Communication device and communication method

Abstract

This invention proposes a communication device for transmitting data information from a target device that can reduce the amount of data transmitted and transmit data appropriately according to the status of the target device. [Solution] The present invention relates to a communication device for transmitting data information of a target device, wherein the communication device is configured to perform a first event every first hour, in which it determines whether a first transmission condition is met based on first information which is information about the device, and when the first transmission condition is met, it transmits first transmission information to the outside; and to perform a second event every second hour which is longer than the first hour, in which it determines whether a second transmission condition is met based on second information which is information about the device, and when the second transmission condition is met, it transmits second transmission information to the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device and a communication method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, pump devices equipped with pumps for transferring fluids such as air or water, such as air blowers or water supply devices, have been widely used. Generally, a pump device includes a pump, a motor for driving the pump, a controller for controlling the operation of the pump, and the like. In such a pump device, the controller controls the operation and stop of the pump so that a fluid such as air or water is sent according to the user's request.

[0003] As an example of a pump device, a water supply device in which the presence or absence of a pump failure is monitored by a remote monitoring device is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For example, when a decrease in the discharge pressure of the pump or a failure of an inverter that controls the rotational speed of the pump occurs, an abnormal signal is transmitted from the pump device to the remote monitoring device, and the failure of the pump is grasped in the remote monitoring device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As described above, it is sometimes desirable that target devices such as pump systems be manageable from a remote location using remote monitoring devices. Furthermore, in recent years, it has become desirable to manage not only whether or not the target device is malfunctioning, but also information such as the operation status of the target device from a remote location. In order to accurately manage the target device, it is desirable that various information be transmitted from the target device to the remote monitoring device in real time. On the other hand, transmitting various information in real time leads to a huge increase in communication volume and power consumption associated with communication. In particular, if the communication device attached to the target device operates on battery power, high power consumption will necessitate frequent battery replacement of the communication device. However, an increase in the frequency of battery replacement is troublesome for the user, and depending on the target device, it may be installed in a location where it is difficult to replace the battery. In addition, while some data information is preferable to acquire sequentially for monitoring the target device by the remote monitoring device, there is also information that only needs to be managed periodically, such as the cumulative operating time of a pump. Furthermore, the data information required by the remote monitoring device may change depending on the status of the target device.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to propose a communication device or communication method for transmitting data information of a target device that can reduce the amount of data transmitted and transmit data appropriately according to the state of the target device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a communication device for transmitting data information of a target device is proposed, the communication device performs a first event every first hour, in the first event it determines whether a first transmission condition is met based on first information which is information of the device, and if the first transmission condition is met it transmits first transmission information to the outside, and performs a second event every second hour which is longer than the first hour, in the second event it transmits information which is information of the device The system is configured to determine whether the second transmission condition is met based on the second information, and to transmit the second transmission information to an external source if the second transmission condition is met.

[0008] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a communication method for transmitting data information of a target device is proposed, the communication method includes executing a first event every first hour, in which the first event determines whether a first transmission condition is met based on first information which is information of the device, and if the first transmission condition is met, first transmission information is transmitted to the outside; executing a second event every second hour which is longer than the first hour, in which the second event determines whether a second transmission condition is met based on second information which is information of the device, and if the second transmission condition is met, second transmission information is transmitted to the outside. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This diagram schematically shows the configuration of a water supply device and a communication device according to one embodiment of a pump system. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of an event performed by the communication device of this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a time chart illustrating an example of the processing of the first to third events performed by the communication device of this embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows another example of an event performed by the communication device of this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a time chart illustrating another example of the processing of the second and third events performed by the communication device of this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a water supply device and a communication device according to one embodiment of the target device. This water supply device is mainly used to supply tap water, which is an example of a transported liquid, to buildings (targets for water supply) such as condominiums, office buildings, commercial facilities, or schools. In Figure 1, the water supply device 100 is used in a direct water supply system, and the suction port of the water supply device 100 is connected to the water pipe (main water pipe) 104 via the introduction pipe 105. However, the water supply device 100 may also be used in a water tank system where the suction port is connected to a water tank. A water supply pipe 107 is connected to the discharge port of the water supply device 100, and this water supply pipe 107 is in communication with the water taps (e.g., faucets) 110 of each building. The water supply device 100 increases the pressure of the water from the water pipe 104 and supplies water to each water tap 110 of the building.

[0012] The water supply device 100 includes a pump 12, a motor 13 as a drive unit for driving the pump 12, an inverter 20 as a frequency converter for variable speed driving of the motor 13, and a controller 40.

[0013] A backflow prevention device 25 is provided on the suction side (upstream side) of the pump 12. The backflow prevention device 25 is installed in the inlet pipe 105 connected to the suction port of the water supply device 100, and prevents backflow of water from the water supply device 100 to the water pipe 104. A pressure sensor 21 is provided upstream of the backflow prevention device 25. The pressure sensor 21 is a pressure measuring instrument for measuring the suction side pressure of the pump 12.

[0014] On the discharge side (downstream side) of the pump 12, a check valve 22, a flow switch 24, a pressure sensor 26, and a pressure tank 28 are provided. In the example shown in Figure 1, two sets of pumps 12, motors 13, check valves 22, and flow switches 24 are provided, and these are installed in parallel. Note that one or more sets of pumps 12, motors 13, check valves 22, and flow switches 24 may be provided. By providing multiple pumps 12, If the pump 12 in the unit becomes inoperable, the water supply will continue using another operational pump 12 to avoid water outages as much as possible.

