Power supply reset unit and facility management system equipped with the power supply reset unit

Abstract

To realize a power reset at low cost while reducing labor when freeze, thermal runaway, or the like occurs in a CPU and a switch means provided in a control unit. [Solution] A CPU 27 of a power reset unit 2B transmits a monitoring information request signal to each of an L2SW 2C and a CPU 21 of a control unit 2A, and if no response signal is received from at least one of the L2SW 2C and the CPU 21, a power reset command signal is output to an operating means 26, which switches a circuit breaker device 25 OFF / ON to reset the power supply. By providing the CPU 27 of the power reset unit 2B with the function of transmitting and receiving signals for monitoring the L2SW 2C and the CPU 21, there is no need to install a special monitoring device, and so monitoring of the L2SW 2C and the CPU 21 can be achieved at low cost.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply reset unit and an equipment management system including the power supply reset unit, and more particularly to an improvement for resetting the power supply of equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, road facilities installed on expressways and the like include various types of facilities such as electronic signage facilities that provide drivers with road information and surveillance camera facilities that capture images of road conditions, etc. These road facilities are generally installed outdoors, and therefore are exposed to high-temperature environments, including the effects of solar radiant heat, particularly in the summer.

[0003] In recent years, with the advancement of information and communication technology, the control units of road equipment are equipped with CPUs (Central Processing Units) such as microprocessors. Furthermore, these control units are generally housed in metal casings. Therefore, when road equipment is exposed to high-temperature environments as described above, the surface temperature of the CPU in the control unit can reach approximately 70°C (in this case, the internal temperature is approximately 90°C), which can cause the CPU to freeze or experience thermal runaway.

[0004] If the CPU in the control unit freezes or experiences thermal runaway, the road equipment will be unable to function normally, and external control via existing communication methods will become impossible, making remote resetting impossible. For this reason, up until now, workers have had to go to the site and manually reset the CPU-related power supply (a so-called power reset). Since the power supply circuits used in road equipment generally carry a relatively large current of 1A or more, molded-case circuit breakers (MCCB, ELCB, etc.) or electromagnetic contactors (MG) are used as circuit breakers. The power reset requires a manual reset procedure of first turning the circuit breaker OFF and then ON.

[0005] This type of road equipment also includes a control unit and a power reset unit with a circuit breaker. The CPUs in each unit are connected to an IP network via a Layer 2 switch, and IP communications are performed via the IP network with a management device installed in, for example, a management office. Therefore, if the Layer 2 switch freezes or experiences thermal runaway due to exposure to a high temperature, IP communications will be disabled. In this case, just as in the case of the control unit's CPU freezing or experiencing thermal runaway, a technician must be dispatched to the site to manually reset the power. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-126538 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-144980 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] As mentioned above, conventional power resets required a worker to go to the site to perform the reset work, which not only took a long time to restore (restore) operation of road equipment when the control unit's CPU froze or overheated, but also required a great deal of effort from the worker.

[0008] It is also possible to install special monitoring devices to monitor for freezing or thermal runaway in the control unit's CPU, and for monitoring for freezing or thermal runaway in the Layer 2 switch, but this would be impractical because it would increase the cost of the road equipment as a whole and require new work such as managing each monitoring device, increasing the burden on administrators.

[0009] It should be noted that this problem is not limited to road facilities, but also occurs in various other facilities that are equipped with CPUs that are capable of communication via switching means such as layer 2 switches.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and its purpose is to provide a power reset unit and an equipment management system equipped with the power reset unit that can perform power resets at low cost while reducing the amount of effort required when freezes, thermal runaway, etc. occur in the CPU and switch means (e.g., the aforementioned Layer 2 switch) provided in the control unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The solution of the present invention for achieving the above object is based on a power reset unit provided in a facility, which is connected to a control unit having a controlled device and a control device that controls the controlled device via a power line so as to be able to supply power thereto, and which is also connected to a communication line so as to be able to communicate with each other via a switch means. The power reset unit includes a circuit breaker provided on the power line, an operating means that switches the circuit breaker between ON and OFF upon receiving a power reset command signal, and a reset control device that causes the operating means to perform the switching operation. The reset control device includes a monitoring information request signal transmitting unit that transmits a monitoring information request signal to the switch means and to each of the control devices via the switch means via the communication line, a response signal receiving unit that can receive a response signal in response to the monitoring information request signal, and a power reset command unit that outputs the power reset command signal to the operating means when the response signal receiving unit does not receive the response signal from at least one of the switch means and the control device. The reset control device is connected to a management device via an IP network and includes a storage unit that stores information on a history of when the power reset command unit has output the power reset command signal to the operating means, and an image information generation unit that generates image information for displaying the information on the history of when the power reset command signal has been output, stored in the storage unit, as an information image using a Web browser on a display screen of the management device. It is characterized by:

