JP2013004394A - Power receptacle monitoring system, monitoring method therefor, and power receptacle device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent beforehand occurrence of firing by monitoring overheat of a power receptacle, using a network environment such as the Internet.SOLUTION: A power receptacle monitoring system measures temperature of each power receptacle device 10-1 to 10-5 that supplies power to equipment disposed on a residence 11, and transmits each temperature measurement signal to a network adaptor 12 based on a predetermined communication protocol. The network adaptor 12 converts it into the Internet communication protocol to transmit to a server 22. Based on the temperature measurement signal, the server 22 determines overheat and allows an overheat alarm to be issued from a user mobile phone 28. The mobile phone 28 issues the overheat alarm. Also, remote power cut off of the power receptacle device is possible by a user operation or control from the server 22.

Description

The present invention relates to a power outlet monitoring system that monitors overheating of a power outlet connected to a power plug of a household electrical appliance installed in a home or the like, a monitoring method thereof, and a power outlet apparatus.

  Conventionally, there have been many accidents due to the ignition of outlets installed in homes, etc. The cause of this is the tracking phenomenon in which moisture is added to the dust adhering to the outlet and current flows between both poles of the plug. It has been reported that overheat ignition is caused by an octopus leg wire connected to an outlet, and overheat ignition occurs when a device with large power consumption exceeding the capacity of the outlet is connected.

  In order to prevent such ignition due to overheating of the outlet, it is necessary to take a human measure such as periodically cleaning the plug connected to the outlet and not using the octopus leg wiring.

  In the case of absence for a long time, plugs of devices such as a microwave oven, a rice cooker, and a pot are unplugged from the outlet in order to prevent a fire accident while absent.

Conventionally, various proposals for plugs or outlets have been made as techniques for preventing ignition due to a tracking phenomenon. For example, a temperature-sensitive element that senses the temperature of the metal connection terminal that is inserted and connected to the connector is provided on the plug, and a signal cable from the temperature-sensitive element is inserted into the power cord together with the power cable of the plug so that a temperature detection signal can be obtained A power cord with a sensor (Patent Document 1) and an outlet with a fire prevention mechanism for preventing a fire by operating a breaker using deformation of a shape memory metal due to heat generation in the outlet have been proposed (Patent Document 2). ).

JP 2002-352635 A JP-A-9-223547

  However, in such a conventional power cord with a temperature sensor, it is necessary to provide a function for monitoring overheating based on a signal from the temperature sensing element for each device connected to the outlet, and various home appliances are connected. There is a problem of lack of versatility because the outlet is not compatible.

  Moreover, in the outlet with a fire prevention mechanism, the breaker is operated when it is overheated to a temperature just before the ignition, and there is a problem that it cannot cope with the overheating before the ignition.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a power outlet monitoring system, a monitoring method thereof, and a power outlet apparatus that can prevent an ignition by monitoring overheating of a power outlet by utilizing a network environment such as the Internet.

(system)
The present invention measures the temperature of a power outlet device that supplies power to equipment arranged in a predetermined area in a power outlet monitoring system, transmits the measured temperature to a processing device on a network, and causes the processing device to overheat the power outlet device. It discriminate | determines and makes it alert | report on a user terminal, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  In addition, a control signal is transmitted from the processing device to the power outlet device to be controlled. For example, a control signal is transmitted from the processing device to the power outlet device so that the power supply to the device is cut off.

  The present invention also provides a power outlet monitoring system for measuring the temperature of a power outlet device that supplies power to equipment arranged in a predetermined area, and transmitting a temperature measurement signal to a network adapter according to a predetermined communication protocol. The adapter converts the communication protocol into an Internet communication protocol and transmits it to the server. The server processes the temperature measurement signal and transmits the processing result to the user terminal for browsing.

Here, the power outlet device
An inlet for inputting power,
A power outlet that outputs power to the device and a detachable outlet,
A temperature detection element that detects and outputs a state according to the internal temperature;
A temperature measuring unit for measuring the temperature based on the detection signal of the temperature detecting element;
A communication unit that transmits a temperature measurement signal measured by the temperature measurement unit to the network adapter according to a predetermined communication protocol and receives a signal from the network adapter;
Is provided.

  The temperature detection element directly or indirectly contacts the outlet to detect and output a state corresponding to the temperature.

  When the server determines that overheating at which the received temperature measurement signal is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the server notifies the user terminal of overheating of the power outlet device.

  When the server determines overheating at which the rate of temperature increase per unit time becomes a predetermined value based on the received temperature measurement signal, the server notifies the user terminal of overheating of the power outlet device.

The power outlet device
A circuit breaker that operates in response to a signal from the temperature measurement unit and shuts off the power supply to the outlet;
A power control unit for controlling the circuit breaker;
With
When the server detects overheating, the server notifies the user terminal of overheating of the power outlet device and displays the power shut-off operation unit. When an operation signal is received from the operation of the power shut-off operation unit, the server passes through the network adapter. Then, a power shutoff control signal is transmitted to the power outlet device, and the power breaker is controlled to shut off by the power control unit.

The power outlet device
A circuit breaker that operates in response to a signal from the temperature measurement unit and shuts off the power supply to the outlet;
A power control unit for controlling the circuit breaker;
With
When the server detects overheating, the server notifies the user terminal of overheating of the power outlet device and displays the power shut-off operation unit. When an operation signal is received by operating the power shut-off operation unit, the server passes through the network adapter. Then, send the power shutoff control signal to the power outlet device so that the power breaker is controlled by the power control unit. Then, a power cut-off control signal is transmitted to the power outlet device, and the breaker is controlled to be cut off by the power control unit.

The power outlet device
A circuit breaker that operates in response to a signal from the temperature measurement unit and shuts off the power supply to the outlet;
A power control unit for controlling the circuit breaker;
With
When the server detects overheating, the server notifies the user terminal of overheating of the power outlet device and sends a power cutoff control signal to the power outlet device via the network adapter to control the circuit breaker by the power control unit. (Automatic shutdown)

  The power outlet device further includes a power measurement control unit that detects the power consumption of the device, transmits it to the server via the network adapter, processes it, and transmits the processing result to the user terminal for viewing. .

