JP2019192405A - Relay circuit device and method for controlling relay circuit device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a relay circuit device capable of removing coating on the contact surface of each of a plurality of relays connected in series.SOLUTION: A relay circuit device includes: a load circuit having one end connected to a first node and the other end connected to a second node; a first relay having one end connected to the second node and the other end connected to a third node; a second relay having one end connected to the third node and the other end connected to a fourth node; a first capacitive circuit having one end connected to the first node and the other end connected to the second node; a second capacitive circuit having one end connected to the first node and the other end connected to the third node; and a control part for controlling the first and second relays. The control part controls the second relay to be turned on, and then controls the first relay to be turned on.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a relay circuit device and a control method for the relay circuit device.

  A mechanical relay may not have good conduction between contacts depending on the surrounding environment. The cause is that an oxide film, a sulfide film, a chloride film, etc. are generated on the contact surface. In order to remove such a coating on the contact surface, an arc is generated between the contacts.

  As a related technique, Patent Document 1 describes a method for removing an oxide film from a DC drive electromagnetic relay.

  Multiple relays may be connected in series. In this case, it is desirable that the coating on the contact surface of each of the plurality of relays can be removed.

JP 2002-163968 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a relay circuit device and a control method for the relay circuit device that can remove the coating on the contact surface of each of a plurality of relays connected in series.

The relay circuit device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes:
A load circuit having one end connected to the first node and the other end connected to the second node;
A first relay having one end connected to the second node and the other end connected to a third node;
A second relay having one end connected to the third node and the other end connected to a fourth node;
A first capacitive circuit having one end connected to the first node and the other end connected to the second node;
A second capacitive circuit having one end connected to the first node and the other end connected to the third node;
A control unit for controlling the first and second relays;
With
The controller is
Controlling the second relay on, and then controlling the first relay on;
It is characterized by that.

In the relay circuit device,
A third relay having one end connected to the fourth node and the other end connected to a fifth node;
A third capacitive circuit having one end connected to the first node and the other end connected to the fourth node;
Further comprising
The controller is
Controlling the third relay on, then controlling the second relay on, and then controlling the first relay on;
It is characterized by that.

In the relay circuit device,
A fourth relay having one end connected to the fifth node and the other end connected to the sixth node;
A fourth capacitive circuit having one end connected to the first node and the other end connected to the fifth node;
Further comprising
The controller is
Controlling the fourth relay on, then controlling the third relay on, then controlling the second relay on, and then controlling the first relay on;
It is characterized by that.

In the relay circuit device,
The capacitive circuit includes a capacitor,
It is characterized by that.

In the relay circuit device,
The capacitive circuit further includes a resistor connected in series with the capacitor.
It is characterized by that.

In the relay circuit device,
The controller is
When one of the relays is controlled to be turned on and a predetermined threshold time has elapsed, the next one of the relays is controlled to be turned on.
It is characterized by that.

In the relay circuit device,
The controller is
One relay is controlled to be turned on, and when the voltage across the capacitors connected in series to the one relay reaches a predetermined threshold voltage, the next one relay is controlled to be turned on.
It is characterized by that.

A control method for a relay circuit device according to an aspect of the present invention includes:
A load circuit having one end connected to the first node and the other end connected to the second node, and a first circuit having one end connected to the second node and the other end connected to the third node A relay, one end connected to the third node, the other end connected to the fourth node, one end connected to the first node, the other end connected to the second node A first capacitive circuit connected to the first node, a second capacitive circuit having one end connected to the first node and the other end connected to the third node, and the first and second A control method for controlling a relay circuit device comprising a control unit for controlling a relay,
The control unit controls the second relay to turn on, and then controls the first relay to turn on.
It is characterized by that.

In the control method of the relay circuit device,
The relay circuit device includes a third relay having one end connected to the fourth node and the other end connected to a fifth node, one end connected to the first node, and the other end connected to the first node. A third capacitive circuit connected to the four nodes;
The control unit controls the third relay to be turned on, then controls the second relay to be turned on, and then controls the first relay to be turned on.
It is characterized by that.

In the control method of the relay circuit device,
The relay circuit device has one end connected to the fifth node, the other end connected to the sixth node, one end connected to the first node, and the other end connected to the first node. A fourth capacitive circuit connected to the five nodes,
The control unit controls the fourth relay to be turned on, then controls the third relay to be turned on, and then controls the second relay to be turned on, and then turns the first relay on. Control on,
It is characterized by that.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The relay circuit device and the relay circuit device control method according to one embodiment of the present invention have an effect that the coating on the contact surface of each of a plurality of relays connected in series can be removed.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an application example in which a plurality of relays are connected in series. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a comparative example. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the relay circuit device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the relay circuit device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a relay circuit device according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the relay circuit device according to the modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the relay circuit device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the relay circuit device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the relay circuit device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the relay circuit device according to the third embodiment.

  Embodiments of a relay circuit device of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this embodiment.

  In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiment, an application example in which a plurality of relays are connected in series and a comparative example will be described.

(Application example where multiple relays are connected in series)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an application example in which a plurality of relays are connected in series. The relay circuit device 100 includes a first relay 101, a second relay 102, a third relay 103, a load circuit 104, a direct current power source 105, and a control unit 106.

  The first relay 101, the second relay 102, and the third relay 103 are mechanical relays that are controlled to be turned on or off by a drive signal (excitation current).