[0012] When monitoring the switch means and the control device (monitoring whether they are frozen, thermal runaway, or the like), a monitoring information request signal is sent from the monitoring information request signal transmitter of the reset control device to the switch means and to each of the control devices via the switch means. When both the switch means and the control device are operating normally, they each respond to the monitoring information request signal by sending a response signal to the reset control device, and this response signal is received by the response signal receiver. On the other hand, when freezing, thermal runaway, or the like occurs in at least one of the switch means and the control device, a response signal is not sent from at least one of them, and the response signal receiver does not receive at least one of them. When this situation occurs, the power reset command unit outputs a power reset command signal to the operating means. In accordance with this power reset command signal, the operating means performs a switching operation, switching the circuit breaker OFF / ON, and resetting the power supply of the equipment. This eliminates the need for workers to visit the equipment installation site to perform the reset work, making it possible to quickly reset the power supply when the control device becomes unable to operate normally or when the switch means becomes unable to communicate, while reducing the amount of labor required. Furthermore, the monitoring information request signal is transmitted from the reset control device, which causes the actuation means to perform the switching operation. In other words, the reset control device not only has the function of causing the actuation means to perform the switching operation, but also the function of transmitting and receiving signals for monitoring the switch means and control device (transmitting the monitoring information request signal and receiving the response signal). This eliminates the need to install a new special monitoring device, making it possible to monitor the switch means and control device at low cost, and also avoids the need to manage a new monitoring device, thereby avoiding an increase in the burden on the administrator. Furthermore, the administrator can easily check the history of power resets by viewing the image displayed on the display screen of the management device using a Web browser. In addition, another solution of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object is based on a power reset unit that is provided in the facility and is connected to a control unit having a controlled device and a control device that controls the controlled device via a power line so that it can supply power to the control unit, and is also connected to the control unit via a communication line via a switch means so that they can communicate with each other. This power reset unit comprises a circuit breaker device provided on the power line, an operating means for switching the circuit breaker device between OFF and ON by receiving a power reset command signal, and a reset control device for causing the operating means to perform the switching operation, and the reset control device comprises a monitoring information request signal transmitting unit for transmitting a monitoring information request signal to the switch means and to each of the control devices via the switch means via the communication line, a response signal receiving unit capable of receiving a response signal in response to the monitoring information request signal, and a power reset command unit for outputting the power reset command signal to the operating means when the response signal receiving unit does not receive the response signal from at least one of the switch means and the control device, and the reset control device is characterized in that it is configured to determine whether the response signal received by the response signal receiving unit is the response signal received from the switch means or the response signal received from the control device. This not only achieves the effect mentioned above (making it possible to reset the power supply early while reducing the amount of effort required when the control device is unable to operate normally or when the switch means is unable to communicate), but also makes it easy to identify which of the switch means and the control device is freezing, experiencing thermal runaway, etc.

[0013] Furthermore, the OFF / ON switching of the circuit breaker device by the operating means is such that after the OFF operation of the circuit breaker device, the ON operation of the circuit breaker device is performed with a predetermined delay time, and the delay time can be set as desired.

[0014] When resetting the power supply of equipment, the timing for turning the circuit breaker ON after turning it OFF must be set so that the charge stored in the built-in capacitors (including batteries) of the constant-voltage power supply for DC output built into the equipment is discharged and the output of the constant-voltage power supply is eliminated. Furthermore, the electrical capacity of the built-in capacitors may vary depending on the equipment. For this reason, this solution allows the delay time to be set arbitrarily so that an appropriate delay time can be obtained for the equipment (so that the delay time does not end before the discharge is complete or is longer than necessary). This makes it possible to appropriately set the delay time between turning the circuit breaker OFF and ON.

[0017] The power reset command section outputs a power reset command signal to the operating means at predetermined time intervals or at the timing when a predetermined time is reached.

[0018] In other words, the power reset of the equipment is performed by outputting a power reset command signal from the power reset command unit without monitoring (alive / dead monitoring) the switch means and the control device. This is to enable the reset control device to lengthen the interval at which it transmits monitoring information request signals to the switch means and the control device. In other words, in order to quickly recognize that the switch means or the control device has frozen or experienced thermal runaway, it is effective to shorten the interval at which it transmits the monitoring information request signal and transmit the monitoring information request signal more frequently. However, this raises concerns that this would increase the communication load on the communication system. For this reason, in this solution, by outputting a power reset command signal to the actuation means at predetermined intervals or when a predetermined time is reached, the power reset of the equipment is performed periodically without the need for signal transmission and reception between the reset control device and the switch means and the control device (transmission and reception of monitoring information request signals and response signals, which would increase the communication load on the communication system), and this enables the interval at which it transmits the monitoring information request signal to the switch means and the control device to be lengthened.

[0019] Furthermore, as a more preferable configuration, if the controlled device generates heat when in operation, the reset control device may be installed at a position farther from the controlled device than the installation positions of the control device and the switch means, although this configuration is not essential to the present invention.

[0020] When this configuration is adopted, the reset control device is installed in a position less susceptible to the heat from the controlled device than the control device and switch means. Therefore, in the reset control device, the temperature hardly rises to the point where the control device and switch means become unable to operate normally, and even if the control device and switch means become unable to operate normally, the reset control device can still successfully transmit a monitoring information request signal and output a power reset command signal to the operating means.

[0021] As a more preferable configuration, the reset control device may have a higher heat dissipation capability than the control device and the switch means, although this configuration is not essential to the present invention.

[0022] When this configuration is adopted, stable operation of the reset control device can be expected even in a high temperature environment where the control device or switch means is unable to operate normally due to freezing, thermal runaway, etc. Therefore, it is possible to fully ensure the reliability of being able to reset the power supply of the equipment when the control device or switch means is unable to operate normally.

[0023] More specifically, the facilities are road facilities.

[0024] This eliminates the need to install new special monitoring devices (devices for monitoring switch means and control devices) on road facilities, making it possible to monitor switch means and control devices installed on road facilities at low cost.

[0027] The history information stored in the storage unit includes time and temperature information when the power reset command signal was output.

[0028] This makes it possible to easily grasp the situation when the power reset is performed.

[0029] The technical concept of the present invention also encompasses an equipment management system including the power reset unit described above. Specifically, the present invention covers an equipment management system configured by connecting a management device via an IP network to a control unit provided in each of a plurality of pieces of equipment, the control unit including a control target device and a control device for controlling the control target device, and the power reset units connected to the control unit via a power line so as to be able to supply power and connected to the control unit via a communication line via a switch means so as to be able to communicate with each other. In this equipment management system, the power reset unit provided in each piece of equipment comprises a circuit breaker provided on the power line, an operating means for performing an OFF / ON switching operation of the circuit breaker by receiving a power reset command signal, and a reset control device for causing the operating means to perform the switching operation, and the reset control device comprises a monitoring information request signal transmitting section for transmitting a monitoring information request signal to the switch means and to each of the control devices via the switch means via the communication line, a response signal receiving section capable of receiving a response signal in response to the monitoring information request signal, and a power reset command section for outputting the power reset command signal to the operating means when the response signal receiving section does not receive the response signal from at least one of the switch means and the control device. The reset control device is connected to the management device via the IP network and includes a storage unit that stores information on a history of when the power reset command unit has output the power reset command signal to the operating means, and an image information generation unit that generates image information for displaying the information on the history of when the power reset command signal has been output, stored in the storage unit, as an information image using a Web browser on a display screen of the management device. It is characterized by:

[0030] This makes it possible to build an equipment management system that does not require an operator to go to the equipment installation site to perform reset work, and also makes it possible to build an equipment management system that does not require the installation of a special monitoring device and can monitor the switch means and control device at low cost. Furthermore, the administrator can easily check the history of power resets by viewing the image displayed on the display screen of the management device using a Web browser. In addition, another solution of the present invention (facility management system) for achieving the above-mentioned object is directed to an facility management system configured by a control unit provided in each of a plurality of facilities, the control unit having a controlled device and a control device that controls the controlled device, and a power reset unit connected to the control unit via a power line so that power can be supplied to the control unit and connected to the control unit via a communication line so that they can communicate with each other via a switch means, and each connected to a management device via an IP network. The equipment management system is characterized in that the power reset unit provided in each piece of equipment comprises a circuit breaker provided on the power line, an operating means for switching the circuit breaker between ON and OFF by receiving a power reset command signal, and a reset control device for causing the operating means to perform the switching operation, and the reset control device comprises a monitoring information request signal transmitting unit for transmitting a monitoring information request signal to the switch means and to each of the control devices via the switch means via the communication line, a response signal receiving unit capable of receiving a response signal in response to the monitoring information request signal, and a power reset command unit for outputting the power reset command signal to the operating means when the response signal receiving unit does not receive the response signal from at least one of the switch means and the control device, and the reset control device is configured to determine whether the response signal received by the response signal receiving unit is the response signal received from the switch means or the response signal received from the control device. This not only achieves the aforementioned effect (allowing for the creation of an equipment management system that does not require an operator to go to the equipment installation site to perform reset work), but also makes it easy to identify which of the switch means and control device is freezing or experiencing thermal runaway, etc. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] In the present invention, if a response signal in response to a monitoring information request signal sent from the reset control device to the switch means and the control device is not received from at least one of the switch means and the control device, the circuit breaker is switched OFF / ON to reset the power supply to the equipment. This eliminates the need for an operator to visit the equipment installation site to perform the reset work. As a result, power supply resets can be performed quickly and with reduced labor when the switch means or the control device becomes unable to operate normally. Furthermore, by equipping the reset control device that causes the actuation device to perform the switching operation with the function of sending and receiving signals for monitoring the switch means and the control device, there is no need to install a new special monitoring device, making it possible to monitor the switch means and the control device at low cost. Furthermore, there is no need to manage a new monitoring device, which avoids an increase in the burden on the administrator. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a road facility management system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 10 is a functional block diagram of a CPU provided in each of the control unit and the power reset unit, and each of the layer 2 switches. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image in a remote operation mode in a web browser on the display screen of a management device installed in an office. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image in log information mode in a Web browser on the display screen of the management device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a power reset unit according to the present invention is provided in road facilities, particularly in electronic signage equipment on expressways. The equipment to which the power reset unit according to the present invention can be applied is not limited to road facilities (such as electronic signage equipment, surveillance camera equipment, and meteorological observation equipment), but includes a variety of other types of equipment.

[0034] -Outline of road facility management system- FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a road facility management system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the road facility management system 1 according to the present embodiment includes multiple electronic signage facilities 2, 2, ..., a server 3 installed in a control room, and a management device 4 installed in an office, all connected via an IP network N to enable mutual signal transmission and reception. The server 3 and management device 4 are configured as general-purpose personal computers equipped with a communication unit, a CPU, memory, an input / output interface, and the like. The server 3 and management device 4 may also be other types of terminal devices, such as tablets, smartphones, or dedicated devices. While FIG. 1 illustrates the internal configuration of only one electronic signage facility 2 among the multiple electronic signage facilities 2, 2, ..., the other electronic signage facilities 2, 2, ... have the same configuration. The multiple electronic signage facilities 2, 2, ..., the server 3, and the management device 4 may be connected to the IP network N via wired or wireless connections.

[0035] (Electronic display equipment) As mentioned above, each of the electronic signage equipments 2, 2, . . . has the same configuration, so here, one electronic signage equipment 2 will be described as a representative.

[0036] The electronic sign equipment 2 is designed to provide road information to drivers of vehicles traveling on expressways using electronic signs that utilize LEDs, etc., and is configured to include a control unit 2A, a power reset unit 2B, and a layer 2 switch (L2SW) 2C.

[0037] The control unit 2A is a unit for providing road information to drivers by electronic signage, and includes a CPU (control device) 21, an LED display unit (a control target device controlled by the CPU 21) 22, a sensor group 23, etc. The power reset unit 2B is a unit for resetting the power supply of the electronic signage equipment 2, and includes a circuit breaker 25, an operating means 26, a CPU (reset control device) 27, etc. The L2SW 2C communicates with the control unit 2A and the power reset unit 2B, respectively, and with the server 3 and the management device 4 via the IP network N, and also communicates between the control unit 2A and the power reset unit 2B. For this reason, the control unit 2A and the L2SW 2C are connected by a communication line (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a first communication line) CL1, and the power reset unit 2B and the L2SW 2C are connected by a communication line (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a second communication line) CL2. In addition, the power line L extending from the power reset unit 2B is connected to each of the control unit 2A and L2SW2C, and when the circuit breaker device 25 provided in the power reset unit 2B is turned ON, power is supplied to each of the control unit 2A and L2SW2C.

[0038] The control unit 2A, the power reset unit 2B, and the L2SW 2C will be specifically described below.

[0039] <Control unit> As described above, the control unit 2A includes the CPU 21, the LED display unit 22, the sensor group 23, and the like.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the CPUs 21 and 27 and the L2SW 2C provided in the control unit 2A and the power reset unit 2B, respectively.

[0041] 2, the CPU 21 of the control unit 2A includes a communication unit 21a, an LED control unit 21b, and a response information generation unit 21c as functional units realized by a computer program. Note that the control unit 2A may include multiple CPUs 21.

[0042] The communication unit 21a transmits and receives signals to and from the server 3 in the control room via the L2SW 2C and the IP network N, and transmits and receives signals to and from the CPU 27 provided in the power reset unit 2B via the L2SW 2C. Examples of signals transmitted from the server 3 to the control unit 2A include an electronic sign control signal.

