JP7279906B1 - Power control device, control system including power control device - Google Patents

Abstract

A power control device capable of PoE power supply or an entire control system including such a power control device enables power saving and stabilization. A power control device (10) includes a logic inversion control switch (16) as a control switch for controlling power supply. The logic inversion control switch 16 receives an electrical signal input from an external device, and controls power supply to the power input unit 12, the DC power output unit 142, or the PoE power supply unit 144 independently. That is, the power supply control device 10 can receive electric signal input from an external device and control power supply to various devices, thereby enabling power saving and system stabilization. [Selection drawing] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention relates to a power control device and a control system including the power control device.

IP cameras (Internet protocol cameras (also known as network cameras)) are being actively used to monitor the status of devices operating at remote locations.
An IP camera is a camera provided with a computer or the like having a communication function, and an IP address is assigned to the IP camera itself.

IP cameras are particularly effective in monitoring places where people cannot frequently enter, such as mountainous areas.
However, when installing IoT devices such as IP cameras in mountainous areas, stable power supply becomes a problem. In other words, in addition to ensuring power supply, there is a demand for power saving by efficiently using the obtained power.

Furthermore, it is inconvenient for the user to have to restart the IoT device when an abnormality occurs in the IoT device for some reason. In other words, improvements in system stability and availability are also required.

Especially in the field of disaster prevention, there are many cases where autonomous power supply systems such as solar panels (solar cells), storage batteries, and batteries are required in environments where commercial power supply is not available.
However, since the IP camera consumes a large amount of power, it is required that the entire system (for example, transportation and construction costs for solar cells, etc.) be kept small and inexpensive by greatly saving the power consumption of the IP camera.

Since such facilities are generally installed in an unmanned environment, they are required to have an autonomous system recovery function and countermeasures against troubles that occur spontaneously (for example, loss of power supply due to lightning, etc.).

PoE injectors can be used as a method of efficiently supplying power to IoT devices.
PoE (Power Over Ethernet (registered trademark)) is a technology for transmitting electric power and signals through a LAN (Local Area Network) cable.
By using a PoE injector, it is possible to construct a system that can stably and efficiently supply power to a device such as an IP camera that does not have a PoE function.

For example, if the status of an IP camera is monitored, and if an abnormality occurs in the IP camera, the power supply from the PoE injector to the IP camera can be automatically cut off, the power consumption of the entire system can be reduced. It becomes possible.
However, in order to make multiple devices work together, it is necessary to consider the interaction between devices.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a PoE power supply system capable of immediately resuming operation when an abnormality is resolved in a power receiving device.
Further, Patent Literature 2 discloses a failure detection and recovery system and the like that can monitor the operating status of a PoE power receiving device and take recovery measures in the event of an operational abnormality.

Japanese Patent No. 6973004 JP 2011-188072 A

The problem to be solved is power saving and stabilization in a power control device including, for example, a PoE injector, or in an entire control system including such a power control device. Another issue is the flexibility of devices used in combination.

The main feature of the present invention is a power supply control device that independently controls the power supply to the entire device, the DC power supply output section, and the PoE power supply section by signal input from an external device.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and employs, for example, the following means.
That is, a power input,
a DC power output unit connected to the power input unit and supplying DC power to a first external device;
a PoE power supply connected to the power input for transmitting power and signals to a second external device;
a control switch that receives electrical signals and controls the start and cutoff of power supply;
A housing in which the power input unit, the DC power output unit, the PoE power supply unit, and the control switch are provided,
A power control device is provided, wherein the control switch includes at least a PoE power supply unit switch for controlling power supply of the PoE power supply unit.

The power supply control device of the present invention has the advantage that the power supply can be controlled by an external device having a contact output function.
For example, when an external device such as an IP camera receiving power (PoE power supply) from the power control device malfunctions, the power control device cuts off the power supply to the IP camera or restarts it. be able to.
With such control, the power supply control device of the present invention achieves power saving and stabilization in the device or a system including the device.

2 is a block diagram showing the power control device 10; FIG. (First embodiment) 3 is a block diagram showing a logic inversion control switch 16; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an example of a control system 1; FIG. (Second embodiment) 2 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the power control device 10 and an external device 40; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing monitoring processing by a control unit 422 of the monitoring device 42; 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a control system 1; FIG. (Third embodiment)

An embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In each of the following embodiments, the same reference numerals may be given to the same or corresponding parts, and description thereof may be omitted as appropriate.
For the sake of convenience, the terms "before" and "after" may be used in accordance with the order in which power flows. For example, when it is said that "the device B is arranged after the device A", it means that the power flows in the order of the device A→the device B and the device B is arranged downstream.

We also define some terms here.
A “contact input (output)” is an input (output) that controls ON/OFF of a signal using a mechanical relay that mechanically opens and closes a contact.

The contacts are open when no current is flowing through the coil of the mechanical relay (non-excited state), and when the coil is energized (excited state), the contact is connected to the a-contact (normally open). ), and a b-contact (also called normally closed) in which the contacts are connected when not energized and open when energized.

In this embodiment, a device outside the power control device 10 (an external device 40 to be described later) performs “contact input” within the device and outputs a signal to the power control device 10 as “contact output”. and described.

For the sake of convenience, the signal output due to switching from OFF to ON and the signal output due to switching from ON to OFF are each counted as "one time" as the contact output frequency.
Furthermore, for convenience, the signal input (output) referred to here does not only represent a change such as from OFF to ON or from ON to OFF, but may also represent a continued state (ON, OFF) thereafter.

(Overview of embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the power supply control device of this embodiment. A power supply control device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

It should be noted that solid-line arrows in FIG. 1 indicate directions in which electric power flows (power supply lines). In addition, dotted arrows in FIG. 1 indicate locations where the logic inversion control switch 16 controls power supply (control lines). Control of the logic inversion control switch 16 will be described later (FIG. 2).
The dotted line in FIG. 1 indicates the connection between the first external device 40a (monitoring device 42), the LAN port and the PoE port, and the first external device 40a can monitor the second external device 40b. means

The power control device 10 includes a power input unit 12 and a power output unit 14 (DC power output unit 142, PoE power supply unit 144). Different external devices 40 (first external device 40a, second external device 40b) are connected to the DC power output unit 142 and the PoE power supply unit 144, respectively.

The power control device 10 also includes a logic inversion control switch 16 .
The logic inversion control switch 16 functions as a control switch that controls power supply. That is, the logic inversion control switch 16 receives an electrical signal input from an external device, and controls power supply to the power input unit 12, the DC power output unit 142, or the PoE power supply unit 144 independently.

The logic inversion control switch 16 further has a logic inversion control function for switching between outputting an input electrical signal as it is (normal output) or inverting it (inverting output).
For example, when a High electrical signal is input from an external device, the logic inversion control switch 16 can easily switch between outputting High and outputting Low.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing one embodiment of control system 1, which is a control system including power control device 10. As shown in FIG.
Solid-line arrows in FIG. 3 indicate directions in which electric power flows. Dotted arrows in FIG. 3 indicate directions of control and monitoring.