(Method)
In the power outlet monitoring method, the temperature of a power outlet device that supplies power to a device arranged in a predetermined area is measured and transmitted to a processing device on a network, and the processing device detects the overheating of the power outlet device. It discriminate | determines and makes it alert | report on a user terminal, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  In addition, a control signal is transmitted from the processing device to the power outlet device to be controlled. For example, a control signal is transmitted from the processing device to the power outlet device, and the power supply to the device is controlled to be cut off.

  In the power outlet monitoring method, the temperature of a power outlet device that supplies power to a device arranged in a predetermined area is measured, and a temperature measurement signal is transmitted to a network adapter according to a predetermined communication protocol. It converts into a communication protocol, transmits to a server, processes the temperature measurement signal in the said server, transmits a process result to a user terminal, and can be browsed.

  Other features of the power outlet monitoring method according to the present invention are basically the same as those of the power outlet monitoring system.

(Power outlet device)
The present invention relates to a power outlet device for supplying power to equipment arranged in a predetermined area.
An inlet for inputting power,
A power outlet that outputs power to the device and a detachable outlet,
A temperature detection element that detects and outputs a state according to the internal temperature;
A temperature measuring unit for measuring the temperature based on the detection signal of the temperature detecting element;
The temperature measurement signal measured by the temperature measurement unit is transmitted to the server through the conversion of the Internet communication protocol by the network adapter according to a predetermined communication protocol and processed, and the signal transmitted from the server via the network adapter is received. A communication unit
It is characterized by providing.

  Here, the temperature detection element directly or indirectly contacts the outlet to detect and output a state corresponding to the temperature.

The power outlet device
A circuit breaker that operates in response to a signal from the temperature measurement unit and shuts off the power supply to the outlet;
A power control unit for controlling the circuit breaker;
When the power cutoff control signal transmitted from the server via the network adapter is received, the power breaker is controlled to be cut off by the power controller.

Furthermore, a power measurement control unit is provided that detects the power consumption of the device, transmits it to the server via the network adapter, processes it, and transmits the processing result to the user terminal for browsing.

  According to the present invention, the temperature of a power outlet device that supplies power to equipment arranged in a house or the like is measured, a temperature measurement signal is transmitted to a network adapter according to a predetermined communication protocol, and the network adapter converts it to an Internet communication protocol. Since the overheating is detected by the server based on the temperature measurement signal and notified from the user terminal, the heat state of the power outlet is real-time using the home network environment and the external network environment. If overheating occurs, the overheating is determined and notified to the user's mobile phone etc. before reaching the ignition temperature, so that appropriate measures can be taken and ignition accidents can be prevented in advance. it can.

  In addition, when overheating is determined, the power supply from the outlet that causes overheating is shut off by remote operation using a network, so that it is possible to reliably prevent a situation in which overheating causes ignition. In particular, even when the user is out, the user can know the overheating while on the go, and when there is no one at home, the power is turned off by remote control from the mobile phone to prevent overheating. can do.

  In recent years, HEMS (Home Energy Management System) is a management system that reduces power energy consumption by connecting household appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and televisions over a network, with the goal of reducing power consumption in the home. Development is underway.

  In such a home appliance management system, a wireless transmission / reception IC is built into a power outlet that supplies power to the home appliance, and the power consumption is detected by a sensor. To the network adapter, send it from the network adapter to the server on the network, perform the necessary processing by the power management application, and send this processing result to the user terminal such as a mobile phone owned by the user so that it can be viewed Yes. In addition, the user can control the power supply of the home appliance as needed by operating the mobile terminal.

  Therefore, if a home appliance management system such as HEMS is used, the power outlet monitoring system of the present invention can be easily and simply provided with a function of measuring the temperature by providing a temperature detecting element in the power outlet device and transmitting it to the server. Easy to build.

On the other hand, in a device management system such as HEMS that manages the power consumption of home appliances, a new function to monitor and control overheating of the power outlet device can be added. As a result, the services that can be provided as a device management system are enhanced, improving the convenience of service users and increasing the service user subscription.

Explanatory drawing which showed schematic structure of the power outlet monitoring system by this invention using a power management system Explanatory drawing which showed the overheat warning screen displayed on the mobile phone of FIG. Explanatory drawing which showed the overheat warning screen displayed on a mobile telephone when temperature rises further after the notification of FIG. Explanatory drawing showing the appearance of the power outlet device used in the system of FIG. The block diagram which showed embodiment of the power outlet apparatus used with the system of FIG. The block diagram which showed embodiment of the gateway apparatus used with the system of FIG. Block diagram showing an embodiment of the power outlet device used in FIG. Explanatory drawing which showed the overheat warning screen displayed on a mobile telephone corresponding to the power outlet apparatus of FIG. Explanatory drawing which showed the overheat emergency warning screen displayed on a mobile telephone when temperature rises after the alerting | reporting of FIG. Explanatory drawing which showed the other schematic structure of the power outlet monitoring system by this invention Explanatory drawing showing another schematic configuration of a power outlet monitoring system according to the present invention using a home wireless LAN The block diagram which showed embodiment of the power outlet apparatus used with the system of FIG.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power outlet monitoring system according to the present invention using a power management system for a house or the like.

  In the example of FIG. 1, in order to construct a power management system for managing the power consumption of home appliances in each area (region) of the kitchen, living room, children's room, and master bedroom provided in the house 11. As the devices, power outlet devices 10-1-10 to 10-5 and a gateway device 12 for connecting to the Internet 20 are installed.

  A refrigerator 14 is connected to the power outlet device 10-1, a television 16 is connected to the power outlet device 10-2, and an air conditioner 18 is connected to the power outlet devices 10-3 to 10-5. Hereinafter, the power outlet devices 10-1 to 10-5 are collectively referred to as the power outlet device 10 without being distinguished from each other.