  The first relay 101 includes a first portion 101a and a second portion 101b. The first portion 101a and the second portion 101b are driven by a common drive signal. The second relay 102 includes a first portion 102a and a second portion 102b. The first portion 102a and the second portion 102b are driven by a common drive signal. The third relay 103 includes a first portion 103a and a second portion 103b. The first portion 103a and the second portion 103b are driven by a common drive signal.

  The first portion 101a, the first portion 102a, the first portion 103a, the load circuit 104, and the power source 105 are connected in series.

  The control unit 106 outputs a drive signal to the first relay 101, the second relay 102, and the third relay 103.

  In each of the first part 101a and the second part 101b, when a drive signal is input from the control unit 106, the contacts are electrically connected. When the contacts of the second portion 101b are conducted, the U-phase supply line is conducted.

  In each of the first part 102a and the second part 102b, when a drive signal is input from the control unit 106, the contact points are brought into conduction. When the contacts of the second portion 102b are conducted, the V-phase supply line is conducted.

  Each of the first portion 103a and the second portion 103b is electrically connected between the contacts when a drive signal is input from the control unit 106. When the contacts of the second portion 103b are conducted, the W-phase supply line is conducted.

  Thus, the relay circuit device 100 can turn on the UVW phase by turning on the first relay 101, the second relay 102, and the third relay 103.

(Comparative example)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a comparative example. The relay circuit device 110 includes a capacitive circuit 111 in addition to the first relay 101, the second relay 102, the third relay 103, the load circuit 104, and the power supply 105. Capacitive circuit 111 includes a capacitor 112 and a resistor 113 connected in series. The capacitive circuit 111 is connected to the load circuit 104 in parallel.

  In FIG. 2, only the first portion of each of the first relay 101, the second relay 102, and the third relay 103 is shown, and the second portion is not shown. In FIG. 2, the control unit 106 is not shown.

  The first relay 101, the second relay 102, and the third relay 103 have variations in operation time for transition from the off state to the on state due to individual differences. In the relay circuit device 110, only the relay that is turned on last among the first relay 101, the second relay 102, and the third relay 103, that is, the relay that has the longest operating time, enters the capacitive circuit 111. An electric current arc occurs between the contacts.

  Therefore, in the relay having the longest operating time among the first relay 101, the second relay 102, and the third relay 103, the coating on the contact surface can be removed, and the conduction between the contacts can be maintained well. However, in the other two relays, no arc is generated between the contacts. Therefore, in the other two relays, the coating on the contact surface cannot be removed, and the conduction between the contacts cannot be maintained well.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the relay circuit device according to the first embodiment. The relay circuit device 1 includes a first relay RL ₁ , a second relay RL ₂ , a third relay RL ₃ , a load circuit 2, a DC power supply 3, a control unit 4, and a first capacity. Including a capacitive circuit 11, a second capacitive circuit 12, and a third capacitive circuit 13.

In FIG. 3, only the first part of each of the first relay RL ₁ , the second relay RL _2, and the third relay RL ₃ is shown, and the second part is not shown.

The load circuit 2 has one end connected to the first node N _1, the other end is connected to the second node N _2.

The first relay RL ₁ has one end connected to the second node N ₂ and the other end connected to the third node N ₃ .

The second relay RL ₂ has one end connected to the third node N ₃ and the other end connected to the fourth node N ₄ .

Third relay RL ₃ has one end connected to the fourth node N _4, the other end is connected to the node N ₅ of the fifth.

The first capacitive circuit 11 is an RC series circuit in which a first capacitor 11a and a first resistor 11b are connected in series. The first capacitive circuit 11 has one end connected to the first node N _1, the other end is connected to the second node N _2.

The second capacitive circuit 12 is an RC series circuit in which a second capacitor 12a and a second resistor 12b are connected in series. Second capacitive circuit 12 has one end connected to the first node N _1, the other end is connected to a third node N _3.

The third capacitive circuit 13 is an RC series circuit in which a third capacitor 13a and a third resistor 13b are connected in series. The third capacitive circuit 13 has one end connected to the first node N ₁ and the other end connected to the fourth node N ₄ .

The negative electrode of the power source 3 is connected to the first node N _1, the positive electrode of the power source 3 is connected to a node N ₅ of the fifth. Incidentally, the negative electrode of the power source 3 is connected to a node N ₅ of the fifth, the positive electrode of the power supply 3 may be connected to the first node N _1.

Each of the first capacitive circuit 11 to the third capacitive circuit 13 is an RC series circuit, but is not limited thereto. Each of the first capacitive circuit 11 to the third capacitive circuit 13 may be a capacitor. However, if each of the first capacitive circuit 11 to the third capacitive circuit 13 is a capacitor, an inrush current flowing from the first capacitive circuit 11 to each of the third capacitive circuits 13 is Impulse current with a very large peak value. Therefore, there is a possibility that the contacts between the first relay RL ₁ and the third relay RL ₃ are welded. Therefore, each of the first capacitive circuit 11 to the third capacitive circuit 13 is preferably an RC series circuit. Thereby, the peak value of the inrush current can be suppressed, and the possibility that the contacts between the first relay RL ₁ and the third relay RL ₃ are welded can be suppressed.

  The control unit 4 includes a drive unit 41 and a threshold time storage unit 42. The control unit 4 can be realized using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a program. The control unit 4 can be realized by a hardware circuit.

The drive unit 41 outputs a _first drive signal S ₁ for controlling the _first relay RL ₁ to be turned on, to the first relay RL ₁ . Drive unit 41, a second driving signal _{S 2} for controlling the second relay RL ₂ is on, and outputs a second relay RL _2. Drive unit 41, the third drive signal _{S 3} for controlling the third relay RL ₃ ON, and outputs the third relay RL _3.

