JP4158079B2 - Uninterruptible power supply and battery replacement promotion system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an uninterruptible power supply, and more particularly to a technique for promoting battery replacement of the uninterruptible power supply.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS; hereinafter also referred to as “UPS”) operates a battery built into the UPS in the event of a sudden power failure or instantaneous voltage drop. Electric power can be supplied to the load without interruption. However, the battery has a lifetime, and for example, it is necessary to replace the battery with a conventional product for 2 to 3 years, and for a long-life product that has recently started to spread, for 5 to 6 years.
[0003]
If a battery whose replacement time has passed is used, the output of the UPS stops when an instantaneous power failure occurs, causing a irreversible situation such as data loss due to a computer stop.
[0004]
Therefore, conventionally, by displaying the battery replacement time on the UPS display panel, displaying the battery replacement time on the computer screen by software or the like for monitoring the UPS status, or notifying the replacement time with a buzzer. The user is urged to replace the battery.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a conventional method, the warning itself is ignored by a user who does not recognize the importance of battery replacement so much, or details such as procedures and costs necessary for battery replacement are not understood. There is a risk of being neglected. If the battery continues to be used for a long time even after the replacement time, the battery container may be damaged, causing a secondary failure such as leakage.
[0006]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and provides an uninterruptible power supply apparatus, a battery replacement promotion system, and the like that allow a battery replacement of the uninterruptible power supply apparatus to be performed reliably. For the purpose.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, an uninterruptible power supply according to the present invention is an uninterruptible power supply that supplies electric power uninterruptively based on a built-in battery, and is transmitted to a service center that manages replacement of the battery. Communication means for communicating via a route, and transmission means for transmitting information useful for specifying the replacement time of the battery to the service center via the communication means.More specifically, it is an uninterruptible power supply that supplies electric power without interruption based on a built-in battery, and communication means for communicating with a service center that manages the exchange of the battery via a transmission line, and the battery After obtaining from the user the use start date of the uninterruptible power supply, the transmission means for transmitting information useful for specifying the replacement time of the uninterruptible power supply to the service center via the communication means, the uninterruptible power supply A program for monitoring the operating state of the system is incorporated in the uninterruptible power supply, and is realized by the installation means for transmitting the use start date to the service center as user registration information via the communication means, and the program. Detecting means for detecting that the replacement time of the battery is approaching based on the use start date; A battery replacement notice that notifies the service center via the communication means when the detection means detects that the battery replacement time is approaching. A temperature measuring unit that measures the temperature of the battery at regular intervals, and a time measurement that measures an elapsed time so that the replacement time comes earlier as the measured temperature is higher. And a determination unit that determines that the replacement time is approaching when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined constant value.
[0008]
The battery replacement promotion system according to the present invention is a system for promoting replacement of a battery incorporated in an uninterruptible power supply, and is an uninterruptible power supply, a communication device for a center, and a manager connected by a communication network. The communication device for a center is installed in a service center that manages the replacement of the battery, and the communication device for an administrator is a communication device used by an administrator who manages the uninterruptible power supply The uninterruptible power supply device includes transmission means for transmitting information useful for specifying the replacement time of the battery to the center communication device, and the center communication device transmits from the uninterruptible power supply device. Administrator notification means for generating a message for promoting the replacement of the battery based on the information that has been transmitted and transmitting the message to the communication device for administrator Characterized in that it obtain.
[0009]
Specifically, the battery replacement promotion system includes a UPS installed in a customer company, a user computer, an administrator computer, and the like, and a center computer installed in a service center. Based on the monitoring program, the user computer transmits (i) battery management information such as a UPS start date to the center computer at the time of online automatic user registration, or (ii) the battery timing is Sending a message that the battery is approaching as a battery replacement notice. When the center computer receives a battery replacement notice from the user computer, the center computer sends an estimate document describing the cost required for battery replacement to the administrator computer by e-mail.
[0010]
As a result, the information regarding the replacement of the UPS battery installed in the customer company is transmitted to a service center specialized in the management of the battery, and the management of the battery replacement is not only under the user but also under the service center. Therefore, it can be ensured that the battery replacement is performed more reliably.
