JPH10115655A - System for detecting faulty cable connection, its usage method, and connecting cable used for the system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system for detecting faulty cable connection by which a cable required for a connection is prevented from being mistaken and erroneously mounted by a method wherein an in-device switch and an in-cable switch which alternatively select a connector pin are installed and the switches are set properly. SOLUTION: Before a device 101 and a device 102 are connected by a cable 105, an in-device switch 111 and an in-cable switch 113 are set so as to be connected to an arbitrary connector pin 108, and an in-device switch 112 and an in-cable switch 114 are set so as to be connected to an arbitrary connector pin 107. At this time, contact discrimination means at the respective switches 111 to 114 are constituted in such a way that they mutually display an identical color or an identical character. After the above preparation has been completed, colors at the contact discrimination means are confirmed, and the cable 105 is connected across a connector 103 at the device 101 and a connector 104 at the device 102. When the cable 105 is connected normally across the connector 103 and the connector 104, a power supply 110 at the device 102 is set to continuity with a grounding point at the device 101, a display device 109 is operated, and it is possible to confirm whether the cable 105 is connected normally or not.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cable connection error detecting system, a method of using the same, and a connecting cable used in the system. More particularly, the present invention detects whether or not a cable is correctly connected between connectors of a plurality of devices. The present invention relates to a cable connection error detection system, a method of using the system, and a connection cable used in the system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 3 shows a conventional example. This conventional example is disclosed in JP-A-61-204573.

In FIG. 3, child devices 501 and 502 can be connected to a parent device 500 via connectors 503 and 504. In the example described in the publication, the child device 501 is connected only to the connector 503. ing. The cable 507 connecting the connector 503 and the connector 505 is
It has a plurality of signal lines, of which predetermined two 553, 5
55 is short-circuited inside the child device 501. on the other hand,
One signal line 553 of the two signal lines is connected to a power supply via a light emitting diode 551, and the other signal line 555 is grounded via a switch 557. The wiring inside the parent device is configured identically on the connector 504 side.

When the cable 507 is normally connected between the connector 503 and the connector 505 in a state where the switch 557 is short-circuited and the switch 552 is opened, the light emitting diode 551 is turned on and the connection is normally performed. It is reported that it has been done. On the other hand, when the connection of the cable 507 is abnormal and the signal lines 553 and 555 do not connect the power supply and the grounding point, the light emitting diode 551 does not turn on, and it can be recognized that the connection of the cable 507 is defective.

[0005] On the other hand, the same is true when only the connector 504 and the connector 506 are connected by the cable 508. The connection of the cable 508 is confirmed by opening the switch 557 and short-circuiting the switch 552. be able to.

[0006]

However, in the above conventional example, two child devices 501,
When the two devices 502 are connected at the same time, two connectors 503 and 504 of the parent device or a connector 5 of each child device
When the two cables 507 and 508 have the same shape, the connectors 503 and 504 on the parent device side or the connectors 505 and 50 on the child device side when the two cables 507 and 508 are connected.
6 may be mistakenly connected to each other.
In such a case, as long as the contact of each connector is normal, the light emitting diode 550 is lit, and it is reported that the connection of each connector is normal. There was an inconvenience that could not be confirmed. This is the same even when there are a plurality of parent devices having connectors of the same shape.

As a measure to solve this inconvenience, it is conceivable to make the pin assignment of the signal line used for connection error detection different for each cable, but a connection error detection circuit is provided for each connector for connecting the cable. Since it is necessary to design each of them, there is a disadvantage that the cost is increased.