[0015] A check valve 22 is installed in the discharge pipe connected to the discharge port of the pump 12 to prevent backflow of water when the pump 12 stops. A flow switch 24 is installed downstream (secondary) of the check valve 22. The flow switch 24 is a flow sensor that detects when the flow rate of water flowing through the discharge pipe drops to a predetermined value, i.e., an insufficient water flow (low water flow). Further downstream of the flow switch 24 in the discharge pipe, a pressure sensor 26 and a pressure tank 28 are installed. The pressure sensor 26 is a pressure measuring instrument for measuring the discharge side pressure of the pump 12 (hereinafter, discharge side pressure refers to the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 26). The pressure tank 28 is a pressure retainer for maintaining the discharge side pressure while the pump 12 is stopped.

[0016] The inverter 20 controls the current flowing to the motor 13 based on control commands from the controller 40. For example, the inverter 20 calculates a command frequency based on the target rotational speed of the pump 12 (e.g., PID control) and generates a PWM signal to minimize the difference between this command frequency and the actual frequency of the motor 13. The inverter 20 is connected to the commercial power supply 90 via a ground fault circuit interrupter 91. Note that the water supply system 100 does not necessarily need to have an inverter 20.

[0017] The water supply device 100 includes a controller 40 that controls the water supply operation. The controller 40 in this embodiment includes a storage unit 47, a calculation unit 48, an I / O unit 50, a setting unit 46, and a display unit 49. For example, the setting unit 46 and the display unit 49 are provided on the operation panel 51 of the water supply device 100. The controller 40 controls the drive of the pump 12 via the inverter 20. In the example shown in Figure 1, the inverter 20 and the controller 40 are configured separately, but the inverter 20 and the controller 40 may be an integrated unit.

[0018] The setting unit 46 is used to set various set values used for water supply by an external operation. The various set values set in the setting unit 46 are signal-input to the I / O unit 50 and stored in the storage unit 47. As an example, the user can input, via the setting unit 46, the stop pressure, start pressure, discharge-side pressure PA at maximum flow rate, discharge-side pressure PB during cut-off operation, and other information used for control.

[0019] The display unit 49 functions as a user interface and displays various data such as the set values stored in the storage unit 47, the current operating status (operating state) of the pump 12, the operation or stop of the pump 12, the operating frequency (rotation speed, rotational speed), current, suction-side pressure, discharge-side pressure, and water supply pressure, etc., via the I / O unit 50. Further, when an abnormality occurs in the water supply device 100 such as the inverter 20, the display unit 49 notifies the user of the abnormality by lighting an alarm lamp and sounding a buzzer.

[0020] As the storage unit 47, memories such as RAM and ROM are used. The storage unit 47 stores various data, for example, data of calculation results in the calculation unit 48, pressure values (suction-side pressure, discharge-side pressure), data input through the setting unit 46, and data input or output through the I / O unit 50.

[0021] As the I / O unit 50, ports etc. are used. The I / O unit 50 has a circuit for acquiring signals from the pressure sensors 21, 26, the flow switch 24, etc., and sends the acquired signal information to the calculation unit 48.

[0022] As the calculation unit 48, for example, a CPU is used. The calculation unit 48 performs setting, timing, and calculation of various data for operating the pump 12 based on the programs and various data stored in the storage unit 47 and the signals input from the I / O unit 50. The output from the calculation unit 48 is input to the I / O unit 50. are stored, and based on the signals input from the I / O unit 50, performs setting, timing, and calculation of various data for operating the pump 12. The output from the calculation unit 48 is input to the I / O unit 50.

[0023] Furthermore, the I / O unit 50 and the inverter 20 are connected to each other by communication means such as RS422, RS232C, or RS485. Control signals such as various setting values, frequency command values, and start / stop signals are sent from the I / O unit 50 to the inverter 20, and the actual operating status (operating state) such as frequency values, current values, and inverter trip signals is sent sequentially from the inverter 20 to the I / O unit 50. However, analog signals and / or digital signals can be used as control signals transmitted and received between the I / O unit 50 and the inverter 20, in addition to or instead of the above-mentioned communication means.

[0024] Next, the control of the water supply device 100 by the controller 40 will be explained. When the discharge pressure drops to a predetermined starting pressure while the pump 12 is stopped, the controller 40 starts the pump 12. Specifically, the controller 40 commands the inverter 20 to start driving the motor 13. While the pump 12 is operating, control such as constant estimated terminal pressure control or constant target pressure control is performed based on the set pressure (set pressure). Specifically, in the case of constant estimated terminal pressure control, the target pressure (SV) is set using the rotational speed of the pump 12 and the target pressure control curve, and in the case of constant target pressure control, the set pressure is used as the target pressure (SV). The discharge pressure is used as the current pressure (PV). Based on the difference between SV and PV, a PI calculation using proportional gain Gp and integral gain Gi, or a PID calculation using proportional gain Gp, integral gain Gi, and differential gain Gd is performed to set the commanded rotational speed of the pump 12. Furthermore, if there are multiple pumps as in this embodiment, the controller 40 also controls the number of pumps according to the water volume, based on the number of pumps that can be started simultaneously (number of pumps operating in parallel).

