JP2008090783A - Meter box monitor of telemeter system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quickly detect an abnormality such as removing, opening, or disassembling a meter box and to enable the user-side device to report the abnormality to the center-side device. <P>SOLUTION: The user-side device of a telemeter system is installed in a meter box including communication modules transmitting and receiving a read value and control information of a meter reading device with the center side device. A meter box monitor detecting an abnormality including the removal of the meter box and reporting the abnormality to the center side device includes a line medium formed to wind a wire onto a fixing member from the meter box in a loop to be cut down when the meter box is pulled away from the fixing member. The communication module includes: a means for connecting in series resistance having a predetermined resistance value between a power supply potential VDD and a ground potential GND with the line medium; a means for monitoring an electric potential of a connecting point between the resistance and the line medium; and a means for sending a predetermined signal to the center side device when a fluctuation in the electric potential of a connecting point is detected as abnormal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a meter box monitoring device that monitors abnormalities such as removal, opening, or disassembly of a meter box containing a meter-reading meter, a meter circuit, and a communication module in a user side device of a telemeter system.

  In recent years, telemeter systems that perform remote monitoring of meter reading meters such as gas, electricity, and water at user's homes, gas leak detection notifications, and control of shut-off valves via a public network have been put into practical use ( Non-patent document 1).

FIG. 7 shows the overall configuration of the telemeter system. In the figure, the telemeter system includes a center side device (parent station) 82 and a user side device (slave station) 83 connected via a communication medium 81 such as a public line network, an IP network, and a dedicated line. The meter box constituting the user side device 83 is necessary for communication with the meter side meter 84, the meter circuit 85 that is connected to the meter meter and reads the usage amount and monitors and controls the operation state, and the center side device 82. A communication module 86 that holds information and transmits data read by the meter circuit 85 to the center side device 82 or receives a control signal from the center side device 82 and outputs it to the meter circuit 85 is housed. The communication medium 81 between the center side device 82 and the user side device 83 is not limited to a wired line, and a wireless line such as a mobile communication network or a wireless packet network is used. FIG. 7 shows an example in which a wireless line is used, and the wireless base station 87 connected to the communication medium 81 and the wireless circuit 88 of the communication module 86 are wirelessly connected.
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  By the way, about the meter box which accommodates a meter-reading meter, a meter circuit, and a communication module, it is not assumed that a person other than an installer opens or disassembles and operates an internal circuit. Therefore, no measures are taken to immediately detect such an abnormality in the meter box. For this reason, the center side device senses a situation such as inability to communicate with the user side device, no predetermined data being sent from the user side device, or data sent from the user device side showing an abnormal value. It was a situation where the abnormality of the meter box was indirectly detected.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a meter box monitoring device for a telemeter system that can immediately detect an abnormality such as removal, opening or disassembly of a meter box and notify a center device to a user device.

  1st invention is a user side apparatus of a telemeter system, Comprising: It is provided in the meter box containing the communication module which transmits / receives the reading value and control information of a meter-reading meter between the center side apparatuses of a telemeter system, In the meter box monitoring device that detects abnormalities including removal of the sensor and reports it to the center side device, it is formed so as to be cut when the wire is turned in a loop from the meter box to the fixing member and the meter box is pulled away from the fixing member. The communication module includes a resistor having a predetermined resistance value and a line medium connected in series between the power supply potential VDD and the ground potential GND, and monitors a connection point potential between the resistor and the line medium. Means for transmitting a predetermined signal to the center side device when a change in the point potential is detected as abnormal;

  A second invention is a user-side device of a telemeter system, and is provided in a meter box including a communication module that transmits and receives reading values and control information of a meter-reading meter to and from a center-side device of the telemeter system. In a meter box monitoring device that detects abnormalities including opening or disassembling of the product and reports it to the center side device, the meter box housing is composed of multiple housing parts, and each case part is joined together. A predetermined casing including electrodes that are electrically connected to each other through a wire connected to the first electrode of the predetermined casing part when the casing parts are joined together A communication module provided with a line medium in which an electrical path to a wire connected to the second electrode of the part is formed, and mounted on a predetermined housing part, has a power supply potential V A resistor having a predetermined resistance value and a line medium are connected in series between D and the ground potential GND, the connection point potential between the resistor and the line medium is monitored, and the center is detected when a change in the connection point potential is detected as abnormal. Means for transmitting a predetermined signal to the side device.

