JPH09153960A - Terminal network controller and terminal network control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a telephone set to be made available and to continue a notice even when a battery voltage is less than a prescribed voltage. SOLUTION: A voltage detection means 7 detects a voltage of a battery 6 being a drive power supply used to changeover a rely 3 and provides an output of a voltage detection signal SBAT to a changeover inhibit means 8. When the voltage of the battery 6 reaches a preset switching inhibit voltage or below, the changeover inhibit means 8 inhibit the changeover of the relay 3 by a changeover control means 5 to a public communication line 1 to make a telephone set 4 to be in a non-connection state based on the voltage detection signal SBAT independently of the presence of a notice by a communication means 2. Since the external telephone set 4 is kept to be in the connection state to the public communication line 1 regardless of the presence of a notice of the communication means 2, the operation available state of the telephone set is secured. Furthermore, a notice is made while the connection state of the telephone set to the public communication line is maintained, consumption of the battery attended with the changeover of the relay 3 is eliminated and the notice is continued.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a terminal network control device, and particularly to an automatic meter reading system for gas, water, electricity, etc., which is connected to a telephone line which is a public communication line.
The present invention relates to a terminal network control device and a terminal network control method that are driven by a battery power source and are used for data communication.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an automatic meter reading system has been widely used for labor saving of meter reading work by automatically performing meter reading of gas, water, electricity, etc. through a telephone line which is a public communication line. There is.

In this automatic meter-reading system, the user side is provided with a terminal network control device for checking the amount of gas, water or electricity used and for notifying to the management center side through a telephone line at every predetermined period set in advance. It is provided. Further, some of the terminal network control devices are configured to detect an abnormal state such as a gas leak, a water leak, or an electric leak and notify the management center side.

In such a terminal network control device, a device using a battery as a power source for reporting is often adopted from the viewpoints of measures against power outages, simplification of power supply wiring work, and the like.
For this reason, in order to prevent the battery from running out and being left in an inoperable state, the battery voltage is constantly or regularly monitored and the management center is notified via a telephone line. Are known.

By the way, the terminal network control device as described above is installed on the user side in a general home,
An ordinary telephone is connected to the telephone line used for reporting. Therefore, in order to keep the telephone line unconnected to the telephone line and the terminal network control device connected to the telephone line when making a report, a relay that does not require a power source, such as a latching relay, should be used. It was provided.

Then, the terminal network control device controls so that the latching relay is switched to the side which disconnects the telephone from the telephone line at the time of reporting, that is, the side which connects the terminal network control device to the telephone line. Was there.

[0007]

As described above, in the conventional terminal network control device, the latching relay is switched to the side that disconnects the telephone from the telephone line at the time of notification. If the battery voltage has dropped while the phone has been switched to the side that is not connected to the telephone line, it will not be possible to switch to the side that connects the telephone line to the telephone line after the call is completed. However, there was a problem that it could not be used.

Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to provide a terminal network control device and a terminal network control method capable of eliminating the state in which the telephone cannot be used even when the battery voltage becomes a predetermined voltage or less. It is in. A second object of the present invention is to provide a terminal network control device that can use the telephone and can continue the notification even when the battery voltage becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage.

[0009]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a communication for notifying an external device via a public communication line 1 as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. Means 2, a relay 3 capable of holding the switching state without a power source, and a switching for controlling the relay 3 based on the presence or absence of the notification to switch connection / disconnection of the external telephone 4 to the public communication line 1. In the terminal network control device 10 having the control means 5, based on the voltage detection means 7 which detects the voltage of the battery 6 which is the drive power source for switching the relay 3 and outputs the voltage detection signal SBAT, Switching control means for disconnecting the telephone 4 from the public communication line 1 regardless of the presence or absence of the notification by the communication means 2 when the voltage of the battery 6 becomes equal to or lower than a preset predetermined prohibition voltage. 5 A switching prohibiting means 8 for prohibiting the switching of the relay 3 by, constituting provided with.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the voltage detecting means 7 detects the voltage of the battery 6 which is the driving power source for switching the relay 3 and outputs the voltage detection signal SBAT to the switching prohibiting means 8. When the voltage of the battery 6 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined switching prohibition voltage set in advance on the basis of the voltage detection signal SBAT, the switching prohibition means 8 communicates with the public communication line 1 regardless of the presence or absence of the notification by the communication means 2. Switching of the relay 3 by the switching control means 5 for bringing the telephone 4 into the disconnected state is prohibited.

Therefore, the switching control means 5 keeps the telephone 4 external to the public communication line 1 in the connected state regardless of the presence or absence of the notification of the communication means 2. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first aspect, the voltage detection signal SBAT
Based on the counting means for counting the number of notifications after the timing when the voltage of the battery 6 becomes equal to or lower than the switching prohibition voltage, and a predetermined reference count number for which the number of notifications by the counting means is preset. And a count number reference notification prohibiting means for prohibiting notification by the communication means 2 when the count is exceeded.

According to the second aspect of the invention, in addition to the operation of the first aspect of the invention, the counting means is after the timing when the voltage of the battery 6 becomes equal to or lower than the switching inhibition voltage based on the voltage detection signal SBAT. Count the number of calls in. As a result, the count number reference notification prohibiting unit prohibits the notification by the communication unit 2 when the number of notifications by the counting of the counting unit exceeds the preset reference count number set in advance.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the elapsed time from the timing when the voltage of the battery 6 becomes equal to or lower than the switching inhibition voltage is measured based on the voltage detection signal SBAT. Means for measuring elapsed time,
Elapsed time reference notification prohibiting means for prohibiting notification by the communication means 2 when the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measuring means exceeds a predetermined reference elapsed time set in advance,
And is configured.

According to the third aspect of the invention, in addition to the operation of the first or second aspect of the invention, the elapsed time measuring means changes the voltage of the battery 6 based on the voltage detection signal SBAT. Measure the elapsed time from the timing below. As a result, the elapsed time reference notification prohibiting means prohibits the notification by the communication means 2 when the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measuring means exceeds the predetermined reference elapsed time set in advance.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the communication means 2 is in a state in which it can be always connected to the public communication line 1, and the voltage of the battery 6 is equal to or lower than the switching prohibition voltage. After that timing, the above-mentioned notification is performed while the connection state of the telephone 4 to the public communication line 1 is maintained.

