Maintenance support method, maintenance support program, and maintenance support system for power supply apparatus

Abstract

To easily perform maintenance of a power supply apparatus even if maintenance personnel are not knowledgeable.SOLUTION: A maintenance support method for a power supply apparatus displays, by one of the power supply apparatus and an information terminal apparatus, a symbol code on a display unit and reads, by the other apparatus, the symbol code displayed on the display unit by the one apparatus using a symbol code reading unit so as to transmit information necessary for maintenance of the power supply apparatus from the one apparatus to the other apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a maintenance support method, a maintenance support program, and a maintenance support system for a power supply device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes an auxiliary operating device for equipment that, after setting a document on which various operating modes are recorded as barcodes into an image reader, operates a barcode input unit to scan a barcode corresponding to the desired operating mode from a list of barcodes on the document, thereby indicating the desired operating mode. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-258943 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When maintaining power supply equipment, maintenance personnel periodically visit the installation site to inspect the equipment. When an abnormality occurs, the maintenance personnel must visit the site to investigate the cause of the abnormality, prepare for a response, and then return to the site to perform the response, which can increase the amount of work required. Furthermore, maintenance personnel need to acquire specialized knowledge, such as for dealing with new products, but it is difficult to secure maintenance personnel with the necessary knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to efficiently perform inspections, identify abnormalities, and other maintenance work.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technique that enables even a person who is not a knowledgeable maintenance technician to easily perform maintenance on a power supply device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for supporting maintenance of a power supply device involves one of the power supply device and an information terminal device displaying a symbol code on a display unit, and the other device reading the symbol code displayed on the display unit of the one device using a symbol code reading unit, thereby transmitting information necessary for maintenance of the power supply device from the one device to the other device.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a power supply device maintenance support method comprises the steps of: a power supply device and an information terminal device each displaying a symbol code on a display unit; when one of the power supply device and the information terminal device displays a symbol code, the other device reads the symbol code displayed on the display unit of the one device using a symbol code reading unit, thereby transmitting and receiving information necessary for maintenance of the power supply device in both directions between the one device and the other device.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a power supply device maintenance support program causes a computer to execute the following steps: one of the power supply device or the information terminal device displays a symbol code on a display unit; and the other device reads the symbol code displayed on the display unit of the one device using a symbol code reading unit, thereby transmitting information necessary for maintenance of the power supply device from the one device to the other device.

[0009] A power supply device maintenance support program in one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute the following steps: a power supply device and an information terminal device each displaying a symbol code on a display unit; and, when one of the power supply device and the information terminal device displays a symbol code, the other device reads the symbol code displayed on the display unit of the one device using a symbol code reading unit, thereby transmitting and receiving information necessary for maintenance of the power supply device bidirectionally between the one device and the other device.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a power supply device maintenance support system is a power supply device maintenance support system consisting of at least one power supply device and an information terminal device, in which one of the power supply device or the information terminal device displays a symbol code on a display unit, and the other device reads the symbol code displayed on the display unit of the one device using a symbol code reading unit, thereby transmitting information necessary for maintenance of the power supply device from the one device to the other device.

[0011] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a power supply device maintenance support system is a power supply device maintenance support system consisting of at least one power supply device and an information terminal device, wherein the power supply device and the information terminal device each display a symbol code on a display unit, and when one of the power supply device and the information terminal device displays a symbol code, the other device reads the symbol code displayed on the display unit of the one device using a symbol code reading unit, thereby transmitting and receiving information necessary for maintenance of the power supply device in both directions between the one device and the other device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present disclosure, even if a maintenance person does not have sufficient knowledge, maintenance of a power supply device can be easily performed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a power supply device maintenance support system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a power supply device that configures the maintenance support system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an information terminal device and a maintenance terminal device that constitute the maintenance support system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a server that configures the maintenance support system. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the maintenance support system. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the maintenance support system. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of a power supply device that configures the maintenance support system. [Figure 8] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a modified example of a power supply device that constitutes a maintenance support system, and FIG. 1B is a side view of FIG. 1A, illustrating the positional relationship between the display device and the camera. [Figure 9] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing modified examples of a display device installed in a power supply device constituting a maintenance support system, with 1A showing the front side and 1B showing the back side. 1C is a side view of the power supply device on which the display device shown in 1A and 1B is installed, and is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the display device and the camera. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing modified examples of a display device installed in a power supply device constituting a maintenance support system, with 1A showing the front side and 1B showing the back side, and 1C showing an auxiliary device installed inside the door of the power supply device on which the display devices shown in 1A and 1B are installed. [Figure 11] 10(A) and 10(B) and the auxiliary device shown in FIG. 10(C) are installed in the door of the power supply device, as viewed from the side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0015] [System Configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a maintenance support system 100 for a power supply device 1 according to this embodiment. The maintenance support system 100 includes the power supply device 1, an information terminal device 10, a server 20, and a maintenance terminal device 30. The information terminal device 10, the server 20, and the maintenance terminal device 30 are connected to each other via a communication network 40. The communication network 40 is configured, for example, by at least one of the Internet and an intranet. Note that a system exemplified as the maintenance support system 100 is configured by one or more devices or components. Therefore, even a single information terminal device 10 or a single server 20 is an example of a system.

