JP2003075565A - Life management method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a life management method capable of precisely grasping the life of each part to be life-managed and performing the life management of consumable part without futileness in the management of the life of a consumable part loaded on electronic equipment such as a computer. SOLUTION: An integrating processing means 10 has an operation time integrating counter 1, a non-operation time integrating counter 2, a continuous OFF time counter, and a total time integrating counter 4, in every consumable part which is an object for life management, and the counting times of the counters 1-4 are updated in the power supply ON/OFF processing of the device. The counter to be monitored of the four kinds of counters 1-4 and the life time showing the counting time of the counter to be monitored where an alarm is generated in a life mode are set in a life management set table 20 every part to be life-managed. With respect to each part to be life-managed, the life time of the life management table 20 is compared with the counted time of the counter to be monitored, and a life arrival alarm is generated.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a life management system for managing the life of a plurality of consumable parts such as a cooling fan unit, a hard disk unit and a battery mounted on an electronic device such as a computer.

In electronic equipment, many consumable parts are mounted, and it is required that these consumable parts can be replaced reliably without waste.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the following two methods have been often used to manage the replacement timing of consumable parts such as cooling fan units.

Without counting the operating time of the conventional system, the service life expiration time and replacement cycle of consumable parts are roughly set according to the operating time and operating schedule declared by the user and the installation environment temperature. Then, the maintenance staff manages the life expiration time by another means, and prepares a replacement part in time for this time.

The operating time (power-on time) of the conventional system is counted, and a time obtained by subtracting a fixed time from the life time of each consumable part (for example, a consumable part having a life time of 20,000 hours is about 300 hours / month). When it is used in the operating environment, it will reach about 3
If you want to issue the exchange request message within a month, about 19,000 hours (= 20,000-300 × 3),
Activate an alarm.

[0006]

The conventional method may be simple, but since the operating time of the device is not strictly counted, it is necessary to give a margin to the replacement time in consideration of variations in operating time and installation environment temperature. There is. For this reason, the replacement cycle must be set shorter, resulting in waste and inefficiency. Furthermore, the replacement time for each user, each device, and each consumable part must be managed by another means such as a management ledger, which is difficult to manage. Moreover, the management of the life becomes even more troublesome if temporary storage, relocation, individual repairs, etc. of the device occur.

Further, the message notification timing at the end of the life or before the end of the life in the conventional system is fixed without considering detailed operating conditions (such as operating time for one day and operating conditions on Saturdays and Sundays). Therefore, even if the notification is issued before the end of the service life considering the preparation period of the replacement parts for a certain period of time, the timing of this advance notification greatly changes depending on the operating environment (power-on time of one day). .

For example, a standard operating environment (250 hours /
Assuming that the notification is set to be issued 750 hours (250 hours x 3 months) before the end of the service life based on (month), the operating life of 24 hours operation (720 hours / month power-on state) One month before arrival, the notification will be given and the replacement parts will not be in time.

In particular, it is not possible to stock up a battery, which requires life management (generally, 2-3 years life) immediately after manufacturing, and more accurate and quick response is required. In order to deal with this, there is also a means for setting the advance notification time for each user and each operating environment, but it causes troublesomeness such as setting work and the need to change this setting when the operating time is changed. .

On the other hand, in the conventional method, since the operating time is counted, the life can be accurately managed when the operating life is reached. Also, individual repair (replacement of individual parts) can be handled by clearing the counting time, and can be handled by continuing the counting time as it is at the time of primary storage / relocation. Since this alarm can be used to prepare for replacement parts, this system is far superior to the conventional system in terms of management.

However, although this method is superior to the conventional method, in this conventional method, the life mode managed is only the operating time (energizing time), and the operating time is preset. It only compares it to a fixed lifetime. In addition to the above operating time life, there are various actual life modes of consumable parts, such as the discharge time life and deterioration life of the battery when the power is continuously cut off, and the operating environment (operating time, non-working time) in which the device is placed. The life cannot be accurately grasped unless the consumable part, the time, the life mode, and the end of the life are controlled in terms of time and installation environment temperature).

Therefore, even in the conventional method, the life cannot be accurately grasped, so that the cycle of the regular replacement of consumable parts is set to be short, which is wasteful. In addition, since the prior notification period required to prepare for replacement from the life time of consumable parts is the same for all consumable parts in the conventional method, the work period until preparing replacement parts is not optimal for some consumable parts. There were also problems such as not having it.

That is, the conventional method has the following problems. (A) No consideration is given to a life mode that proceeds in a mode other than the total operating time of the device. Specifically: -Other life modes that proceed with power off time are not considered.・ Regardless of the power state, the life mode such as the deterioration life that progresses after the current condition of the device is not taken into consideration. -The service life is greatly affected by the installation environment temperature of the device, but the installation environment temperature is not taken into consideration. (B) Regarding the notification timing of the alarm for notifying the end of life, the setting of the preparation period that matches each consumable part is not considered.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. A first problem is that the lifespan of a plurality of life management target parts can be accurately grasped and the lifespan of consumable parts can be managed without waste. It is to realize the management method.

A second problem is to realize a life management system capable of generating an appropriate life warning alarm in consideration of the fact that the work period until the replacement parts are prepared is different for each consumable part. It is in.