According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 1, since the communication means 2 is always in a state connectable to the public communication line 1, the voltage of the battery 6 is reduced. After the timing when the voltage becomes equal to or lower than the switching prohibition voltage, the notification is performed while the connection state of the telephone 4 to the public communication line 1 is maintained.

The invention according to claim 5 is based on the communication means 2 for notifying an external device via the public communication line 1, the relay 3 capable of holding the switching state with no power source, and the presence or absence of the notification. A terminal network control device 10 having a switching control means 5 for controlling the relay 3 to switch connection / disconnection of an external telephone 4 with respect to the public communication line 1.
Voltage detection means 7 for detecting the voltage of the battery 6 which is the driving power source for switching the relay 3 and outputting the voltage detection signal SBAT;
When the voltage of the battery 6 becomes equal to or lower than the preset second reference voltage based on the voltage detection signal SBAT, the telephone 4 is not connected to the public communication line 1 regardless of the notification by the communication means 2. And a switching prohibition means 8 for prohibiting switching of the relay by the switching control means 5 for the purpose of the communication means 2 having a voltage higher than the second reference voltage based on the voltage detection signal SBAT. When the voltage becomes equal to or lower than the reference voltage of No. 2, the notification is given to notify the external device to that effect, and the voltage of the battery 6 is set to the second value.
After the timing when the voltage becomes equal to or lower than the reference voltage, the notification is performed while the connection state of the telephone 4 to the public communication line 1 is maintained.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the voltage detection means 7 detects the voltage of the battery 6 which is the drive power source for switching the relay 3 and outputs the voltage detection signal SBAT to the communication means 2 and the switching prohibition means 8. To do. As a result, when the voltage becomes equal to or lower than the first reference voltage based on the voltage detection signal SBAT, the communication means 2 makes a notification to notify the external device of that fact.

Further, the voltage of the battery 6 decreases, and the voltage becomes the second
When the voltage becomes equal to or lower than the reference voltage of
The switching of the relay 3 by the switching control means 5 for keeping the telephone 4 unconnected to the public communication line 1 is prohibited regardless of the presence or absence of the notification by the communication means 2.

As a result, the switching control means 5 has the communication means 2
Irrespective of the presence or absence of the notification of the above, the external telephone 4 is kept connected to the public communication line 1, and the communication means 2 uses the battery 6
After the timing at which the voltage becomes equal to or lower than the second reference voltage, the notification is performed while the connection state of the telephone 4 to the public communication line 1 is maintained.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a communication step of making a notification to an external device via the public communication line 1 and connection / disconnection of an external telephone to the public communication line 1 based on the presence / absence of the notification. In a terminal network control method having a switching control step in which switching is performed by a relay 3 capable of holding a switching state without a power source, a voltage detecting step of detecting a voltage of a battery 6 which is a driving power source for switching the relay 3, When the voltage of the battery 6 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined switching prohibition voltage set in advance based on the detected voltage, the telephone 4 is not connected to the public communication line 1 regardless of the presence or absence of the notification in the communication process. And a switching inhibition step of inhibiting switching of the relay 3 in the switching control step.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the voltage detecting step detects the voltage of the battery 6 which is the driving power source for switching the relay 3, and the switching prohibiting step detects the voltage of the battery 6 based on the detected voltage. When the voltage drops below a preset switching prohibition voltage, switching of the relay 3 in the switching control process for disconnecting the telephone 4 from the public communication line 1 regardless of whether there is a notification in the communication process Prohibit

Therefore, the switching control process keeps the external telephone 4 connected to the public communication line 1 regardless of the presence or absence of the notification in the communication process.

[0024]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First Embodiment FIG. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of a terminal network control device of the first embodiment. In this case, the terminal network control device is applied to the automatic meter reading system and communicates with the center device as an external device.

The terminal network control device 20 is a communication means for making a notification to the center device via a telephone line 21 which is a public communication line, and is a MODEM (MOdulation / DEModulation).
And the like, a latching relay 23 that is a relay capable of holding the switching state without a power source, and a latching relay 23 that is controlled based on the presence or absence of a notification in the data transceiver 22 so that the A controller 25 that functions as a switching control unit that switches connection / disconnection of the telephone set 24 and that controls the entire terminal network control device 20, and a latching relay 2
The voltage detection unit 27 as a voltage detection means for detecting the voltage Vcc of the battery 26, which is the driving power supply for switching between 3 and the driving power supply for the data transmission / reception unit 22, and outputs the voltage detection signal SBAT to the controller 25, and the monitoring target. An interface (I / F) unit 29 that performs an interface operation between the meter 28 such as an external gas meter and the controller 25, and whether the telephone 24 is in an off-hook state or in a calling state, That is, the off-hook / call detecting unit 30 detects whether or not the telephone 24 uses the telephone line 21 and outputs the detection signal SOFF to the controller 25.

Further, the controller 25 controls the data transmitter / receiver 22 when the voltage of the battery 26 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined switching prohibition voltage set in advance based on the voltage detection signal SBAT.
Latching relay 2 for disconnecting the telephone 24 from the telephone line 21 regardless of whether there is a notification from
It also functions as a switching prohibition means for prohibiting the switching of No. 3.

Next, the operation of the terminal network control device 20 will be described with reference to the operation processing flowchart of FIG. First, the controller 25 sets notification count data N = 0 as an initial setting (step S1).

Next, the controller 25 determines, based on its own internal timer, whether it is time to make a periodical notification (step S2). In the determination of step S2, when it is time to perform regular notification (step S2; Yes), the process proceeds to step S4.

In the determination in step S2, if it is not the time to make the regular notification (step S2).
2; No), it is determined whether or not an abnormality such as gas leak is detected in the meter 28 to be monitored (step S3). In the determination in step S3, if no abnormality has occurred (step S3; No), the process proceeds to step S2 again, and the same process is repeated.

