JP2015198517A - Communication apparatus, distribution board using the same and management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication apparatus capable of appropriately controlling the energy supply to a user when an earthquake etc. occurs, a distribution board and a management system using the same.SOLUTION: A detection section 11 detects an occurrence of at least one event of earthquake, fire and gas leakage. The first communication section 121 communicates with a first external unit 21 that measures a consumption amount of energy at a user. Responding to the detection result by the detection section 11, a control section 13 controls the first communication section 121 to transmit a control signal to the first external unit 21 to control the changeover section 211 disposed in an energy supply path to the user. The changeover section 211 is provided to the first external unit 21 to changeover between a supply state the energy is supplied to the user and a shut-off state the supply of the energy is shut-off.

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention generally relates to a communication device, and a distribution board and a management system using the communication device, and more specifically, a communication device having a communication function with an external device that measures the amount of energy used in a consumer, and the same. The present invention relates to a distribution board used and a management system.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been proposed a power cutoff device that stops power supply in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The power shut-off device described in Patent Document 1 includes a seismic device that detects vibration and a control unit in a distribution board that includes a plurality of power shut-off switches. The control means cuts off only the power cut-off switch of the circuit in which a predetermined current value or more flows among the plurality of power cut-off switches when detecting the seismic vibration from the signal from the seismoscope. Further, in Patent Document 1, a display panel is provided in the distribution board to display whether the cause of power interruption is an earthquake, overcurrent, leakage, or neutral wire phase failure.

JP 2005-102498 A

  However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, when an earthquake occurs and the power is cut off, it is necessary to operate the power cut-off switch in the distribution board to restore the power, but it was overturned by the earthquake. Depending on the furniture, it may be difficult for the householder to reach the distribution board installation location. As a result, there is a possibility that the supply of energy (for example, electric power) to consumers cannot be appropriately controlled when an earthquake occurs, for example, electric power cannot be restored immediately after safety is confirmed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above reasons, and an object of the present invention is to provide a communication device that can appropriately control the supply of energy to consumers when an earthquake or the like occurs, a distribution board using the communication device, and a management system. And

  The communication device of the present invention performs communication between a detection unit that detects the occurrence of at least one of an earthquake, a fire, and a gas leak and a first external device that measures the amount of energy used by a consumer. And a control unit that controls a switching unit provided on the energy supply path to the consumer by transmitting a control signal from the first communication unit to the first external device. The switching unit is provided in the first external device, and is capable of switching between a supply state for supplying the energy to the consumer and a cutoff state for blocking the supply of energy. The control unit transmits the control signal according to a detection result of the detection unit so that the switching unit is set to the shut-off state when the detection unit detects the occurrence of the event. Features that is composed That.

  In this communication apparatus, the detection unit is configured to detect the occurrence of an earthquake, and the control unit detects the switching unit when the detection unit detects a shake greater than or equal to a first seismic intensity. It is desirable to be configured to be in a cut-off state.

  In this communication apparatus, the control unit is configured to control the switching unit to switch to the shut-off state after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed since the detection unit has detected a shake greater than or equal to the first seismic intensity. More preferably, it is configured to transmit a signal.

  The communication device further includes an input unit that receives an operation input from a user, and a change unit that changes a magnitude of the first seismic intensity according to the operation input, and the detection unit is configured to change a seismic intensity when an earthquake occurs. More preferably, it is configured to measure size.

  In this communication device, the control unit is configured to transmit the control signal for switching the switching unit to the supply state when a predetermined return time elapses after the switching unit is switched to the cutoff state. It is more desirable.

  In this communication device, when the detection unit detects a shake exceeding a second seismic intensity greater than the first seismic intensity, the control unit switches the switching unit to the cut-off state and then passes the return time. It is more desirable that the switching unit is configured to maintain the shut-off state.

  The communication device further includes a second communication unit that performs communication with a second external device, and the control unit is configured to communicate with the second communication unit when the switching unit is in the cutoff state. It is more preferable that the control signal for switching the switching unit to the supply state is transmitted when a return signal is received from the second external device.

  More preferably, the communication device further includes a third communication unit that communicates with a third external device and transmits output information based on a detection result of the detection unit to the third external device.

  The communication device further includes a fourth communication unit that communicates with a fourth external device and receives earthquake information related to an earthquake from the fourth external device, and the control unit includes the detection unit In the case of detecting a shake greater than or equal to the first seismic intensity, if the earthquake information indicates the occurrence of an earthquake, the switching unit is set to the shut-off state, and if the earthquake information does not indicate the occurrence of an earthquake, the switching unit is More preferably, the supply state is maintained.

  In this communication device, the energy is electrical energy, and the first communication unit is electrically connected to the first external device via a power line, and uses the power line as a transmission medium. More preferably, the power line carrier communication is configured to communicate with the first external device.

  In this communication apparatus, it is more desirable that the first communication unit is configured to communicate with the first external apparatus by wireless communication using radio waves as a transmission medium.

  The distribution board according to the present invention includes the communication device, a main breaker provided on a power supply path to a consumer, and a plurality of branch breakers that branch power into a plurality of electric paths on the secondary side of the main breaker. The communication device is attached to the cabinet.

  In this distribution board, the cabinet includes a high-power space to which the main breaker and the plurality of branch breakers are attached, and a low-power space provided separately from the high-power space, and the communication device includes the communication device, It is desirable to have a detection block including a detection unit and disposed in the high-power space, and a communication block including the first communication unit and disposed in the low-power space.

  In this distribution board, further comprising a device control device for communicating with the consumer device and the communication device, the device control device performs communication with the device provided outside the cabinet, It is more desirable that the device is controlled using the detection result of the detection unit.

  A management system according to the present invention includes the communication device, the first external device, and a box in which the communication device and the first external device are stored.

  In the present invention, when the communication device detects the occurrence of an earthquake or the like at the detection unit, the switching unit of the first external device is shut off to cut off the supply of energy to the consumer. There is an advantage that the supply of energy to consumers can be appropriately controlled.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a communication device according to a first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a distribution board according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the electricity distribution panel which concerns on the modification of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the management system which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG.