[0016]

The life management system of the present invention (the invention according to claim 1) has a basic configuration as shown in the principle diagram of FIG. An operating time integration counter 1 for integrating the power-on period, a non-operation time integration counter 2 for integrating a continuous power-off period of the device, a continuous disconnection time counter 3 for repeatedly counting the continuous power-off time of the device, and Four types of counters 1 to 4 of a total time integration counter 4 for integrating the total elapsed time after the current state of the device regardless of the power supply state are provided for each consumable part subject to life management.

The integration processing means 10 includes a counter 1 at least during power-on processing and power-off processing of the apparatus.
Update the counting time of ~ 4. Life management setting table 2
In 0, a counter to be monitored among the four types of counters 1 to 4 and a life time indicating how long the count time of the counter to be monitored generates an alarm in the life mode are the life management targets. It is set for each part. The comparing unit 30 compares the life time of the life management setting table 20 with the counting time of the monitoring target counter at a predetermined timing (for example, at the time of power-on processing) for each life management target component. According to the comparison result by the comparison unit 30, the alarm notification unit 40 issues a life expiration alarm for each life management target component.

Since various life modes are taken into consideration in the present invention, the life of each life management target component can be accurately grasped, and the life management of consumable parts can be performed without waste. The integration processing means 10 normally updates the count times of the non-operating time integration counter 2, the continuous disconnection time counter 3, and the total time integration counter 4 during the power-on processing of the device, and integrates the operating time during the power-off processing of the device. The count times of the counter 1 and the total time integration counter 4 are updated. The counting time of the total time integration counter 4 is the operating time integration counter 1
It can also be obtained by adding the counting time of the non-operating time integration counter 2.

If the power-on state continues for a predetermined period of time or more, the integration processing means 10 operates the operation time integration counter 1 and the total operation counter at a preset timing even if the power-off processing of the device is not performed. The time integration counter 4 is configured to update the counting time. By doing this, even if the device is operated for 24 hours, the counter 1 can be reliably operated.
It is possible to update the counting times of 4 to accurately grasp the arrival of the life of each life management target component.

Further, the integration processing means 10 stores the power supply state transition time at the time of power-on processing and power-off processing of the device, and when the next power supply state transition occurs, the previous power supply is turned on. If the elapsed time from the state transition time is obtained and the counting times of the counters 1 to 4 are updated based on this, counting can be performed easily.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the life management system is provided with a temperature sensor capable of measuring the installation environment temperature of the device, and the life management setting table corrects the life variation of each life management target component according to the installation environment temperature. The integration processing means stores the power supply state transition time at the time of power-on processing and power-off processing of the device, and when the next power supply state transition occurs, the previous power supply state transition is performed. Obtain the elapsed time from the time, convert this elapsed time to the elapsed time at the reference temperature using the correction coefficient, and add the converted elapsed time to the counting time of the counter that needs to be updated. It is characterized in that the counting time is updated.

In the present invention, the temperature factor that greatly affects the life can be reflected in the life time. Therefore, it is possible to achieve more reliable and efficient life management.

In the life management system according to the third aspect of the present invention, a life advance alarm is generated in the life management setting table to notify that the remaining period from the earliest occurrence of the life expiration alarm to the end of the life has decreased. Data for advance notice can be set for each consumable part subject to life management, and when a life advance alarm is issued from the alarm notification means, other life advance alarms that are expected to occur within a certain period in the future can be set. It is also characterized in that the notification is also given.

According to the present invention, it is possible to grasp the service life that will come within a certain period. As a result, the replacement parts can be arranged / worked together, and the efficiency of maintenance can be improved.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIG. 2 shows a system configuration example (for example, a server) in which the life management system of the present invention is used.
Is shown. In this device, a CPU (processing unit) 5
1, a NVM (nonvolatile memory), an RTC (real time clock module) 52, a magnetic disk unit 53, a power supply unit 54, etc. are connected. Furthermore, R
A primary battery (lithium battery) 55 for backup is connected to the TC 52, and a UP unit is connected to the power supply unit 54.
An S (uninterruptible power supply) unit 56 and a cooling fan unit 57 are connected. A secondary battery (lead battery) 57 is mounted on the UPS unit 56.

In the apparatus of this embodiment, the consumable parts whose life is to be monitored are the magnetic disk unit 53 and the primary battery 5.
5, a cooling fan unit 57, and a secondary battery 58. As the life modes of these consumable parts, in the present embodiment, the arrival of the life of the consumable parts is monitored in the following four life modes. Operating time Life (lifetime mode that progresses according to power-on time of power supply) Non-operating time life (lifetime mode that progresses according to power-off time) Continuous disconnection time life (lifetime mode that progresses during time when power supply is continuously stopped) Total time Lifespan (lifetime mode that progresses in total time regardless of power supply state) The above-mentioned operating time lifespan mode is the most representative and large lifespan factor. For example, the lifespan of the magnetic disk unit 53 and the cooling fan unit 57 in FIG. Corresponds to this. This is because the magnetic disk unit 53 and the cooling fan unit 57 have a rotation mechanism portion, and the bearing of this rotation mechanism portion has the greatest effect on the life. Balls and grease are used in the bearing, and the durability of the balls and the characteristics of the grease greatly influence the life of the magnetic disk unit 53 and the cooling fan unit 57. This life time is generally determined by the time during which the cooling fan and the motor are rotating, and is usually about 30,000 hours (when the temperature of the rotation mechanism section is 60 ° C.). Then, this life time is an operating time (energization time) in a general device.