[0008] On the other hand, such a case where cables are connected by mistake is a fact that frequently occurs particularly in the installation work of a large-sized general-purpose computer system, and it is difficult to find out. For this reason, at the site, while taking measures to minimize the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience by marking each of the terminal side and the connector side of the cable and proceeding with the work, the preparation involves a lot of labor. And an immediate solution is desired.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to improve the disadvantages of the prior art, and in particular, in connection between electrical or electronic devices using a plurality of connectors of the same shape, to mistakenly mount cables required for connection. It is an object of the present invention to provide a cable connection error detection system for preventing the occurrence of a connection error, a method of using the system, and a connection cable used in the system.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a system is provided between a plurality of connector pins of one device and a predetermined power supply, and a current flows from the power supply to the connector pins. And a switch in the device provided between the transmitting means and the plurality of connector pins for selectively selecting a connector pin to be connected to a power supply from the plurality of connector pins. . Also, a switch in the other device, which is provided between a plurality of connector pins of the other device and a predetermined ground point, and selectively selects a connector pin to be connected to the ground point from the plurality of connector pins of the other device. It has. Further, a connection conductor for connecting a predetermined connector pin of one device to a predetermined connector pin of the other device, and a connector pin of one device to which the connection conductor is to be connected is connected to a plurality of connector pins of the one device. And an in-cable switch that selectively selects a connector pin of the other device to which the connection conductor is to be connected from a plurality of connector pins of the other device. Equipped.

In the present invention, after setting the switch in the device and the switch in the cable so that the power supply and the ground point are conducted, each device is connected by a cable. If the connection is made normally, the transmitting means is activated to notify the normality of the connection. If the connection is poor, the transmitting means is not activated and the connection failure is confirmed. When there are a plurality of sets of devices to be connected to a cable, the switch settings are made different for each set. Then, even if the cable is connected to a device other than the device to which it should be connected, the power supply and the ground point of the set of devices are connected. Is not conducted due to the discrepancy of the switch contacts, the transmitting means does not operate, and it is detected that there is a poor connection of the cable or an error in the connection destination.

In the system according to the second aspect, the connector pin selectively connected by the switch in the device or the switch in the cable is provided separately from the connector pin used for data transmission and reception between the devices, and is provided in the switch in the device or in the cable. When not connected to a switch, it is configured to be an open contact.

In the present invention, for example, in FIG. 1, if the upper connector pins are short-circuited by signal lines, the display device 110 operates even if the in-device switch 112 is connected to the upper contact. As a result, a connection error cannot be detected, but such an inconvenience is prevented.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, each switch is provided with a contact identifying means for displaying differently according to the contact position of the switch.

In the present invention, each switch is set to a predetermined contact while watching the display of the contact identification means. Further, the connection destination of the cable is determined while comparing the contact identification means of the switch in the apparatus with that of the switch in the cable, and the cable is connected. Further, when the transmitting means does not operate after the cable is connected, it is determined whether a connection failure has occurred or the connection destination is incorrect by referring to the display of the contact identification means.

According to the usage method of the fourth aspect, each switch is set so that one switch in the device and one switch in the cable are connected to an arbitrary same connector pin. Each switch is set such that the other switch in the cable is connected to an arbitrary same connector pin.

In the present invention, when the cable is properly connected, the transmitting means operates, and when the connection is poor, the transmitting means does not operate.

In the usage method according to the fifth aspect, when there are a plurality of pairs of devices including one device and the other device,
A configuration is adopted in which the connection contacts of each switch are set differently for each set of devices.

In the present invention, if the connection destination of the cable is incorrect,
The transmitting means of the device set at the connection destination does not operate.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the connection cable for connecting the connector of one device to the connector of the other device, a predetermined connector pin of one device is connected to a predetermined connector pin of the other device. Conductor for connecting the connection conductor, a switch in the cable for selectively selecting a connector pin of one device to be connected to the connector from a plurality of connector pins of the one device, and the other to connect the connection conductor And an in-cable switch for selecting one of the connector pins of the other device from the plurality of connector pins of the other device.

In the present invention, after the switch in the cable is set so that the power supply of one device and the power supply of the other device are conducted, the one device and the other device are connected by the cable.

In the connection cable according to the seventh aspect, each switch is provided with a contact identification means for displaying differently according to the contact position of the switch.

In the present invention, the switch is set to a predetermined position with reference to the display of the contact identification means. Further, the connection destination of the cable is confirmed by referring to the display of the contact identification means. Furthermore,
If the transmitting means does not operate after the connection, the display of the contact identifying means is checked to determine whether the connection is correct.