(Embodiment 1)
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the communication device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a detection unit 11, a first communication unit 121, and a control unit 13.

  The detection unit 11 detects the occurrence of at least one event among earthquakes, fires, and gas leaks.

  The first communication unit 121 communicates with the first external device 21 that measures the amount of energy used at a customer's facility.

  The control unit 13 controls the switching unit 211 provided on the supply path of the energy to the consumer by transmitting a control signal from the first communication unit 121 to the first external device 21.

  The switching unit 211 is provided in the first external device 21 and can switch between a supply state for supplying the energy to the consumer and a cutoff state for blocking the supply of energy.

  The control unit 13 is configured to transmit the control signal according to the detection result of the detection unit 11 so that the switching unit 211 is set to the cutoff state when the detection unit 11 detects the occurrence of the event. Has been.

  That is, in the communication device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the detection unit 11 detects the occurrence of at least one of an earthquake, a fire, and a gas leak, the switching unit 211 is shut off and energy is supplied to consumers. Shut off. Therefore, when an earthquake or the like occurs, the supply of energy such as electric power to consumers can be automatically cut off, and safety can be improved compared to the case where energy is continuously supplied. That is, for example, if the detection unit 11 is configured to detect the occurrence of an earthquake, even if the heating appliance falls due to an earthquake, the supply of energy to the heating appliance is automatically cut off. The next disaster can be prevented.

  Moreover, according to the present embodiment, the communication device 1 blocks the energy supply by using the switching unit 211 provided in the first external device 21 that measures the amount of energy used by the consumer. . Therefore, for example, a device that originally includes a switching unit (switch) 211 such as a smart meter is used as the first external device 21, so that there is no need for a switching unit in the communication device 1 itself. The energy supply to the house can be cut off.

  Furthermore, since the communication device 1 according to the present embodiment has a communication function with the first external device 21, the first external device 21 located at a remote position when returning the blocked energy supply. An instruction can be issued to restore the energy supply. Therefore, there is an advantage that when safety is confirmed, the energy supply can be immediately restored, and the supply of energy to the consumer can be appropriately controlled when an earthquake or the like occurs.

  Here, the detection unit 11 is configured to detect the occurrence of an earthquake, and the control unit 13 causes the switching unit 211 to be in the shut-off state when the detection unit 11 detects a shake greater than or equal to the first seismic intensity. It is preferable to be configured as follows. In this embodiment, the case where the detection unit 11 is configured to detect the occurrence of an earthquake will be described as an example. However, the detection unit 11 is not limited to this example, and the detection unit 11 is at least one of an earthquake, a fire, and a gas leak. Any configuration that detects the occurrence of two events may be used.

  Hereinafter, the communication apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. However, the configuration described below is only an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and the technical idea according to the present invention is not deviated from this embodiment. Various changes can be made in accordance with the design or the like as long as they are not.

  In the following embodiments, a case where the energy measured by the first external device 21 is electric power (electric energy) will be described as an example. However, energy is a resource supplied to consumers from an external supplier such as electric power, gas, water and heat, and is not limited to electric power. Moreover, although the case where an energy consumer is a detached house will be described below as an example, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the consumer may be, for example, each dwelling unit, office, store, factory, etc. of an apartment house. .

  First, the first external device 21 that is a communication partner of the communication device 1 will be described.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first external device 21 includes a switching unit 211, a measurement unit 212, and a communication unit 213.

  The first external device 21 is a so-called smart meter, which measures the amount of power used by the consumer (the amount of power used) by the measuring unit 212 as the amount of energy used, and is a concentrator provided outside the consumer. (Not shown). Thus, the first external device 21 enables remote meter reading by transmitting the meter reading value (measurement result of the measuring unit 212) from the communication unit 213 to the concentrator by communication.

  In addition, in order to suppress power consumption from the second external device 22 formed of a server operated by an electric power company that is an energy supply company or a power saving company, to the first external device 21 of each consumer. Various information, such as request information, which is a request for a message, may be transmitted. The request information here is, for example, DR (demand response) information that requests adjustment of power supply and demand.

  More specifically, the measuring unit 212 is electrically connected to the power line 6 serving as a supply path of energy (here, power) from the power supplier to the consumer, and the amount of power used by the consumer is calculated. It is an electric power meter (electric energy meter) to measure. Here, in the first external device 21, the measurement unit 212 and other components (switching unit 211, communication unit 213) are housed in one housing (not shown). You may have a separate housing | casing.

  The switching unit 211 is a switch (switch) provided on the power line 6 serving as a supply path of energy (here, electric power) from the supplier to the consumer. The switching unit 211 is configured to be able to switch between two states, a supply state and a cutoff state. In the supply state, the switching unit 211 supplies energy to the consumer by closing (turning on) the contact point inserted in the power line 6. In the cut-off state, the switching unit 211 cuts off the supply of energy to the consumer by opening (turning off) the contact point inserted in the power line 6.

  The communication unit 213 is configured to be able to communicate with the first communication unit 121 of the communication device 1 provided in the consumer. The communication unit 213 has a function of receiving at least a control signal from the communication device 1 and controlling the switching unit 211 according to the control signal. That is, the communication unit 213 is configured to switch between the supply state and the cutoff state of the switching unit 211 according to the content of the control signal transmitted from the communication device 1. Further, the communication unit 213 is configured to be able to communicate with a third external device 23 formed of a display device provided in the consumer via the communication device 1, and the meter reading value and request information etc. It can be transmitted to the external device 23 and displayed on the third external device 23.

  In addition, the communication unit 213 is configured to be able to communicate with a concentrator and a second external device 22 provided outside the consumer. Thereby, the first external device 21 can transmit the meter reading value to the concentrator as described above (remote meter reading), or can receive the request information from the second external device 22.

  Next, the communication device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the communication device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a detection unit 11, a communication module 12, and a control unit 13. Furthermore, the communication device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a storage unit 14, an input unit 15, and a change unit 16.

  The communication device 1 is attached to a cabinet 33 (see FIG. 2) of the distribution board 3 (see FIG. 2). The configuration of the distribution board 3 will be described later.