The non-operation time life is a case where the continuous power-off time (integrated value) becomes long and reaches the end of life. Here, continuous power-off time means that this short-time power-on time is included in the power-off time even if there is a short-time power-on time between them (this short-time power-on time). Regarding, it is not necessary to include it in the operating time of the above operating time life mode, but it is safer to include it). As an example of this, RT in FIG.
Primary battery used for backup of a relatively small power source such as C52 power source (lithium battery that cannot be recharged)
Has a life of 55. In a general design method, the primary battery 55
The lithium battery as described above is discharged when the power is turned off, but the battery and its capacity to be adopted are determined at the design stage on the premise of standard operating conditions. For example, the standard operation is 200
If the power of the device is turned on for more than an hour, the time that needs to be backed up is 520 hours at maximum in a month, and if the specified life of the device is 5 years, 52
It suffices to secure a capacity of 0 (hours) × 60 (months) × current consumption (A).

This is an apparatus which employs a battery having a backup capacity within the standard operating range described above, and the battery capacity is insufficient in non-standard operation (for example, when the monthly operating time does not reach 200 hours). (There is also a battery check as a detection means, but since this check is a judgment based on the voltage level, there is no time to spare, or a system shutdown similar to a sudden failure is caused.) .

The above continuous disconnection time life is a case where the above-mentioned non-operation time life is a case of total power-off time even if the non-operation time life is discontinuous, but continuous power-off time becomes a problem. As an example of this, the primary battery (rechargeable nicad battery, lead battery, etc.) 55 in FIG. 2 can be considered. For example, there is a case where a discharge state (over-discharge) exceeding the rated capacity occurs due to a long-term suspension (power-off) state and the life is reached. Such a battery usually discharges in a range below the rated capacity, and can be charged for a certain period of time to reach its original life time.However, discharge exceeding the rating loses its characteristics. , Playback is disabled. Normally, the secondary battery (lead battery) 58 used in the UPS unit 56 has a limit of being left for about 6 months.

As another case of the continuous cutting time life mode, the magnetic disk unit 53 in FIG. 2 may also be a target. The head of the magnetic disk unit 53 moves to the retreat zone and contacts the disk surface when the power is turned off. However, if left in this state for a long time, a thin film may be formed on the tip of the head or the head may stick to the disk surface. It may end up. Therefore, it is required to turn on the power at least within a fixed time. Generally, the operation within 6 months is required.

The above total time life is a life mode that progresses from the time of manufacture due to deterioration over time regardless of the power supply state. For example, when the grease characteristics, which are oil components in the magnetic disk unit 53 and the cooling fan unit 57 in FIG. 2, are deteriorated due to aging and reach the end of their life, or when the electrolytic solution in the primary battery 55 has a life due to chemical changes over time. Is. These depend on the consumable parts, but 3 years (primary battery 55) or 5 years (magnetic disk unit 5
3 and the cooling fan unit 57). This life time is set to be the longest in each of the above life modes for each consumable part.

In the present embodiment, it is monitored whether the above four types of life modes exist for each consumable part, and if so, how long the life time is. The consumable parts are to be replaced before the end of their service life. In the table shown in FIG. 3, a magnetic disk unit (denoted as HDD) 53, a primary battery (denoted as BAT (primary)) 55, a cooling fan unit (F
57, secondary battery (described as BAT (secondary)) 5
8, the life mode and life time are shown.

The life management in the present embodiment is executed by the CPU 51, and is executed at the time of executing the program at the time of power-on processing and at the time of executing the program at the time of power-off processing. Therefore, a hardware configuration for performing life management is not provided in particular, and the actual life management causes the CPU 51 to execute the life management program written in the magnetic disk unit (referred to as HDD) 53, ROM, or the like. You just do it. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the CPU 51 and its peripheral portion in the first example of the present invention.

In FIG. 4, the integration processing means 60 is an operating time integration counter 61 for integrating the power-on period of the apparatus,
A non-operating time integration counter 62 that integrates the continuous power-off period of the device, a continuous disconnection time counter 63 that repeats counting the continuous power-off time of the device, and a total of the device after the current adjustment regardless of the power state. There are four types of counters 61 to 64, that is, a total time integration counter 64 that integrates elapsed time, for each consumable part that is a life management target.

The integration processing means 60 updates the counting time of the counters 61 to 64 at the time of power-on processing and power-off processing of the apparatus. Specifically, during the power-on process of the device, the count times of the non-operating time integration counter 62, the continuous disconnection time counter 63, and the total time integration counter 64 are updated, and during the power-off process of the device, the operating time integration counter 61 and The counting time of the total time integration counter 64 is updated. In addition, the counting time of the total time integration counter 64 is
Working time integration counter 61 and non-working time integration counter 6
It can also be obtained by adding the counting time of 2.