  The power outlet device 10 is provided with a sensor for detecting power consumption and a wireless transmission / reception chip. When power is supplied by connecting a plug of a household electric appliance, the power consumption is periodically measured, and the power detection signal is transmitted / received wirelessly. The data is transmitted from the chip to the gateway device 12 functioning as a network adapter according to a predetermined wireless communication protocol.

  Further, the power outlet device 10 is provided with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature, the temperature is periodically measured, and a temperature measurement signal is transmitted from the wireless transmission / reception chip to the gateway device 12 according to a predetermined wireless communication protocol.

  The power detection signal and the temperature measurement signal may be transmitted at different timings. However, when the same period is used, a composite signal of the temperature detection signal and the temperature measurement signal may be transmitted.

  The gateway device 12 converts the power detection signal and the temperature measurement signal transmitted from the power outlet device 10 according to the wireless communication protocol into an Internet communication protocol known as TCP / IP, and serves as a processing device on the network via the Internet 20. Transmission is performed toward the functioning management server 22. As is well known, the gateway device 12 connects to the Internet 20 using a connection service provided by a server (not shown) held by an Internet service provider (ISP).

  The server 22 is provided with the function of the power management unit 30 as an application. Based on the power detection signal sent from the power outlet device 10 via the gateway device 12 and the Internet 20, for example, the unit time of the target device Power consumption per unit, total power consumption for which a period is designated, etc., are transmitted to a mobile phone 28 serving as a user terminal, for example, via the mobile phone network 24 and the mobile phone base station 26, and the home appliances in the house 11 The user can browse and manage the power consumption information.

  The server 22 is provided with a database 34. In order to provide a power management service, for example, the telephone number of the mobile phone 28 owned by the service subscriber, the subscriber information, and the power consumption information are indexed with the house ID that identifies the house. Etc. are stored. For example, a power meter number or a customer number is used as the house ID. The service for managing power consumption provided by the server 22 is, for example, a paid service provided to the subscriber of the mobile phone 28.

  The server 22 is provided with an outlet management unit 32 that monitors overheating based on a temperature measurement signal sent from the power outlet apparatus 10. The outlet management unit 32 compares the measured temperature T obtained from the periodically received temperature measurement signal with a predetermined threshold temperature Tth determined to be overheated when the measured temperature T is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature Tth. Then, for example, an overheat warning signal is transmitted to the mobile phone 28 serving as a user terminal via the mobile phone network 24 and the mobile phone base station 26 to be notified.

  In this embodiment, the threshold temperature for determining overheating is set in two stages, for example, Tth1 = 65 ° C. and Tth2 = 75 ° C., and the threshold temperature Tth1 = 65 ° C. of the lower measured temperature T is exceeded. In such a case, the overheat of the outlet is notified, and then, when the higher threshold temperature Tth2 = 75 ° C. is exceeded, the fear of the consensus fire is notified. That is, the temperature rise of the outlet in the present embodiment is a flow of heat generation, overheating (65 ° C.), risk of ignition (75 ° C.), and ignition (accident).

  The threshold temperature for determining overheating is appropriately determined as necessary, but is set to a temperature exceeding the indoor maximum temperature. In this case, since the indoor maximum temperature varies depending on the season, for example, a different threshold temperature may be set according to the season.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overheat warning screen displayed on the mobile phone when the measured temperature T exceeds the lower threshold temperature Tth1 = 65 ° C. In FIG. 2, on the overheat alarm screen 200 of the mobile phone 28, for example, “Please confirm that the kitchen outlet is overheated” is displayed as an alarm message 202a indicating outlet overheating, and an alarm sound is output at the same time. here. The alarm message 202a is an alarm message that identifies, for example, “kitchen”, which is the installation location of the outlet, so that the installation location can be recognized.

  The overheat alarm screen 200 displays a temperature display unit 204, a confirmation button 206, and a home automatic dial button 208. The temperature display unit 204 displays the current measured temperature. The confirmation button 206 has a touch panel arranged on the screen, so that the alarm sound is stopped by the operation and a confirmation signal is transmitted to the server 22 to store in the database 34 that confirmation has been made by the user, for example. Let The home automatic dial button 208 makes a call connection to a pre-registered home phone by automatic dialing, and if there is a person at home, it is possible to instruct a response. In addition to the home telephone, the automatic dial button may be used to automatically dial the emergency contact telephone number set by the user.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an overheat emergency warning screen when the measured temperature exceeds the threshold temperature Tth2 = 75 ° C. after the notification by the overheat warning screen of FIG. In the overheated emergency warning screen 201 of FIG. 3, for example, “the kitchen outlet may ignite, please check immediately” is displayed as an alarm message to prompt the user to take an emergency response. .

  As the determination of overheating by the outlet management unit 32, the rate of temperature increase per unit time is obtained based on the measured temperature T, and when a rate of temperature increase exceeding a predetermined value is detected, overheating is determined and an alarm is given. Also good.

  Referring to FIG. 1 again, signal transmission / reception performed according to a wireless communication protocol by a wireless transmission / reception chip built in the power outlet apparatus 10 and the gateway apparatus 12 installed in the house 11 is, for example, RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) A short-range wireless communication protocol for a sensor network known as Z-Wave (R) or ZigBee (R) using a frequency of 900 MHz assigned to "Individual Identification" (ie, 950 to 957 MHz) is used.

  In particular, Z-Wave (R) is a wireless communication protocol developed for home automation, uses an intelligent mesh network topology, does not have a master node, for example, nodes A, B, and C are arranged. If the node A and the node C are at a distance where they cannot communicate with each other, a message can be transmitted from the node A to the node C by the relay function of the node B located between them. This is suitable as the second wireless communication protocol.

  ZigBee (R) provided as a short-range wireless communication standard for home appliances can also be used. In ZigBee (R), a node that functions as a coordinator and a plurality of nodes that function as routers can be used to construct a star-type network and a topology based on the coordinator. In the case of only, it is possible to construct a peer-to-peer network topology.