  The detection unit 11 is configured by using an acceleration sensor (not shown), and is a seismic sensor that detects the magnitude (seismic intensity) of the shake based on the acceleration applied to the communication device 1. That is, the detection unit 11 is configured to measure the magnitude of shaking when an earthquake occurs, and detects the occurrence of an earthquake by monitoring the magnitude of shaking of the communication device 1. Here, as the acceleration sensor, for example, a small acceleration sensor using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) technology is used, so that the detection unit 11 is reduced in size and made into one chip. The detection unit 11 is configured to represent the magnitude of the detected shaking in, for example, 10 levels from “level 1” to “level 10” and output the detection result to the control unit 13.

  In the present embodiment, the detection unit 11 is built in a housing (not shown) in which the control unit 13 and the like are housed. However, the detection unit 11 may be provided outside the housing. When externally attached, the detection unit 11 is configured to perform an earthquake occurrence determination, which is a part of the function of the control unit 13 described later. That is, in this case, the detection unit 11 compares the magnitude of the detected shaking with the first seismic intensity stored in the built-in memory (not shown), and determines that an earthquake has occurred if the seismic intensity is greater than or equal to the first seismic intensity. The externally attached detection unit 11 is electrically connected to an input terminal (not shown) provided on the housing. When an earthquake occurs, an internal contact (not shown) is turned on to electrically connect the input terminal. By short-circuiting, the detection result (earthquake occurrence) is output to the control unit 13.

  In the present embodiment, the communication module 12 is divided into a first communication unit 121, a second communication unit 122, a third communication unit 123, and a fourth communication unit 124 according to functions. The first communication unit 121 communicates with the first external device 21, and the second communication unit 122 communicates with the second external device 22. The third communication unit 123 communicates with the third external device 23, and the fourth communication unit 124 communicates with the fourth external device 24. For example, the fourth external device 24 includes an information terminal such as a personal computer provided in the consumer and connected to the Internet, and transmits earthquake information regarding the earthquake to the communication device 1.

  Here, the first communication unit 121 includes a first external device (smart meter) 21 provided on the power line 6 and a power line that transmits a communication signal using a communication path using the power line 6 as a transmission medium. It communicates by carrier communication (PLC: Power Line Communications). The second communication unit 122 is configured to communicate with the second external device 22 including a server of an electric power company that is an energy supplier through the first external device 21 and the concentrator. The concentrator and the second external device 22 are connected by a dedicated line.

  The third communication unit 123 communicates with the third external device (display device) 23 by wireless communication using radio waves as a transmission medium. The fourth communication unit 124 communicates with the fourth external device (information terminal) 24 by wireless communication using radio waves as a transmission medium. The wireless communication mentioned here includes systems such as a 920 MHz band specific low power radio, a 400 MHz band specific low power radio, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

  However, the communication method as described above can be changed as appropriate. For example, the first communication unit 121 and the second communication unit 122 employ wireless communication, and the third communication unit 123 and the fourth communication unit 124. May employ power line carrier communication. In FIG. 1, the communication module 12 is functionally divided into a plurality of communication units. However, when the same communication method is employed, one communication unit includes the first communication unit 121, the second communication unit 122, Two or more of the third communication unit 123 and the fourth communication unit 124 may be used.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first external device 21 is a smart meter, the second external device 22 is a server, the third external device 23 is a display device, and the fourth external device 24 is an information terminal. Not limited to examples. The first external device 21, the second external device 22, the third external device 23, and the fourth external device 24 may be arbitrarily selected from various devices including a device control device 4 (see FIG. 2) described later. These devices may be selected, and at least some of the external devices may overlap. That is, for example, one display device may serve as the third external device 23 and the second external device 22, and one concentrator includes the third external device 23 and the fourth external device 24. You may also serve. Thus, even when some external devices overlap, one communication unit is two of the first communication unit 121, the second communication unit 122, the third communication unit 123, and the fourth communication unit 124. It will be more than one.

  The control unit 13 transmits a control signal from the communication module (first communication unit 121) 12 to the first external device 21 according to the detection result of the detection unit 11, thereby switching the first external device 21. 211 is controlled to switch between a supply state and a cutoff state. Specifically, the control unit 13 compares the magnitude (seismic intensity) of the shaking detected by the detecting unit 11 with the first seismic intensity stored in the storage unit 14, and the shaking detected by the detecting unit 11. If the magnitude of is greater than or equal to the first seismic intensity, it is determined that an earthquake has occurred, and the switching unit 211 is controlled to be in a cutoff state. On the other hand, if the magnitude of the shaking detected by the detection unit 11 is less than the first seismic intensity, the control unit 13 controls the switching unit 211 to the supply state.

  The storage unit 14 stores the first seismic intensity described above in advance. The first seismic intensity is a threshold value used when the control unit 13 switches the switching unit 211 to the shut-off state as described above, and the magnitude of the 10-level shaking from “level 1” to “level 10” described above. And is stored in advance in the storage unit 14 before the communication device 1 is shipped. However, the initial value of the first seismic intensity may be set and registered in the storage unit 14 by the user (customer's household) after the communication device 1 is shipped.

  The input unit 15 receives an operation input from a user. The input unit 15 may be configured to be directly operated by the user such as a dip switch or a rotary switch, for example, or indirectly receives the operation input of the user by receiving an operation signal via the communication module 12. The structure which receives may be sufficient. In the latter case, the input unit 15 indirectly receives a user's operation input by receiving an operation signal from the fourth external device 24 operated by the user, for example, via the communication module 12.

  The changing unit 16 is configured to change the magnitude of the first seismic intensity according to the operation input received by the input unit 15. That is, the storage unit 14 can rewrite the first seismic intensity, and the changing unit 16 updates the first seismic intensity stored in the storage unit 14 in accordance with an operation input from the user. Thereby, the user can arbitrarily change the first seismic intensity stored in the storage unit 14 by directly or indirectly giving an operation input to the input unit 15.

