JP2009156639A - Management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To immediately notify a user of lifetime estimation information of an electrical apparatus, until the operating time of the electrical apparatus reaches its lifetime-related time, and to notify the user of the operating time of the electrical apparatus has reached its lifetime-related time, when the time is reached. <P>SOLUTION: If a request confirmation button of a display 117 is depressed, an in-home server 116 calculates the residual lifetime for each DC apparatus 102, and transmits operating time, lifetime expiration time, the residual lifetime, and end-of-life phenomenon information which is the information representing end-of-life phenomena of the DC apparatus 102 to the display 117 for each DC apparatus 102. The display 117 acquires the operating time, lifetime expiration time, remaining time, and end-of-life phenomenon information with respect to each DC apparatus 102; displays on a display screen the operating time, lifetime expiration time, remaining time, and end-of-life phenomena with respect to each DC apparatus 102; and outputs them from a speaker in voice. Moreover, when it is determined in the in-hushold server 116 that at least either a first operating time or a second operating time has reached the lifetime related time, the display 117 notifies the determination result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a management system for managing the life of an electrical device.

As a conventional management system for managing the lifetime of electrical equipment, Patent Document 1 discloses a plurality of electrical equipment, a status display device that displays the usage status (equipment usage status) of each electrical equipment, and the equipment usage of each electrical equipment. A current usage detection adapter application system including a situation confirmation / control input device for making a situation confirmation request is disclosed. In the current usage detection adapter application system disclosed in Patent Document 1, a status confirmation / control input device transmits a device usage status confirmation request to display on the status display device that each electrical device has no abnormality. The total usage time of each electric device can be calculated, and the calculated total usage time can also be displayed on the status display device.
JP-A-9-145743 (paragraphs 0028 and 0049 and FIGS. 9 and 11)

  However, the current usage amount detection adapter application system disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that although the total usage time of an electrical device can be calculated, the user cannot be notified whether the electrical device is at the end of its life. It was. Therefore, if the user does not know the lifetime that is the limit value of the total allowable usage time of the electrical device in advance, the user determines whether the electrical device is at the lifetime based only on the total usage time of the electrical device. I couldn't.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and its purpose is to immediately inform the user of the life estimation information of the electric device until the usage time of the electric device reaches the life-related time. It is possible to provide a management system capable of notifying that when the usage time of an electric device reaches the life-related time.

  The invention of claim 1 is a management system for managing the lifetime of an electrical device, measuring the usage time of the electrical device, and using the measured usage time to estimate the lifetime of the electrical device. Measuring means for obtaining estimated information, storage means for storing a life related time related to the life of the electrical equipment, and the life related time stored in the storage means for the usage time measured by the measuring means When the confirmation request is input from the confirmation requesting means, the confirmation requesting means for inputting the confirmation request for the use state of the electrical equipment, and the confirmation requesting means Presenting the obtained life estimation information as a usage state of the electrical device, and when the determination unit determines that the usage time has reached the lifetime related time, the determination result of the determination unit Characterized in that it comprises a Shimesuru presentation unit.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the life-related time is a life time that is a limit value of a use time permitted in advance of the electric device, and a time shorter than the life time, And the presentation means presents the judgment result of the judgment means in a stepwise manner as the usage time approaches the life time. And

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, when the usage time has reached the lifetime, based on the presentation frequency for the determination result of the determination means when the usage time has reached the near-life time. The present invention is characterized in that the presentation frequency for the determination result of the determination means is high.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the life-related time includes a life time that is a limit value of a pre-allowed use time of the electric device, and the measuring means measures the use time. Using the start time and the life time of the electric device stored in the storage means, the life time of the electric device is measured as the life estimation information, and the presenting means receives the confirmation request from the confirmation request means. When inputted, the life time of the electric device measured by the measuring means is presented as the life estimation information.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the life-related time includes a life time that is a limit value of a pre-allowed use time of the electrical device, and the measuring means includes the use time. And the remaining time until the lifetime of the electrical device, which is a difference between the lifetime of the electrical device stored in the storage unit, is measured as the lifetime estimation information, and the presenting unit is configured to receive the confirmation from the confirmation request unit. When a request is input, the remaining time measured by the measuring unit is presented as the life estimation information.

  The invention of claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a phenomenon storage means for storing a phenomenon at the end of life of the electric device, wherein the presenting means receives the confirmation from the confirmation request means. When a request is input, a phenomenon at the end of life of the electrical device stored in the phenomenon storage means is presented as a usage state of the electrical device.

  The invention of claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the terminal device having the confirmation requesting means and the presenting means, the usage state of the electrical equipment, and the storage means and A server having a determination unit and communicating with the terminal device, wherein the terminal device accesses the server and obtains a usage state of the electrical device when the confirmation request is input from the confirmation request unit Then, when the obtained usage state of the electrical device is presented by the presenting means, and when the use time is determined to have reached the lifetime related time by the determining means, the determination result of the determining means is displayed by the presenting means. It is characterized by presenting.

  The invention of claim 8 is characterized in that, in the invention of any one of claims 1 to 7, it comprises a DC power supply means for supplying DC power to the electrical equipment.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the user inputs a confirmation request from the confirmation request unit, the life estimation information of the electric device is immediately given to the user until the usage time of the electric device reaches the life related time. When the usage time of the electric equipment reaches the life-related time, it can be notified.

  According to the invention of claim 2, since it is possible to distinguish between the fact that the electric device is before the end of life, the electric device is at the end of life, and the electric device is at the end of life, It is possible to inform the state of the device.