Further, in the determination of step S3, if an abnormality has occurred (step S3; Yes), in order to notify that fact, first, based on the voltage detection signal SBAT, the voltage of the battery 26 is switched to a predetermined value. It is determined whether or not the voltage is below the prohibited voltage (step S4).

In this case, the switching inhibition voltage is set to the lowest voltage at which the latching relay 23 can be switched. In the determination of step S4, when the voltage of the battery 26 is higher than the predetermined switching inhibition voltage (step S4;
No) and the notification process (step S5).

Then, the controller 25 determines whether or not the situation where the telephone 24 uses the telephone line 21 occurs based on the detection signal SOFF from the off-hook / call detection unit 30, and the telephone 24 makes the telephone line 21. If you are using, wait until the end of use.

On the other hand, the controller 25 opens the latching relay 23 on the open end side (upper side in the drawing) when the telephone 24 does not use the telephone line 21.
Then, the telephone set 24 is disconnected from the telephone line 21 (step S20). And the controller 25
Controls the data transmitter / receiver 22 to notify the center device side via the telephone line 21 (regular notification or abnormality notification).
Is performed (step S21).

The controller 25 includes a data transmitter / receiver 22.
When the notification by is finished, the latching relay 23 is switched to the telephone side (lower side in the drawing), the telephone 24 is returned to the connected state (connectable state) to the telephone line 21 (step S22), and the process proceeds to step S2. The procedure is repeated and the same processing is repeated.

In the determination of step S4, when the voltage of the battery 26 becomes lower than the predetermined switching inhibition voltage (step S4; Yes), the controller 25 determines whether or not the number-of-reports count data N = 0. It is determined (step S6). Here, whether or not the number-of-reports count data N = 0 is determined in order to determine whether or not the first notification has occurred after the detection of the voltage drop of the battery 26.
Furthermore, it is necessary to notify the management center side when the voltage drop of the battery 26 is detected for the first time.

Therefore, the controller 25 detects the voltage drop of the battery 26, and the notification count data N =
If it is 0 (step S6; Yes), the current date and time is stored (step S7), and the number-of-reports count data N is stored.
Is counted up to set N = 1 (step S8).

Further, the controller 25 shifts to a reporting process (step S9) for reporting the detection of the decrease in the battery voltage, and after confirming that the situation where the telephone 24 uses the telephone line 21 has not occurred, Latching relay 23
To the open end side (upper side in the drawing), and the telephone set 24 is disconnected from the telephone line 21 (step S20).
The data transmission / reception unit 22 is controlled to make a notification (voltage drop detection notification) to the center device side via the telephone line 21 (step S21), and when the notification by the data transmission / reception unit 22 is completed, the latching relay 23 is set to the telephone side ( Then, the telephone 24 is returned to the connected state (connectable state) with respect to the telephone line 21 (step S22), the process proceeds to step S2, and the same process is repeated.

When the notification count data N is not "0" in the determination in step S6 (step S6;
No), that is, when the voltage drop detection notification has already been completed, the content to be notified by the controller 25 is the battery 2
It is determined whether or not only the voltage drop detection of 6 is performed (step S1).
0).

If it is determined in step S10 that the controller 25 has only to notify the voltage drop of the battery 26 (step S10; Yes), the notification of the voltage drop detection has already been completed, and therefore the process proceeds to step S2. Then, the same processing is repeated.

In the determination of step S10, if the content to be reported by the controller 25 includes something other than the detection of the voltage drop of the battery 26 (regular notification or abnormality notification) (step S10; No), after the voltage drop is detected. It is determined whether or not the number of notifications (corresponding to the notification count data N) exceeds the number of guarantee reports (corresponding to the guarantee count data NMAX) (step S11).

In this case, the guarantee report frequency data N
The MAX obtains the number of notifications after the detection of the voltage drop and the tendency of the further voltage drop by an experiment, and if it is within the number of notifications corresponding to the warranty notification number data NMAX, the latching relay 23
Is set to the number of notifications that can guarantee that the switch can be reliably switched.

In the determination of step S11, if the number of notifications after the voltage drop is detected exceeds the guaranteed number of notifications (step S11; Yes), the latching relay 23 is switched to the open end side, and the telephone side is restored. Since it cannot be guaranteed, the controller 25 is in the report prohibition state, and thereafter, until the battery voltage is restored, that is, the battery 2
The data transmission / reception unit 22 does not make a notification until 6 is exchanged (step S15).

If it is determined in step S11 that the number of notifications after the detection of the voltage drop does not exceed the number of guaranteed notifications (step S11; No), the current time and date is acquired by the internal timer of the controller 25 (step S12). The elapsed time is calculated by comparing with the date and time when the voltage drop stored in step S7 is first detected, and it is determined whether the calculated elapsed time exceeds the operation guarantee period (step S).
13).

In this case, the operation guarantee period can ensure that the latching relay 23 can be switched surely in consideration of the fact that the battery voltage drops without notification due to spontaneous discharge of the battery 26 or the like. The period is set. If it is determined in step S13 that the elapsed time after the voltage drop is detected exceeds the operation guarantee period (step S13; Yes), it is guaranteed that the latching relay 23 is switched to the open end side to be returned to the telephone side. Therefore, the controller 25 is in the report prohibited state, and thereafter, until the battery voltage is restored, that is, the battery 2
The data transmission / reception unit 22 does not make a notification until 6 is exchanged (step S15).

When it is determined in step S13 that the elapsed time after the detection of the voltage drop does not exceed the operation guarantee period (step S13; No), first, the controller 25
Counts up the notification count data N to set N = N + 1 (step S14).