[0016] Power supply device 1 is, for example, a DC power supply device, and is used as an emergency backup power source for communications equipment, power receiving and transforming equipment for transportation, emergency lighting equipment for buildings, water treatment facilities, etc. Power supply device 1 undergoes maintenance periodically as well as when an abnormality occurs. Here, maintenance refers to obtaining product information such as the product number, serial number, manufacturing date, and maintenance inspection date of power supply device 1, monitoring the internal status, checking for abnormalities, changing settings, updating software, etc.

[0017] The power supply device 1 has a housing 11, and is equipped with a storage battery, a rectifier, etc. inside the housing 11. The housing 11 includes a main body 12 with an open front, and a door 13 whose front can be opened and closed relative to the main body 12. Various meters, an alarm lamp, a display device 14, and a camera 15 are provided on the surface of the door 13. Examples of types of storage battery include, but are not limited to, lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries.

[0018] Display device 14 is, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, etc. Display device 14 displays information about power supply device 1, which will be described in detail later, and a symbol code that symbolizes (also called encoding or coding) information about power supply device 1. Display device 14 is not limited to these.

[0019] The camera 15 is used as a reader for reading the symbol code.

[0020] Here, the symbol code refers to a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code such as a two-dimensional code image such as a QR code (registered trademark), or an irregularly shaped code such as a shape that matches the shape of a reading device such as the camera 15. In addition, when the amount of data is large, two or more symbol codes can be used. Symbol codes are not limited to these.

[0021] The information terminal device 10 is a computer that can be connected to the server 20 or the maintenance terminal device 30 via a communication network 40. In one example, the information terminal device 10 is a mobile terminal device used by a worker performing work at the installation site of the power supply device 1, and may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a laptop computer, or the like.

[0022] The maintenance terminal device 30 is a computer that can be connected to the information terminal device 10 or the server 20 via a communication network 40. In one example, the maintenance terminal device 30 is a terminal device used by a maintenance technician at a remote location away from the power supply device 1, and may be, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. Here, the maintenance technician is someone who has knowledge about the power supply device 1.

[0023] Server 20 is a computer that can be connected to information terminal device 10 or maintenance terminal device 30 via communication network 40. Server 20 mainly stores information necessary for the maintenance of power supply device 1. Here, the information necessary for the maintenance of power supply device 1 includes at least one of information related to the product part number and serial number of power supply device 1, information related to the internal state of power supply device 1, information related to an abnormality occurring in power supply device 1, information related to an instruction to execute a diagnosis on power supply device 1, and information related to the execution result of the execution on power supply device 1.

[0024] With the door 13 closed, a worker performing maintenance on the power supply device 1 can monitor the internal status of the power supply device 1 by looking at the display screen of the display device 14, various meters, and the lighting (or blinking) of alarm lamps. In addition, the worker can send and receive symbol codes containing information necessary for maintaining the power supply device 1 in both directions between the power supply device 1, the information terminal device 10, the server 20, and the maintenance terminal device 30. This makes it easy to perform maintenance on the power supply device 1, such as checking for abnormalities, changing settings, and updating software.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the power supply device 1 that constitutes the maintenance support system 100.

[0026] The power supply device 1 includes a control unit 21, a memory unit 22, a display unit 23, an operation unit 24, a battery management unit (BMU) 25, a code generation unit 26, a code reading unit 27, and an output unit 28.

[0027] The control unit 21 performs processing for various functions of the power supply device 1. For example, the control unit 21 receives an operation from the operation unit 24 and performs predetermined processing. The control unit 21 also controls display by the display unit 23, acquisition and control of storage battery data by the BMU 25, generation of symbol codes by the code generation unit 26, reading of symbol codes by the code reading unit 27, output by the output unit 28, etc.

[0028] The storage unit 22 stores information necessary for the maintenance of the power supply device 1. For example, the storage unit 22 stores information necessary for the maintenance of the power supply device 1, such as product information such as the product number, serial number, manufacturing date, and maintenance date of the power supply device 1, serial numbers of parts used in the product, management information such as replacement parts, replacement date, power usage, power patterns, installation information, and other usage conditions, maintenance information by the customer, battery data indicating the state of the battery such as SOC (State Of Charge) indicating the charge state (charging rate) of the battery and SOH (State Of Health) indicating the deterioration state of the battery, software information, hardware information, work procedures, work history, and other information.

[0029] The display unit 23 displays on the display device 14 information necessary for the maintenance of the power supply device 1, such as information about the power supply device 1 product, management information about the parts used in the product, usage status, maintenance information by the customer, battery data, software information, hardware information, work procedures, work history, information about the internal state of the power supply device 1, information about abnormalities occurring in the power supply device 1, information about instructions to execute a diagnosis on the power supply device 1, and information about the results of execution performed on the power supply device 1.

