais zunächst das Magnetfeld in der Spule ab, was sich an einem abnehmenden Verlauf des Spulenstroms zeigt. Ist das Magnetfeld ausreichend schwach geworden, kann der Relaisanker nicht mehr in seiner eingeschalteten Stellung gehalten werden und beginnt sich, in Richtung seiner Ruhelage zu bewegen. Durch die Bewegung des Relaisankers wird jedoch erneut ein Spulenstrom in der Relaisspule induziert, der sich erst nach Erreichen der Ruhelage des Relaisankers allmählich wieder abbaut, so dass der Verlauf des Spulenstroms zum Zeitpunkt des Erreichens der Ruhelage des Relaisankers ein lokales Maximum aufweist. Anhand dieses lokalen Maximums kann die Überwachungseinrichtung daher den erwartungsgemäßen Ablauf des Abschaltvorgangs des Relais überwachen.As a result, the monitoring of the functionality of the relay can also be checked during the switch-off of the relay coil become. Typically, when a relay is switched off, the magnetic field in the coil first builds up, which is reflected in a decreasing course of the coil current. If the magnetic field has become sufficiently weak, the relay armature can no longer be held in its switched-on position and begins to move in the direction of its rest position. However, a coil current is again induced in the relay coil by the movement of the relay armature, which degrades gradually only after reaching the rest position of the relay armature, so that the course of the coil current has a local maximum at the time of reaching the rest position of the relay armature. Based on this local maximum, the monitoring device can therefore monitor the expected course of the shutdown of the relay.

Da die Relaisspule zum Ausschalten stromlos geschaltet wird, wird gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform in diesem Zusammenhang zudem vorgeschlagen, dass die Schaltanordnung im Strompfad der Relaisspule einen Messwiderstand aufweist, über den der Spulenstrom beim Ausschalten des Relais fließt.Since the relay coil is switched to de-energize for switching off, it is also proposed according to an advantageous embodiment in this context that the switching arrangement in the current path of the relay coil has a measuring resistor through which the coil current when switching off the relay flows.

Hierdurch wird eine Messung des Spulenstroms durch die Strommesseinrichtung ermöglicht.As a result, a measurement of the coil current is made possible by the current measuring device.

Erfindungsgemäß ist die Überwachungseinrichtung dazu eingerichtet, ein Rauschen des Stromsignals beim Ausschalten des Relais zu überwachen und ein eine Abnutzung der Relaiskontakte angebendes Abnutzungssignal zu erzeugen, wenn das Rauschen des Stromsignals während einer Zeitdauer, die länger ist als eine vorgegebene Toleranzzeitdauer, einen vorgegebenen Schwellenwert übersteigt.According to the invention, the monitoring device is configured to monitor a noise of the current signal when the relay is switched off and to generate a wear signal indicating wear of the relay contacts if the noise of the current signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value for a period of time which is longer than a predetermined tolerance period.

Der Erfindung liegt die Erkenntnis zugrunde, dass ein beim Öffnen der Relaiskontakte auftretender Schaltfunken ein hochfrequentes Signal erzeugt, das sich auf der Primärseite des Relais auf die Relaisspule auswirkt und dort ein entsprechend hochfrequentes Rauschsignal induziert. Durch die Überwachung der Dauer des Rauschens des Stromsignals kann daher auf die Dauer des Schaltfunkens und damit auf eine Abnutzung der Schaltkontakte geschlossen werden, da mit steigender Abnutzung der Schaltkontakte die Dauer des Schaltfunkens ebenfalls ansteigt. Übersteigt die Dauer des Rauschens - und damit die Dauer des Schaltfunkens - eine vorgegebene (z.B. durch Schaltversuche für jeden Relaistyp festzulegende) Toleranzzeitdauer, wird das Abnutzungssignal erzeugt. Hierbei wird die Dauer des Rauschens als diejenige Zeitdauer angesehen, während der das Rauschen - konkret eine Amplitude des überlagerten Rauschsignals - einen vorgegebenen Schwellenwert überschreitet. Als Ergebnis dieser Analyse kann ein rechtzeitiger Austausch der Relaisbaugruppe veranlasst werden.The invention is based on the finding that a switching spark occurring when the relay contacts are opened generates a high-frequency signal which has an effect on the relay coil on the primary side of the relay and induces a correspondingly high-frequency noise signal there. By the Monitoring the duration of the noise of the current signal can therefore be concluded on the duration of the switching spark and thus on a wear of the switching contacts, since with increasing wear of the switching contacts, the duration of the switching spark also increases. If the duration of the noise - and thus the duration of the switching spark - exceeds a predetermined tolerance period (to be determined, for example, by switching attempts for each relay type), the wear signal is generated. In this case, the duration of the noise is regarded as the time duration during which the noise-specifically an amplitude of the superimposed noise signal-exceeds a predetermined threshold value. As a result of this analysis, a timely replacement of the relay assembly can be initiated.