The threshold time storage unit 42 stores a predetermined threshold time. Threshold time, the first time interval from the first driving signals S ₁ from the relay RL ₁ to the third relay RL ₃ third driving signal S ₃ respectively output represents. The threshold time may be rewritable via wired communication or wireless communication.

The threshold time is preferably set based on the specifications of the first relay RL ₁ to the third relay RL ₃ . In the relay, the time from when the drive signal is input to when the contacts are in contact is determined by the specification. Since there are individual differences in relays, for example, the minimum time (minimal), the standard time (nominal), and the longest time (maximal) are defined in the specification. The threshold time is preferably set to be equal to or longer than the maximum time (maximal). As a result, at the timing when the drive signal is output to one relay and the drive signal is output to the next relay after the threshold time elapses, the contacts of one relay are surely in contact.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the relay circuit device according to the first embodiment.

Driving unit 41, in step S100, the third relay RL _3, and outputs a third driving signal _{S 3.}

The third relay RL ₃ is turned on when the third drive signal S ₃ is inputted, and the contacts are brought into contact with each other. When the third relay RL ₃ is turned on, an inrush current flows through the path of the power source 3 → the third relay RL ₃ → the third capacitive circuit 13 → the power source 3. Thereby, the drive part 41 can generate | occur | produce an arc between the contacts of _3rd relay RL3, can remove the film of a contact surface, and can maintain the conduction | electrical_connection between contacts favorably.

  In step S102, the drive unit 41 determines whether or not the threshold time has elapsed. If it is determined that the threshold time has not elapsed (No in step S102), the drive unit 41 waits in step S102. If the drive unit 41 determines that the threshold time has elapsed (Yes in step S102), the process proceeds to step S104.

Driving unit 41, in step S104, the second relay RL _2, and outputs a second driving signal _{S 2.}

The second relay RL ₂ is turned on when the second drive signal S ₂ is input, and the contacts are in contact with each other. When the second relay RL ₂ is turned on, an inrush current flows through the path of the power source 3 → the third relay RL ₃ → the second relay RL ₂ → the second capacitive circuit 12 → the power source 3. Thereby, the drive part 41 can generate | occur | produce an arc between the contacts of _2nd relay RL2, can remove the film of a contact surface, and can maintain the conduction | electrical_connection between contacts favorably.

In addition, the drive part 41 is standing by until threshold time passes in step S102. Therefore, the drive unit 41 to be a timing for outputting the second driving signal _{S 2} to the second relay RL ₂ in step S104, the third relay RL ₃ is between the contacts are in contact.

If the drive unit 41, not wait in step S102 until the elapse of the threshold time, immediately, when the second relay RL ₂ and outputs a second driving signal S _2, a third contact of the relay RL ₃ There is a possibility that the contacts of the second relay RL ₂ come into contact with each other before the contact. In this case, between the second contact of the relay RL _2, the inrush current does not flow. Therefore, in the second relay RL ₂ , no arc is generated between the contacts, the coating on the contact surface cannot be removed, and conduction between the contacts cannot be maintained satisfactorily.

However, in the first embodiment, the drive unit 41 stands by until the threshold time elapses in step S102. Therefore, the drive unit 41 to be a timing for outputting the second driving signal _{S 2} to the second relay RL ₂ in step S104, the third relay RL ₃ is between the contacts are in contact. Therefore, the drive part 41 can generate | occur | produce an arc reliably between the contacts of _2nd relay RL2, can remove the film of a contact surface, and can maintain the conduction | electrical_connection between contacts satisfactorily.

  Return to the description of the flowchart. In step S106, the drive unit 41 determines whether or not the threshold time has elapsed. If it is determined that the threshold time has not elapsed (No in step S106), the drive unit 41 waits in step S106. If the drive unit 41 determines that the threshold time has elapsed (Yes in step S106), the process proceeds to step S108.

Driving unit 41, in step S108, the first relay RL _1, and outputs a first driving signal _{S 1.}

The first relay RL ₁ is turned on when the first drive signal S ₁ is input, and the contacts are brought into contact with each other. When the first relay RL ₁ is turned on, the path of the power source 3 → the third relay RL ₃ → the second relay RL ₂ → the first relay RL ₁ → the first capacitive circuit 11 → the power source 3 Inrush current flows. Thereby, the drive part 41 can generate | occur | produce an arc between the contacts of _1st relay RL1, can remove the film of a contact surface, and can maintain the conduction | electrical_connection between contacts favorably.

In addition, the drive part 41 is standing by until threshold time passes in step S106. Therefore, the drive unit 41 to be a timing for outputting the first driving signals _{S 1} to the first relay RL ₁ in step S108, the second relay RL ₂ is, between the contacts are in contact.

If the drive unit 41, not wait in step S106 until the elapse of the threshold time, immediately, assuming that the first outputs drive signals S ₁ to the first relay RL _1, the second contact of the relay RL ₂ There is a possibility that the contacts of the first relay RL ₁ come into contact before the contact. In this case, no inrush current flows between the contacts of the first relay RL ₁ . Therefore, in the first relay RL ₁ , no arc is generated between the contacts, the coating on the contact surface cannot be removed, and the conduction between the contacts cannot be maintained well.