[0030] In addition, the display unit 23 displays on the display device 14 symbol codes that symbolize information necessary for the maintenance of the power supply device 1, such as information about the power supply device 1 product, management information about the parts used in the product, usage status, maintenance information by the customer, battery data, software information, hardware information, work procedures, work history, information about the internal state of the power supply device 1, information about abnormalities occurring in the power supply device 1, information about instructions to execute a diagnosis on the power supply device 1, and information about the results of execution performed on the power supply device 1.

[0031] The operation unit 24 receives operations from users such as workers and customers. The display unit 23 and the operation unit 24 may be touch panel displays, or may be separate components.

[0032] The BMU 25 repeatedly measures the state of the storage battery at predetermined time intervals and generates storage battery data indicating the state.

[0033] The code generating unit 26 encodes information required for maintenance of the power supply device 1 and generates a symbol code including the information required for maintenance of the power supply device 1.

[0034] The code reading unit 27 reads and decodes a symbol code displayed on the display screen of the information terminal device 10 or a symbol code printed on paper, and reads the information contained in the symbol code. The code reading unit 27 can be a camera 15 or the like.

[0035] The output unit 28 outputs information when an abnormality occurs in the power supply device 1. For example, when an abnormality occurs in the power supply device 1, the output unit 28 lights up (or blinks) an alarm lamp, sounds an alarm, or displays the occurrence of the abnormality on the display device 14. Note that the output unit 28 is not limited to these.

[0036] 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the information terminal device 10 and the maintenance terminal device 30 that constitute the maintenance support system 100. Note that the maintenance terminal device 30 has the same configuration as the information terminal device 10, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0037] The information terminal device 10 includes a control unit 31 , a storage unit 32 , a display unit 33 , an operation unit 34 , a communication unit 35 , a code generation unit 36 ​​, and a code reading unit 37 .

[0038] The control unit 31 performs processing for various functions of the information terminal device 10. For example, the control unit 31 receives an operation from the operation unit 34 and performs predetermined processing. The control unit 31 also controls display by the display unit 33, communication by the communication unit 35, generation of symbol codes by the code generation unit 36, reading of symbol codes by the code reading unit 37, etc.

[0039] The display unit 33 displays on the display screen a symbol code containing information necessary for obtaining information necessary for maintenance, such as product-related information, from the power supply device 1, and a symbol code containing information necessary for maintenance, such as information regarding instructions to execute a diagnosis on the power supply device 1. The display unit 33 also displays on the display screen information necessary for maintenance of the power supply device 1. In one example, the display unit 33 displays on the display screen a work procedure manual for maintaining and restoring the power supply device 1, an image showing an abnormality, and the like.

[0040] The operation unit 34 receives operations from a user such as an operator. The display unit 33 and the operation unit 34 may be a touch panel display, or may be separate components.

[0041] The communication unit 35 transmits and receives data to and from the server 20 or the maintenance terminal device 30 via the communication network 40 .

[0042] The code generation unit 36 ​​encodes information necessary for acquiring information necessary for maintenance, such as product information, from the power supply device 1, and generates a symbol code including the information necessary for acquiring the information necessary for maintenance from the power supply device 1. The code generation unit 36 ​​also encodes information regarding instructions to execute diagnostics on the power supply device 1, such as checking for abnormalities, changing settings, and updating software, and generates a symbol code or the like including information regarding instructions to execute diagnostics on the power supply device 1.

[0043] Code reader 37 reads and decodes a symbol code displayed on display device 14 of power supply device 1 or a symbol code printed on paper, and reads the information contained in the symbol code. A camera of information terminal device 10 or the like can be used as code reader 37. In one example, code reader 37 acquires information necessary for maintenance of power supply device 1, such as information about the power supply device 1 product, management information about parts used in the product, usage status, maintenance information by the customer, storage battery data, software information, hardware information, work procedures, work history, information about the internal state of power supply device 1, information about abnormalities occurring in power supply device 1, information about instructions to execute a diagnosis on power supply device 1, and information about the results of execution of the diagnosis executed on power supply device 1.

[0044] In one example, a maintenance worker at a remote location can obtain a symbol code obtained by information terminal device 10 via communication network 40 and give instructions to a worker at the site in real time. Furthermore, the maintenance worker at a remote location can generate a symbol code containing information necessary for maintenance of power supply device 1 in maintenance terminal device 30 and send it to information terminal device 10. This allows the worker at the site to perform maintenance of power supply device 1 by displaying the symbol code containing information necessary for maintenance of power supply device 1, generated by the maintenance worker at a remote location, on information terminal device 10 and having camera 15 of power supply device 1 read it. In other words, the maintenance worker at a remote location can perform maintenance of power supply device 1 via the information terminal device 10 of the worker at the site.

[0045] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20 that constitutes the maintenance support system 100. As shown in FIG.

[0046] The server 20 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a communication unit 43.

[0047] The control unit 41 performs processing for various functions in the server 20. For example, the control unit 41 controls communication by the communication unit 43, etc.