Further, the controller 25 confirms that the telephone 24 does not use the telephone line 21, and then opens the latching relay 23 (in the drawing,
(Upper side), the telephone set 24 is disconnected from the telephone line 21 (step S20), the data transmission / reception unit 22 is controlled, and a report (regular report or abnormal report) is sent to the center device side via the telephone line 21. Perform (Step S2
1) When the notification by the data transmission / reception unit 22 is completed, the latching relay 23 is switched to the telephone side (lower side in the drawing), and the telephone 24 is returned to the connected state (connectable state) to the telephone line 21 (step S22). ), The process proceeds to step S2 and the same process is repeated.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the voltage of the battery 26 that supplies the power for driving the latching relay 23 and the data transmission / reception unit 22 becomes lower than the predetermined switching inhibition voltage. After the number of guarantee notifications has been exceeded after the detection of this, or after the operation guarantee period has been exceeded, the switching of the latching relay 23 and the notification by the data transmission / reception unit 22 are not performed, so that the telephone 24 is always connected to the telephone line 21. Since it is in the connected state (connectable state),
A state in which the telephone 24 can be used can be ensured, a situation in which the user cannot use the telephone 24 due to an unknown cause can be avoided, and the user is not confused. Second Embodiment FIG. 4 shows a schematic block diagram of a terminal network control device 20 ′ according to the second embodiment.

In the first embodiment described above, the data transmission / reception unit 22 was always in the connected state (connectable state) to the telephone line 21, but in the second embodiment, the data transmission / reception unit 2 is used.
2 is an embodiment in which 2 is connected to the open end of the latching relay 23 of the first embodiment and the data transmitting / receiving unit 22 and the telephone 24 are exclusively connected to the telephone line 21.

The operation of the second embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, but only the main different points will be described.
This will be described with reference to the operation processing flowchart of FIG. In the determination of step S11, if the number of notifications after the voltage drop is detected exceeds the number of guaranteed notifications (step S1
1; Yes), if the latching relay 23 is switched to the data transmission / reception unit 22 side, it cannot be guaranteed that the data will be returned to the telephone side. Therefore, the controller 25 thereafter continues until the battery voltage is restored, that is, until the battery 26 is replaced. The latching relay 23 is kept connected to the telephone 24 side, and the data transmission / reception unit 22 does not notify (corresponding to step S15).

In the determination of step S11, if the number of reports after the voltage drop is detected does not exceed the number of guarantee reports (step S11; No), the current date and time is acquired by the internal timer of the controller 25 (step S12). The elapsed time is calculated by comparing with the date and time when the voltage drop stored in step S7 is first detected, and it is determined whether the calculated elapsed time exceeds the operation guarantee period (step S).
13).

In the determination of step S13, when the elapsed time after the detection of the voltage drop exceeds the operation guarantee period (step S13; Yes), the latching relay 23
Is switched to the data transmission / reception unit 22 side, it cannot be guaranteed that the telephone 24 is restored.
After that, until the battery voltage is restored, that is, the battery 2
Until the 6 is replaced, the latching relay 23 is kept connected to the telephone 24 side, and the data transmitting / receiving unit 22 does not notify (step S15).

In the normal state, the controller 25 confirms that the telephone 24 does not use the telephone line 21, and then the latching relay 23.
To the data transmission / reception unit 22 side (upper side in the drawing), the telephone set 24 is disconnected from the telephone line 21 (step S20), the data transmission / reception unit 22 is controlled, and the center device side is connected via the telephone line 21. To the user (regular notification, abnormality notification, or voltage drop detection notification) (step S2)
1) When the notification by the data transmitting / receiving unit 22 is completed, the latching relay 23 is switched to the telephone 24 side (the lower side in the drawing), and the telephone 24 is returned to the connected state (connectable state) to the telephone line 21 (step). S22), the process proceeds to step S2 and the same process is repeated.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the voltage of the battery 26 that supplies the power for driving the latching relay 23 and the data transmission / reception unit 22 is lower than the predetermined switching inhibition voltage. After the number of times of notification of guarantee is exceeded after detecting that, or after the operation guarantee period is exceeded, the latching relay 23 is fixed to the telephone 24 side, and the data transmission / reception unit 22 does not make a notification. The state in which the telephone 24 can be used can be ensured, and the state in which the telephone 24 cannot be used due to unknown reasons for the user can be avoided, and the user is not confused. Third Embodiment In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the voltage of the battery 26 that supplies the power for driving the latching relay 23 and the data transmission / reception unit 22 is lower than a predetermined switching inhibition voltage. After the number of warranty reports has been exceeded after the detection of, or after the operation guarantee period has been exceeded,
Although the latching relay 23 is fixed on the telephone 24 side and the data transmission / reception unit 22 has not made a report, the third embodiment of the present invention does not perform the report after the number of warranty reports is exceeded or the operation guarantee period is exceeded. Even after doing
This is an embodiment in which a notification is made by the data transmitting / receiving unit 22.

The terminal network control apparatus according to the third embodiment is
Since it is the same as the first embodiment of FIG. 2, reference is made to FIG.
A detailed description thereof will be omitted. Next, the main operation of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the operation processing flowchart of FIG.

The operation process flowchart of FIG. 5 differs from the operation process flowchart of the first embodiment of FIG. 3 in that a notification process (step S30) is provided instead of the notification prohibition process of step S15. . According to this, since the processes of steps S1 to S10 are the same, only the processes of step S11 and subsequent steps will be described.

In the determination of step S11, if the number of notifications after the voltage drop is detected exceeds the number of guarantee notifications (step S11; Yes), the latching relay 23 is switched to the data transmission / reception section 22 side, and the telephone 24 side. Since it cannot be guaranteed that the latching relay 23 will be returned to the telephone 24 (however, the communication by the data transmitter / receiver 22 is possible), the controller 25 thereafter sets the latching relay 23 to the telephone 24 side until the battery voltage is restored, that is, the battery 26 is replaced. The connection is maintained and the data transmission / reception unit 22 makes a notification (step S30), and the process ends.

In the determination of step S11, if the number of reports after the voltage drop is detected does not exceed the number of guarantee reports (step S11; No), the current date and time is acquired by the internal timer of the controller 25 (step S12). The elapsed time is calculated by comparing with the date and time when the voltage drop stored in step S7 is first detected, and it is determined whether the calculated elapsed time exceeds the operation guarantee period (step S).
13).

If it is determined in step S13 that the elapsed time after the detection of the voltage drop exceeds the operation guarantee period (step S13; Yes), the latching relay 23 is switched to the data transmitting / receiving section 22 side, and the telephone 24 side. Since it cannot be guaranteed that the
After that, until the battery voltage is restored, that is, the battery 2
Until the 6 is replaced, the latching relay 23 is kept connected to the telephone 24 side, and the data transmitting / receiving unit 22
To notify (step S30), and the process ends.