  The short-range wireless communication in the 900 MHz band such as Z-Wave (R) and ZigBee (R) has a transmission power of 1 mW or less as in the case of a specific low-power wireless station, and the line-of-sight communication distance is about several tens of meters when the power is 1 mW. It is shorter than 100 meters, which is the line-of-sight communication distance of the residential alarm 10 using the 400 MHz band.

  4A and 4B are explanatory views showing the external appearance of the power outlet device provided in FIG. 1, in which FIG. 4A shows the front side and FIG. 4B shows the back side. In FIG. 4, a power outlet device 10 is provided with two outlets 38 as a pair of insertion ports, for example, on the front surface of a box-shaped device main body 10a molded of, for example, a synthetic resin, and supplies power thereto. Insert and connect device plugs as necessary.

  An inlet 36 provided with a pair of plug terminal fittings is provided in the upper part of the back surface of the apparatus main body 10a, and the inlet 36 is used by being inserted into a wall outlet embedded in a wall surface or the like. In addition, an operation unit 50 is provided at the lower part of the back surface, for example, a channel switching knob 50a and a reset switch button 50b are provided.

  The power outlet device 10 may be used as a power cord with a plug as the inlet 36, or as an embedded type that is used by being embedded in a wall surface, in addition to being used by being connected to an embedded outlet such as a wall surface by the inlet 36. good.

  A power indicator lamp 48 using an LED or the like is provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 10, and the power indicator lamp 48 is turned on when power is supplied from the inlet 36. Further, when overheating is detected, the power indicator 48 may be blinked or blinked.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a power outlet device used in the system of FIG. This is an example, and the separation and integration of each function can be performed arbitrarily. In addition, any or all of the functions may be executed by software (program) or may be executed by hardware. 5 shows the power outlet device 10-1 installed in the kitchen, the other power outlet devices 10-2 to 10-5 have the same configuration. Hereinafter, the power outlet devices 10-2 to 10-5 are collectively referred to as the power outlet devices 10 without being distinguished from each other.

  The power outlet apparatus 10-1 includes the processor 42 and the wireless communication unit 44 described above as a wireless transmission / reception chip. In a commercially available product compliant with the Z-Wave (R) wireless communication protocol, the processor 62, the transmission circuit 58, A wireless transmission / reception IC chip including the reception circuit 60 is provided.

  The power outlet device 10-1 is provided with an inlet 36 for inputting commercial AC power and two outlets 38 for branching and outputting the commercial AC power input from the inlet 36, and can connect a power plug of the home appliance. A current sensor 40 is inserted and connected to one of the power supply lines for the output outlet 38, and for example, an alternating current consumed by a device connected to each outlet 38 is detected and input to the processor 42.

  One current sensor 40 may be provided for two outlets 38 (one inlet 36). In this case, the current sensor 40 detects the sum of alternating currents consumed by the devices connected to the two outlets 38.

  Further, as the inlet 36 and outlet 38, plugs and sockets are specifically used, and fuses, noise filters, and the like are appropriately inserted in the input and output lines of the power supply (not shown).

  A temperature sensor 38 is provided for the outlet 38. As the temperature sensor 38, a temperature detection element such as a thermistor whose resistance value changes according to the temperature is used. The temperature sensor 38 is attached to the outlet terminal fitting constituting the outlet 38 shown in FIG. 4 or an insulator holding the temperature sensor 38, and is generated in the outlet terminal fitting according to the current supplied to the device plugged to the outlet 38. For example, in the case of a thermistor, the resistance value corresponding to the temperature is changed and output as a voltage detection signal.

  The wireless communication unit 44 includes a transmission circuit 58 to which an antenna 46 is connected, a second reception circuit 60, and a processor 62, and uses, for example, a 900 MHz band according to a wireless communication protocol compliant with Z-Wave (R) via the antenna 46. Send and receive signals.

  A signal received by the receiving circuit 60 via the antenna 46 is decoded by the processor 62. Hereinafter, the process up to this decoding may be referred to as reception. In particular, when the signal is determined to be valid as a result of decoding, it is called effective reception. Similarly, in the case of the gateway device 12 described later, it is decoded by the processor 122 provided in the wireless communication unit 106.

  The processor 42 is provided with functions of a power measurement control unit 64 and a temperature measurement unit 66. The power measurement control unit 64 AD-converts and reads the current detection signal detected by the current sensor 40 at a predetermined sampling period, calculates power consumption by a predetermined calculation using a predetermined AC rated voltage, and integrates the power consumption. Then, a power detection signal indicating the calculated power consumption value and power consumption is generated, and control is instructed to the processor 62 of the wireless communication unit 44 to control the power detection signal according to a predetermined wireless communication protocol, for example, a header part and a data part Is converted to a power detection packet signal constituted by the transmission circuit 60 and transmitted from the transmission circuit 60 to the gateway device 12 via the antenna 46.

  Note that the calculation of the power consumption and the power consumption in the power measurement control unit 64 may be partly or wholly performed on the gateway device 12, server 22, or mobile phone 28 side. A signal to be transmitted to the gateway device 12 is a signal indicating current detection data before completion of the calculation.

  The temperature measuring unit 66 AD-converts and reads a voltage detection signal corresponding to the resistance that changes depending on the temperature output from the temperature sensor 56 at a predetermined sampling period, and converts the voltage data into temperature data according to a preset conversion equation or conversion table. Converting, generating a temperature measurement signal, instructing the processor 62 of the wireless communication unit 44 to control, and measuring the temperature measurement knowledge signal according to a predetermined wireless communication protocol, for example, a temperature measurement packet signal composed of a header part and a data part The data is converted and transmitted from the transmission circuit 60 to the gateway device 12 via the antenna 46.

  In this embodiment, the outlet management unit 32 of the server 22 shown in FIG. 1 determines whether the outlet is overheated based on the temperature measurement signal transmitted from the power outlet device 10. Is provided with an overheat determination function, and when overheat is determined, an overheat alarm signal is sent to the server 12 via the gateway device 12 in addition to the temperature measurement signal so that the user's mobile phone 28 notifies the overheat alarm. Anyway.