[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.
It will be described based on.

The cable connection error detection system shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on an inter-device data transmission / reception system in which the connectors 103 and 104 of the devices (1) and (2) are connected by a cable 105.

This cable connection error detection system comprises a plurality of connector pins 107 of the device (2) and a predetermined power supply 110.
Between the power supply 110 and the connector pin 10
Display device 109 which is activated by current flowing through
(Transmitting means), and an internal switch 112 provided between the display device 109 and the plurality of connector pins 107 to select a connector pin to be connected to the power supply 110 from the plurality of connector pins 107. ing. Also, an internal switch 111 provided between the plurality of connector pins 108 of the device (1) and a predetermined ground point and selectively selecting a connector pin to be connected to the ground point from the plurality of connector pins 108 is provided. Have. Further, a connection conductor 106 for connecting a predetermined connector pin of the device (2) to a predetermined connector pin of the device (1), and a connector pin of the device (2) to which the connection conductor 106 is to be connected are connected to the device (2). )), A device (1) to be connected between the switch 114 in the cable, which is selected from a plurality of connector pins 107, and the connection conductor 106.
Connector pins of the device (1)
08 in the cable.

In the present embodiment, the switches 111 and 112 in the device or the switches 113 and 11 in the cable are used.
4 (from the top in FIG. 1).
The connector pins are provided separately from connector pins used for data transmission / reception between the respective devices (1) and (2) (five connector pins from the bottom in FIG. 1 and signal lines are not shown). Internal switch 111, 112 or cable internal switch 11
When it is not connected to 3,114, it is configured to be an open contact.

Further, each of the switches 111, 112, 11
Each of 3, 114 is provided with a contact identifying means for performing different display according to the contact position of the switch (not shown). For example, the contact identification means may change the character or color displayed on the switch according to the contact point of the switch.

The contact between the connection conductor 106 and the switches 113 and 114 in the cable is connected to the cable 1.
05. A light emitting diode can be used as the display device 109. In this case, the anode is connected to the power supply 110 and the cathode is connected to the switch 11.
Connect to 2.

Next, the method of use and operation of the cable connection error detection system according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, the device (1) and the device (2) are connected to the cable 1
Before the connection at 05, the internal switch 111 of the device (1)
The switches are set so that the switch and the in-cable switch 113 of the device (1) are connected to the same connector pin.
(2) Each switch is set in advance so that the switch 114 on the side is connected to an arbitrary same connector pin. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, both the switch 111 in the device (1) and the switch 113 in the cable are set to be connected to the uppermost connector pin, and the switch 112 in the device (2) is connected to the switch 112 in the device. Both the in-cable switches 114 are set to be connected to the second connector pin from the top.

At this time, the internal switch 1 on the device (1) side
The above-mentioned contact identifying means is configured such that the contact identifying means of the switch 11 and the switch 113 in the cable display the same color or the same character. Similarly, the contact identifying means of the in-device switch 112 and the in-cable switch 114 of the device (2) also constitute the contact identifying means so that the same color or the same character is displayed. For example, in FIG.
If the contacts 11 to 114 are in the upper stage, they are unified in red, in the middle, white, and in the lower stage, yellow.

Here, when there are a plurality of pairs of devices each comprising a pair of the device (1) and the device (2) shown in FIG. 1, the connection contacts of the switches 111 to 114 are changed for each pair of the devices. Set differently for each cable. For example, when there are three systems each composed of the device (1) and the device (2), the switch in the device and the switch in the cable of the device (1) in the first system are connected to the upper contact in FIG. Is set to be the middle contact, and in the third system, to be the lower contact. At this time, the switch is set while checking the contact identification means.

After completing the above preparations, each device (1) (2)
A cable 105 is connected between the connectors 103 and 104. At this time, the display of the contact identification means is confirmed, and the cable of the same color and the connector are connected. For example, a cable connector whose contact identification means indicates red and a device connector whose contact identification means indicates red are connected.