In the normal state, the controller 25 confirms that the telephone 24 does not use the telephone line 21, and then the latching relay 23.
To the data transmission / reception unit 22 side (upper side in the drawing), the telephone set 24 is disconnected from the telephone line 21 (step S20), the data transmission / reception unit 22 is controlled, and the center device side is connected via the telephone line 21. To the user (regular notification, abnormality notification, or voltage drop detection notification) (step S2)
1) When the notification by the data transmitting / receiving unit 22 is completed, the latching relay 23 is switched to the telephone 24 side (the lower side in the drawing), and the telephone 24 is returned to the connected state (connectable state) to the telephone line 21 (step). S22), the process proceeds to step S2 and the same process is repeated.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the voltage of the battery 26 that supplies the power for driving the latching relay 23 and the data transmitting / receiving section 22 is lower than the predetermined switching inhibition voltage. After the number of guarantee notifications has been exceeded after detecting that, or after the operation guarantee period has been exceeded, the latching relay 23 is fixed to the telephone 24 side, and the data transmission / reception unit 22 makes a notification. Therefore, the management center side can receive the notification and continue the work, and can ensure the state in which the telephone 24 can be used, and avoid the state in which the telephone 24 cannot be used due to unknown reasons for the user side. No confusion for users. Fourth Embodiment In the third embodiment described above, it is guaranteed after detecting that the voltage of the battery 26 that supplies the power for driving the latching relay 23 and the data transmitting / receiving unit 22 is lower than a predetermined switching inhibition voltage. Latching relay 2 after the number of notifications is exceeded or the operation guarantee period is exceeded.
3 is fixed on the telephone 24 side, and the data transmission / reception unit 22 makes a notification.
Normal detection processing (steps S20 to S22) is performed until the number of times of notification of guarantee is exceeded after detecting that the voltage of the battery 26 is lower than a predetermined switching inhibition voltage or until the operation guarantee period is exceeded. Was there.

However, according to the third embodiment, from when it is detected that the voltage of the battery 26 is lower than the predetermined switching prohibition voltage, until the number of times of guarantee notification is exceeded, or the operation guarantee period is exceeded. Since a large amount of power is required for one notification process up to the above, it was necessary to set the number of guarantee notifications low or set the operation guarantee period short.

Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, after detecting that the voltage of the battery 26 is lower than the predetermined switching prohibition voltage, the number of times of notification of guarantee is exceeded or the period of operation guarantee is exceeded. Latching relay 23
Is fixed to the telephone 24 side, the guaranteed number of times is set higher than in the case of the third embodiment, and the operation guaranteed period can be set longer.

FIG. 6 shows an operation processing flowchart of the fourth embodiment. In the operation processing flowchart of FIG.
The difference from the operation processing flowchart of the third embodiment of FIG. 5 is that the notification processing (step S9) and the processing step S1.
The point is that instead of the notification process (step S5) performed after step 4, a process (step S31 or step S32) for making a notification is performed.

The terminal network control device according to the fourth embodiment also
Since it is the same as the first embodiment of FIG. 2, reference is made to FIG.
A detailed description thereof will be omitted. Next, the main operation of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the operation processing flowchart of FIG.

According to this, steps S1 to S
Since the processing of 8 is the same, the processing after step S8 will be mainly described. The controller 25 uses the battery 2
When the voltage drop of No. 6 is detected and the notification frequency count data N = 0 (step S6; Yes), the current date and time is stored (step S7) and the notification frequency count data N is incremented, N = 1 is set (step S8).

Further, the controller 25 performs a notification process for notifying the detection of the decrease in the battery voltage (step S31).
When the process shifts to, the latching relay 23 is kept connected to the telephone 24 side, the data transmission / reception unit 22 makes a notification (step S31), and the process shifts to step S2.

When the notification count data N is not "0" in the determination in step S6 (step S6;
No), that is, when the voltage drop detection notification has already been completed, the content to be notified by the controller 25 is the battery 2
It is determined whether or not only the voltage drop detection of 6 is performed (step S1).
0).

When it is determined in step S10 that the controller 25 only needs to report the voltage drop detection of the battery 26 (step S10; Yes), the voltage drop detection notification has already been completed, and therefore the process proceeds to step S2. Then, the same processing is repeated.

In the determination of step S10, if the contents to be reported by the controller 25 include any other than the detection of the voltage drop of the battery 26 (regular report or abnormality report), the number of reports after the voltage drop is detected (the number of notification counts). Equivalent to data N is the number of guarantee reports (guarantee report number data NMA
(Corresponding to X) is determined (step S)
11).

In the determination in step S11, if the number of notifications after the voltage drop is detected exceeds the number of guaranteed notifications (step S11; Yes), the controller 25 continues until the battery voltage recovers, that is, the battery. The latching relay 23 is kept connected to the telephone 24 side until 26 is replaced, and the data transmission / reception unit 22 makes a notification (step S30), and the process is performed at step S2.
Move to

In the determination of step S11, if the number of reports after the voltage drop is detected does not exceed the number of guarantee reports (step S11; No), the current date and time is acquired by the internal timer of the controller 25 (step S12). The elapsed time is calculated by comparing with the date and time when the voltage drop stored in step S7 is first detected, and it is determined whether the calculated elapsed time exceeds the operation guarantee period (step S).
13).

If it is determined in step S13 that the elapsed time after the detection of the voltage drop exceeds the operation guarantee period (step S13; Yes), the controller 25 thereafter determines until the battery voltage is recovered, that is, the battery The latching relay 23 is kept connected to the telephone 24 side until 26 is replaced, and the data transmission / reception unit 22 makes a notification (step S30), and the process is performed at step S2.
Move to

If it is determined in step S13 that the elapsed time after the detection of the voltage drop does not exceed the operation guarantee period (step S13; No), first the controller 25
Counts up the notification count data N to set N = N + 1 (step S14).