  According to the invention of claim 3, it is possible to inform the user that the electrical equipment has a life as information with a higher degree of urgency.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the user inputs a confirmation request from the confirmation request means, the user can easily know when the electrical device will reach the end of its life.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the user inputs a confirmation request from the confirmation requesting unit, the user can easily know how long the electric device will have a lifetime.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the user can be informed of the state of the electric device at the end of its life before the electric device reaches the end of its life. It can be judged immediately.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to notify the user of the usage state of the electric device from a terminal device such as a mobile phone or a personal computer.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is not necessary to convert AC power to DC power by supplying DC power to the electrical equipment, unlike the case where AC power is supplied. There is no loss.

  First, the structure of the power distribution system (management system) of embodiment which concerns on this invention is demonstrated using FIGS. The embodiments described below are described assuming a detached house as a building to which the present invention is applied, but this does not preclude the application of the technical idea of the present invention to an apartment house. As shown in FIG. 1, the house H is provided with a DC power supply unit 101 that outputs DC power and a DC device (electric device) 102 as a load driven by the DC power. DC power is supplied to the DC device 102 through a DC supply line Wdc connected to the output end of the DC device 102. A current flowing through the DC supply line Wdc is monitored between the DC power supply unit 101 and the DC device 102. When an abnormality is detected, power is supplied from the DC power supply unit 101 to the DC device 102 on the DC supply line Wdc. A DC breaker 114 is provided for restricting and blocking.

  The DC supply line Wdc is used as both a DC power supply path and a communication path, and is connected to the DC supply line Wdc by superimposing a communication signal for transmitting data on a DC voltage using a high-frequency carrier wave. Enables communication between devices. This technique is similar to a power line carrier technique in which a communication signal is superimposed on an AC voltage in a power line that supplies AC power.

  If the DC power feeding path and the communication path are combined as described above, it is not necessary to route the communication path separate from the power feeding path to the house H in order to perform communication between devices. Can be easily realized.

  The DC supply line Wdc is connected to the home server 116 via the DC power supply unit 101. The home server 116 is a main device that constructs a home communication network (hereinafter referred to as “home network”), and communicates with a subsystem or the like constructed by the DC device 102 in the home network.

  In the example shown in the drawing, as an subsystem, an illumination system comprising an information equipment system K101 comprising an information-system DC device 102 such as a personal computer, a wireless access point, a router, and an IP telephone, and an illumination system DC equipment 102 such as a lighting fixture. K102, K105, intercom system K103 consisting of DC device 102 for dealing with visitors and monitoring intruders (not shown, but not limited to the entrance, between intrusion monitoring crime prevention system for monitoring window opening / closing and window destruction) ), And a residential alarm system K104 including an alarm DC device 102 such as a fire detector. Each subsystem constitutes a self-supporting distributed system, and can operate even with the subsystem alone.

  The DC breaker 114 described above is provided in association with the subsystem. In the illustrated example, four DC are associated with the information device system K101, the lighting system K102 and the intercom system K103, the house alarm system K104, and the lighting system K105. A breaker 114 is provided. When a plurality of subsystems are associated with one DC breaker 114, a connection box 121 for dividing the system of the DC supply line Wdc is provided for each subsystem. In the illustrated example, a connection box 121 is provided between the illumination system K102 and the intercom system K103.

  As the information equipment system K101, there is provided an information equipment system K101 composed of a DC equipment 102 connected to a DC outlet 131 arranged in advance in the house H (constructed when the house H is constructed) in the form of a wall outlet or a floor outlet.

  The lighting systems K102 and K105 include a lighting system K102 composed of a lighting device (DC device 102) arranged in advance in the house H and a lighting device (DC device 102) connected to a hook ceiling 132 arranged in advance on the ceiling. An illumination system K105 is provided. At the time of interior construction of the house H, the contractor attaches the lighting fixture to the hook ceiling 132, or the householder himself attaches the lighting fixture.

  In addition to using an infrared remote control device, a control instruction for the lighting apparatus that is the DC device 102 constituting the lighting system K102 can be given using a communication signal from the switch 141 connected to the DC supply line Wdc. That is, the switch 141 has a communication function together with the DC device 102. In addition, a control instruction may be given by a communication signal from another DC device 102 in the home network or the home server 116 regardless of the operation of the switch 141. The instructions to the lighting fixture include lighting, extinguishing, dimming, and blinking lighting.

  Since any DC device 102 can be connected to the DC outlet 131 and the hooking ceiling 132 described above and DC power is output to the connected DC device 102, the DC outlet 131 and the hooking ceiling 132 are distinguished below. When it is not necessary, it is called “outlet part”.

  These outlets are plug-in connection ports into which contacts (plugs) (not shown) provided directly on the DC device 102 or contacts (plugs) (not shown) provided via connection wires are inserted. Has a structure in which the container body holds a contact receiver that directly opens contact with the contact element inserted into the connection port. That is, the outlet portion supplies power in a contact manner. When the DC device 102 connected to the outlet unit has a communication function, a communication signal can be transmitted through the DC supply line Wdc. A communication function is provided not only in the DC device 102 but also in the outlet portion. Note that the contact (plug) provided directly on the DC device 102 or the contact (plug) provided via the connection line is not only detachably connectable to the DC outlet 131 but also attached to the hooking ceiling 132. The thing which can be connected freely is also included.

  The home server 116 not only is connected to the home network, but also has a connection port connected to the wide area network NT that constructs the Internet. When the in-home server 116 is connected to the wide area network NT, it is possible to receive services from the center server 200 that is a computer server connected to the wide area network NT.

  The service provided by the center server 200 includes a service that enables monitoring and control of equipment (including mainly the DC equipment 102 but also other equipment having a communication function) connected to the home network through the wide area network NT. is there. This service makes it possible to monitor and control devices connected to the home network using a communication terminal having a browser function such as a personal computer 202, an Internet TV, and a mobile phone (mobile phone) 201.