Further, in the case of a device or the like which is operated for 24 hours in which the power-on state continues for a predetermined period or longer, the integration processing means 60 has a preset timing (for example, (8 am every morning), the count times of the operating time integration counter 1 and the total time integration counter 4 are updated. The integration in the integration processing means 60 is performed at the time when the next power supply status transition occurs by reading and storing the power supply status transition time at the time of power-off processing and power-on processing of the device by the clock reading means 65. The elapsed time from the power supply state transition time of is calculated, and the counting time of the counters 61 to 64 is updated based on this. When the consumable part is replaced, the initialization processing means 66 clears the counting time of the counters 61 to 64 for the consumable part.

In the life management setting table 70, the life times indicating the counters to be monitored among the four types of counters 61 to 64 and the count time of the counters to be monitored and how many alarms are generated in the life mode. However, each life management target component (FAN, HDD, BAT (secondary), BAT
(Primary)) is set for each.

The comparing means 80, for each life management target component, at a predetermined timing (specifically, at the time of power-on processing, in the case of a device operating for 24 hours, a predetermined time of day), The life time of the life management setting table 70 is compared with the counting time of the monitored counter. According to the comparison result by the comparison means 80, the alarm notification means 90 issues a life expiration alarm for each life management target component.

FIG. 5 shows the operation of the four counters 61 to 64 for each consumable part subject to life management. First,
The operating time integration counter 61 is a counter that integrates the power-on period of the device, and is a counter that integrates the daily power-on periods K1, K2 .... Non-operating time integration counter 62
Is a counter that integrates continuous power-off periods of the device (a short power-on period within a certain time is considered to be included in the power-off time), and is a counter that integrates daily power-off periods N1, N2, ....

The continuous disconnection time counter 63 counts the continuous disconnection time of the device (a short power-on period within a fixed time is considered to be included in the continuous disconnection time) N1 or N2 or. Unlike the counter 62, the continuous cutting time counter 63 clears the counting time each time the continuous cutting state is interrupted, without integrating N1, N2, .... Book counter 6
3, even if a short power-on within a certain period (for example, a power-on period within 1 hour) occurs, the reason for including this period in the continuous disconnection period is, for example, when monitoring the discharge period of the battery, This is because the secondary battery (lead battery) 58 and the like will not be sufficiently charged when the power is turned on below.

The final total time integration counter 64 indicates the total elapsed time K since the current adjustment of the device regardless of the power supply state of the device.
Add 1 + N1, K2 + N2, ... The counting time of the counter 64 may be obtained from the sum of the counting times of the operating time integrating counter 61 and the non-operating time integrating counter 62 (the short energizing time within the continuous power-off period is the above operating time). When not included in the operating time of the life mode).

FIG. 6 is a diagram for specifically explaining the counting by the counters 61 to 64, in which four counters are assigned to one life component.
An example of how the counters 61 to 64 of various types are integrated with the transition of the power supply state is represented.

First, regarding the integration of the counters 61 to 64, the current time information is recorded in a non-volatile storage unit such as a magnetic disk immediately before the program turns off the power in the power-off process at 19:00 on the Nth day. is doing.

In the power-on process at 8:00 on the N + 1 day of the next day, the program records the time information at that time, calculates the difference (13 hours) from the power-off time 19:00 of the previous day, and determines the non-operation time. In addition to the counting times of the integration counter 62 and the total time integration counter 64, the continuous cutting time counter 63 is set to the same value.

Then, after performing the operation processing of the day, 1
At 9:00, the power-off processing is performed, but at this time as well, after the time information at this time is recorded, the difference (11 hours) from the power-on time 8:00 in the morning is calculated, and the counter 61 and In addition to counting time of 64, turn off the power. After that, this process is performed by power state transition (change of power state)
Repeats every time.

Next, each counter 6 by the comparison means 80
It is a comparison between the counting time of 1 to 64 and the life time shown in FIG. 7, but in the present embodiment, it is performed during the power-on process. The comparison process is performed according to the life management setting table of FIG. Here, H in the figure represents a unit of time, and K represents 100.
It shows that it is 0 times. Therefore, 1KH = 100
It's 0 hours.

In the comparison process, for example, counters 61 to
If 64 is for HDD, the E bit (Enable) of the operating time life in the second row of the table of FIG. 7 is checked, and if O (ON), this life time 30 KH (3
(10,000 hours) and the corresponding operating time integration counter 61 are compared. Subsequently, the E bit of the second non-operating time life in the table of FIG. 7 is checked. Here, the E bit is −
Since it is (invalid), it is determined that monitoring in this life mode is unnecessary, and the comparison process is omitted. Next, the E bit of the third continuous cutting time life is checked. Since this is O, the life time 5 KH (about 6 months) is compared with the counting time of the continuous cutting time counter 63. Since the E bit of the last fourth total time life is also O, the life value 43H
(43,000H; about 5 years) and total time integration counter 6
Compare with the count time of 4. This comparison process is performed by using all consumable parts FAN, BAT (secondary), and BA other than the HDD shown in FIG.
The counters 61 to 64 corresponding to T (secondary) are also performed.

If, in this comparison process, the count times of the counters 61 to 64 are equal to or longer than the number of years of life in FIG. 7 (for example, 30 KH <count time of the operating time integration counter 61). ), The alarm notification means 90 which has received the comparison result generates a life end alarm. In this alarm, the name of the life part and the life achievement mode in FIG. 7 are notified. This alarm allows maintenance personnel to quickly prepare replacement parts,
It will be necessary for replacement work (generally, since there is a sufficient margin in life time, preventive replacement before failure can be done by prompt response after alarm occurrence).