Die oben genannte Aufgabe wird hinsichtlich des Verfahrens durch ein Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 8 gelöst.The above object is achieved with respect to the method by a method according to claim 8.

Erfindungsgemäß ist vorgesehen, dass zur Überwachung der Funktionstüchtigkeit des Relais der Verlauf des Stromsignals beim Einschalten und/oder Ausschalten des Relais untersucht wird.According to the invention it is provided that the course of the current signal when switching on and / or switching off the relay is examined to monitor the functionality of the relay.

Konkret kann beispielsweise vorgesehen sein, dass zur Überwachung der Funktionstüchtigkeit des Relais beim Einschalten des Relais der Verlauf des Stromsignals daraufhin untersucht wird, ob dieser ein lokales Minimum aufweist, und bei Ausbleiben des lokalen Minimums ein Defekt des Relais erkannt wird.Specifically, for example, be provided to monitor the operation of the relay when switching on the relay, the course of the current signal is then checked whether it has a local minimum, and in the absence of the local minimum, a defect of the relay is detected.

Um auch beim Ausschalten des Relais eine Überwachung vornehmen zu können, kann zudem vorgesehen sein, dass zur Überwachung der Funktionstüchtigkeit des Relais beim Ausschalten des Relais der Verlauf des Stromsignals daraufhin untersucht wird, ob dieser ein lokales Maximum aufweist, und auch bei Ausbleiben des lokalen Maximums ein Defekt des Relais erkannt wird.In order to be able to monitor even when the relay is switched off, it can also be provided that the course of the current signal is examined to monitor the functionality of the relay when the relay is switched off, whether it has a local maximum and even if the local maximum is absent a defect of the relay is detected.

Erfindungsgemäß wird vorgeschlagen, dass beim Ausschalten des Relais ein Rauschverhalten des Stromsignals überwacht wird und eine Abnutzung der Relaiskontakte erkannt wird, wenn das Rauschen des Stromsignals während einer Zeitdauer, die länger ist als eine vorgegebene Toleranzzeitdauer, einen vorgegebenen Schwellenwert übersteigt.According to the invention it is proposed that when the relay is turned off, a noise behavior of the current signal is monitored and wear of the relay contacts is detected when the noise of the current signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value for a period longer than a predetermined tolerance period.

Hinsichtlich der Vorteile des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens und seiner vorteilhaften Ausführungsformen wird auf die zu der erfindungsgemäßen Schaltanordnung erläuterten Vorteile verwiesen.With regard to the advantages of the method according to the invention and its advantageous embodiments, reference is made to the advantages explained for the switching arrangement according to the invention.

Die Erfindung wird im Folgenden anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert. Hierzu zeigen

Figur 1
ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Schaltanordnung mit einem elektromagnetischen Relais und einer Überwachungseinrichtung zur Überwachung des Funktionstüchtigkeit des Relais;
Figur 2
ein erstes Diagramm zur Erläuterung eines typischen Verlaufs des Spulenstroms während des Einschaltens des Relais; und
Figur 3
ein zweites Diagramm zur Erläuterung eines typischen Verlaufs des Spulenstroms während des Ausschaltens des Relais.
The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment. Show this
FIG. 1
an embodiment of a switching arrangement with an electromagnetic relay and a monitoring device for monitoring the functionality of the relay;
FIG. 2
a first diagram for explaining a typical course of the coil current during the switching of the relay; and
FIG. 3
a second diagram for explaining a typical course of the coil current during the switching off of the relay.

Die folgenden Ausführungen werden lediglich beispielhaft für ein Relais des Typs "Schließer" gemacht, also einem Relais, das bei Anregung der Relaisspule ausgangsseitig seine Kontakte schließt. Die beschriebene Vorgehensweise kann ohne weiteres auch auf Relais des Typs "Öffner" oder Umschaltrelais angewandt werden.The following explanations are only an example of a relay of the type "NO" made, so a relay that closes its contacts on excitation of the relay coil on the output side. The described procedure can also be applied without problem to relays of the type "normally closed" or change-over relay.