  The processor 42 receives the power control signal from the server 22 side transmitted from the gateway device 12 as necessary by the receiving circuit 58 of the wireless communication unit 44 via the antenna 46, and the processor 62 decodes this signal. When effective reception is detected, control corresponding to the received power control signal is performed. Such power control based on an instruction from the server 400 is performed, for example, by changing a limit value of power that can be supplied from the outlet 38 to a device connected to the outlet 38.

  The processor 42 generates a predetermined DC power source from a commercial AC power source supplied via the power indicator 48, the operation unit 50, the memory 52, and the inlet 36, and includes necessary components including the processor 62 and the wireless communication unit 44. A power supply circuit unit 54 is provided to supply the power.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the gateway device 12 used in the present invention. This is an example, and the separation and integration of each function can be performed arbitrarily. In addition, any or all of the functions may be executed by software (program) or may be executed by hardware.

  The gateway device 12 includes a processor 100. For the processor 100, a wired communication unit 102, a wireless communication unit 106 that is a wireless transmission / reception chip connected to an antenna 108, a display unit 110, an operation unit 112, a memory 114, and a commercial AC power source. Is connected (this inlet is not shown). The power supply circuit unit 116 generates a DC power source from a commercial AC power source and supplies it to each necessary unit. In addition, when a commercial power failure occurs, the power supply is maintained by switching to a standby power supply (not shown).

  The wireless communication unit 106 is provided with a transmission circuit 118, a reception circuit 120, and a processor 122 connected to the antenna 108. The wireless communication unit 106 uses, for example, a 900 MHz band according to a wireless communication protocol compliant with Z-Wave (R) via the antenna 212. Signals are transmitted to and received from the power outlet devices 10-1 to 10-5.

  The wired communication unit 102 is connected to a network device such as a router constituting the Internet 20 through a signal line 104, and transmits / receives a signal to / from the server 22 according to the Internet communication protocol. Of course, when a wireless network device is used, a predetermined wireless communication unit and an antenna can be provided instead of the wired communication unit 102 and the signal line 104, and this communication can be made wireless.

  The processor 100 is provided with the function of the protocol conversion unit 124, and converts the IP signal (Internet protocol signal) according to the Internet communication protocol received by the wired communication unit 104 into a TCP signal (transfer protocol signal) to convert the wireless communication unit 106. The CPU 122 converts the TCP signal into a signal according to a wireless communication protocol compliant with, for example, Z-Wave (R), and transmits the signal through the transmission circuit 118 and the antenna 108.

  Further, the processor 122 provided in the wireless communication unit 106 decodes a signal according to the second wireless communication protocol received via the antenna 108 and the receiving circuit 120, and changes to the second wireless communication protocol when effective reception is detected. The conforming signal is converted into a TCP signal and transferred to the protocol conversion unit 124 of the processor 100. The protocol conversion unit 124 converts the TCP signal transferred from the processor 122 into an IP signal according to the Internet communication protocol, and transfers the IP signal to the wired communication unit 102 for output.

  Next, the operation of the power outlet monitoring system of FIG. 1 will be described. The power outlet device 10 installed in the house 11 supplies power associated with the use of devices such as the refrigerator 14, the television 16, and the air conditioner 18 connected to the outlet, and the resistance of the load alternating current flowing through the outlet connection terminal Heat is generated according to the loss.

As shown in FIG. 5, the power outlet apparatus 10 reads a voltage detection signal corresponding to the temperature from the temperature sensor 56 disposed on the outlet 38 side by A / D conversion of the processor 42, and converts it into temperature data by the temperature measurement unit 66. Then, control is instructed to the processor 62 of the wireless communication unit 44 at predetermined intervals, a temperature measurement signal including temperature data is converted into a temperature measurement signal in accordance with a predetermined wireless communication protocol, and the transmission circuit 58 and the antenna 46 are used. To the gateway device 12 and further to the server 22 via the Internet 20.

  When the outlet management unit 32 of the server 22 effectively receives the temperature measurement signal transmitted from the power outlet device 10 via the gateway device 12 and the Internet 20, the temperature data obtained from the received temperature measurement signal is stored in the database 34. Remember me. The database 34 stores the temperature data received in association with the installation location for each power outlet device 10-1 to 10-5 using the telephone number of the mobile phone 28 held by the user of the house 11 as an index.

  The database 34 stores temperature data for a predetermined period, for example, one month before the present time, and can be used as statistical information. Note that the storage period of the temperature data can be appropriately determined as necessary.

  The outlet management unit 32 stores the received temperature data in the database 34 and compares it with, for example, predetermined temperature threshold values Th1 and Th2 set in two stages, and determines that the lower temperature threshold value Th1 is 65 ° C. or higher. In this case, it is determined that the outlet is overheated, an overheat warning signal is generated, and the overheat warning signal is transmitted to the user's mobile phone 28 via the mobile phone network 24 and the mobile phone base station 26, for example, as shown in FIG. The overheat warning screen 200 is displayed and an alarm sound is output for notification. In this case, the outlet management unit 32 stores the occurrence of the overheat alarm in the database 34.

  In addition, when the outlet management unit 32 determines that the received temperature data has a higher temperature threshold Th2 = 75 ° C. or more, it determines that there is a high possibility of ignition due to outlet overheating, and generates an overheat emergency warning signal. Then, an overheat emergency alert signal is transmitted to the user's mobile phone 28 via the mobile phone network 24 and the mobile phone base station 26, and for example, an overheat emergency alert screen 200 as shown in FIG. Output to inform. In this case, the outlet management unit 32 stores the occurrence of the overheat emergency warning in the database 34.

  When the outlet overheat warning or the overheat emergency warning is output from the mobile phone 28 owned by such a user, or when staying in the house 11, overheating is determined from the alarm display on the mobile phone 28, for example, the kitchen. Knowing the power outlet device 10-1 and taking measures to temporarily turn off the refrigerator 14 and disconnecting the power plug of the refrigerator 14 from the power outlet device 10-1, investigate the cause of overheating, and if the cause is known, resolve it If the cause is unknown, an expert such as an electronics store will be asked to take action.