At this time, the cable 105 is connected to the connector 10
3 and 104, when normally connected, as shown in FIG.
The power supply 110 of the device (2) and the ground point of the device (1) conduct,
The display device 109 operates. Therefore, the operator can confirm that the connection of the cable is normal.

On the other hand, if the power supply 110 and the ground point are not electrically connected due to the abnormal connection of the cable 105, the display device 109 does not operate, so that the operator can recognize the cable connection abnormality.

After the connection of the cable 105, if the switch inside the device and the switch inside the cable are combined and the switch contacts are changed to the upper, middle, and lower stages in FIG. 1, the connection is checked for each connector pin. And the reliability of the connection can be increased.

Further, as described above, the device (1) and the device
Even when there are a plurality of identical systems consisting of the pair of (2), different settings such as setting all switches to red in the first system, setting white to the second system, and setting yellow to the third system, for example. By doing so, it is possible to visually prevent a connection error in which a cable to be connected to the device (2) of one system is connected to the device (1) or the device (2) of another system. Even if the connection destination is incorrect, the power supply 110 and the ground point do not conduct, and the display device 1
When the operator 09 does not operate, the operator notices that the connection destination is wrong or the connection is poor, so that the connection mistake of the cable can be prevented.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the device (1) and the device
In the data transmission / reception system in which (2) and (2) are connected by a cable 205, two cable connection error detection systems in the above-described embodiment are incorporated. One of them is a device
The (1) side has a power supply 310 and a display device 309, and the other
The body has a power supply 210 and a display device 209 on the device (2) side. Also, a connector pin 20 for detecting a cable connection error is provided.
7, 208, 307, and 308 are provided four each.

Even in this case, the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained. In addition, the number of combinations in which the contact points of the switches can be set differently for each device and each cable increases, so that the device or connector can be changed. Even if there are a plurality of cables, erroneous mounting of the cable can be prevented. In addition, not only one device but also both devices can check the quality of the cable connection, and the workability can be improved.

In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the connector pins that are not connected to the switch among the connector pins for detecting connection errors are configured to be open. For example, in FIG. If the line is short-circuited, the display device 110 will operate even if the switch 112 in the device is connected to the upper contact, and it will not be possible to detect an error in the connection destination. Can be effectively prevented.

Also, since the contact identification means is provided in each switch, the switches in the apparatus and the switches in the cable can be easily set to desired contacts, and the cable connection work can be performed by referring to the display of the contact identification means. By doing so, it is possible to prevent a mistake in connecting the cable to the wrong destination.

Further, by setting each switch so that the corresponding switch in the device and the switch in the cable are connected to the same connector pin, the display device operates when the cable connection is normal, and when the connection is abnormal, , The cable connection error can be easily detected.

In addition, by changing the combination of the connector pins connected between the device (1) and the device (2) by operating the switches in the device and the switches in the cable, the connection in each device and in the cable is changed. The error detection system can be individualized for each system, thereby enabling a plurality of connection error detection systems of different forms to be configured using devices and cables of the same configuration. The cost can be reduced by mass-producing the devices and connection cables to be used.

[0046]

The present invention is constructed and functions as described above. According to this, by properly setting the switches in the apparatus and the switches in the cable, the connection error detection for each system to which the cable is to be connected is performed. Since the connector pins can be made different from each other, the transmitting means does not operate unless a predetermined cable is connected to an appropriate device connector.However, in the connection between electrical devices or electronic devices using a plurality of connectors of the same shape, Can be prevented from being mistakenly attached by mistaking the cables required for the above.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the connector pins that are not connected to the switch among the connector pins for connection error detection are configured to be opened. For example, in FIG. 1, the upper connector pins are connected to the signal line. If the switch is short-circuited, the transmitting means (display device 110) operates even if the in-device switch 112 is connected to the upper contact, and it becomes impossible to detect an error in the connection destination. Such inconvenience can be effectively prevented.