[0025] When water usage in the building decreases while pump 12 is operating, the flow switch 24 detects the low water volume and sends a detection signal to the controller 40 (low water volume state). The controller 40 receives this detection signal and commands pump 12 to increase its rotation speed until the discharge pressure reaches a predetermined stop pressure Pf, then stores pressure in the pressure tank 28 and stops pump 12 (low water volume stop). After pump 12 has stopped at a low water volume, when water is used again in the building, the discharge pressure drops to below the starting pressure Ps and pump 12 starts. In the case of multiple pumps as in this embodiment, it is preferable to rotate which pump 12 is started to prevent water from accumulating inside pump 12. In addition, as a method for detecting low water volume, other means such as low load based on the current value of motor 13 or shut-off pressure may be used instead of using the flow switch 24.

[0026] The communication device 200 of this embodiment is configured to be retrofitted to an existing water supply system 100. The communication device 200 of this embodiment includes an input unit 202, a storage unit 204, an arithmetic unit 206, a communication unit 210, and a battery 212 as a power source for the communication device 200. The communication device 200 may include a casing (not shown) to house these components, or it may consist of, for example, one or more control boards and be mounted inside a casing (not shown) of the water supply system 100. The communication device 200 is not limited to having a battery 212 as a power source, and may operate by receiving power from a commercial power supply 90 or the water supply system 100. Furthermore, the communication device 200 is not limited to being retrofitted to an existing water supply system 100, and the controller 40 of the water supply system 100 may constitute the communication device 200.

[0027] The input unit 202 is composed of, for example, a port. In this embodiment, operation-related information, which is a physical quantity related to the operation of the pump, is input to the input unit 202. Here, detection signals from sensors that detect operation-related information are directly input to the input unit 202 as operation-related information. It is also possible that the sensors for detecting operation-related information may, for example, be current sensors 60 installed on the power lines connected to the commercial power supply 90 and the inverter 20 of the water supply device 100. The sensors for detecting operation-related information may be mounted on the communication device 200 or may be provided separately from the communication device 200. Multiple current sensors 60 may be provided to detect the current flowing through each of the multiple inverters 20, or they may be installed on a power line that integrates the power lines connected to each inverter 20. In addition, the sensors for detecting operation-related information may be pressure sensors 21, 26 or flow switches 24, etc., instead of or in addition to the current sensors 60.

[0028] Furthermore, information acquired or calculated by the controller 40 may be input to the input unit 202 as operation-related information from the I / O unit 50 of the controller 40. In this case, the controller 40 and the communication device 200 are connected by a wired or wireless connection. For example, an output terminal (not shown) provided on the I / O unit 50 of the controller 40 may be electrically connected to an input terminal (not shown) provided on the input unit 202 of the communication device 200. Alternatively, the controller 40 and the communication device 200 may be connected by serial communication such as RS422, RS232C, or RS485. The operation-related information transmitted from the controller 40 of the water supply device 100 to the communication device 200 may be detected values ​​from sensors (pressure sensors 21, 26 or flow switch 24) provided on the water supply device 100. Also, if the controller 40 of the water supply device 100 and the communication device 200 are connected, control command values ​​from the controller 40 may be transmitted to the communication device 200. The control command value may be, for example, the target pressure or target rotational speed of the pump 12. The signal transmitted from the water supply device 100 controller 40 to the communication device 200 may be a parameter of the inverter 20. Furthermore, if the water supply device 100 controller 40 and the communication device 200 are connected, setting value information related to the operation of the pump 12 (such as stop pressure, starting pressure, discharge pressure PA at maximum flow rate, discharge pressure PB during shut-off operation), or other information used for control, may be transmitted to the communication device 200. Additionally, if the water supply device 100 controller 40 and the communication device 200 are connected, device information of the water supply device 100 may be transmitted to the communication device 200. Here, the device information of the water supply device 100 may include, as an example, device identification information, information indicating the model (or model number) of the water supply device 100, the model of each component of the water supply device 100 such as the pump 12, or information indicating ratings such as voltage or current.

[0029] The communication device 200 may be kept running at all times while it is installed in the water supply device 100, or it may be started when an event described later is executed and then stopped (powered off) or put into standby mode after each event is completed. In the latter case, operation-related information may be acquired from the input unit 202 and stored in the storage unit 204 each time an event is executed.

[0030] Memory such as RAM or ROM is used as the storage unit 204. The storage unit 204 stores various types of data, such as data input through the input unit 202, calculation result data from the calculation unit 206, and data input or output through the communication unit 210.

[0031] For example, a CPU is used as the arithmetic unit 206. The arithmetic unit 206 sets, times, and performs calculations on various data for event processing described later, based on the program and various data stored in the memory unit 204, as well as signals input from the input unit 202.

[0032] The communication unit 210 is configured to communicate with the external device 300 via wired or wireless communication. Any wireless communication method can be used, including wireless communication using the frequency band of specified low-power radio, Bluetooth®, and Wi-Fi. This is possible. Furthermore, for wired communication, for example, an external connection terminal such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) may be provided on the communication unit 210, and communication may be performed by connecting an external terminal thereto, or serial communication such as RS422, RS232C, RS485 may be used. As the external device 300, for example, a general-purpose terminal device such as a smartphone, mobile phone, personal computer, or tablet, or a dedicated terminal device such as a remote monitoring device may be used. Furthermore, the external device 300 may be composed of multiple devices spaced apart from each other. In addition, the external device 300 may be built on an edge server or a cloud server, or it may be built as a combination of an edge server and a cloud server.