[0043] On the other hand, signals transmitted and received between CPU21 of control unit 2A and CPU27 of power reset unit 2B include a monitoring information request signal transmitted from CPU27 of power reset unit 2B to CPU21 of control unit 2A, and a response signal transmitted from CPU21 of control unit 2A to CPU27 of power reset unit 2B in response to this monitoring information request signal.

[0044] To explain the signal transmission and reception between CPU 21 and CPU 27, CPU 27 of power reset unit 2B transmits a monitoring information request signal to L2SW 2C via second communication line CL2 at predetermined intervals or when a predetermined time arrives. If L2SW 2C is operating normally, the monitoring information request signal is transmitted to CPU 21 of control unit 2A via L2SW 2C and first communication line CL1. Thus, CPU 21 of control unit 2A receives this monitoring information request signal via communication section 21a. If CPU 21 is operating normally, normal response information is generated by response information generation section 21c, and this normal response information is returned as a response signal to CPU 27 of power reset unit 2B via communication section 21a. On the other hand, if CPU 21 freezes, thermal runaway, or the like and control unit 2A is not operating normally (if it is in a state where it cannot operate normally), it will not be able to return a response signal in response to this monitoring information request signal to CPU 27 of power reset unit 2B, and this CPU 27 will not receive a response signal in response to this monitoring information request signal. This allows CPU 27 of power reset unit 2B to recognize that there is a possibility that CPU 21 has frozen, thermal runaway, or the like (control when this recognition is made will be described later).

[0045] The LED control unit 21b transmits information to be displayed on the LED display unit 22 to the LED display unit 22. This information is road information provided to drivers of vehicles traveling on expressways. For example, if each electronic sign installation 2, 2, ... is equipped with a sensor group 23, information acquired by each sensor group 23 (such as traffic congestion information and traffic accident information) is aggregated in the server 3, and the server 3 transmits an electronic sign control signal containing information suitable for display on the LED display unit 22 of each electronic sign installation 2, 2, ... to the control unit 2A of the electronic sign installation 2, and the information is displayed on the LED display unit 22. The LED display unit 22 includes a lighting circuit and LED modules (not shown), and is configured by connecting multiple sets of lighting circuits and LED modules to each other. Each LED module includes an LED array in which multiple LED elements are arranged, and the multiple LED modules form a display screen. Each lighting circuit is a power supply for LEDs, and converts input voltage from a commercial power source or the like into DC current (current with controlled current waveform, current value, etc.) under the control of the LED control unit 21b, and supplies the DC current to the LED module.

[0046] The sensor group 23 is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, a sensor that detects the speed of each vehicle traveling on the expressway, a Doppler sensor that detects whether or not congestion is occurring on the expressway, etc. These sensors do not necessarily need to be provided in the electronic signage equipment 2.

[0047] <l2sw> The L2SW 2C includes a communication unit 28a and a response information generation unit 28b as functional units.

[0048] The communication unit 28a not only relays signals between each CPU 21, 27 and the server 3 in the control room and the management device 4 in the office via the IP network N, but also relays signals between the CPU 21 of the control unit 2A and the CPU 27 of the power reset unit 2B.

[0049] On the other hand, signals transmitted and received between L2SW2C and CPU27 of power reset unit 2B include a monitoring information request signal transmitted from CPU27 of power reset unit 2B, and a response signal transmitted from L2SW2C to CPU27 of power reset unit 2B in response to this monitoring information request signal.

[0050] To explain the transmission and reception of signals between the L2SW 2C and the CPU 27, the CPU 27 of the power reset unit 2B transmits a monitoring information request signal to the L2SW 2C via the second communication line CL2 at predetermined intervals or when a predetermined time is reached. The L2SW 2C then receives the monitoring information request signal via the communication unit 28a. If the L2SW 2C is operating normally, the response information generator 28b generates normal response information, which is then returned as a response signal to the CPU 27 of the power reset unit 2B via the communication unit 28a. On the other hand, if the L2SW 2C is not operating normally (if communication is disabled) due to a freeze or thermal runaway, the response signal corresponding to the monitoring information request signal cannot be returned to the CPU 27 of the power reset unit 2B, and the CPU 27 enters a state in which it does not receive the response signal corresponding to the monitoring information request signal. This allows the CPU 27 of the power reset unit 2B to recognize that the L2SW 2C has frozen, thermal runaway, or the like has occurred (control when this is recognized will be described later).

[0051] <Power Reset Unit> As described above, the power reset unit 2B includes the circuit breaker 25, the operating means 26, the CPU 27, etc. The circuit breaker 25, the operating means 26, and the CPU 27 are housed in a single housing, forming a so-called one-package configuration. This housing is made of metal or resin. Alternatively, the power reset unit 2B and the control unit 2A may be housed in a single housing, forming a one-package configuration.

[0052] The circuit breaker 25 is provided on the power line L of the electronic sign equipment 2, and turns ON / OFF an electric circuit including this power line L. This circuit breaker 25 turns OFF (trips) the electric circuit when a current exceeding the rated current flows due to an overload of a device in the electronic sign equipment 2, or when a short circuit occurs in the electric circuit. In this embodiment, an MCCB, which is a molded case circuit breaker, is used as the circuit breaker 25. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an ELCB, which is a molded case circuit breaker, or an MG, which is an electromagnetic contactor, may also be used.

