Communication equipment and power supply equipment

Abstract

A communication device 100 according to the present invention is provided in a space comprising a hole configured from a side wall 11 and / or a bottom, and a lid 12 covering the hole, and is provided with: a plate member 101 for acquiring heat of the lid; a heat moving member 102 which is connected to the plate member to move the heat of the lid; a thermoelectric electricity generating unit 103 having a first joining point which is connected to the heat moving member, and a second joining point which is connected to the side wall or the bottom, or to a liquid present in the hole; and a communication unit 104 which performs communication by means of electric power generated by the thermoelectric electricity generating unit.

Description

Cross - reference to related applications

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021 - 056242 filed on March 29, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a communication device provided in a manhole, a handhole, etc., and a power supply device that can be mounted on the communication device.

Background Art

[0003] <l There are devices that detect abnormalities by acquiring environmental information of manholes and handholes. Also, there is a technology for collecting, accumulating, and utilizing various data by transmitting data collected at a remote location using a low - power long - distance wireless communication method such as LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0005] When detecting environmental information of manholes and handholes with a sensor and transmitting it using wireless communication, a power supply for operating the communication device is required. Manholes and handholes are usually covered with metal lids, and sunlight does not reach them, so it is difficult to generate electricity using sunlight. Also, when using a primary battery, battery replacement is required regularly.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to realize a communication device that does not require battery replacement.

[0007] A communication device (100) according to one aspect of this disclosure is A communication device provided in a space consisting of a hole formed by a side wall (11) and / or a bottom, and a cover (12) that covers the hole, A plate member (101) that "acquires" the "heat" of the aforementioned lid, A heat transfer member (102) connected to the plate member, which transfers the "heat" of the lid, A thermoelectric power generation unit (103) having a first connection point connected to the heat transfer member and a second connection point connected to the liquid present in the side wall, the bottom, or the hole, A communication unit (104) that uses the electricity generated by the thermoelectric power generation unit to perform communication, It is equipped with. Here, "heat" includes not only cases where the lid temperature is higher than the side wall temperature, but also cases where heat is transferred from the side wall to the lid when the lid temperature is lower than the side wall temperature, i.e., cases where negatively valued heat is transferred from the lid to the side wall. Furthermore, "to acquire" refers to the transfer of heat to the plate member through transmission or conduction.

[0008] The numbers in parentheses attached to the claims and the constituent elements of the invention described in this section indicate the correspondence between the present invention and the embodiments described later, and are not intended to limit the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, a communication device that does not require battery replacement can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Side view of the communication device of this embodiment [Figure 2] Front view of the communication device of this embodiment [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the installation state of the plate member of the communication device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the daytime operation of the communication device of this embodiment. [Figure 5]Explanatory drawing for explaining the operation of the communication device of the present embodiment at night [Figure 6] Explanatory drawing for explaining the installation state of the communication device of the present embodiment

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] The present invention means the invention described in the claims and is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, at least the phrases within parentheses mean the phrases described in the claims and are not limited to the following embodiments either.

[0013] The configurations and methods described in the dependent claims of the claims are arbitrary configurations and methods in the invention described in the independent claims of the claims. The configurations and methods of the embodiments corresponding to the configurations and methods described in the dependent claims, as well as the configurations and methods described only in the embodiments without being described in the claims, are arbitrary configurations and methods in the present invention. Even when the description in the claims is broader than the description in the embodiments, the configurations and methods described in the embodiments are also arbitrary configurations and methods in the present invention in the sense that they are examples of the configurations and methods of the present invention. In any case, by being described in the independent claims of the claims, they become the essential configurations and methods of the present invention.

[0014] The effects described in the embodiments are the effects when having the configurations of the embodiments as examples of the present invention, and are not necessarily the effects of the present invention.

[0015] When there are a plurality of embodiments, the configurations disclosed in each embodiment are not limited to each embodiment only and can be combined across embodiments. For example, the configuration disclosed in one embodiment may be combined with another embodiment. Also, the configurations disclosed in each of the plurality of embodiments may be collected and combined.