[0033] The communication device 200 is configured to execute multiple events to determine information about the water supply device (target device) 100 and transmit transmission information to the outside. Here, each of the multiple events is executed at different time intervals when the water supply device 100 is running. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of events executed by the communication device of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the communication device 200 of this embodiment is configured to execute the first to fourth events.

[0034] Here, the first event is executed every 1st hour t1 (e.g., a few seconds), which is the shortest time interval among the first to fourth events, and it is determined whether the first transmission condition is met based on the first information, which is information about the water supply device 100. When the first transmission condition is met, the communication device 200 transmits the first transmission information from the communication unit 210 to the external device 300. The second event is executed every 2nd hour t2 (e.g., tens of seconds, a few minutes), which is longer than the first hour t1, and it is determined whether the second transmission condition is met based on the second information, which is information about the water supply device 100. When the second transmission condition is met, the communication device 200 transmits the second transmission information from the communication unit 210 to the external device 300. Furthermore, the third event is executed every 3rd hour t3 (e.g., several tens of minutes, several hours), which is longer than the second hour t2, and it transmits the third transmission information from the communication unit 210 to the external device 300. Furthermore, the fourth event is executed every 4 hours t4 (e.g., tens of hours, several days, etc.), which is the longest period of time among the first to fourth events, and transmits fourth transmission information, which has a larger data volume than the third transmission information, from the communication unit 210 to the external device 300. (t1 <t2<t3<t4)

[0035] As an example, in the first event, the operation-related information of the water supply device 100 is used to determine whether the operation-related information falls within a predetermined warning range. The communication device 200 then determines that the first transmission condition is not met if it determines that the operation-related information of the water supply device 100 is not within the warning range, and terminates the first event. On the other hand, if the communication device 200 determines that the operation-related information of the water supply device 100 is within the warning range, it determines that the first transmission condition is met and transmits the first transmission information to the external device 300. As a more specific example, in the first event, if the current value Am flowing through the motor 13 in the operation-related information acquired by the communication device 200 exceeds a predetermined warning threshold Thw, the communication device 200 transmits the first transmission information to the external device 300. This first event allows warning information to be quickly transmitted to the external device 300 when a warning condition occurs in the water supply device 100. Furthermore, the operation-related information (first information) that determines whether or not the warning area is within the range in the first event, and the corresponding warning area, may be predetermined based on the model of the water supply device 100 and the ratings of each component. In other words, the communication device 200 may determine whether or not the first transmission condition is met by using some of the acquired operation-related information as first information. In addition, the first transmission information may be the same as the first information, or it may be predetermined information related to the first information. Moreover, the first transmission information may include warning information in the first information, or identification information indicating the water supply device 100 as the target device (for example, the model name, model number, a unique serial number assigned at the time of manufacture, or an identification code agreed upon by the external device 300; hereinafter referred to as "device identification information"). In this embodiment, the first transmission information is information of a first data amount that includes the first information.

[0036] As an example, in the second event, based on the operation-related information of the water supply device 100, it is determined whether the operation-related information is within the range of a predetermined danger area. Then, when the communication device 200 determines that the operation-related information of the water supply device 100 is not within the range of the danger area, the communication device 200 determines that the second transmission condition is not satisfied and ends the second event. On the other hand, when the communication device 200 determines that the operation-related information of the water supply device 100 is within the range of the danger area, the communication device 200 determines that the second transmission condition is satisfied and transmits the second transmission information to the external device 300. Here, in the present embodiment, the danger area is a wider area including the warning area. Thus, although not limited, in the present embodiment, the second transmission condition of the second event is a condition that is more likely to be satisfied than the first transmission condition of the first event. As a more specific example, in the second event, when the current value Am flowing through the motor 13 in the operation-related information acquired by the communication device 200 exceeds a predetermined danger threshold Tha (Tha < Thw), the second transmission information is transmitted from the communication device 200 to the external device 300. By such a second event, when a dangerous state occurs in the water supply device 100, the danger information can be transmitted to the external device 300 relatively frequently. Note that the operation-related information (second information) for which it is determined whether it is within the range of the danger area in the second event, and the corresponding danger area may be determined in advance based on the model of the water supply device 100 and the ratings of each component, etc., in the same manner as described above for the first event. In the present embodiment, the second information is the same as the first information, but the second information may be a part of the first information, or the first information may be a part of the second information. Also, the second transmission information may be the same as the second information, or may be information determined in advance as information related to the second information. In addition, the second transmission information may include danger information in the second information, or device identification information, etc. The second transmission information is information of a second data amount including the second information, and in the present embodiment, the second data amount is the same as the first data amount. However, the second data amount of the second transmission information may be larger or smaller than the first data amount of the first transmission information.

[0037] As an example, in the third event, the communication device 200 transmits third transmission information to the external device 300 regardless of the state of the water supply device 100 as the target device. Specifically, in the third event, the operation-related information acquired by the communication device 200 is transmitted from the communication device 200 to the external device 300 as third transmission information. Through such third events, information about the water supply device 100 can be transmitted to the external device 300 periodically. The operation-related information included in the third transmission information may include the first information or the second information. The third transmission information is information of the third data amount, and in this embodiment, the third data amount is larger than the first data amount and the second data amount. However, the third data amount of the third transmission information may be the same as the first data amount or the second data amount of the first transmission information.