Further, by knowing this life mode, the difference between the originally intended operating environment and the actual environment (mainly the difference in operating time) can be known, and it is possible to improve the operating environment. For example, the continuous cutting time life of the HDD (5KH =
If an alarm occurs in about 6 months), it will be left unpowered for about 6 months due to relocation etc.
It warns that D's head may not work. Furthermore, it becomes possible to predict the life tendency such as the influence on other consumable parts as a whole.

After the replacement work, the corresponding counters 61 to 6
By clearing 4, new counting can be started from 0 hours as a new product. If an alarm occurs during the HDD continuous disconnection time life (5KH = about 6 months), if there is no problem in operation, as a temporary measure, clear only the continuous disconnection time counter 63 and calculate another integrated count. It is also possible to continue operation without changing the time.

If the power is not cut off on a normal day during 24-hour operation, etc., the operating time integration counter 6
Although the timing of adding 1 and the timing of performing the comparison process with the life time are lost, in such a case, this process should be started at a specified time in the day (for example, 8:00 am). You can leave it.

Further, the continuous cutting time life of FIG.
This means that continuous power failure occurred until D and BAT (secondary) could not be regenerated, and both HDD and BAT (secondary) require periodic energization (motor rotation, charging). Therefore, regarding the integration method of the continuous disconnection time counter 63, when the power is turned on after the power is turned off, it is not immediately cleared unconditionally, but it is not cleared when the power is turned on within a certain period of time, and the continuous disconnection time is not cleared. Is continuously accumulated as. This neglected throwing time may be set as a reproducible time by each consumable part (a time for confirming the correctness of the head in the case of HDD, a time for charging to a certain level in the case of BAT (secondary)), It is set for each consumable part.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the life mode of each consumable part is not limited to the life mode that progresses during the energization time, but life monitoring is also performed for other life modes that proceed even when the power is turned off. ing. In addition, the operating time, non-operating time, and continuous cutting time of parts are accurately counted.
Therefore, it is possible to accurately grasp the life of each life management target component, and to manage the life of consumable parts without waste. Furthermore, regarding the management of the life time, it is not necessary to manage it by other means such as manual recording, and it is not necessary to manage each user, each device, and each part, and it is also possible to manage the device at the time of temporary suspension or relocation. Similarly, life management can be performed. Further, even if the device is operated for 24 hours, the counting times of the counters 1 to 4 can be surely updated, and the life of each life management target component can be accurately grasped. (Second embodiment) Regarding the relationship between temperature and life, the life of drive system parts such as FAN and HDD described above is 15 ° C.
It is said that the service life will be halved with increasing temperature. Also, BA
T (secondary) (lead battery) is said to have a half life when the temperature rises by 10 ° C. Normally, in the calculation of the life of a device equipped with such components, it is assumed that the average temperature of the environment in which the device is installed for one year is about 25 ° C, and this reference temperature cannot be observed. And the life will vary greatly.

In the second embodiment, as shown by the imaginary line (two-dot chain line) in FIG. 2, a temperature sensor 59 capable of measuring the installation environment temperature (outside air) of the apparatus is provided and shown in FIG. As described above, in the life management setting table 70, the counting time is set so that the temperature difference with respect to the reference temperature (the installation environment temperature is 25 ° C. and the device internal temperature is 45 ° C. in anticipation of a temperature increase of 20 ° C.) is reflected in the life monitoring. The correction coefficient can be set for each consumable part. Further, in the functional block diagram of FIG. 9, temperature reading means 67 is added.

Here, the temperature correction will be described in detail taking FAN as an example. FIG. 10 shows the relationship between temperature and FAN life. As can be seen from this graph, the FAN used in this example of the embodiment has a normal average temperature condition of the reference temperature (installation environment temperature is 25 ° C., device internal temperature is 45 ° C. in anticipation of temperature rise of + 20 ° C.) In case, it has a lifespan of about 30,000 hours. When the temperature changes by + 15 ° C. from this state, the life time changes by about −20,000 hours. Therefore, this change rate is 20,000 hours / 15 ° C., which is about 1.33 KH / ° C., and the change rate per 1 ° C. for the standard life time of 30,000 hours is 1.33 K / 30 K, which is about 0.04. Become.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, this rate of change (about 0.04 / ° C.) is used as a correction coefficient, and the counting time to be added is temperature-corrected. That is, each counter 61 to 6
4, the temperature is read from the temperature sensor 59 via the temperature reading means 67, and the counter 6 is read from the temperature and the correction coefficient of the life time of the life management setting table 70.
After recalculating the counting time to be added to 1 to 64, the counters 61 to 64 are integrated.

A specific calculation example will be shown below. FIG. 11 shows a process when temperature correction is applied. N + 1 day 1
The power-off processing is started at 9:00, and FAN (correction coefficient =
An example is shown in which the operating time integration counter 61 of (0.04) is integrated. Here, it is assumed that the temperature read from the temperature sensor 59 is 30 ° C.