[0016] The problems described in this disclosure are not known problems, but are discoveries made independently by the inventor, and are facts that affirm the inventive step together with the configuration and method of the present invention.

[0017] (Embodiment 1) 1. Location where the communication device and power supply device of this embodiment are installed A vertical hole is provided on the ground so that workers can access it from the ground for the purpose of managing (inspecting, repairing, cleaning, exhausting, etc.) sewers, culverts, water supply pipes, buried electrical and communication cables, and buried gas pipes provided underground. The vertical hole is called a manhole or a handhole. Alternatively, a gutter is provided on at least one side of the road to drain water accumulated on the road.

[0018] The manhole, handhole, and gutter (hereinafter referred to as "holes") are composed of a side wall 11. The gutter 11 is made of, for example, concrete or soil.

[0019] In addition, the manhole, handhole, or gutter is covered with a metal lid 12 having a circular or rectangular shape so that people and objects do not accidentally fall in.

[0020] The communication device 100 and power supply device 150 of this embodiment are provided in a space composed of a "hole" and a lid 12.

[0021] 2. Configuration of the communication device and power supply device The configurations of the communication device 100 and power supply device 150 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a side view of the communication device 100 of this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the communication device 100 as viewed from the A direction in FIG. 1. The communication device 100 includes a plate member 101, a heat transfer member 102, a thermoelectric power generation unit 103, a communication unit 104, a secondary battery 105, and a primary battery 106.

[0022] The plate member 101 is a plate-shaped member, and when the communication device 100 is installed in a space composed of a hole and a lid 12, it is sandwiched between the back surface of the lid 12 and the upper surface of the side wall 11.

[0023] The plate member 101 has its upper surface in contact with the underside of the lid 12 and absorbs heat from the lid 12. The plate member 101 is made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as iron (including alloys), copper (including alloys), or aluminum. Alternatively, a thermally conductive plastic or ceramic can be used.

[0024] An elastically deformable leaf spring may be used as the plate member 101. For example, as shown in Figure 3(A), the plate member 101 is shaped so that the portion that protrudes from the side wall 11 towards the hole is curved upward. When the lid 12 is placed over the hole, the curved portion is pressed by the lid 12 and undergoes elastic deformation. As a result, as shown in Figure 3(B), the back surface of the lid 12 is always subjected to stress from the plate member 101, as indicated by the arrow. With this configuration, good contact can be maintained between the plate member 101 and the lid 12.

[0025] Furthermore, when the plate member 101 is provided so as to be sandwiched between the back surface of the lid 12 and the upper surface of the side wall 11, as shown in Figure 3(C), the end of the plate member 101 may be curved toward the side wall 11, thereby generating a stress that presses the thermoelectric power generation unit 103 against the side surface of the side wall 11 via the heat transfer member 102. With such a configuration, good contact can be maintained between the thermoelectric power generation unit 103 and the side wall 11.

[0026] Alternatively, a heat-insulating material may be applied to the lower surface of the plate member 101, i.e., the surface in contact with the upper surface of the side wall 11, or a heat-insulating material may be sandwiched between the plate member 101 and the upper surface of the side wall 11. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent heat from the lid 12 from being directly transferred to the side wall 12 via the plate member 101. The plate member 101 does not necessarily have to be plate-shaped. For example, it is sufficient if it is shaped to be in contact with the underside of the lid 12, and the term "plate member" can be referred to as a lid contact member, or can be read as a lid contact member.

[0027] According to the plate member 101 of this embodiment, a space is created between the lid 12 and the side wall 11, so the area in direct contact between the lid 12 and the side wall 11 is reduced, which prevents heat from the lid 12 from being directly transferred to the side wall 11. Furthermore, with the plate member 101 of this embodiment, a space is created between the lid 12 and the side wall 11, so that the radio waves used by the communication unit 104 (described later) leak out of this space, thereby improving the communication quality with the base station equipment located outside.