[0038] As an example, in the fourth event, the communication device 200 transmits the fourth transmission information to the external device 300 regardless of the state of the water supply device 100 as the target device. Specifically, in the fourth event, the communication device 200 transmits the operation-related information acquired by the communication device 200, along with the device information and setting value information of the water supply device 100, as the fourth transmission information to the external device 300. Through this fourth event, information about the water supply device 100 can be transmitted to the external device 300 at a longer interval than the third event. In addition, the setting value information of the water supply device 100 includes the stop pressure, start pressure, discharge side pressure PA at maximum flow rate, discharge side pressure PB during shut-off operation, and other information used for control, which are set through the setting unit 46 of the water supply device 100. The fourth transmission information is information of the fourth data amount, and in this embodiment, the fourth data amount is larger than the third data amount.

[0039] The warning area in the first event and the danger area in the second event may be set in the storage unit 204 during the manufacture of the communication device 200, or they may be set based on a predetermined external input to the communication device 200 via the input unit 202 or the communication unit 210. An area or threshold is provided for determining the first transmission condition and the second transmission condition based on the external input. By making this possible, information can be suitably transmitted to the external device 300 regardless of the model of the water supply device 100. The calculation unit 206 may also set thresholds for determining the first transmission condition and the second transmission condition based on the device information of the water supply device 100. For example, the calculation unit 206 can set thresholds by applying the device information to a map in which the relationship between the device information and thresholds has been predetermined. Alternatively, the calculation unit 206 may set thresholds by multiplying the rated value based on the input device information by a predetermined coefficient (e.g., 10%, 5%, etc.).

[0040] Furthermore, if the communication device 200 is started from a stopped or standby mode for each event, the first to fourth transmission information transmitted in the first to fourth events may include only the operation-related information acquired in that event. Alternatively, the first to fourth transmission information may include operation-related information acquired in past events. For example, the first and second transmission information may include operation-related information acquired in multiple past events (e.g., several times). Also, the third and fourth transmission information may include operation-related information acquired in the first to fourth events from the time the previous third and fourth events were executed until the current third and fourth events. In this way, history information regarding the operation of the water supply device 100 can be transmitted from the communication device 200 to the external device 300. Moreover, the first and second transmission information may not include the cumulative operating time of the pump 12, while the third and fourth transmission information may include the cumulative operating time of the pump 12. This way, information that only needs to be managed periodically can be sent externally during the third and fourth events.

[0041] Furthermore, each of the 1st to 4th events should have a priority setting to determine which event will be executed first when they are executed simultaneously. For example, the priority could be 1st event > 2nd event > 4th event > 3rd event (the 1st event is executed first). In this case, after the higher-priority event is completed, the lower-priority event should be executed. However, if the 1st information in the 1st event and the 2nd information in the 2nd event are identical, the 2nd event does not need to be executed simultaneously once the 1st transmission information is sent in the 1st event. Also, when transmission information with a data volume equivalent to or larger than the transmission information in an event is sent, the lower-priority event does not need to be executed simultaneously. For example, when the 4th event is executed and the 4th transmission information is sent, the 3rd event does not need to be executed. As another example, the priority could be 4th event > 3rd event > 2nd event > 1st event (the 4th event is executed first). In this case as well, when transmission information with a data volume equivalent to or larger than the transmission information in an event is sent, the lower-priority event does not need to be executed simultaneously.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a time chart for explaining an example of the processing of the first to third events executed by the communication device 200 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the current value Am flowing through the pump 12 of the water supply device 100. Further, below the time chart, the state in which the first event Ev1 is executed every first time t1, the second event Ev2 is executed every second time t2, and the third event Ev3 is executed every third time t3 is shown (t1 < t2 < t3). Note that the fourth event is an event that is executed at long intervals with substantially the same processing as the third event, and thus is not shown in FIG. 3. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first event Ev1 is executed every first time t1, and the communication device 200 compares the first information (the current value Am in the example shown in FIG. 3) in the operation-related information of the acquired water supply device 100 with the warning threshold Thw. Then, when the current value Am is less than or equal to the warning threshold Thw, the first event Ev1 ends as it is. Also, the event Ev2 is executed every second time t2, and the communication device 200 compares the second information (the current value Am in the example shown in FIG. 3) in the operation-related information of the acquired water supply device 100 with the danger threshold Tha. Then, when the current value Am is less than or equal to the danger threshold Tha, the second event E v2 ends as it is.

[0043] In Figure 3, when information is transmitted from the communication device 200 to the external device 300 by the first to third events Ev1 to Ev3, the event symbols Ev1 to Ev3 are indicated with an asterisk (*). In the example shown in Figure 3, when the second event Ev2 is executed at time t01, the current value Am exceeds the danger threshold Tha, and the communication device 200 determines that the second transmission condition has been met and transmits the second transmission information to the external device 300. At this time, since the current value Am is below the warning threshold Thw, no information is transmitted from the communication device 200 to the external device 300 in the first event Ev1. Also, when the third event Ev3 is executed at time t02, the communication device 200 transmits the third transmission information to the external device 300 regardless of the state of the water supply device 100. At this time, the current value Am is below the warning threshold Thw and the danger threshold Tha, so no information is transmitted from the communication device 200 to the external device 300 in the first and second events Ev1 and Ev2. Furthermore, when the first event Ev1 is executed at time t03 and t04, the current value Am exceeds the warning threshold Thw, and the communication device 200 determines that the first transmission condition has been met and transmits the first transmission information to the external device 300. At this time, the execution of the second event Ev2 may be omitted. Subsequently, when the second event Ev2 is executed at time t05 and t06, the current value Am again exceeds the danger threshold Tha, and the communication device 200 determines that the second transmission condition has been met and transmits the second transmission information to the external device 300.