The corrected integrated time with respect to the reference temperature of 25 ° C. (counting time to be added) is calculated by the following formula. Accumulated time after correction = operating time × {1+ (reading temperature−reference temperature) × correction coefficient} = 11 × {1+ (30−25) × 0.04} = 13.2 hours Therefore, in the first form example If so, 11 hours are accumulated as the operating time of the FAN, but in the present embodiment example, 13.2
Time will be added up. As for the other counters, the time when the correction is made is integrated in the same manner. The processing other than the temperature correction in the present embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment.

As mentioned above, at least one day (24 hours)
By reading the output of the temperature sensor 59 once or more and reviewing the time to be integrated from the temperature difference with respect to the reference temperature, more accurate and efficient lifetime management can be performed throughout the year.

That is, in this embodiment, the temperature factor that greatly affects the life is reflected in the life time, so that highly reliable and efficient life management can be performed. (Third Embodiment) FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of the present embodiment. The life management setting table 70 in this embodiment has a timing earlier than the generation of the life reaching alarm, as shown in detail in FIG. It is possible to set advance notice data for generating a advance notice alarm that informs that the remaining period from the end to the end of the life has decreased.

Specifically, the life management setting table 70
In the comparison means 80, the advance notice period N for generating a life advance notice alarm earlier than the life expiration alarm and the period M for predicting the occurrence of another life notice alarm are set as the advance notice data. , Counters 61 to be monitored
The counting time of 64 and the life time of the advance notification are compared, and the predicted count time when the period M of the monitored counters 61 to 64 has elapsed and the life time of the advance notification are compared.
The alarm notifying means 90 is configured so that it can also generate a life advance warning alarm for each life management target component according to the comparison result of the comparison means 80.

In the present embodiment, N is designated for each consumable component (life management target component), and is designated as 1 in the past fixed period (1 month in the present embodiment), which will be described later. In the life management setting table of FIG. 13, the HDD has N = 2 (two months ago),
Other parts have N = 1 (one month ago). This N may be set in consideration of the period required to prepare each consumable part. M is designated in common to all consumable parts, and it is to be verified within the range of the period M whether or not there is a product that will reach the end of its life in the future from the time when the period of N is reached. Then, one month is designated as 1. N,
The purpose of providing M is to combine the preparation work (purchase and replacement work) of replacement parts as much as possible.

In the present embodiment, referring to the life management setting table of FIG. 13, the integrated time table generating means 75 generates an integrated time table within a certain past time shown in FIG. 14, and the advance table generating means 77 The N table shown by 15 and the M table shown in FIG. 16 are generated.

These tables except the life management setting table of FIG. 13 are actually internally generated by the program and used for comparison processing, and the operator need not be aware. Further, it is not necessary to actually develop these tables as tables, and it suffices that the above-mentioned comparison processing is substantially performed. Hereinafter, each table will be described.

The integrated time table in FIG. 14 holds the integrated time in the past fixed period, and in this embodiment, this period is set to one month (this period may be fixed or variable). The program always has a fixed period (1 month =
720H) and stores time information for each power state transition,
For each power-on process, the oldest one-day data that is out of the past month is discarded, and new one-day data is added.
The latest accumulated information for one month is calculated as shown in.

It should be noted that the continuous disconnection time on the integrated time table is difficult to detect in advance because a blackout condition that cannot be monitored or integrated occurs suddenly and continuously. Although there is no meaning in totaling, a continuous time of one month (720H), which is not possible in normal operation, is used here to generate an alarm.

The N table of FIG. 15 records the life time at which a life advance alarm is actually generated based on N that specifies the period from the end of the life until the advance notification, and the original life preset in FIG. 13 is recorded. A life time obtained by subtracting the period N from the time is tabulated.

The life time of the N table is compared with the count times of the counters 61 to 64 when it is judged whether or not the life advance alarm should be issued, and is calculated as follows.

(Life time of life management setting table)-
(Integrated time in the past fixed period) × N As an example, when the operating time and life of the FAN is calculated, the past fixed period is one month and the operating time in this period is 220H.
(Refer to FIG. 14), when N = 1 (one month), N
The operating hours and lifetime of FAN on the table are as follows.

[0070] The result obtained by the calculation for all consumable parts in this way is the N table in FIG. Comparison means 8
By comparing the count times of the counters 61 to 64 with the life time of FIG. 15 in the comparison processing of 0, the life advance alarm can be raised before the original life time by the designated period N.

The M table of FIG. 16 shows that when the life warning alarm designated by N occurs, M is further moved toward the future.
The counters 61 to 64 for each consumable part are used to check whether or not other alarm factors exist within the period.
Is a table of the predicted counting time (temporarily advanced time) obtained by adding the current counting time to the period specified by M.

This M table is used to predict the life advance alarm that will occur within the period M by comparing its value with the value of the N table. The counting time (integrated time) of the M table is calculated as follows.

(Current integrated time) + (Integrated time in a certain past period) × M As an example, in the N table of FIG. 15, it is assumed that the FAN life advance alarm generation condition (29,780H) is satisfied. At this time, the cumulative operating time of the HDD's current operating time is 29,500H, the past fixed period is one month, and the operating time in this period is 220H (see FIG. 14), M
= 0.5 (0.5 months), the operating life time on the M table of the HDD is calculated as follows.

