JP7120366B2 - Monitoring system - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a monitoring system and, for example, to a remote monitoring technique for detecting the status of a monitoring target of various facilities and communicating the detected detection data via a communication line.

In various facilities (e.g. power supply facilities, substations, water supply and sewerage facilities, relay stations, facilities on mobile bodies, etc.), the monitoring target of the facilities (e.g., in the case of sewage pipes, the water level and flow rate in the sewage pipe) are being monitored (for example, remote monitoring) via a monitoring device or a communication line.

For example, a technique is known in which a monitoring device installed in a desired facility detects the state of a monitoring target of the facility and transmits the detected detection data to a higher network or the like via a communication line.

When it is difficult to supply power in the vicinity of the object to be monitored, for example, a monitoring device using a plurality of batteries (detachable primary battery, secondary battery, etc.) as a driving source can be applied as in Patent Document 1. , the monitoring target can be sufficiently monitored.

In addition, although Patent Document 1 discloses making the battery maintenance-free by a configuration including an energy harvesting device that charges the battery, the manner in which each battery is used (for example, all of the batteries are supplied with power) There is no particular disclosure regarding whether to put the battery in a state, which one to put in a standby state, etc.) and maintenance (for example, charging and replacing each battery, etc.).

JP 2015-10403 A

In the monitoring device as described above, it is preferable that the power supply is not interrupted so that the monitoring target can be continuously monitored.

However, in the case of a configuration that simply includes a plurality of batteries as a driving source like the monitoring device of Patent Document 1, maintenance of each battery and continuous monitoring of the monitored object may be difficult depending on the usage of each battery. There is

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the problems described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can contribute to improvements in maintainability and monitoring continuity of a monitoring apparatus.

A monitoring system according to the present invention can contribute to solving the problems described above, and one aspect of the monitoring system includes a monitoring device and receiving detection data transmitted from the monitoring device via an upper network. A supervising system comprising a host computer;

The monitoring device includes a power supply unit having a plurality of batteries, a measurement unit for measuring the state of the monitored object, a communication unit for wireless data communication with the upper network, a power supply unit, a measurement unit, and a communication unit. and a control unit for controlling the

Each battery of the power supply unit is electrically connected to the control unit by an opening/closing switch interposed between the control unit, and the control unit has an opening/closing operation function for opening/closing each opening/closing switch. a power management function unit that detects the state of the power supply unit for the control unit; a measurement unit detection function unit that detects data measured by the measurement unit; and detection detected by the power management function unit and the measurement unit detection function unit a communication function unit for transmitting data to an upper network via the communication unit; at least one of the opening/closing switches is closed by the opening/closing operation function unit; The controller operates with a battery.

The host computer transmits command data for the control unit of the monitoring device to the monitoring device via the host network, and each functional unit of the control unit can operate based on the command data from the host computer. and

Further, the power supply management function unit detects the output voltage of each battery when the control unit is activated, and the control unit compares the detected output voltage value with a predetermined output voltage threshold to determine the operation of the monitoring device. It may be characterized by judging whether each battery is suitable or not.

Further, the recording unit is capable of reading and recording the setting information data of each battery based on the detection data detected by the power management function unit and the suitability determination result. A start-up battery information section that records the battery usage status as setting information data, a post-judgment battery information section that records the usage status of each battery as configuration information data after the suitability judgment, and the necessity of maintenance for each battery are set. and a battery depletion information section recorded as information data.

Further, the control unit may further include a control unit switching function unit that alternately switches the control unit between the activation state and the sleep state.

Further, the control unit may be characterized by further comprising an operation unit for operating the control unit switching function unit from the outside of the control unit to activate and restore the control unit in the sleep state to the active state.

Further, the power management function unit detects an input voltage to the control unit, and the control unit switching function unit switches the control unit when the input voltage value detected by the power management function unit is less than a predetermined input voltage threshold. It may be characterized by rebooting and resetting.

Further, the opening/closing operation function unit switches the battery electrically connected to the control unit when the number of resets by the control unit switching function unit reaches n times (n is an arbitrarily set integer of 1 or more). The opening/closing switch may be opened, and the opening/closing switch related to the battery, which is electrically cut off from the control unit, may be closed.

Further, the control unit switching function unit may be characterized in that, when the control unit is restarted and reset, operation of at least some of the functional units of the control unit is restricted.

Further, the opening/closing operation function unit is electrically connected to the control unit when the number of times of operation in the activation state in which the operation of each function unit is restricted by the control unit switching function unit reaches a predetermined number in the control unit. The open/close switch associated with the battery may be opened, and the open/close switch associated with the battery, which has been electrically cut off from the control unit, may be closed.

Further, the control unit has a reset circuit, and the reset circuit detects an input voltage to the control unit, and restarts and resets the control unit when the input voltage value becomes less than a predetermined input voltage threshold. It may be characterized by:

Also, the output voltage threshold may be higher than the input voltage threshold.

Further, the power management function unit detects the output voltage of the electrically connected batteries in a state in which some of the batteries are electrically connected to the control unit and the rest are electrically disconnected from the control unit. , the opening/closing operation function unit is configured to open/close the switch associated with the electrically connected battery when the rate of decrease with respect to time change in the detected output voltage value of the electrically connected battery is less than a predetermined value. is opened, and the opening/closing switch associated with the electrically disconnected battery is closed.

Further, an output unit for outputting and displaying the open/closed state of each open/close switch is provided, and the power supply management function unit detects the open/close operation of each open/close switch by the open/close operation function unit, and outputs the output unit based on the detected data. It may be characterized by displaying.

In addition, the monitoring device is provided in a multifunctional manhole cover, and the manhole cover is a housing that houses a cover body that closes an opening on the ground side of the manhole that communicates with the pipe, a power supply unit, and a control unit, respectively. , a reinforcing portion formed on the back side of the lid body, and a plurality of spaces partitioned by the reinforcing portion and in which each housing is separately installed.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to contribute to improvements in maintainability and monitoring continuity of monitoring devices.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining a monitoring system 1 as an example of the present embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining a main configuration example of the monitoring device 10; FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining an example of the circuit configuration of the monitoring device 10 shown in FIG. 2; 4 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining an example configuration for detecting an input voltage to a control unit D; FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining another example of the circuit configuration of the monitoring device 10 shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining a functional configuration example of a control unit D; Discharge characteristic diagram of batteries A1 and A2 according to Example 1 (FIG. 7(b) is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 7(a)) FIG. 10 is a time chart for explaining current consumption characteristics of the control unit D, change characteristics of the input voltage Vi to the control unit D, and change characteristics of the reset signal by the reset circuit according to the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a characteristic diagram for explaining consumption current change characteristics with respect to time change according to the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a characteristic diagram for explaining consumption current change characteristics with respect to time change according to Example 3; FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a maintenance method according to the fourth embodiment; 4 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining a configuration example of a recording unit G; FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a monitoring method when the monitoring device 10 having the recording unit G of FIG. 12 is operated; The schematic block diagram for demonstrating the application example of the monitoring apparatus 10 (the figure seen from the back side diagonal direction of the manhole cover 11).

A monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention is completely different from a conventional monitoring device having a configuration simply provided with a plurality of batteries as drive sources (hereinafter simply referred to as a conventional configuration).

That is, the present embodiment includes a power supply unit having a plurality of batteries, a measurement unit that measures the state of an object to be monitored, a communication unit that communicates data with an upper network by wireless communication, a power supply unit, and a measurement unit. , and a control unit for controlling the communication unit. In the power supply unit, each battery is electrically connected to the control unit via an open/close switch interposed between the control unit and the control unit, and the control unit is controlled by the opening/closing operation function unit. At least one of the open/close switches is closed, and the battery electrically connected to the control unit in the closed state causes the control unit to operate (each function unit operates appropriately).

For example, in the case of the conventional configuration, it is possible to increase the amount of power supply by using all of the plurality of batteries at the same time. However, if the batteries become depleted at the same time and the time to replace the batteries is missed, the monitoring of the monitored object (for example, compared to the case where each battery is used in order, there is no concept of switching to the standby system). (because of this), it may become impossible to continue.

In addition, even if each battery is removed for maintenance (replacement, charging, etc.) before each battery becomes depleted, the power supply will be interrupted if the battery is removed. Surveillance cannot continue.

In the case of Patent Literature 1, it is disclosed that the configuration of charging the battery with an energy harvesting device makes the battery maintenance-free, but charging with the energy harvesting device is susceptible to the installation environment of the monitoring device. Therefore, each battery may not be charged as desired, which may result in poor monitoring continuity.

On the other hand, according to the configuration according to the present embodiment, since each opening/closing switch can be appropriately opened/closed by the opening/closing operation function unit, the power supply from the power supply unit to the control unit is multiplexed (for example, multiplexing is performed so that each battery can be used in order). ). As a result, for example, some of the batteries can be electrically connected to the control unit to supply power, and the remaining batteries can be placed in a standby state.

Then, when the battery that has been supplying power is exhausted, the battery in the standby state is electrically connected to the control unit and power is supplied to continue monitoring the monitored object, and the battery in the exhausted state can be electrically cut off from the control unit to carry out desired maintenance. As a result, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of maintainability and monitoring continuity of the monitoring device.

In addition, the power supply management function unit of the control unit detects the state of the power supply unit for the control unit (for example, the output voltage of the battery, the input voltage to the control unit, the open/closed state of the open/close switch, etc.), and responds to the state of the power supply unit. If each battery is used as appropriate, there is a possibility that it can contribute more to the maintenance of the monitoring device and the improvement of monitoring continuity.

In the monitoring system of the present embodiment, as described above, at least one of the open/close switches of each battery is closed, and the closed state causes the control unit to operate (each functional unit is operated by the battery electrically connected to the control unit). operation), it is possible to design by appropriately applying technical common sense in various fields (for example, fields such as monitoring technology, power supply technology, communication technology, control technology, etc. applied in various facilities). , an example of which is shown below.

<<Monitoring system 1 as an example of the present embodiment>>
FIG. 1 shows a monitoring system 1 as an example of this embodiment. In the monitoring system 1 of FIG. 1, a monitoring device (manhole lid A monitoring device 10 installed on the back side of the facility can monitor the monitoring target of the facility (for example, changes in the amount of water in the case of water and sewage facilities). Detected data (data detected by a control unit D, which will be described later) detected by monitoring by the monitoring device 10 is transmitted to a host computer or the like via the host network 2 by wireless communication.

Examples of host computers include host servers, cloud servers, monitoring consoles in monitoring control rooms (not shown), and communication terminal devices (e.g., portable smart devices, tablet Various devices capable of input and output such as ) 3 can be mentioned. According to such a host computer, it not only receives the detection data transmitted from the monitoring device 10 via the host network 2, but also sends, for example, a command signal to the control unit D, which will be described later, via the host network 2 to the monitoring device. 10 can also be sent.

<<An example of main parts and circuit configuration of the monitoring device 10>>
In the monitoring device 10, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, data communication is performed by wireless communication between a power supply unit A having a plurality of batteries, a measurement unit B for measuring the state of the monitored object, and the host network 2. and a control unit D for controlling the power supply unit A, the measurement unit B, and the communication unit C. It should be noted that the same components as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

For example, the monitoring device 10 shown in FIG. 2 may have a circuit configuration in which a power supply unit A, a measurement unit B, and a communication unit C are connected to a control unit D, as shown in FIG. The power supply unit A shown in FIG. 3 includes two batteries A1 and A2, and has a configuration in which power supply to the control unit D is multiplexed (doubled in FIG. 2). Various modes can be applied to the batteries A1 and A2 as long as they are maintainable, and generally known primary batteries and secondary batteries can be appropriately applied.

In the batteries A1 and A2, open/close switches A11 and A21 such as semiconductor switching elements are interposed between the batteries A1 and A2 and the control unit D, respectively. .

Sensing wires b1 and b2 of voltage sensors A12 and A22 for detecting the output voltages of the batteries A1 and A2 are connected to the power wires a1 and a2 between the batteries A1 and A2 and the open/close switches A11 and A21. It is configured such that the output voltage values detected by the sensors A12 and A22 can be detected by the controller D through the monitoring bus lines c1 and c2.

Between the open/close switches A11 and A21 and the controller D, unidirectional diode elements (for example, Schottky barrier diodes with a relatively low forward voltage) A13 and A23 and a power supply circuit A4 are interposed. This facilitates the parallel operation of the batteries A1 and A2 of the power supply unit A, thereby facilitating the realization of desired power supply to the load (the control unit D in the case of FIG. 3).

Note that the load on the monitoring device 10 is not limited to, for example, the control unit D, and may be added as appropriate according to the purpose of use of the monitoring device 10 (for example, adding a function as shown in FIG. 6 described later. (loads such as Da and Db in FIG. 5).

The power supply circuit A4 may have any configuration as long as it can supply power to the control section D at a desired power supply voltage. For example, a step-up/step-down converter or the like is provided to generate a voltage for a certain load (for the control unit D in the case of the power supply circuit A4 in FIG. 2) with an input voltage within a predetermined range, and power the control unit D with the generated voltage. A configuration that can be supplied can be mentioned.

As a specific example, when the batteries A1 and A2 are a 14.4V assembled battery in which four 3.6V lithium battery cells are connected in series, and the input voltage to the power supply circuit A4 is in the range from 1.8V to 16V, is a configuration in which the input voltage to the power supply circuit A4 is converted to 3.3 V and output to the control section D to supply power.

When detecting the input voltage to the control unit D, a detection configuration as shown in FIG. 4 may be employed. In the case of FIG. 4, a voltage sensor A5 for detecting an input voltage to the control unit D is connected between the power supply circuit A4 and the control unit D via h1. can be detected by h2 (detected by the power management function unit D2 in FIG. 6, which will be described later).

If a reset circuit (not shown) is combined with the voltage sensor A5 in FIG. 4 to output a reset signal h2 to the controller D when the input voltage value detected by the voltage sensor A5 becomes less than a predetermined value, It is also possible to reset (initialize, etc.) the controller D by appropriately restarting it.