However, in the first embodiment, the drive unit 41 stands by until the threshold time elapses in step S106. Therefore, the drive unit 41 to be a timing for outputting the first driving signals _{S 1} to the first relay RL ₁ in step S108, the second relay RL ₂ is, between the contacts are in contact. Therefore, the drive part 41 can generate | occur | produce an arc reliably between the contacts of _1st relay RL1, can remove the film of a contact surface, and can maintain the conduction | electrical_connection between contacts satisfactorily.

As described above, in the relay circuit device 1, an arc due to the inrush current is generated between the contacts in all of the first relay RL ₁ , the second relay RL _2, and the third relay RL ₃ . Therefore, the relay circuit device 1 can remove the coating on the contact surface in all of the first relay RL ₁ , the second relay RL _2, and the third relay RL ₃ , and can maintain good conduction between the contacts.

(Modification of the first embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a relay circuit device according to a modification of the first embodiment. Relay circuit device 1A includes a control unit 4A. The control unit 4A includes a threshold voltage storage unit 43. Furthermore, the relay circuit device 1A includes a voltage sensor 52 that detects the voltage of the second capacitor 12a, and a voltage sensor 53 that detects the voltage of the third capacitor 13a.

In each of the second capacitor 12a and the third capacitor 13a, when an inrush current flows, charges are accumulated and the voltage rises. Therefore, the drive unit 41 can determine that the contacts of the third relay RL ₃ are in contact with each other based on the voltage of the third capacitor 13a. Similarly, the drive part 41 can determine with the voltage of the 2nd capacitor | condenser 12a having contacted between the contacts of _2nd relay RL2.

  The threshold voltage storage unit 43 stores a predetermined threshold voltage. The threshold voltage represents a voltage at which an inrush current flows through each of the second capacitor 12a and the third capacitor 13a and it can be determined that charges are accumulated. The threshold voltage may be set based on the voltage of the power supply 3 and the capacitance of each of the second capacitor 12a and the third capacitor 13a. The threshold voltage may be rewritable via wired communication or wireless communication.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the relay circuit device according to the modification of the first embodiment.

Driving unit 41, in step S100, the third relay RL _3, and outputs a third driving signal _{S 3.}

The third relay RL ₃ is turned on when the third drive signal S ₃ is inputted, and the contacts are brought into contact with each other. When the third relay RL ₃ is turned on, an inrush current flows through the path of the power source 3 → the third relay RL ₃ → the third capacitive circuit 13 → the power source 3. Thereby, the drive part 41 can generate | occur | produce an arc between the contacts of _3rd relay RL3, can remove the film of a contact surface, and can maintain the conduction | electrical_connection between contacts favorably.

  In step S103, the drive unit 41 determines whether or not the voltage of the third capacitor 13a has reached the threshold voltage. If it is determined that the voltage has not reached (No in step S103), the drive unit 41 waits in step S103. . If the drive unit 41 determines that the voltage of the third capacitor 13a has reached the threshold voltage (Yes in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104.

Driving unit 41, in step S104, the second relay RL _2, and outputs a second driving signal _{S 2.}

The second relay RL ₂ is turned on when the second drive signal S ₂ is input, and the contacts are in contact with each other. When the second relay RL ₂ is turned on, an inrush current flows through the path of the power source 3 → the third relay RL ₃ → the second relay RL ₂ → the second capacitive circuit 12 → the power source 3. Thereby, the drive part 41 can generate | occur | produce an arc between the contacts of _2nd relay RL2, can remove the film of a contact surface, and can maintain the conduction | electrical_connection between contacts favorably.

Note that the drive unit 41 stands by until the voltage of the third capacitor 13a reaches the threshold voltage in step S103. Therefore, the drive unit 41 to be a timing for outputting the second driving signal _{S 2} to the second relay RL ₂ in step S104, the third relay RL ₃ is between the contacts are in contact.

If the drive unit 41, not wait in step S103 until the voltage of the third capacitor 13a reaches the threshold voltage, immediately, when the second relay RL ₂ and outputs a second driving signal S _2, first There is a possibility that the contacts of the second relay RL ₂ come into contact before the contacts of the _third relay RL ₃ come into contact. In this case, between the second contact of the relay RL _2, the inrush current does not flow. Therefore, in the second relay RL ₂ , no arc is generated between the contacts, the coating on the contact surface cannot be removed, and conduction between the contacts cannot be maintained satisfactorily.

However, in the modification of the first embodiment, the drive unit 41 stands by until the voltage of the third capacitor 13a reaches the threshold voltage in step S103. Therefore, the drive unit 41 to be a timing for outputting the second driving signal _{S 2} to the second relay RL ₂ in step S104, the third relay RL ₃ is between the contacts are in contact. Therefore, the drive part 41 can generate | occur | produce an arc reliably between the contacts of _2nd relay RL2, can remove the film of a contact surface, and can maintain the conduction | electrical_connection between contacts satisfactorily.

  Return to the description of the flowchart. In step S107, the drive unit 41 determines whether or not the voltage of the second capacitor 12a has reached the threshold voltage. If it is determined that the voltage has not reached (No in step S107), the drive unit 41 waits in step S107. . If the drive unit 41 determines that the voltage of the second capacitor 12a has reached the threshold voltage (Yes in step S107), the process proceeds to step S108.

Driving unit 41, in step S108, the first relay RL _1, and outputs a first driving signal _{S 1.}

The first relay RL ₁ is turned on when the first drive signal S ₁ is input, and the contacts are brought into contact with each other. When the first relay RL ₁ is turned on, the path of the power source 3 → the third relay RL ₃ → the second relay RL ₂ → the first relay RL ₁ → the first capacitive circuit 11 → the power source 3 Inrush current flows. Thereby, the drive part 41 can generate | occur | produce an arc between the contacts of _1st relay RL1, can remove the film of a contact surface, and can maintain the conduction | electrical_connection between contacts favorably.

