JP2021028761A - Information collection device and method, and information collection system - Google Patents

Abstract

To simplify information collection from an electric component concerning an information collection device and method, and an information collection system.SOLUTION: An information collection device includes: a mobile body 12; a drive device 31 capable of moving the mobile body 12; a power feeding device 33 capable of feeding power to an electric component; and a communication device 32 capable of transmitting/receiving data with the electric component 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to an information collecting device, an information collecting method, and an information collecting system.

For example, in various plants, the operating states of various devices are measured by measuring instruments, and the operating states of various devices are monitored based on the measured indicated values. In this case, the worker patrols the place where the equipment is installed and reads the indicated value of the measuring instrument installed in the equipment installed at the place of installation. Then, the operator monitors the device and controls the operation based on the indicated value read from the measuring instrument. In this case, it is conceivable to read the indicated value of the measuring instrument remotely in consideration of the workability and safety of the reading of the indicated value of the measuring instrument.

As such a technique, for example, there is one described in the following cited document 1. In the technique described in Cited Document 1, the inspection robot moves in the vicinity of the measuring instrument, receives and stores the measurement data output from the measuring instrument. Further, there is a technique in which a robot grasps the position of a device and charges the device, for example, which is described in the following cited document 2.

Japanese Patent No. 4293998 International Publication No. 2017/130649

By the way, since a measuring instrument that measures the operating state of various devices requires electric power for operation, a power source is connected or a battery is built in. However, if there is no power supply near the measuring instrument, the measuring instrument will have a built-in battery. In this case, it is necessary to periodically charge the battery of the measuring instrument or replace the battery, which causes a problem that maintainability is not good.

The present disclosure is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information collection device and method for simplifying information collection from electrical parts, and an information collection system.

The information collecting device of the present disclosure for achieving the above object is between a moving body, a driving device capable of moving the moving body, a power feeding device capable of supplying electric power to an electric component, and the electric component. It includes a communication device capable of transmitting and receiving signals.

Further, the information collecting method of the present disclosure includes a step of supplying power to the measuring device by a power feeding device provided in the mobile body, and measurement of the measuring device by transmitting and receiving the communication device provided in the mobile body to and from the measuring device. It has a step of receiving data.

Further, the information collecting system of the present disclosure includes the electric component to which the power receiving device is mounted and the information collecting device.

According to the information collection device and method and the information collection system of the present disclosure, it is possible to simplify the collection of information from electrical parts.

FIG. 1 is a flock configuration diagram showing the information collection system of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an information collection system. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the information collecting device of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an information collecting method. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a modified example of the information collection system of the present embodiment.

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited by this embodiment, and when there are a plurality of embodiments, the present embodiment also includes a combination of the respective embodiments. In addition, the components in the embodiment include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, that is, those in a so-called equal range.

[Information collection device system]
FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram showing the information collection system of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the information collection system.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the information collecting system 10 includes a measuring device 11, an information collecting device 12, and a management device 13. The measuring device 11 measures, for example, information in various pipes 100 arranged in the plant. The information collecting device 12 acquires the measurement data measured by the measuring device 11. The information collecting device 12 is movable, moves to the position where the measuring device 11 is attached, and acquires measurement data. The management device 13 is arranged, for example, in the central control room of the plant. The management device 13 acquires the measurement data acquired by the information collecting device 12 and manages the plant.

The measuring device 11 includes a measuring device 21, a communication device 22, a power receiving device 23, and a measuring device control device 24. The measuring device 21 is attached to, for example, various pipes 100 arranged in the plant. The measuring device 21 is, for example, a flow meter, a pressure meter, a thermometer, or the like. The communication device 22 can transmit and receive various signals (data) to and from the information collecting device 12 wirelessly (or by wire). The communication device 22 can transmit the measurement data measured by the measuring device 21 to the information collecting device 12. The power receiving device 23 can receive power from the information collecting device 12. The measuring device 11 does not have a battery, and is in a stopped state when the power receiving device 23 is not receiving power. The measuring instrument control device 24 can control the operation of the measuring device 21, the communication device 22, and the power receiving device 23. The measuring instrument control device 24 operates by the electric power received by the power receiving device 23, and controls the operation of the measuring device 21 and the communication device 22 in the power receiving state of the power receiving device 23.