[0048] The storage unit 42 stores information necessary for the maintenance of at least one power supply device, in association with a power supply device ID that identifies the power supply device. In one example, the storage unit 42 stores information necessary for the maintenance of the power supply device, such as information about the power supply device 1 product, management information about parts used in the product, usage status, maintenance information by the customer, battery data, software information, hardware information, work procedures, work history, information about the internal state of the power supply device, information about abnormalities occurring in the power supply device, information about instructions to execute diagnostics on the power supply device, and information about the results of execution of diagnostics on the power supply device, each associated with the power supply device ID. The storage unit 42 also stores multiple images, such as illustrations or photographs showing the overall configuration or each component of the power supply device, and information showing the location of the abnormality, each associated with the power supply device ID.

[0049] The storage unit 42 also stores the execution history of maintenance of the power supply device 1 and the symbol codes generated based on the respective processes, in association with the power supply device ID.

[0050] The communication unit 43 transmits and receives data to and from the information terminal device 10 or the maintenance terminal device 30 via the communication network 40 .

[0051] [System Operation] 5 and 6, an example of processing by the maintenance support system 100 will be described, along with a maintenance support method according to this embodiment. Note that each of the functional modules of the power supply device 1, information terminal device 10, server 20, and maintenance terminal device 30 described above is realized by loading a predetermined power supply device maintenance support program into a processor or main memory unit and having the processor execute the program.

[0052] In the following description, each display screen (also referred to as each step or each process) on the information terminal device 10 can be switched by shaking the information terminal device 10. Furthermore, depending on how the information terminal device 10 is swung, it is possible to reset, suspend, or skip a process. Furthermore, a different screen may be displayed between each process, or a sound may be played between each process, so that the worker can recognize the division of each process.

[0053] First, an example of a maintenance support method between the power supply device 1 and the information terminal device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0054] In step S1, the display unit 33 of the information terminal device 10 displays a symbol code that serves as a trigger on the display screen of the information terminal device 10. In one example, when it is desired to obtain product information of the power supply device 1 from the power supply device 1, a worker performing maintenance on the power supply device 1 displays a symbol code that includes information for obtaining the product information.

[0055] In step S2, the code reader 27 of the power supply device 1 reads the symbol code displayed on the information terminal device 10 and acquires the information contained in the symbol code. In one example, a worker holds the symbol code displayed on the display screen of the information terminal device 10 over the camera 15 of the power supply device 1. This causes the power supply device 1 to acquire information for obtaining the product information contained in the symbol code. Note that the symbol code may be printed on paper. The same applies hereinafter.

[0056] In step S3, code generation unit 26 of power supply device 1 generates a symbol code including information based on the reading result, and display unit 23 displays the generated symbol code on display device 14. At this time, the information included in the symbol code may be displayed together with the symbol code. In one example, code generation unit 26 of power supply device 1 generates a symbol code including product information of power supply device 1, and display unit 23 displays the symbol code including the product information and the product information on display device 14.

[0057] In step S4, the code reading unit 37 of the information terminal device 10 reads the symbol code displayed on the display device 14 of the power supply device 1 and acquires the information contained in the symbol code. In one example, a worker reads the symbol code displayed on the display device 14 of the power supply device 1 using the camera of the information terminal device 10. As a result, the information terminal device 10 acquires the product information of the power supply device 1 contained in the symbol code.

[0058] In step S5, the display unit 33 of the information terminal device 10 displays the read result on the display screen of the information terminal device 10. At this time, the worker may perform maintenance on the power supply device 1 in accordance with the read result displayed on the display screen of the information terminal device 10. In one example, the worker downloads a maintenance and restoration procedure manual from the server 20 or the maintenance terminal device 30 in accordance with the product information of the power supply device 1 displayed on the display screen of the information terminal device 10, and the worker himself performs maintenance on the power supply device 1, makes a reservation for maintenance, etc.

[0059] In step S6, the display unit 33 of the information terminal device 10 displays on the display screen a symbol code including information necessary for maintenance corresponding to the read result displayed on the display screen of the information terminal device 10. In one example, the display screen of the information terminal device 10 displays a symbol code including information regarding an instruction to perform a diagnosis on the power supply device 1 corresponding to the product information of the power supply device 1. At this time, the information itself regarding the instruction to perform a diagnosis on the power supply device 1, which is included in the symbol code, may be displayed together with the symbol code.

[0060] In step S7, the code reader 27 of the power supply device 1 reads the symbol code displayed on the information terminal device 10 and acquires the information contained in the symbol code. In one example, a worker holds the symbol code, which is displayed on the display screen of the information terminal device 10 and contains information regarding an instruction to perform a diagnosis on the power supply device 1, over the camera 15 of the power supply device 1. This causes the power supply device 1 to acquire the information regarding the instruction to perform a diagnosis on the power supply device 1, which is contained in the symbol code.

[0061] In step S8, the control unit 21 of the power supply device 1 performs maintenance on the power supply device 1 based on information regarding an instruction to perform a diagnosis on the power supply device 1, which information is included in the symbol code.