The measurement unit B includes a measurement device such as a sensor capable of measuring the state of the object to be monitored, and the control unit D detects measurement data measured through the measurement device.

The communication unit C includes a communication device such as a communication antenna, and transmits detection data received from the control unit D (data related to the power supply unit A and the measurement unit B, etc.) to the upper network 2, A command signal received from a host computer or the like can be sent to the controller D.

The control unit D includes, for example, normal computer hardware resources (for example, CPU, main memory such as ROM and RAM, auxiliary memory such as nonvolatile memory, etc.), and the hardware resources and software resources (OS, applications, etc.). etc.), various functional units are implemented (functional units D1 to D5 are implemented as shown in FIG. 6, which will be described later). The power supply unit A, the measurement unit B, and the communication unit C can be controlled by each function unit operating appropriately.

The monitoring device 10 configured as described above can be configured to operate intermittently instead of always operating in the measurement unit B, the communication unit C, and the control unit D, for example. For example, when measuring the state of the monitored object or when communicating the detection data detected by the measurement, it is appropriately activated (for example, periodically activated by using a timer, etc.), and in other cases ( For example, when the urgency of the operation is relatively low), it is controlled (for example, appropriately controlled by desired software) so as to enter a sleep state such as operating with low power consumption. According to such a configuration, the power consumption of the power supply section A can be suppressed.

<<Another example of main part and circuit configuration of monitoring device 10>>
FIG. 5 shows another example of the main part and circuit configuration of the monitoring device 10. As shown in FIG. 2 to 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

The monitoring device 10 shown in FIG. 5 includes a power supply unit A, a measurement unit B, a communication unit C, a control unit D, an operation unit E for operating the control unit D, and outputs the state of the power supply unit to the control unit. The configuration mainly further includes an output unit F and a recording unit G for recording the operation by the control unit D, detection data, and the like. In addition, as loads, in addition to the control unit D, loads Da and Db are provided. It is configured so that it can be powered by the power supply voltage.

In the monitoring device 10 shown in FIG. 5, the operation unit E includes an interface or the like connected to the control unit D, for example, and operates a function unit of the control unit D (for example, a control unit switching function unit D5 in FIG. 6 described later). It is configured such that it can be operated from the outside of the control unit D. For example, it is sufficient if each functional unit of the control unit D can execute the intended operation. An example of an interface for operating each functional unit of the control unit D is a start switch (waterproof switch).

The output unit F is equipped with an output device (e.g., display, LED lamp, etc.) that can be recognized through visual and auditory perception of maintenance personnel, etc., and is configured to output and display the state of the power supply unit A to the control unit D. It's becoming As a specific example, the configuration includes an LED lamp that outputs the state of the batteries A1 and A2. , an LED lamp associated with the battery A1 is lit (for example, by a power management function unit D2 in FIG. 6 which will be described later).

The recording unit G includes a recording device such as a non-volatile memory, for example, and stores detection data detected by the control unit D and operation data of the control unit D (for example, operation history by each function unit D1 to D5 in FIG. 6 described later). ) can be recorded (for example, the detected data and the operation history are recorded so as to synchronize with each other), and the recorded data can be read by the controller D.

Also, if the recording unit G is equipped with a non-volatile memory or the like, and if it is configured to record appropriately as described above, if the power supply unit A goes down unexpectedly (for example, due to an error in the maintenance of the batteries A1 and A2, the power supply Even if the power supply unit A is restored, the operation history recorded in the recording unit G is appropriately read by the control unit D, and the state before the monitoring device 10 goes down can be grasped. becomes possible. As a result, it is possible for the monitoring device 10 after the power recovery to grasp the appropriate start-up conditions (conditions for safe start-up, etc.), and to operate the monitoring device 10 as desired.

<<Example of functional configuration of control unit D of monitoring device 10>>
FIG. 6 shows an example of the functional configuration of the control unit D, which includes an opening/closing operation function unit D1, a power management function unit D2, a measurement unit detection function unit D3, a communication function unit D4, a control unit switching function unit D5, and the like. It has a configuration. 2 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

The opening/closing operation function unit D1 opens/closes the opening/closing switches A11 and A21 through the control wires e1 and e2. This open/close operation is not particularly limited, and may be performed as appropriate based on the state of the power supply unit A with respect to the control unit D, for example.

For example, when the monitoring device 10 is started with the batteries A1 and A2 having sufficient remaining battery capacity installed in the power supply unit A, in the initial operation in the startup state, both the open/close switches A11 and A21 are operated by the open/close operation function unit D1. are closed (fail safe; hereinafter simply referred to as a fail-safe state as appropriate), and a fail-safe design is made such that power is supplied by both of them.

After a predetermined time has elapsed since the monitoring device 10 was started in the fail-safe state, the opening/closing operation function unit D1 appropriately reads out the starting conditions and the like from the recording unit G as necessary, and switches either one of the opening/closing switches A11 and A21. open and the other remains closed to continue the operation in the activated state.

Supposing that the opening/closing switch A11 is in the closed state and the opening/closing switch A21 is in the open state after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the monitoring device 10 was started in the fail-safe state (hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, simply referred to as the post-start state). ), the battery A1 is electrically connected to the controller D and supplies power. On the other hand, the battery A2 is electrically cut off from the controller D and enters a standby state. When the remaining battery amount of the battery A2 placed in the standby state is small and is exhausted, the battery A2 is maintained (replaced or charged) and placed in the standby state.

After a further period of time has elapsed, when the remaining battery level of the battery A1 electrically connected to the control unit D is slightly depleted, the opening/closing switch A21 is closed (for example, the power supply to the control unit D is stopped). The battery A2, which has been in the standby state, is electrically connected to the control unit D, so that power supply to the control unit D can be continued. After that, the opening/closing switch A11 is opened to electrically disconnect the battery A1 from the controller D for maintenance.

The power management function unit D2 controls the state of the power supply unit A with respect to the control unit D, for example, the output voltage and usage state (connection state, standby state, etc.) of the batteries A1 and A2, the input voltage to the control unit D, the open/close switches A11 and A21. It detects the open/closed state (electrical intermittent state), etc. The output voltages and usage states of the batteries A1 and A2 include, for example, the drop rate of the output voltages over time, whether maintenance is required due to depletion due to use, and whether maintenance is completed and the batteries are in a standby state. be done.

If the monitoring device 10 has an output unit F that outputs and displays the open/closed states of the open/close switches A11 and A21, the power management function unit D2 controls the open/close operation of the open/close switches A11 and A21 by the open/close operation function unit D1. is appropriately detected, and the output unit F is caused to output and display based on the detected data.

The measurement unit detection function unit D3 detects data measured by the measurement unit B. FIG. The communication function unit D4 transmits detection data detected by the power management function unit D2 and the measurement unit detection function unit to the upper network 2 via the communication unit C. FIG.