The information collecting device 12 includes a driving device 31, a first communication device 32, a power feeding device 33, a battery 34, a recording device 35, a second communication device 36, and a mobile control device 37. The drive device 31 can move the moving body 51, which will be described later, which constitutes the information collecting device 12. The first communication device 32 can transmit and receive various signals (data) to and from the communication device 22 of the measuring device 11 wirelessly (or by wire). The first communication device 32 can receive the measurement data measured by the measuring device 21 by transmitting and receiving to and from the communication device 22. The power feeding device 33 can supply electric power to the measuring device 11 via the power receiving device 23. The battery 34 supplies electric power to the drive device 31, the first communication device 32, the power supply device 33, the recording device 35, the second communication device 36, and the mobile control device 37. The recording device 35 can record the measurement data of the measuring device 21 received by the first communication device 32 via the communication device 22. The second communication device 36 can send and receive data to and from the management device 13. The mobile control device 37 can control the operation of the drive device 31, the first communication device 32, the power supply device 33, the battery 34, the recording device 35, and the second communication device 36.

The management device 13 includes a data management device 41 and a communication device 42. The data management device 41 can receive various information including measurement data from the information collecting device 12 via the second communication device 36 by the communication device 42. The management device 13 transmits an operation signal (data) to the information collecting device 12 via the communication device 42 and the second communication device 36. When the information collecting device 12 receives the operation signal, the mobile body control device 37 controls the operation of the drive device 31, the first communication device 32, the power supply device 33, and the like based on the operation signal.

[Information collection device]
Here, the information collecting device 12 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the information collecting device of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the information collecting device 12 includes a mobile body 51. The moving body 51 has a frame 52. The frame 52 has a box-shaped hollow shape and has an internal pressure explosion-proof structure in which the inside is sealed. The frame 52 can travel and move independently by providing the drive device 31 at the lower portion. The drive device 31 includes an electric motor 53 and drive wheels 54. The electric motor 53 is mounted inside the frame 52, and the drive wheels 54 are provided on the front and rear and left and right at the lower part of the frame 52. The drive device 31 is not limited to the one composed of the electric motor 53 and the drive wheels 54, and may be composed of, for example, a drive sprocket and a crawler instead of the drive wheels 54.

The first communication device 32, the power supply device 33, the battery 34, the recording device 35, the second communication device 36, and the mobile control device 37 are mounted inside the frame 52. A support arm 55 is attached to the moving body 51. The support arm 55 is, for example, an articulated support arm whose base end is supported by the frame 52. A power feeding device 33 is attached to the tip of the support arm 55. Although not shown, the power feeding device 33 has a contact type power supply unit or a non-contact type power supply unit. In FIG. 3, the support arm 55 is omitted.

The mobile body control device 37 is connected to the first communication device 32, the power supply device 33, the battery 34, the recording device 35, and the second communication device 36 to control the operation. The power feeding device 33 supplies electric power to the measuring device 11 via the power receiving device 23. At this time, the power feeding device 33 supplies the electric power required for the measuring device 11 to operate, that is, the electric power required for the measuring device 21, the communication device 22, and the measuring instrument control device 24 to operate. The mobile body control device 37 controls the power supply start timing and the power supply end timing by the power supply device 33. After starting power supply to the measuring device 11, the mobile control device 37 transmits a start signal to the measuring device 11 by the communication device 22 and the first communication device 32, receives an identification number from the measuring device 11, and then measures the measuring device 11. Sends a measurement start signal to. Then, when the mobile body control device 37 receives all the measurement data from the measurement device 11, the mobile body control device 37 ends the power supply by the power supply device 33.