  The in-home server 116 has both functions of communication with the center server 200 connected to the wide area network NT and communication with equipment connected to the home network, and identification information on equipment in the home network ( Here, it is assumed that an IP address is used).

  The in-home server 116 uses a communication function with the center server 200 to monitor and control devices in the home through the center server 200 from a communication terminal (for example, a mobile phone 201 or a personal computer 202) connected to the wide area network NT. enable. The center server 200 mediates between home devices and communication terminals on the wide area network NT.

  When monitoring and controlling home devices from a communication terminal, monitoring and control requests are stored in the center server 200, and the home devices are configured to support periodic polling monitoring. Receive monitoring and control requests. With this operation, it is possible to monitor and control devices in the house from the communication terminal.

  Further, when an event that should be notified to the communication terminal, such as a fire detection, occurs in the home device, the home device notifies the center server 200, and the center server 200 notifies the communication terminal by e-mail.

  An important function among the communication functions with the home network in the home server 116 is the detection and management of devices constituting the home network. The home server 116 automatically detects devices connected to the home network by applying UPnP (Universal Plug and Play). The home server 116 includes a display device 117 having a browser function, and displays a list of detected devices on the display device 117. The display device 117 has a configuration in which a touch panel type or an operation unit is attached, and an operation of selecting desired contents from options displayed on the screen of the display device 117 is possible. Therefore, the user (contractor or householder) of the home server 116 can monitor and control the device on the screen of the display device 117. The display device 117 may be provided separately from the home server 116. The confirmation request for the usage time of the DC device 102 using the display device 117 will be described later.

  The in-home server 116 manages information related to device connection, and grasps the type, function, and address of the device connected to the home network. Accordingly, the devices in the home network can be operated in conjunction with each other. Information on the connection of the device is automatically detected as described above. In order to operate the device in an interlocking manner, the device itself is automatically associated with the attribute held by the device itself, and the home server 116 is configured as a personal computer. It is also possible to connect various information terminals and use the browser function of the information terminals to associate devices.

  Each device holds the relationship of the interlocking operation of the devices. Therefore, the device can operate in an interlocked manner without passing through the home server 116. By associating the linked operations for each device, for example, by operating a switch that is a device, it is possible to turn on or off the lighting fixture that is the device. In many cases, the association of the interlocking operations is performed within the subsystem, but the association beyond the subsystem is also possible.

  By the way, the DC power supply unit 101 basically generates DC power by power conversion of an AC power supply AC supplied from outside the house like a commercial power supply. In the configuration shown in the figure, the AC power source AC is input to an AC / DC converter 112 including a switching power source through a main circuit breaker 111 attached to the distribution board 110 as an internal unit. The DC power output from the AC / DC converter 112 is connected to each DC breaker 114 through the cooperative control unit 113.

  The DC power supply unit 101 is provided with a secondary battery 162 in preparation for a period during which no power is supplied from the AC power supply AC (for example, a power failure period of the commercial power supply AC). It is also possible to use a solar cell 161 or a fuel cell 163 that generates DC power. The solar battery 161, the secondary battery 162, and the fuel battery 163 are distributed power supplies with respect to the main power supply including the AC / DC converter 112 that generates DC power from the AC power supply AC. In the illustrated example, the solar cell 161, the secondary battery 162, and the fuel cell 163 include a circuit unit that controls the output voltage, and the secondary battery 162 includes a circuit unit that controls charging as well as discharging.

  Of the distributed power sources, the solar cell 161 and the fuel cell 163 are not necessarily provided, but the secondary battery 162 is preferably provided. The secondary battery 162 is charged in a timely manner by a main power source or other distributed power source, and the secondary battery 162 is discharged not only in a period in which power is not supplied from the AC power source AC but also in a timely manner as necessary. The cooperation control unit 113 performs charge / discharge of the secondary battery 162 and cooperation between the main power source and the distributed power source. That is, the cooperative control unit 113 functions as a DC power control unit that controls the distribution of power from the main power source and the distributed power source constituting the DC power supply unit 101 to the DC device 102. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which the outputs of the solar cell 161, the secondary battery 162, and the fuel cell 163 are converted into AC power and used as input power of the AC / DC converter 112.

  Since the driving voltage of the DC device 102 is selected from a plurality of types of voltages depending on the device, a DC / DC converter is provided in the cooperative control unit 113 to convert the DC voltage obtained from the main power source and the distributed power source into the necessary voltage. Is desirable. Normally, one type of voltage is supplied to one subsystem (or DC device 102 connected to one DC breaker 114), but three or more wires are used for one subsystem. A plurality of types of voltages may be supplied. Alternatively, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the DC supply line Wdc is of a two-wire type and the voltage applied between the lines is changed with time. The DC / DC converter may be provided in a plurality of dispersed manners like the DC breaker.

  In the above configuration example, only one AC / DC converter 112 is illustrated, but a plurality of AC / DC converters 112 can be arranged in parallel, and when a plurality of AC / DC converters 112 are provided. It is desirable to increase or decrease the number of AC / DC converters 112 that are operated according to the magnitude of the load.

  The AC / DC converter 112, the cooperative control unit 113, the DC breaker 114, the solar cell 161, the secondary battery 162, and the fuel cell 163 described above are provided with communication functions, and include a main power source, a distributed power source, and a DC device 102. It is possible to perform cooperative operations that deal with the load status. The communication signal used for this communication is transmitted in the form of being superimposed on the DC voltage in the same manner as the communication signal used for the DC device 102.