The control unit switching function unit D5 operates by alternately switching the control unit D between the active state and the sleep state, and switches the measurement unit B and the communication unit C between the active state and the sleep state via the control unit D in the active state. It is operated by alternately switching between states. The control unit switching function unit D5 restarts the control unit D when the input voltage value detected by the power management function unit D2 becomes less than a predetermined value during the intermittent operation of the control unit switching function unit D5. It may be configured such that it can be reset by

According to the configuration for resetting by the control unit switching function unit D5, in the case of resetting, the remaining battery level of the battery electrically connected to the control unit D decreases, and the battery is exhausted or after a predetermined time. It can be estimated that it will be depleted. Therefore, in such a case, instead of simply repeating the reset by the control unit switching function unit D5, for example, when the number of resets reaches n times (n is an arbitrarily set integer of 1 or more), The opening/closing operation function section D1 may be operated to appropriately open/close the opening/closing switches A11 and A21.

Specifically, for example, in the post-startup state monitoring device 10, when a reset is performed by the control unit switching function unit D5, the remaining battery level of the battery A1 decreases, and the battery A1 is in a depleted state or a predetermined It can be estimated that it will be exhausted after some time. In such a case, the opening/closing switch A21 is closed by the opening/closing operation function unit D1, and the battery A2 in the standby state is electrically connected to the control unit D, thereby continuing power supply to the control unit D. becomes possible. Thereafter, the opening/closing switch A11 is opened by the opening/closing operation function unit D1, and the battery A1 is electrically cut off from the control unit D for maintenance.

Further, when resetting is performed by the control unit switching function unit D5, the operation of the respective function units D3 and D4 of the control unit D may be restricted. Further, when the number of times of operation in the starting state in which the operation of each of the functional units D3 and D4 is restricted by the control unit switching function unit D5 reaches a predetermined number of times, the open/close operation function unit D1 is operated to switch the open/close switches A11 and A21. may be appropriately opened and closed. Such restrictions on the operation of the functional units D3 and D4 may be released as appropriate after maintenance of the batteries A1 and A2 so that the functional units D3 and D4 can operate normally.

Note that the control unit D does not necessarily have to include all of the functional units D1 to D5 as described above, and some of the functional units D1 to D5 can be may be omitted as appropriate, or other functional units may be added as appropriate.

For example, in order to prevent the control unit D from operating in a constantly activated state and repeating the reset, the depletion is detected according to the reset condition of the control unit switching function unit D5, and the measurement unit detection function D2 is implemented as processing that does not perform measurement. A design that prioritizes operation by reducing the load by not operating may be used.

In addition, when the operation (operation history, etc.) and detection data by each function unit D1 to D5 are recorded in the recording unit G, a recording function unit for recording the operation and detection data is provided, or the recording unit G For example, it is provided with a reading function section for reading various recorded data.

≪Example≫
Next, an operation example of the monitoring device 10 configured as described above, a maintenance example of the batteries A1 and A2, specific application examples, etc. will be described based on the following Examples 1 to 10. 1 to 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, detailed descriptions of the same contents of each of Examples 1 to 10 will be omitted as appropriate.

<Example 1>
In the power supply unit A, as the batteries A1 and A2 continue to supply power to the control unit D and continue to discharge, the remaining battery levels of the batteries A1 and A2 gradually decrease and become depleted. Applying lithium batteries to the batteries A1 and A2 and observing the phenomenon from the start-up state of the monitoring device 10 to the depletion state of the lithium batteries, the discharge characteristics shown in FIG. It can be read that it is decreasing.

Focusing on the discharge characteristics of FIG. 7, the output voltage V1 at point A after a predetermined period of time in the figure has a relatively gradual drop rate ΔV1/Δt. It can be seen that the drop rate ΔV2/Δt is relatively large for V2.

By treating such drop rates ΔV1/Δt and ΔV2/Δt as life coefficients of the respective batteries A1 and A2, it becomes possible to predict the maintenance timing of the batteries A1 and A2. For example, in the monitoring device 10 after startup, power is supplied to the control unit D from the battery A1 (the battery A2 is in a standby state), and the power management function unit D2 of the control unit D periodically detects the output voltage of the battery A1. , the rate of decrease ΔVn/Δt of the output voltage is derived. If the derived decrease rate ΔVn/Δt becomes a value that exhibits a steep slope like the aforementioned decrease rate ΔV2/Δt, it is assumed that the battery A1 has reached the end of its life in a depleted state. can be done.

When the descent rate ΔVn/Δt exceeds a predetermined life coefficient K, the power supply management function unit D2 of the control unit D operates the opening/closing operation function unit D1 to close the opening/closing switch A21 and wait. The battery A2 in the state of being electrically connected to the controller D. After that, the power management function part D2 operates the opening/closing operation function part D1 to open the opening/closing switch A11, thereby electrically disconnecting the battery A1 from the control part D and making maintenance possible. As a result, power supply to the control unit D can be continued.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the states of the batteries A1 and A2 of the power supply unit A can be quantified by the drop rate ΔVn/Δt, and based on the state of the power supply unit A with respect to the control unit D, the power supply unit It can be seen that the batteries A1 and A2 of A can be properly maintained. Further, it can be seen that the power supply from the power supply unit A to the control unit D can be kept uninterrupted, and the monitoring continuity of the monitoring device 10 can be maintained. Further, the operations by the power management function unit D2 of the control unit D and the like can be automatically executed as appropriate.

<Example 2>
In the current consumption when the control unit D of the monitoring device 10 operates intermittently, the current change characteristic with respect to time changes as shown in FIG. 8, for example. In addition to the consumption current of the control section D, FIG. 8 also shows the change characteristics of the input voltage Vi to the control section D and the change of the reset signal by the reset circuit of the voltage sensor A5.

According to FIG. 8, it can be read that the input voltage Vi to the control unit D is sufficiently high and the current consumption in the control unit D is sufficiently high from the state after the start of the monitoring device 10 to the vicinity of the predetermined time t1. On the other hand, after the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, it can be read that the input voltage Vi to the control unit D is low and the current consumption of the control unit D is also low. Also, the reset signal changes after the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, and the control unit D is restarted and reset by the control unit switching function unit D5, and it can be read that the reset is repeated.

A phenomenon in which resetting is repeated as shown in FIG. 8 occurs when the battery energy of the batteries A1 and A2 of the power supply unit A is exhausted and the operation of the monitoring device 10 reaches its limit. That is, until the predetermined time t1, even if the load increases in the intermittent operation of the controller D, the desired operation is possible. , voltage fluctuations of the batteries A1 and A2.

This causes a drop in the input voltage to the control unit D, and the reset circuit that manages the load detects the voltage drop and resets. However, if the load increases during the intermittent operation of the control unit D Then, again, it becomes impossible to absorb the change in current consumption of the load as described above. As a result, the reset is repeated.

Therefore, in the control unit switching function unit D5, when the number of resets reaches n (in the second embodiment, n is 3), the opening/closing operation function unit D1 is operated to appropriately open/close the opening/closing switches A11 and A21. When the monitoring device 10 was operated with the settings set so as to be set to , consumption current change characteristics with respect to time change such as (1) to (23) shown in FIG. 9 were obtained.

As for the operating conditions of the monitoring device 10, in the state after startup, low power consumption operation is performed by the intermittent operation of the control unit D, and the loads Da and Db, the measurement unit B, the communication unit C, etc. are activated at each operation timing. It is assumed that the power is consumed by operating in a state, a stop state, and a sleep state. The loads Da and Db were assumed to operate with a 24V power source, respectively, and the power supply circuits A4a and A4b associated with the loads Da and Db were started and stopped by load control signals (d1 and d2). Also, the measurement unit B and the communication unit C are put into an active state or a sleep state at the time of use.