[0053] The actuating means 26 is an actuating unit for switching the circuit breaker 25 between OFF and ON. Specifically, the circuit breaker 25 is provided with a switching lever (not shown) for switching between OFF and ON. For example, by pressing down on this switching lever, the circuit breaker 25 is turned OFF (a state in which the electric circuit is opened), and by pressing up on this switching lever, the circuit breaker 25 is turned ON (a state in which the electric circuit is closed). The actuating means 26 is a mechanical means for pressing down and up on this switching lever. Similar to known auto-reset breakers, the actuating means 26 is configured to include an actuating unit that applies a pressing force (a pressing force for pressing down and up) to the switching lever and an electric motor that generates a driving force for raising and lowering the actuating unit. The electric motor operates in accordance with a power reset command signal output from the CPU 27. In other words, when the actuating means 26 switches the circuit breaker 25 between OFF and ON in accordance with this power reset command signal, the circuit breaker 25 is first turned OFF, and then turned ON after a predetermined time (a predetermined delay time) has elapsed. For example, a delay process is provided in the operation control program for the electric motor of the operating means 26. When resetting the power supply to the electronic sign equipment 2, the timing for turning the circuit breaker device 25 ON after once OFF must be set so that the charge stored in the built-in capacitor or the like (not shown) of the constant-voltage power supply for DC output built into the device is discharged and the output of the constant-voltage power supply is eliminated. For this reason, in this embodiment, a delay time is provided between turning the circuit breaker device 25 ON and turning it OFF until the discharge is complete. This delay time is set in advance through experiments and simulations. A default value for this delay time is set to, for example, 5 seconds. This value is not limited to this. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the delay time can be set arbitrarily. This is because the electric capacitance of the built-in capacitor or the like differs depending on the electronic sign equipment 2, 2, .... In other words, the delay time can be set arbitrarily so as to obtain an appropriate delay time according to the electronic sign equipment 2 (so that the delay time does not end before the discharge is complete or is not longer than necessary).This makes it possible to appropriately set the delay time from when the circuit breaker device 25 is turned OFF until when it is turned ON. This delay time can be set by rewriting the operation control program for the electric motor of the operating means 26 or by operating the management device 4.

[0054] In this embodiment, the CPU 27 is preferably installed farther from the LED display unit 22 than the CPU 21. As described above, the CPU 21 controls the display of the LED display unit 22 using the LED control unit 21b. Therefore, the CPU 21 is installed close to the LED display unit 22 to meet the requirement to shorten the length of the signal line connecting the CPU 21 and the LED display unit 22. However, since there is no such requirement for the CPU 27, the CPU 27 can be installed farther from the LED display unit 22. The LED display unit 22 generates heat during operation. However, if the configuration for setting the installation position of the CPU 27 is adopted as described above, the CPU 27 is installed in a position less susceptible to the heat from the LED display unit 22 than the CPU 21. In this embodiment, the CPU 27 is preferably installed farther from the LED display unit 22 than the L2SW 2C.

[0055] It is also preferable that the CPU 27 has a configuration with higher heat dissipation than the CPU 21. For example, the heat sink applied to the CPU 27 may have a higher heat dissipation capability than the heat sink applied to the CPU 21, or the CPU grease applied to the CPU 27 may have a higher heat transfer rate than the CPU grease applied to the CPU 21.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 27 includes, as functional units realized by a computer program, a communication unit 27a, a monitoring information request signal transmission unit 27b, a response signal reception unit 27c, a power reset command unit 27d, a memory unit 27e, a status detection unit 27f, and an image information generation unit 27g.

[0057] The communication unit 27a transmits and receives signals to and from the management device 4 in the office via the L2SW 2C and the IP network N, and transmits and receives signals to and from the CPU 21 of the control unit 2A via the L2SW 2C.

[0058] The monitoring information request signal transmitter 27b generates the monitoring information request signal at predetermined time intervals or when a predetermined time is reached, and transmits the generated monitoring information request signal to the L2SW 2C via the second communication line CL2. The interval at which the monitoring information request signal is transmitted at predetermined time intervals may be, for example, 60 seconds. However, this value is not limited to this and can be set arbitrarily.

[0059] As a result, as described above, when the L2SW 2C is operating normally, the CPU 21 of the control unit 2A receives this monitoring information request signal via the communication unit 21a. Then, when the CPU 21 is operating normally, normal response information is generated by the response information generation unit 21c, and the normal response information is returned as a response signal to the CPU 27 via the communication unit 21a. On the other hand, when the CPU 21 freezes, experiences thermal runaway, or the like, and the control unit 2A is not operating normally (is in a state where it cannot operate normally), the response signal in response to the monitoring information request signal cannot be returned to the CPU 27, and the CPU 27 is in a state where it does not receive the response signal in response to the monitoring information request signal. This allows the CPU 27 to recognize that the CPU 21 may be freezing, experiencing thermal runaway, or the like.

[0060] Furthermore, since the CPU 27 of the power reset unit 2B is stopped (or in standby mode) when the CPU 21 is operating normally, it generates almost no heat to the point where the CPU 21 is unable to operate normally, and is capable of operating normally even in a high temperature environment.

[0061] The monitoring information request signal transmitted from the monitoring information request signal transmitter 27b is received by the communication unit 28a of the L2SW 2C. When the L2SW 2C is operating normally, normal response information is generated by the response information generator 28b, and the normal response information is returned to the CPU 27 as a response signal by the communication unit 28a. On the other hand, when the L2SW 2C freezes, experiences thermal runaway, or the like, and the L2SW 2C is not operating normally (when communication is disabled), the response signal in response to the monitoring information request signal cannot be returned to the CPU 27, and the CPU 27 is not receiving the response signal in response to the monitoring information request signal. This allows the CPU 27 to recognize that the L2SW 2C has frozen, experienced thermal runaway, or the like. When the L2SW 2C is not operating normally, the response signal from the CPU 21 is not returned to the CPU 27, even if the CPU 21 is operating normally. The response signal includes the IP address of the CPU 21 or the IP address of the L2SW 2C, so that when the CPU 27 receives a response signal, it can recognize whether the response signal is from the CPU 21 or the L2SW 2C. Therefore, when the CPU 27 does not receive a response signal, it can also recognize whether the response signal is from the CPU 21 or the L2SW 2C.

[0062] When the response signal receiving unit 27c does not receive a response signal from at least one of the L2SW 2C and the CPU 21, the power reset command unit 27d outputs a power reset command signal to the operating means 26. This causes the operating means 26 to operate and switch the circuit breaker device 25 between OFF and ON. That is, the circuit breaker device 25 is turned OFF once, and then turned ON after a predetermined time has elapsed (after a delay time that can be set arbitrarily has elapsed).