In Figur 1 ist in höchstschematischer Darstellung ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Schaltanordnung 10 gezeigt. Die Schaltanordnung 10 umfasst ein elektromagnetisches Relais 11 mit einer Relaisspule 11a, einem Relaisanker 11b und schematisch angedeuteten Relaiskontakten 11c zum Schließen und Unterbrechen eines im Weiteren nicht näher dargestellten Schaltstrompfades 12, an den eine beliebige elektrische Last angeschlossen sein kann. Die Schaltanordnung umfasst außerdem eine Spannungsquelle 13, die zur Bereitstellung einer an die Relaisspule 11a zum Einschalten des Relais 11 anzulegenden Einschaltspannung dient, eine Strommesseinrichtung 14 in Form eines beliebigen geeigneten Stromsensors und eine Überwachungseinrichtung 15, die zur Überwachung der Funktionstüchtigkeit des Relais 11, insbesondere der Relaiskontakte 11c und des Relaisankers 11b, eingerichtet ist. Außerdem weist die Schaltanordnung einen Messwiderstand 16 auf, der über eine Umschalteinrichtung 17 mit der Relaisspule 11a verbunden werden kann und zur Erfassung des beim Ausschalten des Relais 11 über die Relaisspule fließenden Spulenstroms dient.In FIG. 1 is an extremely schematic representation of an embodiment of a switching arrangement 10 is shown. The switching arrangement 10 comprises an electromagnetic relay 11 having a relay coil 11a, a relay armature 11b and schematically indicated relay contacts 11c for closing and interrupting a switching current path 12, not further described below, to which any electrical load can be connected. The switching arrangement further comprises a voltage source 13, which serves to provide a switch-on voltage to be applied to the relay coil 11a for switching on the relay 11, a current measuring device 14 in the form of any suitable current sensor and a monitoring device 15 which is used to monitor the functioning of the relay 11, in particular the Relay contacts 11c and the relay armature 11b, is set. In addition, the switching arrangement has a measuring resistor 16 which can be connected via a switching device 17 to the relay coil 11a and serves to detect the coil current flowing through the relay coil when the relay 11 is switched off.

Die Funktionsweise der Überwachungseinrichtung 15 soll im Folgenden unter Hinzunahme der Figuren 2 und 3 näher erläutert werden.The operation of the monitoring device 15 will be explained below with the addition of FIGS. 2 and 3 be explained in more detail.

Hierzu zeigt Figur 2 ein Diagramm mit einem typischen Verlauf 21 des Spulenstroms während des Einschaltens des Relais 11. Außerdem ist in Figur 2 ein Verlauf 22 der Kontaktspannung dargestellt, also derjenigen Spannung, die über die Relaiskontakte 11c an eine mit dem Schaltstrompfad verbundene Last angelegt werden kann.This shows FIG. 2 a diagram with a typical course 21 of the coil current during the switching of the relay 11. In addition, in FIG. 2 a curve 22 of the contact voltage is shown, that is the voltage which can be applied via the relay contacts 11c to a load connected to the switching current path.

Zum Zeitpunkt t=0 wird über die Spannungsquelle 13 eine Einschaltspannung an die Relaisspule angelegt. Dies bewirkt zunächst einen Anstieg des Spulenstromes (Stromverlauf 21) während eines ersten Zeitraums T1, bis nach Ablauf von T1 ein lokales Maximum des Spulenstromes erreicht ist und der Relaisanker des Relais sich zu bewegen beginnt. Die während eines zweiten Zeitraums T2 erfolgende Bewegung des Relaisankers führt, wie am Spannungsverlauf 22 der Kontaktspannung ersichtlich ist, zu einem Schließen der Relaiskontakte 11c. Gleichzeitig beeinflusst der sich bewegende Relaisanker 11b das Magnetfeld der Relaisspule 11a, so dass der Spulenstrom zunächst abfällt und einem lokalen Minimum zustrebt. Schließlich ist nach Ablauf des Zeitraums T2 der Bewegungsvorgang des Relaisankers 11b abgeschlossen; der Relaisanker 11b befindet sich in seiner Endlage und die Relaiskontakte 11c in ihrer geschlossenen Stellung. Das Ende der Bewegung des Relaisankers 11b macht sich durch das Erreichen des lokalen Minimums 23 des Verlaufs 21 des Spulenstroms bemerkbar.At time t = 0, a turn-on voltage is applied to the relay coil via the voltage source 13. This first causes an increase of the coil current (current waveform 21) during a first period T 1 , until after expiration of T 1, a local maximum of the coil current is reached and the relay armature of the relay begins to move. The movement of the relay armature during a second period T 2 , as can be seen from the voltage curve 22 of the contact voltage, leads to a closing of the relay contacts 11 c. At the same time, the moving relay armature 11b influences the magnetic field of the relay coil 11a so that the coil current first drops and tends towards a local minimum. Finally, after the expiration of the period T 2, the moving operation of the relay armature 11b is completed; the relay armature 11b is in its end position and the relay contacts 11c in its closed position. The end of the movement of the relay armature 11b is noticeable by the attainment of the local minimum 23 of the course 21 of the coil current.