In FIG. 9, (1) is startup by turning on the power of the monitoring device 10 (assumed to be started by the battery A1), (2) is transmission of the activation factor of the monitoring device 10, (3) is 24V power supply control, and (4) is (5) indicates periodic transmission, and (6) indicates transition to sleep state.

Next, (7) indicates periodic startup, (8) indicates 24V power supply control, (9) indicates periodic transmission, and (10) indicates transition to sleep state.

After this (at some point in (10) to (11)), the battery energy was exhausted before the periodic startup of (11), so the 24V power supply was turned on for the periodic startup of (11). As soon as the battery voltage dropped, a reset was performed.

Next, (12) indicates activation by reset, and (13) indicates transmission of the activation factor of the monitoring device 10, respectively. After that, as in the case of (11) described above, as soon as the 24V power source was turned on for the periodic activation of (14), the battery voltage dropped and reset was performed. (14) to (16) and (17) to (19) are the same as the case of (11) to (13) described above, so description thereof will be omitted.

After this (before (20)), the power supply management function unit D2 of the control unit D operates the opening/closing operation function unit D1 to close the opening/closing switch A21, and the battery A2 that was in the standby state is removed from the control unit. By electrically connecting to D, power supply to the control unit D can be continued. After that, the opening/closing operation function part D1 is operated to open the opening/closing switch A11, thereby electrically disconnecting the battery A1 from the control part D and making maintenance possible.

As a result, (20) is periodic activation, (21) is 24V power supply control for measurement by the measurement unit B, (22) is periodic transmission, and (23) is transition to sleep state. , indicates that battery energy could be recovered by battery replacement.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the batteries A1 and A2 of the power supply unit A are appropriately maintained based on the reset response that is the limit operation of the monitoring device 10 without applying the drop rate as in the first embodiment. I know it can be done. Further, it can be seen that the power supply from the power supply unit A to the control unit D can be kept uninterrupted, and the monitoring continuity of the monitoring device 10 can be maintained. Further, the operations by the power management function unit D2 of the control unit D and the like can be automatically executed as appropriate.

<Example 3>
In the present Example 3, the operation|movement of the monitoring apparatus 10 of Example 2 was applied. That is, in the third embodiment, instead of simply repeating the reset by the control unit switching function unit D5, for example, when the number of resets reaches n times (n is 1 in the second embodiment), the control unit switching The operation of the functional units D3, D4, etc. of the control unit D is restricted by the functional unit D5. When the monitoring device 10 was operated in this manner, consumption current change characteristics with respect to time changes such as (1) to (23) shown in FIG. 10 were obtained. In addition, the detailed description of the same as the second embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. The operating conditions of the monitoring device 10 are also the same as those of the second embodiment. Further, the operation of the functional unit D3 of the control unit switching functional unit D5, specifically the load Da in FIG.

In FIG. 10, (1) is start-up by power-on of the monitoring device 10 (assumed to be started by battery A1), (2) is transmission of the activation factor of the monitoring device 10, (3) is 24V power supply control, and (4) is (5) indicates periodic transmission, and (6) indicates transition to sleep state.

Next, (7) indicates periodic startup, (8) indicates 24V power supply control, (9) indicates periodic transmission, and (10) indicates transition to sleep state.

After this (at some point in (10) to (11)), the battery energy of the battery A1 is depleted before the periodic startup of (11), so the 24V power supply is turned on for the periodic startup of (11). As soon as it was turned on, the battery voltage dropped and reset was performed.

Next, (12) indicates activation by reset, and (13) indicates transmission of the activation factor of the monitoring device 10, respectively. After that, the operation of the function part D3 of the control part D is restricted by the control part switching function part D5 to the extent that the periodic transmission can be executed (for example, the load Da in FIG. limited to allow intermittent operation).

After that, (14) is periodic transmission by control not to apply 24V load, (15) is transition to sleep state, (16) is periodical activation and is periodic transmission by control not to apply 24V load, (17) , respectively.

At this point (before (18)), the control unit switching function unit D5 confirms that the number of times of operation in the start-up state with the operation limited has reached a predetermined number of times, and the power supply management function unit D2 performs the opening/closing operation. By activating the functional unit D1 to close the open/close switch A21 and electrically connecting the battery A2 in the standby state to the control unit D, power supply to the control unit D can be continued. Become. After that, the power management function part D2 operates the opening/closing operation function part D1 to open the opening/closing switch A11, thereby electrically disconnecting the battery A1 from the control part D and making maintenance possible.

Then, (18) cancels the operation restriction, (19) transmits the activation factor of the monitoring device 10, (20) controls the 24V power source, (21) and (22) transmits periodically, and (23) shifts to the sleep state. , indicating that battery energy could be recovered by battery replacement.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained. Further, compared to the second embodiment, it is possible to suppress repetition of resetting by operation restriction, and it is also possible to continue part of the desired operation (periodic operation in FIG. 10).

<Example 4>
FIG. 11(a) shows a flow of maintenance of the batteries A1 and A2 in the monitoring device 10 via the host network 2 (cloud processing system), and FIG. It shows a flow of a system in which display processing is performed directly in the monitoring device 10 for maintenance.

In FIG. 11(a), in a confirmation display step S11, the states of the batteries A1 and A2 are confirmed and displayed by the communication terminal device 3 (hereinafter simply referred to as the host computer as appropriate) possessed by, for example, a host computer or maintenance personnel. It is something to do.

In this confirmation display step S11, first, when either battery A1 or A2 is in a state requiring maintenance (hereinafter simply referred to as maintenance required state), the data indicating the maintenance required state is sent to the host network 2. It is sent to the host computer (e.g., by e-mail) via the cloud service, and is recognized by maintenance personnel. The maintenance staff or the like who has made this recognition accesses the monitoring device 10 via the cloud service of the host network 2 using the communication terminal device 3, and confirms which of the batteries A1 and A2 requires maintenance.

After that, in a replacement processing step S12, a maintenance person or the like goes to the installation location of the monitoring device 10 and performs maintenance on the designated side battery based on the confirmation information in the confirmation display step S11. In this case, since the battery in the maintenance required state is electrically cut off from the control unit D by the opening/closing operation function unit D1, there is no effect on the system of the monitoring device 10. FIG.

Then, in the replacement confirmation step S13, maintenance personnel or the like accesses the monitoring device 10 via the cloud server using the communication terminal device 3 after the maintenance in the replacement processing step S12 is completed, and confirms the current batteries A1 and A2 in the monitoring device 10. Update information related to For example, by detecting the output voltages of the batteries A1 and A2 using the control unit D, it can be confirmed whether the maintenance has been performed correctly.

In FIG. 11(b), in the confirmation display step S21, a maintenance person or the like goes to the installation location of the monitoring device 10, and through the operation unit E or the output unit F of the monitoring device 10, either battery A1 or A2 is checked for maintenance. Check if it is in the required state. After that, in the replacement processing step S22, maintenance personnel or the like performs maintenance on the specified battery based on the confirmation information in the confirmation display step S21. In this case, since the battery in the maintenance required state is electrically cut off from the control unit D by the opening/closing operation function unit D1, there is no effect on the system of the monitoring device 10. FIG.