[0063] The storage unit 27e stores information on the history of when the power reset command unit 27d outputs a power reset command signal to the operating means 26. For example, the storage unit 27e stores information on the time when the power reset command signal was output, information on the cause of the output of the power reset command signal (such as not receiving a response signal from the CPU 21 of the control unit 2A or not receiving a response signal from the L2SW 2C), and temperature information at the time when the power reset command signal was output. This temperature information may be obtained by providing a temperature sensor in each of the CPU 21 and the L2SW 2C of the control unit 2A, and the sensed values ​​of the temperature sensors at the time when the power reset command signal was output may be transmitted to the CPU 27 and stored in the storage unit 27e. Alternatively, the sensed values ​​of the temperature sensors may be transmitted to the CPU 27 before the power reset command signal is output and updated as stored information in the storage unit 27e, so that the latest stored information (temperature information) at the time when the power reset command signal was output may be stored and held in the storage unit 27e. The temperature information stored in memory unit 27e may be only the temperature information of CPU 27 or L2SW2C where freezing, thermal runaway, etc. is occurring, or it may be the temperature information of both CPU 27 and L2SW2C regardless of whether freezing, thermal runaway, etc. is occurring.

[0064] The communication unit 27a also transmits and receives signals to and from the management device 4 in the office via the L2SW 2C and the IP network N. Examples of signals transmitted from the management device 4 to the power reset unit 2B include a status information request signal. On the other hand, examples of signals transmitted from the power reset unit 2B to the management device 4 include an image information signal in response to the status information request signal.

[0065] Specifically, when an office manager wishes to monitor the status of a circuit breaker 25 of a specific electronic sign equipment 2, he or she operates the management device 4 to transmit a status information request signal specifying the IP address of the CPU 27 of the electronic sign equipment 2 to which the circuit breaker 25 belongs. That is, the management device 4 registers the installation locations (addresses and latitude and longitude information) of each electronic sign equipment 2 as individual information for each electronic sign equipment 2, and the manager operates the management device 4 to transmit a status information request signal specifying the IP address of the electronic sign equipment 2 that he or she wishes to monitor. This status information request signal is transmitted to the CPU 27 having the IP address included in the signal. Then, in the CPU 27 that receives this status information request signal (by the communication unit 27a), the status detection unit 27f detects the status of the circuit breaker device 25 (information on whether the circuit breaker device 25 is in an ON state or an OFF state, etc.), and outputs the detected status information of the circuit breaker device 25 to the image information generation unit 27g. Furthermore, information on the history of output of the power reset command signal stored in storage unit 27e is also output to image information generation unit 27g. Image information generation unit 27g processes image information including information on the state of circuit breaker device 25 and information on the history of output of the power reset command signal into information that can be displayed by a Web browser, and outputs this information to communication unit 27a. Communication unit 27a then transmits this information to management device 4, and an image including information on the state of circuit breaker device 25 and information on the history of output of the power reset command signal is displayed by the Web browser on the display screen of management device 4. A publicly available Web browser is used as the Web browser used here.

[0066] Here, we will explain the display screen of the web browser on the display screen of the management device 4. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an image (image in remote operation mode) in the web browser on the display screen of the management device 4 when the electronic signage equipment 2 is in a normal state. As shown in Fig. 3, the web browser image is divided into a display selection area 41, an installation location information area 42, a breaker status information area 43, a breaker setting change area 44, and a remote breaker operation area 45.

[0067] The display selection area 41 is an area for switching the display screen of the web browser, and includes a remote operation section that is pressed (clicked) to display a screen for remotely operating the circuit breaker device 25, a log information section that is pressed to display log information of changes in the state of the circuit breaker device 25 on the screen, a time and name setting section that is pressed to display a screen for setting the time and name, and a network setting section that is pressed to display a screen for performing initial system settings (for example, setting the IP address).

[0068] The installation location information area 42 displays information about the installation location of the target electronic sign equipment 2 and the current time.

[0069] The breaker status information area 43 displays whether the current state of the circuit breaker device 25 is ON or OFF, whether the state of the terminal (power reset unit 2B) is normal or abnormal, the number of times the circuit breaker device 25 has automatically restored, the number of times the circuit breaker device 25 has tripped (the number of times the circuit breaker device 25 has tripped due to internal factors such as overcurrent or leakage current), and the number of lightning surge trips (the number of times the circuit breaker device 25 has tripped due to external factors such as the effects of induced lightning caused by lightning strikes). The breaker status information area 43 also displays other information such as the automatic restoration time, restoration attempt time, and number of restoration attempts. Furthermore, the breaker status information area 43 also displays whether the Ping monitoring status is normal or abnormal as a result of monitoring for freezes, thermal runaway, etc. of the CPU 21 and L2SW 2C. The display of this Ping monitoring status is changed from "normal" to "abnormal" if the monitoring status of the CPU 21 or L2SW 2C (at least one of the CPU 21 and L2SW 2C) does not become normal even after three power resets of the electronic sign equipment 2 within a predetermined time. The number of power resets required to change the display from "normal" to "abnormal" is not limited to this and can be set arbitrarily.

[0070] The breaker setting change area 44 displays the recovery time when the circuit breaker device 25 automatically recovers, the number of attempts to recover automatically, and the current setting value.

[0071] The remote breaker operation area 45 displays a selection screen for requesting an operation from the power reset unit 2B. This selection screen includes a selection section for requesting switching the circuit breaker device 25 OFF / ON (resetting), a selection section for requesting forcible power OFF when the power is ON, and a selection section for clearing the accumulated values ​​of the number of automatic resets, the number of trips, and the number of lightning surge trips. By selecting one of the selection sections and then operating the execute button, the selected request information (request signal) is transmitted to the power reset unit 2B. For example, when the selection section for requesting a reset is selected and the execute button is operated, a power reset command signal is transmitted from the management device 4 via the IP network N to the power reset unit 2B at the IP address included in the signal. The CPU 27 of the power reset unit 2B, upon receiving this power reset command signal, outputs a power reset command signal to the operating means 26, thereby performing the reset operation of the circuit breaker device 25. When the selection section for requesting power OFF is selected and the execute button is operated, an OFF request signal is transmitted from the management device 4 via the IP network N to the power reset unit 2B at the IP address included in the signal. Then, the CPU 27 of the power reset unit 2B, which has received this OFF request signal, outputs an OFF command signal to the operating means 26, and the circuit breaker device 25 is turned OFF.

