Terminal block type unit
The terminal block type unit system addresses labor-intensive wiring and unnecessary functions in conventional systems by using modular, expandable units with direct bus connections and indicators, achieving reduced costs and efficient data collection for remote monitoring.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LAPLACE SYST
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-29
AI Technical Summary
Conventional measurement systems face labor-intensive wiring and maintenance work due to exposed signal lines, unnecessary functions in general-purpose devices, and limited expandability, leading to increased installation and operation costs.
A terminal block type unit system with modular, expandable units (Type X, Y, Z) that integrate sensors/control devices, allowing direct connection via a common bus, eliminating separate power sources and unnecessary wiring, and featuring indicators for visual status monitoring.
Reduces wiring labor and costs, provides flexible function allocation, and enables efficient data collection for remote monitoring, resulting in a compact, cost-effective, and user-friendly monitoring system.
Smart Images
Figure 2026123017000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a novel terminal block type unit combining a data input / output device (measuring instrument) and a terminal block, and a monitoring system using the same.
Background Art
[0002] Generally, in a measurement system, a configuration is adopted in which signal lines connected to a large number of sensors are collected to a "signal input / output device" via a "terminal block". The "terminal block" is also used as a contact terminal (output port) for sending a control signal to a control target device (hereinafter referred to as "control device") based on data acquired by the sensor. That is, a large number of signal lines connected to the sensor or the control device are collected to a terminal block provided with a large number of contact terminals, and these signal lines are connected to the signal input / output device via the terminal block. The signal input / output device has a function as a measuring instrument (data logger) for recording data acquired by the sensor, and via an input / output interface, is connected to a small dedicated terminal (measurement terminal) for recording measurement data or controlling the control device, or a computer (such as a general-purpose computer installed with a data processing program) for processing the recorded data.
[0003] That is, when simplifying the physical connection configuration of a general configuration of a measurement system with "sensor or control device" on the lower side and a computer on the upper side, (a) [Sensor or control device] - [Terminal block] - [Signal input / output device] - [Measurement terminal] - [Computer], or (b) [Sensor or control device] - [Terminal block] - [Signal input / output device] - [Computer] is represented as.
[0004] FIG. 11(A) is a diagram (photograph) showing the external shape of a conventional signal input / output device 200. As shown in the figure, the signal input / output device 200 is composed of a device main body 202 and a plurality of terminal units 204 having a large number of contact terminals. Figure 11(B) schematically shows how a conventional signal input / output device 200 electrically connects the contact terminals of the terminal unit 204 and the terminal block 300 with physical signal lines. Each terminal of the terminal unit 204 connected to the signal input / output device 200 is sequentially connected to each of the upper terminals 302a on the terminal block 300 by wires. On the other hand, each of the upper terminals 302a on the terminal block 300 is positioned opposite each of the lower terminals 302b, and each of the lower terminals 302b is electrically connected to each of the terminals of sensors and control devices (not shown).
[0005] Figure 12(A) shows an example of an electrical wiring diagram inside a control panel. In actual connection work, it is necessary to connect each terminal with wires according to such a wiring diagram. Each signal wire connected to each terminal is labeled, and all signal wires must be connected to the correct terminal. Naturally, the more signal wires connected to the terminal block there are, the more complex the wiring becomes. Figure 12(B) is a photograph showing a terminal block with a label attached to each signal line connected to each terminal.
[0006] In small-scale experiments in laboratories, it is sometimes possible to omit terminal blocks and directly connect "bare signal lines" to signal input / output devices. However, when continuous operation, including maintenance, is assumed, it is common to first connect the signal lines to the numerous terminals on a terminal block, and then wire each terminal of the terminal block to the input terminals of the signal input / output device, as described above. As mentioned above, many signal lines are connected to terminal blocks and signal input / output devices, and the wiring tends to become very complex. These devices are often accompanied by necessary equipment depending on the system configuration, such as power supplies, circuit breakers, surge protectors (SPDs), and AC adapters, so it is common to install them in a single box-shaped enclosure called a control panel.