[0011]
Moreover, in order to achieve the said objective, this invention can also be implement | achieved as a program for making a general purpose computer function the characteristic means in the said uninterruptible power supply apparatus or the said battery replacement promotion system.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0013]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a battery replacement promotion system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This battery replacement promotion system 10 is mainly a specialized service center 30 that provides a battery replacement service, and is online and requires no manual operation. This is a communication system that promotes battery replacement, for UPS 21 installed in a customer company, user computer 22, administrator computer 23, LAN 24, mail server 25, communication network 11 and service center 30. And a computer 31.
[0014]
The UPS 21 is an uninterruptible power supply device with a built-in battery, and uses commercial AC 100 V as an input power supply, and supplies stabilized AC 100 V power to the load (here, the user computer 22) without interruption.
[0015]
The UPS 21 is connected to the user computer 22 via the RS232C communication port, and returns an internal state to a command sent from the user computer 22 or executes an operation in accordance with the command. For example, when an instruction for inquiring about the internal state is received, whether there is an abnormality in the input power supply (whether the input power supply is cut off and whether the battery is in backup operation), the temperature of the battery measured by a thermistor, etc. The presence / absence (whether the output voltage of the battery is equal to or lower than a certain value) or the like is returned to the user computer 22 or the power supply is stopped / restarted.
[0016]
The user computer 22 is a workstation, personal computer, or the like that operates upon receiving the uninterruptible power supply from the UPS 21. The user computer 22 not only performs original processing such as business processing according to a general application program, but also monitors and A program “monitoring program” is executed to control and to help the user of the UPS 21 to replace the battery.
[0017]
When the monitoring program is installed, the user computer 22 transmits information input by the user and information acquired from the UPS 21 to the center computer 31 via the LAN 24, the mail server 25, and the communication network 11. This is because user registration associated with the start of use of the monitoring program is automatically performed online, and management regarding battery replacement of the UPS 21 is placed not only under the user but also under the service center 30.
[0018]
Further, after the monitoring program is installed, the user computer 22 issues a battery replacement notice to the center computer 31 according to a preset schedule based on the execution module resident in the memory. Here, the “battery replacement notice” includes notification that the replacement time of the battery incorporated in the UPS 21 is approaching (notice) (in this case, notification that the replacement time has passed) ).
[0019]
The administrator computer 23 is a computer used by an administrator who is in charge of managing the battery replacement of the UPS 21 used in the customer company 20. In this battery replacement promotion system 10, the center of the service center 30 is used. It is used to receive notifications, estimates, bills, etc. regarding battery replacement transmitted from the computer 31, and to request (order) battery replacement work from the service center 30.
[0020]
The LAN 24 is a network established in the customer company 20, and connects a user computer 22, an administrator computer 23, a mail server 25, and the like.
[0021]
The mail server 25 is an SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server or the like that transmits (requested) transmission messages sent from the computers 22 and 23 in the customer company 20 to the outside as an e-mail. It also functions as a wall.
[0022]
The communication network 11 is a public network or the like, and enables communication via the Internet or the like.
[0023]
The center computer 31 is a personal computer or the like installed in the service center 30, and based on a dedicated program for centrally managing battery replacement of UPS delivered to the customer, the computer 22 and 23 of the customer company. To help the UPS battery be replaced at an appropriate time. Specifically, when the user registration from the user computer 22 is accepted, the “notification” regarding the battery replacement is notified to the administrator (administrator computer 23) of the customer company 20, and the user computer 22 When the battery replacement notice is received, an estimate is sent to the manager (computer 23 for managers) stating that the time for battery replacement is imminent and specific procedures and costs associated with battery replacement. When a report indicating that the battery has been replaced (“battery replacement completion report”) is received from the user computer 22, the calculation date associated with the battery replacement period management is updated and the administrator (computer 23 for the administrator) is updated. In response to this, a message indicating that the battery replacement has been completed and its bill are transmitted.
[0024]
Next, details of the software “monitoring program” executed on the user computer 22 in the battery replacement promotion system 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0025]
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the monitoring program 40 installed and executed on the user computer 22. In this figure, the UPS 21 to be controlled by the monitoring program 40, the OS (Operating System) 43 of the user computer 22 and the network 44 (such as a LAN communication port provided in the user computer 22) are also shown. ing.
[0026]
The monitoring program 40 is roughly divided into two components, that is, an agent unit 42 that is resident in the user computer 22 and controls or communicates with external devices such as the UPS 21, the OS 43, and the network 44, and lower layer software. And a monitor unit 41 as a user interface that provides various information to the user by communicating with the agent unit 42.