Der Überwachungseinrichtung 15 wird ein von der Strommesseinrichtung abgegebenes, den Spulenstrom charakterisierendes Stromsignal zugeführt. Am Verlauf des Stromsignals kann die Überwachungseinrichtung 15 folglich den ordnungsgemäßen Ablauf des Einschaltvorgangs erkennen, indem sie den Verlauf des Stromsignals auf das Auftreten des lokalen Minimums 23 hin überwacht. Tritt dieses lokale Minimum nicht innerhalb einer vorgegebenen Prüfzeit TP,ein auf, so gibt die Überwachungseinrichtung 15 ein erstes Fehlersignal ab, das einen Defekt des Relais anzeigt. Die Prüfzeit TP,ein kann sich an der maximalen im Datenblatt des Relais 11 angegebenen Dauer des Einschaltvorganges orientieren, diese wird normalerweise von den Relaisherstellern in den entsprechenden technischen Datenblättern angegeben.The monitoring device 15 is supplied with a current signal emitted by the current measuring device and characterizing the coil current. As a result of the course of the current signal, the monitoring device 15 can recognize the proper operation of the switch-on process by monitoring the course of the current signal in response to the occurrence of the local minimum 23. If this local minimum does not occur within a predetermined test time T P, on, then the monitoring device 15 outputs a first error signal which indicates a defect of the relay. The test time T P, a can be based on the maximum specified in the data sheet of the relay 11 duration of the switch-on, this is usually specified by the relay manufacturers in the corresponding technical data sheets.

Um Schwankungen des Verlaufs des Stromsignals zu Beginn des Einschaltvorgangs nicht in die Auswertung der Überwachungseinrichtung 15 einfließen zu lassen, kann zudem vorgesehen sein, dass die Überwachungseinrichtung 15 erst nach Ablauf einer vorgegebenen Wartezeit TW mit der Untersuchung des Verlaufs des Stromsignals beginnt. Die Wartezeit TW sollte dabei derart kurz bemessen sein, dass lediglich Schwankungen zu Beginn des Einschaltvorgangs aus der Analyse ausgeschlossen werden, nicht aber die Gefahr besteht, dass das lokale Minimum 23 selbst ausgeschlossen werden könnte.In order not to allow fluctuations in the course of the current signal at the beginning of the switch-on process to be included in the evaluation of the monitoring device 15, it can also be provided that the monitoring device 15 is not activated until after expiration a predetermined waiting time T W begins with the investigation of the course of the current signal. The waiting time T W should be dimensioned so short that only fluctuations at the beginning of the switch-on are excluded from the analysis, but there is no risk that the local minimum 23 itself could be excluded.

Darüber hinaus kann die Überwachungseinrichtung 15 auch dazu eingerichtet sein, nach der Erkennung des lokalen Minimums 23 den Verlauf des Stromsignals weiter zu untersuchen, ob ein weiteres (oder mehrere weitere) lokales Minimum auftritt (nicht in Figur 2 gezeigt). Dies könnte auf ein ungewolltes wiederholtes Öffnen oder ein unvollständiges Schließen der Relaiskontakte 11c hindeuten. In diesem Fall würde die Überwachungseinrichtung 15 ein zweites Fehlersignal dann erzeugen, wenn sie ein solches weiteres lokales Minimum erkennt. Diese Form der weitergehenden Überwachung kann beispielsweise während einer Anschlusszeitdauer T3 durchgeführt werden.In addition, the monitoring device 15 can also be set up to further investigate the course of the current signal after detection of the local minimum 23, as to whether another (or more) local minimum occurs (not in FIG FIG. 2 shown). This could indicate unwanted repeated opening or incomplete closing of the relay contacts 11c. In this case, the monitoring device 15 would generate a second error signal when it detects such a further local minimum. This form of further monitoring can be carried out, for example, during a connection period T 3 .