Then, the controller 25 keeps the latching relay 23 connected to the telephone 24 side until the battery voltage is recovered, that is, until the battery 26 is replaced, and the data transmitter / receiver 22 makes a notification (step). S32), the process proceeds to step S2.

In the normal state, the controller 25 confirms and confirms that the telephone 24 does not use the telephone line 21, and then the latching relay 23 is connected to the data transmitter / receiver 22 side (upper side in the drawing). ), The telephone 24 is disconnected from the telephone line 21 (step S20), the data transmitter / receiver 22 is controlled,
Report to the center device side via telephone line 21 (regular report,
When the data transmission / reception unit 22 completes the notification (step S21), the latching relay 23 is switched to the telephone 24 side (the lower side in the drawing), and the telephone 24 is connected to the telephone line 21. It returns to the connected state (connectable state) (step S22), shifts the processing to step S2, and repeats similar processing. As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, it is detected that the voltage of the battery 26 that supplies the power for driving the latching relay 23 and the data transmission / reception unit 22 is lower than the predetermined switching inhibition voltage. After doing, latching relay 23
Is fixed to the telephone 24 side, and the data transmission / reception unit 22 makes a notification, so that the management center side can receive the notification and continue the work, and ensure that the telephone 24 can be used. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where the user cannot use the telephone 24 due to an unknown cause, and the user is not confused.

Further, the voltage of the battery 26 is a predetermined switching prohibition voltage.
Exceeded the number of warranty reports after detecting that the pressure was lower than
Until the time is exceeded or the operation guarantee period is exceeded.
Also, the latching relay 23 is fixed to the telephone 24 side
Therefore, it is more guaranteed than the case of the third embodiment.
The number of times can be set high and the operation guarantee period can be set long. Fifth embodiment In each of the above embodiments, after the notification of the voltage drop detection
The frequency of battery replacement is low until the battery
It was not set too long from the viewpoint of reduction.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, after the battery voltage drop is detected, the battery exhaustion (voltage drop) state is detected according to the number of times of notification or the elapsed time. Therefore, it does not always coincide with the actual battery exhaustion state. Without doing so, there is a possibility that the operation cannot be performed even within the operation guarantee period.

Therefore, the battery may be consumed before the worker replaces the battery. In view of this, the fifth embodiment is an embodiment for ensuring the time from the detection of the voltage drop to the battery replacement and for more reliably monitoring and controlling the exhaustion state of the battery.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, when the battery voltage falls below the first detection voltage, a battery voltage drop notification is issued, and the battery voltage falls below the first detection voltage and below the second detection voltage. If it is higher, the normal notification process is performed, and if the battery voltage is equal to or lower than the second detection voltage, the notification is performed without switching the latching relay, that is, in the connected state to the telephone side.

Next, the operation of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the operation processing flowchart of FIG. In this case, the configuration of the terminal network control device is the same as that of the first embodiment in FIG. 2, so FIG. 2 is referred to and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

First, the controller 25 sets the first detection voltage flag N1 = 0 and the second detection voltage flag N2 = 0 as initial settings (step S41). Next, the controller 25 determines whether or not it is time to perform regular notification based on its own internal timer (step S4).
2).

In the determination of step S42, if it is time to make a periodical notification (step S4)
2; Yes), and moves the process to step S44. In the determination of step S42, if it is not the time to make the periodical notification (step S42; No), it is determined whether or not an abnormality such as a gas leak is detected in the meter 28 to be monitored (step S43). .

When it is determined in step S43 that no abnormality has occurred (step S43; No), the process returns to step S42 and the same process is repeated. Further, in the determination of step S43, if an abnormality has occurred, in order to notify that fact, first, based on the voltage detection signal SBAT, it is determined whether the voltage of the battery 26 is equal to or lower than the predetermined first detection voltage. It is determined (step S
44).

In this case, the first detection voltage is set to a voltage in consideration of the margin until battery replacement. If it is determined in step S44 that the voltage of the battery 26 is higher than the first detection voltage (step S44; No), the controller 25 causes the telephone 24 to call the telephone based on the detection signal SOFF from the off-hook / call detection unit 30. It is determined whether or not there is a situation in which the line 21 is used, and the telephone 2
When the situation in which the telephone number 4 uses the telephone line 21 occurs, it waits until the use ends.

On the other hand, when the telephone 24 does not use the telephone line 21, the controller 25 opens the latching relay 23 on the open end side (upper side in the drawing).
Then, the telephone set 24 is disconnected from the telephone line 21 (step S45). And the controller 25
Controls the data transmitter / receiver 22 to notify the center device side via the telephone line 21 (regular notification or abnormality notification).
Is performed (step S46).

The controller 25 includes the data transmitter / receiver 22.
When the notification by is finished, the latching relay 23 is switched to the telephone side (the lower side in the drawing), the telephone 24 is returned to the connected state (connectable state) to the telephone line 21 (step S47), and the process proceeds to step S42. The procedure is repeated and the same processing is repeated.

In the determination of step S44, the battery 26
When the voltage of the first detection voltage is lower than the first detection voltage (step S44; Yes), the controller 25 determines whether or not the first detection voltage flag N1 = 0 (step S44).
48). Here, the determination as to whether or not the first detection voltage flag N1 = 0 is made to determine whether or not it has been detected for the first time that the voltage of the battery 26 has dropped below the first detection voltage. This is because, when it is detected that the voltage of the battery 26 is lower than the first detection voltage for the first time, it is necessary to notify the management center side of that fact.

Therefore, when the voltage of the battery 26 is lower than the first detection voltage and the first detection voltage flag N1 = 0 (step S48; Ye)
s), the first detection voltage flag N1 is set and N1 = 1 is set (step S49).

Further, the controller 25 informs that the voltage of the battery 26 has become the first detection voltage or less, and therefore confirms that the telephone 24 does not use the telephone line 21, and then latches. Switch the relay 23 to the open end side (upper side in the drawing), and set the telephone 24 to the telephone line 2.
1 is disconnected (step S45), the data transmitter / receiver 22 is controlled, and a notification (voltage drop detection notification) is sent to the center device side via the telephone line 21 (step S45).
46), when the notification by the data transmitter / receiver 22 is completed,
The latching relay 23 is switched to the telephone side (lower side in the drawing), the telephone 24 is returned to the connected state (connectable state) with respect to the telephone line 21 (step S47), the process proceeds to step S42 and the same process is performed. repeat.