[0027]
The monitor unit 41 further includes a state display unit 41a that graphically displays the state of the UPS 21 (whether it is in backup operation or normal operation, etc.), and within a certain time when the input power to the UPS 21 is cut off and the backup operation is started. A start / stop control unit 41b for controlling the UPS 21 such as stopping the UPS 21 after shutting down the application executed on the user computer 22 and the OS 43, and a replacement notice schedule for holding a time for issuing a battery exchange notice of the UPS 21 41d and a battery management unit 41c that performs editing (input, change, etc. by the user) on the replacement history table 41e that holds the history regarding battery replacement, and information and UPS 21 that are input by the user when the monitoring program 40 is installed. Composed of the parameter setting storage unit 41f to or configure holds various parameters for Gosuru.
[0028]
Further, the agent unit 42 controls the UPS 21 via the RS232C communication port included in the user computer 22 and acquires the internal state, and closes the application running on the user computer 22 and the OS 43 The OS control unit 42b to be shut down, the user registration unit 42c for automatically registering users online to the center computer 31 via the network 44 immediately after the installation of the monitoring program 40 is completed, and the replacement notice schedule 41d or a calendar timer incorporated in the user computer 22 or the like, so that when the fixed time is reached, the battery replacement notice including the fixed time is sent to the center computer 31 via the network 44. Composed of the 42d battery exchange notice reporting unit that emits.
[0029]
3A shows an example of data stored in the replacement notice schedule 41d shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B is stored in the replacement history table 41e shown in FIG. An example of data is shown.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 3 (a), in the replacement notice schedule 41d, for example, as the timing for issuing the battery exchange notice, for example, three years and six months after the start date of use of the UPS 21 or after the battery replacement date, four years have passed. Is set every other month for half a year, and every other week after 4 years. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the replacement history table 41e includes a battery “BA12” of UPS (“model 123”, “manufacture number 456”) on “March 1, 2001”. The fact that it was implemented by “SV03” is recorded.
[0031]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a user operation and a flow of processing by the user computer 22 when the monitoring program 40 shown in FIG. 2 is installed in the user computer 22.
[0032]
The user who has started the installation agrees to the license agreement of this monitoring program 40 by performing necessary instructions and input on the input form displayed on the monitor screen of the user computer 22 (S20), and user registration. Necessary information (user information) and (S21), information necessary for managing battery replacement (battery management information) and (S22), the installation destination of the monitoring program 40 (a directory in the hard disk of the user computer 22, etc.) Are sequentially input (S23).
[0033]
When all these pieces of information are input, the monitoring program 40 is installed in a designated storage area such as a hard disk (S24). At this time, all input information is stored in the parameter setting storage unit 41f of the monitoring program 40 or the like.
[0034]
Subsequently, the agent unit 42 of the monitoring program 40 is loaded into the memory of the user computer 22 and activated in a resident form (S25). Note that the agent unit 42 is automatically activated together with the OS and executed resident in the memory not only immediately after installation but also immediately after the power of the user computer 22 is turned on.
[0035]
FIG. 5A shows a display example on the monitor screen of the user computer 22 in step S21 (input of user information) shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 5B shows step S22 shown in FIG. An example of display on the monitor screen of the user computer 22 in (input of battery management information) is shown.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 5A, the user inputs “user name”, “company name”, etc. as user information. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the user can use as the battery management information the start date of use of the UPS 21, the e-mail address of the administrator, the information specifying the mail server 25 (SMTP server name, SMTP account), etc. Enter.
[0037]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the agent unit 42 activated by the installation shown in FIG. 4 or when the user computer 22 is turned on.
[0038]
When the agent unit 42 is activated, first, the UPS driver unit 42a acquires the model and serial number of the UPS 21 (S30), and the user registration unit 42c determines whether or not user registration has already been performed (S31). Only when it has not been made, the model and serial number, and user information and battery management information acquired from the user at the time of installation are transmitted to the center computer 31 (S32).
[0039]
Thereafter, the UPS 21 status monitoring (S33) and the battery replacement notice notification (S34, S35) are repeated at regular intervals.