In this embodiment, the monitoring device 42 is connected to the DC power supply output section 142 of the power control device 10 , and the IP camera 44 is connected to the PoE power supply section 144 .

The monitoring device 42 periodically transmits a life-and-death confirmation signal to the IP camera 44 . A life-and-death confirmation signal is, for example, a signal generated by a program using ICMP (Internet Control Management Protocol), such as a signal generated by a Ping (Packet Internet Groper) command. The life-and-death confirmation signal may be transmitted through a network (for example, the Internet), or may be transmitted by directly connecting devices using a cable.

If there is no response to the life-and-death confirmation signal, the monitoring device 42 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the IP camera 44, and controls the PoE power supply unit through contact output. By controlling the PoE power supply, the power supply control device 10 can turn off the power of the IP camera 44 and reset and restart the IP camera 44 .

As described above, for example, when an external device connected to the PoE power supply unit 144 malfunctions, the power supply control device 10 can receive a contact input from the monitoring external device and cut off the PoE power supply. By using the power supply control device 10 in this way, the power supply to the external device in which an abnormality has occurred can be cut off, thus enabling power saving and system stabilization.

(Details of embodiment)
Hereinafter, the power control device 10 according to the present embodiment and the control system 1, which is a control system including the power control device 10, will be described in detail. Hereinafter, the control system including the power control device 10 is simply referred to as "control system 1".

(First embodiment)
First, as a first embodiment, a power control device 10 independent as a device will be described.

<Power supply control device 10>
The power supply control device 10 of this embodiment is a device that can receive a signal input from an external device and change the power supply state.
In the present embodiment, "to change the power supply state" means to start supplying power when no power is supplied, or conversely, to cut off the supply of power when power is supplied.

As shown in FIG. 1, the power control device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a power input unit 12 (DC power input unit 122), a power output unit 14 (DC power output unit 142, PoE power supply unit 144), logic inversion control switch 16 (power supply unit switch 16a, DC power output unit switch 16b, PoE power supply unit switch 16c), booster unit 18, isolated DC/DC converter 20, external device connection unit 22 (PoE port 222 , LAN port 224 ), and surge protector 24 .
In FIG. 1, the logical inversion control switch 16 is abbreviated as "inversion control switch".

The housing 11 is the exterior of the power control device 10 . The circuit elements used in the power control device 10 are arranged inside the housing 11, but input/output elements such as power input/output units (12, 14), control switches ( logic inversion control switch 16 ) , external device connection unit 22, etc. The interface portion of the elements involved in is exposed outside the housing.

In the present embodiment, when the terms "inside the housing" and "inside the housing" are used, it means that part of the interface portion and the like may be exposed to the outside of the housing.

The housing 11 can protect the power supply control device 10 from the installation environment such as outdoors. Any material can be used for the housing, but it is preferable that the housing is durable for outdoor use and has a waterproof function.

The housing 11 partitions the power control device 10 as an independent physical device. This means that it is different from a system such as SDN (Software Defined Network) in which functions are realized by software. Equipping the necessary functions with a single piece of hardware provides convenience in terms of device arrangement and the like.

<Power supply input unit 12>
The power input unit 12 is a device that obtains power from the outside (for example, a power source 30 described later) and supplies power to the control system 1 . In this embodiment, the power input unit 12 is a DC power input unit 122 that obtains direct current power.

In the following, for the sake of convenience, a part of a certain device is constructed, but even if it is not an independent device, it may be referred to as a "device" (the same shall apply hereinafter).

One of the advantages of the power supply control device 10 of the present embodiment is that it enables PoE power supply with a DC power supply. The power supply control device 10 can use, for example, a DC 12V or solar battery charger as an input power supply, saving the trouble of preparing a separate power supply cable.
In this embodiment, a commercially available product can be used as the DC power supply input unit 122 as appropriate.

<Power supply output unit 14>
The power output unit 14 is a device that supplies power obtained from the power input unit 12 to the external device 40 . The power control device 10 of this embodiment includes a DC power supply output section 142 and a PoE power supply section 144 .

<DC power output unit 142>
The DC power output unit 142 is a device that outputs direct current. The DC power output unit 142 of the present embodiment supplies the direct current obtained from the power input unit 12 to the external device 40 as it is.

Although there is no particular limitation on the voltage of the power output by the DC power output unit 142, the DC power output unit 142 of this embodiment outputs power with a voltage of 9 V (volt) to 26.4 V as the DC power output unit 142. It has a DC power output port.
In this embodiment, a commercially available product can be used as the DC power supply output unit 142 as appropriate.

Here, unlike the PoE power supply unit 144 described in the next section, the DC power supply output unit 142 does not require boosting. As a result, the DC power supply output unit 142 has better power conversion efficiency than the PoE power supply unit 144 .

In this embodiment, an external device that is connected to the DC power output unit 142 and receives power from the DC power output unit 142 is referred to as a "first external device 40a". As the first external device 40a, for example, a monitoring device 42 to be described later can be used (second embodiment).
That is, the DC power output unit 142 supplies DC power to the first external device 40a.

<PoE power supply unit 144>
A PoE power supply is a device that transmits power and signals to a power receiving device (PD) through a LAN cable. In this embodiment, PoE power supply 144 is a PoE injector.
In this embodiment, LTC4279 manufactured by Analog Devices is used as the PoE power supply unit 144 (and PoE port 222 described later).

Here, PoE and a PoE injector (PoE midspan) will be briefly described. As described above, PoE (Power Over Ethernet (registered trademark)) is a technology for transmitting power and signals through a LAN cable.
Standards related to PoE include IEEE802.3af (PoE), IEEE802.3at (PoE+), IEEE802.3bt (PoE++), and the like.

Hereinafter, the power supply device is referred to as PSE (Power Sourcing Equipment), and the power receiving device is referred to as PD (Powered Device).
For example, when the PSE is a PoE network switch and the PD is a PoE device, and both are PoE compatible devices, the PD side can receive power by connecting the PSE and PD with a LAN cable.

On the other hand, when a PoE-incompatible device (such as a PoE-incompatible network switch) is used on the PSE side, the PD side cannot receive power even if a LAN cable is connected. In such a case, a PoE injector with its own power source is required as a device for adding PoE functionality.

In other words, by arranging a PoE injector between a PoE-incompatible device and a PoE-compatible device, the PoE device on the power receiving side can be supplied with power through the LAN cable. At the same time, the PoE device can also transmit and receive signals related to communication and the like through the LAN cable.

If both the switch side and the device side are non-PoE devices, a PoE injector and a PoE splitter can be placed between the switch and the device to connect to the PoE network.
PoE feed 144 may include both a PoE injector and a PoE splitter.

In addition to PoE power supply, USB Power Delivery is known as a power supply method using a data line. , and the advantage that the power supply line can be integrated.

In this embodiment, an external device that is connected to the PoE power supply unit 144 and receives power from the PoE power supply unit 144 is referred to as a "second external device 40b". That is, the PoE power supply unit 144 transmits power and signals to the second external device 40b.
As the second external device 40b, for example, an IP camera, which will be described later, is exemplified (second embodiment).