[0007] Figure 5(B) is a diagram (photograph) showing the internal configuration of a 64-point measurement enclosure, illustrating an example configuration using a commercially available signal input / output device (R3 series manufactured by M System Co., Ltd.). It shows how numerous wires are physically connected to terminals within the enclosure. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]
[0008] [Patent Document 1] International release 2020 / 203672 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0009] Thus, in conventional configurations, signal lines are exposed within the enclosure, resulting in labor-intensive work at the site, including installation, maintenance, and reconfiguration work associated with adding or installing equipment.
[0010] Furthermore, conventional configurations used signal input / output devices with general-purpose functions to accommodate various applications, resulting in some unnecessary functions that were never used depending on the application. In other words, this over-specification contributed to increased installation, operation, and maintenance costs.
[0011] For example, if the application only requires monitoring physical quantities measured by a sensor (such as temperature or power generation) and no control is needed, the only function required of the input / output device is that of a measuring instrument (data logger) that records the data acquired by the sensor. Furthermore, the required functions of the measuring instrument differ depending on whether the data acquired by the sensor is an "analog signal" or a "digital signal". If it is an analog signal, an A / D converter with the minimum specifications required depending on the application is necessary. On the other hand, if it is a digital signal, it can be directly input into the measuring instrument. In addition, while some conventional signal input / output devices can handle an increase in the number of contact terminals by adding terminal units as in the conventional example above, there is an upper limit to the number of terminal units that can be connected.
[0012] The technical problems that this invention aims to solve are to reduce wiring work and wiring errors in terminal blocks, streamline installation work, provide a storage panel including a terminal block type unit that can flexibly provide the necessary functions and has high expandability even when the number of contact terminals increases, and to provide a system that can utilize data collected by sensors placed at multiple locations (bases). There are various possible applications for this system, but it can be used for various monitoring and surveillance systems. [Means for solving the problem]
[0013] The system according to the present invention is a system that deploys a set of measuring equipment equipped with a measurement or monitoring / control system, which is constructed using a terminal block type unit that is the smallest unit for constructing a measurement system using sensors or a control system for monitoring and / or control equipment that utilizes such a measurement system, to various locations, transmits necessary data from each location to a cloud data management server, and enables data viewing from remote locations. The aforementioned terminal block type unit is The sensor or control equipment connected below the terminal block unit It is used as an intermediary between the terminal block type unit and a host device connected to a higher level, It is equipped with multiple input / output terminals and is electrically connected to the sensor or control device through the input / output terminals, The terminal block type unit is characterized by being configured so that the terminal block type units themselves and the terminal block type units and the host equipment can be directly connected via a common bus. Furthermore, the storage panel according to the present invention is a storage panel that houses a terminal block type unit and a host device, which are the minimum units for constructing a measurement system using sensors or a control system for monitoring and / or control equipment utilizing such measurement systems. The aforementioned terminal block type unit is The sensor or control equipment connected below the terminal block unit It is used interposed between the terminal block type unit and the host device connected to a higher level, It is equipped with multiple input / output terminals and is electrically connected to the sensor or control device through the input / output terminals, One or more terminal block units are connected via a common bus, and the terminal block units and the host equipment are configured to be directly connected to each other. The host device is a measuring terminal equipped with a function to record data output from the terminal block type unit. It is characterized by the following:
[0014] Here, the host device refers to a small, dedicated terminal (measurement terminal) used to record measurement data acquired by sensors or to control control equipment, or a computer (such as a general-purpose computer with a data processing program installed) used to process the recorded data.
[0015] The terminal block type unit according to the present invention is characterized by being composed of at least three types of basic units (Type X, Type Y, and Type Z in the embodiments described later) and being used in combination according to the application. However, it has expandability that allows for the addition of other basic configurations if they are designed. Each basic unit can also be used in combination according to the application.
[0016] In the above configuration, the terminal block type unit may be configured to be powered from a common bus. This is because even when a plurality of terminal block type units are installed in a switchboard, there is no need to separately prepare a power source. However, when the number of terminal block type units to be connected increases and the power supply from the bus alone is insufficient, a configuration may be adopted in which a power source is supplied from the outside using an AC adapter or the like.