Then, in the replacement confirmation step S23, after the maintenance in the replacement processing step S22 is completed, the maintenance personnel or the like updates the current information related to the batteries A1 and A2 in the monitoring device 10 via the operation unit E and the output unit F. , to check whether maintenance has been performed correctly.

Battery depletion information indicating whether or not maintenance of the batteries A1 and A2 is required (whether one is in a depleted state, etc.) and information regarding whether or not maintenance is being performed correctly are provided, for example, as shown in a sixth embodiment to be described later. It is possible to manage in the recording section G.

<Example 5>
In the control unit D, for example, when the power management function unit D2 detects the output voltages and usage states of the batteries A1 and A2 at the time of starting or restarting (hereinafter collectively referred to simply as starting time), As shown below, the suitability determination of the batteries A1 and A2 for the operation of the monitoring device 10 (suitability determination as to whether or not each functional unit of the control unit D can be appropriately operated) can be performed.

That is, in the batteries A1 and A2, the need for maintenance is confirmed based on the detection data, and the suitability for the operation of the monitoring device 10 after the startup or after the restart (hereinafter collectively referred to simply as "after startup" as appropriate). Determination (for example, determination by first determination step S32 and second determination step S35 in FIG. 13 described later; hereinafter simply referred to as determination at the time of activation) may be performed.

In this start-up determination, for example, the output voltage values of the batteries A1 and A2 detected by the power management function unit D2 and a predetermined threshold ( hereinafter simply referred to as an output voltage threshold).

According to the monitoring device 10 having such a configuration that can determine the time of startup, it is possible to appropriately set the usage states of the batteries A1 and A2 suitable for the operation of the monitoring device 10 after the determination of the time of startup. It is also possible to appropriately set the usage states of the batteries A1 and A2 when the controller D is restarted.

For example, when it is determined that one of the batteries A1 and A2 is in a maintenance-required state in the start-up determination, one of the batteries is placed in a standby state (that is, a state in which maintenance is possible), and the other is set in a connected state. to do.

After that, if one of the batteries is left unmaintained without performing maintenance, it will be determined that both batteries A1 and A2 are in a maintenance-required state when performing determination at startup in the subsequent stage. In this case, by setting both the batteries A1 and A2 to be in a connected state, the operation of the monitoring device 10 can be continued as long as possible (for example, until the battery energy of the batteries A1 and A2 is used up). Become.

In addition, the information such as the results of determination at the time of activation and the usage status of the batteries A1 and A2 as described above are stored in the recording unit G as data of the setting information of the batteries A1 and A2, as in Example 6 described later. It is possible to record and manage as appropriate. Further, the data of the setting information can be transmitted to the host computer via the cloud service of the host network 2 via the communication section C, and can be displayed via the output section F.

<Example 6>
The recording unit G shown in FIG. 12 is a configuration example capable of recording setting information (setting information data) of the batteries A1 and A2 based on data detected by the power management function unit D2 and determination results at startup by the control unit D and the like. The recording unit G in FIG. 12 mainly includes a start-up battery information unit G1, a post-judgment battery information unit G2, and a battery depletion information unit G3. The setting information of the batteries A1 and A2 based on the result can be read and recorded by the control section D.

The start-up battery information section G1 records the usage states of the batteries A1 and A2 when the control section D is started up as setting information. The setting information of the start-up battery information unit G1 is such that the batteries A1 and A2 are in the connected state or standby state when the control unit D is started, as shown in the settings G10 to G13 in Table 1, which will be described later. Setting information for setting to

The post-judgment battery information section G2 records, as setting information, the usage states of the batteries A1 and A2 when the monitoring device 10 is operated after the startup judgment. As the setting information of the post-determination battery information section G2, for example, as shown in settings G21 to G23 in Table 1 described later, the connection state or Setting information for setting to be in a standby state is included.

The battery depletion information section G3 records the necessity of maintenance (depletion state or not) in the batteries A1 and A2 as setting information. The setting information of the battery exhaustion information section G3 includes, for example, setting information indicating which of the batteries A1 and A2 requires maintenance, as shown in settings G30 to G33 in Table 1, which will be described later.

As a specific example, when it is determined that one of the batteries A1 and A2 is in a maintenance-required state, the determination result is recorded in the battery depletion information section G3. Also, if one battery is left without maintenance and the operation of the monitoring device 10 is continued, the other battery will also be in a maintenance-required state. In the determination, it is determined that both batteries A1 and A2 are in a maintenance required state, and the determination result is recorded in the battery depletion information section G3.

Each setting information recorded in the information sections G1 to G3 as described above can be rewritten using, for example, a well-known maintenance tool. Therefore, each setting information can be forcibly changed, for example, each time the power management function unit D2 detects the output voltages and usage states of the batteries A1 and A2 (for example, each startup determination).

<Example 7>
FIG. 13 relates to an example of a monitoring method when the monitoring apparatus 10 having the recording unit G of FIG. When the control unit D is activated based on the setting information recorded in the start-up battery information unit G1 of the recording unit G, first, in the output voltage detection step S31 shown in FIG. Detect the output voltage of A2. Next, in a first determination step S32, both the output voltage value V _A1 of the battery A1 detected in the output voltage detection step S31 and the output voltage threshold value V _Ath are compared to determine whether the battery A1 is in a maintenance required state. judge.

If the comparison result of the first determination step S32 is V _A1 >V _Ath , the battery A1 is in a state in which maintenance is not required (hereinafter simply referred to as a maintenance-free state as appropriate) and is suitable for operation of the monitoring device 10. , and the process proceeds to the second determination step S35. On the other hand, if the determination result is V _{A1 ≤V Ath} , it is determined that the battery A1 is in a state requiring maintenance and is inappropriate for operation of the monitoring device 10 . Then, in the transmission step S33, the communication unit C transmits the determination result to the host computer via the host network 2, and in the recording step S34, the determination result is recorded in the battery depletion information unit G3 of the recording unit G (that is, updated). )do.

Next, in a second determination step S35, both the output voltage value VA2 of the battery _A2 detected in the output voltage detection step S31 and the output voltage threshold _VAth are compared to determine whether or not the battery A2 requires maintenance. judge.

If the result of the comparison in the second determination step S35 is V _A2 >V _Ath , it is determined that the battery A2 is in a maintenance-free state and is suitable for operation of the monitoring device 10, and the starting battery information reading step S38 to be described later is performed. transition to On the other hand, when the determination result is V _{A2 ≤V Ath} , it is determined that the battery A2 is in a state requiring maintenance and is inappropriate for operation of the monitoring device 10 . Then, in a transmission step S36, the communication section C transmits the determination result to the host computer via the host network 2, and records the determination result in the battery depletion information section G3 of the recording section G in a recording step S37. Thereafter, in the startup battery information reading step S38, the setting information recorded in the startup battery information section G1 is read, and the process proceeds to the startup determination step S39.