Operating life time on HDD M table = 29,500 + 220 × 0.5 = 29,610 hours This means that the current operating time of the HDD is 29,
Since 500H has not reached the life time (29,560H) of the life advance alarm notification on the N table shown in FIG. 15, it is not a direct factor of the life advance alarm notification, but in the re-comparison after generation of the M table, It indicates that it is within the range of the life warning alarm notification. M in FIG. 16 above
In the table, other life times and predicted count times for other consumable parts are omitted. Although the operating life time of the FAN is also calculated, the operating time life of the FAN directly causes an alarm in the N table and has no meaning here.

As described above, in this embodiment, first, as shown in FIG.
When the life advance alarm is generated for a certain consumable part according to the life time shown in the N table, the M table in FIG. 16 is created based on the counting time at that time, and the M table and the N table are compared to determine the total wear. The parts are re-checked for the life-preliminary alarm, and if a life-preliminary alarm factor (that is within the life-preliminary alarm range) is detected in the comparison, these plural life-preliminary alarms are simultaneously notified. FIG. 17 shows an example of life advance notification at that time.

The overall processing in this embodiment is performed by the procedure shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 18 and 19.
That is, when the power is turned on, recording of the turning-on time and reading of the output (temperature) of the temperature sensor are performed (S1), and the counter 6
1 to 64, the life management setting table is expanded, and the N table is generated (S2).

Next, the count times of the non-operating time integration counter 62, the continuous disconnection time counter 63, and the total time integration counter 64 are updated. At this time, correction is also performed according to the installation environment temperature (S3). After updating, the life is checked using the life management setting table of FIG. 13 (S4), and if there is a life reaching alarm (S5), the message preparation step (S51) is performed, and an alarm to that effect is issued. Notice.

When there is no end-of-life alarm, (S
5) The advance notice is checked, and whether or not there is a life advance alarm is checked by comparing each counting time of the counters 61 to 64 with the life time of the N table (S6). If there is a life warning alarm (S7), an M table is created (S71), and it is also checked by comparing the M table with the N table whether there is another life warning message (S72). After that, through the step of message preparation (S73), the lifetime warning alarms are collectively notified.

If there is no life warning alarm (S
7) A normal operation process starts (S8). When the normal operation process is completed and the power-off process is started (S9), the disconnection time is recorded and the output (temperature) of the temperature sensor is read (S).
10) After updating the count times of the operating time integration counter 61 and the total time integration counter 64 (S11), the power is turned off.

According to the configuration of this embodiment, the lifespan of a certain period of time can be grasped, so that replacement parts can be arranged / worked together and maintenance efficiency can be improved.
The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, in the second embodiment, the temperature correction configuration is added to the first embodiment, and in the third embodiment, the life prediction alarm notification configuration is added to the second embodiment. The life prediction alarm notification configuration may be added to the first embodiment.

Representative aspects of the present invention are shown below as supplementary notes. (Supplementary Note 1) Operating time integration counter that integrates the power-on period of the device, non-operation time integration counter that integrates the continuous power-off period of the device, continuous disconnection time counter that repeats counting the continuous power-off time of the device , And a total time integration counter that integrates the total elapsed time since the current state of the device, regardless of the power supply state, has four types of counters for each consumable part whose life is to be managed. At the time of disconnection processing, the integration processing means for updating the counting time of the counter, the counter to be monitored among the four types of counters for each life management object, and the count time of the monitoring object counter become For the life management setting table in which the life time that indicates whether an alarm is generated in the life mode and the parts subject to life management are set,
Comparing means for comparing the life time of the life management setting table with the counting time of the monitored counter at a predetermined timing, and the life of each life management target component according to the comparison result of this comparing means. A method for managing the life of a plurality of consumable parts, which has an alarm notification means for generating an arrival alarm.

(Supplementary Note 2) The integration processing means updates the count times of the non-operating time integration counter, the continuous disconnection time counter, and the total time integration counter during the power-on processing of the apparatus, and during the power-off processing of the apparatus, 2. The life management method according to appendix 1, wherein the counting times of the operating time integration counter and the total time integration counter are updated.

(Supplementary Note 3) In the case of an apparatus in which the power-on state continues for a predetermined period or more, the integration processing means is able to perform the operation time integration counter at a preset timing even if the power-off processing of the apparatus is not performed. And the life time management method according to appendix 1 or 2, wherein the counting time of the total time integration counter is updated.

(Supplementary Note 4) The integration processing means stores the power supply state transition time at the time of power-on processing and power-off processing of the device, and when the next power supply state transition occurs, the previous power supply state 4. The life management method according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein the elapsed time from the transition time is obtained, and the count time of the counter is updated based on this.