  In the present embodiment, the communication device 1 includes a microcomputer, and realizes the functions of the control unit 13, the input unit 15, and the changing unit 16 by causing the microcomputer to execute appropriate programs. . The program is stored in the storage unit 14, for example.

  By the way, in this embodiment, the control part 13 is a control signal for switching the switching part 211 to the interruption | blocking state, after predetermined | prescribed standby | waiting time passes since the detection part 11 detected the shake more than 1st seismic intensity. Is configured to send. That is, the control unit 13 does not immediately switch the switching unit 211 to the shut-off state when the magnitude of the shake detected by the detection unit 11 becomes equal to or greater than the first seismic intensity due to the occurrence of an earthquake, but from that time point. After the standby time elapses, the switching unit 211 is switched to the cutoff state.

  Specifically, the standby time is stored in advance in the storage unit 14, and is set to about 10 seconds, for example. The control unit 13 starts counting from the time when the magnitude of the shake detected by the detection unit 11 is equal to or greater than the first seismic intensity, and switches the switching unit 211 from the supply state to the cutoff state when the standby time has elapsed. Send a control signal.

  In addition, the control unit 13 is configured to transmit a control signal for switching the switching unit 211 to the supply state when a predetermined return time elapses after the switching unit 211 is switched to the cutoff state. That is, the control unit 13 automatically returns the switching unit 211 to the supply state after the return time has elapsed since the switching unit 211 was switched to the shut-off state due to the occurrence of an earthquake.

  Specifically, the return time is stored in advance in the storage unit 14, and is set to about 10 minutes, for example. The control unit 13 starts counting from the time when the switching unit 211 is switched to the cutoff state, and automatically transmits a control signal for switching the switching unit 211 from the cutoff state to the supply state when the return time elapses.

  Further, when the detection unit 11 detects a shake exceeding the second seismic intensity greater than the first seismic intensity, the control unit 13 blocks the switching unit 211 even after the return time has elapsed after switching the switching unit 211 to the shut-off state. It is configured to maintain the state. That is, the control unit 13 does not always return the switching unit 211 to the supply state after the return time has elapsed since the switching unit 211 was switched to the shut-off state, but the magnitude of the shaking detected by the detection unit 11. To determine whether or not to return.

  Specifically, the second seismic intensity is selected from the above-described ten levels of “level 1” to “level 10”, and is stored in the storage unit 14 in advance before the communication device 1 is shipped. For example, when the first seismic intensity is “level 5”, the second seismic intensity is set to “level 6”. However, similarly to the first seismic intensity, the initial value of the second seismic intensity may be set by a user (customer's householder) and registered in the storage unit 14 after the communication device 1 is shipped. Further, the second seismic intensity may be defined only by the relationship with the first seismic intensity, for example, “first seismic intensity + α”. In this case, it is not necessary to set the second seismic intensity alone. .

  The control unit 13 compares the magnitude (seismic intensity) detected by the detection unit 11 with the first seismic intensity and the second seismic intensity. If the magnitude of the shaking detected by the detection unit 11 is greater than or equal to the first seismic intensity and less than or equal to the second seismic intensity, it is determined that an earthquake has occurred and the switching unit 211 is controlled to be in a cut-off state, and then the return time has elapsed. Then, the switching unit 211 is controlled to the supply state. On the other hand, if the magnitude of the shake detected by the detection unit 11 exceeds the second seismic intensity, it is determined that an earthquake has occurred, and the switching unit 211 is controlled to be in a shut-off state. The part 211 is maintained in the shut-off state. In addition, if the magnitude | size of the shake detected by the detection part 11 is less than 1st seismic intensity, the control part 13 will maintain the switch part 211 in a supply state.

  Moreover, the communication apparatus 1 which concerns on this embodiment is provided with the communication module 12 which communicates with an external device (the 1st-4th external devices 21-24) as mentioned above, and utilized the communication with an external device. The following three configurations are adopted.

  As a first configuration, when the switching unit 211 is in the shut-off state, the control unit 13 supplies the switching unit 211 when the second communication unit 122 receives a return signal from the second external device 22 through communication. A control signal for switching to a state is transmitted. That is, when the communication device 1 switches the switching unit 211 from the supply state to the cutoff state due to the occurrence of an earthquake and receives a return signal from the external device (second external device 22), the communication device 1 sets the switching unit 211 to the supply state. Return.

  As a second configuration, the third communication unit 123 is configured to communicate with the third external device 23 and transmit output information based on the detection result of the detection unit 11 to the third external device 23. Has been. That is, the communication device 1 not only controls the switching unit 211 based on the detection result of the detection unit 11 but also generates output information based on the detection result of the detection unit 11, and outputs this output information to the external device (the third device). To the external device 23). The output information here is information representing, for example, the magnitude of shaking detected by the detection unit 11, the period of shaking, the duration, and the like.

  As a third configuration, the fourth communication unit 124 is configured to receive earthquake information regarding an earthquake from the fourth external device 24. When the detection unit 11 detects a shake greater than or equal to the first seismic intensity, the control unit 13 turns off the switching unit 211 if the earthquake information indicates the occurrence of an earthquake, and the earthquake information indicates the occurrence of the earthquake. If not, the switching unit 211 is configured to be maintained in the supply state. That is, the communication device 1 does not always switch the switching unit 211 when the detection unit 11 detects a shake greater than or equal to the first seismic intensity, but the earthquake from the external device (fourth external device 24). It is determined whether or not to enter a blocking state based on information. The earthquake information here is information reported by, for example, the Japan Meteorological Agency when an earthquake occurs, and is information that represents the seismic intensity, the epicenter, the depth of the epicenter, the magnitude of the earthquake (magnitude), etc. by region.

  Specifically, the communication device 1 stores area information for specifying the area where the communication apparatus 1 is installed in the storage unit 14 in advance, and when the detection unit 11 detects a shake greater than or equal to the first seismic intensity, It communicates with the device 24 and receives earthquake information corresponding to the regional information. Then, the communication device 1 determines whether or not the received earthquake information indicates the occurrence of an earthquake. If the earthquake information indicates the occurrence of an earthquake, the communication unit 1 sets the switching unit 211 in a shut-off state, and otherwise supplies the switching unit 211. State. For example, when the fourth external device 24 is an information terminal provided in a consumer, the communication device 1 receives earthquake information acquired by the information terminal via the Internet from the information terminal. When the fourth external device 24 is a server operated by an energy supplier, the communication device 1 receives earthquake information from the server.