[0017] In the above configuration, the terminal block type unit may be configured to include a plurality of indicators that correspond one-to-one with each contact terminal. Since each contact terminal of the terminal block type unit has either the function of a signal input terminal or an output terminal, the state of each contact can be visually grasped by the indicator, which makes it more convenient to use.
[0018] In the above configuration, the terminal block type unit may be configured to include a connector that can be directly connected to another terminal block type unit without wiring. This is because there is an advantage that wiring is not required and installation work and the like can be more simplified.
[0019] In the above configuration, for a host device connected at the upper level, it receives the no-voltage contact output of a sensor connected at the lower level, lights an indicator according to the input state, and includes a control circuit for transmitting, as digitalized data of the input value, the data according to the control from the measuring device by communication via the bus. This is a configuration applied to a terminal block type unit of a type (Type X) that inputs an output signal from a sensor as a digital signal.
[0020] In the above configuration, with respect to a host device connected at the upper level It may be configured to receive the output value of the sensor as an analog value of current or voltage, have a function of lighting an indicator of color or illuminance according to the received input value, and convert the input value into digitalized data according to the control from the host device and transmit it to the host device through communication via the bus. This is a configuration applied to a terminal block type unit of a type (type Y) that inputs an output signal from a sensor as an analog signal.
[0021] In the above configuration, it may be configured to include a control circuit for performing an open-drain contactless voltage output to the control device and lighting an indicator according to the state of the contact output by control by communication via the bus from a host device connected above. This is a configuration applied to a terminal block type unit of a type (type Z) that outputs a control signal from a host device to a control device.
[0022] The storage panel according to the present invention is a storage panel connecting one or more of the above terminal block type units and the host device, characterized in that the host device is a measurement terminal having a function of recording data output from the terminal block type unit. Although it is not essential to install it in the storage panel, when the terminal block type unit according to the present invention is used in the storage panel, the conventional complicated wiring work becomes unnecessary, and the storage panel becomes neat in appearance.
[0023] The monitoring system according to the present invention is a monitoring system for acquiring the state of an electric circuit provided remotely by a sensor and collectively displaying the state of the electric circuit, wherein the sensor, the terminal block type unit, and the host device are installed in a monitoring target area, and characterized in that data aggregated in the host device is received via an electric communication line.
[0024] By utilizing the terminal block type unit of the present invention, data can be efficiently collected at each location, making it possible to easily construct a monitoring system applicable to various uses. [Effects of the Invention]
[0025] The terminal block type signal input / output device according to the present invention is (1) The measurement unit itself is inexpensive. (2) No units other than the measurement unit are required (3) There is no need to provide a separate terminal block. (4) The storage unit becomes more compact. (5) Significantly reduce wiring labor costs and cable costs. (6) Cost reduction through packaging It offers many advantages, such as those mentioned above. Because it omits unnecessary functions, it allows for significant cost reductions compared to conventional signal input / output devices, which were often used in an over-specced manner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0026] [Figure 1] Figures 1(A) to 1(C) show the external shape of the casing of the terminal block type unit. (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a front view, and (C) is a rear view. [Figure 2] Figures 2(A) and 2(B) both show how multiple terminal block units are connected together. [Figure 3] Figures 3(A) and 3(B) both show how the host device is connected to the other end of the bus cable 24 connected to the terminal block unit. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the color changes of indicator 20. [Figure 5]Figure 5(A) shows an example of a conventional 64-point measurement distribution board (Figure 5(B)) consisting of a signal input / output device 200 and a terminal block 300, as explained with reference to Figure 11, but configured with the terminal block type unit 10 shown in this embodiment without changing the number of measurement points. Figure 5(B) is a diagram (photograph) showing the internal configuration of a 64-point measurement distribution board, as an example of a configuration showing the inside of a distribution board configured using a commercially available signal input / output device (R3 series manufactured by M System Co., Ltd.). [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a system diagram screen applied to remote monitoring of a solar power generation system configured using a terminal block with contact inputs (Type X). [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a system constructed by deploying a set of measuring instruments equipped with a measurement or monitoring / control system built using the terminal block type unit of the present invention to various locations, transmitting necessary data from each location to a cloud data management server, and enabling data viewing from remote locations. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of applying the monitoring system of this embodiment to a monitoring system inside a greenhouse. [Figure 9] Figure 9(A) shows an example of applying the monitoring system of this embodiment to a central monitoring system in a building. Figure 9(B) shows an example of applying the monitoring system of this embodiment to a toilet usage monitoring system. [Figure 10] Figure 10(A) shows an example of applying the monitoring system of this embodiment to a corrosion monitoring system. Figure 10(B) shows an example of applying the monitoring system of this embodiment to an inventory monitoring system. [Figure 11] Figure 11(A) is a diagram (photograph) showing the external shape of a conventional signal input / output device 200. Figure 11(B) is a schematic diagram showing how the conventional signal input / output device 200 electrically connects the contact terminals of the terminal unit 204 and the terminal block 300 with physical signal lines. [Figure 12] Figure 12(A) shows an example of an electrical wiring diagram inside a storage panel. Figure 12(B) is a photograph showing a terminal block with labels attached to each signal wire connected to each terminal. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, none of the following embodiments are intended to provide a restrictive interpretation in determining the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components, and their descriptions may be omitted.
[0028] (Embodiment 1) Figures 1(A) to 1(C) show the external shape of the casing of the terminal block type unit. (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a front view, and (C) is a rear view. This terminal block type unit 10 has multiple contact terminals 12 on its front. Common connectors 14 and 16 are provided on the left and right sides of the housing. On the top side, there is a power indicator lamp 18 and multiple indicators 20 showing the status of each terminal. The number of contact terminals varies depending on the design, but the example in Figure 1 has 16 contact terminals.
[0029] Terminal block units come in several types depending on their function, but all can be constructed with a common housing and the same external shape, which reduces manufacturing costs and allows for a clean, unified design when multiple terminal block units with different functions are used together. For example, they can be constructed with dimensions of approximately 150mm in width (excluding the connector part), 60mm in depth, and 32mm in height.
[0030] As shown in Figure 1(C), a USB-C connector is provided on the back of the enclosure. USB-C offers faster communication speeds than other conventional USB types and also has superior power supply control capabilities. Therefore, it can also be used as the power supply for the terminal block type unit 10. However, USB-C is just one example and does not exclude other bus connectors. This bus connector 22 can be used to connect to a higher-level host device via a predetermined cable.
[0031] Here, a plurality of types of terminal block type units 10 will be described. The following is a list showing the types of terminal block type units 10.
[0032] [Types of terminal type units] (I) Type X: 16-point contact signal measurement type (II) Type Y: 8-point analog signal measurement type (III) Type Z: 16-point contact signal output type
[0033] Type X has a function of receiving an input of a digital signal (contact signal) at 16 points, which is the number of contacts. Type Y has a function of receiving 8 points of analog signals (current or voltage). Type Z has a function of outputting a control signal (contact signal) at 16 points, which is the number of contacts.
[0034] <I. Contact input type (Type X)> Type X is configured to include a control circuit for receiving the non-voltage contact output of a sensor connected downstream with respect to a host device connected upstream, lighting an indicator according to the input state, and transmitting, according to the control from the measuring device, as data obtained by digitizing the input value, by communication via the bus. This is a configuration applied to a terminal block type unit of the type (Type X) that inputs an output signal from a sensor as a digital signal.
[0035] "Type X" that receives a digital input signal is provided with, for example, a 32-bit MCU as a control circuit and can receive 16-channel digital signals. Each channel is non-conductive and one common terminal is provided. The input signal of the control circuit is a non-voltage contact input as described above, and a digital input circuit with an internal power supply of 3.75V, 3mA, a threshold current of 0.3mA or more for on-current, 0.3mA or less for off-current, a threshold voltage of 3V or less for on-voltage, 4V or more for off-voltage, and an input period of 10msec is used.