Figur 3 zeigt schließlich ein Diagramm, in dem ein Verlauf 31 des Spulenstroms und ein Verlauf 32 der Kontaktspannung während des Ausschaltvorgangs des Relais 11 dargestellt sind. Zum Zeitpunkt t=0 beginnt der Ausschaltvorgang, indem die Relaisspule 11a von der Spannungsquelle 13 über die Umschalteinrichtung 17 getrennt wird. Gleichzeitig wird ein Strompfad über den Messwiderstand 16 geschlossen, über den der Spulenstrom während des Ausschaltvorgangs fließt, so dass eine Erfassung des Spulenstroms über die Strommesseinrichtung 14 möglich ist. FIG. 3 finally shows a diagram in which a course 31 of the coil current and a curve 32 of the contact voltage during the turn-off of the relay 11 are shown. At the time t = 0, the switch-off operation begins by disconnecting the relay coil 11a from the voltage source 13 via the switching device 17. At the same time, a current path via the measuring resistor 16 is closed, over which the coil current flows during the switch-off operation, so that a detection of the coil current via the current measuring device 14 is possible.

Aufgrund der nicht mehr anliegenden Einschaltspannung beginnt sich das Magnetfeld der Relaisspule 11a abzubauen, was am Verlauf des Spulenstroms im Zeitraum T4 ersichtlich ist. Erreicht das Magnetfeld der Relaisspule 11a daraufhin einen minimalen Wert, so kann der Relaisanker 11b nicht mehr in seiner eingeschalteten Stellung gehalten werden und beginnt, sich in Richtung der Ruhelage zu bewegen. Der Zeitraum der Bewegung des Relaisankers 11b bis zu seiner endgültigen Ausschaltstellung ist in Figur 3 als T5 angegeben. Während des Zeitraums T5 bricht durch das Öffnen der Schaltkontakte 11c auch die Kontaktspannung ein, was am Verlauf 32 der Kontaktspannung erkennbar ist. Durch die Bewegung des Relaisankers 11b wird erneut ein Spulenstrom in der Relaisspule 11a induziert, so dass der Verlauf des Spulenstroms auf ein lokales Maximum 33 hinsteuert, das mit Erreichen der Ruhelage des Relaisankers 11b erreicht ist. Danach baut sich der Spulenstrom nach dem Ende des Zeitraums T5 allmählich wieder ab, das Relais 11 befindet sich in seiner ausgeschalteten Stellung. Die Überwachungseinrichtung 15 kann am Verlauf des von der Strommesseinrichtung abgegeben, den Spulenstrom charakterisierenden Stromsignals folglich den ordnungsgemäßen Ablauf des Ausschaltvorgangs erkennen, indem sie den Verlauf des Stromsignals auf das Auftreten des lokalen Maximums 33 hin überwacht. Tritt dieses lokale Maximum nicht innerhalb einer vorgegebenen zweiten Prüfzeit TP,aus auf, so gibt die Überwachungseinrichtung 15 ein drittes Fehlersignal ab, das einen Defekt des Relais anzeigt. Die Prüfzeit TP,aus kann sich an der maximalen Dauer eines Ausschaltvorgangs des Relais 11 orientieren, diese wird normalerweise von den Relaisherstellern in den entsprechenden technischen Datenblättern angegeben.Due to the no longer applied turn-on voltage, the magnetic field of the relay coil 11a begins to degrade, which can be seen in the course of the coil current in the period T 4 . If the magnetic field of the relay coil 11a then reaches a minimum value, the relay armature 11b can no longer be held in its switched-on position and begins to move in the direction of the rest position. The period of movement of the relay armature 11b to its final OFF position is in FIG. 3 indicated as T 5 . During the period T 5 breaks through the opening of the switch contacts 11 c and the contact voltage, which can be seen on the course 32 of the contact voltage. By the movement of the relay armature 11b, a coil current is again induced in the relay coil 11a, so that the course of the coil current hinsteuert to a local maximum 33, which is achieved upon reaching the rest position of the relay armature 11b. Thereafter, the coil current gradually degrades after the end of the period T 5 , the relay 11 is in its off position. The monitoring device 15 can thus detect the proper course of the switch-off process on the course of the output from the current measuring device, the coil current characterizing current signal by monitoring the course of the current signal to the occurrence of the local maximum 33 out. If this local maximum does not occur within a predetermined second test time T P, OFF, the monitoring device 15 emits a third error signal which indicates a defect in the relay. The test time T P, out can be based on the maximum duration of a switch-off operation of the relay 11, this is normally specified by the relay manufacturers in the corresponding technical data sheets.