<Logic inversion control switch 16>
The power control device 10 of this embodiment includes a control switch that receives a signal input and controls power supply to a connected device.
Here, "accepting a signal input" means accepting a signal input from a device (external device) different from the power control device 10. FIG.
Also, "controlling power supply" refers to controlling the start of power supply or the interruption of power supply.

For example, assume that some device outside the power control device 10 is a device capable of contact output. When the device performs contact output due to some trigger, the control switch can receive the electrical signal and start supplying power to the power supply line.

Furthermore, the control switch of the present embodiment is the logic inversion control switch 16, which performs logic inversion control by outputting the received signal as it is (normal output) or inverting the signal and outputting it (inverted output). be able to.

For example, contrary to the previous example, when the external device performs contact output, the logic inversion control switch 16 of the present embodiment receives the electrical signal and cuts off the power supply to the power line. can also
This will be described later as an example of cutting off the power supply to the IP camera when an abnormality of the IP camera is detected.

Details of the logic inversion control switch 16 and the logic inversion control will be described below.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the logic inversion control switch 16. As shown in FIG. One logic inversion control switch 16 comprises an electrical signal input section 162 , a physical switch 164 and a signal generator section 166 .

In FIG. 2, solid-line arrows indicate the direction of power flow (power supply line), and dotted-line arrows indicate the direction of signal flow and objects to be controlled (control lines).
In FIG. 1, a dashed arrow is simply drawn to indicate where on the power supply line the logic inversion control switch 16 acts.

The electrical signal input unit 162 is a device that receives an electrical signal input from the outside. The electrical signal input unit 162 of this embodiment receives a signal from a non-voltage contact input from an external device.

The physical switch 164 is a switch that controls current. The physical switch 164 can control whether the signal input from the electrical signal input 162 is output as it is (normal output) or after being inverted (inverted output).

The physical switch 164 of this embodiment can be ON (normal output) or OFF (reverse output).
The physical switch 164 protrudes outside the housing 11 and can be operated by the user of the power control device 10 .

The signal generation unit 166 is a device that controls power supply based on the signal input from the electrical signal input unit 162 and the state of the physical switch 164 .

The signal generator 166 includes an inverting circuit (inverter) that inverts an input signal and outputs it (inverted output).
For example, the inversion circuit sets the output signal to Low (equivalent to OFF) when the input signal is High (equivalent to ON), and sets the output signal to High (equivalent to OFF) when the input signal is Low (equivalent to OFF). Equivalent to ON).

Here, hereinafter, "to output (normally output) an input signal without inverting it" means that when the input signal is High (equivalent to ON), the output signal is set to High (equivalent to ON). ), and when the input signal is Low (equivalent to OFF), the output signal is set to Low (equivalent to OFF).

In addition, "to invert and output (reverse output) an input signal" means that when the input signal is High (equivalent to ON), the output signal is set to Low (equivalent to OFF), and the input signal is set to Low (equivalent to OFF). When the signal is Low (corresponding to OFF), it means setting the output signal to High (corresponding to ON).

Table 1 shows the aspects of the physical switch 164, the electrical signal input to the electrical signal input section 162 (via contact output from an external device), and the power supply control of the signal generator 166 in each state.
As for the mode of the physical switch 164, the normal output side (physical switch ON) is described as a normal output mode, and the reverse output side (physical switch OFF) is described as a reverse output mode.

In this embodiment, when the physical switch 164 is in the normal output mode, the logic inversion control switch 16 outputs (normal output) the input signal without inverting it.
That is, if the signal input from the external device is High, the logic inversion control switch 16 outputs High, and if the signal input from the external device 40 is Low, the logic inversion control switch 16 outputs Low. Output.

On the other hand, when the physical switch 164 is in the inverted output mode, the logic inversion control switch 16 inverts the input signal and outputs it (inverted output).
That is, if the signal input from the external device is High, the logic inversion control switch 16 outputs Low, and if the signal input from the external device 40 is Low, the logic inversion control switch 16 outputs High. .

The third row of Table 1 will be explained including the relationship with the external device. This is an example when the physical switch 164 is in the reverse output mode and there is a contact input from the external device (ON in the table). At this time, the logic inversion control switch 16 cuts off the power supply to the device connected to the logic inversion control switch 16 (power supply OFF in the table).

The example in row 4 of Table 1 reverses this. That is, when the physical switch 164 is in the inverted output mode and the contact input of the external device is lost (OFF in the table), the logical inversion control switch 16 supplies power to the device connected to the logical inversion control switch 16. (power supply ON in the table).

Here, the device connected to the logic inversion control switch 16 refers to the power supply input section 12 if the logic inversion control switch 16 is the power supply section switch 16a, for example, as shown in FIG. Similarly, if the logic inversion control switch 16 is the DC power supply output switch 16b, it indicates the DC power supply output 142, and if the logic inversion control switch 16 is the PoE power supply switch 16c, it indicates the PoE power supply 144.

As such a signal generator 166, for example, an FET (Field Effect Transistor) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) also called a switch IC (or power switch or power management switch) can be used. Commercially available FETs and ASICs can be used as appropriate.

Note that the switch IC has a soft-start function for suppressing problems (problems due to inrush current) at the start of power supply, an overcurrent protection function, and the like. Controlling the power supply with a switch IC is effective in reducing current consumption.

A commercially available FET is used as the signal generation section 166 for the power supply section switch 16a and the DC power supply output section switch 16b of this embodiment.
In addition, the PoE power supply unit switch 16c of the present embodiment uses LTC4279 manufactured by Analog Devices as the signal generation unit 166. As shown in FIG. As mentioned above, the LTC4279 also functions as the PoE power source 144 .

As described above, the logic inversion control switch 16 can control power supply by receiving a signal input. Further, the logic inversion control switch 16 of this embodiment can perform logic inversion control on the received signal.
Logic inversion control has the advantage that when power supply control is triggered by some trigger, the external device can be used regardless of the output mode of the external device.

For example, consider the case of using an external device that turns the electrical signal output "OFF" by some trigger. In this case, even if the control switch allows only normal rotation output, it is possible to receive the input of the electrical signal and cut off the power supply.
On the other hand, if the external device turns "ON" the electrical signal output by some trigger, the power supply cannot be cut off with a control switch that allows only normal rotation output.
In other words, there are cases where the control switch that performs only normal output or only inverted output cannot be used or needs adjustment depending on the output mode of the external device.

In this respect, with the power supply control device 10 of the present embodiment having the logical inversion control switch 16 of the present embodiment, the desired power can be obtained regardless of the output mode of the external device simply by switching the physical switch 164 ON and OFF. Supply control can be performed.

Returning to FIG. 1, description will be made. The power control device 10 of this embodiment includes at least a PoE power supply switch 16c. The PoE power supply switch 16c most efficiently controls power delivery to the PoE power supply 144 to which the PD device is connected.
The PoE power supply unit switch 16c can cut off only the PoE power supply without affecting the power supply to the DC power supply unit 142, for example.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the power supply control device 10 of the present embodiment further includes a power supply section switch 16a and a DC power supply output section switch 16b.
Only the power supply to the DC power output section 142 can be controlled by the DC power output section switch 16b.
Similarly, by controlling the power supply to the DC power supply input unit 122 with the power supply unit switch 16a, the power supply to the entire power supply control device 10 can be controlled.