[0062] In step S9, when maintenance of power supply device 1 is completed, code generation unit 26 of power supply device 1 generates a symbol code including information relating to the result of execution performed in power supply device 1. Then, display unit 23 displays the symbol code including information relating to the result of execution performed in power supply device 1 on display device 14. At this time, the information relating to the result of execution performed in power supply device 1, which is included in the symbol code, may be displayed together with the symbol code.

[0063] In step S10, the code reading unit 37 of the information terminal device 10 reads the symbol code displayed on the display device 14 of the power supply device 1 and acquires the information contained in the symbol code. In one example, a worker reads the symbol code displayed on the display device 14 of the power supply device 1 using the camera of the information terminal device 10. As a result, the information terminal device 10 acquires information related to the execution result of the execution on the power supply device 1, which is contained in the symbol code.

[0064] In step S11, the display unit 33 of the information terminal device 10 displays the reading result on the display screen of the information terminal device 10. In one example, information relating to the execution result of the execution on the power supply device 1 is displayed on the display screen of the information terminal device 10. In this way, the worker can check the execution result of the maintenance of the power supply device 1 on the display screen of the information terminal device 10.

[0065] Next, an example of a maintenance support method when an abnormality occurs in the power supply device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0066] In step S101, when an abnormality occurs in power supply device 1, code generation unit 26 of power supply device 1 generates a symbol code including information about the abnormality occurring in power supply device 1, and display unit 23 displays the symbol code including information about the abnormality occurring in power supply device 1 on display device 14. At this time, the information about the abnormality occurring in power supply device 1 that is included in the symbol code may be displayed together with the symbol code. Also, an image showing the location of the abnormality in power supply device 1 may be displayed.

[0067] In step S102, the code reader 37 of the information terminal device 10 reads the symbol code displayed on the display device 14 of the power supply device 1 and obtains information about the abnormality occurring in the power supply device 1 that is contained in the symbol code.

[0068] In step S103, the display unit 33 of the information terminal device 10 displays information about the abnormality occurring in the power supply device 1 as the reading result on the display screen of the information terminal device 10.

[0069] In step S104, if the worker determines that an action by a maintenance person is required, in step S105, data including a symbol code containing information about the abnormality occurring in the power supply device 1 that was read in step S102 is sent to the server 20 and the maintenance terminal device 30. On the other hand, if the worker determines that an action by a maintenance person is not required, the process proceeds to step S111.

[0070] In step S106, when communication unit 43 of server 20 receives data including a symbol code containing information related to the abnormality occurring in power supply device 1, storage unit 42 stores the received data in association with the power supply device ID corresponding to power supply device 1. At this time, based on the data accumulated in server 20, server 20 may transmit to information terminal device 10 a symbol code including information related to an execution instruction to power supply device 1 that corresponds to the information related to the abnormality occurring in power supply device 1.

[0071] In step S107, the communication unit 35 of the maintenance terminal device 30 receives data including a symbol code that includes information about the abnormality occurring in the power supply device 1.

[0072] In step S108, the maintenance technician operates the operation unit 34, causing the code generation unit 36 ​​of the maintenance terminal device 30 to generate a symbol code including information regarding an execution instruction to be given to the power supply device 1 corresponding to the information regarding the abnormality occurring in the power supply device 1, and the communication unit 35 transmits the symbol code including information regarding an execution instruction to be given to the power supply device 1 corresponding to the information regarding the abnormality occurring in the power supply device 1 to the server 20 and the information terminal device 10. In one example, the maintenance technician transmits the generated symbol code to the information terminal device 10 by attaching it to an email. Also, AR (Augmented Reality) may be used to enable the maintenance technician to instruct the replacement part and the replacement location.

[0073] In step S109, when the communication unit 43 of the server 20 receives a symbol code including information regarding an execution instruction for the power supply unit 1 from the maintenance terminal device 30, the memory unit 42 stores the received symbol code in association with the power supply unit ID corresponding to the power supply unit 1.

[0074] In step S110, the communication unit 35 of the information terminal device 10 receives a symbol code including information relating to an execution instruction to the power supply device 1 from the maintenance terminal device 30.

[0075] In step S111, the display unit 33 of the information terminal device 10 displays on the display screen a symbol code including information regarding an execution instruction to the power supply device 1 that corresponds to information regarding an abnormality occurring in the power supply device 1. At this time, the display unit 33 of the information terminal device 10 is not limited to displaying the symbol code obtained from the maintenance terminal device 30, but may also display a symbol code obtained from the server 20 or a symbol code generated by the code generation unit 36 ​​of the information terminal device 10.

[0076] In step S112, the code reading unit 27 of the power supply device 1 reads the symbol code displayed on the information terminal device 10 and, based on the information contained in the symbol code, performs maintenance, which is an execution instruction corresponding to information regarding an abnormality occurring in the power supply device 1.