[0036] <II. Analog input type (Type Y)> Type Y may also be configured to include a control circuit that receives the output value of the sensor as an analog value of current or voltage from a host device connected to a higher level, and illuminates an indicator of color or illuminance corresponding to the received input value, as well as converting the input value into digitized data according to control from the host device and transmitting it to the host device via bus communication. This configuration is applicable to terminal block type units of type (Type Y) that input the output from the sensor as an analog signal.
[0037] In "Type Y," which accepts analog input signals, a 32-bit MCU is provided as the control circuit, along with an 8-channel A / D converter. Analog input values can be either a current of 4-20mA or a voltage of 1-5V. In Type Y with analog input, the indicator 20 corresponding to each terminal can not only indicate the presence or absence of a signal by blinking, but also indicate the magnitude of the signal by color or brightness.
[0038] Figure 4 shows the color change of the indicator 20. In this example, the indicator becomes blue as the current or voltage approaches the lower limit (4mA / 1V), and as the current or voltage value increases, it changes from purple to reddish, with the intermediate values being red or orange, and as it approaches the upper limit (20mA / 5V), it becomes yellowish, with the maximum being white. Alternatively, the indicator may be configured to change in brightness (illuminance) according to the magnitude of the current or voltage, rather than in color.
[0039] Type Y can be used in photovoltaic power generation systems to acquire values from sensors (measuring devices) that output analog values, such as pyranometers and thermometers. By displaying these values together with digital values acquired with Type X, such as the amount of solar power generated, it is possible to monitor whether the power generation is at a reasonable level relative to the amount of solar radiation.
[0040] Since the values of solar radiation and temperature are important in the agricultural field, they can be used not only in solar power generation systems but also in other industrial fields. In addition, other typical sensors that acquire analog values include, but are not limited to, hygrometers, water thermometers, water level gauges, wind direction meters, compasses, gyro sensors, strain gauges, distance sensors, barometers, pressure sensors, illuminometers, rain sensors, rain gauges, tensiometers, wind speed meters, gas concentration meters, vibration meters, accelerometers, etc.
[0041] <III. Contact Output Type (Type Z)> Type Z may be configured to include a control circuit that performs an open-drain contactless voltage output to the control device and lights an indicator according to the state of the contact output by being controlled by communication via the bus from the host device connected above. This is a configuration applied to a terminal block type unit of the type (Type Z) that outputs a control signal from the host device to the control device.
[0042] "Type Z" that outputs a digital signal is provided with, for example, a 32-bit MCU as a control circuit and can transmit 16-channel digital signals. Each channel is non-conductive and one common terminal is provided. The output signal of the control circuit is an open-drain output (maximum DC30V, total 1.3W, maximum output rating 24V, for example, 0.005A or less, 12V 0.1A or less, 5V 0.26A or less), and a digital output circuit with an on-resistance of 20mΩ or less is used. In this example, up to 32 units can be connected.
[0043] For example, the on / off control of a power generation control device (PCS) used in a solar power generation system can be performed by the terminal block type unit 10 of Type Z. In a solar power generation system, there is an "output control rule" for suppressing the generated power according to the instructions of the power company. Therefore, the terminal block type unit 10 of Type Z can be used as a device for remotely controlling the PCS. <000021水>
[0044] Of course, it can control any device that can be controlled by contact signals. Furthermore, other types of terminal block units may be developed.
[0045] (Embodiment 2) Figures 2(A) and 2(B) both show how multiple terminal block units are connected. When connecting terminal block units, different types of terminal block units can be connected at the connection part C. In the figures, "Type-" means "type". As shown in these figures, connection to a higher-level host device can be made using an appropriate bus cable 24.
[0046] There are no restrictions on the number of devices that can be connected, the type of devices to be connected, or the order of connection; they can be connected freely. Furthermore, if it is not possible to connect devices side-by-side due to space limitations within the distribution panel, the connectors of adjacent devices (connectors 14 and 16 in Figure 1) may be connected using a connector connection cable 26, as shown in Figure 2(B). The maximum number of connections is determined by the bit depth of the MCU, but up to 32 32-bit MCUs can be connected. Up to 16 channels x 32 units can be connected for digital input / output, and up to 8 channels x 32 units for analog input.
