Metal lid with telecommunication function

Abstract

To provide a metal lid with a telecommunication function, having an antenna with a high attachment intensity to a metal lid main body while having an excellent telecommunication function.SOLUTION: A metal lid with a telecommunication function, according to a present technique, comprises: a metal lid main body that blocks an open of a manhole communicated with a sewer, contains a front surface faced to an outer side of the manhole and a back surface faced to an inner side of the manhole, and in which a penetration hole reached from the back surface to the front surface is formed; a measurement part that measures a data in the sewer; a communication unit that transmits the data measured by the measurement part in a radio communication; a power supply electrically connected to the communication unit; and an antenna that is connected to the communication unit, and is embedded into the penetration hole. On the front surface of the metal lid main body, the penetration hole includes a slit shape extended in a first direction, and the penetration hole includes a cross-sectional shape containing a taper inclination surface inclined so that a width of the penetration hole is narrower toward the front surface side from the back surface side when viewing it from the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present technology relates to a metal cover with a communication function. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to understand the situation inside a manhole, workers need to open the manhole cover and enter inside. To enter a manhole, permission must be obtained in advance from the relevant government agency, and a certain number of personnel and equipment must be prepared to carry out work on site.

[0003] As described above, grasping the situation inside a manhole requires a lot of effort, time, and cost. Therefore, there is a demand for a metal cover equipped with a communication function that can remotely grasp information about the inside of the manhole without opening the cover.

[0004] Technology for attaching an antenna to a manhole cover to provide a communication function is described in JP 2015-10403 A (Patent Document 1) and JP 2016-213545 A (Patent Document 2).

[0005] By installing a sensor inside the manhole and transmitting the data obtained by the sensor to the outside using wireless communication via an antenna attached to the manhole cover, it is possible to grasp the situation inside the manhole. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-10403 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2016-213545 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In order to accurately grasp the situation inside a manhole, the antenna must have excellent communication capabilities. Also, because manholes are installed outdoors and the manhole cover is subject to repeated loads from vehicles and other objects, the antenna must be attached to the metal cover body with high mounting strength.

[0008] An object of the present technology is to provide a gold cover with a communication function, which has excellent communication functions and an antenna with high attachment strength to the gold cover body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The metal cover with communication function according to the present technology includes a metal cover body that closes an opening of a manhole that communicates with a culvert, includes a surface facing the outside of the manhole and a back surface facing the inside of the manhole, and has a through hole formed from the back surface to the front surface, a measuring section that measures data inside the culvert, a communication unit that transmits the data measured by the measuring section by wireless communication, a power source electrically connected to the communication unit, and an antenna connected to the communication unit and embedded in the through hole. On the surface of the metal cover body, the through hole has a slit shape extending in a first direction. When viewed from the first direction, the through hole has a cross-sectional shape that includes a tapered inclined surface that is inclined so that the width of the through hole narrows from the back surface side to the front surface side. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present technology, a system including a metal cover equipped with a communication function is provided, and the inspection work of the equipment inside the manhole can be automated, so that the effort, time, and cost required for advance preparation for the inspection work, securing manpower, etc. Furthermore, by providing an antenna with excellent communication function and high attachment strength to the metal cover body, the reliability of the inspection work can be increased and the durability of the above system can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a metal cover 100 with a communication function. [Diagram 2]1 is a diagram showing the uneven pattern 13 on the surface 10A of the metal cover body 10. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration provided on a back surface 10B of a metal cover body 10. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which an antenna device 50 is provided on a metal cover body 10, as viewed from a back surface 10B side. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a housing 60 is provided in a space 12A formed on a back surface 10B of a metal cover body 10. FIG. [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a housing 60 is provided in a space 12A and then a cover member 90 is provided. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a side view of the antenna device 50. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the antenna device 50. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described. Note that the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference characters, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0013] In the embodiments described below, when referring to the number, amount, etc., the scope of the present technology is not necessarily limited to the number, amount, etc., unless otherwise specified. In addition, in the following embodiments, each component is not necessarily essential to the present technology, unless otherwise specified. In addition, the present technology is not necessarily limited to those that achieve all of the effects and advantages mentioned in the present embodiment.