[0077] In step S113, when the maintenance, which is an execution instruction corresponding to information about an abnormality occurring in power supply device 1, is completed, code generation unit 26 of power supply device 1 generates a symbol code including information about the result of the execution performed in power supply device 1. Then, display unit 23 displays the symbol code including information about the result of the execution performed in power supply device 1 on display device 14. At this time, the information about the result of the execution performed in power supply device 1, which is included in the symbol code, may be displayed together with the symbol code.

[0078] In step S114, the code reading unit 37 of the information terminal device 10 reads the symbol code displayed on the display device 14 of the power supply device 1 and obtains information regarding the execution results performed in the power supply device 1 corresponding to the information regarding the abnormality occurring in the power supply device 1 contained in the symbol code.

[0079] In step S115, the display unit 33 of the information terminal device 10 displays the execution result of the execution performed by the power supply device 1 in response to the information about the abnormality occurring in the power supply device 1 on the display screen of the information terminal device 10 as the read result.

[0080] In step S116, if the worker determines that the abnormality in the power supply unit 1 has not been resolved, the process returns to step S104, and if the worker determines that the abnormality has been resolved, the result of the execution performed in the power supply unit 1 is sent to the server 20 and the maintenance terminal device 30 in the next step S117.

[0081] In step S118, when the communication unit 43 of the server 20 receives data including the execution results of the execution in the power supply device 1, the storage unit 42 stores the received data in association with the power supply device ID corresponding to the power supply device 1.

[0082] In step S119, the communication unit 35 of the maintenance terminal device 30 receives data including the execution result executed in the power supply device 1.

[0083] [Variations] 7 to 11 are diagrams showing examples of modified examples of the power supply device 1 that constitutes the maintenance support system 100 in this embodiment.

[0084] 7 shows a power supply device 101 according to Modification 1. The power supply device 101 is provided with a display device 14 that displays a symbol code or the like, and a camera 15 as a reader that reads the symbol code, inside a body 12 behind a door 13. Even when using the power supply device 101, a worker can open the door 13 and perform maintenance on the power supply device 101 in the same way as the power supply device 1 described above.

[0085] 8(A) and 8(B) show a power supply device 102 according to Modification 2. The power supply device 102 is provided with a display device 14a that displays a symbol code or the like and a camera 15a as a reader that reads the symbol code within the main body 12. A camera 15b is provided on the inside surface of the door 13 at a position facing the display device 14a, and a display device 14b is provided on the inside surface of the door 13 at a position facing the camera 15a. The power supply device 102 also includes a short-range wireless communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication with the information terminal device 10.

[0086] In the power supply device 102, the information terminal device 10 displays a symbol code on the display device 14b of the power supply device 102 via short-range wireless communication, and the power supply device 102 reads the symbol code displayed on the display device 14b with the camera 15a to acquire the information contained in the symbol code. The power supply device 102 also displays the symbol code generated by the code generation unit 26 on the display device 14a and has the camera 15b read the symbol code displayed on the display device 14a, and the information terminal device 10 acquires the information contained in the symbol code via short-range wireless communication.

[0087] Even when the power supply device 102 is used, workers can perform maintenance on the power supply device 102 with the door 13 open, in the same manner as the above-described power supply device 1. Furthermore, an existing power supply device can be used by providing a door 13 equipped with a camera 15b and a display device 14b.

[0088] 9(A) and 9(B) are diagrams showing a display device 51 that can be detached from a power supply device 103 according to Modification 3, where Fig. 9(A) is a diagram showing the front surface of the display device 51 and Fig. 9(B) is a diagram showing the back surface of the display device 51. Fig. 9(C) is a side view of the power supply device 103.

[0089] As shown in Figures 9(A) and 9(B), the front surface of the display device 51 has a display screen 52 that displays the symbol code and information related to the power supply device 103, and the back surface is provided with a camera 15c as a reading device that reads the symbol code, a display device 14c that displays the symbol code, etc., and a connector 53.

[0090] 9(C), a display device 51 is installed on the door 13, a camera 15c is arranged in a position facing the display device 14a in the main body 12 of the power supply device 103, and the display device 14c is arranged in a position facing the camera 15a in the main body. Furthermore, the power supply device 103 includes a short-range wireless communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication with the information terminal device 10.

[0091] In the power supply device 103, the information terminal device 10 displays a symbol code on the display device 14c of the power supply device 103 via short-range wireless communication, and the power supply device 103 reads the symbol code displayed on the display device 14c with the camera 15a to acquire the information contained in the symbol code. The power supply device 103 also displays the symbol code generated by the code generation unit 26 on the display device 14a, has the camera 15c read the symbol code displayed on the display device 14a, and displays the read symbol code on the display screen 52 of the display device 51.

[0092] Even when the power supply device 103 is used, workers can perform maintenance on the power supply device 103 with the door 13 open, in the same manner as the above-described power supply device 1. Furthermore, an existing power supply device can be used by providing a door 13 on which the display device 51 is installed.