(Supplementary Note 5) A temperature sensor capable of measuring the installation environment temperature of the apparatus is provided, and a correction coefficient for correcting the life variation of each life management target component according to the installation environment temperature can be set in the life management setting table. The integration processing means stores the power supply state transition time at the time of power-on processing and power-off processing of the device, and at the time when the next power supply state transition occurs, the elapsed time from the previous power supply state transition time. Then, the elapsed time is converted into an elapsed time at the reference temperature using the correction coefficient, and the elapsed time after conversion is added to the counting time of the counter that needs to be updated, so that the counting time of the counter The lifetime management method according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, characterized in that

(Supplementary Note 6) Preliminary notification data for generating a life-preliminary alarm for notifying that the remaining period from the time earlier than the generation of the life-reaching alarm to the end of the life has decreased in the life-management setting table. Can be set for each consumable part subject to life management, and when a life advance alarm is generated from the alarm notification means, other life advance alarms expected to occur within a certain period in the future are also notified. The life management system according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, characterized in that

(Supplementary Note 7) In the life management setting table, advance notification period N for generating a life expiration warning earlier than the life expiration alarm and occurrence of the other life expiration alarm are provided as advance notification data. The period M to be predicted is set, and the comparison means compares the counting time of the monitoring target counter with the life time of the advance notification, and the predicted counting time when the period M of the monitoring target counter has elapsed. Note that a comparison is made with the life time of the advance notification, and the alarm notification means also generates a life warning alarm for each life management target component in accordance with the comparison result of the comparison means. 6. Life management method described in 6.

[0088]

As described above, according to the invention of claim 1, the following effects can be obtained. -Regarding the life mode of each consumable part, it is possible to monitor not only the power-on time but also other life factors that progress even when the power is turned off. -Because the operating time of the parts is accurately counted, the replacement time with respect to the life time can be set optimally. -For management of life time, it is not necessary to manage it by other means such as manual recording, it is not necessary to manage for each user, each device, each part, and also for devices such as temporary suspension and relocation. Similarly, life management can be performed. -It is not necessary to be aware of the operating time of each user and each device, and it is possible to give a nearly accurate notification of the life advance alarm considering the required preparation period.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, by reflecting the temperature factor, which greatly affects the service life, in the service life time as well, it becomes possible to manage the service life with higher reliability and efficiency.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when one prior alarm occurs, the other life time factors within a certain period can be grasped, so that replacement parts can be arranged and work can be put together.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a principle diagram of the present invention (claim 1).

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration example in which the life management system of the present invention is used.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a life mode of a consumable part.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram in the first example of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a counting method of a counter in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of integration of a counter in the first mode example.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a life management setting table in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a lifespan management setting table in the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the temperature and the life of the cooling fan unit.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of integration of counters according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of a third example of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a lifespan management setting table in a third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a cumulative time table for the previous month.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of an N table.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of an M table.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of notification of a life advance alarm.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart (No. 1) showing the operation of the third embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the operation of the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,61 Operating time integration counter 2,62 Non-operating time integration counter 3,63 Continuous cutting time counter 4,64 Total time integration counter 10,60 Integration processing means 20,70 Life management setting table 30,80 Comparison means 40,90 Alarm notification means 53 Magnetic disk unit 55 Primary battery 57 Cooling fan unit 58 secondary battery 59 Temperature sensor 65 Clock reading means 66 initialization processing means 67 Temperature reading means 75 Integrated time table generating means 77 Pre-table generation means

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Yasuyuki Higashiura             4-1, Kamiodanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa             No. 1 within Fujitsu Limited (72) Inventor Takashi Ono             4-1, Kamiodanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa             No. 1 within Fujitsu Limited (72) Inventor Akitaka Kadowaki             4-1, Kamiodanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa             No. 1 within Fujitsu Limited (72) Inventor Tomoaki Hoshi             4-1, Kamiodanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa             No. 1 within Fujitsu Limited F term (reference) 2F085 AA00 BB00 CC01 EE10 FF04                       GG06 GG12 GG23 GG24

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An operating time integration counter for integrating the power-on period of the device, a non-operation time integration counter for integrating a continuous power-off period of the device, and a continuous disconnection time for repeating counting of the continuous power-off time of the device. There are four types of counters, a total time integration counter that integrates the total elapsed time after the current state of the device regardless of the power supply state, for each consumable part whose life is to be managed. At the time of power-off processing, the integration processing means for updating the counting time of the counter, the counters to be monitored among the four types of counters for each life management target component, and the counting time of the monitoring target counter become A life management setting table in which a life time indicating whether to generate an alarm in the life mode is set, and a predetermined life management target part is predetermined. In comparison, comparing means for comparing the life time of the life management setting table with the counting time of the monitoring target counter, and a life reaching alarm for each life management target component is generated according to the comparison result of the comparing means. Alarm notification means for controlling life of a plurality of consumable parts. 2. A temperature sensor capable of measuring an installation environment temperature of the device is provided, and a correction coefficient for correcting a life variation of each life management target component according to the installation environment temperature can be set in the life management setting table. The integration processing means stores the power supply state transition time at the time of power-on processing and power-off processing of the device, and at the time when the next power supply state transition occurs,
The elapsed time from the previous power supply state transition time is obtained, this elapsed time is converted to the elapsed time at the reference temperature using the correction coefficient, and the converted elapsed time is the counting time of the counter that needs updating. The lifetime management method according to claim 1, wherein the counting time of the counter is updated by adding the above. 3. The life notification data for generating a life warning alarm for notifying that the remaining period from the earliest occurrence of the life expiration alarm to the end of life has decreased in the life management setting table It can be set for each consumable part to be managed, and when a life warning alarm is issued from the alarm notification means, other life warning alarms expected to occur within a certain period in the future are also notified. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
Life management method described.