The information collecting device 12 includes an internal pressure explosion-proof device 61. The internal pressure explosion-proof device 61 prevents the intrusion of external gas into the inside of the frame 52 by maintaining the pressure inside the frame 52 higher than the pressure outside the frame 52 (atmospheric pressure). That is, the internal pressure explosion-proof device 61 accommodates an electric device or a portion that can be an ignition source for a flammable gas in a frame 52 as a container having a predetermined specification, so that air, nitrogen, or the like is not contained inside the frame 52. The active gas (protective gas) is sent in and pressurized to isolate it from the external explosive atmosphere. Further, in the internal pressure explosion-proof device 61, when the pressure inside the frame 52 drops below a preset lower limit pressure (at least a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure), the battery 34, the first communication device 32, the power supply device 33, and the recording device 35, the supply of power to the second communication device 36 and the mobile control device 37 is stopped.

The internal pressure explosion-proof device 61 includes a gas supply device 62, an exhaust device 63, and a protection monitoring device 64. The gas supply device 62 includes a gas tank 71, a gas supply line 72, and a pressure reducing valve 73. The gas tank 71 is provided outside the frame 52, and the gas supply line 72 penetrates the frame 52, one end thereof is connected to the gas tank 71, and the other end is opened inside the frame 52. The pressure reducing valve 73 is provided on the outer side of the frame 52 in the gas supply line 72. Therefore, normally, the pressurized gas (for example, pressurized air) of the gas tank 71 is supplied to the inside of the frame 52 through the gas supply line 72, and the pressure inside the frame 52 is higher than the outside pressure by the pressure reducing valve 73. It is maintained at a constant set pressure.

The exhaust device 63 has a gas discharge line 74 and a relief valve 75. The gas discharge line 74 penetrates the frame 52, one end thereof is opened to the outside of the frame 52, and the other end is opened to the inside of the frame 52. The relief valve 75 is provided on the outer side of the frame 52 in the gas discharge line 74. Therefore, when the temperature inside the frame 52 rises and the pressure inside the frame 52 becomes higher than the preset upper limit pressure, the gas inside the frame 52 is discharged to the outside through the gas discharge line 74 by the relief valve 75. The pressure inside the frame 52 is reduced.

The protection monitoring device 64 includes a protection circuit 76 and a pressure detector 77. The pressure detector 77 detects at least one of the pressure inside the frame 52 and the pressure outside. The protection circuit 76 executes explosion-proof control based on the detection result of the pressure detector 77. When the pressure inside the frame 52 detected by the pressure detector 77 drops below a preset predetermined pressure (at least a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure), the protection circuit 76 starts with the battery 34, the first communication device 32, and the power supply device 33. , The power supply to the recording device 35, the second communication device 36, and the mobile control device 37 is stopped.

Further, the information collecting device 12 includes a camera 81. The camera 81 is mounted on the upper part of the frame 52. The camera 81 is controlled by the moving body control device 37 and can shoot the outside, and outputs the shot image to the moving body control device 37. The second communication device 36 can communicate with the management device 13 (see FIG. 1) and the like. The second communication device 36 sends information input from the outside to the mobile control device 37, and also sends information from the mobile control device 37 such as an image captured by the camera 81 to the outside.

[Modification of information collection system]
The information collection system 10 is not limited to the above-described configuration. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a modified example of the information collection system of the present embodiment.

In a modified example of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the information collecting system 10A includes a measuring device 11A, an information collecting device 12A, and a management device 13 (see FIG. 1). The measuring device 11A measures, for example, information in various pipes 100 arranged in the plant. The information collecting device 12A acquires the measurement data measured by the measuring device 11A. The information collecting device 12A is movable, moves to the position where the measuring device 11 is attached, and acquires measurement data.