  In this configuration, when the communication device 1 detects a shake greater than or equal to the first seismic intensity at the detection unit 11 and further confirms the occurrence of an earthquake from the earthquake information from the external device (fourth external device 24), The switching unit 211 is switched to the cutoff state to cut off the supply of energy. On the other hand, if the occurrence of an earthquake is not confirmed from the earthquake information from the external device even if the detection unit 11 detects a shake greater than or equal to the first seismic intensity, the communication device 1 maintains the switching unit 211 in the supply state. .

  According to the communication device 1 of the present embodiment described above, the detection unit 11 causes the switching unit 211 to be in a shut-off state when the control unit 13 detects a swing greater than or equal to the first seismic intensity at the detection unit 11. The switching unit 211 is controlled according to the detection result. Therefore, the communication device 1 can automatically cut off the supply of energy such as electric power to consumers when an earthquake occurs, and can improve safety compared to the case where energy is continuously supplied.

  Moreover, since the communication device 1 has a communication function with the first external device 21, when returning the interrupted energy supply, the communication device 1 issues an instruction to the first external device 21 at a remote position. The energy supply can be restored. Therefore, even if an earthquake occurs and the energy supply is interrupted, it is not necessary to directly operate the first external device 21 in order to restore the energy supply. For example, even if it is difficult for a householder to reach the installation location of the first external device 21 due to furniture that has fallen due to an earthquake, the energy supply can be restored immediately when safety is confirmed, such as an earthquake. It is possible to appropriately control the supply of energy to customers when an outbreak occurs.

  Further, the communication device 1 cuts off the energy supply by using the switching unit 211 provided in the first external device 21 that measures the amount of energy used by the consumer. Therefore, by using a device originally provided with a switching unit (switch) 211 such as a smart meter as the first external device 21, a customer can be provided when an earthquake or the like occurs without providing a switching unit in the communication device 1 itself. The supply of energy to can be cut off.

  In addition, as in the present embodiment, the control unit 13 is configured to switch the switching unit 211 to the shut-off state after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed since the detection unit 11 has detected a shake greater than or equal to the first seismic intensity. Preferably, the control signal is transmitted. According to this configuration, for example, when an earthquake occurs at night, the power (energy) is not cut off immediately, and the user has time to secure safety and evacuate. Can do.

  Further, as in the present embodiment, the communication device 1 further includes an input unit 15 that receives an operation input from a user, and a change unit 16 that changes the magnitude of the first seismic intensity according to the operation input. Is preferred. In this case, the detection part 11 is comprised so that the magnitude | size (seismic intensity) of a shake may be measured at the time of the occurrence of an earthquake. According to this configuration, the control unit 13 can determine whether an earthquake has occurred by comparing the magnitude of shaking measured by the detection unit 11 with the first seismic intensity. And since the magnitude | size of the 1st seismic intensity used as a comparison object can be changed arbitrarily by the user, the magnitude | size of the 1st seismic intensity can be set appropriately according to a customer's structure, age, etc., for example.

  In addition, as in the present embodiment, the control unit 13 transmits a control signal for switching the switching unit 211 to the supply state when a predetermined return time has elapsed after switching the switching unit 211 to the cutoff state. It is preferable to be configured. According to this configuration, even if an earthquake occurs and the energy supply is once interrupted, the energy supply is automatically restored when the return time elapses, so that an operation for returning the energy supply is unnecessary. It is desirable that the return time is set to a time sufficient for the user to confirm safety, for example, whether there is a heating appliance that has fallen.

  Furthermore, when the detection unit 11 detects a shake exceeding the second seismic intensity greater than the first seismic intensity as in the present embodiment, the control unit 13 switches the switching unit 211 to the shut-off state and then the return time has elapsed. It is preferable that the switching unit 211 is maintained in the shut-off state afterwards. According to this configuration, when a large earthquake that causes the magnitude of the shaking detected by the detection unit 11 to exceed the second seismic intensity occurs, the energy supply is not performed even if the return time elapses after the energy supply is interrupted. Since it does not return automatically, safer measures can be taken.

  Further, as in the present embodiment, the communication device 1 preferably further includes a second communication unit 122 that communicates with the second external device 22. In this case, the control unit 13 switches the switching unit 211 to the supply state when the second communication unit 122 receives a return signal from the second external device 22 through communication when the switching unit 211 is in the cutoff state. It is preferable that the control signal is transmitted.

  According to this configuration, after the occurrence of an event such as an earthquake, the communication device 1 can be restored in response to an instruction from an external device at a remote position when the supply of the blocked energy is restored. Therefore, when safety is confirmed, the energy supply can be restored immediately, and the supply of energy to consumers can be appropriately controlled when an earthquake or the like occurs. For example, when the second external device 22 is a server operated by an energy supplier, the communication device 1 returns the switching unit 211 to the supply state by a remote operation from the energy supplier. In this case, for example, the operator of the supplier receives a telephone call from a user (customer's household) and performs a predetermined operation on the server, so that a return signal is transmitted from the server to the communication device 1. When the second external device 22 is an information terminal provided in the consumer, the user (customer's householder) operates the information terminal to transmit a return signal from the information terminal to the communication device 1. As a result, the switching unit 211 can be returned to the supply state.

  Further, as in the present embodiment, the communication device 1 communicates with the third external device 23 and transmits the output information based on the detection result of the detection unit 11 to the third external device 23. It is preferable to further include a portion 123.

  According to this configuration, when an event such as an earthquake occurs, the communication device 1 can output information (output information) indicating the status of the event such as an earthquake to an external device. For example, when the third external device 23 is a display device provided in a consumer, the communication device 1 outputs and displays information such as the magnitude of shaking on the display device. In addition, when the third external device 23 is a server operated by an energy supplier, the server collects output information sent from the communication device 1 so as to prevent local shaking. Information can be collected and used for maintenance.