  Further, when the outlet overheat alarm or the overheat emergency alarm is output from the mobile phone 28, or the user is out, the overheat alarm screen 200 or the overheat emergency alarm shown in FIGS. By operating the displayed home automatic dial button 208, a call is connected to the home phone, and the family at home is instructed to respond.

  When the outlet management unit 32 of the server 22 determines that the outlet is overheated, the alarm control signal is transmitted by designating the address of the power outlet apparatus 10 determined to be overheated, which is transmitted via the Internet 20 and the gateway apparatus 12. When the power outlet device 10 receives the signal effectively, the power indicator lamp 48 is controlled to switch from lighting up to blinking or blinking, and an alarm is displayed to indicate that overheating has occurred. You may make it easy for the person in the home who received it to recognize the power outlet apparatus 10 which has overheated.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the power outlet device used in the system of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the power outlet device is provided with a circuit breaker, and remote control is performed when overheating is determined. The power supply can be cut off by control.

  7, the power outlet apparatus 10 is basically the same as that of the embodiment of FIG. 4. In addition to this, a circuit breaker 68 is further provided in the power line for the outlet 38, and the power control unit 70 provided in the processor 42 is provided. The function enables the circuit breaker 68 to be turned off.

  As the circuit breaker 68, for example, a relay is used, and the relay contact is closed in the normal state. When the power supply control unit 70 detects the effective reception of the remote control signal for power interruption, the relay contact is opened and the outlet 38 is opened. The power supply to household appliances is cut off. The circuit breaker 68 that has been off-controlled is restored by operating the reset button 50b provided on the operation unit 50 as shown in FIG. 2, so that the power supply control unit 70 detects this and restores the circuit breaker 68. Just do it.

  FIG. 8 is an overheat warning screen displayed on the mobile phone corresponding to the power outlet device of FIG. 7, and is displayed when the measured temperature is lower than the threshold temperature Tth1 = 65 ° C. or higher. The overheat warning screen 200 is provided with a power shut-off button 210 instead of the confirmation button 204 displayed on the overheat warning screen 200 of FIG. The same applies to the overheat emergency warning screen 201 of FIG. 9 displayed when the measured temperature is higher than the threshold temperature Tth2 = 75 ° C. or higher.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 9, when an overheat alarm accompanied by the display of the overheat alarm screen 200 or the overheat emergency alarm screen 201 is given to the user's mobile phone 28, the user turns off the power shut-off button 210 displayed on the screen. Is operated, the shutoff control signal is sent from the server 22 via the Internet 20 and the gateway device 12 to the power connector device 10 that has been determined to be overheated, and is received by the antenna 46 and the receiving circuit 60 of the wireless communication unit 44, and the processor When the effective reception is detected at 62, the power control unit 70 of the processor 42 sends a shut-off control signal to the circuit breaker 60 to turn it off, shuts off the power supply to the device connected to the plug, and overheats. Let go.

  As another control of the circuit breaker 68 provided in the power outlet apparatus 10 by the server 22, for example, when it is determined that the temperature data is overheated to be higher than the higher threshold temperature Tth2, the user power-off operation by the mobile phone 28 Without waiting for this, a shutoff control signal may be sent from the server 22 via the Internet 20 and the gateway device 12 to the power outlet device 10 to automatically shut off, thereby eliminating the cause of overheating.

  Another control of the circuit breaker 68 provided in the power outlet device 10 by the server 22 is, for example, an overheat emergency warning screen displayed on the user's mobile phone 28 when it is determined that overheating becomes higher than the threshold temperature Tth2 with the higher temperature data. When an overheat emergency warning with a display of 201 is issued, if the cutoff control signal is not effectively received from the mobile phone 28 even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the cutoff control signal is forcibly sent from the server 22 to the Internet 20 and the gateway device 12. To the power outlet device 10 to automatically shut off the mobile phone 28 so that the power supply can be reliably supplied even when the mobile phone 28 is turned off or in a place where radio waves do not reach. Shut off to eliminate overheating.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another schematic configuration of the power outlet monitoring system according to the present invention, in which a dedicated network environment is provided without using the network environment of the power management system as shown in FIG. Features.

  In FIG. 10, a power outlet device 10-1 to 10-5 and a gateway device 12 are provided in a house 11. The gateway device 12 is connected to a server 22 via the Internet 20, and the server 22 includes an outlet management unit 22. And the database 34, and the server 22 can access the mobile phone 28 owned by both of the houses 11 via the mobile phone base electrode 26 of the mobile phone network 24. The server 22 is different in that the function of the power management unit 30 provided for power management is removed from the server 22 shown in FIG. 1, and the other points are basically the same.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another schematic configuration of the power outlet monitoring system according to the present invention. The network environment of the power management system is used as in FIG. It is characterized by using.

  In FIG. 11, a power outlet device 10-1 to 10-5 and a wireless LAN router 72 are provided in the house 11. Further, a personal computer 74 having a wireless LAN transmission / reception function for accessing the Internet via the wireless LAN router 72 is used.

  The wireless LAN router 72 has been put into practical use as a wireless broadband router, and is connected to the Internet 20 via a cable. However, in the home, for example, signals can be transmitted and received using a wireless communication protocol compliant with IEEE802.11a / b / g. I do. Other configurations and functions are basically the same as those of the system shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the power outlet device 10 used in the system of FIG. The power outlet apparatus 10 is provided with a wireless LAN board unit 76 as a wireless transmission / reception chip. The wireless LAN board unit 76 is provided with a transmission circuit 80, a reception circuit 82, and a control circuit 84, and is based on IEEE802.11a / b / g. Signals are transmitted and received using a compliant wireless communication protocol. Other configurations and functions are basically the same as those of the power outlet apparatus 10 of FIG.