The measuring device 11A includes a measuring device 21, a communication device 22, a power generation device 91, and a measuring device control device 24 (see FIG. 1). The measuring device 21 and the communication device 22 are the same as the measuring device 11 described above. The power generation device 91 is a rotary manual power generation device, and generates power by rotating the rotating body 92. The power generation device 91 can generate electric power by operating the information collecting device 12A and supply electric power to the communication device 22 and the measuring instrument control device 24. The measuring device 11A does not have a battery, and is in a stopped state when the power generation device 91 does not operate and does not generate power. The measuring instrument control device 24 can control the operation of the measuring device 21 and the communication device 22. The measuring instrument control device 24 operates when the power generation device 91 operates and receives power, and controls the operation of the measuring device 21 and the communication device 22 in the power generation state of the power generation device 91.

The information collecting device 12A includes a drive device 31, a first communication device 32, a battery 34, a recording device 35, a second communication device 36, a mobile control device 37, and a mobile 51 (see FIG. 1 above). ), Which is almost the same as the information collecting device 12 described above. A support arm 55 is attached to the moving body 51. The support arm 55 has a locking portion 93 at its tip that locks the rotating body 92 of the power generation device 91. The information collecting device 12A locks the locking portion 93 to the rotating body 92 of the power generation device 91 by operating the support arm 55, and rotates the rotating body 92 to generate power by the power generation device 91.

[Information collection method]
Here, the information collection method by the information collection system 10 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an information collecting method.

The information collecting method of the present embodiment includes a step of moving the power feeding device 33 and the first communication device 32 to the mounting position of the measuring device 11 by the moving body 51, a step of feeding power to the measuring device 11 by the power feeding device 33, and a first step. The communication device 32 includes a step of receiving measurement data of the measuring device 21 by transmitting and receiving to and from the measuring device 11.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, in step S11, the information collecting device 12 operates the moving body 51 by the operation signal from the management device 13, and the moving body 51 is moved by the measuring device 11. It moves to the mounting position, that is, near the measuring device 21, and is positioned. In step S12, the information collecting device 12 operates the support arm 55 (see FIG. 2) to bring the power feeding device 33 closer to the power receiving device 23 of the measuring device 11 and start feeding the measuring device 11. Then, the measuring device 11 is started by receiving the power supply.

In step S13, the information collecting device 12 transmits a start signal of the measuring device 21 to the measuring device control device 24 via the communication devices 32 and 22. When the measuring instrument control device 24 receives the start signal of the measuring device 21, the measuring instrument control device 24 transmits the identification number of the measuring device 21 to the mobile control device 37. In step S14, the mobile body control device 37 determines whether or not the identification number of the measuring device 21 has been received from the measuring device control device 24. Here, if it is determined (No) that the identification number of the measuring device 21 has not been received, it waits until it is received. On the other hand, if it is determined (Yes) that the identification number of the measuring device 21 has been received, the mobile control device 37 transmits the measurement start signal by the measuring device 21 to the measuring device control device 24 in step S15. When the measuring instrument control device 24 receives the measurement start signal, the measuring device 21 executes the measurement process and transmits the measurement data to the mobile control device 37.

In step S16, the mobile body control device 37 determines whether or not the necessary measurement data of the measuring device 21 has been received from the measuring device control device 24. Here, when it is determined (Yes) that the necessary measurement data of the measuring device 21 has been received, the mobile control device 37 records the received measurement data in the recording device 35 in step S17. The mobile control device 37 grasps the type and capacity of measurement data in advance based on the identification number of the measuring device 21, and is necessary by determining whether or not a predetermined amount of measurement data of a predetermined type has been received. Determine if measurement data has been received. It is determined whether or not the necessary measurement data has been received. Finally, by receiving the transmission end signal, it may be determined whether or not the necessary measurement data has been received. On the other hand, if it is determined (No) that the necessary measurement data of the measuring device 21 has not been received, the process returns to step S16 and the process is repeated. Then, in step S18, the mobile body control device 37 ends the power feeding to the measuring device 11 by the power feeding device 33.