[0014] In this specification, the words "comprise", "include", and "have" are open-ended. In other words, when a certain configuration is included, other configurations may or may not be included.

[0015] Furthermore, when geometric terms and terms expressing positional and directional relationships, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "45° diagonal," "coaxial," and "along" are used in this specification, these terms allow for manufacturing errors and slight variations. When terms expressing relative positional relationships, such as "upper side" and "lower side," are used in this specification, these terms are used to indicate relative positional relationships in one state, and the relative positional relationships can be inverted or rotated to any angle depending on the installation direction of each mechanism (for example, by turning the entire mechanism upside down).

[0016] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a metal cover 100 with a communication function according to the present embodiment. Fig. 1 (and Figs. 2 to 7 described later) are schematic diagrams for explaining the embodiment of the present technology, and distances (e.g., the thickness of the metal cover body 10), angles (e.g., the inclination of the wall surface of the through hole 11), and the like are partially exaggerated for convenience of illustration and explanation.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the metal cover 100 with communication function includes a metal cover main body 10, a sensor 20, a communication unit 30, a battery 40 (power source), an antenna device 50, and a housing 60.

[0018] The metal cover body 10 is provided so as to close the opening of the manhole 1 which communicates with the pipe 2 in which the underground cable 3 is provided. However, the pipe 2 in the present technology is not limited to one through which the underground cable 3 is passed.

[0019] The metal lid body 10 includes a front surface 10A facing the outside of the manhole 1 and a back surface 10B facing the inside of the manhole 1. The metal lid body 10 has a through hole 11 formed therein that extends from the back surface 10B to the front surface 10A.

[0020] A reinforcing rib 12 is provided on the back surface 10B of the metal cover body 10. The reinforcing rib 12 protrudes from the back surface 10B to the inside of the manhole 1. The top of the back surface 10B of the metal cover body 10 is divided by the reinforcing rib 12 into a plurality of spaces 12A.

[0021] The sensor 20 (measurement unit) is provided inside the manhole 1 and measures various data for understanding the conditions inside the manhole 1 and the culvert 2. Although one sensor 20 is illustrated in Fig. 1, a plurality of sensors 20 may be provided.

[0022] For example, by providing a water level sensor as the sensor 20, it is possible to detect unintended flooding in the pipe 2. Also, by providing a movement amount sensor capable of detecting the displacement amount of the underground cable 3 as the sensor 20, it is possible to detect unintended movement of the underground cable 3 in the pipe 2. Also, by providing an acceleration sensor capable of detecting the acceleration of the metal cover body 10 or an illuminance sensor capable of detecting the illuminance inside the manhole 1 as the sensor 20, it is possible to detect unintended opening of the metal cover body 10. Also, by providing a temperature sensor capable of detecting the temperature of the underground cable 3 as the sensor 20, it is possible to detect unintended temperature rise of the underground cable 3 in the pipe 2.

[0023] The installation position of the sensor 20 may be changed as appropriate depending on its role. For example, the sensor 20 may be installed at a position that reaches inside the culvert 2, the sensor 20 may be installed inside the manhole 1 at the top of the culvert 2, or the sensor 20 may be installed on the metal cover main body 10 or inside the housing 60.

[0024] The communication unit 30 transmits the various data measured by the sensor 20 by wireless communication. The communication unit 30 is connected to the sensor 20 via a communication cable 80B made of a coaxial cable. A battery 40 supplies power to the communication unit 30. The communication unit 30 is connected to an antenna device 50. The various data are transmitted to the outside of the manhole 1 via the antenna device 50. This makes it possible to grasp the conditions inside the manhole 1 and the culvert 2 by remote control.