[0040]
That is, the state of the UPS 21 is monitored by the UPS driver unit 42a (S33), and the result is displayed on the screen by the state display unit 41a of the monitor unit 41 or used for the control of the UPS 21 by the start / stop control unit 41b. . Further, the battery replacement advance notice unit 42d determines whether or not the time described in the replacement advance notice schedule 41d has arrived (S34), and when it arrives, information for specifying the UPS 21 is sent to the center computer 31. Accompanying battery replacement notices (for example, a notification that 3 years and 6 months have passed since the UPS of “model 123” and “manufacture number 456” has been used) are transmitted (S35).
[0041]
In the battery replacement promotion system 10, battery replacement work of the UPS 21 is performed by a specialized worker belonging to the service center 30 at the customer company 20 and performed locally. Then, the worker who has completed the battery replacement work at the site is shown in FIG. 3B by interacting with the monitor unit 41 (battery management unit 41c) of the monitoring program 40 using the user computer 22. Each item of the exchange history table 41e is input.
[0042]
The contents of the replacement history table 41e are constantly monitored by the battery replacement notification unit 42d, and the battery replacement notification unit 42d, which detects that a new entry has been added to the replacement history table 41e, The contents are transmitted to the center computer 31 via the network 44, and the battery replacement date is set as the starting date (reference date) of the future battery replacement notification, and the subsequent battery replacement notification time is determined (S34). ).
[0043]
Next, details of the center computer 31 constituting the battery replacement promotion system 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0044]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing detailed functions of the center computer 31. The center computer 31 is an unattended computer that performs the task of promoting the battery replacement of the UPS 21 used in the customer company 20 based on a dedicated program without requiring any operator operation. A section 32, a mail transmission section 33, a control section 34, a customer database 35, a notification message storage section 36, an estimate creation section 37, an invoice creation section 38, and a battery price list 39.
[0045]
The mail receiving unit 32 is a POP (Post Office Protocol) server or the like that receives an electronic mail transmitted from the user computer 22 and passes the received message to the received message determination unit 34 a of the control unit 34.
[0046]
The mail transmission unit 33 is an SMTP server or the like that transmits the transmission message generated by the transmission message generation unit 34b of the control unit 34 to the administrator computer 23 as an electronic mail.
[0047]
The control unit 34 refers to the received message determination unit 34a that determines the type of the received message passed from the mail reception unit 32, and various data (customer database 35, notification message storage unit 36) according to the determination result. Or by generating various document generators (estimate creation unit 37, invoice creation unit 38) to generate and acquire a message to be notified to the administrator of the customer company 20 and generate a transmission message to be passed to the mail transmission unit 33 Part 34b.
[0048]
The customer database 35 is a storage unit for accumulating and holding information transmitted by user registration by the user computer 22, and as shown in FIG. 8A, "user name", "company name" "," UPS model "," manufacturing number "," use start date "," e-mail address of the administrator ", and the like.
[0049]
The notification message storage unit 36 is a storage unit that holds in advance a “notification message” template to be sent to the administrator of the customer company 20 after user registration. For example, as shown in FIG. We will help you properly replace the UPS battery you received. We will notify you when the time for replacement is approaching. "
[0050]
The battery price list 39 is a storage unit that holds in advance a list of battery prices for each UPS model. As shown in FIG. 8C, the “UPS model” and the “battery used for the UPS” "Model number", "battery price", etc. are stored.
[0051]
Upon receiving the designation of the UPS type from the transmission message generation unit 34b, the estimate creation unit 37 refers to the battery price list 39 to identify the corresponding battery and price, and the battery predetermined for the cost. An estimate including the replacement work cost is generated and sent to the transmission message generation unit 34b and the bill creation unit 38.
[0052]
Upon receiving the designation of the user name and UPS type from the transmission message generation unit 34b, the invoice creation unit 38 identifies the corresponding one of the past quotations received from the quotation creation unit 37, and An invoice is generated by changing the estimate form, and is sent to the transmission message generator 34b.
[0053]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the center computer 31 shown in FIG.
[0054]
When an electronic mail is transmitted from the user computer 22, the mail receiving unit 32 receives it and passes it to the received message determination unit 34a (S40). The received message determination unit 34a determines whether the mail is “user registration”, “battery replacement notice”, or “battery replacement completion report” based on the title of the electronic mail (S41).