Schließlich ist vorgesehen, dass die Überwachungsein-richtung 15 beim Ausschalten des Relais 11 auch ein Rauschverhalten des Stromsignals untersucht (in Figur 3 schematisch als überlagertes Rauschsignal 34 dargestellt). Die Dauer eines stärkeren überlagerten Rauschsignals lässt nämlich einen Rückschluss auf die Dauer eines Schaltfunkens zu, der beim Öffnen zwischen den Relaiskontakten 11c auftritt, und der aufgrund seiner hochfrequenten Eigenschaften eine Beeinflussung des Spulenstromes in Form eines überlagerten Rauschsignals bewirkt. Übersteigt die Dauer des von dem Schaltfunken hervorgerufenen Rauschsignals einen vorgegebenen Toleranzzeitraum, so gibt die Überwachungseinrichtung 15 ein Alterungssignal ab, das eine fortgeschrittene Abnutzung der Relaiskontakte anzeigt, so dass ein Austausch des Relais 11 veranlasst werden kann.Finally, it is provided that the monitoring device 15 when switching off the relay 11 also investigates a noise behavior of the current signal (in FIG FIG. 3 shown schematically as a superimposed noise signal 34). The duration of a stronger superimposed noise signal can namely a conclusion on the duration of a switching spark, which occurs when opening between the relay contacts 11 c, and causes due to its high-frequency properties influencing the coil current in the form of a superimposed noise signal. If the duration of the noise signal caused by the switching spark exceeds a predetermined tolerance period, the monitoring device 15 emits an aging signal which causes an advanced wear of the relay contacts indicates, so that an exchange of the relay 11 can be caused.

Claims (10)

  1. Circuit arrangement (10) having an electromagnetic relay (11) which has a relay coil (11a), relay contacts (11c) and a relay armature (11b) operatively connected to the relay contacts (11c), and having a monitoring device (15) which is set up to monitor the functionality of the relay (11);
    - a current measuring device (14) being provided in the current path of the relay coil (11a) and being set up to measure a coil current flowing through the relay coil (11a) and to emit a current signal indicating the coil current to the monitoring device (15); and
    - the monitoring device (15) using the current signal to monitor the functionality of the relay (11); and
    - the monitoring device (15) being set up to examine the profile of the current signal when switching the relay (11) on and/or off in order to monitor the functionality of the relay (11) ;
    characterized in that
    - the monitoring device (15) is set up to examine a noise behaviour of the current signal when switching the relay (11) off and to generate a wear and tear signal indicating wear and tear of the relay contacts (11c) if noise in the current signal exceeds a predefined threshold value for a period which is longer than a predefined tolerance period.
  2. Circuit arrangement (10) according to Claim 1,
    characterized in that
    - in order to monitor the functionality of the relay (11) when switching the relay (11) on, the monitoring device (15) is set up to examine the profile of the current signal in order to determine whether said profile has a local minimum (23) and to generate a first error signal indicating a defect of the relay (11) if the local minimum (23) is absent.
  3. Circuit arrangement (10) according to Claim 2,
    characterized in that
    - the monitoring device (15) is set up to examine the profile of the current signal during a test time and to generate the first error signal if the local minimum (23) is absent by the expiry of the test time.
  4. Circuit arrangement (10) according to either of Claims 2 and 3,
    characterized in that
    - the monitoring device (15) is set up to examine the profile of the current signal in order to determine whether a further local minimum follows the occurrence of the local minimum (23) and to generate a second error signal which indicates a defect of the relay (11) if the further local minimum occurs.
  5. Circuit arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    - the monitoring device (15) is set up to wait for a predetermined waiting time after the start of the process of switching the relay (11) on before it begins to monitor the functionality of the relay (11).
  6. Circuit arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    - in order to monitor the functionality of the relay (11) when switching the relay (11) off, the monitoring device (15) is set up to examine the profile of the current signal in order to determine whether said profile has a local maximum (33) and to generate a third error signal which indicates a defect of the relay (11) if the local maximum (33) is absent.
  7. Circuit arrangement (10) according to Claim 6,
    characterized in that
    - the circuit arrangement (10) has a measuring resistor (16), via which the coil current flows when switching the relay (11) off, in the current path of the relay coil (11a).
  8. Method for monitoring the functionality of an electromagnetic relay (11) which has a relay coil (11a), relay contacts (11c) and a relay armature (11b) operatively connected to the relay contacts (11c),
    - a coil current flowing through the relay coil (11a) being measured and a current signal indicating the coil current being emitted by means of a current measuring device (14) in the current path of the relay coil (11a); and
    - the current signal being used to monitor the functionality of the relay (11); and
    - the profile of the current signal when switching the relay (11) on and/or off being examined in order to monitor the functionality of the relay (11);
    characterized in that
    - a noise behaviour of the current signal is examined when switching the relay (11) off, and wear and tear of the relay contacts (11c) is detected if noise in the current signal exceeds a predefined threshold value for a period longer than a predefined tolerance period.
  9. Method according to Claim 8,
    characterized in that
    - in order to monitor the functionality of the relay (11) when switching the relay (11) on, the profile of the current signal is examined in order to determine whether said profile has a local minimum (23), and a defect of the relay (11) is detected if the local minimum (23) is absent.
  10. Method according to Claim 8 or 9,
    characterized in that
    - in order to monitor the functionality of the relay (11) when switching the relay (11) off, the profile of the current signal is examined in order to determine whether said profile has a local maximum (33), and a defect of the relay (11) is also detected if the local maximum (33) is absent.
EP12733443.1A 2012-06-20 2012-06-20 Monitoring sytem of an electromagnetic relay Not-in-force EP2845211B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2012/061789 WO2013189527A1 (en) 2012-06-20 2012-06-20 Monitoring an electromagnetic relay