[0025] The communication unit 30 and the battery 40 are housed in a single housing 60. The housing 60 is installed in one of a plurality of spaces 12A partitioned by the reinforcing ribs 12 on the rear surface 10B of the metal cover body 10. However, the scope of the present technology is not limited thereto, and the communication unit 30 and the battery 40 may be housed in separate housings, and further, the housing housing the communication unit 30 and the housing housing the battery 40 may be installed in separate spaces 12A.

[0026] The installation location of the communication unit 30 may be changed as appropriate. The communication unit 30 is not necessarily provided on the back surface 10B of the metal cover body 10, but may be provided on an inner cover (not shown) installed at the bottom of the metal cover body 10.

[0027] The antenna device 50 includes an antenna body 51 and a resin part 52. The antenna device 50 is embedded in the through hole 11 of the metal cover body 10. The antenna device 50 is pressed into the through hole 11 from the back surface 10B side of the metal cover body 10. By providing the antenna device 50 in the through hole 11 and exposing it to the outside, the function of communicating with the outside via the antenna device 50 can be improved.

[0028] The antenna body 51 is connected to the communication unit 30 via a communication cable 80A made of a coaxial cable. The antenna body 51 may be formed of, for example, a dipole antenna.

[0029] The resin part 52 is provided so as to cover the antenna body 51. By covering the antenna body 51 with the resin part 52, it is possible to protect the antenna body 51. The resin part 52 may be made of, for example, polycarbonate. By using polycarbonate, it is possible to increase the strength, heat resistance, and weather resistance against ultraviolet rays of the resin part 52.

[0030] The through hole 11 in which the antenna device 50 is embedded has a tapered inclined surface that is inclined so that the width of the through hole 11 narrows from the back surface 10B side toward the front surface 10A side. Therefore, when a load acts from outside the manhole 1, the antenna device 50 embedded in the metal lid body 10 can be prevented from jumping out to the outside. Also, even if the pressure inside the manhole 1 increases unintentionally, the antenna device 50 embedded in the metal lid body 10 can be prevented from jumping out to the outside.

[0031] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the front surface 10A side of the metal lid body 10. FIG.

[0032] 2, a concave-convex pattern 13 is formed on the surface 10A of the metal lid body 10. The concave-convex pattern 13 includes convex portions 13A and concave portions 13B. The through-holes 11 of the metal lid body 10 are formed so as to open into the concave portions 13B on the surface 10A.

[0033] Fig. 2 shows resin part 52 exposed from the opening of through hole 11. Although not shown in Fig. 2, for convenience of processing, the edge of the opening of through hole 11 in the length direction is formed into an arc shape, and a gap is formed between the edge and resin part 52. This gap is filled with a sealant.

[0034] An external load such as the weight of a vehicle may act on the metal cover body 10. By forming the through hole 11 of the metal cover body 10 so as to open into the recess 13B of the uneven pattern 13, it is possible to reduce the external load acting on the antenna device 50.

[0035] The uneven pattern 13 shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and the shape of the uneven pattern 13 can be changed as appropriate. The recess 13B has a portion that extends in a slit shape. The through hole 11 of the metal cover body 10 has a slit shape that extends in the same direction as the recess 13B. By making the through hole 11 slit-shaped, it is possible to store an antenna body 51 having a predetermined length (details will be described later) while minimizing the area of ​​the through hole 11 provided in the metal cover body 10. By storing an antenna body 51 having a predetermined length, it is possible to support wireless communication in a wide frequency band (details will be described later).

[0036] Next, we will explain the configuration on the back surface 10B side of the gold cover body 10. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the configuration provided on the back surface 10B of the gold cover body 10. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the state in which the antenna device 50 is provided on the gold cover body 10, as viewed from the back surface 10B side.

[0037] 3 and 4, the resin part 52 of the antenna device 50 embedded in the through hole 11 of the metal cover body 10 is also exposed on the back surface 10B side. A fastener 70 is provided on the back surface 10B of the metal cover body 10. One end of the fastener 70 is fixed to the metal cover body 10 by a fixing device 70A.

[0038] The arrangement and shape of the fasteners 70 are not limited to those shown in Figures 3 and 4. For example, only one fastener 70 may be provided, or three or more fasteners 70 may be provided. Also, no fasteners 70 may be provided.