[0093] Figures 10 and 11 are diagrams showing a display device 61 that can be removed from a power supply device 104 relating to variant example 4, where Figure 10(A) is a diagram showing the front side of the display device 61, Figure 10(B) is a diagram showing the back side of the display device 61, and Figure 10(C) is a diagram showing an auxiliary device 65 that is installed on the main body 12 side of the door 13 of the power supply device 104 on which the display device 61 is installed.

[0094] 10(A) and 10(B), the front surface of the display device 61 has a display screen 62 that displays the symbol code and information about the power supply device 104, and the back surface is provided with connectors 63 and 64. Also, as shown in Fig. 10(C), the auxiliary device 65 is provided with a camera 15d as a reader that reads the symbol code, a display device 14d that displays the symbol code, etc., and a connector 66.

[0095] 11, display device 61 is installed on the outer surface of door 13, and auxiliary device 65 is installed on the inner surface (main body 12 side) of door 13 via fireproof board 67. In this way, camera 15d is arranged in a position facing display device 14a inside main body 12 of power supply device 104, and display device 14d is arranged in a position facing camera 15a inside the main body. Furthermore, power supply device 104 is equipped with a short-range wireless communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication with information terminal device 10.

[0096] In the power supply device 104, the information terminal device 10 displays a symbol code on the display device 14d of the power supply device 104 via short-range wireless communication, and the power supply device 104 reads the symbol code displayed on the display device 14d with the camera 15a to acquire the information contained in the symbol code. The power supply device 104 also displays the symbol code generated by the code generation unit 26 on the display device 14a, causes the camera 15d to read the symbol code displayed on the display device 14a, and further displays the read symbol code on the display screen 62 of the display device 61.

[0097] Even when power supply device 104 is used, workers can perform maintenance on power supply device 104 with door 13 open, in the same way as with the above-described power supply device 1. Furthermore, the display device 61 and auxiliary device 65 can be installed tightly with fireproof board 67 interposed between them on an existing power supply device, allowing the use of door 13 that complies with the Fire Service Act.

[0098] As described above, using the symbol code, a display device that displays the symbol code, and a reader that reads the symbol code, information necessary for maintaining the power supply device 1 can be sent and received bidirectionally between the power supply device 1, information terminal device 10, server 20, and maintenance terminal device 30. Furthermore, there is no need to set up communications for the power supply device 1. Furthermore, using a symbol code that contains information necessary for maintaining the power supply device makes it easier to maintain the power supply device 1. Furthermore, there is no need to connect to the customer's network, and quick operation is possible when necessary using the information terminal device 10.

[0099] Furthermore, by using the server 20, it is possible to use the latest operating method for the power supply device 1 and information necessary for maintenance according to the state and situation of the power supply device 1. Furthermore, by storing information necessary for maintenance of the power supply device 1 in the server 20, it is possible to propose optimal processing, etc. based on the accumulated information necessary for past maintenance. Furthermore, it is possible to propose maintenance methods that make use of the characteristics of each power supply device to workers or customers.

[0100] Various examples of the present disclosure have been described above in detail. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples. Various modifications can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the case where maintenance of the power supply device 1 is performed using the information terminal device 10 of a worker performing maintenance on the power supply device 1 has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The power supply device 1 may be provided with a symbol code in advance, and the customer may perform maintenance on the power supply device 1 by reading the symbol code using their own mobile terminal device. Also, even if a mobile terminal device is not available, an emergency symbol code may be printed and stored in a sealed container, and in the event of an emergency, the customer may open the container and use the printed symbol code. This allows for immediate response in an emergency without using a mobile terminal device.

[0102] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a display device 14 that displays a symbol code and a camera 15 that reads the symbol code are provided on the power supply device 1 to perform maintenance on the power supply device 1, but the present disclosure is not limited to this and can also be applied to a case in which a display device that displays a symbol code and a camera that reads the symbol code are provided on a storage battery pack that has a storage battery and a battery management unit (BMU) that monitors or controls the storage battery to monitor the status of the storage battery pack.

[0103] In the present disclosure, when comparing the magnitude of two numerical values, either of the two criteria "greater than or equal to" and "greater than" may be used, or either of the two criteria "less than or equal to" and "less than" may be used.

[0104] In each of the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0105] Furthermore, the operations of the processor in each of the above embodiments may be performed not only by a single processor but also by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments and may be changed as appropriate.

[0106] [Note] Preferred aspects of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0107] (((1))) One of the power supply device and the information terminal device displays a symbol code on a display unit, the other device reads the symbol code displayed on the display unit of the one device using a symbol code reader, and transmits information necessary for maintenance of the power supply device from the one device to the other device; A method for supporting maintenance of a power supply device.

[0108] (((2))) The power supply device and the information terminal device each display a symbol code on their display units, When one of the power supply device and the information terminal device displays a symbol code, the other device reads the symbol code displayed on the display unit of the one device using a symbol code reading unit, thereby transmitting and receiving information necessary for maintenance of the power supply device in both directions between the one device and the other device. A method for supporting maintenance of a power supply device.