In this way, the logic inversion control switch 16 can independently control power supply to a desired location (device).
As the number of controllable locations increases, the power supply control device 10 can be used in various applications. Some examples will be described later.

The user of the power supply control device 10 electrically connects (wires) the output section of the external device capable of contact output and the electrical signal input section 162 of the desired logic inversion control switch 16, thereby controlling the power supply from the external device. Supply control can be implemented.

For example, when it is desired to control the power supply of the DC power supply input section 122 by an external device, the electrical signal output section of the external device and the electrical signal input section of the power supply section switch 16a are electrically connected.
An example of connecting the electrical signal output unit 428 of the monitoring device 42, which is an external device, and the electrical signal input unit 162 of the PoE power supply unit switch 16c will be described later.

<Booster 18>
The boosting unit 18 is a device that boosts (boosts) the voltage of the input power and outputs the power. In this embodiment, the booster section 18 is a non-isolated DC/DC converter 182 .

A DC/DC converter is a power conversion device that outputs power that is input as direct current and that is output as direct current. It is also called a DC/DC converter. A DC/DC converter having a boosting function like the non-isolated DC/DC converter 182 is also called a boost converter.

The non-insulated DC/DC converter 182 boosts and outputs the DC power input. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the non-isolated DC/DC converter 182 boosts the input voltage of 12V to 55V and outputs it. However, the input/output voltage in this embodiment is an example, and the input/output voltage is not limited to this.
In this embodiment, a commercially available product can be used as the non-insulated DC/DC converter 182 as appropriate.

<Insulated DC/DC converter 20>
The isolated DC/DC converter 20 is a converter for electrically separating an input voltage and an output voltage. The isolated DC/DC converter 20 in this embodiment is provided based on safety requirements. In this embodiment, the isolated DC/DC converter 20 is a flyback converter.

As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the isolated DC/DC converter 20 is arranged between the non-isolated DC/DC converter 182 and the PoE power supply 144 .
Also, the insulated DC/DC converter 20 of the present embodiment outputs the input voltage of 55V as it is. However, the input/output voltage in this embodiment is an example, and the input/output voltage is not limited to this.

Examples of isolated DC/DC converters include forward converters, half-bridge converters, full-bridge converters, flyback converters, and current type push-pull converters, with flyback converters being preferred.
In this embodiment, a commercially available product can be used as the isolated DC/DC converter 20 as appropriate.

<External device connection unit 22>
The external device connection unit 22 is a device for connecting the power control device 10 and an external device 40, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 1 , the power control device 10 of this embodiment has a PoE port 222 and a LAN port 224 .

In this embodiment, the external device connection section 22 is provided with an 8-pole 8-core modular connector (hereinafter referred to as "8P8C") insertion port, for example, a LAN cable can be connected.
Note that the 8P8C connector standard is defined by ISO8877. The 8P8C connector standard is also commonly called "RJ45".
In this embodiment, a commercially available product can be used as the external device connection unit 22 as appropriate.

The PoE port 222 is an interface for both LAN connection and power supply. That is, it mediates the transmission of power and signals.

A LAN port 224 is an interface for LAN connection. LAN port 224 does not mediate power delivery, but can mediate signal transmission.
The LAN port 224 provides LAN connection with the first external device 40a (the monitoring device 42 in this embodiment).

As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the LAN port 224 can receive signals such as Ping from the connected external device 40a.
The power control device 10 does not process the received signal, and sends the signal to the PoE port 222 (and the external device 40 connected to the PoE port 222). This is also referred to as passing a signal (the dotted line portion in FIG. 1).

Since the power supply control device 10 includes the external device connection unit 22, a computer for control and monitoring can be connected to the LAN port 224, for example.
As such a computer for control, for example, a product name: MA (microappliance server) manufactured by Century Systems, Inc. can be cited.
Computers such as MAs can add functions by programming.

In this embodiment, the first external device 40a that receives power supply from the DC power supply output unit 142 is also connected to the LAN port 224, but the connection mode is not limited to this.
For example, the external device 40 (first external device 40a) connected to the DC power supply output unit 142 and receiving power supply and the external device 40 connected to the LAN port 224 may be different devices.

<Surge protector 24>
The surge protector 24 is a device for protecting circuits and devices from surge voltage. A surge is an abnormal short-term overvoltage or overcurrent temporarily generated by lightning or the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the surge protector 24 is provided between the DC power supply output switch 16b and the DC power output unit 142 and between the PoE power supply unit 144 and the external device connection unit 22. It is arranged in two places. As a result, external devices connected to the power control device 10 can be protected from surges.

Types of surges include lightning surges (direct lightning surges, induced lightning surges, backflow lightning surges, etc.), switching surges, load dumps, ESD (electrostatic discharge), etc. There are also countermeasure parts to be used according to the type of surge. different.

For example, lightning surge countermeasure parts include surge absorbers that absorb lightning surges, surge protectors that protect devices from lightning surges, varistors that change resistance, and arresters that discharge lightning surges.
A surge countermeasure method for the surge protector 24 of the present embodiment is not particularly limited, but a varistor or a TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor) is preferably used.

In this embodiment, since the power supply control device 10 is assumed to be used outdoors, it is preferable that the surge protector 24 is a countermeasure against lightning surges.
As a standard for such countermeasure parts, for example, among the standards of IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), it is a standard for evaluating malfunction of electronic equipment against surges generated by overvoltage from switching and lightning transients. IEC61000-4-5 is known.
The surge protector 24 of this embodiment preferably conforms to such standards.
In this embodiment, a commercially available product can be appropriately used as the surge protector 24 .

As shown in FIG. 1 , in the power control device 10 of the present embodiment, power input from the power input unit 12 is branched inside the housing 11 and output to two power output units 14 . One is a DC power supply output 142 and the other is a PoE power supply 144 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the power flowing to the DC power supply output unit 142 side supplies power to the first external device 40a. The first external device 40a is, for example, a monitoring device 42 to be described later.

The power flowing to the PoE power supply unit 144 side is stepped up by the booster unit 18 (non-insulated DC/DC converter 182 ) after the above branch, passes through the insulated DC/DC converter 20 , and reaches the PoE power supply unit 144 . The PoE power supply section 144 supplies power to the second external device 40b through the external device connection section 22 . The second external device 40b is, for example, an IP camera 44 which will be described later.

As described above, the power control device 10 of the present embodiment can simultaneously supply DC power and PoE power. This allows cooperation with multiple devices as described below.

The power supply control device 10 of this embodiment also includes a logic inversion control switch 16 . That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the power supply input section 12 and the power supply section switch 16a arranged before the branch, and the DC power supply section arranged after the branch and before the DC power supply output section 142. a switch 16b and a PoE feed switch 16c arranged after the branch and before the PoE feed 144 .

The logic inversion control switch 16 receives contact inputs from various external devices 40 and controls power supply. That is, the external device 40 has the advantage of being able to freely and independently control each of the three logical inversion control switches 16 of the power supply control device 10 .
In addition, the logic inversion control switch 16 can perform logic inversion control as described above, enabling flexible operation regardless of the output mode of the external device.