In the activation determination step S39, based on the setting information read out in the activation battery information reading step S38, the usage state of the batteries A1 and A2 at the activation in the control unit D is determined (which one of the settings G10 to G13 in Table 1 is selected). ), and depending on the result of the determination, the process proceeds to one of the following use state setting steps S40a to S40c.

The usage state setting steps S40a to S40c relate to the case of starting in the states of the settings G11 to G13 in Table 1, respectively. (necessity or non-necessity), the usage states of the batteries A1 and A2 are set as shown in the item "usage state" in Tables 2 to 4 to be described later.

Then, in the recording steps S41a to S41c, based on the usage states of the batteries A1 and A2 set in the usage state setting steps S40a to S40c, items "recording G1" and "recording G2" in Tables 2 to 4 to be described later are set. The setting information shown is recorded in the start-up battery information section G1 and the post-judgment battery information section G2, respectively.

By operating the power management function unit D2 as in the seventh embodiment described above, it is possible to appropriately set the usage states of the batteries A1 and A2 suitable for the operation of the monitoring device 10. FIG.

It should be noted that each of the judgment results transmitted to the host computer via the host network 2 in the transmission steps S33 and S36 may be collectively transmitted (for example, collectively transmitted in the transmission step S36). , sending the setting information shown in the item "Send G3".

<Example 8>
The following Table 5 is an example of the case where the monitoring device 10 appropriately performs determination at the time of startup and operates. and the timing of maintenance (for example, maintenance as shown in FIG. 11A) by the cloud processing system). In steps S51 to S64 shown below, setting information can be appropriately recorded in the recording section G as in the seventh embodiment, if necessary.

In the operation of Table 5, the power management function unit D2 is first started in a fail-safe state (open/close switches A11 and A21 are both closed; that is, both batteries A1 and A2 are connected) in start-up step S51. After that, the process proceeds to determination step S52.

This judgment step S52 is for judging at the time of start-up. First, the output voltage values V _A1 and V _A2 of the batteries A1 and A2 detected by the power management function unit D2 are compared with the output voltage threshold value V _Ath . Then, it was determined that both the batteries A1 and A2 were maintenance-free. Then, after closing the open/close switch A11 (connecting the battery A1) and opening the open/close switch A21 (holding the battery A2), the operation of the monitoring device 10 was continued in step S53.

Next, in the detection step S54, the reset circuit of the voltage sensor A5 causes the input voltage value Vi to the control unit D to be higher than a predetermined threshold (hereinafter simply referred to as the input voltage threshold) _Vith for the input voltage value Vi. detected to be declining. Then, after restarting and resetting the controller D in the restarting step S55, the process proceeds to the determination step S56.

In this judgment step S56, similarly to the judgment step S52, the start-up judgment is performed, and it is judged that the battery A1 is in a maintenance-required state. Then, the opening/closing switch A11 is opened (the battery A1 can be maintained), and the opening/closing switch A21 is closed (the battery A2 is connected). Further, the determination result of the start-up determination is transmitted to the host computer via the host network 2 via the communication unit C, so that it can be recognized by a human system such as maintenance personnel. Then, while the process proceeds to operation step S57 and the operation of the monitoring device 10 is continued, a maintenance person or the like goes to the installation location of the monitoring device 10, performs maintenance (replacement or charging) on the battery A1, and puts it in a standby state. .

Next, in the detection step S58, the reset circuit of the voltage sensor A5 detects that the input voltage value Vi to the control section D is lower than the input voltage threshold value _Vith . Then, after restarting and resetting the controller D in the restarting step S59, the process proceeds to the determination step S60.

In this determination step S60, similar to the determination step S52, a start-up determination is performed, and it is determined that the battery A2 is in a maintenance-required state. Then, the opening/closing switch A21 is opened (the battery A2 can be maintained), and the opening/closing switch A11 is closed (the battery A1 is connected). Further, the determination result of the start-up determination is transmitted to the host computer via the host network 2 via the communication unit C, so that it can be recognized by a human system such as maintenance personnel. Then, while the monitoring device 10 is being operated by moving to the operation step S61, a maintenance person or the like goes to the installation location of the monitoring device 10, performs maintenance (replacement or charging) on the battery A2, and puts it in a standby state. .

Since the detection step S62, the restart step S63, and the determination step S64 are the same as the detection step S54, the restart step S55, and the determination step S56, detailed description thereof will be omitted. After the determination step S64, the operation step S57 to the restart step S63 are sequentially repeated.

Here, in the operation shown in Table 5, focusing on the magnitude relationship between the output voltage threshold value V _Ath and the input voltage threshold value V _ith , the following can be said.

For example, when V _Ath ≤ V _ith is established in the magnitude relationship, the open/close switches A11 and A21 in determination steps S55 and S64 are considered to be switched to the open/closed states shown in Table 5, respectively.

On the other hand, if V _Ath >V _ith is established in the magnitude relationship, the open/close switches A11 and A21 in determination steps S55 and S64 may not be switched to the open/closed states shown in Table 5, respectively. In other words, it is conceivable that the batteries A1 and A2 are determined to be in a maintenance-free state in the startup determination in the determination steps S55 and S64. In such a case, for example, by repeating restarting (for example, by repeating restarting a plurality of times), the battery energy of the battery A1 or the battery A2 is consumed, and V _Ath >V _ith is established in the magnitude relationship. It is conceivable to switch to the open/closed state as shown in Table 5 after the state is reached.

Therefore, by appropriately setting the magnitude relationship between the output voltage threshold value V _Ath and the input voltage threshold value V _ith , the number of resets due to restarting can be adjusted, and the remaining battery energy levels before maintenance of the batteries A1 and A2 can be adjusted (for example, when used). It can be seen that the cutting amount can be adjusted).

<Example 9>
Table 6 below shows another example of the case where the monitoring device 10 is operated by appropriately performing determination at the time of startup. and the timing of maintenance of A2 via the upper network 2. FIG.

In the operation of Table 6, the power management function unit D2 first performed the startup step S51 to determination step S56 similar to the operation of Table 5. Next, in the operation step S57, the operation of the monitoring device 10 was continued in the same manner as in Table 5, but maintenance personnel and the like did not perform maintenance on the battery A1.

Next, in the detection step S58, the reset circuit of the voltage sensor A5 detects that the input voltage value Vi to the control section D is lower than the input voltage threshold value _Vith . Then, after restarting and resetting the controller D in the restarting step S59, the process proceeds to the determination step S60.

In this determination step S60, it is determined that both the batteries A1 and A2 are in a maintenance required state, and both the open/close switches A11 and A21 are closed (the batteries A1 and A2 are connected). Further, the determination result of the start-up determination is transmitted to the host computer via the host network 2 via the communication unit C, so that it can be recognized by a human system such as maintenance personnel. After that, the process proceeds to the operation step S61 to continue the operation of the monitoring device 10, but maintenance personnel and the like did not perform maintenance on either of the batteries A1 and A2.