  The predetermined housing part includes a plurality of third electrodes in addition to the first electrode and the second electrode, and the first electrode is formed on a joint surface of another housing part coupled to the predetermined housing part. A plurality of fourth electrodes may be provided so that an electrical path from the first electrode to the third electrode is sequentially connected to the second electrode.

  A third invention is a user-side device of a telemeter system, and is provided in a meter box including a communication module that transmits and receives reading values and control information of a meter-reading meter with a center-side device of the telemeter system. In the meter box monitoring device that detects an abnormality including opening or disassembling of the battery and reports it to the center side device, electrically connect two predetermined screw holes of the lid screwed to the meter box housing, A line medium in which an electrical path is formed between wires respectively connected to two screw holes on the housing side corresponding to two predetermined screw holes when screwed to the case of the meter box; A communication module mounted on a housing part connects a resistor having a predetermined resistance value and a line medium in series between a power supply potential VDD and a ground potential GND, thereby connecting a resistor. Monitoring the potential at the connection point of the line medium, including means for transmitting a predetermined signal to the OLT when it detects a change in potential at the connection point as abnormal.

  In the above configuration, when the resistance connected between the power supply potential VDD and the ground potential GND of the communication module is the first resistance, the second resistance having a predetermined resistance value is inserted into the line medium. You may make it do.

  The present invention can detect a voltage change due to disconnection of a line medium accompanying removal, opening or disassembly of a meter box, and can notify a center side device from a communication module housed in the meter box. In other words, as long as the communication module is functioning, it is possible to immediately report to the center side device by simply opening the meter box housing or removing the lid, so it is possible to take effective measures as a telemeter system. Is possible.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the meter box monitoring apparatus of the present invention. Here, the circuit peripheral part of the communication module 10 which concerns on this invention is shown among the structure parts of a meter box. The communication module 10 of the present embodiment includes a disconnection detection circuit 12 used for detecting disconnection of the wire 11 drawn out of the communication module, and communicates with the center side device by wireless connection to a wireless base station (FIG. 7: 87). The radio circuit 88 that performs the above-described configuration is configured to transmit a signal notifying that when the potential of the predetermined input terminal A connected to the disconnection detection circuit 12 indicates the disconnection of the wire 11. Such a radio circuit 88 can be supported by an existing bidirectional low-power radio module combined with a microcomputer circuit. For example, the microcomputer circuit may detect the disconnection of the wire 11 by inputting a signal for notifying the disconnection or the like as an interrupt signal.

  The disconnection detection circuit 12 shown in FIG. 1 (1) is connected in series in order of a resistor 13 having a predetermined resistance value and a wire 11 between a power supply potential VDD and a ground potential GND supplied from a battery built in the meter box. The connection point between the resistor 13 and the wire 11 and the input terminal A of the radio circuit 88 are connected. As a result, the input terminal A of the wireless circuit 88 becomes the ground potential GND when the wire 11 is not disconnected, and becomes the power supply potential VDD when the wire 11 is disconnected. Therefore, when the potential of the input terminal A connected to the disconnection detection circuit 12 changes from the ground potential GND to the power supply potential VDD, the wireless circuit 88 detects disconnection of the wire 11 and sends a predetermined signal to a predetermined destination ( For example, it is transmitted to the center side device of the telemeter system.

  The disconnection detection circuit 12 shown in FIG. 1 (2) is connected in series in the order of the wire 11 and the resistor 13 between the power supply potential VDD and the ground potential GND, and the connection point between the wire 11 and the resistor 13 and the radio circuit 88 are connected. The input terminal A is connected. In this case, the input terminal A of the radio circuit 88 becomes the power supply potential VDD when the wire 11 is not disconnected, becomes the ground potential GND when the wire 11 is disconnected, and similarly the presence or absence of the disconnection of the wire 11 by reverse logic. It is possible to operate according to

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the meter box monitoring apparatus of the present invention.
The difference between the configuration shown in FIG. 2 (1) and the configuration shown in FIG. 1 (1) of the first embodiment is that a resistor 14 having a predetermined resistance value is inserted into a part of the wire 11, The connection point with the wire 11 and the input terminal A of the radio circuit 88 are connected via the voltage detection circuit 15. Thereby, the voltage detection circuit 15 detects the divided potential of the power supply potential VDD by the resistors 13 and 14 in a state where the wire 11 is not disconnected, and detects the power supply potential VDD in a state where the wire 11 is disconnected. Accordingly, when the radio circuit 88 indicates that the signal input from the voltage detection circuit 15 to the input terminal A has changed from the divided potential to the power supply potential VDD, the wireless circuit 88 detects the disconnection of the wire 11 and sends a predetermined signal to the predetermined signal. Send to destination.