Note that the drive unit 41 stands by until the voltage of the second capacitor 12a reaches the threshold voltage in step S107. Therefore, the drive unit 41 to be a timing for outputting the first driving signals _{S 1} to the first relay RL ₁ in step S108, the second relay RL ₂ is, between the contacts are in contact.

If the drive unit 41, not wait in step S106 until the voltage of the second capacitor 12a reaches the threshold voltage, immediately, assuming that the first outputs drive signals S ₁ to the first relay RL _1, the There is a possibility that the contacts of the first relay RL ₁ will contact each other before the contacts of the _second relay RL ₂ contact. In this case, no inrush current flows between the contacts of the first relay RL ₁ . Therefore, in the first relay RL ₁ , no arc is generated between the contacts, the coating on the contact surface cannot be removed, and the conduction between the contacts cannot be maintained well.

However, in the modification of the first embodiment, the drive unit 41 stands by until the voltage of the second capacitor 12a reaches the threshold voltage in step S106. Therefore, the drive unit 41 to be a timing for outputting the first driving signals _{S 1} to the first relay RL ₁ in step S108, the second relay RL ₂ is, between the contacts are in contact. Therefore, the drive part 41 can generate | occur | produce an arc reliably between the contacts of _1st relay RL1, can remove the film of a contact surface, and can maintain the conduction | electrical_connection between contacts satisfactorily.

In this way, in the relay circuit device 1A, an arc due to the inrush current is generated between the contacts in all of the first relay RL ₁ , the second relay RL ₂ and the third relay RL ₃ . Therefore, the relay circuit device 1A can remove the coating on the contact surface in all of the first relay RL ₁ , the second relay RL ₂ and the third relay RL ₃ , and can maintain good conduction between the contacts.

Further, the drive unit 41 confirms that the contacts of the second relay RL ₂ or the third relay RL ₃ are in contact with each other because the voltage of the second capacitor 12a or the third capacitor 13a has reached the threshold voltage. Can be judged.

  Thereby, the drive part 41 can output a drive signal to the next relay, without waiting for the threshold time uniformly (the longest time (maximal) is illustrated). As a result, the relay circuit device 1A can shorten the time required for the operation as compared with the case where the relay circuit device 1A uniformly waits for the threshold time.

In addition, the second relay RL ₂ or the third relay RL ₃ is an individual that does not satisfy the specification, and the contact between the contact points even if a threshold time (maximum time is exemplified) elapses after the drive signal is input. There may be cases where they do not touch. Even in this case, the drive unit 41 can generate an arc due to the inrush current between the contacts in all of the first relay RL ₁ , the second relay RL _2, and the third relay RL ₃ . Therefore, the relay circuit device 1A can remove the coating on the contact surface in all of the first relay RL ₁ , the second relay RL ₂ and the third relay RL ₃ , and can maintain good conduction between the contacts.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the relay circuit device according to the second embodiment. The relay circuit device 61 does not include the third relay RL ₃ and the third capacitive circuit 13 as compared with the relay circuit device 1 of the first embodiment.

The positive electrode of the power source 3 is connected to the fourth node N _4.

  Since the relay circuit device 61 is otherwise the same as the relay circuit device 1, description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the relay circuit device according to the second embodiment.

Driving unit 41, in step S200, the second relay RL _2, and outputs a second driving signal _{S 2.}

The second relay RL ₂ is turned on when the second drive signal S ₂ is input, and the contacts are in contact with each other. When the second relay RL ₂ is turned on, an inrush current flows through the path of the power source 3 → the second relay RL ₂ → the second capacitive circuit 12 → the power source 3. Thereby, the drive part 41 can generate | occur | produce an arc between the contacts of _2nd relay RL2, can remove the film of a contact surface, and can maintain the conduction | electrical_connection between contacts favorably.

  In step S202, the drive unit 41 determines whether or not the threshold time has elapsed. If it is determined that the threshold time has not elapsed (No in step S202), the drive unit 41 waits in step S202. If the drive unit 41 determines that the threshold time has elapsed (Yes in step S202), the drive unit 41 advances the process to step S204.

Driving unit 41, in step S204, the first relay RL _1, and outputs a first driving signal _{S 1.}

The first relay RL ₁ is turned on when the first drive signal S ₁ is input, and the contacts are brought into contact with each other. When the first relay RL ₁ is turned on, an inrush current flows through the path of the power source 3 → the second relay RL ₂ → the first relay RL ₁ → the first capacitive circuit 11 → the power source 3. Thereby, the drive part 41 can generate | occur | produce an arc between the contacts of _1st relay RL1, can remove the film of a contact surface, and can maintain the conduction | electrical_connection between contacts favorably.

In addition, the drive part 41 is standing by until threshold time passes in step S202. Therefore, the drive unit 41 to be a timing for outputting the first driving signals _{S 1} to the first relay RL ₁ in step S204, the second relay RL ₂ is, between the contacts are in contact.

If the drive unit 41, not wait in step S202 until the elapse of the threshold time, immediately, assuming that the first outputs drive signals S ₁ to the first relay RL _1, the second contact of the relay RL ₂ There is a possibility that the contacts of the first relay RL ₁ come into contact before the contact. In this case, no inrush current flows between the contacts of the first relay RL ₁ . Therefore, in the first relay RL ₁ , no arc is generated between the contacts, the coating on the contact surface cannot be removed, and the conduction between the contacts cannot be maintained well.