When the information collecting device 12 receives all the measurement data of the measuring device 21 and ends the power supply to the measuring device 11, the information collecting device 12 manages the measurement data recorded in the recording device 35 by the communication devices 36 and 42 in step S19. Send to 13. Then, in step S20, the information collecting device 12 operates the moving body 51 by the operation signal from the management device 13, and moves the moving body 51 to the mounting position of the next measuring device 11. The process of transmitting the measurement data to the management device 13 by the communication devices 36 and 42 does not have to be performed at this timing, and may be performed at an arbitrary timing.

[Action and effect of this embodiment]
The information collecting device according to the first aspect includes a moving body 51, a driving device 31 capable of moving the moving body 51, a power feeding device 33 capable of supplying electric power to the measuring device (electrical component) 21, and the measuring device 21. It is provided with a first communication device 32 capable of transmitting and receiving measurement data (signals) between the two.

In the information collecting device according to the first aspect, the moving body 51 is moved to the vicinity of the measuring device 21 by the driving device 31, the power feeding device 33 supplies power to the measuring device 21, and the measuring device 21 is supplied by the first communication device 32. Receives the measurement data measured by. Therefore, it is not necessary to connect a power source to the measuring device 21 or incorporate a battery, the measuring device 21 can be simplified, and the measuring device 21 does not need to be charged regularly. It is possible to improve the maintainability of the measuring device 21. As a result, it is sufficient to supply the necessary electric power only at the time of measurement of the measuring device 21, and it is possible to simplify the work of collecting the measurement data from the measuring device 21.

In the information collecting device according to the second aspect, the power feeding device 33 supplies the electric power required for the measuring device 21 to operate. As a result, the measuring device 21 does not require a power source, and only needs to be supplied with the power required for measurement, so that the size can be reduced.

The information collecting device according to the third aspect is provided with a mobile body control device 37 capable of controlling the power supply device 33, and the mobile body control device 37 controls the power supply start time and the power supply end time by the power supply device 33. As a result, it is possible to set the power supply start period for the measuring device 21 by the power feeding device 33, and it is possible to properly collect the measurement data from the measuring device 21.

In the information collecting device according to the fourth aspect, after the mobile control device 37 starts supplying power to the measuring device 21, the first communication device 32 transmits a start signal to the measuring device 21, and the measuring device 21 issues an identification number. After receiving the signal, the measurement start signal is transmitted to the measuring device 21. As a result, the measurement data of the measuring device 21 is collected after the measuring device 21 is specified by the identification number, and the measuring device 21 and the measurement data can be associated and collected.

In the information collecting device according to the fifth aspect, when the mobile control device 37 receives the necessary measurement data of the measuring device 21 by the first communication device 32, the mobile body control device 37 ends the power feeding by the power feeding device 33. As a result, it is possible to properly manage the end time of power supply by the power supply device 33.

In the information collecting device according to the sixth aspect, the mobile control device 37 transmits the measurement data of the measuring device 21 received by the first communication device 32 to the data management device 41 by the second communication device 36. As a result, the mobile control device 37 does not need to record and maintain a large amount of measurement data in the recording device 35, and the management of the measurement data by the mobile control device 37 can be simplified and the recording device 35 can be managed. The capacity can be reduced.

In the information collecting device according to the seventh aspect, a support arm 55 whose base end portion is supported by the moving body 51 is provided, and a power supply device 33 having a contact type power supply unit or a non-contact type power supply unit is provided at the tip end portion of the support arm 55. Provided in. As a result, the support arm 55 may be moved to move the contact type power supply unit or the non-contact type power supply unit to a predetermined power supply position, and the positioning work of the power supply unit may be simplified and the accuracy can be improved.

In the information collecting device according to the eighth aspect, in the moving body 51, the frame 52 has an internal pressure explosion-proof structure, and the drive device 31 and the first communication device 32 are arranged inside the frame 52. As a result, even in an explosive atmosphere, the moving body can be moved to a predetermined measurement position and the measurement data of the measuring device 21 can be collected.