  Further, as in the present embodiment, the communication device 1 further includes a fourth communication unit 124 that performs communication with the fourth external device 24 and receives earthquake information about the earthquake from the fourth external device 24. Is preferred. In this case, when the detection unit 11 detects a shake greater than or equal to the first seismic intensity, the control unit 13 sets the switching unit 211 to a cut-off state if the earthquake information indicates the occurrence of an earthquake, and the earthquake information is an earthquake. If the occurrence of this is not indicated, the switching unit 211 is configured to be maintained in the supply state.

  According to this configuration, the communication device 1 detects the shaking greater than or equal to the first seismic intensity at the detection unit 11 and further blocks the switching unit 211 when the occurrence of an earthquake is confirmed from the earthquake information from the external device. To switch off the energy supply. On the other hand, if the occurrence of an earthquake is not confirmed from the earthquake information from the external device even if the detection unit 11 detects a shake greater than or equal to the first seismic intensity, the communication device 1 maintains the switching unit 211 in the supply state. . Therefore, for example, even if a vibration is applied to the communication device 1 due to a person colliding with the cabinet 33 of the distribution board 3 to which the communication device 1 is attached, the communication device 1 if the earthquake does not occur in the corresponding area. Will not mistakenly determine that an earthquake has occurred. Therefore, it can be avoided that the supply of energy to the customer is interrupted due to the false alarm of the detection unit 11.

  Further, when the energy is electric energy, the first communication unit 121 is electrically connected to the first external device 21 via the power line 6, and the power line carrier uses the power line 6 as a transmission medium. It is preferable to communicate with the first external device 21 by communication.

  According to this configuration, a communication path is formed between the communication device 2 and the first external device 21 by using the power line 6 that is inherently electrically connected to the first external device 21. There is no need to connect a dedicated communication line to the first external device 21.

  Alternatively, the first communication unit 121 may be configured to communicate with the first external device 21 by wireless communication using radio waves as a transmission medium.

  According to this configuration, since a communication path is formed between the communication device 2 and the first external device 21 by radio, it is not necessary to connect a dedicated communication line to the first external device 21.

  In addition, even when energy is resources other than electric power, for example, gas, water supply, heat, etc., the structure similar to the said embodiment is applicable to a communication apparatus. For example, when the energy is gas, the first external device includes a gas meter as a measurement unit and a shut-off valve (valve) provided on a gas supply path as a switching unit. The first external device normally opens the shut-off valve to bring the switching unit into a supply state, and closes the shut-off valve and puts the switching unit into a shut-off state when an earthquake or the like occurs.

  The detection unit 11 built in the communication device 1 is not limited to the seismic sensor that detects the occurrence of an earthquake, but uses, for example, a smoke sensor that detects the occurrence of a fire or a gas sensor that detects the occurrence of a gas leak. It may be configured. For example, when a smoke sensor is used for the detection unit 11, the communication device 1 can block the supply of energy to the consumer when a fire occurs. When a gas sensor is used for the detection unit 11, the communication device 1 can block the supply of energy to the consumer when a gas leak occurs. Furthermore, the detection unit 11 may be configured to detect the occurrence of two or more events among earthquakes, fires, and gas leaks. In this case, it is preferable that the control unit 13 is configured to place the switching unit 211 in a shut-off state when any one of the detection units 11 detects the occurrence of an event.

  Next, the distribution board 3 provided with the communication apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the distribution board 3 branches the power into a plurality of electric circuits on the communication device 1, the main circuit breaker 31 provided on the power supply path to the consumer, and the secondary side of the main circuit breaker 31. A plurality of branch breakers 32, 32,... Are attached and a cabinet 33 is provided. The communication device 1 is attached to the cabinet 33.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cabinet 33 is formed in a box shape in which the front view is a horizontally long rectangular shape and the front surface is opened, and is used by being attached to a wall of a house. The cabinet 33 has a space for accommodating at least a main breaker 31 as an internal unit and a plurality of branch breakers 32, 32,. Here, the cabinet 33 is made of synthetic resin, and a lid (not shown) that can be opened and closed is attached to the front surface of the cabinet 33. The lid may be included in the cabinet 33 or may not be included in the cabinet 33.

  That is, the cabinet 33 of the distribution board 3 has a space for attaching various internal devices such as a breaker, a first space 331 in which the main breaker 31 is arranged, and a plurality of branch breakers 32, 32,. At least a second space 332 in which is disposed.

  The cabinet 33 of the distribution board 3 according to the present embodiment includes a third space 333 in addition to the first space 331 and the second space 332.

  The cabinet 33 of the distribution board 3 configured as described above is provided with a main breaker 31 in the first space 331 and a plurality of branch breakers 32, 32,. The other third space 333 is an empty space provided for function expansion of the distribution board 3.

  Here, the minimum configuration as an internal unit of the distribution board 3 is a main breaker 31 attached to the first space 331, and a plurality of branch breakers 32, 32,... Attached to the second space 332. Further, the distribution board 3 according to the present embodiment is provided with various internal devices other than the main breaker 31 and the plurality of branch breakers 32, 32, ... by providing the cabinet 33 with the third space 333 as described above. Can be attached (retrofitted). In the present embodiment, the distribution board 3 includes the communication device 1 attached to at least the third space 333 as an internal unit, as shown in FIG.

  Below, the internal unit (internal unit which can be attached to the cabinet 33) of the distribution board 3 is demonstrated.

  The main breaker 31 is electrically connected to a primary-side terminal (not shown) of a single-phase three-wire lead-in line of a system power supply (commercial power supply). On the secondary side of the main breaker 31, a conductive bar made of a conductive member that is long in the left-right direction is electrically connected.

  The plurality of branch breakers 32, 32,... Are divided into an upper side and a lower side of a conductive bar (not shown) in the second space 332 of the cabinet 33, and a plurality of branch breakers 32, 32,. Yes. Each branch breaker 32 has a primary side terminal (not shown) and a secondary side terminal (not shown). The primary side terminal is electrically connected to the conductive bar, and the secondary side terminal includes Each of a plurality of electric circuits (not shown) is connected. Each branch breaker 32 is formed in a contracted dimension. Here, the agreement type dimension means a dimension (and shape) of a circuit breaker for a light distribution board in accordance with “JIS C 8201-2-1”.