The power control device 10 of this embodiment can independently control one power input and two power outputs.
As a result, for example, when an abnormality occurs on one power output side, only that power output can be cut off, and the other power output side can maintain the power supply.

Here, if a device for system recovery is connected to the other power supply output side (which has no abnormality), a method of use is possible in which system recovery is automatically performed without human intervention. A specific example will be described later.
Although the power control device 10 of this embodiment has one power input and two power outputs, the number of power inputs and power outputs is not limited to this.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an overview of an example of the control system 1, which is a system including the power control device 10. As shown in FIG. Solid-line arrows in FIG. 3 indicate directions in which electric power flows. Dotted arrows in FIG. 3 indicate monitoring of another device by one device and output of electrical signals.

<Control system 1>
A control system 1 is a control system including a power control device 10 . A control system 1 controls the power supply.
In addition to the power control device 10, the control system 1 of the present embodiment includes a first external device 40a that receives power from the DC power output unit 142 of the power control device 10, and a second external device 40a that receives power from the PoE power supply unit 144. external device 40b.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control system 1 includes a power control device 10, a power source 30, and an external device 40. As shown in FIG. Note that descriptions of items that have already been explained are omitted.

An overview of the control system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the monitoring device 42 (first external device 40a) receiving DC power supply from the power control device 10 monitors the alive state of the IP camera 44 (Ping monitoring).

When the monitoring device 42 determines that the IP camera 44 has an abnormality such as when Ping is not returned, the monitoring device 42 performs contact input and outputs a signal to the logic inversion control switch 16 of the power supply control device 10 . PoE power supply from the power control device 10 to the IP camera 44 is controlled by the signal output by this contact input.

For example, the power supply control device 10 can cut off power supply to the IP camera 44 by PoE power supply control. In addition, it is also possible to reboot the IP camera 44 by restarting the power supply after the power supply control device 10 cuts off the power supply to the IP camera 44 by setting.

<Power supply 30>
As shown in FIG. 3 , the power supply 30 is a device for supplying power to the power control device 10 . The power source 30 may be a direct current power source (DC power source) or an alternating current power source (AC power source), but in this embodiment the power source 30 is an AC power source 32 .

A commercially available power supply can be used as the AC power supply 32 as appropriate. However, it is preferable that the voltage is 9.0 V or more and 26.4 V or less and the current is 1 A (ampere) or more. A solar battery 322 can also be used as the AC power supply 32 (described later).

<External Device 40>
The external device 40 is a separate device from the power control device 10, but is an independent device connected to the power control device 10 and having a predetermined function. However, in the explanation of this embodiment, the concept excludes the power supply 30 .

In this embodiment, at least one external device 40 performs contact output to the power control device 10 with a predetermined event as a trigger.
In this embodiment, the external devices 40 are a first external device 40a (monitoring device 42) and a second external device 40b (IP camera 44). Each will be explained below.

<First External Device 40a>
The first external device 40a is a device that is connected to the DC power output unit 142 of the power control device 10 and receives DC power.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first external device 40a is a monitoring device 42 in this embodiment. The monitoring device 42 is a device that transmits a signal (for example, Ping) by a program using ICMP to a device to be monitored and receives a response from the device. Such monitoring is also called Ping monitoring. The monitoring device 42 determines the alive state of the device to be monitored.

In this embodiment, as the monitoring device 42, a product name: MA (Micro Appliance Server) series manufactured by Century Systems Co., Ltd. is used.

<Second external device 40b>
The second external device 40b is a device that is connected to the PoE power supply unit 144 of the power control device 10 and receives power supply.
Note that receiving power supply through the PoE power supply unit 144 may be described as “receiving PoE power supply”.
The second external device 40b can also transmit and receive signals (related to Internet communication) to and from the power control device 10 .

In this embodiment, the second external device 40 b is the IP camera 44 . The IP camera 44 is a camera capable of communication using IP (Internet Protocol), and an IP address is assigned to the IP camera 44 itself. Since the IP camera 44 can be connected to a network, the user can control the IP camera 44 through the network.

In this case, "to control" includes real-time control by the user as well as automatic control by a program or the like.
Although the control system 1 according to the present embodiment includes one second external device 40b, the number of devices is not limited to one, and two or more devices may be provided.
A more specific description will be given below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the power control device 10 and the external device 40 (monitoring device 42, IP camera 44).
In FIG. 4, the solid line single arrow indicates the direction of power flow, and the dotted line single arrow indicates the direction of signal flow. A dotted double-headed arrow indicates that a life-and-death confirmation signal (Ping signal) flows. A solid double-headed arrow in the external device 40 indicates a communication path (bus) between the functional units.

As shown in FIG. 4, the case where the logic inversion control switch 16 is the PoE power source switch 16c will be described here. Here, the electrical signal output section 428 of the monitoring device 42 and the electrical signal input section 162 of the PoE power supply section switch 16c are electrically connected (wired).

In FIG. 4, devices that are not used for explanation are omitted as appropriate. For example, in FIG. 4, the drawing of the DC power supply output unit 142 of the power supply control device 10 that supplies power to the monitoring device 42, the boosting unit 18, and the like is omitted.

Also, although omitted in FIG. 4, each external device 40 (monitoring device 42, IP camera 44) has functions necessary as a computer. For example, each external device 40 may include a storage unit and an input/output unit not shown in FIG. 4 in addition to the control unit and communication control unit shown in FIG.

In each device in FIG. 4, the connection mode between the functional units (for example, the control unit 422 and the electrical signal output unit 428) is not particularly limited. For example, bus type, star type, mesh type and the like can be mentioned.
Each device will be described below.

<Monitoring Device 42>
The monitoring device 42 is a device for monitoring the status of other devices through communication means such as cables and networks. Further, the monitoring device 42 of the present embodiment performs contact output to the power supply control device 10 when detecting an abnormality in another device.
As shown in FIG. 4 , the monitoring device 42 includes a control section 422 , a signal generation section 424 , a communication control section 426 and an electrical signal output section 428 .

The control unit 422 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a timer, and the like.
Processing performed by the control unit 422 when monitoring other devices is referred to as “monitoring processing”. Details of the monitoring process will be described later.

The signal generator 424 generates a signal (for example, Ping) by a program using ICMP.

The communication control unit 426 has a function of controlling communication with a network such as the Internet. The communication method of the communication control unit 426 may be wired or wireless. In this embodiment, the communication control unit 426 controls transmission of the signal (Ping signal) generated by the signal generation unit 424 to the IP camera 44 .

The electrical signal output unit 428 is a device that outputs an electrical signal according to a predetermined condition (trigger). The electrical signal output unit 428 of the present embodiment includes a relay switch (relay) for non-voltage contact input.

As shown in FIG. 4, the electrical signal output section 428 of the present embodiment performs contact output to the electrical signal input section 162 of the power control device 10 (logic inversion control switch 16) under the control of the control section 422. FIG.

Here, compared with command control by Ethernet (registered trademark) communication, etc., contact input has the advantage of cost advantage and ease of introduction. In addition, contact relays have the advantage over non-contact relays that they do not require the use of semiconductors or electronic components in the relay section. In addition, the device can be suitably used even when the device is used in harsh natural environments such as outdoors.