[0047] Figures 3(A) and 3(B) both show how a host device is connected to the other end of a bus cable 24 connected to a terminal block unit. Figure 3(A) shows how it is connected to a measurement terminal 28, to which a computer 30 or smartphone 32 is connected. The connection between the smartphone and the measurement terminal is made via wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth®.
[0048] Measurement terminals are typically small terminals located near measurement points, such as within a storage panel, and are primarily specialized for functions such as data recording. Generally, the processing of acquired data is performed by a computer connected to a higher level. However, as shown in Figure 3(B), the bus cable 24 can also be connected directly to the computer 30 instead of the measurement terminal. In this case, not only data processing but also data recording is all handled by the computer.
[0049] Figure 5(A) shows an example of a conventional power distribution board with 64 measurement points (Figure 5(B)), which was composed of a signal input / output device 200 and a terminal block 300 as described with reference to Figure 11, but configured with the terminal block type unit 10 shown in this embodiment without changing the number of measurement points. Four Type X (16 digital inputs) terminal block type units 10 are connected together. The terminal block type unit 10 has only the functions necessary for digital measurement from the functions of the signal input / output device 200 (data logger), so the signal input / output device 200 is unnecessary. In addition, it also functions as a terminal block for connecting signal lines from sensor equipment, so the overall configuration is neat and compact, and it is possible to house it in a smaller enclosure than conventional ones.
[0050] Figure 6 shows a system diagram screen applied to remote monitoring of a solar power generation system configured using a terminal block with contact inputs (Type X). It is configured to acquire the status of relays and circuit breakers, which are components that protect electrical circuits, and to display the status of the electrical circuit all at once. In an electrical circuit, relays play the role of detecting overloads, overcurrents, overvoltages, etc., and shutting off the circuit with circuit breakers. By monitoring these all at once, even if the number of contacts is enormous, the status of the electrical circuit can be easily and clearly understood. It is similar to monitoring the operation of a railway.
[0051] Furthermore, monitoring electrical circuits is not limited to solar power generation systems; there is a demand for it in a wide range of fields. Therefore, from the perspective of monitoring the status of electrical circuits and the entire system using sensors, the monitoring system configured using the terminal block type unit of this embodiment can also be applied to other technological fields besides solar power generation systems.
[0052] (Embodiment 3) Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a system constructed using the terminal block type unit of the present invention, in which a set of measuring instruments equipped with a measurement or monitoring / control system is deployed in various locations, and necessary data is transmitted from each location to a cloud data management server, enabling data viewing from remote locations. As described above, since the data collected by numerous sensors is gathered on a higher-level computer, it is easy to transmit it to the cloud data management server via telecommunication lines such as the internet.
[0053] (Embodiment 4) Application Example -Application Example 1 (Monitoring System for Inside a Greenhouse)- Figure 8 shows an example of applying the monitoring system of this embodiment to a monitoring system inside a greenhouse. It shows an example of a monitoring system configured by arranging a pyranometer, thermometers (4 units), CO2 concentration meter, soil moisture meter (4 units), and EC meter (3 units), connecting two analog input terminal block type units (Type Y), measuring 13 points of analog data, and displaying them on a remote monitoring screen via a measurement terminal.
[0054] -Application Example 2 (Central Monitoring of Buildings)- Figure 9(A) shows an example of applying the monitoring system of this embodiment to a building's central monitoring system. For example, a building's central monitoring system is constructed using three terminal block units of the analog input type (Type Y) and seven terminal block units of the contact input type (Type Z). In this example, the first floor monitors 64 contact points (40 circuit breakers, 10 security points, 14 door opening / closing points) and 16 analog monitoring points (8 CT power consumption points, 8 room temperature monitoring points). The second floor monitors 32 contact points (20 circuit breakers, 10 security points, 2 door opening / closing points) and 8 analog monitoring points (4 CT power consumption points, 4 room temperature monitoring points).