[0072] Furthermore, when a log information request signal is transmitted from the management device 4, the CPU 27 reads out status change information from the storage unit 27e via the communication unit 27a and transmits it to the management device 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an image in log information mode in a web browser on the display screen of the management device 4 in this case. In this log information mode, a log information area 48 is defined as the web browser image in addition to the display selection area 41 and installation location information area 42 described above. In the log information area 48, time information and status change information of the circuit breaker device 25 are listed in order from most recent to oldest information. The display format of this log information is not limited to this. Note that the time information in this case is acquired by a time information acquisition unit (not shown) provided in the CPU 27, and the accurate time information and the status change information of the circuit breaker device 25 are displayed in association with each other. For example, if a power reset is performed due to CPU 21 freezing as described above, information that a power reset has been performed will be displayed, along with information that the power reset was performed because CPU 21 froze, and information about the temperature of CPU 21 at the time (in the example shown in Figure 4, the temperature was 120°C).

[0073] In this way, by displaying the log information in the web browser on the display screen of the management device 4, the system administrator can easily check the history of changes in the status of the circuit breaker device 25, and if any malfunction occurs in the road equipment management system 1, the cause of the malfunction can be easily identified in a short amount of time by checking the history of changes in the status of the circuit breaker device 25.

[0074] -Effects of the embodiment- As described above, in this embodiment, when a response signal in response to a monitoring information request signal transmitted from the CPU 27 to the L2SW 2C and the CPU 21 is not received from at least one of the L2SW 2C and the CPU 21, the circuit breaker device 25 is switched OFF / ON to reset the power supply to the electronic sign equipment 2. This eliminates the need for an operator to visit the installation site of the road equipment to perform the reset work. As a result, when the L2SW 2C or the CPU 21 becomes unable to operate normally, a power supply reset can be performed quickly while reducing the labor required. Furthermore, by providing the CPU 27, which causes the operating means 26 to perform the switching operation, with the function of transmitting and receiving signals for monitoring the L2SW 2C and the CPU 21, there is no need to install a special monitoring device. This makes it possible to monitor the L2SW 2C and the CPU 21 at low cost. Furthermore, since there is no need to manage a new monitoring device, an increase in the burden on the administrator can be avoided.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even in summer when the surface temperature of CPU 21 reaches approximately 70°C, the temperature around CPU 27 only rises to approximately 55°C. In other words, there is a temperature difference of 15°C between CPUs 21 and 27. Applying this to the Arrhenius law, the lifespan of CPU 27 and its peripheral circuits can be ensured to be approximately 2.8 times longer than the lifespan of CPU 21 and its peripheral circuits.

[0076] In this embodiment, the circuit breaker device 25, the operating means 26, and the CPU 27 are housed inside a single housing and are packaged together in a single package. This facilitates installation in the electronic signage equipment 2, and in particular makes it easy to retrofit the equipment to an existing electronic signage equipment 2. This also improves workability, safety, ease of maintenance, and economy.

[0077] Furthermore, as mentioned above, if the installation position of CPU27 is farther from LED display unit 22 than the installation position of CPU21, CPU27 will hardly experience a temperature rise to the point where CPU21 becomes unable to operate normally, and the reliability of operation (output operation of a power reset command signal to operating means 26) when CPU21 becomes unable to operate normally can be sufficiently ensured.

[0078] Furthermore, as described above, if the CPU 27 is configured to have higher heat dissipation than the CPU 21 and the L2SW 2C, stable operation of the CPU 27 can be expected even in a high-temperature environment where the CPU 21 or the L2SW 2C is unable to operate normally due to freezing, thermal runaway, etc. Therefore, it is possible to ensure sufficient reliability in resetting the power supply to the electronic sign equipment 2 when the CPU 21 or the L2SW 2C is unable to operate normally.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the CPU 27 receives a response signal from the L2SW 2C but does not receive a response signal from the CPU 21 (a response signal via the L2SW 2C), it can recognize that the L2SW 2C is operating normally but the CPU 21 is in a state where it cannot operate normally. In the road facility management system 1 according to the embodiment, since the administrator of the L2SW 2C and the administrator of the CPU 21 are generally different people, when the above-mentioned situation occurs, it is only necessary to notify the administrator of the CPU 21 that the CPU 21 has become in a state where it cannot operate normally, thereby avoiding sending unnecessary notifications to the administrator of the L2SW 2C.

[0080] -Other embodiments- The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and all modifications and applications within the scope of the claims and equivalents thereto are possible.

[0081] For example, in the above embodiment, the power reset unit 2B according to the present invention is provided in road facilities, particularly in electronic signage facilities 2 on expressways. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various facilities equipped with CPUs 21 and 27 that can communicate via an L2SW 2C.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the circuit breaker device 25, the operating means 26, and the CPU 27 are accommodated in a single housing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and two of the circuit breaker device 25, the operating means 26, and the CPU 27 may be accommodated in a single housing.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a power reset command signal is transmitted to the operating means 26 at approximately the same time as it is recognized that a response signal has not been received. In this case, even if the power reset of the electronic sign equipment 2 can be performed, if the CPU 21 or the L2SW 2C is at a high temperature, there is a possibility that freezing, thermal runaway, or the like will occur again within a short period of time thereafter. In consideration of this, for example, a temperature sensor may be provided in the CPU 21 or the L2SW 2C, and after it is recognized that a response signal has not been received, a power reset command signal may be transmitted to the operating means 26 at a timing when the temperature of the CPU 21 or the L2SW 2C measured by the temperature sensor has dropped to a predetermined temperature (a temperature at which freezing, thermal runaway, or the like will not occur again within a short period of time after the power reset of the electronic sign equipment 2).