[0109] (((3))) The information necessary for maintenance of the power supply device transmitted from one device to the other device includes at least one of information related to the product number and serial number of the power supply device, information related to the internal state of the power supply device, information related to an abnormality occurring in the power supply device, information related to an instruction to execute a diagnosis on the power supply device, and information related to the execution result of the diagnosis executed in the power supply device. A method for supporting maintenance of a power supply device according to (((1))) or (((2))).

[0110] (((4))) The symbol code is a two-dimensional code image. A method for supporting maintenance of a power supply device according to (((1))) or (((2))).

[0111] (((5))) a step in which one of the power supply device and the information terminal device displays a symbol code on a display unit; a step of transmitting information required for maintenance of the power supply device from one device to the other device by reading the symbol code displayed on the display unit of the one device using a symbol code reading unit of the other device; A power supply maintenance support program for causing a computer to execute the above.

[0112] (((6))) a step in which the power supply device and the information terminal device each display a symbol code on a display unit; When one of the power supply device and the information terminal device displays a symbol code, the other device reads the symbol code displayed on the display unit of the one device using a symbol code reading unit, thereby transmitting and receiving information necessary for maintenance of the power supply device in both directions between the one device and the other device; A power supply maintenance support program for causing a computer to execute the above.

[0113] (((7))) A power supply device maintenance support system comprising at least one power supply device and an information terminal device, One of the power supply device and the information terminal device displays a symbol code on a display unit, the other device reads the symbol code displayed on the display unit of the one device using a symbol code reader, and transmits information necessary for maintenance of the power supply device from the one device to the other device; Power supply unit maintenance support system.

[0114] (((8))) A power supply device maintenance support system comprising at least one power supply device and an information terminal device, the power supply device and the information terminal device each display a symbol code on a display unit; When one of the power supply device and the information terminal device displays a symbol code, the other device reads the symbol code displayed on the display unit of the one device using a symbol code reading unit, thereby transmitting and receiving information necessary for maintenance of the power supply device in both directions between the one device and the other device. Power supply unit maintenance support system.

[0115] According to (((1))), (((2))), (((5))) to (((8))), even if the maintenance person is not knowledgeable, the maintenance of the power supply device can be easily carried out.

[0116] According to (((3))), information on the power supply device can be easily obtained even in a remote location.

[0117] According to (((4))), it is possible to easily realize the transmission of information in the power supply device even in a remote location. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1...power supply device, 10...information terminal device, 14...display device, 15...camera, 20...server, 30...maintenance terminal device, 40...communication network, 100...maintenance support system.

Claims

1. One of the power supply device and the information terminal device displays a symbol code on a display unit, the other device reads the symbol code displayed on the display unit of the one device using a symbol code reader, and transmits information necessary for maintenance of the power supply device from the one device to the other device; A method for supporting maintenance of a power supply device.

2. The power supply device and the information terminal device each display a symbol code on their display units, When one of the power supply device and the information terminal device displays a symbol code, the other device reads the symbol code displayed on the display unit of the one device using a symbol code reading unit, thereby transmitting and receiving information necessary for maintenance of the power supply device in both directions between the one device and the other device. A method for supporting maintenance of a power supply device.

3. The information necessary for maintenance of the power supply device transmitted from one device to the other device includes at least one of information related to the product part number and serial number of the power supply device, information related to the internal state of the power supply device, information related to an abnormality occurring in the power supply device, information related to an instruction to execute a diagnosis on the power supply device, and information related to the execution result of the diagnosis executed in the power supply device. The method for supporting maintenance of a power supply device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The symbol code is a two-dimensional code image. The method for supporting maintenance of a power supply device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a step in which one of the power supply device and the information terminal device displays a symbol code on a display unit; a step of transmitting information required for maintenance of the power supply device from one device to the other device by reading the symbol code displayed on the display unit of the one device using a symbol code reading unit of the other device; A power supply maintenance support program for causing a computer to execute the above.

6. a step in which the power supply device and the information terminal device each display a symbol code on a display unit; When one of the power supply device and the information terminal device displays a symbol code, the other device reads the symbol code displayed on the display unit of the one device using a symbol code reading unit, thereby transmitting and receiving information necessary for maintenance of the power supply device in both directions between the one device and the other device; A power supply maintenance support program for causing a computer to execute the above.

7. A power supply device maintenance support system comprising at least one power supply device and an information terminal device, One of the power supply device and the information terminal device displays a symbol code on a display unit, the other device reads the symbol code displayed on the display unit of the one device using a symbol code reader, and transmits information necessary for maintenance of the power supply device from the one device to the other device; Power supply unit maintenance support system.

8. A power supply device maintenance support system comprising at least one power supply device and an information terminal device, the power supply device and the information terminal device each display a symbol code on a display unit; When one of the power supply device and the information terminal device displays a symbol code, the other device reads the symbol code displayed on the display unit of the one device using a symbol code reading unit, thereby transmitting and receiving information necessary for maintenance of the power supply device in both directions between the one device and the other device. Power supply unit maintenance support system.

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