  In the above example, the AC / DC converter 112 is arranged in the distribution board 110 in order to convert the AC power output from the main breaker 111 into DC power by the AC / DC converter 112. On the output side, a branch breaker (not shown) provided in the distribution board 110 branches the AC supply line into a plurality of systems, and an AC / DC converter is provided on the AC supply line of each system to convert it into DC power for each system. You may employ | adopt the structure to do.

  In this case, since the DC power supply unit 101 can be provided for each floor or room of the house H, the DC power supply unit 101 can be managed for each system, and the DC device 102 that uses DC power and Since the distance of the DC supply line Wdc between the two is reduced, the power loss due to the voltage drop in the DC supply line Wdc can be reduced. The main breaker 111 and the branch breaker are housed in the distribution board 110, and the AC / DC converter 112, the cooperative control unit 113, the DC breaker 114, and the home server 116 are housed in a separate board from the distribution board 110. Also good.

  Next, the configuration of the DC device 102 will be described with reference to FIG. The DC device 102 individually has device identification information (device ID) for identifying the device type, and is directly connected to the DC supply line Wdc or connected to the outlet unit (DC outlet 131, hooking ceiling 132). The DC power supply unit 101 is driven by being supplied with DC power via the DC supply line Wdc. The storage unit 30 stores its own device identification information, and the own device identification information is connected to the outlet of the connection destination. A communication unit 32 that transmits to the home or home server 116, a notification unit 33 having a display screen 330 and a speaker 331, and a processing unit 34 that controls the units 30, 32, and 33.

  When the processing unit 34 is connected to the outlet unit so as to transmit its own device identification information stored in the storage unit 30 to the in-home server 116 when it is directly connected to the DC supply line Wdc. Controls the communication unit 32 to transmit to the outlet unit.

  Next, the configuration of the outlet unit (the DC outlet 131 and the hooking ceiling 132) will be described with reference to FIG. The DC outlet 131 (hook ceiling 132) is connected to the DC device 102, and is connected between the device connection unit 40 detachably connected to the plug (not shown) of the DC device 102 and the in-home server 116. The communication part 43 which performs communication, the memory | storage part 44, and the process part 45 which controls each part 40,43,44 are provided.

  The processing unit 45 acquires device identification information of the DC device 102 connected to the device connection unit 40 and stores the acquired device identification information in the storage unit 44. In addition, the processing unit 45 controls the communication unit 43 to transmit the acquired device identification information to the home server 116.

  Next, the configuration of the home server 116 will be described with reference to FIG. The home server 116 manages the DC devices 102 in units of home network, and performs communication between each DC device 102 and the outlet unit (DC outlet 131, hooking ceiling 132) via the DC supply line Wdc. Control unit 50, communication unit 51 that communicates with center server 200 via wide area network NT, storage unit (storage unit, phenomenon storage unit) 52, timer unit 53, and units 50 to 53. And a processing unit 54.

  The communication unit 50 receives device identification information of the DC device 102 from the DC device 102 and the outlet unit. Under the control of the processing unit 54, the communication unit 51 corresponds to the device identification information received by the communication unit 50, information related to the lifetime related to the lifetime of the DC device 102, and information indicating the end-of-life phenomenon of the DC device 102 ( (Hereinafter referred to as “end-of-life phenomenon information”) from the center server 200. The center server 200 stores life-related time and end-of-life phenomenon information for each device identification information of the DC device 102. The life-related time and end-of-life phenomenon information received by the communication unit 51 are stored in the storage unit 52 in association with the device identification information under the control of the processing unit 54.

  The life-related time is a life time that is a limit value of the use time permitted in advance of the DC device 102, or a time shorter than this life time, and is for informing that the life is soon, that is, the end of life. There is a near-life time.

  The phenomenon at the end of life of the DC device 102 refers to a phenomenon that can be recognized by the user's five senses. For example, when the DC device 102 is an illumination load, the illuminance decreases. In this case, the storage unit 52 stores, for example, information “device 1 illuminance decreases” as end-of-life phenomenon information. In addition to the above, as a phenomenon at the end of the life of the DC device 102, when the DC device 102 is a fan, the rotational sound of the motor may be louder than before the end of the life, and there are other abnormalities in the DC device 102. There are cases where sound is generated, the case of the DC device 102 becomes hotter than before the end of its life, and the case where it does not operate even if power is restored after a power failure.

  Note that the life-related time and end-of-life phenomenon information can be stored in advance in the storage unit 52 when the home server 116 is manufactured in the case of the DC device 102 that is frequently used. In this way, the in-home server 116 does not need to perform communication with the center server 200 for acquiring life-related information and end-of-life phenomenon information every time the DC device 102 is connected.

  The timer unit 53 is a measuring unit that measures the usage time of the DC device 102 corresponding to the device identification information received by the communication unit 50.

  By the way, as the use time, the elapsed time from when the DC device 102 is manufactured (hereinafter referred to as “elapsed time from the time of manufacture”), or the DC device 102 is a home network (DC supply line Wdc or outlet unit). Elapsed time from when the DC device is connected (hereinafter referred to as “elapsed time from the time of connection”), elapsed time from when the DC device 102 is first energized (when the DC device 102 is first turned on) (Hereinafter referred to as “elapsed time from the start of use”), and cumulative time of energization time from the start of use (hereinafter referred to as “cumulative energization time”).

  When the elapsed time from the start of use is defined as the usage time, it is possible to determine the lifetime based on the aging of the DC device 102 regardless of whether the DC device 102 is energized. In particular, it is used as a usage time in the case of the DC device 102 that needs to improve safety. As the aging deterioration of the DC device 102, for example, deterioration of a portion that is not an electrical portion such as a material of parts and packing used in the current device 102 can be considered.