According to the third or seventh aspect of the present invention, since the contact identification means is provided in each switch, the switches in the apparatus and the switches in the cable can be easily set to desired contacts, and the contact identification means can be easily set. By performing the cable connection operation with reference to the display, it is possible to prevent a mistake in connecting the cable.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, each switch is set such that the corresponding switch in the apparatus and the switch in the cable are connected to the same connector pin. It operates and operates so as not to operate in case of abnormality, so that a cable connection error can be easily detected.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, even when there are a plurality of identical systems composed of a pair of one device and the other device, the contacts of each switch are made different for each system, so that the other of the certain system can be used. It is possible to visually prevent a connection error in which the cable to be connected to the device is mistakenly connected to one device or the other device of another system, and to connect to the power supply even if the cable is connected incorrectly. When the point is not connected and the transmitting means does not operate, the operator notices that the connection destination is wrong or the connection is poor, so that the connection mistake of the cable can be prevented.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, by changing the combination of the connector pins connected on one device side and the other device side by operating the switch in the cable,
It is possible to personalize the connection error detection system in the cable for each device to be connected, thereby making it possible to configure a plurality of connection error detection systems of different forms using cables of the same configuration. It is possible to provide an unprecedented excellent cable connection error detection system capable of reducing costs by mass-producing connection cables used in the connection error detection system, a method of using the same, and a connection cable used in this system. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

101, 201 Device (1) 102, 202 Device (2) 103, 104, 203, 204 Connector 105, 205 Cable 106, 206, 306 Connection conductor 107, 108, 207, 208, 307, 308 Connector pin 109, 209, 309 Display device (transmitting means) 110, 210, 310 Power supply 111, 112, 211, 212, 311, 312 Switch in device 113, 114, 213, 214, 313, 314 Switch in cable

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A transmitting means provided between a plurality of connector pins of one device and a predetermined power supply and operated by a current flowing from the power supply to the connector pins, and a transmitting means between the transmitting means and the plurality of connector pins. A switch in one device for selecting one of the connector pins to be connected to the power supply from the plurality of connector pins, and a switch provided between the plurality of connector pins of the other device and a predetermined ground point. A switch in the other device for selectively selecting a connector pin to be connected to a ground point from a plurality of connector pins of the other device; a predetermined connector pin of the one device and a predetermined connector pin of the other device; A connection conductor for connecting the
A switch in the cable for selectively selecting a connector pin of one device to which the connection conductor is to be connected from a plurality of connector pins of the one device, and a connector pin of the other device to which the connection conductor is to be connected And a switch in the other cable that selects one of the connector pins from the plurality of connector pins of the other device. 2. A connector pin selectively connected by the switch in the apparatus or the switch in the cable is provided separately from a connector pin used for data transmission / reception between the respective apparatuses, and is connected to the switch in the apparatus or the switch in the cable. 2. The cable connection error detecting system according to claim 1, wherein the system is configured to be an open contact when not performed. 3. The cable connection error detection system according to claim 1, wherein each of said switches is provided with contact identification means for performing different display according to the contact position of said switch. 4. The switch in one device and the switch in one cable are set so that the switches in the device and the switch in one cable are connected to arbitrary same connector pins. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the switches are set so that the switches are connected to any one of the same connector pins. 5. In a case where there are a plurality of device sets each comprising a pair of the one device and the other device, the connection contacts of the switches are set differently for each of the device sets. Use of the cable connection error detection system according to claim 4. 6. A connection cable for connecting a connector of one device and a connector of the other device, comprising: a connection conductor for connecting a predetermined connector pin of the one device to a predetermined connector pin of the other device. ,
A switch in the cable for selectively selecting a connector pin of one device to which the connection conductor is to be connected from a plurality of connector pins of the one device, and a connector pin of the other device to which the connection conductor is to be connected And a switch in the other cable that selects one of the connector pins from the plurality of connector pins of the other device. 7. The connection cable according to claim 6, wherein each of said switches is provided with contact identification means for performing a different display according to a contact position of said switch.