  When the wireless LAN is used for the communication in the house shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the system cost is slightly increased, but there is an advantage that a sufficient communication distance can be secured and high-speed communication can be performed.

  The construction of a power outlet monitoring system using a wireless LAN in a house can be similarly applied to a system that does not use the power management system of FIG. Further, even when the power outlet device 10 is equipped with a circuit breaker as shown in FIG. 7, the wireless communication unit 44 can be used in the system of FIG. 11 by replacing the wireless communication unit 44 with the wireless LAN card unit 76 as in FIG.

  In addition, although the power outlet apparatus in said embodiment provides two outlets supposing mounting | wearing to the wall socket embedded outlet, the number of outlets is good also as needed.

  In the above embodiment, a power outlet monitoring system is constructed using a power management system that manages the power consumption of home appliances. However, various environmental changes are detected by a sensor network, and an air conditioner or the like is detected. An appropriate device management system that optimally controls home appliances can also be used.

  Moreover, as a wireless communication part in the said embodiment, it is not necessarily necessary to use a commercially available wireless transmission / reception chip, and other modules, circuit blocks, etc. can be employ | adopted if the function is realizable.

  In addition, the processor shown in the above embodiment can replace some or all of its functions with other means such as wired logic. Other electrical and functional configurations including the processor can be appropriately integrated and abolished.

  Further, the above embodiment can be applied not only to residential use but also to monitoring overheating of power outlets for various uses such as buildings and offices. Further, the installation location and manager of each device are arbitrary. For example, the server is installed in the power company and managed by the power company, and the power outlet device can be installed in the home.

  Further, the power outlet device can be applied not only to plug connection of household appliances used in the home, but also to overheating monitoring of the outlet device used for charging a battery in a home such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. In this case, the outlet provided in the power outlet device has a structure corresponding to a plaque connection such as battery charging of an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, includes appropriate modifications that do not impair the objects and advantages thereof, and is not limited by the numerical values shown in the above-described embodiments.

10-1 to 10-5: Power outlet device 11: House 12: Gateway 20: Internet 22: Server 24: Mobile phone network 26: Mobile phone base station 28: Mobile phone 30: Power management unit 32: Outlet management unit 34: Database 36: Inlet 38: Outlet 40: Current sensor 42, 62, 100: Processor 44, 106: Wireless communication unit 46, 108: Antenna 48: Power indicator 50, 112: Operation unit 52, 114: Memory 54, 116: Power supply circuit unit 56: Temperature sensor 58, 118: Transmission circuit 60, 120: Reception circuit 62: Processor 64: Power measurement control unit 66: Temperature measurement unit 68: Circuit breaker 70: Power supply control unit 72: Wireless LAN router 74: Personal computer 102: Wired communication unit 122: Protocol conversion unit 200: Overheat warning screen 201: Heat emergency alert screen 202: alert message 204: temperature display unit 206: confirmation button 208: home autodial 210: power-off button

Claims (28)