[0044] In Figure 3, the current value Am flowing through the motor 13 of the water supply device 100 is shown as an example. However, the operation or stop of the pump 12, the operating frequency (rotational speed), the suction side pressure, the discharge side pressure, and the water supply pressure can be used as first or second information to similarly determine the transmission conditions.

[0045] The communication device 200 of this embodiment, as described above, executes a first event every first time interval t1, determines whether a first transmission condition is met based on first information in the operation-related information of the water supply device 100, and transmits first transmission information to the external device 300 when the first transmission condition is met. The communication device 200 also executes a second event every second time interval t2, which is longer than the first time interval t1, and in the second event, determines whether a second transmission condition is met based on second information in the operation-related information, and transmits second transmission information to the external device 300 when the second transmission condition is met. Furthermore, the communication device 200 executes a third event every third time interval t3, which is longer than the second time interval t2, and transmits third transmission information, including operation-related information, to the external device 300. With such a communication device 200, data can be appropriately transmitted to the external device 300 according to the state of the water supply device 100. In particular, in this embodiment, the second transmission condition for the second event is more likely to be met than the first transmission condition for the first event, and the second transmission information is more likely to be transmitted in the second event, which is executed at longer intervals than the first event. This reduces excessive or unnecessary information transmission from the communication device 200 to the external device 300. In addition, since communication devices 200 generally consume a large amount of power for transmitting information to the outside, the communication device 200 of this embodiment can reduce the amount of data transmitted by the communication device 200 and thus reduce power consumption.

[0046] Figure 4 shows another example of an event performed by the communication device of this embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 4, only the second event differs from the example shown in Figure 2; the first, third, and fourth events are the same as in the example shown in Figure 2, so redundant explanations are omitted. The second event shown in Figure 4 is performed every second time t2a (for example, several tens of seconds, several minutes, etc.) to determine whether the pump 12 is running or stopped. When the communication device 200 determines that the pump 12 is stopped, it determines that the second transmission condition is not met and terminates the second event. On the other hand, when the communication device 200 determines that the pump 12 is running, it determines that the second transmission condition is met and transmits the second transmission information to the external device 300. 0 may determine the operation / stop of the pump 12 based on a signal indicating that the pump 12 acquired from the water supply device 100 is in an operating / stopped state. Further, the communication device 200 may determine the operation / stop of the pump 12 by comparing the operation-related information acquired from the water supply device 100 or the sensor with a threshold value. As an example, when the detected current value Am by the current sensor 60 exceeds the start threshold value Arun, the communication device 200 determines that the pump 12 has been started, and when the detected current value Am reaches less than the stop threshold value Astop, the communication device 200 determines that the pump 12 has been stopped. Further, the communication device 200 may determine the operation / stop of the pump 12 based on the detection signals by the pressure sensors 21, 26 and the flow switch 24 instead of or in addition to the detected current value by the current sensor 60.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a time chart for explaining an example of the processing of the second and third events executed by the communication device 200 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 5, the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the current value Am flowing through the pump 12 of the water supply device 100. Further, below the time chart, it is shown that the second event Ev2a is executed every second time t2a, and the third event Ev3 is executed every third time t3 (t2a < t3). Regarding FIG. 5, illustration and description of the first and fourth events are omitted. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the event Ev2a is executed every second time t2a, and the communication device 200 determines the operation / stop of the pump 12. When the pump 12 is stopped, the second event Ev2a ends as it is.

[0048] In Figure 5, when information is transmitted from the communication device 200 to the external device 300 by the second and third events Ev2a and Ev3, the event symbols Ev2a and Ev3 are indicated with an asterisk (*). In the example shown in Figure 5, the third event Ev3 is executed at time t01, and the communication device 200 transmits the third transmission information to the external device 300 regardless of the state of the water supply device 100. At this time, the current value Am is less than the stop threshold Astop, and no information is transmitted from the communication device 200 to the external device 300 in the second event Ev2a. Furthermore, when the second event Ev2a is executed at times t02, t03, and t04, the current value Am has not fallen below the stop threshold Astop after exceeding the start threshold Arun, and the communication device 200 determines that the pump 12 is operating. As a result, the communication device 200 determines that the second transmission condition has been met and transmits the second transmission information to the external device 300. Subsequently, the current value Am falls below the stop threshold Astop, and in the second event Ev2a, it is determined that pump 12 is stopped, and the second event Ev2a ends without sending the second transmission information.

[0049] In the communication device 200 that executes the event shown in Figure 4 described above, data can be appropriately transmitted to the external device 300 according to the state of the water supply device 100, similar to the case when executing the event shown in Figure 2 described above.