In addition, as described above, the monitoring device 42 may include input/output units other than those described above. For example, it may be provided with an input unit (event notification) for receiving an analog output (for example, 4-20 mA) from the external device 40 other than the monitoring device 42 . Details will be described later.

Note that FIG. 4 depicts control by the PoE power supply unit switch 16c. That is, when the PoE power supply unit switch 16c is controlled by an electric signal from the monitoring device 42, which is an external device, the electric signal output unit 428 of the monitoring unit 42 and the electric signal input unit 162 of the PoE power supply unit switch 16c are connected. .

At this time, if the power supply unit switch 16a and the DC power output unit switch 16b are not controlled at the same time, the electric signal input unit 162 of the power unit switch 16a and the DC power output unit switch 16b and the electric signal output unit 428 of the monitoring device 42 should not be electrically connected to

Further, for example, when it is desired to control power supply to the power supply input section 12, the electrical signal output section 428 of the monitoring device 42 and the electrical signal input section 162 of the power supply section switch 16a are connected.
That is, it is possible to select whether or not to perform control by the external device 40 depending on whether or not the electrical signal output section of the external device is connected to the electrical signal input section of the logic inversion control switch 16 .

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing monitoring processing by the control unit 422 of the monitoring device 42. As shown in FIG. In addition, in FIG. 5, a step is abbreviated as "S".
The control unit 422 transmits a Ping signal to another external device to be monitored (the IP camera 44 in this embodiment) (step 1).
If there is a response to the Ping signal from the other external device (step 2 Yes), the control unit 422 waits until the next Ping signal transmission time.
On the other hand, if there is no response to the Ping signal (step 2 No), the control section 422 causes the electrical signal output section 428 to send out an electrical signal (step 3).

<IP camera 44>
The IP camera 44 is an imaging device capable of transmitting and receiving images through the Internet or the like.
As shown in FIG. 4 , the IP camera 44 includes a control section 442 , an imaging section 444 , a communication control section 446 and a power input section 448 .

The control unit 442 includes a processor, RAM, ROM, and timer. The control unit 442 stores images (still images and moving images) captured by the imaging unit 444 in the storage unit (not shown) of the IP camera 44, and also transmits the captured images to an external terminal (not shown) via the network. can be done.

The imaging unit 444 is an imaging device such as a camera.

The communication control unit 446 is a device that controls communication with a network such as the Internet. As shown in FIG. 4 , the communication control unit 446 of this embodiment receives a signal (Ping signal) from the monitoring device 42 and also transmits a response packet to the monitoring device 42 . If there is an abnormality in the IP camera 44 due to trouble with the communication control unit 446 or the like, the response packet is not transmitted.

The power input unit 448 is a device that inputs necessary power to the IP camera 44 . As shown in FIG. 4 , the power input unit 448 of this embodiment receives PoE power supply from the power control device 10 .

A remote location is monitored while compensating for the demerit of the IP camera in that power consumption is large compared to incorporating the IP camera 44 into the control system 1 having the power supply control device 10 of the present embodiment and capable of saving labor and stabilizing the power. be able to.
In other words, the control system 1 of this embodiment can be suitably used for remote monitoring using the IP camera 44 . In this case, the second external device 40b that receives PoE power is preferably an IP camera.

As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the monitoring device 42 transmits a Ping signal to the IP camera 44 at regular intervals set by the user. Normally, when a response signal is returned from the IP camera 44 to the monitoring device 42, the control unit 422 of the monitoring device 42 determines that the IP camera 44 is in a normal state. On the other hand, if Ping is not returned from the IP camera 44, the control unit 422 determines that the IP camera 44 is in an abnormal state.

When an abnormal state of the IP camera 44 (second external device 40 b ) is detected, the monitoring device 42 performs contact output from the electrical signal output section 428 .
In this embodiment, the signal by this contact output is input from the electrical signal input section 162 to the logic inversion control switch 16 (PoE power supply section switch 16c) of the power supply control device 10 .

Here, when the physical switch 164 shown in FIG. 4 is in the inverted output mode, the input (High) received by the electrical signal input unit 162 is inverted (becomes Low) by the signal generation unit 166 and is output. be. This inverted output (Low output) cuts off the power supply to the PoE power supply unit 144 .

That is, when an abnormality occurs in the IP camera 44, the monitoring device 42 controls the PoE power supply unit switch 16c to cut off power supply to the PoE power supply unit 144, thereby suppressing power consumption.

Furthermore, the control unit 422 of the monitoring device 42 turns the PoE power supply unit switch 16c so as to resume power supply to the power input unit 448 through the PoE power supply unit 144 after a certain period of time (eg, 10 seconds) determined by the user. can be controlled.

In other words, the monitoring device 42 can not only turn off the power of the PoE power supply unit 144 through the power control device 10 but also restart the PoE power supply unit 144 . By restarting the IP camera 44 (second external device 40b) in the abnormal state, the IP camera 44 can be restored.

In the above example, the monitoring device 42 controls the PoE power supply switch 16c of the power supply control device 10, but the switch controlled by the monitoring device 42, which is the first external device 40a, is the PoE power supply switch 16c. Not limited.

For example, the monitoring device 42 can also control the power supply to the power switch 16a by contact output to the power control device 10. FIG.
In this case, since the power supply to the power control device 10 can be cut off or restarted, the control system 1 can be restored even if the power control device 10 has an abnormality.
Such control is the same when controlling the power supply to the DC power supply output section switch 16b.

In summary, in the control system 1 of the present embodiment, the monitoring device 42, which is the first external device 40a, controls the power supply using a predetermined event of detecting an abnormality in the IP camera 44, which is the monitoring target, as a trigger. A contact output is provided to the device 10 . As a result, the monitoring device 42 can control the logic inversion control switch 16 of the power control device 10 by contact output to change the power supply state to at least one of the power control device 10 and/or the external device 40. can.

More specifically, the monitoring device 42, which is one external device, transmits a life-and-death confirmation signal to the IP camera 44, which is another external device, at preset time intervals.
When an abnormality is detected in the IP camera 44 to be monitored, the monitoring device 42 performs a contact output to the power control device 10 to control the logic inversion control switch 16 of the power control device 10, thereby Change the state of power supply to the camera 44 (cut off the power supply).

When the logic inversion control switch 16 to be controlled is the PoE power supply switch 16c, the power control device 10 cuts off the power supply to the PoE power supply 144 to save power.

Furthermore, among the external devices 40 in the control system 1 of the present embodiment, the external device 40 that performs contact output to the power supply control device 10 performs the contact output twice or more, so that other external devices in an abnormal state The device can be rebooted.

For example, the control system 1 can restart the PoE power supply unit 144 through the power supply control device 10 by restarting the power supply to the PoE power supply unit 144 after stopping the power supply to the PoE power supply unit 144 .
Specifically, the power of the IP camera 44 is turned off with the first contact output, and after a certain period of time has elapsed, the power of the IP camera 44 is turned on with the second contact output.