  When the elapsed time from the time of connection is used as the usage time, the time from when the DC device 102 is connected to the start of use can be included in the usage time, so when the elapsed time from the start of use is used as the usage time. In comparison, it is possible to accurately determine the lifetime based on the aging degradation of the DC device 102.

  When the elapsed time from the time of manufacture is used as the usage time, the time from the manufacture of the DC device 102 to the start of use can be included in the usage time. Therefore, when the elapsed time from the start of use is used as the usage time. In comparison, it is possible to determine the lifetime based on the aging of the DC device 102 with higher accuracy. When the elapsed time from the time of manufacture is used, the in-home server 116 needs to acquire the date of manufacture of the DC device 102 from the center server 200, for example.

  On the other hand, when the accumulated energization time is used, it is possible to determine the lifetime based on the performance deterioration of the DC device 102 caused by energization (for example, the illuminance reduction of the lighting load). That is, it is possible to determine the lifetime based on the deterioration of the electrical part that deteriorates due to the current flowing. When the accumulated energization time is used as the usage time, the DC device 102 is originally highly safe, and is used as the usage time when the DC device 102 is desired to be used for as long as possible without feeling uncomfortable.

  In order to satisfy both safety and device characteristics, both the elapsed time from the time of manufacture, the elapsed time from the connection time, and the elapsed time from the start of use, both the elapsed time and the cumulative energization time It is desirable to be used time. Of course, three or more times may be used as the usage time. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the timer unit 53 measures the elapsed time from the time of manufacture as the first usage time, and measures the accumulated energization time as the second usage time. The storage unit 52 stores a first life related time for comparison with the first use time and a second life related time for comparison with the second use time as the life related time. Yes.

  In addition, since the optimal combination of the first usage time and the second usage time may be different for each product, the combination may be different for each product. As an example, in the case of a lighting fixture, the elapsed time from the start of use and the accumulated energization time are used, and in the case of a television, the elapsed time from the time of manufacture and the accumulated energization time are used.

  When the timer unit 53 starts measuring the elapsed time from the time of manufacture, the timer unit 53 requires the current time in order to calculate the elapsed time from the date of manufacture of the DC device 102 to the present. If a power failure occurs while measuring at least one of the elapsed time from the time of manufacture, the elapsed time from the connection time, and the elapsed time from the start of use, the timer unit 53 Since the time is unknown, measurement of the elapsed time cannot be resumed as it is.

  For this reason, the timer unit 53 is controlled by the processing unit 54 at a predetermined timing (every fixed time in the normal state, immediately after power failure recovery), for example, NTP (Network Time Protocol) connected to the wide area network NT. ) Connect to an external server (not shown) such as a server and calibrate the current time. Thereby, when the measurement of the elapsed time from the time of manufacture is started, the timer unit 53 can calculate the elapsed time from the date of manufacture of the DC device 102 to the present, and the measurement of the elapsed time from the time of manufacture is accurate. Can be done well. If a power failure occurs while measuring at least one of the elapsed time from the time of manufacture, the elapsed time from the connection, and the elapsed time from the start of use, the timer unit 53 restores the power failure. The measurement of the elapsed time can be resumed later.

  The processing unit 54, for each DC device 102, relates to the first and second usage times measured by the timer unit 53 and the first and second life-related items stored in the storage unit 52 in association with the device identification information. It is a determination means for comparing the time and determining whether the first and second use times reach the first and second life-related times. When it is determined that at least one of the first and second usage times has reached the near-life time, the processing unit 54 notifies the near-life notification signal that the DC device 102 is nearing the end of the life. Is output to the display device 117, the communication unit 50 is controlled to transmit the near-life notification signal to the DC device 102, and the communication unit 51 is controlled to transmit to the center server 200. On the other hand, when it is determined that at least one of the first and second usage times has reached the lifetime, the processing unit 54 displays a lifetime notification signal for notifying the determination result that the DC device 102 has the lifetime. In addition, the communication unit 50 is controlled to transmit the life notification signal to the DC device 102, and the communication unit 51 is transmitted to the center server 200.

  In addition, when a confirmation request is input from the confirmation request buttons 35 and 60 described later, the processing unit 54 receives a confirmation request signal described later from the display unit 117, and first and second usage times for each DC device 102. Is used to obtain lifetime estimation information for estimating the lifetime of the DC device 102. The lifetime estimation information refers to the usage time of the DC device 102, the remaining time until the lifetime, the lifetime, and the like. As a specific operation, the processing unit 54 receives a confirmation request signal described later from the display device 117 when a confirmation request is input from the confirmation request buttons 35 and 60 described later, and stores the storage unit 52 for each DC device 102. The remaining time until the lifetime, which is the difference between the lifetime stored in and the current usage time measured by the timer unit 53, is calculated. Further, when a confirmation request is input from the confirmation request buttons 35, 60, the processing unit 54 determines the measurement start time of any of the first and second usage times and the DC device 102 stored in the storage unit 52. The lifetime of the DC device 102 is measured using the lifetime.

  Then, the processing unit 54 that has received the confirmation request signal, for each DC device 102, the current usage time measured by the timer unit 53, the end-of-life phenomenon information stored in the storage unit 52, the life time, The remaining time which is the difference between the lifetime and the current usage time is transmitted to the display unit 117.

  Next, the configuration of the display device 117 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, the display 117 confirms from a confirmation request button (confirmation request means) 60 for inputting a confirmation request for the use state of the DC device 102 by a user operation and a confirmation request button 60. When a request is input, a display screen 61 and a speaker (not shown) (presentation means) for presenting the use state for each DC device 102 and presenting the determination result in the home server 116 are provided. .