[0050] The communication device 200 only needs to execute a first event, which determines the first transmission condition every first hour and transmits the first transmission information to the outside, and a second event, which determines the second transmission condition every second hour (longer than the first hour) and transmits the second transmission information to the outside. It is not limited to executing the events shown in Figure 2 or Figure 4. For example, the communication device 200 may execute both the second event Ev2 shown in Figure 2 and the second event Ev2a shown in Figure 4. Also, the communication device 200 does not need to execute at least one of the third and fourth events shown in Figure 2 or Figure 4. Furthermore, the communication device 200 may execute further events at intervals longer than two hours, in which it may determine whether the transmission condition is met based on information from the water supply device 100 and transmit the transmission information to the outside.

[0051] Furthermore, the communication device 200 may be configured to transmit information to the outside using different communication means for each event. For example, in the third and fourth events, which involve transmitting a relatively large amount of data to the outside, the communication device 200 may use the second communication means with a longer maximum transmission time. Credit information may be transmitted externally. Furthermore, in first and second events in which relatively small amounts of data are transmitted externally, the communication device 200 may transmit the information to be transmitted externally using the first communication means, which has a shorter maximum transmission time than the second communication means. As a specific example, if the communication unit 210 constitutes a low-power radio station, the first communication means may be a communication means with a frequency band of 920.5~923.5MHz or 923.5~928.1MHz and a maximum transmission time of 400ms. The second communication means may be a communication means with a frequency band of 920.5~923.5MHz and a maximum transmission time of 4s. In addition, Bluetooth Low Energy or Wi-Fi may be used as the first or second communication means.

[0052] Furthermore, the time intervals (first to fourth times t1 to t4) for events executed by the communication device 200 may be set in the storage unit 204 during the manufacture of the communication device 200, or they may be set based on predetermined external inputs to the communication device 200 via the input unit 202 or the communication unit 210. By setting the time intervals for executing each event based on external inputs, information can be suitably transmitted to the external device 300 according to the target device. In addition, the calculation unit 206 of the communication device 200 may set the first to fourth times based on the device information or status of the water supply device 100. As an example, the calculation unit 206 can set the first to fourth times by applying the device information to a map in which the relationship between the pre-stored device information and the first to fourth times is defined. In addition, the calculation unit 206 may set at least one of the first and second times such that it becomes shorter as the cumulative operating time of the pump 12 increases. This is based on the fact that the longer the cumulative operating time of the rotating equipment of the target device, the higher the likelihood that the target device will reach a dangerous or warning state, and therefore frequent monitoring of the target device by the external device 300 is desirable. For example, if the cumulative operating time of the pump 12 exceeds 70% or 80% of the pump 12's serviceable cumulative operating time, the communication device 200 may set the first time t1 and the second time t2 to 70% or 50% of the previous (initial) time. Also, if the cumulative operating time of the pump 12 exceeds the pump 12's serviceable cumulative operating time, the communication device 200 may set the first time t1 and the second time t2 to 30% or 25% of the initial time. In addition, the communication device 200 may set at least one of the third and fourth times in place of or in addition to the first and second times such that the longer the cumulative operating time of the pump 12, the shorter the third and fourth times become.

[0053] In the embodiments described above, a water supply device for supplying water to a target object was explained as an example of a target device. However, the target device is not limited to a water supply device, and can be various devices such as a vacuum pump device equipped with a pump as a rotating device, a blower, a sewage pump, or a fluid conveying device in a plant. Furthermore, the target device may be equipped with rotating devices other than a pump, or it may be a device that is not equipped with rotating devices.

[0054] The embodiment described above can also be described in the following form. [Form 1] According to Form 1, a communication device for transmitting data information of a target device is proposed, which is configured to perform a first event every first hour, in the first event determine whether a first transmission condition is met based on first information which is information of the target device, and if the first transmission condition is met, transmit first transmission information to the outside; and to perform a second event every second hour which is longer than the first hour, in the second event determine whether a second transmission condition is met based on second information which is information of the target device, and if the second transmission condition is met, transmit second transmission information to the outside. According to Embodiment 1, a communication device for transmitting data information of a target device can be provided that can reduce the amount of data transmitted and transmit data appropriately according to the status of the target device.

[0055] [Form 2] According to Form 2, in Form 1, the second information is the same as the first information, or information that includes the first information, and the second transmission condition is the same as the first transmission condition. These are also conditions that are likely to be met. According to Form 2, it is possible to make it easier to send information to the outside in the second event, which has a shorter execution interval than the first event.

[0056] [Form 3] According to Form 3, in Form 1 or 2, the first transmission condition is that the first information is within the warning area. According to form 3, in the first event with a short execution interval, the first information can be sent externally to indicate that it is within the warning area.

[0057] [Form 4] According to Form 4, in Forms 1 to 3, the second transmission information is information with a larger data volume than the first transmission information. According to Form 4, a large amount of data can be sent externally in the second event, which has a shorter execution interval than the first event.

[0058] [Form 5] According to Form 5, in Forms 1 to 4, the target device includes a rotating machine, the second information includes operating information of the rotating machine, and the second transmission condition is that the rotating machine is operating. According to Embodiment 5, in the second event, information for transmission can be sent to the outside while the rotating equipment is in operation.

[0059] [Form 6] According to Form 6, in Forms 1 to 5, the target device comprises a rotating machine, and the first transmission information includes at least one of the following: operation or stopping of the rotating machine, current flowing through the rotating machine, and rotational speed of the rotating machine. According to Embodiment 6, information about the rotating equipment can be transmitted externally during the first event.