[0028] The heat transfer member 102 is connected at one end to the plate member 101 and at the other end to the first joint point of the thermoelectric power generation unit 103, thereby transferring heat from the lid 12 to the thermoelectric power generation unit 103.

[0029] The heat transfer member 102 can be a plate-shaped or rod-shaped member made of a highly thermally conductive material such as copper, or a heat pipe. A heat pipe is a member that has a principle or mechanism for transferring heat using the movement of a working fluid inside. When using a heat pipe, multiple heat pipes with a circular cross-section may be bundled together.

[0030] Furthermore, when installing the communication device 100, by creating a structure or installation condition that allows the heat transfer member 102 itself to be elastically deformed, it is possible to generate a stress that presses the thermoelectric power generation unit 103 against the side surface of the side wall 11, thereby maintaining good contact between the thermoelectric power generation unit 103 and the side wall 11. The heat transfer member 102 and the plate member 101 may be configured as a single component. In this case, the single component is both the heat transfer member 102 and the plate member 101. Alternatively, the thermoelectric power generation unit 103, described later, may be directly connected to the plate member 101. In this case as well, the plate member 101 will also function as the heat transfer member 102.

[0031] The thermoelectric power generation unit 103 performs thermoelectric power generation using the Seebeck effect, with a first connection point connected to the heat transfer member 102 and a second connection point connected to the side wall 11. The first and second connection points include lines and surfaces.

[0032] The thermoelectric power generation unit 103 consists of a thermoelectric power generation element 107 and thermal conductive adhesives 108 and 109. The thermoelectric power generation element 107 is a power generation element that utilizes the Seebeck effect. It is a power generation device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy by creating a potential difference by bringing one junction point into contact with a high heat source and the other junction point into contact with a low heat source. The thermoelectric power generation element 107 can be made of materials such as bismuth-tellurium (Bi-Te), lead-tellurium (Pb-Te), or silicon-germanium (Si-Ge). Furthermore, a skeleton-type thermoelectric power generation element 107 can be used.

[0033] Both sides of the thermoelectric power generation element 107 may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity. Examples include copper, aluminum (preferably after anodizing), stainless steel (e.g., SUS304), ceramics, and thermally conductive plastics.

[0034] The thermal conductive adhesives 108 and 109 are provided on the respective surfaces of the thermoelectric power generation element 107. The thermal conductive adhesives 108 and 109 can be, for example, alpha gel, silicone, or a metal-based adhesive. The heat-conducting adhesive 108 constitutes a first joint and is connected to the heat transfer member 102. The thermal conductive adhesive 109 constitutes a second connection point and is connected to the side wall 11. In this embodiment, the second connection point is located above the side wall 11, but it may be located closer to the bottom of the hole. In this case, a heat transfer member, such as a heat pipe, may be provided between the thermal conductive adhesive 109 and the side wall 11. In this case, the heat pipe also constitutes the thermoelectric power generation unit 103.

[0035] In this embodiment, the thermoelectric power generation unit 103 is connected to the heat transfer member 102 and the side wall 11, respectively, via thermal conductive adhesives 108 and 109. However, the thermoelectric power generation element 107 may be directly connected to the heat transfer member 102 and the side wall 11, respectively, without using the thermal conductive adhesives 108 and 109. Alternatively, a non-adhesive thermal conductive material may be used instead of thermal conductive adhesives 108 and 109.

[0036] The communications unit 104 performs communications using electricity generated by the thermoelectric power generation unit 103. The communication method of the communication unit 104 can use any wireless communication method. For example, in addition to broadband cellular communication known as 3G, 4G, and 5G, low-power long-range wireless communication methods (LPWA (Low Power Wide Area)) that have low power consumption and enable long-distance communication can be used. LPWA methods are communication methods that mainly use the 800 / 900MHz band, also known as the sub-gigahertz band. Examples include eMTC (enhanced Machine Type Communication) proposed by 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project), NB-IoT (Narrow Band Internet of Things) optimized for smaller amounts of data communication, SIGFOX® developed by Sigfox, and LoRa® developed by Semtech, but are not limited to these. PARCA®, a broadcast-type bidirectional communication method proposed by the applicant of this application, can also be used. Alternatively, short-range wireless communication methods such as Wi-Fi®, ZigBee®, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), FeliCa®, NFC (Near Field Communication), and RFID can be used.