[0055] -Application Example 3 (Toilet Congestion Monitoring System)- Figure 9(B) shows an example of applying the monitoring system of this embodiment to a toilet usage monitoring system. By placing a motion sensor in the toilet, it is possible to visualize the usage status.
[0056] -Application Example 4 (Corrosion Monitoring System)- Figure 10(A) shows an example of applying the monitoring system of this embodiment to a corrosion monitoring system. Embedded sensors are installed in structures such as bridges. By collecting data from these sensors at each location, it is possible to carry out infrastructure improvements, etc., before the deterioration of the structure progresses.
[0057] -Application Example 5 (Optimization of Store Inventory)- Figure 10(B) shows an example of applying the monitoring system of this embodiment to an inventory monitoring system. By placing sensors on product shelves in a store and continuously monitoring product inventory, it is possible to reduce the amount of inventory work required. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0058] 10 Terminal block type unit 10 12 Contact terminals 14 connectors 16 connectors 18 Power indicator lamp 20 Indicators 22 bus connectors 24 bus cables 26 Connector connecting cable 28 Measurement terminals 30 Computers 32 Smartphones
Claims
1. A system that deploys a set of measuring equipment equipped with a measurement or monitoring / control system, constructed using terminal block type units which are the smallest units for constructing a measurement system using sensors or a control system for monitoring and / or control equipment that utilizes such measurement system, to various locations, transmits necessary data from each location to a cloud data management server, and enables data viewing from remote locations, The aforementioned terminal block type unit is The sensor or control equipment connected below the terminal block unit It is used as an intermediary between the terminal block type unit and a host device connected to a higher level, It is equipped with multiple input / output terminals and is electrically connected to the sensor or control device through the input / output terminals, A system characterized by a terminal block type unit configured to allow direct connection between terminal block type units and between the terminal block type unit and the host equipment via a common bus.
2. A terminal block type unit and a host device are housed in a cabinet that contains the smallest unit for constructing a measurement system using sensors or a control system for monitoring and / or control equipment that utilizes such a measurement system. The aforementioned terminal block type unit is The sensor or control equipment connected below the terminal block unit It is used interposed between the terminal block type unit and the host device connected to a higher level, It is equipped with multiple input / output terminals and is electrically connected to the sensor or control device through the input / output terminals, One or more terminal block units are connected to each other via a common bus, and the terminal block units and the host equipment are configured to be directly connected to each other. The host device is a measuring terminal equipped with a function to record data output from the terminal block type unit. A storage unit characterized by the following features.
3. The storage panel according to claim 2, wherein the host device comprises a program for controlling the control device.
4. The storage unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the host device has a function to transmit measurement data acquired by the sensor to a cloud data management server.
5. A monitoring system constructed using the system described in claim 1, Using the aforementioned terminal block type unit, analog data is measured using multiple types of sensors that acquire values as analog values. A monitoring system that transmits the measured analog data to the cloud data management server and displays it on a monitoring screen on a terminal that can connect to the cloud data management server.
6. A central monitoring system for a building or the like, constructed using the system described in claim 1, Multiple sensors of one or more types, which acquire analog values using the terminal block type unit, are placed at each point within the monitoring area to measure analog data at each point. A central monitoring system for buildings, etc., characterized in that the monitored targets include any of the following: circuit breakers, security systems, door opening / closing, CT power consumption, and room temperature.
7. A congestion monitoring system constructed using the system described in claim 1, A congestion monitoring system characterized by placing motion sensors at various points within a monitoring area to visualize usage status.
8. A structural deterioration monitoring system constructed using the system described in claim 1, A structural deterioration monitoring system that places sensors at various points on the structure being monitored to monitor its deterioration.
9. The deterioration monitoring system according to claim 8, wherein the structure is a bridge and the sensor is a buried sensor.
10. An inventory optimization system constructed using the system described in claim 1, An inventory optimization system that places sensors on product shelves within a monitoring area to constantly monitor the product inventory on each shelf.