[0060] [Form 7] According to Form 7, in Forms 1 to 6, the communication device is configured to perform a third event at intervals of a third time that is longer than the second time, and in the third event, it transmits third transmission information to the outside, which includes information about the target device, regardless of the information about the target device. According to Embodiment 7, regardless of the information of the target device, information for transmission can be sent externally in the third event.

[0061] [Form 8] According to Form 8, in Forms 1 to 7, in the first event, the first transmission information is transmitted to the outside using the first communication means, and in the third event, the third transmission information is transmitted to the outside using the second communication means, which has a longer maximum transmission time than the first communication means. According to form 8, the third event allows for the transmission of relatively large amounts of data to an external source.

[0062] [Form 9] According to Form 9, in Forms 1 to 8, the target device includes a rotating machine, and the third transmission information includes the cumulative operating time of the rotating machine. According to the 9th configuration, the cumulative operating time, which does not need to be monitored relatively frequently, is not transmitted externally during the first or second event with a short execution interval, while the cumulative operating time can be transmitted externally during the third event with a long execution interval.

[0063] [Form 10] According to Form 10, in Forms 1 to 9, the target device is equipped with a rotating machine, and at least one of the first time and the second time is shortened as the cumulative operating time of the rotating machine increases. According to the 10th configuration, the first or second time can be set according to the cumulative operating time of the rotating equipment.

[0064] [Form 11] According to Form 11, Forms 1 to 10 operate using power from a battery. According to Embodiment 11, in a communication device that operates using power from a battery, the power consumption of the communication device can be reduced, thereby reducing the frequency of battery replacement.

[0065] [Form 12] According to Form 12, in Forms 1 to 11, the target device is a pump device equipped with a pump.

[0066] [Form 13] According to Form 9, a communication method is proposed for transmitting data information of a target device, which includes executing a first event every first hour, in which the first event determines whether a first transmission condition is met based on first information which is information of the target device, and if the first transmission condition is met, first transmission information is transmitted to the outside; executing a second event every second hour which is longer than the first hour, in which the second event determines whether a second transmission condition is met based on second information which is information of the target device, and if the second transmission condition is met, second transmission information is transmitted to the outside. According to Embodiment 13, a communication device for transmitting data information of a target device can be provided that can reduce the amount of data transmitted and transmit data appropriately according to the status of the target device.

[0067] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments described are for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and of course, its equivalents are included. Furthermore, any combination of embodiments and modifications is possible to the extent that at least some of the above-mentioned problems can be solved or at least some of the effects can be achieved, and any combination or omission of each component described in the claims and specification is possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 12... Pump 13…motor 20…Inverter 21…Pressure sensor 22... Check valve 24... Flow switch 25...Backflow prevention device 26…Pressure sensor 28... Pressure tank 40…Controller 60...Current sensor 90…Commercial power supply 100…Water supply device 200...Communication equipment 202...Input section 204...Storage section 206...Arithmetic section 210... Communications Department 212...Battery 300...External device

Claims

1. A communication device for transmitting data information of the target device, The first event is executed every hour, and in the first event, it is determined whether the first transmission condition is met based on the first information, which is information about the target device, and if the first transmission condition is met, the first transmission information is transmitted to the outside. A second event is executed every second time interval, which is longer than the first time interval. In the second event, it is determined whether the second transmission condition is met based on the second information, which is information about the target device. If the second transmission condition is met, the second transmission information is transmitted to the outside. A communication device configured in such a way.

2. The second information is identical to the first information, or includes the first information. The second transmission condition is more likely to be met than the first transmission condition. The communication device according to claim 1.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first transmission condition is that the first information is within the warning area.

4. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the second transmission information is information with a larger data volume than the first transmission information.

5. The aforementioned target device includes a rotating device, The second information includes operating information of the rotating equipment, The second transmission condition is that the rotating equipment is in operation. The communication device according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned target device includes a rotating device, The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first information to be transmitted includes at least one of the operation or stop of the rotating machine, the current flowing through the rotating machine, and the rotational speed of the rotating machine.

7. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is configured to perform a third event at intervals of three hours that are longer than the second hour, and in the third event, it transmits to the outside third transmission information, which includes information about the target device, regardless of the information about the target device.

8. In the first event, the first transmission information is transmitted externally using the first communication means. In the third event, the third transmission information is transmitted externally using a second communication means that has a longer maximum transmission time than the first communication means. The communication device according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned target device includes a rotating device, The communication device according to claim 7, wherein the third transmission information includes the cumulative operating time of the rotating equipment.

10. The aforementioned target device includes a rotating device, The communication device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first time and the second time is shortened as the cumulative operating time of the rotating equipment increases.

11. A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is powered by electricity from a battery.

12. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the target device is a pump device equipped with a pump.

13. A communication method for transmitting data information of a target device, The first event is executed every hour, and in the first event, it is determined whether the first transmission condition is met based on the first information, which is information about the target device, and if the first transmission condition is met, the first transmission information is transmitted to the outside. A second event is executed every second time interval, which is longer than the first time interval. In the second event, it is determined whether the second transmission condition is met based on the second information, which is information about the target device. If the second transmission condition is met, the second transmission information is transmitted to the outside. A communication method that includes the following.

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