When it is determined in step S48 that the first detection voltage flag N1 is not "0" (step S4)
8; No), that is, in the case where the notification about the decrease in the battery voltage to the first detection voltage or lower has already been completed, the controller 25 determines that the voltage of the battery 26 is the predetermined voltage based on the voltage detection signal SBAT. It is determined whether or not the voltage is equal to or lower than the second detection voltage (step S50).

In this case, the second detection voltage is set to the lowest voltage at which the latching relay 23 can be switched. In the determination of step S50, when the voltage of the battery 26 is higher than the second detection voltage (step S50; N
o), the controller 25 uses the off-hook / call detection unit 3
Based on the detection signal SOFF from 0, it is determined whether or not the situation where the telephone 24 uses the telephone line 21 occurs,
If a situation occurs in which the telephone set 24 uses the telephone line 21, it waits until the use ends.

On the other hand, when the telephone 24 does not use the telephone line 21, the controller 25 opens the latching relay 23 on the open end side (upper side in the drawing).
Then, the telephone set 24 is disconnected from the telephone line 21 (step S45). And the controller 25
Controls the data transmitter / receiver 22 to notify the center device side via the telephone line 21 (regular notification or abnormality notification).
Is performed (step S46).

The controller 25 uses the data transmission / reception section 22.
When the notification by is finished, the latching relay 23 is switched to the telephone side (the lower side in the drawing), the telephone 24 is returned to the connected state (connectable state) to the telephone line 21 (step S47), and the process proceeds to step S42. The procedure is repeated and the same processing is repeated.

In the determination of step S50, the battery 26
If the voltage of the second detection voltage is lower than the second detection voltage (step S50; Yes), the controller 25 determines whether or not the second detection voltage flag N2 = 0 (step S50).
51). Here, the determination as to whether or not the second detection voltage flag N2 = 0 is made to determine whether or not it has been detected for the first time that the voltage of the battery 26 has dropped below the second detection voltage. This is because it is necessary to notify the management center of the fact that the voltage of the battery 26 is lower than the second detection voltage for the first time.

Therefore, when the voltage of the battery 26 is lower than the second detection voltage and the second detection voltage flag N2 is 0 (step S51; Ye).
s), the second detection voltage flag N2 is set, and N2 = 1 is set (step S52).

Then, the controller 25 turns off-hook /
Based on the detection signal SOFF from the call detection unit 30, it is determined whether or not the telephone 24 uses the telephone line 21, and when the telephone 24 uses the telephone line 21, Waits until it is finished using.

On the other hand, when the telephone 24 does not use the telephone line 21, the controller 25 controls the data transmitter / receiver 22 while keeping the latching relay 23 fixed on the telephone 24 side. Report to the center device side via line 21 (regular report or abnormal report)
Is performed (step S53), the process proceeds to step S42, and the same process is repeated.

When it is determined in step S51 that the second detection voltage flag N2 is not "0" (step S5)
1; No), that is, when the notification that the voltage of the battery has dropped to the second detection voltage or less has already been completed, the controller 25 detects that the content to be reported by the controller 25 is the voltage drop detection of the battery 26. It is determined whether or not it is only (step S54).

In the determination of step S54, if the content to be notified by the controller 25 is only the detection of the voltage drop of the battery 26 (step S54; Yes), the notification of the voltage drop detection has already been completed, and therefore the processing is performed in step S42.
Then, the same processing is repeated.

In the determination in step S54, if the contents to be reported by the controller 25 include any other than the detection of the voltage drop of the battery 26 (regular notification or abnormality notification), the detection signal SOFF from the off-hook / call detection unit 30 is detected.
The telephone 24 determines whether or not a situation in which the telephone 24 uses the telephone line 21 has occurred.
If the situation of using 1 occurs, it waits until the use ends.

On the other hand, when the telephone 24 does not use the telephone line 21, the controller 25 controls the data transmitter / receiver 22 while fixing the latching relay 23 on the telephone 24 side to make a telephone call. Report to the center device side via line 21 (regular report or abnormal report)
Is performed (step S53), the process proceeds to step S42, and the same process is repeated.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, when the voltage of the battery 26 which supplies the power for driving the latching relay 23 and the data transmitting / receiving unit 22 becomes lower than the first detection voltage. Is notified, and when the voltage of the battery 26 is lower than the second detection voltage, the latching relay 23 is fixed to the telephone 24 side, so the battery replacement time is notified early. In addition, it is possible to reliably grasp the battery consumption and reduce the battery consumption.

Further, since the telephone set 24 is always connected to the telephone line 21 (connectable state), the state in which the telephone set 24 can be used can be secured, and the user side cannot use the telephone set 24 for unknown reasons. Can be avoided and the user is not confused.

[0104]

According to the first aspect of the invention, the voltage detecting means detects the voltage of the battery, which is the drive power source for switching the relay, and outputs a voltage detection signal to the switching prohibiting means, and the switching prohibiting means comprises: Switching for disconnecting the telephone from the public communication line regardless of whether there is a notification from the communication means when the voltage of the battery falls below a preset switching prohibition voltage based on the voltage detection signal The switching of the relay by the control means is prohibited, and the switching control means keeps the external telephone connected to the public communication line regardless of whether the communication means reports, so the telephone is always connected to the public communication line. Since it is in the (connectable state), it is possible to ensure that the phone can be used, avoid the situation where the user cannot use the phone for unknown reasons, and cause confusion for the user. It is not possible to.

According to the second aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the invention, the counting means reports after the timing when the voltage of the battery becomes equal to or lower than the switching inhibition voltage based on the voltage detection signal. The count-based notification prohibiting means prohibits the communication by the communication means when the number of notifications by the counting means exceeds a predetermined reference count number set in advance. It does not remain unconnected to the communication line.