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2845211A1 EP2845211A1 (en) 2015-03-11
EP2845211B1 true EP2845211B1 (en) 2016-04-27

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12733443.1A Not-in-force EP2845211B1 (en) 2012-06-20 2012-06-20 Monitoring sytem of an electromagnetic relay

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EP (1) EP2845211B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2013189527A1 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102015219145A1 (en) 2015-10-02 2017-04-06 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH household appliance
DE102016107598B3 (en) 2016-04-25 2017-09-14 Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MONITORING A HIGH-VOLTAGE PROTECTOR IN A VEHICLE
FR3082005B1 (en) * 2018-06-01 2020-11-27 Schneider Electric Ind Sas METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DIAGNOSING THE WEAR OF AN ELECTRIC SWITCHING APPARATUS, AND ELECTRICAL APPARATUS INCLUDING SUCH A DEVICE
FR3083319B1 (en) * 2018-06-29 2020-09-04 Sagemcom Energy & Telecom Sas ELECTRICAL METER INCLUDING AN AUXILIARY CUTTING BODY AGENCY TO SELECTIVELY CONNECT AN INSTALLATION EQUIPMENT TO THE ELECTRICAL NETWORK
DE102019114208A1 (en) 2019-05-28 2020-12-03 Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. Kg Method for failure prediction of elementary relays

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3817770A1 (en) * 1988-05-26 1989-11-30 Daimler Benz Ag Device for the timed operation of an electromagnetic valve
DE4242432A1 (en) * 1992-12-16 1994-06-23 Ebern Fahrzeugtech Gmbh Control of electromagnetic valve, solenoid rotary electromagnet or relay
US7705601B2 (en) * 2006-09-21 2010-04-27 Eaton Corporation Method and apparatus for monitoring wellness of contactors and starters
WO2008064694A1 (en) * 2006-11-28 2008-06-05 Daimler Ag Method for detecting the operability of an electric relay and device for performing said method
EP2208215B1 (en) 2007-11-15 2016-01-13 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Switching arrangement and method for controlling an electromagnetic relay
FR2942068B1 (en) * 2009-02-06 2011-01-21 Schneider Electric Ind Sas EVALUATION OF THE WEAR OF THE CONTACTS BY A DOUBLE MOBILE ACTUATOR.
JP5636980B2 (en) * 2010-03-18 2014-12-10 株式会社リコー Relay failure detection device, power supply device, image forming device, and relay failure detection method

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WO2013189527A1 (en) 2013-12-27

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