  Connected to the electrical circuit connected to the secondary terminal of each branch breaker 32 is, for example, one or more devices such as lighting fixtures or hot water supply facilities, outlets of plug-in connection devices, and wall fixtures such as wall switches as loads. And constitutes a branch circuit. In other words, each of the branch breakers 32, 32,... Has a branch circuit electrically connected thereto, and has an input state in which power from the main breaker 31 is supplied to each branch circuit and an open state in which the supply of the power is cut off. It is configured to be switchable.

  Here, it is assumed that the communication device 1 communicates with the first external device 21 by power line carrier communication (PLC) that transmits a communication signal using a communication path using the power line 6 as a transmission medium. Therefore, the communication device 1 is electrically connected to the first external device 21 via the power line 6.

  Here, in the example of FIG. 2, the distribution board 3 further includes a device control device 4 attached to the third space of the cabinet 33 as an internal unit.

  The device control device 4 is configured to communicate with the consumer device 5 and the communication device 1. The device control device 4 is configured to communicate with the device 5 provided outside the cabinet 33 and to control the device 5 using the detection result of the detection unit 11.

  Specifically, the device control device 4 has a function as a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) controller that controls a plurality of devices 5, 5,... In addition to a communication function with the communication device 1. Here, the device control device 4 communicates with the communication device 1 by wireless communication using radio waves as a transmission medium.

  Here, the plurality of devices 5, 5,... Are HEMS compatible devices. The plurality of devices 5, 5,... Need only be management targets of power consumption, for example, 8 devices important in HEMS (solar power generation device, storage battery, fuel cell, electric vehicle, air conditioner, lighting fixture, hot water supply device), etc. including. Further, the plurality of devices 5, 5,... May include the other two large power consumption sources, a refrigerator, a television receiver, and the like. However, the device 5 is not intended to be limited to these devices.

  The device control device 4 has a function of visualizing (visualizing) the meter reading value of the first external device 21 by controlling the device 5 composed of a display, and controlling the device 5 based on the meter reading value. ing. According to this device control apparatus 4, it becomes possible to manage the power consumption status of a plurality of devices 5, 5,..., And wasteful power consumption can be suppressed.

  The device control device 4 may be divided into a communication adapter and a controller, and only the communication adapter may be attached to the cabinet 33 of the distribution board 3. In this case, the controller is provided in the vicinity of the distribution board 3 or in the room, and the device control device 4 controls the plurality of devices 5, 5,... By transmitting signals from the communication adapter to the controller.

  Here, the device control device 4 has a function of receiving a cutoff signal from the communication device 1 when an earthquake occurs and controlling a plurality of devices 5, 5,. That is, when the communication device 1 detects the occurrence of an earthquake and switches the switching unit 211 to the cutoff state, the communication device 1 transmits a cutoff signal to the device control device 4 to control a plurality of HEMS-compatible devices 5, 5,. To do. At this time, the device control device 4 may turn off the power of the device 5 or may be in a standby state without completely turning off the device 5. In addition, the device control device 4 may perform control other than stopping the operation of the device 5 such as opening an electric shutter or turning on a lighting fixture in response to a blocking signal.

  By the way, the distribution board 3 is electrically connected to a primary side terminal of the main breaker 31 and is connected to a primary power breaker (not shown) provided on a power supply path from a solar power generation device (not shown) to a consumer. May be attached. In this case, it is preferable that the communication device 1 has a function of outputting a cutoff signal to the primary interconnection breaker when the earthquake occurs to cut off the primary interconnection breaker. That is, the communication device 1 is configured to shut off the primary interconnection breaker when the occurrence of an earthquake is detected and the switching unit 211 is switched to the shut-off state.

  According to this configuration, the distribution panel 3 not only cuts off the power supply from the system power supply to the consumer at the switching unit 211 when an earthquake occurs, but also from the photovoltaic power generation device at the primary interconnection breaker. The power supply to the house can also be cut off.

  In addition, the distribution board 3 is electrically connected to a conductive bar, and is provided on a power supply path from a distributed power source such as a fuel cell (not shown) or a storage battery (including a storage battery mounted on an electric vehicle) to consumers. A secondary interconnection breaker (not shown) may be attached. In this case, it is preferable that the communication device 1 has a function of outputting a cutoff signal to the secondary interconnection breaker when the earthquake occurs to cut off the secondary linkage breaker. That is, the communication device 1 is configured to transmit a cutoff signal and shut off the secondary interconnection breaker when the occurrence of an earthquake is detected and the switching unit 211 is switched to the cutoff state.

  According to this configuration, the distribution panel system 10 not only cuts off the power supply from the system power supply to the customer at the switching unit 211 when an earthquake occurs, but also demands from the distributed power supply at the secondary interconnection breaker. The power supply to the house can also be cut off.

  According to the distribution board 3 of the present embodiment described above, the communication device 1 that communicates with the first external device 21 is attached to the cabinet 33 of the distribution board 3. It is possible to link an internal device other than the communication device 1 in FIG. Therefore, as described above, the communication device 1 can cut off the power supply from the solar power generation device or other distributed power source to the customer when an earthquake occurs.

  Moreover, since it is not necessary to provide the detection part (seismic sensor) for detecting the occurrence of an earthquake in the second space 332, the space in the cabinet 33 can be used effectively. That is, it is possible to provide a seismic sensor in the cabinet 33 by using a part of the second space 332. In that case, the seismic sensor provides a single installation space for the branch breakers 32, 32,. The number of branch circuits is reduced due to partial collapse. On the other hand, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the space in the cabinet 33 can be used effectively.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the distribution board 3 further includes a device control device 4 that performs communication with the consumer device 5 and the communication device 1 as in the present embodiment. The device control device 4 is configured to communicate with the device 5 provided outside the cabinet 33 and to control the device 5 using the detection result of the detection unit 11. According to the distribution board 3, the device control device 4 that communicates with the communication device 1 controls the plurality of devices 5, 5,... Using the detection result of the detection unit 11. The device 5 can be controlled in conjunction with the detection. Therefore, the communication device 1 can automatically control the device 5 when an earthquake or the like occurs as described above.