[0037] The communication unit 104 may be supplied with electricity generated by the thermoelectric power generation unit 103 directly from the thermoelectric power generation unit 103, or it may be supplied with electricity generated by the thermoelectric power generation unit 103 first stored in the secondary battery 105, and then supplied with electricity from the secondary battery 105.

[0038] Furthermore, the communication unit 104 may be powered by the primary battery 106. In particular, if the temperature difference between the lid 12 and the side wall 11 is smaller than a predetermined threshold, sufficient power will not be supplied from the thermoelectric power generation unit 103, and the power stored in the secondary battery 105 will be insufficient. Only in such cases may the communication unit 104 be powered by the primary battery 106, which acts as a backup power source.

[0039] The communication unit 104 transmits the output signal of a sensor that acquires environmental information. For example, by providing a sensor input terminal in the communication device 100 and connecting the sensor to the input terminal, the communication unit 104 transmits the sensor's output signal.

[0040] Sensors can be used as appropriate to acquire the necessary environmental information. Examples include a temperature sensor to measure the temperature inside the manhole and a humidity sensor to measure the humidity inside the manhole. Other examples include a gas sensor to detect gas inside the manhole and a corrosion potential sensor (voltmeter or ammeter) to measure the corrosion potential of pipes inside the manhole.

[0041] The communication unit 104 may include an RF circuit, a power supply circuit, and a sensing circuit.

[0042] Antenna 110 is connected to the communication unit 104 and transmits the output signal output from the communication unit 104. Antenna 110 can be an inverted F substrate antenna or a whip antenna. It is desirable that antenna 110 be installed at a distance from the heat transfer member 102. This can increase the sensitivity of the antenna. Alternatively, the ground connection for antenna 110 may be taken from cover 12. This can improve the antenna's sensitivity.

[0043] The power supply unit 150 of this embodiment is comprised of the plate member 101, the heat transfer member 102, and the thermoelectric power generation unit 103. The power supply unit 150 may also be further equipped with a secondary battery 105 and a primary battery 106.

[0044] 3. Operation of communication equipment and power supply equipment The operation of the communication device 100 and power supply device 150 of this embodiment will be explained using Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 shows the operation during the day, and Figure 5 shows the operation at night.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, during the daytime, the temperature of the lid 12 rises due to solar radiation, so the temperature of the lid 12 is higher than that of the side wall 11. Therefore, heat is transferred to the side wall 11 via the plate member 101, the heat transfer member 102, and the thermoelectric power generation unit 103 in that order. The temperature difference (i.e., heat flux) between the lid 12 and the side wall 11 at this time causes the thermoelectric power generation unit 103 to generate electricity.

[0046] In contrast, as shown in Figure 5, at night the temperature of the lid 12 decreases due to the drop in ambient temperature, so the side wall 11 is at a higher temperature than the lid 12. Therefore, heat is transferred to the lid 12 via the side wall 11, the thermoelectric power generation unit 103, and the heat transfer member 102 in that order. The thermoelectric power generation unit 103 generates electricity due to the temperature difference (i.e., heat flux) between the lid 12 and the side wall 11 at this time.

[0047] However, in the cases of Figures 4 and 5, the direction of the current of the power generated by the thermoelectric power generation unit 103 is reversed, so the thermoelectric power generation unit 103 can be considered as an AC generator with a long period. Therefore, by providing a rectifier circuit (charge circuit) not shown in the thermoelectric power generation unit 103, it is possible to convert from AC to DC.

[0048] Note that the description of this embodiment assumes the state shown in Figure 4, but in the case of the state shown in Figure 5, the direction of heat transfer should be reversed. Alternatively, in the case of the state shown in Figure 5, it should be interpreted that the negatively evaluated heat moves from the lid 12 to the side wall 11.