Then, in the detection step S62, the reset circuit of the voltage sensor A5 detects that the input voltage value Vi to the control unit D is lower than the input voltage threshold value _Vith , and the process proceeds to the restart step S59. Since the restart step S63 and the determination step S64 are the same as the restart step S59 and the determination step S60, respectively, detailed description thereof will be omitted. After the determination step S64, the operation step S61 to the restart step S63 are sequentially repeated until the battery energy of both the batteries A1 and A2 is exhausted (until the monitoring device 10 cannot be operated).

According to the operation of Table 6 shown above, even if the maintenance personnel or the like cannot perform the maintenance of the batteries A1 and A2 as desired, the operation of the monitoring device 10 can be continued as long as possible.

<Example 10>
FIG. 14 shows an example in which the monitoring device 10 is applied to the multifunctional manhole of Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. 1 to 6 and those similar to those in Patent Document 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

In FIG. 14, reference numeral 11 denotes a multifunctional manhole cover that can be applied for measurement in a sewer pipe, and is an opening on the ground side of the manhole that communicates with the pipe (reference numeral 12 in Patent Document 1). ) is provided. On the back side of the lid body 18, there are a housing 25 for housing the batteries A1, A2, etc. of the power supply section A of the monitoring device 10, a housing 26 for housing the control section D, and reinforcement formed on the back side of the lid body 18. Sections 20 and 21 and a plurality of spaces (codes R1 to R3 in Patent Document 1) partitioned by the reinforcing sections 20 and 21 and in which the respective housings 25 and 26 are separately installed are configured.

According to the configuration in which the monitoring device 10 is applied to the manhole cover 11 as shown in FIG. 14, it is possible to appropriately monitor the water level, flow rate, etc. in the sewage pipe (for example, remote monitoring).

Although the present invention has been described in detail only with respect to the specific examples described above, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. It is a matter of course that such changes and the like belong to the scope of claims.

For example, in the monitoring device 10 of the present embodiment, only the dual configuration in which the power supply unit A includes the two batteries A1 and A2 has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this. That is, a plurality of batteries are provided in the power supply unit A of the monitoring device 10, and are electrically connected to the control unit by opening/closing switches interposed between them. It is possible to perform appropriate control (appropriate opening/closing operation of each open/close switch) by the control unit D. According to such a monitoring device 10, the power supply from the power supply unit A to the control unit D is multiplexed (for example, multiplexed so that each battery can be used in turn).

Also, the present invention can be configured as a program that causes a computer to function as the functional units D1 to D5 described above. According to this program, the computer can execute the processes of steps S11 to S13, steps S21 to S23, steps S31 to S41, and steps S51 to S64. A recording medium recording this program is read out using a recording medium driving device, and the program code itself implements the processing of the above embodiments, so the recording medium also constitutes the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Monitoring system 10... Monitoring device 2... Host network 3... Communication terminal master device A... Power supply unit A1, A2... Battery A11, A21... Open/close switch B... Measurement unit C... Communication unit D... Control unit D1 to D5... Function part E... Operation part F... Output part G... Recording part

Claims (11)

A monitoring system comprising a monitoring device and a host computer that receives detection data transmitted from the monitoring device via a host network,
The monitoring device
a power supply unit having a plurality of batteries;
a measurement unit that measures the state of a monitoring target;
a communication unit that communicates data with the upper network by wireless communication;
A control unit that controls the power supply unit, the measurement unit, and the communication unit,
Each battery of the power supply unit is electrically connected to the control unit by an open/close switch interposed between the control unit, and
The control unit
an opening/closing operation function unit for opening/closing each of the opening/closing switches;
a power management function unit that detects the state of the power supply unit with respect to the control unit;
a measuring unit detection function unit that detects data measured by the measuring unit;
a communication function unit that transmits detection data detected by the power management function unit and the measurement unit detection function unit to the upper network via the communication unit;
a control unit switching function unit that alternately switches the control unit between an active state and a sleep state;
wherein at least one of the opening/closing switches is closed by the opening/closing operation function unit, and the control unit is operated by a battery electrically connected to the control unit in the closed state,
The power management function unit detects an input voltage to the control unit,
The control unit switching function unit restarts and resets the control unit when the input voltage value detected by the power management function unit becomes less than a predetermined input voltage threshold,
When the number of resets by the control unit switching function unit reaches n times (n is an arbitrarily set integer of 1 or more), the opening/closing operation function unit switches the battery electrically connected to the control unit. Open the open/close switch, and close the open/close switch associated with the battery that is electrically disconnected from the control unit,
The host computer transmits command data for the control unit of the monitoring device to the monitoring device via the host network,
A monitoring system, wherein each functional unit of the control unit is operable based on command data from the host computer. The power management function unit detects the output voltage of each battery when the control unit is activated,
2. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit compares the detected output voltage value with a predetermined output voltage threshold to determine suitability of each battery for operation of the monitoring device. further comprising a recording unit capable of reading and recording the setting information data of each battery based on the detection data detected by the power supply management function unit and the result of the suitability determination,
The recording unit
a start-up battery information unit that records the usage state of each battery as setting information data when the control unit is started;
a post-judgment battery information unit that records the usage state of each battery after the suitability judgment as setting information data;
a battery depletion information unit that records the necessity of maintenance of each battery as setting information data;
3. The surveillance system of claim 2, comprising: 4. A monitoring system according to claim 2 or 3 , wherein said output voltage threshold is greater than said input voltage threshold. 5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising an operation unit that operates the control unit switching function unit from the outside of the control unit to activate and restore the control unit in a sleep state to a start state. The surveillance system described in . 6. The control unit switching function unit according to claim 1 , wherein when the control unit is restarted and reset, the operation of at least a part of each function unit of the control unit is restricted. A surveillance system as described. The opening/closing operation function unit is electrically connected to the control unit when the number of times of operation in the activation state in which the operation of each function unit is restricted by the control unit switching function unit reaches a predetermined number of times in the control unit. 7. The monitoring system according to claim 6 , wherein an open/close switch associated with a battery that has been connected to said controller is closed, and an open/close switch associated with a battery that has been electrically disconnected from said control unit is closed. The control unit has a reset circuit,
The reset circuit detects an input voltage to the control unit, and restarts and resets the control unit when the input voltage value becomes less than the input voltage threshold. 8. The surveillance system according to any one of 7 . The power management function unit controls the output voltage of the electrically connected batteries in a state in which some of the batteries are electrically connected to the control unit and the rest are electrically disconnected from the control unit. detect and
The opening/closing operation function unit operates an opening/closing switch associated with the electrically connected battery when a drop rate with respect to time change in the detected output voltage value of the electrically connected battery is less than a predetermined value. 9. The monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the open/close switch associated with the electrically cut off battery is closed. An output unit that outputs and displays the open/closed state of each of the open/close switches,
10. The power management function unit detects opening/closing operation of each opening/closing switch by the opening/closing operation function unit, and causes the output unit to output and display based on the detected data. A surveillance system as described. The monitoring device is provided on a multifunctional manhole cover,
The manhole cover is
a lid body that closes an opening on the ground side of the manhole communicating with the pipe;
a housing that accommodates the power supply unit and the control unit, respectively;
a reinforcing portion formed on the back side of the lid body;
a plurality of spaces partitioned by the reinforcing portion and in which each housing is installed separately;
The surveillance system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , characterized by comprising:

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