[0055]
As a result, if the received e-mail is “user registration” (S42), the transmission message generator 34b registers the user information and battery management information described in the received message in the customer database 35 ( S43), the document template is read from the notification message storage unit 36, the model of the UPS 21 included in the received message is incorporated, and the “notification message” is completed, and is sent to the administrator computer 23 via the mail transmission unit 33. It is sent to (to the administrator's e-mail address described in the received message) (S44).
[0056]
On the other hand, when the received e-mail is a “battery replacement notice” (S42), the transmission message generation unit 34b refers to the customer database 35 from the transmission source (user name) of the message, so that the model of the UPS 21 is used. And the model is communicated to the estimate creation unit 37 to complete the estimate (S45), and an e-mail including the completed estimate and the “battery replacement notice” is sent via the mail transmission unit 33. The message is sent to the administrator computer 23 (to the administrator's e-mail address specified from the customer database 35) (S46).
[0057]
Furthermore, when the received e-mail is a “battery replacement completion report” (S42), the transmission message generation unit 34b identifies an entry in the customer database 35 from the transmission source (user name) of the message, and The “use start date” field is updated with the battery replacement date described in the received message (S47), the UPS 21 type is specified, and the model and user name are communicated to the invoice creation unit 38 to obtain the invoice. Completion (S48), an e-mail including the completed invoice and battery replacement completion report is sent to the administrator computer 23 via the mail transmission unit 33 (to the administrator's e-mail address specified from the customer database 35) (S49).
[0058]
Next, the overall operation of the battery replacement promotion system 10 configured as described above will be described.
[0059]
FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating communication exchanges among the user computer 22, the center computer 31, and the administrator computer 23 that constitute the battery replacement promotion system 10.
[0060]
When the monitoring program is installed, the user computer 22 uses a user registration unit 42c as an online automatic user registration to provide user information such as a user name and a company name and a battery useful for battery management such as a use start date of the UPS 21. The management information is transmitted to the center computer 31 (S1).
[0061]
The center computer 31 that has acquired the user information and the battery management information, after registering them in the customer database 35, reads the document template from the notification message storage unit 36, and reads " A notification message such as “I will inform you when the time for replacement is approaching.” Is completed and sent to the administrator computer 23 by e-mail (S2). As a result, the administrator knows that the service center 30 starts management related to battery replacement of the UPS 21 purchased by the company.
[0062]
When a certain period of time (3 years, 6 months, 3 years and 7 months in this example) has elapsed since the start of use of the UPS 21, the user computer 22 causes the battery replacement advance notice unit 42d to store the calendar built in the user computer 22. By referring to the timer, it is detected that the advance notice time described in the exchange advance notice schedule 41d has arrived, and a battery exchange advance notice is sent to the center computer 31 (S3, S5).
[0063]
Upon receiving the battery replacement notice, the center computer 31 uses the estimate preparation section 37 and the like to estimate the cost required for the battery replacement work based on the UPS model and the like subject to the notification. E-mail with the generated estimate and the battery replacement notice (for example, the UPS of “model 123” and “manufacturing number 456” is notified that three years and six months have passed since the start of use) It transmits to the computer 23 for managers (S4, S6).
[0064]
On the other hand, the administrator who has seen the battery replacement notice and the estimate sent from the center computer 31 sends the battery to the service center 30 (center computer 31) by e-mail or the like from the administrator computer 23. When the replacement is requested (S7), the service center 30 dispatches a worker to the customer company 20 based on the request (S8).
[0065]
When the worker finishes replacing the battery of the target UPS 21 at the site (S9), the operator inputs information related to battery replacement, such as a replacement date, using the monitoring program (battery management unit 41c) of the user computer 22. And recorded in the replacement history table 41e.
[0066]
Then, the user computer 22 updates the replacement date as the starting date of the timing for issuing a future battery replacement notice, and also indicates that the battery replacement has been carried out by the battery replacement notice section 42d and the date of replacement. Report to the center computer 31 (S10).
[0067]
Upon receiving the report, the center computer 31 generates an invoice for the battery replacement performed, and sends it to the administrator computer 23 by e-mail or the like together with a letter indicating that the battery replacement has been completed ( S11). As a result, the administrator of the customer company 20 knows that the necessary battery replacement has been completed, and can proceed with the payment procedure of the expenses.
[0068]
Thereafter, after battery replacement is performed, the present battery replacement promotion system 10 determines the timing of issuing a battery replacement notice by replacing the “use start date” with the “battery replacement date” and the same. This procedure is repeated (S12, S13).