  When a confirmation request is input from the confirmation request button 60, the display device 117 transmits a confirmation request signal to the in-home server 116, and for each DC device 102, the current usage time, the life time, the remaining time, and the life time. Get terminal phenomenon information. The display 117 that has acquired these signals and information displays the current usage time and life time for each DC device 102 on the display screen 61 as the usage status of the DC device 102, as shown in FIG. The current usage time and lifetime are output from the speaker. The display screen 61 displays the current usage time for each DC device 102 as, for example, a green bar 610 (the hatched portion in FIG. 5B), the life time is displayed in the area 611, and the device name or device number is displayed. It is displayed in area 612. The user can know the current usage time of each DC device 102 by looking at the length of the bar 610 of each DC device 102.

  When the user operates the device name area 612 on the display screen 61 with respect to the display device 117 displaying the current usage time and life time of the DC device 102, the display device 117 is displayed as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the remaining time of the DC device 102 is displayed on the display screen 61 together with the device name or device number, and the remaining time is output as sound from a speaker. Further, when the user operates the device name area 613 on the display screen 61 with respect to the display device 117 that displays the remaining time of the DC device 102, the display device 117 displays a phenomenon at the end of the life of the DC device 102. Is displayed on the display screen 61, and the end-of-life phenomenon is output from a speaker. For example, when the DC device 102 is an illumination load, the display screen 61 displays “device 1 illuminance decreases”, and the speaker says “device 1 illuminance decreases”. Sound is output.

  Moreover, the display device 117 notifies the determination result of the processing unit 54 when it is determined by the processing unit 54 of the home server 116 that at least one of the first and second usage times has reached the lifetime related time. Specifically, when the processing unit 54 of the in-home server 116 determines that at least one of the first and second usage times has reached the near-life time, the display device 117 provides a near-life notification signal from the processing unit 54. As shown in FIG. 5B, the bar 610 of the display screen 61 is changed from green to yellow, for example, as a determination result indicating that the DC device 102 is near the end of life, and is displayed from a speaker (not shown). Output audio. On the other hand, when the processing unit 54 of the home server 116 determines that at least one of the first and second usage times has reached the lifetime, the lifetime notification signal is received from the processing unit 54, and the DC device 102 For example, the bar 610 of the display screen 61 is changed from green or yellow to red as a result of the determination that the service life is reached, and the sound is output from the speaker. From the above, it is possible to notify a person near the display device 117 that the DC device 102 is nearing the end of its life or is near the end of its life. At this time, if it is determined that at least one of the first or second usage time has reached the near-life time before any of the first or second usage time has reached the near-life time, The sound output volume increases in the order in which it is determined that at least one of the usage times has reached the lifetime. Note that a notification sound may be used instead of the sound output. If it is determined that at least one of the first or second usage time has reached the near-life time before any of the first or second usage time has reached the near-life time, A different notification melody may be output when it is determined that at least one of the times has reached the lifetime.

  Next, confirmation requests from the mobile phone 201 and the personal computer 202 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The mobile phone 201 (personal computer 202) includes a confirmation request button (confirmation request means), a display screen, and a speaker (presentation means) in the same manner as the display 117. When a confirmation request is input from the confirmation request button, the wide area network A confirmation request signal is transmitted to the center server 200 via NT.

  The center server 200 stores a confirmation request from the mobile phone 201 (personal computer 202), and the in-home server 116 periodically performs one-way polling communication with the center server 200, whereby the mobile phone 201 (personal computer 202). The confirmation request of the computer 202) is acquired. In the home server 116 that has acquired the confirmation request, the processing unit 54 shown in FIG. 4 performs the current usage time measured by the timer unit 53 and the end-of-life phenomenon stored in the storage unit 52 for each DC device 102. The information, the life time, and the remaining time that is the difference between the life time and the current use time are transmitted to the center server 200. The center server 200 transmits the received time and information to the mobile phone 201 (personal computer 202) that transmitted the confirmation request signal.

  The mobile phone 201 (personal computer 202) that has transmitted the confirmation request signal to the center server 200 acquires the current use time, life time, remaining time, and end-of-life phenomenon information for each DC device 102. The cellular phone 201 (personal computer 202) that has acquired these signals and information displays the current usage time, life time, remaining time, and end-of-life phenomenon as a usage state of the DC device 102 for each DC device 102 on the display screen. Display and output sound from speaker. In addition, the display method and audio | voice output method of these time and phenomena may be the same as that of the indicator 117, and may be different methods.

  When the center server 200 receives a near-life notification signal or a life notification signal from the in-home server 116, the center server 200 transmits a determination result to the mobile phone 201 (personal computer 202) registered in advance by e-mail. The mobile phone 201 (personal computer 202) receives the e-mail from the center server 200, and displays that the DC device 102 is nearing the end of its life or is at the end of its life. That is, the mobile phone 201 (personal computer 202) notifies the determination result of the processing unit 54 when the processing unit 54 of the home server 116 determines that the usage time has reached the lifetime related time. From the above, it is possible to notify, for example, a mobile phone operator who is out of the office or a person in another place, that the DC device 102 is nearing the end of its life or that the life is about to end.

  Next, a confirmation request from the DC device 102 will be described with reference to FIG. The DC device 102 includes a confirmation request button (confirmation request means) 35 for inputting a confirmation request for the usage status of itself and other DC devices 102. When a confirmation request is input from the confirmation request button 35, the processing unit 34 transmits the confirmation request signal to the home server 116 when it is directly connected to the DC supply line Wdc, and to the outlet when it is connected to the outlet unit (DC outlet 131, hooking ceiling 132). The communication unit 32 is controlled. The outlet unit transmits a confirmation request signal from the DC device 102 to the home server 116.