According to the invention of claim 3, in addition to the operation of the invention of claim 1 or claim 2, the elapsed time measuring means determines that the voltage of the battery is equal to or lower than the switching inhibition voltage based on the voltage detection signal. The elapsed time from the timing of becoming, and the elapsed time reference notification prohibiting means prohibits the notification by the communication means when the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measuring means exceeds the preset predetermined reference elapsed time. So
The relay does not leave the phone disconnected from the public line.

According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 1, the communication means is in a state in which it can be always connected to the public communication line, and the voltage of the battery is equal to or lower than the switching inhibition voltage. After the timing, the notification is made while maintaining the connection state of the telephone to the public communication line, so that the battery consumption due to the switching of the relay can be eliminated and the notification can be continued.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the voltage detecting means detects the voltage of the battery, which is the driving power source for switching the relay, and outputs the voltage detection signal to the communication means and the switching prohibiting means. As a result, when the voltage becomes equal to or lower than the first reference voltage based on the voltage detection signal, the communication means issues a notification for notifying the external device to that effect, further lowering the battery voltage, and When the voltage becomes equal to or lower than the second reference voltage, the switching prohibition means switches the relay by the switching control means for disconnecting the telephone from the public communication line regardless of the presence or absence of the notification by the communication means. The switching control means keeps the external telephone connected to the public communication line regardless of the presence or absence of the notification of the communication means, and the communication means keeps the battery voltage below the second reference voltage. After the timing, since the notification is made while maintaining the connection state of the telephone to the public communication line, the notification of the voltage drop can be made early and the time until the battery replacement can be secured. Because both perform notification while maintaining the connected state to the public communication line to a telephone set, along with eliminating battery drain associated with the switching of the relay, it is possible to continue monitoring.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the voltage detecting step detects the voltage of the battery which is the driving power source for switching the relay, and the switching prohibiting step presets the voltage of the battery based on the detected voltage. When the voltage falls below the specified switching prohibition voltage, the relay switching is prohibited in the switching control process for disconnecting the telephone from the public communication line regardless of the presence or absence of the notification in the communication process, and the switching control is performed. The process keeps an external telephone connected to the public communication line regardless of whether there is a notification in the communication process, so the telephone is always connected to the public communication line (connectable state), so use the telephone It is possible to secure a state in which the telephone can be used, avoid a situation in which the telephone cannot be used due to an unknown cause for the user side, and prevent the user from being confused.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a basic configuration diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration block diagram of a terminal network control device of the first embodiment, the third embodiment to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an operation processing flowchart of the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration block diagram of a terminal network control device of a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an operation processing flowchart of the third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an operation processing flowchart of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an operation explanatory diagram of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an operation processing flowchart of the fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 public communication line 2 communication means 3 relay 4 telephone 5 switching control means 6 battery 7 voltage detection means 8 switching prohibition means 10 terminal network control device SBAT voltage detection signal

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A communication means for notifying an external device via a public communication line, a relay capable of holding a switching state without a power source, and controlling the relay based on the presence or absence of the notification to perform the public communication. In a terminal network control device having switching control means for switching connection / disconnection of an external telephone with respect to a line, a voltage for detecting a voltage of a battery which is a driving power source for switching the relay and outputting a voltage detection signal. Detecting means and, when the voltage of the battery becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined switching prohibition voltage set in advance based on the voltage detection signal, regardless of whether or not there is the notification by the communication means, 2. A terminal network control device, comprising: a switching prohibition unit that prohibits switching of the relay by the switching control unit for bringing a telephone into a disconnected state. 2. The terminal network control device according to claim 1, further comprising: counting means for counting the number of times of the notification after the timing when the voltage of the battery becomes equal to or lower than the switching prohibition voltage based on the voltage detection signal. A terminal number reference notification prohibiting means for prohibiting notification by the communication means when the number of the notifications counted by the counting means exceeds a predetermined reference count number set in advance; Control device. 3. The terminal network control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an elapsed time for measuring an elapsed time from a timing when the voltage of the battery becomes equal to or lower than the switching prohibition voltage based on the voltage detection signal. A measuring means; and an elapsed time reference notification prohibiting means for prohibiting notification by the communication means when the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measuring means exceeds a predetermined reference elapsed time set in advance, Characteristic terminal network control device. 4. The terminal control device according to claim 1, wherein the communication means is in a state in which the communication means can be always connected to the public communication line, and the voltage of the battery becomes equal to or lower than the switching prohibition voltage. Thereafter, the terminal network control device is characterized in that the notification is made in a state where the connection state of the telephone to the public communication line is maintained. 5. A communication means for notifying an external device via a public communication line, a relay capable of holding a switching state without a power source, and controlling the relay based on the presence or absence of the notification to carry out the public communication. In a terminal network control device having switching control means for switching connection / disconnection of an external telephone with respect to a line, a voltage for detecting a voltage of a battery which is a driving power source for switching the relay and outputting a voltage detection signal. Detecting means, and, when the voltage of the battery becomes equal to or lower than a preset second reference voltage based on the voltage detection signal, regardless of the presence or absence of the notification by the communication means, Switching prohibition means for prohibiting switching of the relay by the switching control means for bringing the telephone into a non-connected state, the communication means based on the voltage detection signal. When the voltage becomes equal to or lower than a first reference voltage higher than the second reference voltage, the notification for notifying the external device to that effect is performed, and the voltage of the battery is changed to the second reference voltage. The terminal network control device is characterized in that after the timing when the voltage becomes lower than or equal to the reference voltage, the notification is performed in a state where the connection state of the telephone to the public communication line is maintained. 6. A communication step of making a notification to an external device via a public communication line, and switching between connection / non-connection of an external telephone with respect to the public communication line based on the presence or absence of the notification, with no power supply in a switched state. In a terminal network control method having a relay controllable by a relay, the voltage detection step of detecting a voltage of a battery, which is a drive power source for switching the relay, and a voltage detection step of the battery based on the detected voltage. In the switching control step for disconnecting the telephone from the public communication line regardless of the presence or absence of the notification in the communication step when the voltage becomes equal to or lower than a preset predetermined switching prohibition voltage. A switching inhibition step of inhibiting the switching of the relay, the terminal network control method.