However, in the second embodiment, the drive unit 41 stands by until the threshold time elapses in step S202. Therefore, the drive unit 41 to be a timing for outputting the first driving signals _{S 1} to the first relay RL ₁ in step S204, the second relay RL ₂ is, between the contacts are in contact. Therefore, the drive part 41 can generate | occur | produce an arc reliably between the contacts of _1st relay RL1, can remove the film of a contact surface, and can maintain the conduction | electrical_connection between contacts satisfactorily.

Thus, the relay circuit unit 61, the first of all the relay RL ₁ and a second relay RL _2, the arc due to the inrush current is generated between the contacts. Therefore, the relay circuit device 61 can remove the coating on the contact surface with all of the first relay RL ₁ and the second relay RL ₂ and can maintain good conduction between the contacts.

Note that the second embodiment may be modified in the same manner as the modification of the first embodiment. That is, the relay circuit device 61 may include a voltage sensor that detects the voltage of the second capacitor 12a. And the drive part 41 may determine that the contact of _2nd relay RL2 contacted because the voltage of the 2nd capacitor | condenser 12a reached the threshold voltage.

  Thereby, the drive part 41 can output a drive signal to the next relay, without waiting for the threshold time uniformly (the longest time (maximal) is illustrated). As a result, the relay circuit device 61 can reduce the time required for the operation as compared with the case of waiting for the threshold time uniformly.

In addition, the second relay RL ₂ is an individual that does not satisfy the specification, and it may be considered that the contacts do not contact each other even if a threshold time (maximum time is exemplified) elapses after the drive signal is input. Even in this case, the drive unit 41 can generate an arc due to the inrush current between the contacts in all of the first relay RL ₁ and the second relay RL ₂ . Therefore, the relay circuit device 61 can remove the coating on the contact surface with all of the first relay RL ₁ and the second relay RL ₂ and can maintain good conduction between the contacts.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the relay circuit device according to the third embodiment. The relay circuit device 71 further includes a _fourth relay RL ₄ and a fourth capacitive circuit 14 as compared with the relay circuit device 1 of the first embodiment.

  The difference between the relay circuit device 71 and the relay circuit device 1 will be described, and the description of the same points as the relay circuit device 1 will be omitted.

The fourth relay RL ₄ has one end connected to the fifth node N ₅ and the other end connected to the sixth node N ₆ .

The fourth capacitive circuit 14 is an RC series circuit in which a fourth capacitor 14a and a fourth resistor 14b are connected in series. The fourth capacitive circuit 14 has one end connected to the first node N ₁ and the other end connected to the fifth node N ₅ .

The positive electrode of the power source 3 is connected to a node N ₆ of the sixth.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the relay circuit device according to the third embodiment.

In step S300, the drive unit 41 outputs the _fourth drive signal S4 to the _fourth relay RL4.

The fourth relay RL ₄ is turned on when the fourth drive signal S ₄ is input, and the contacts are brought into contact with each other. When the fourth relay RL ₄ is turned on, an inrush current flows through the path of the power source 3 → the fourth relay RL ₄ → the fourth capacitive circuit 14 → the power source 3. Thereby, the drive part 41 can generate | occur | produce an arc between the contacts of _4th relay RL4, can remove the film of a contact surface, and can maintain the conduction | electrical_connection between contacts favorably.

  In step S302, the drive unit 41 determines whether or not the threshold time has elapsed. If it is determined that the threshold time has not elapsed (No in step S302), the driving unit 41 waits in step S302. If the drive unit 41 determines that the threshold time has elapsed (Yes in step S302), the process proceeds to step S304.

Driving unit 41, in step S304, the third relay RL _3, and outputs a third driving signal _{S 3.}

The third relay RL ₃ is turned on when the third drive signal S ₃ is inputted, and the contacts are brought into contact with each other. When the third relay RL ₃ is turned on, an inrush current flows through the path of the power source 3 → the fourth relay RL ₄ → the third relay RL ₃ → the third capacitive circuit 13 → the power source 3. Thereby, the drive part 41 can generate | occur | produce an arc between the contacts of _3rd relay RL3, can remove the film of a contact surface, and can maintain the conduction | electrical_connection between contacts favorably.

In addition, the drive part 41 is standing by until threshold time passes in step S302. Therefore, the drive unit 41 in the third timing for outputting the driving signal _{S 3} to the third relay RL ₃ in step S304, the fourth relay RL ₄ is between the contacts are in contact.

If the drive unit 41, not wait until after the threshold time at step S302, immediately, when the third relay RL ₃ and outputs a third driving signal S _3, the fourth contact of the relay RL ₄ There is a possibility that the contacts of the third relay RL ₃ come into contact with each other before the contact. In this case, no inrush current flows between the contacts of the third relay RL ₃ . Therefore, in the third relay RL ₃ , no arc is generated between the contacts, the coating on the contact surface cannot be removed, and the conduction between the contacts cannot be maintained well.

However, in the third embodiment, the drive unit 41 stands by until the threshold time elapses in step S302. Therefore, the drive unit 41 in the third timing for outputting the driving signal _{S 3} to the third relay RL ₃ in step S304, the fourth relay RL ₄ is between the contacts are in contact. Therefore, the drive part 41 can generate | occur | produce an arc reliably between the contacts of _3rd relay RL3, can remove the film of a contact surface, and can maintain the conduction | electrical_connection between contacts satisfactorily.