[0069]
As described above, according to the battery replacement promotion system 10, UPS battery replacement is placed not only under the management of the user but also under the management of the service center 30. The various procedures are linked and automated, and battery replacement can be performed reliably and systematically.
[0070]
The battery replacement promotion system according to the present invention has been described above based on the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.
[0071]
For example, in the present embodiment, the device (user computer 22) that executes the monitoring program 40 that performs a battery replacement notice or the like and the UPS 21 are separate devices, but they may be integrated.
[0072]
That is, by integrating the communication interface connected to the LAN 24, the monitoring program 40, and the CPU board for executing the same into the UPS, the communication function relating to battery replacement (report of the start date of use to the center computer 31; It can be realized as a stand-alone uninterruptible power supply with a battery replacement notice.
[0073]
Further, in the present embodiment, the battery replacement work is performed by a worker dispatched from the service center 30, but the present invention is not limited to such a business form. For example, the service center 30 It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to a form in which a replacement battery is sent from the customer company 20 to the customer company 20 and the customer company 20 (customer) replaces the battery.
[0074]
In this embodiment, the timing for issuing the battery replacement notice is determined by the elapsed time from the use start date (or the battery replacement date) of the UPS 21, but the temperature of the battery incorporated in the UPS 21 is taken into account. May be determined.
[0075]
For example, the user computer 22 maintains a predetermined preset count (for example, 40000) at the start of use, and thereafter (i) detects the battery temperature of the UPS 21 at regular intervals (for example, one hour). (Ii) The process of subtracting the count corresponding to the temperature (for example, count t in the case of t ° C.) from the preset count is repeated. Then, when the preset count after subtraction reaches a predetermined constant value, a message to that effect may be transmitted to the center computer 31 as a battery replacement notice. Thereby, not only the elapsed time but also the battery replacement timing is managed in consideration of the life deterioration due to the battery operating temperature.
[0076]
In the present embodiment, the elapsed time from the use start date of the UPS 21 or the battery replacement date is measured by the user computer 22 (battery replacement notice unit 42d of the monitoring program 40). It may be measured and managed.
[0077]
For example, the use start date is notified from the UPS 21 or the user computer 22 to the center computer 31, and the subsequent time elapses based on the calendar timer incorporated in the center computer 31 from the use start date. The timing of battery replacement notice may be determined. As a result, a common replacement notice schedule that does not depend on individual UPSs or customer companies can be arranged in the center computer 31, and the change can be made in a batch. Are unified.
[0078]
In the present embodiment, the user computer 22 notifies the center computer 31 of the battery replacement notice at a fixed time, but the user designates not only the center computer 31 but also the notification destination. Another computer, administrator computer 23, or the like may be added. As a result, when it is time to replace the battery, this fact is automatically distributed not only to the center computer 31 but also to a plurality of related departments in the company.
[0079]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, the uninterruptible power supply according to the present invention is an uninterruptible power supply that supplies electric power uninterruptibly based on a built-in battery, and a service center that manages the replacement of the battery; Communication means for communicating via a transmission line, and transmission means for transmitting information useful for specifying the replacement time of the battery to the service center via the communication means.
[0080]
As a result, the information regarding the battery replacement time is transmitted to a service center specialized in the management of the battery, so that the management regarding the battery replacement is placed not only under the user but also under the service center, It can be ensured that battery replacement is performed more reliably and systematically.
[0081]
Here, the uninterruptible power supply further includes an installation unit that incorporates a program for monitoring an operation state of the uninterruptible power supply unit into the uninterruptible power supply, and the installation unit includes the uninterruptible power supply unit. After acquiring the use start date from the user, the program is incorporated, and the transmission means transmits the use start date acquired by the installation means to the service center as information useful for specifying the replacement time of the battery. May be.
[0082]
As a result, the start date of use of the uninterruptible power supply, which is an important parameter for specifying the battery replacement time, is determined by the user during the inevitable procedure associated with the use of the uninterruptible power supply. Since it is acquired and transmitted to the service center, it is ensured that management and promotion of battery replacement by the service center is surely started.
[0083]
Further, the uninterruptible power supply further includes a detecting means for detecting that the battery replacement time is approaching based on the use start date, and that the battery replacement time is approaching by the detection means. A battery replacement advance notice unit for notifying the service center via the communication unit when it is detected may be provided.