[0039] 4, the through hole 11 of the metal cover body 10 is formed on the back surface 10B at a position avoiding the reinforcing ribs 12. The through hole 11 opens near the center of the rectangular area of ​​the back surface 10B partitioned by the reinforcing ribs 12. However, in the present technology, the arrangement of the reinforcing ribs 12 and the shape of the space 12A partitioned by the reinforcing ribs 12 are not limited to those shown in FIG.

[0040] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which a housing 60 is provided in a space 12A formed on a back surface 10B of a metal cover body 10. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the housing 60 is provided in the same space 12A as the space 12A in which the through hole 11 opens. However, in the present technology, the position at which the housing 60 is provided is not limited to the example in Fig. 5, and the housing 60 may be provided in a space 12A other than the space 12A in which the through hole 11 opens, or may be provided at a position away from the metal cover body 10.

[0041] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the housing 60 is provided in the space 12A and then the cover member 90 is provided. As shown in Fig. 6, the cover member 90 is attached to the reinforcing rib 12 of the metal cover body 10 so as to cover the space 12A in which the housing 60 is housed.

[0042] The cover member 90 is a plate-like member having a hole 90A. By forming the hole 90A, light can be introduced into the space 12A in which the housing 60 is housed, even when the cover member 90 is attached. By allowing light to be introduced into the space 12A, it is possible to detect unintentional opening of the metal cover body 10 by providing an illuminance sensor in the housing 60. In addition, the communication cable 80B can be drawn out to the outside of the cover member 90 through the hole 90A.

[0043] Next, a detailed description will be given of the antenna device 50. Fig. 7 is a side view of the antenna device 50, Fig. 8 is a bottom view of the antenna device 50, and Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in Fig. 7.

[0044] 7 and 8, the antenna body 51 is provided so as to extend over substantially the entire length direction (first direction: left-right direction in FIGS. 7 and 8) of the antenna device 50. The communication cable 80A is connected to the antenna body 51 via a connection portion 50A.

[0045] A dipole antenna has a length that is approximately half the wavelength of the frequency used in wireless communication. The wavelength is inversely proportional to the frequency. When the frequency used in wireless communication is determined, the length of the antenna body 51 required for that frequency is uniquely determined. For example, when wireless communication with a frequency of 920 MHz is used, the antenna body 51 made of a dipole antenna needs to have a length of approximately 160 mm.

[0046] Therefore, it is preferable that the through hole 11 of the metal cover body 10 has a length of, for example, about 160 mm or more. This makes it possible to store the antenna body 51 of a desired length, and makes it possible to support wireless communication in a wide frequency band (for example, about 920 MHz, preferably about 700 MHz or more and 4.5 GHz or less).

[0047] 9, when viewed in the length direction of the through hole 11 and the antenna device 50, the antenna device 50 has a cross-sectional shape including a tapered inclined surface that is inclined so that the width of the through hole 11 narrows from the back surface 10B side toward the front surface 10A side of the metal cover body 10. The through hole 11 of the metal cover body 10 also has a cross-section having the same shape as the cross-section of the antenna device 50 shown in FIG.

[0048] 9, the cross section of the antenna device 50 is formed to be symmetrical. However, the cross section of the antenna device 50 may be formed to be asymmetrical.

[0049] The width (B1) of the upper surface of resin part 52 exposed on front surface 10A of metal lid body 10 is, for example, about 15 mm, and preferably about 15 mm or more and 200 mm or less. The width (B2) of the lower surface of resin part 52 exposed on rear surface 10B of metal lid body 10 is, for example, about 19 mm, and preferably about 15 mm or more and 200 mm or less. The height (H) from the lower surface to the upper surface of resin part 52 is, for example, about 12 mm, which is the thickness of the metal lid.

[0050] The inclination angle (θ) of the tapered inclined surface 53 of the resin part 52 formed along the side wall surface of the through hole 11 is, for example, about 4° to 5°, and preferably about 3° to 10°. This tapered shape typically has a linear tapered shape. In this case, processing for forming the tapered shape is easy.