In other words, when the monitoring device 42 capable of contact outputting to the power control device 10 detects an abnormality in another external device, here the IP camera 44, it outputs two contact outputs to the power control device 10. This is repeated at least once, and the IP camera 44 is restarted.
Here, the restart may be repeated several times until the IP camera 44 is successfully started.

As described above, the control system 1 of the present embodiment efficiently supplies power while linking a device having a predetermined function, such as an IP camera, and another device, such as a monitoring device, that monitors the IP camera. can be controlled to
Since the power control device 10 can suppress the power supply to the external device 40 according to the situation, the power consumption of the entire system can be suppressed.
Furthermore, since the device in which an abnormality has occurred can be restarted, the stability of the entire system can be improved.

Moreover, since the power supply control device 10 includes the logic inversion control switch 16, it can be used regardless of the output mode of the external device 40 used in combination.
That is, even if the external device 40 to be used in combination outputs ON or OFF by some trigger, it can be incorporated into the control system 1 flexibly regardless.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another aspect (third embodiment) of the control system 1, which is a system including the power control device 10. As shown in FIG. Solid-line arrows in FIG. 6 indicate directions in which electric power flows. Dotted arrows in FIG. 6 indicate notification or electrical signal output from one device to another device.

The control system 1 of this embodiment includes a solar battery 322 as the AC power supply 32 .
In addition, the control system 1 of the present embodiment includes a first external device 40a, a second external device 40b, and a third external device 40c as the external devices 40. FIG.

An outline of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the power source 30 is a solar cell 322, and the solar cell 322 supplies power to the power control device 10 and the monitoring device 42 (third external device 40c).
The point that the monitoring device 42 monitors the alive state of the IP camera 44 (Ping monitoring) is the same as the second embodiment (not shown). If there is an abnormality in the IP camera 44 , the monitoring device 42 stops or restarts the IP camera 44 through the power control device 10 .

As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the first external device 40a that receives DC power supply from the power control device 10 is the water level sensor 46. As shown in FIG. A second external device 40 b receiving PoE power from the power control device 10 is the IP camera 44 .

Water level sensor 46 monitors, for example, a reservoir or the like. When the water level of the reservoir exceeds a certain level, such as during heavy rain, the water level sensor 46 outputs water level data to the monitoring device 42 (third external device 40c) through analog output (eg, 4-20 mA) ( event notification).

As shown in FIG. 6, the monitoring device 42 that has received the event notification performs a contact output to the logic inversion control switch 16 (PoE power supply unit switch 16c) of the power control device 10, and the power control device 10 causes the IP camera 44 PoE power supply to (second external device 40b) is “started”.

That is, in the second embodiment, PoE power supply is turned off under certain conditions (IP camera 44 abnormality), whereas in this embodiment, PoE power supply is turned on under certain conditions (water level abnormality). .

Depending on the output mode of the external device, for example, PoE power supply may be started by contact output from OFF to ON, and PoE power supply may be started by contact output from ON to OFF. This can be easily handled by turning ON/OFF the physical switch 164 in the control switch 16 .

As described in the outline, in this embodiment, the water level sensor 46 is connected as the first external device 40a connected to the DC power supply output section 142 .
Also, the monitoring device 42, which was connected as the first external device 40a in the second embodiment, is connected here as the third external device 40c.

Hereinafter, devices that constitute the control system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. However, descriptions of items that have already been explained are omitted.
For example, the point that the second external device 40b is the IP camera 44 is the same as in the second embodiment, so the description of the IP camera 44 is omitted.

<Solar cell 322>
A solar cell is a device that converts solar energy into electrical power. A commercially available solar cell can be appropriately used as the solar cell 322, but in this embodiment, the solar cell 322 supplies DC power.

When the solar cell 322 is used as the power supply 30, there is an advantage that the transportation of the power supply is not required in applications such as remote monitoring.
In addition, although the solar cell cannot supply power when it is cloudy or rainy, by combining with the power control device 10 of the present embodiment, which enables power saving, the energy of the solar cell is exhausted and the external power such as the IP camera is used. There are advantages such as reducing the possibility that the device will stop and enabling monitoring for a longer period of time.

<Water level sensor 46>
A water level sensor 46 is a sensor that measures the water level. The water level sensor 46 measures the water level at locations such as irrigations, reservoirs, and dams, for example. As the water level sensor 46, a commercially available one can be appropriately used.
In this embodiment, the water level sensor 46 is the first external device (40a) that receives DC power.

As shown in FIG. 6, the water level sensor 46 notifies the monitoring device 42 of an event when it detects an abnormality in the water level.
Here, in the present embodiment, notification from the water level sensor 46 to the monitoring device 42 is performed by analog output (eg, 4 to 20 mA) of the water level sensor 46, but it is not limited to this.
4 to 20 mA means that the range of current output is from 4 mA to 20 mA.

<Third external device 40c (monitoring device 42)>
In this embodiment, a monitoring device 42 is connected as the third external device 40c. Since the monitoring device 42 itself has already been explained, the description is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 6, the monitoring device 42, which is the third external device 40c, is powered by the solar cell 322. As shown in FIG.
Although the control system 1 according to this embodiment includes one third external device 40c, the number of devices is not limited to one, and two or more devices may be provided.

As shown in FIG. 6, the water level sensor 46 of the control system 1 of the present embodiment notifies the monitoring device 42 (event notification), for example, when detecting that the water level of the reservoir is equal to or higher than a threshold.
Triggered by this event notification, the monitoring device 42 performs contact output to the power control device 10 . This contact output controls the PoE power supply unit switch 16c of the power supply control device 10, and the power supply control device 10 starts PoE power supply.
That is, the power supply control device 10 changes the power supply state to the IP camera 44 from OFF to ON to activate the IP camera 44 .
The activated IP camera 44 takes a picture of the water level abnormality. Images and videos from the IP camera 44 are transmitted to the user's PC (not shown) or the like through the network, so that the user can check in real time how the water level of the reservoir is abnormal.

The control system 1 of the present embodiment can suppress the power supply of an external device during normal times and activate the device only when necessary, so that the power consumption of the entire system can be suppressed.

As described above, the control system 1 can be used for various purposes by appropriately changing the external device 40 connected to the power control device 10 .
For example, there is a case where another external device is connected to one external device and the one external device is monitored.
Although power is supplied to the one external device in a normal state, due to some trigger, for example, an abnormality occurring in the one external device, the power supply control device 10 stops supplying power to the one external device. (example of second embodiment).

Alternatively, although power is not normally supplied to a certain external device, by some trigger, for example, when a sensor connected as another external device detects some state, the power control device 10 , start supplying power to the one external device (example of the third embodiment).

Also, the external device that performs contact output to the power supply control device 10 may receive a trigger signal or the like from another device.
For example, an external device detects a certain state and notifies an event, and the event notification is used as a trigger for the external device that performs contact output to the power supply control device 10 to perform contact output (third (example of embodiment of ).

In this case, there is an advantage that it is possible to separate functions using a plurality of external devices. This can be realized because the power supply control device 10 can have a plurality of power supply output units 14 and can also have a plurality of electrical signal input units 162 of the logic inversion control switch 16 .

Furthermore, as described above, the power supply control device 10 accepts contact outputs a plurality of times and enables the connected external device to be restarted, thereby improving the stability and availability of the system.