  In the home server 116 that has received the confirmation request signal, the processing unit 54 for each DC device 102, the current usage time measured by the timer unit 53, the end-of-life phenomenon information stored in the storage unit 52, The life time and the remaining time that is the difference between the life time and the current use time are transmitted to the DC device 102 directly or via the outlet.

  The DC device 102 that has transmitted the confirmation request signal acquires the current use time, life time, remaining time, and end-of-life phenomenon information for each DC device 102. The DC device 102 that has acquired these signals and information displays the current usage time, life time, remaining time, and end-of-life phenomenon on the display screen 330 of the notification unit 33 as the usage status of the DC device 102 for each DC device 102. Display and output sound from the speaker 331. In addition, the display method and audio | voice output method of these time and phenomena may be the same as that of the indicator 117, and may be different methods.

  Similarly to the display device 117, the DC device 102 determines that the processing unit 54 determines that at least one of the first and second usage times has reached the life-related time in the processing unit 54 of the home server 116. Inform the results. Specifically, in the case where the processing unit 54 of the in-home server 116 determines that at least one of the first and second usage times has reached the near-life time, the DC unit 102 determines that the communication unit 32 has received the life from the in-home server 116. The upcoming notification signal is received, the fact that the DC device 102 is nearing the end of its life is displayed as a determination result on the display screen 330 of the notification unit 33, and the sound is output from the speaker 331. On the other hand, when the processing unit 54 of the home server 116 determines that at least one of the first and second usage times has reached the lifetime, the communication unit 32 receives the lifetime notification signal from the home server 116, The fact that the DC device 102 is at the end of its life is displayed on the display screen 330 of the notification unit 33 as a determination result, or audio is output from the speaker 331. From the above, it is possible to notify a person near the DC device 102 that the DC device 102 is nearing the end of its life or that the DC device 102 is near the end of its life.

  By the way, the communication unit 51 of the in-home server 116 has a function of inputting warning information for stopping use of the DC device 102 from the center server 200 before the lifetime of the DC device 102. The display unit 117, the notification unit 33 of the DC device 102, and When the warning information is input from the communication unit 51 of the home server 116, the mobile phone 201 notifies the warning information. This will be specifically described below.

  For example, when a problem occurs in the DC device 102, the manufacturer side stores warning information for stopping use of the DC device 102 in the center server 200 before the lifetime of the DC device 102. The center server 200 transmits the warning information to the home server 116.

  On the other hand, in the in-home server 116, when the communication unit 51 receives the warning information from the center server 200, regardless of whether the usage time of the DC device 102 has reached the near-life time or the life time, the processing unit 54 A warning notification signal for notifying the warning information is output to the display device 117, and the communication unit 50 is controlled to transmit the warning notification signal to the DC device 102.

  When the display 117 receives the warning notification signal from the processing unit 54 of the home server 116, the display 117 displays warning information regarding the DC device 102 on the display screen 61 (see FIG. 5A), and a sound is output from a speaker (not shown). Output. From the above, warning information regarding the DC device 102 can be notified to a person near the display device 117.

  In addition, when the DC device 102 in which the warning information is generated also receives a warning notification signal from the home server 116 via the communication unit 32, the notification unit notifies that the DC device 102 is nearing the end of its life or has reached the end of life under the control of the processing unit 34. 33 is displayed on the display screen 330, and audio is output from the speaker 331. From the above, it is possible to notify warning information for stopping the use of the DC device 102 before its life to a person near the DC device 102.

  Further, by the control from the home server 116 or the control by the center server 200, the mobile phone 201 (personal computer 202) also transmits warning information for stopping the use of the DC device 102 by e-mail to the mobile phone 201 (personal computer 202). When the cellular phone 201 (personal computer 202) receives the electronic mail, it displays warning information for stopping the use of the DC device 102 before the end of its service life. Accordingly, it is possible to notify warning information for stopping the use of the DC device 102 before the lifetime of the DC device 102 to a mobile phone user who is out or a person in another place.

  Next, presentation of the usage state of each DC device 102 in the management system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the user presses the request confirmation button 60 (see FIG. 5A) of the display device 117, a request confirmation signal is transmitted from the display device 117 to the home server 116 (S1 in FIG. 6). The in-home server 116 calculates the remaining time until the lifetime for each DC device 102 (S2), and transmits the usage time, lifetime period, remaining time and end-of-life phenomenon information to the display 117 for each DC device 102. In 117, the usage time, life time, remaining time, and end-of-life phenomenon information are acquired for each DC device 102 (S3). Thereafter, the display device 117 displays the usage time and life time for each DC device 102 on the display screen 61 (see FIG. 5B), and outputs sound from the speaker (S4). Here, when the user operates the device name area 612 (see FIG. 5B) on the display screen 61 with a touch panel (S5), the remaining time of the DC device 102 is displayed on the display screen 61 (FIG. 5C). (See), and the sound is output from the speaker (S6). Further, when the user operates the device name area 613 (see FIG. 5C) on the display screen 61 with a touch panel (S7), the end-of-life phenomenon of the DC device 102 is displayed on the display screen 61 (FIG. 5D). )), And audio is output from the speaker (S8).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the user inputs a confirmation request from the display device 117, the terminal device (the mobile phone 201, the personal computer 202), or the confirmation request buttons (confirmation request means) 35 and 60 of the DC device 102. The user can immediately be notified of the current usage time of the DC device 102 until the usage time of the DC device 102 reaches the life-related time, and easily notify when the DC device 102 will reach the end of its life. In addition, when the usage time of the DC device 102 reaches the life-related time, it can be notified.