  The difference between the configuration shown in FIG. 2 (2) and the configuration shown in FIG. 1 (2) of the first embodiment is that a resistor 14 having a predetermined resistance value is inserted into a part of the wire 11, The connection point between the resistor 13 and the input terminal A of the radio circuit 88 is connected via the voltage detection circuit 15. Thereby, the voltage detection circuit 15 detects the divided potential of the power supply potential VDD by the resistors 13 and 14 in a state where the wire 11 is not disconnected, and detects the ground potential GND in a state where the wire 11 is disconnected. Therefore, when the signal input from the voltage detection circuit 15 to the input terminal A changes from the divided potential to the ground potential GND, the radio circuit 88 detects the disconnection of the wire 11 and transmits a predetermined signal to a predetermined destination. To do.

  In addition, although the structure of 1st Embodiment is a structure which detects the voltage change accompanying the disconnection of the wire 11, it is not restricted to the disconnection of the wire 11 in the structure of 2nd Embodiment, the wire 11 is short-circuit connected, others Such a work that connects the resistors can also be detected by monitoring the potential. For example, in the configuration of FIG. 2A, the disconnection of the wire 11 can be detected as a voltage change from the divided potential to the power supply potential VDD, and the short-circuit connection of the wire 11 changes the voltage from the divided potential to the ground potential GND. Can be detected. Further, when another resistor having a different resistance value is connected to the wire 11 instead of the resistor 14 having a predetermined resistance value, the detection can be made by a change in the divided potential. Therefore, it is possible to cope with various types of work by making the existence and resistance value of the resistor 14 undisclosed.

(Installation example of the wire 11)
FIG. 3 shows a first installation example of the wire 11.
FIG. 3 (1) shows a state in which the wire 11 is pulled out of the meter box 20 and attached to the column 21 holding the meter box 20 in a loop shape. FIG. 3 (2) shows a state where the wire 11 drawn out of the meter box 20 is attached to the neck of the gas cylinder 22 in a loop shape. FIG. 3 (3) shows a state in which the wire 11 drawn out of the meter box 20 is attached to the wall fastener 23 inside the wall. Note that the end of the wire 11 may be connected to the communication module 10 via a terminal board provided as a standard in the meter box 20.

  In any configuration, the wire 11 is cut when the meter box 20 is detached from the support column 21, the gas cylinder 22, or the wall fastener 23. Therefore, in the meter box monitoring device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the disconnection of the wire 11 is detected as a voltage change, and an abnormality (in this case, removal) of the meter box 20 is easily detected to send a predetermined signal to a predetermined destination. For example, it can be transmitted to the center side device of the telemeter system.

  Further, for example, even if the resistor 14 in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is connected to a part of the wire 11 in a place that cannot be seen from the outside such as the vicinity of the wall fastener 23 inside the wall shown in FIG. Good. In this case, the meter box monitoring device detects a voltage change (for example, a divided voltage → the power supply potential VDD) from the disconnection of the wire 11, and easily detects an abnormality (in this case, removal) of the meter box 20 to obtain a predetermined signal. Can be transmitted to a predetermined destination. Further, for example, even if the wire 11 is short-circuited in advance or the meter box 20 is removed after being connected via another resistor, the voltage detection circuit 15 monitors the detected potential in the same manner. An abnormality of the meter box 20 (in this case, work + removal) can be detected.

FIG. 4 shows a second installation example of the wire 11.
FIG. 4 (1) shows that the housing of the meter box is composed of two housing parts 31-1 and 31-2, and an electrode 32-1 is provided at a joint portion (two locations facing each other) of each housing part. To 32-4. Electrically, the wires 11-1 and 11-2 drawn from the communication module 10 in the housing part 31-1 are connected to the electrodes 32-1 and 32-2, respectively, and the electrode 32 of the housing part 31-2 is connected. −3 and 32-4 are connected through the wire 11-3. Thereby, when the housing parts 31-1 and 31-2 are combined to form a meter box, the communication module 10 is composed of the wires 11-1 to 11-3 and the electrodes 32-1 to 32-4. The line medium is electrically connected, and the line medium is disconnected when the housing parts 31-1 and 31-2 are separated by an artificial operation. In addition, you may connect the resistance 14 in 2nd Embodiment shown in FIG. 2 to some wires 11-1 to 11-3. The wire 11 can be realized by a copper wire, a wire, a sheet metal or the like. Moreover, you may implement | achieve with the sheet metal which formed the wire 11 and the electrode 32 integrally.