(Modification)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes various modifications of the above-described embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

For example, by using a contact output device having a simple timer as an external device, the power control device 10 can time-control the power supply to the connected cameras and sensors.

In FIG. 1, the power supply section switch 16a of the present embodiment is arranged after the power supply input section 12 (downstream side of the current), but is arranged before the power supply input section 12 (upstream side of the current). may be

In the third embodiment described above, the sensor is not limited to the water level sensor, and may be replaced with various sensors.
For example, if the system has a temperature sensor or the like as the first external device 40a, the IP camera 44 or the like can be activated when the temperature exceeds a certain level. Also, if the sensor is a seismic intensity sensor, the IP camera 44 can be activated when a natural disaster such as an earthquake is detected.

In other words, the invention including this embodiment has the following features. The following corresponds to the claims as filed herein. However, due to the amendment of the scope of claims after filing the application, the description of the scope of claims may differ from the description of the scope of claims after the amendment.
(1) A first invention includes a power supply input section,
a DC power output unit connected to the power input unit and supplying DC power to a first external device;
a PoE power supply connected to the power input for transmitting power and signals to a second external device;
a control switch that receives electrical signals and controls the start and cutoff of power supply;
A housing in which the power input unit, the DC power output unit, the PoE power supply unit, and the control switch are provided,
A power control device is provided, wherein the control switch includes at least a PoE power supply unit switch for controlling power supply of the PoE power supply unit.
(2) In the second invention, the control switch is a logic inversion control switch,
The logic inversion control switch includes an electrical signal input unit that receives at least the electrical signal and a physical switch,
When the physical switch is on one side, the logic inversion control switch outputs the input electrical signal without inverting it,
The power supply control device according to the first invention is characterized in that, when the physical switch is the other, the logical inversion control switch inverts and outputs the electrical signal to be input.
In this case, the control of each part (for example, the power input unit 12, the DC power output unit 142, or the PoE power supply unit 144) in the power control device 10 can be determined according to the contact output mode of the external device. For example, when there is an OFF→ON contact output from an external device, the power supply control device 10 can flexibly set whether to start or cut off the power supply to each part.
(3) A third invention is the power supply control device according to the first invention;
a power source that supplies power to the power input unit of the power control device;
at least two or more external devices, including a first external device that receives power from the DC power output section of the power control device and a second external device that receives power from the PoE power supply section of the power control device; prepared,
At least one of the external devices controls a logical inversion control switch of the power control device by performing a contact output to the power control device with a predetermined event as a trigger, thereby controlling the power source. A control system is provided, characterized in that it changes the power supply state to at least one of the control device and/or the external device.
(4) A fourth invention is the power supply control device according to the first invention;
a power source that supplies power to the DC power input section of the power control device;
at least two or more external devices, including a first external device that receives power from the DC power output section of the power control device and a second external device that receives power from the PoE power supply section of the power control device; prepared,
At least one of the external devices is a monitoring device that transmits a life-and-death confirmation signal at preset time intervals to other external devices,
When the monitoring device detects an abnormality in the other external device, the power control device controls a logical inversion control switch of the power control device by performing a contact output to the power control device, and the power control device, and/or to provide a control system characterized by changing the power supply state to at least one of said external devices.
In this case, the control system can detect an abnormality in the external device and automatically cut off the power supply to the external device, thereby reducing the power consumption of the entire system.
(5) In the fifth invention, among the external devices, an external device that performs contact output to the power supply control device performs the contact output twice or more, thereby causing an abnormality. The control system according to the third invention or the fourth invention is provided, characterized by restarting the
In this case, the control system can restart the device in the abnormal state, thereby improving the stability and availability of the entire system.
(6) A sixth invention provides the control system according to the third invention or the fourth invention, wherein the second external device is an IP camera that uses Internet protocol.
In this case, since the Internet network can be used, a labor-saving and stabilized system using the power supply control device of this embodiment can monitor remote locations where power supply and transportation are difficult. .

A system using the power supply control device 10 can be applied not only to IP cameras but also to power saving and stabilization of various IoT devices. In addition, when an abnormality occurs in an IoT device in a remote location, the IoT device can be restarted, so a system with high availability can be constructed.

1 control system (control system including power supply control device 10)
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 power control device 12 power input 122 DC power input 14 power output 142 DC power output 144 PoE power supply 16 logic inversion control switch 16a power supply switch 16b DC power output switch 16c PoE power supply switch 162 electrical signal input Unit 164 Physical switch 166 Signal generation unit 18 Boost unit 182 Non-insulated DC/DC converter 20 Insulated DC/DC converter 22 External device connection unit 222 PoE port 224 LAN port 24 Surge protection unit 30 Power supply 32 AC power supply 322 Solar cell 40 External device 40a First external device 40b Second external device 40c Third external device 42 Monitoring device (first external device in the second embodiment, third external device in the third embodiment)
422 control unit 424 signal generation unit 426 communication control unit 428 electrical signal output unit 44 IP camera (second external device in the second and third embodiments)
442 control unit 444 imaging unit 446 communication control unit 448 power supply input unit 46 water level sensor (third embodiment)

Claims (6)

a power input;
a DC power output unit connected to the power input unit and supplying DC power to a first external device;
a PoE power supply connected to the power input for transmitting power and signals to a second external device;
a control switch that receives electrical signals and controls the start and cutoff of power supply;
a housing in which the power input unit, the DC power output unit, the PoE power supply unit, and the control switch are installed;
with
The power control device, wherein the control switch includes at least a PoE power supply unit switch for controlling power supply of the PoE power supply unit. the control switch is a logic inversion control switch;
The logic inversion control switch includes an electrical signal input unit that receives at least the electrical signal and a physical switch,
When the physical switch is on one side, the logic inversion control switch outputs the input electrical signal without inverting it,
When the physical switch is the other, the logic inversion control switch inverts and outputs the electrical signal that is input,
The power control device according to claim 1. A power control device according to claim 1;
a power source that supplies power to the power input unit of the power control device;
at least two external devices, including a first external device that receives power from a DC power supply output of the power control device and a second external device that receives power from a PoE power supply of the power control device;
with
At least one of the external devices controls a logical inversion control switch of the power control device by performing a contact output to the power control device with a predetermined event as a trigger, thereby controlling the power source. Control system, characterized in that it changes the power supply state to at least one of the control device and/or said external device. The power control device according to claim 1;
a power source that supplies power to the DC power input section of the power control device;
at least two external devices, including a first external device that receives power from a DC power supply output of the power control device and a second external device that receives power from a PoE power supply of the power control device;
with
At least one of the external devices is a monitoring device that transmits a life-and-death confirmation signal at preset time intervals to other external devices,
When the monitoring device detects an abnormality in the other external device, the power control device controls a logical inversion control switch of the power control device by performing a contact output to the power control device, and the power control device, and/or changing the power supply state to at least one of said external devices. Among the external devices, an external device that performs contact output to the power control device performs the contact output twice or more, thereby restarting another external device in an abnormal state. Control system according to claim 3 or 4. 5. Control system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said second external device is an IP camera using Internet protocol.

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