  In addition, when the user inputs a confirmation request from the confirmation request buttons 35 and 60 of the display device 117, the terminal device, or the DC device 102 and performs a touch panel operation on the display screen 61, the DC device 102 is later sent to the user. You can easily tell how long it will last. Then, since the user can be notified of the end-of-life phenomenon of the DC device 102 before the DC device 102 reaches the end of its life, it is immediately determined when the DC device 102 actually reaches the end of its life. be able to.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since direct current power is supplied to the direct current device 102, there is no need to convert alternating current power into direct current power as in the case where alternating current power is supplied. There is no loss associated with it.

  As a modification of the present embodiment, whether the first and second usage times of the DC device 102 have been measured, and whether the measured first and second usage times have reached the life-related time (near life time, life time) It may be a power distribution system in which the center server 200 does not determine whether or not the home server 116 determines. In such a power distribution system, the load on the home server 116 can be reduced. Since the center server 200 can generally withstand a large load, there is no problem even if the above determination is made.

  As another modification of the present embodiment, confirmation request means for inputting a confirmation request for the use state of the DC device 102 is a confirmation request button for the display device 117, the mobile phone 201, the personal computer 202, or the DC device 102. Instead, these devices may be based on voice input. In this way, a confirmation request can be made easily.

  Furthermore, as another modified example of the present embodiment, the outlet unit (DC outlet 131, hooking ceiling 132) to which the DC device 102 is connected or the DC device 102 itself measures the first and second usage times of the DC device 102. The distribution system may be such that the first and second usage times measured by each outlet unit or each DC device 102 are transmitted to the home server 116. In such a management system, the load on the home server 116 can be reduced.

  Further, as another modification of the present embodiment, the display device 117 is configured such that at least one of the first and second usage times is near the end of life before both of the first and second usage times reach the near end of life. If the first and second usage times reach the lifetime, the presentation frequency may increase in order. In this way, it is possible to inform the user that the DC device 102 has a lifetime as more urgent information.

  In the description of the above embodiment, the DC device 102 is cited as a load that receives DC power via the DC supply line Wdc and performs communication superimposed on the DC power. It is not limited to the DC power drive (and DC medium communication) type, but as an AC drive type device that drives a DC device by receiving an AC power supply, it is not a direct current supply line between these AC drive type devices. It is also possible to realize the intention of the present invention by communication using power line carrier communication using the same AC power path. At this time, it is necessary to replace the AC / DC converter 112, the cooperative control unit 113, and the DC breaker 114 with an AC compatible type. In this case, the AC / DC converter 112 is unnecessary and the main breaker 111 is not necessary. Alternatively, a topology in which the cooperative control unit 113 and the home server 116 (and / or the display device 117) are AC-connected may be used.

It is a lineblock diagram of a power distribution system of an embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of DC apparatus same as the above. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a direct-current outlet and hooking ceiling same as the above. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a residential server same as the above. It is a front view of a display same as the above. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a power distribution system same as the above.

Explanation of symbols

101 DC Power Supply Unit 102 DC Device 116 Home Server 117 Display 201 Mobile Phone 202 Personal Computer

Claims (8)

A management system for managing the life of electrical equipment,
Measuring means for measuring the usage time of the electrical equipment, and using the measured usage time to obtain lifetime estimation information for estimating the lifetime of the electrical equipment;
Storage means for storing a life-related time related to the life of the electrical device;
Determining means for determining whether or not the usage time measured by the measuring means has reached the lifetime related time stored in the storage means;
Confirmation request means for inputting a confirmation request for the usage state of the electrical device;
When the confirmation request is input from the confirmation request unit, the life estimation information acquired by the measurement unit is presented as a usage state of the electric device, and the use time reaches the life-related time by the determination unit. And a presentation unit that presents a determination result of the determination unit when it is determined that the determination is made. The life-related time includes a life time that is a limit value of an allowable usage time of the electrical device, and a near-life time that is a time shorter than the life time and the electrical device reaches the end of its life. Including
The management system according to claim 1, wherein the presentation unit presents the determination result of the determination unit in a stepwise manner as the usage time approaches the lifetime.   The presentation frequency for the determination result of the determination unit when the usage time reaches the lifetime is higher than the presentation frequency for the determination result of the determination unit when the usage time reaches the near-life time. The management system according to claim 2. The life-related time includes a life time that is a limit value of a pre-allowed usage time of the electrical equipment,
The measuring means measures the life time of the electrical equipment as the life estimation information using the measurement start time of the usage time and the life time of the electrical equipment stored in the storage means,
The said presentation means presents the lifetime of the said electric equipment measured by the said measurement means as the said lifetime estimation information, when the said confirmation request | requirement is input from the said confirmation request | requirement means. Management system. The life-related time includes a life time that is a limit value of a pre-allowed usage time of the electrical equipment,
The measuring means measures the remaining time until the lifetime of the electrical device, which is the difference between the usage time and the lifetime of the electrical device stored in the storage means, as the lifetime estimation information,
The management according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the confirmation request is input from the confirmation request unit, the presenting unit presents the remaining time measured by the measurement unit as the life estimation information. system. A phenomenon storage means for storing a phenomenon at the end of life of the electrical device;
When the confirmation request is input from the confirmation request unit, the presenting unit presents a phenomenon at the end of life of the electric device stored in the phenomenon storage unit as a usage state of the electric device. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A terminal device having the confirmation requesting unit and the presenting unit; and a server that acquires a use state of the electric device and has the storage unit and the determination unit and communicates with the terminal device;
When the confirmation request is input from the confirmation request unit, the terminal device accesses the server to acquire the usage state of the electrical device, and presents the acquired usage state of the electrical device by the presentation unit. The determination unit presents the determination result of the determination unit in the presentation unit when the determination unit determines that the usage time has reached the life-related time. Management system as described in.   The management system according to claim 1, further comprising a direct-current power supply unit that supplies direct-current power to the electrical device.

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