Return to the description of the flowchart. Driving unit 41, in step S304, the third relay RL _3, and outputs a third driving signal _{S 3.}

The third relay RL ₃ is turned on when the third drive signal S ₃ is inputted, and the contacts are brought into contact with each other. When the third relay RL ₃ is turned on, an inrush current flows through the path of the power source 3 → the fourth relay RL ₄ → the third relay RL ₃ → the third capacitive circuit 13 → the power source 3. Thereby, the drive part 41 can generate | occur | produce an arc between the contacts of _3rd relay RL3, can remove the film of a contact surface, and can maintain the conduction | electrical_connection between contacts favorably.

  In step S306, the drive unit 41 determines whether or not the threshold time has elapsed. If it is determined that the threshold time has not elapsed (No in step S306), the drive unit 41 waits in step S306. If the drive unit 41 determines that the threshold time has elapsed (Yes in step S306), the drive unit 41 proceeds to step S308.

Driving unit 41, in step S308, the second relay RL _2, and outputs a second driving signal _{S 2.}

The second relay RL ₂ is turned on when the second drive signal S ₂ is input, and the contacts are in contact with each other. When the second relay RL ₂ is turned on, the path of the power source 3 → the fourth relay RL ₄ → the third relay RL ₃ → the second relay RL ₂ → the second capacitive circuit 12 → the power source 3 Inrush current flows. Thereby, the drive part 41 can generate | occur | produce an arc between the contacts of _2nd relay RL2, can remove the film of a contact surface, and can maintain the conduction | electrical_connection between contacts favorably.

In addition, the drive part 41 is standing by until threshold time passes in step S306. Therefore, the drive unit 41 to be a timing for outputting the second driving signal _{S 2} to the second relay RL ₂ in step S308, the third relay RL ₃ is between the contacts are in contact.

If the drive unit 41, not wait in step S306 until the elapse of the threshold time, immediately, when the second relay RL ₂ and outputs a second driving signal S _2, a third contact of the relay RL ₃ There is a possibility that the contacts of the second relay RL ₂ come into contact with each other before the contact. In this case, between the second contact of the relay RL _2, the inrush current does not flow. Therefore, in the second relay RL ₂ , no arc is generated between the contacts, the coating on the contact surface cannot be removed, and conduction between the contacts cannot be maintained satisfactorily.

However, in the third embodiment, the drive unit 41 stands by until the threshold time elapses in step S306. Therefore, the drive unit 41 to be a timing for outputting the second driving signal _{S 2} to the second relay RL ₂ in step S308, the third relay RL ₃ is between the contacts are in contact. Therefore, the drive part 41 can generate | occur | produce an arc reliably between the contacts of _2nd relay RL2, can remove the film of a contact surface, and can maintain the conduction | electrical_connection between contacts satisfactorily.

  Return to the description of the flowchart. In step S310, the drive unit 41 determines whether or not the threshold time has elapsed. If it is determined that the threshold time has not elapsed (No in step S310), the drive unit 41 stands by in step S310. If the drive unit 41 determines that the threshold time has elapsed (Yes in step S310), the drive unit 41 advances the process to step S312.

Driving unit 41, in step S312, the the first relay RL _1, and outputs a first driving signal _{S 1.}

The first relay RL ₁ is turned on when the first drive signal S ₁ is input, and the contacts are brought into contact with each other. When the first relay RL ₁ is turned on, the power source 3 → the fourth relay RL ₄ → the third relay RL ₃ → the second relay RL ₂ → the first relay RL ₁ → the first capacitive circuit 11 → Inrush current flows through the path of the power source 3. Thereby, the drive part 41 can generate | occur | produce an arc between the contacts of _1st relay RL1, can remove the film of a contact surface, and can maintain the conduction | electrical_connection between contacts favorably.

In addition, the drive part 41 is standing by until threshold time passes in step S310. Therefore, the drive unit 41 to be a timing for outputting the first driving signals _{S 1} to the first relay RL ₁ in step S312, the second relay RL ₂ is, between the contacts are in contact.

If the drive unit 41, not wait in step S310 until the elapse of the threshold time, immediately, assuming that the first outputs drive signals S ₁ to the first relay RL _1, the second contact of the relay RL ₂ There is a possibility that the contacts of the first relay RL ₁ come into contact before the contact. In this case, no inrush current flows between the contacts of the first relay RL ₁ . Therefore, in the first relay RL ₁ , no arc is generated between the contacts, the coating on the contact surface cannot be removed, and the conduction between the contacts cannot be maintained well.

However, in the third embodiment, the drive unit 41 stands by until the threshold time elapses in step S310. Therefore, the drive unit 41 to be a timing for outputting the first driving signals _{S 1} to the first relay RL ₁ in step S312, the second relay RL ₂ is, between the contacts are in contact. Therefore, the drive part 41 can generate | occur | produce an arc reliably between the contacts of _1st relay RL1, can remove the film of a contact surface, and can maintain the conduction | electrical_connection between contacts satisfactorily.

As described above, in the relay circuit device 71, an arc due to the inrush current is generated between the contacts in all of the first relay RL ₁ , the second relay RL ₂ , the third relay RL ₃ and the fourth relay RL _4. To do. Therefore, the relay circuit device 1 can remove the coating on the contact surface with all of the first relay RL ₁ , the second relay RL ₂ , the third relay RL ₃ and the fourth relay RL ₄ , Good continuity can be maintained.