[0049] 4. Other configurations Figure 6 shows a top view of the manhole with the cover 12 removed. In this embodiment, the plate member 101 of the communication device 100 is installed so as to rest on the upper surface of the side wall 11. In addition, a dummy spacer 13 having a thickness similar to that of the plate member 101 may be provided in another area of ​​the side wall 11.

[0050] By providing the dummy spacer 13, the lid 12 and the side wall 11 no longer come into direct contact, so that heat from the lid 12 does not directly transfer to the side wall 11. As a result, a temperature difference can be maintained between the lid 12 and the side wall 11. Furthermore, by providing the dummy spacer 13, a space is created between the lid 12 and the side wall 11, allowing more radio waves to leak out of this space. As a result, the communication quality with the base station equipment located externally can be improved.

[0051] (Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 1, the second connection point of the thermoelectric power generation unit 103 is connected to the side wall 11, but in this embodiment, a case where it is connected to a point other than the side wall 11 will be described.

[0052] For example, if the hole is composed of a side wall 11 and a bottom, the second joint may be connected to the bottom of the hole. Alternatively, if a liquid such as water is present in the hole, the second connection point may be connected to the liquid by being located at or within the liquid surface. In addition, it may be connected to gas pipes, water pipes, etc., installed in the hole. In these cases as well, as described in Embodiment 1, a heat transfer member such as a heat pipe can be used to connect the thermoelectric power generation unit 103 and the second connection point. In this case, the heat pipe or the like will also constitute the thermoelectric power generation unit 103.

[0053] In other words, by connecting a second connection point to a component or medium that is not continuous with the lid 12, the temperature difference with the lid 12 can be utilized.

[0054] (Summary) The features of the communication device and power supply device in each embodiment of the present invention have been described above.

[0055] The terms used in each embodiment are illustrative and may be replaced with synonymous terms or terms that include synonymous functions.

[0056] The terms First, Second, through N (where N is an integer) used in each embodiment and claim are used to distinguish between two or more configurations or methods of the same kind, and do not imply any order or hierarchy. [Industrial applicability]

[0057] The location where the communication device and power supply device of this embodiment are used is not limited to manholes, handholes, or drainage ditches; any location where a temperature difference can be ensured is acceptable.

Claims

1. A communication device provided in a space consisting of a hole formed by a side wall (11) and / or a bottom, and a cover (12) that covers the hole, A lid contact member (101) that acquires heat from the lid, A heat transfer member (102) connected to the lid contact member, which transfers heat from the lid, A thermoelectric power generation unit (103) having a first connection point connected to the heat transfer member and a second connection point connected to the side wall or the bottom, A communication unit (104) that performs communication using the electricity generated by the thermoelectric power generation unit, A communication device (100) having the following.

2. The lid contact member is sandwiched between the lid and the upper surface of the side wall when the communication device is installed in the space. The communication device according to claim 1.

3. The lid contact member is elastically deformed so that the back surface of the lid is subjected to stress. The communication device according to claim 1.

4. The heat transfer member is a heat pipe. The communication device according to claim 1.

5. Furthermore, it has a secondary battery (105) for storing the electricity generated by the thermoelectric power generation unit, The communication unit performs communication using power supplied from the secondary battery. The communication device according to claim 1.

6. Furthermore, it has a primary battery (106), The communication unit, when the power stored in the secondary battery is insufficient, performs communication using power supplied from the primary battery. The communication device according to claim 5.

7. The communication unit transmits the output signal of the sensor that acquires environmental information. The communication device according to claim 1.

8. The thermoelectric power generation unit has a rectifier circuit that converts AC to DC. The communication device according to claim 1.

9. A power supply device provided in a space consisting of a hole formed by a side wall (11) and / or a bottom, and a cover (12) that covers the hole, A lid contact member (101) that acquires heat from the lid, A heat transfer member (102) connected to the lid contact member, which transfers heat from the lid, A thermoelectric power generation unit (103) having a first connection point connected to the heat transfer member and a second connection point connected to the side wall or the bottom, A power supply device (150) having the following features.

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