[0084] In the above embodiment, two devices (L2SW 2C and CPU 21) are monitored (alive monitoring) by one CPU 27. The present invention is not limited to this, and one CPU 27 may be configured to monitor three or more devices. [Industrial Applicability]

[0085] The present invention is applicable to a power reset unit for electronic signage equipment on expressways and the like, and to a road facility management system equipped with the power reset unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1 Road facility management system (facility management system) 2. Electronic display equipment (equipment) 2A control unit 21 CPU (controller) 22 LED display section (control target equipment) 2B Power Reset Unit 25 Circuit Breaker 26 Actuating means 27 CPU (reset control device) 27b Monitoring information request signal transmitter 27c Response signal receiver 27d Power Reset Command Unit 27e Storage section 27g Image information generation section 2B Power Reset Unit 2C Layer 2 switch (switching means) 4 Management device N IP network L Power line CL1 1st communication line (communication line) CL2 Second communication line (communication line)

Claims

1. A power reset unit is provided in a facility, and is connected to a control unit having a control target device and a control device for controlling the control target device by a power line so as to be able to supply power thereto, and is also connected to the control unit by a communication line via a switch means so as to be able to communicate with each other, a circuit breaker provided on the power line; an operating means for switching the circuit breaker device between ON and OFF in response to a power reset command signal; a reset control device that causes the actuation means to perform the switching operation, The reset control device a monitoring information request signal transmitting unit that transmits a monitoring information request signal to the switch means and to each of the control devices via the switch means through the communication line; a response signal receiving unit capable of receiving a response signal in response to the monitoring information request signal; a power reset command unit that outputs the power reset command signal to the actuation unit when the response signal receiving unit does not receive the response signal from at least one of the switch means and the control device, The reset control device connected to a management device via an IP network, a storage unit that stores information on a history of the power reset command unit outputting the power reset command signal to the operating means; and an image information generation unit that generates image information for displaying the information on the history of output of the power reset command signal stored in the memory unit as an information image using a web browser on the display screen of the management device.

2. A power reset unit provided in a facility, connected to a control unit having a control target device and a control device for controlling the control target device by a power line so as to be able to supply power thereto, and also connected to a control unit by a communication line via a switch means so as to be able to communicate with each other, a circuit breaker provided on the power line; an operating means for switching the circuit breaker device between ON and OFF in response to a power reset command signal; a reset control device that causes the actuation means to perform the switching operation, The reset control device a monitoring information request signal transmitting unit that transmits a monitoring information request signal to the switch means and to each of the control devices via the switch means through the communication line; a response signal receiving unit capable of receiving a response signal in response to the monitoring information request signal; a power reset command unit that outputs the power reset command signal to the actuation unit when the response signal receiving unit does not receive the response signal from at least one of the switch means and the control device, The power supply reset unit is characterized in that the reset control device is configured to determine whether the response signal received by the response signal receiving unit is the response signal received from the switch means or the response signal received from the control device.

3. In the power reset unit according to claim 1 or 2, A power supply reset unit characterized in that the OFF / ON switching of the circuit breaker device by the operating means is performed after the OFF operation of the circuit breaker device has been performed and then after a predetermined delay time has elapsed since the ON operation of the circuit breaker device, and the delay time can be set as desired.

4. 3. The power reset unit according to claim 1, The power reset unit is characterized in that the power reset command section outputs the power reset command signal to the operating means at predetermined time intervals or when a predetermined time is reached.

5. 3. The power reset unit according to claim 1, The controlled device generates heat during operation, A power supply reset unit characterized in that the reset control device is installed at a position farther from the controlled device than the installation positions of the control device and the switch means.

6. 3. The power reset unit according to claim 1, A power supply reset unit characterized in that the reset control device employs a configuration having higher heat dissipation properties than the control device and the switch means.

7. 3. The power reset unit according to claim 1, The power reset unit is characterized in that the facility is road facility.

8. In the power reset unit according to claim 1, The power supply reset unit, wherein the history information stored in the storage unit includes time and temperature information when the power supply reset command signal was output.

9. An equipment management system configured by connecting a control unit provided in each of a plurality of pieces of equipment, the control unit having a control target device and a control device for controlling the control target device, and power reset units connected to the control unit by a power line so as to be able to supply power and connected to each other by a communication line via a switch means so as to be able to communicate with each other, to a management device by an IP network, The power reset unit provided in each of the facilities includes: a circuit breaker provided on the power line; an operating means for switching the circuit breaker device between ON and OFF in response to a power reset command signal; a reset control device that causes the actuation means to perform the switching operation, The reset control device a monitoring information request signal transmitting unit that transmits a monitoring information request signal to the switch means and to each of the control devices via the switch means through the communication line; a response signal receiving unit capable of receiving a response signal in response to the monitoring information request signal; a power reset command unit that outputs the power reset command signal to the actuation unit when the response signal receiving unit does not receive the response signal from at least one of the switch means and the control device, The reset control device connected to the management device via the IP network, a storage unit that stores information on a history of the power reset command unit outputting the power reset command signal to the operating means; an image information generation unit that generates image information for displaying the information on the history of output of the power reset command signal stored in the memory unit as an information image using a web browser on the display screen of the management device.

10. An equipment management system is configured in which a control unit provided in each of a plurality of pieces of equipment includes a control target device and a control device that controls the control target device, and a power reset unit connected to the control unit by a power line so as to be able to supply power to the control unit and connected to the control unit by a communication line via a switch means so as to be able to communicate with each other, and the control unit is connected to a management device by an IP network, The power reset unit provided in each of the facilities includes: a circuit breaker provided on the power line; an operating means for switching the circuit breaker device between ON and OFF in response to a power reset command signal; a reset control device that causes the actuation means to perform the switching operation, The reset control device a monitoring information request signal transmitting unit that transmits a monitoring information request signal to the switch means and to each of the control devices via the switch means through the communication line; a response signal receiving unit capable of receiving a response signal in response to the monitoring information request signal; a power reset command unit that outputs the power reset command signal to the actuation unit when the response signal receiving unit does not receive the response signal from at least one of the switch means and the control device, The reset control device is configured to determine whether the response signal received by the response signal receiving unit is the response signal received from the switch means or the response signal received from the control device.

Images