  As a modification of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the cabinet 33 includes a high-power space 34 to which a main breaker 31 and a plurality of branch breakers 32, 32,... Are attached, and a low-power space provided separately from the high-power space. 35 may be included. In this modification, the communication device 1 includes a detection block 101 including the detection unit 11 and disposed in the high-power space 34, and a communication block 102 including the first communication unit 121 and disposed in the low-power space 35.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the first space 331 and the second space 332 together form a high-power space 34, and the third space 333 forms a low-power space 35. The detection block 101 is arranged in the first space 331 of the high-power space 34 by being built in the main breaker 31. The detection block 101 and the communication block 102 are configured to be able to exchange signals by wired or wireless communication.

  According to this modification, the communication device 1 can receive the detection result of the detection block 101 built in the main breaker 31 or the branch breaker 32 by the communication block 102 and use it for the control of the switching unit 211.

(Embodiment 2)
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the communication device 1 according to the present embodiment constructs a management system 100 together with a first external device 21 and a box 110 in which the communication device 1 and the first external device 21 are housed. . Hereinafter, the same configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

  The box 110 adopts, for example, a design having a sense of unity with the outer wall of the customer and is attached to the outer wall of the customer. The communication device 1 and the first external device 21 are housed side by side in the box 110. The box 110 is provided with a window 111 so that the inside is visible.

  According to the management system 100 configured as described above, the communication device 1 can be disposed in the vicinity of the first external device 21, so that the communication path (power line 6) between the communication device 1 and the first external device 21 is provided. There is an advantage that it is difficult to be cut. Therefore, the reliability of operation | movement of the communication apparatus 1 which transmits a control signal to the 1st external device 21 at the time of the occurrence of an earthquake, etc. and interrupts the energy supply to a consumer becomes high.

  Other configurations and functions are the same as those of the first embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Communication apparatus 100 Management system 110 Box 11 Detection part 121 1st communication part 122 2nd communication part 123 3rd communication part 124 4th communication part 13 Control part 15 Input part 16 Change part 21 1st external device 211 switching unit 22 second external device 23 third external device 24 fourth external device 3 distribution board 31 main breaker 32 branch breaker 33 cabinet 4 device control device 5 device

Claims (15)

A detector that detects the occurrence of at least one of an earthquake, a fire, and a gas leak;
A first communication unit that communicates with a first external device that measures the amount of energy used by a consumer;
A control unit that controls a switching unit provided on the energy supply path to the consumer by transmitting a control signal from the first communication unit to the first external device;
The switching unit is provided in the first external device, and is capable of switching between a supply state for supplying the energy to the consumer and a cutoff state for blocking the supply of energy,
The control unit is configured to transmit the control signal according to a detection result of the detection unit, so that the switching unit is set to the cutoff state when the detection unit detects the occurrence of the event. A communication device characterized by the above. The detection unit is configured to detect the occurrence of an earthquake,
2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to place the switching unit in the shut-off state when the detection unit detects a swing greater than or equal to a first seismic intensity. 3. . The control unit transmits the control signal for switching the switching unit to the cut-off state after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed since the detection unit detected a shake greater than or equal to the first seismic intensity. It is comprised by these. The communication apparatus of Claim 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. An input unit for receiving operation input from the user;
A change unit that changes the magnitude of the first seismic intensity according to the operation input;
The communication device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the detection unit is configured to measure the magnitude of seismic intensity when an earthquake occurs. The control unit is configured to transmit the control signal for switching the switching unit to the supply state when a predetermined return time elapses after the switching unit is switched to the cutoff state. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4. When the detection unit detects a shake exceeding a second seismic intensity greater than the first seismic intensity, the control unit switches the switching unit to the shut-off state and then continues to the switching unit after the return time has elapsed. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the communication device is configured to maintain the blocked state. A second communication unit that communicates with the second external device;
The control unit is configured to switch the switching unit to the supply state when the second communication unit receives a return signal from the second external device through communication when the switching unit is in the cutoff state. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is configured to transmit the control signal. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a third communication unit that communicates with a third external device and transmits output information based on a detection result of the detection unit to the third external device. The communication apparatus of any one of Claims. A fourth communication unit that communicates with a fourth external device and receives earthquake information about the earthquake from the fourth external device;
When the detection unit detects a shake greater than or equal to the first seismic intensity, the control unit sets the switching unit to the shut-off state if the earthquake information indicates the occurrence of an earthquake, and the earthquake information indicates an earthquake. The communication device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the switching unit is configured to be maintained in the supply state unless the occurrence of occurrence of the communication is indicated. The energy is electrical energy,
The first communication unit is electrically connected to the first external device via a power line, and communicates with the first external device by power line carrier communication using the power line as a transmission medium. It is comprised by these. The communication apparatus of any one of Claims 1-9 characterized by the above-mentioned. The said 1st communication part is comprised so that it may communicate with a said 1st external device by the radio | wireless communication which uses an electromagnetic wave as a transmission medium. The any one of Claims 1-9 characterized by the above-mentioned. Communication equipment. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
A main breaker provided on a power supply path to a consumer and a cabinet to which a plurality of branch breakers for branching power into a plurality of electric paths on the secondary side of the main breaker are attached;
The distribution board, wherein the communication device is attached to the cabinet. The cabinet has a high-power space to which the main breaker and the plurality of branch breakers are attached, and a low-power space provided separately from the high-power space,
The communication device includes a detection block including the detection unit and disposed in the high-power space, and a communication block including the first communication unit and disposed in the low-power space. The distribution board described. A device control device for communicating with the consumer device and the communication device;
The device control apparatus is configured to communicate with the device provided outside the cabinet, and to control the device using a detection result of the detection unit. The distribution board according to 12 or 13. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The first external device;
A management system comprising: a box in which the communication device and the first external device are stored.

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