[0051] According to the gold cover 100 with communication function of this embodiment, the antenna device 50 is stored in the through hole 11 formed in the gold cover main body 10, and the antenna device 50 is exposed to the outside of the gold cover main body 10, thereby improving the function of wireless communication with the outside via the antenna device 50.

[0052] Here, by forming a tapered inclined surface in the through hole 11 whose width narrows from the back surface 10B toward the back surface 10A and by configuring the antenna device 50 to be pushed in from the back surface 10B side, the antenna device 50 can be prevented from popping out of the through hole 11 in the metal cover body 10 even when various loads are applied from the outside and inside of the manhole 1.

[0053] Furthermore, by forming the through hole 11 in the metal cover body 10 in a narrow slit shape, it is possible to form an antenna housing section capable of storing an antenna body 51 of a predetermined length without excessively increasing the opening area of ​​the through hole 11. As a result, wireless communication in a desired frequency band can be used while suppressing a decrease in the strength of the metal cover body 10.

[0054] According to the metal cover 100 with communication function of this embodiment, a sensor 20 is provided inside the manhole 1, and various data obtained by the sensor 20 can be transmitted to the outside by wireless communication via the antenna device 50 attached to the metal cover body 10. Therefore, the situation inside the manhole 1 can be grasped by remote control.

[0055] As a result, the work of checking the equipment inside the manhole 1 can be reduced, and the time and cost required for preparing documents in advance, as well as for staffing and preparing materials and equipment on-site, can be reduced. It is also expected that the situation in which it is becoming difficult to secure sufficient workers due to the decline in the labor force will improve. Furthermore, by providing the antenna device 50 with excellent communication capabilities and high mounting strength to the metal cover body 10, the reliability of the checking work can be increased and the durability of the system can be improved.

[0056] Although the embodiment of the present technology has been described above, the embodiment disclosed herein should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present technology is defined by the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1 manhole, 2 pipe, 3 underground cable, 10 metal cover body, 10A surface, 10B back surface, 11 through hole, 12 reinforcing rib, 12A space, 13 uneven pattern, 13A convex portion, 13B concave portion, 20 sensor, 30 communication unit, 40 battery, 50 antenna device, 50A connection portion, 51 antenna body, 52 resin portion, 53 tapered inclined surface, 60 housing, 70 fastener, 70A fixing device, 80A, 80B communication cable, 90 cover member, 90A hole portion, 100 metal cover with communication function.

Claims

1. a metal cover body that closes an opening of a manhole that communicates with a culvert, the metal cover body including a surface facing the outside of the manhole and a back surface facing the inside of the manhole, the metal cover body having a through hole formed from the back surface to the front surface; A measurement unit that measures data inside the sewer; a communication unit that transmits the data measured by the measurement unit via wireless communication; a power source electrically connected to the communication unit; an antenna connected to the communication unit and embedded in the through hole, On the surface of the metal cover body, the through hole has a slit shape extending in a first direction, A gold cover with communication function, wherein when viewed from the first direction, the through hole has a cross-sectional shape that includes a tapered inclined surface that is inclined so that the width of the through hole narrows from the back surface side toward the front surface side.

2. A reinforcing rib is provided that protrudes from the back surface of the metal cover body toward the inside of the manhole and divides the space on the back surface into a plurality of spaces, The metal cover with communication function according to claim 1 , wherein the communication unit and the power source are installed in one of the plurality of spaces.

3. 3. The metal cover with communication function according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit and the power source are housed in a single housing.

4. 3. The metal cover with communication function according to claim 1, wherein projections and recesses are formed on the surface of the metal cover body, and the through hole opens into a recess in the projections and recesses.

5. 3. The metal cover with communication function according to claim 1, wherein the tapered inclined surfaces are formed symmetrically when viewed from the first direction.

6. The metal cover with communication function according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the through hole has a length of 160 mm or more in the first direction.

Images