  FIG. 4 (2) shows a configuration in which the housing of the meter box is composed of three housing parts 31-1 to 31-3, and electrodes 32-1 to 32-6 are arranged at the contact portions of the housing parts. is there. Here, the casing parts 31-2 and 31-3 are coupled vertically, and the integrated casing parts 31-2 and 31-3 and the casing part 31-1 are coupled in a face-to-face manner. Electrodes are provided at two locations. Electrically, the wires 11-1 and 11-2 drawn from the communication module 10 in the housing part 31-1 are connected to the electrodes 32-1 and 32-2, respectively, and the electrode 32 of the housing part 31-2 is connected. −3 and 32-4 are connected via the wire 11-3, and the electrodes 32-5 and 32-6 of the housing part 31-3 are connected via the wire 11-4. Thus, when the housing parts 31-1 to 31-3 are combined to form a meter box, the communication module 10 includes the wires 11-1 to 11-4 and the electrodes 32-1 to 32-6. The line medium is electrically connected, and the line medium is disconnected when the housing parts 31-1 to 31-3 are separated by an artificial operation. In addition, you may connect the resistance 14 in 2nd Embodiment shown in FIG. 2 to some wires 11-1 to 11-4. The wire 11 can be realized by a copper wire, a wire, a sheet metal or the like. Moreover, you may implement | achieve with the sheet metal which formed the wire 11 and the electrode 32 integrally.

FIG. 5 shows a third installation example of the wire 11.
FIG. 5 (1) shows a configuration in which the housing of the meter box is composed of two housing parts 31-1, 31-2, and electrodes 32-1 to 32-3 are arranged at the joints of the housing parts. is there. Electrically, the wires 11-1 and 11-2 drawn from the communication module 10 in the housing part 31-1 are connected to the electrodes 32-1 and 32-2, respectively, and the electrodes 32-1 and 32-2. The electrode 32-3 is disposed on the joint surface of the housing part 31-2 that faces the surface. Thereby, when the housing parts 31-1 and 31-2 are joined to form a meter box, the communication module 10 is composed of the wires 11-1 and 11-2 and the electrodes 32-1 to 32-3. The line medium is electrically connected, and the line medium is disconnected when the housing parts 31-1 and 31-2 are separated by an artificial operation. In addition, you may connect the resistance 14 in 2nd Embodiment shown in FIG. 2 to some wires 11-1 to 11-3.

  In FIG. 5 (2), the meter box housing is composed of two housing parts 31-1 and 31-2, and each housing part is joined to each housing part when the housing parts are joined. It is the structure arrange | positioned so that the some electrode 32-1 and 32-2 may be connected alternately. Electrically, the wires 11-1 and 11-2 drawn from the communication module 10 in the housing part 31-1 are each connected to one electrode 32-1. As a result, when the housing parts 31-1 and 31-2 are joined to form a meter box, the communication module 10 includes the wires 11-1 and 11-2 and the electrodes 32-1 and 32-2. The line medium is electrically connected, and the line medium is disconnected only by partly separating the housing parts 31-1 and 31-2 by an artificial operation.

FIG. 6 shows a fourth installation example of the wire 11 with respect to the meter box.
Here, the meter box includes a casing 31 and a lid 34 screwed to the casing 31, and a screw hole 35 of the casing 31 and a screw hole 36 of the lid 34 are respectively screwed. The shape of the lid 34 is arbitrary, and is not limited to a shape that covers the entire surface of the housing 31, but may be a shape that covers a part thereof. This configuration is applied, for example, when a communication module is externally attached to a meter box.

  Wires 11-1 and 11-2 drawn from the communication module 10 in the housing part 31 are connected to predetermined screw holes 35, respectively. On the other hand, the screw hole 36 of the lid 34 corresponding to the screw hole 35 is also electrically connected through the wire 11-3. Thereby, when the lid 34 is screwed to the housing 31 of the meter box, the line medium composed of the wires 11-1 to 11-3 and the screw holes 35 and 36 is electrically connected. The line medium is disconnected only by removing the lid 34 from the housing part 31 by the operation.