Measure the temperature of a power outlet device that supplies power to equipment arranged in a predetermined area, send it to a processing device on the network, determine the overheating of the power outlet device by the processing device, and notify the user terminal of it Power outlet monitoring system characterized by.
2. The power outlet monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein a control signal is transmitted from the processing device to the power outlet device for control.
The power outlet monitoring system according to claim 2, wherein a control signal is transmitted from the processing device to the power outlet device to control to cut off power supply to the device.
Measures the temperature of a power outlet device that supplies power to equipment placed in a predetermined area, transmits the temperature measurement signal to a network adapter according to a predetermined communication protocol, converts it to the Internet communication protocol using the network adapter, and transmits it to the server. A power outlet monitoring system characterized in that a temperature measurement signal is processed by the server and the processing result is transmitted to a user terminal for viewing.
In the power outlet monitoring system according to claim 4,
The power outlet device is
An inlet for inputting power,
A power outlet that outputs power to the device, and a detachable outlet;
A temperature detection element that detects and outputs a state according to the internal temperature;
A temperature measuring unit for measuring temperature based on a detection signal of the temperature detecting element;
A communication unit for transmitting a temperature measurement signal measured by the temperature measurement unit to the network adapter according to a predetermined communication protocol and receiving a signal from the network adapter;
A power outlet monitoring system characterized by comprising:
5. The power outlet monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein the temperature detecting element directly or indirectly contacts the outlet to detect and output a state corresponding to the temperature.
5. The power outlet monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein the server causes the user terminal to be notified of overheating of the power outlet device when the server determines that the received temperature measurement signal is overheated to be equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. A featured power outlet monitoring system.
5. The power outlet monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein when the server determines overheating at which a rate of temperature increase per unit time becomes a predetermined value based on the received temperature measurement signal, the server is connected to the power terminal. A power outlet monitoring system for notifying overheating of an outlet device.
In the power outlet monitoring system according to claim 4,
The power outlet device further includes:
A circuit breaker that operates in response to a signal from the temperature measuring unit to cut off power supply to the outlet;
A power control unit for controlling the circuit breaker;
With
When the server determines the overheating, the server informs the user terminal of the overheating of the power outlet device, displays a power shutdown operation unit, and receives an operation signal generated by operating the power shutdown operation unit. A power outlet monitoring system, wherein a power cutoff control signal is transmitted to the power outlet device via the network adapter, and the breaker is controlled to be cut off by the power controller.
In the power outlet monitoring system according to claim 4,
The power outlet device further includes:
A circuit breaker that operates in response to a signal from the temperature measuring unit to cut off power supply to the outlet;
A power control unit for controlling the circuit breaker;
With
When the server determines the overheating, the server informs the user terminal of the overheating of the power outlet device and transmits a power cutoff control signal to the power outlet device via the network adapter to control the power supply. A power outlet monitoring system, wherein the circuit breaker is controlled to be cut off by a unit.
In the power outlet monitoring system according to claim 4,
The power outlet device further includes:
A circuit breaker that operates in response to a signal from the temperature measuring unit to cut off power supply to the outlet;
A power control unit for controlling the circuit breaker;
With
When the server determines the overheating, the server informs the user terminal of the overheating of the power outlet device, displays a power shutdown operation unit, and receives an operation signal generated by operating the power shutdown operation unit. A power cut-off control signal is transmitted to the power outlet device via the network adapter, and the breaker is controlled to be cut off by the power control unit. When the power supply is not received, a power supply shutdown control signal is transmitted to the power supply outlet device via the network adapter, and the power supply control unit controls the circuit breaker to shut down.
5. The power outlet monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein the power outlet device further detects power consumption of the device and transmits the detected power to the server via the network adapter for processing. A power outlet monitoring system comprising a power measurement control unit that can be transmitted to a user terminal and viewed.
Measure the temperature of a power outlet device that supplies power to equipment arranged in a predetermined area, send it to a processing device on the network, determine the overheating of the power outlet device by the processing device, and notify the user terminal of it Power outlet monitoring method characterized by.
14. The power outlet monitoring method according to claim 13, wherein a control signal is transmitted from the processing device to the power outlet device for control.
15. The power outlet monitoring method according to claim 14, wherein a control signal is transmitted from the processing device to the power outlet device to control to cut off power supply to the device.
Measure the temperature of the power outlet device that supplies power to the equipment placed in the predetermined area, send the temperature measurement signal to the network adapter according to the predetermined communication protocol, convert it to the Internet communication protocol with the network adapter, and send it to the server A power outlet monitoring method characterized in that a temperature measurement signal is processed by the server, and the processing result is transmitted to a user terminal for browsing.
The power outlet monitoring method according to claim 16, wherein
The power outlet device is
An inlet for inputting power,
A power outlet that outputs power to the device, and a detachable outlet;
A temperature detection element that detects and outputs a state according to the internal temperature;
A temperature measuring unit for measuring temperature based on a detection signal of the temperature detecting element;
A communication unit for transmitting a temperature measurement signal measured by the temperature measurement unit to the network adapter according to a predetermined communication protocol and receiving a signal from the network adapter;
A power outlet monitoring method characterized by comprising:
17. The power outlet monitoring method according to claim 16, wherein the temperature detecting element directly or indirectly contacts the outlet to detect and output a state corresponding to the temperature.
17. The power outlet monitoring method according to claim 16, wherein the server causes the user terminal to be notified of overheating of the power outlet device when the server determines that the received temperature measurement signal is overheated to be equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. A characteristic power outlet monitoring method.
17. The power outlet monitoring method according to claim 16, wherein when the server determines overheating at which a rate of temperature increase per unit time becomes a predetermined value based on the received temperature measurement signal, the server is connected to the power terminal. A power outlet monitoring method, characterized in that an overheat of the outlet device is notified.
The power outlet monitoring method according to claim 16, wherein
The power outlet device further includes:
A circuit breaker that operates in response to a signal from the temperature measuring unit to cut off power supply to the outlet;
A power control unit for controlling the circuit breaker;
With
When the server determines the overheating, the server informs the user terminal of the overheating of the power outlet device, displays a power shutdown operation unit, and receives an operation signal generated by operating the power shutdown operation unit. A power outlet monitoring method, wherein a power cutoff control signal is transmitted to the power outlet device via the network adapter, and the breaker is controlled to be cut off by the power controller.
The power outlet monitoring method according to claim 16, wherein
The power outlet device further includes:
A circuit breaker that operates in response to a signal from the temperature measuring unit to cut off power supply to the outlet;
A power control unit for controlling the circuit breaker;
With
When the server determines the overheating, the server informs the user terminal of the overheating of the power outlet device and displays a power-off operation unit, and further sends a power-off control signal via the network adapter. A power outlet monitoring method, comprising: transmitting to an outlet device, and controlling the breaker to be shut off by the power control unit.
The power outlet monitoring method according to claim 16, wherein
The power outlet device further includes:
A circuit breaker that operates in response to a signal from the temperature measuring unit to cut off power supply to the outlet;
A power control unit for controlling the circuit breaker;
With
When the server determines the overheating, the server informs the user terminal of the overheating of the power outlet device, displays a power shutdown operation unit, and receives an operation signal generated by operating the power shutdown operation unit. A power cut-off control signal is transmitted to the power outlet device via the network adapter, and the breaker is controlled to be cut off by the power control unit. A power outlet monitoring method characterized by transmitting a power cutoff control signal to the power outlet device via the network adapter and controlling the cutoff of the circuit breaker by the power controller when the network adapter is not received.
The power outlet monitoring method according to claim 16, wherein the power outlet device further detects power consumption of the device and transmits it to the server via the network adapter,
The server processes the received power consumption of the device, and transmits the processing result to the user terminal so that it can be viewed.
In a power outlet device that supplies power to equipment arranged in a predetermined area,
An inlet for inputting power,
A power outlet that outputs power to the device, and a detachable outlet;
A temperature detection element that detects and outputs a state according to the internal temperature;
A temperature measuring unit for measuring temperature based on a detection signal of the temperature detecting element;
The temperature measurement signal measured by the temperature measurement unit is transmitted to the server through the conversion of the Internet communication protocol by the network adapter according to a predetermined communication protocol, and the signal transmitted from the server via the network adapter is processed. A communication unit to receive,
A power outlet device characterized by comprising:
26. The power outlet device according to claim 25, wherein the temperature detecting element directly or indirectly contacts the outlet to detect and output a state corresponding to the temperature.
The power outlet device according to claim 25, further comprising:
A circuit breaker that operates in response to a signal from the temperature measuring unit to cut off power supply to the outlet;
A power control unit for controlling the circuit breaker;
And a power outlet device that controls the circuit breaker to be cut off by the power supply control unit when receiving a power cut-off control signal transmitted from the server via the network adapter.
  26. The power outlet device according to claim 25, further comprising detecting power consumption of the device, transmitting the processing to the server via the network adapter, and transmitting the processing result to a user terminal. A power outlet device provided with a power measurement control unit that enables browsing.

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