Note that the third embodiment may be modified in the same manner as the modification of the first embodiment. That is, the relay circuit device 71 may include three voltage sensors that respectively detect the voltages of the second capacitor 12a, the third capacitor 13a, and the fourth capacitor 14a. Then, the drive unit 41 may determine that the contacts of the fourth relay RL ₄ are in contact with each other because the voltage of the fourth capacitor 14a has reached the threshold voltage. Similarly, the drive unit 41 may determine that the contacts of the third relay RL ₃ are in contact with each other because the voltage of the third capacitor 13a has reached the threshold voltage. Similarly, the drive unit 41 may determine that the contact point of the second relay RL ₂ is in contact with the voltage of the second capacitor 12a reaching the threshold voltage.

  Thereby, the drive part 41 can output a drive signal to the next relay, without waiting for the threshold time uniformly (the longest time (maximal) is illustrated). As a result, the relay circuit device 71 can reduce the time required for the operation as compared with the case of waiting for the threshold time uniformly.

Further, the second relay RL ₂ , the third relay RL ₃ or the fourth relay RL ₄ is an individual that does not satisfy the specification, and a threshold time (the longest time (maximal) is exemplified) after the drive signal is input. There may be a case where the contacts do not contact each other even after elapse. Even in this case, the drive unit 41 causes the first relay RL ₁ , the second relay RL ₂ , the third relay RL _3, and the fourth relay RL ₄ to generate an arc due to the inrush current between the contacts. Can be generated. Therefore, the relay circuit device 71 can remove the coating on the contact surface in all of the first relay RL ₁ , the second relay RL ₂ , the third relay RL ₃ and the fourth relay RL ₄ , and between the contacts Good continuity can be maintained.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof as well as included in the scope and gist of the invention.

1, 1A, 61, 71, 100, 110 Relay circuit device 2, 104 Load circuit 3, 105 Power supply 11 First capacitive circuit 11a First capacitor 11b First resistor 12 Second capacitive circuit 12a Second Capacitor 12b second resistor 13 third capacitive circuit 13a third capacitor 13b third resistor 14 fourth capacitive circuit 14a fourth capacitor 14b fourth resistor 4, 106 control unit 41 drive unit 42 Threshold time storage unit 43 Threshold voltage storage unit 52, 53 Voltage sensor 111 Capacitive circuit N ₁ 1st node N ₂ 2nd node N ₃ 3rd node N ₄ 4th node N ₅ 5th node N ₆ 6th node RL ₁ 1st relay RL ₂ 2nd relay RL ₃ 3rd relay RL ₄ 4th relay

Claims (10)

A load circuit having one end connected to the first node and the other end connected to the second node;
A first relay having one end connected to the second node and the other end connected to a third node;
A second relay having one end connected to the third node and the other end connected to a fourth node;
A first capacitive circuit having one end connected to the first node and the other end connected to the second node;
A second capacitive circuit having one end connected to the first node and the other end connected to the third node;
A control unit for controlling the first and second relays;
With
The controller is
Controlling the second relay on, and then controlling the first relay on;
A relay circuit device. A third relay having one end connected to the fourth node and the other end connected to a fifth node;
A third capacitive circuit having one end connected to the first node and the other end connected to the fourth node;
Further comprising
The controller is
Controlling the third relay on, then controlling the second relay on, and then controlling the first relay on;
The relay circuit device according to claim 1. A fourth relay having one end connected to the fifth node and the other end connected to the sixth node;
A fourth capacitive circuit having one end connected to the first node and the other end connected to the fifth node;
Further comprising
The controller is
Controlling the fourth relay on, then controlling the third relay on, then controlling the second relay on, and then controlling the first relay on;
The relay circuit device according to claim 2, wherein: The capacitive circuit includes a capacitor,
The relay circuit device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the relay circuit device is characterized in that The capacitive circuit further includes a resistor connected in series with the capacitor.
The relay circuit device according to claim 4, wherein: The controller is
When one of the relays is controlled to be turned on and a predetermined threshold time has elapsed, the next one of the relays is controlled to be turned on.
The relay circuit device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is
One relay is controlled to be turned on, and when the voltage across the capacitors connected in series to the one relay reaches a predetermined threshold voltage, the next one relay is controlled to be turned on.
The relay circuit device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein A load circuit having one end connected to the first node and the other end connected to the second node, and a first circuit having one end connected to the second node and the other end connected to the third node A relay, one end connected to the third node, the other end connected to the fourth node, one end connected to the first node, the other end connected to the second node A first capacitive circuit connected to the first node, a second capacitive circuit having one end connected to the first node and the other end connected to the third node, and the first and second A control method for controlling a relay circuit device comprising a control unit for controlling a relay,
The control unit controls the second relay to turn on, and then controls the first relay to turn on.
A method for controlling a relay circuit device, comprising: The relay circuit device includes a third relay having one end connected to the fourth node and the other end connected to a fifth node, one end connected to the first node, and the other end connected to the first node. A third capacitive circuit connected to the four nodes;
The control unit controls the third relay to be turned on, then controls the second relay to be turned on, and then controls the first relay to be turned on.
The method of controlling a relay circuit device according to claim 8. The relay circuit device has one end connected to the fifth node, the other end connected to the sixth node, one end connected to the first node, and the other end connected to the first node. A fourth capacitive circuit connected to the five nodes,
The control unit controls the fourth relay to be turned on, then controls the third relay to be turned on, and then controls the second relay to be turned on, and then turns the first relay on. Control on,
The method for controlling a relay circuit device according to claim 9, wherein:

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