The information collecting device according to the ninth aspect has the power supply device 33 having an explosion-proof structure. As a result, power can be supplied even in an explosive atmosphere.

The information collecting method according to the tenth aspect includes a step of supplying power to the measuring device 21 by a power feeding device 33 provided in the mobile body 51, and a first communication device 32 provided in the mobile body 51 transmitting and receiving to and from the measuring device 21. This includes a step of receiving the measurement data of the measuring device 21. As a result, it is sufficient to supply the necessary electric power only at the time of measurement of the measuring device 21, and it is possible to simplify the work of collecting the measurement data from the measuring device 21.

The information collecting system according to the eleventh aspect includes a measuring device 21 to which the power receiving device 23 is mounted and an information collecting device 12. As a result, it is sufficient to supply the necessary electric power only at the time of measurement of the measuring device 21, and it is possible to simplify the work of collecting the measurement data from the measuring device 21.

In the information collecting system according to the twelfth aspect, the measuring device 21 has a power generation device 91. As a result, the power feeding device can be eliminated.

In the above-described embodiment, the information collecting device 12 is provided with the two communication devices 32 and 36, but it may be a single communication device that is also used. Further, although each communication device 22, 32, 36, 42 is a wireless type, it may be a wired type.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the mobile body 51 is equipped with the battery 34, but the mobile body 51 may be supplied with electric power by wire from an external power supply device without mounting the battery 34. Good.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the moving body 51 has an internal pressure explosion-proof structure, but a pressure-resistant explosion-proof structure may be used.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the moving body 51 is made movable, but it may be able to fly and move.

10,10A Information collection system 11,11A Measuring device 12, 12A Information collection device 13 Management device 21 Measuring device (electrical parts)
22 Communication device 23 Power receiving device 24 Measuring instrument control device 31 Drive device 32 First communication device 33 Power supply device 34 Battery 35 Recording device 36 Second communication device 37 Mobile control device 41 Data management device 42 Communication device 51 Mobile body 52 Frame 53 Electric motor 54 Drive wheel 55 Support arm 61 Internal pressure explosion-proof device 62 Gas supply device 63 Exhaust device 64 Protection monitoring device 81 Camera 91 Power generation device

Claims (12)

With a mobile body
A drive device capable of moving the moving body and
A power supply device that can supply electric power to electrical components
A communication device capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the electrical components,
An information gathering device equipped with. The information collecting device according to claim 1, wherein the power feeding device supplies electric power required for operating the electric component. The information collecting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a control device capable of controlling the power feeding device is provided, and the control device controls a power feeding start time and a power feeding end time by the power feeding device. The electrical component is a measuring device, and the control device can control the communication device. After starting power supply to the measuring device, the communication device transmits a start signal to the measuring device, and the measuring device is used. The information collecting device according to claim 3, wherein a measurement start signal is transmitted to the measuring device after receiving the identification number from the measuring device. The information collecting device according to claim 4, wherein when the control device receives necessary measurement data of the measuring device by the communication device, the power supply by the power feeding device is terminated. The information collecting device according to claim 5, wherein the control device transmits the received measurement data of the measuring device to the data management device by the communication device. The first to sixth aspect of the present invention, wherein the base end portion has a support arm supported by the moving body, and a contact type power supply unit or a non-contact type power supply unit is provided at the tip end portion of the support arm. The information gathering device described. The information collecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the moving body has an explosion-proof structure in a frame, and the driving device and the communication device are arranged inside the frame. The information collecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the power feeding device has an explosion-proof structure. The process of supplying power to the measuring device using the power supply device provided on the moving body,
A process in which a communication device provided in the mobile body receives measurement data of the measuring device by transmitting and receiving to and from the measuring device.
Information gathering method with. The electrical components to which the power receiving device is mounted and
The information collecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
Information gathering system equipped with. The information gathering system according to claim 11, wherein the electric component has a power generation device.

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