  As described above, in any of the configurations shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the meter box monitoring device shown in FIG. 1 or 2 easily detects voltage change from disconnection of the line medium due to opening or disassembling of the housing parts. An abnormality (in this case, opening or disassembly) of the meter box 20 can be detected and a predetermined signal can be transmitted to a predetermined destination (center device of the telemeter system). In particular, in the configuration of FIG. 5 (2), it is possible to detect opening of a part of the entire joint surface of the casing parts.

The figure which shows 1st Embodiment of the meter box monitoring apparatus of this invention. The figure which shows 2nd Embodiment of the meter box monitoring apparatus of this invention. The figure which shows the 1st example of installation of a track medium. The figure which shows the 2nd example of installation of a track medium. The figure which shows the 3rd example of installation of a track medium. The figure which shows the 4th example of installation of a track medium. The figure which shows the whole structure of a telemeter system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Communication module 11 Wire 12 Disconnection detection circuit 13,14 Resistance 15 Voltage detection circuit 20 Meter box 21 Prop 22 Gas cylinder 23 Wall fastener 31 Case 32 Electrode 34 Lid 35, 36 Screw hole

Claims (5)

A telemeter system user-side device, which is provided in a meter box including a communication module that transmits / receives reading values and control information of a meter-reading meter to / from the center-side device of the telemeter system, including removal of the meter box In the meter box monitoring device that detects abnormalities and notifies the center side device,
A wire medium is formed so as to be cut when a wire is turned in a loop from the meter box to the fixing member, and the meter box is pulled away from the fixing member,
The communication module connects a resistor having a predetermined resistance value between a power supply potential VDD and a ground potential GND and the line medium in series, monitors a connection point potential of the resistor and the line medium, and connects the connection point. A meter box monitoring device comprising: means for transmitting a predetermined signal to the center side device when a change in potential is detected as the abnormality. A device on the user side of the telemeter system, which is provided in a meter box including a communication module that transmits / receives reading values and control information of the meter reading meter to / from the center side device of the telemeter system, and opens or disassembles the meter box In the meter box monitoring device that detects abnormalities including
The meter box casing is composed of a plurality of casing parts, and includes electrodes that are electrically connected at respective joint surfaces when the casing parts are combined. Line medium in which an electrical path is formed from a wire connected to the first electrode of the casing part to a wire connected to the second electrode of the predetermined casing part via the electrode of the other casing part With
The communication module mounted on the predetermined casing part connects a resistor having a predetermined resistance value between the power supply potential VDD and the ground potential GND and the line medium in series, and the resistance and the line medium A meter box monitoring device comprising: means for monitoring a connection point potential and transmitting a predetermined signal to the center side device when a change in the connection point potential is detected as the abnormality. The meter box monitoring device according to claim 2,
In addition to the first electrode and the second electrode, the predetermined casing part includes a plurality of third electrodes, and a bonding surface of another casing part coupled to the predetermined casing part has the first electrode A meter box monitoring device comprising a plurality of fourth electrodes so that an electrical path from one electrode to the third electrode is sequentially connected to form the second electrode. A device on the user side of the telemeter system, which is provided in a meter box including a communication module that transmits / receives reading values and control information of the meter reading meter to / from the center side device of the telemeter system, and opens or disassembles the meter box In the meter box monitoring device that detects abnormalities including
When two predetermined screw holes of a lid screwed to the housing of the meter box are electrically connected and the lid is screwed to the housing of the meter box, the two predetermined screw holes A line medium in which an electrical path is formed between wires respectively connected to the corresponding two screw holes on the housing side;
The communication module mounted on the predetermined casing part connects a resistor having a predetermined resistance value between the power supply potential VDD and the ground potential GND and the line medium in series, and the resistance and the line medium A meter box monitoring device comprising: means for monitoring a connection point potential and transmitting a predetermined signal to the center side device when a change in the connection point potential is detected as the abnormality. In the meter box monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When the resistance connected between the power supply potential VDD and the ground potential GND of the communication module is a first resistance, a second resistance having a predetermined resistance value is inserted in the line medium. Meter box monitoring device.

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