[0084]
As a result, information indicating that the time for battery replacement is approaching can be collected from the site to the service center, and can be managed in a unified and planned manner in the service center.
[0085]
In addition, the detection means includes a schedule storage unit that preliminarily stores information that specifies a period of time that has elapsed from the start date of use, a clock unit that indicates a current date and time, and a current date and time indicated by the clock unit is And a determination unit that determines that the replacement time is approaching when the time specified by the information stored in the schedule storage unit coincides.
[0086]
As a result, the timing of the notification regarding the battery replacement timing to the service center is determined based on the information stored in the schedule storage unit, so that the timing of the notification can be adjusted or changed by editing the information. It becomes easy to do.
[0087]
In addition, the detection means, a temperature measurement unit that measures the temperature of the battery at regular intervals, a time measurement unit that measures an elapsed time so that the replacement time comes earlier as the measured temperature is higher, A determination unit may determine that the replacement time is approaching when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined constant value.
[0088]
As a result, detailed deadline management in consideration of the influence of the battery operating temperature on the battery life is realized.
[0089]
The battery replacement promotion system according to the present invention is a system for promoting replacement of a battery incorporated in an uninterruptible power supply, and is an uninterruptible power supply, a communication device for a center, and a manager connected by a communication network. The communication device for a center is installed in a service center that manages the replacement of the battery, and the communication device for an administrator is a communication device used by an administrator who manages the uninterruptible power supply The uninterruptible power supply device includes transmission means for transmitting information useful for specifying the replacement time of the battery to the center communication device, and the center communication device transmits from the uninterruptible power supply device. Administrator notification means for generating a message for promoting the replacement of the battery based on the information that has been transmitted and transmitting the message to the communication device for administrator Characterized in that it obtain.
[0090]
As a result, the administrator knows that the battery replacement management of the uninterruptible power supply installed at the site has been placed under the service center, and performs reliable battery management with the support of the service center. It becomes possible.
[0091]
Here, the uninterruptible power supply further includes detection means for detecting that the battery replacement time is approaching based on the start date of use, and the battery replacement time is approaching by the detection means. Is detected, and the center communication device further receives the notification from the uninterruptible power supply when the notification is received from the uninterruptible power supply. You may provide the estimate transmission means which transmits the document which described the expense required for battery replacement to the said communication apparatus for managers with the said report.
[0092]
As a result, the administrator can know that the time to replace the battery is approaching by notification from the service center and the specific procedure and cost for replacing the battery, which requires a lot of work. The battery can be replaced without any problem.
[0093]
As described above, according to the present invention, the battery replacement of the uninterruptible power supply is promoted, and it is ensured that the battery replacement is performed more reliably, and the occurrence of adverse effects such as a secondary disaster caused by leaving the battery replacement is avoided. The Therefore, the practical value of the present invention is extremely high in today's highly information-oriented society in which computers and uninterruptible power supply devices are widely used.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a battery replacement promotion system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a monitoring program installed on a user computer of the system.
3A shows an example of data stored in the exchange notice schedule shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B shows data stored in the exchange history table shown in FIG. An example is shown.
4 is a flowchart showing a user operation and a flow of processing by the user computer when the monitoring program shown in FIG. 2 is installed in the user computer. FIG.
5A is a display example on the monitor screen of the user computer in step S21 shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 5B is a monitor screen of the user computer in step S22 shown in FIG. A display example is shown.
6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of an agent unit activated by installation or the like shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing detailed functions of a center computer of the system.
8A shows an example of data in the customer database shown in FIG. 7, and FIG. 8B shows an example of a “notification message” template stored in the notification message storage unit shown in FIG. (C) shows a data example of the battery price list shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the center computer shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing communication exchanges among a user computer, a center computer, and an administrator computer that constitute the system.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Battery replacement promotion system
11 Communication network
20 customer companies
21 UPS
22 Computer for user
23 Computer for administrator
24 LAN
25 Mail server
30 Service Center
31 Center computer
32 Mail receiver
33 Mail sending part
34 Control unit
34a Received message determination unit
34b Transmission message generator
35 Customer database
36 Information message storage
37 Estimate preparation department
38 Invoicing Department
39 Battery price list
40 Monitoring program
41 Monitor section
41a Status display section
41b Start / stop control unit
41c Battery management unit
41d Replacement notice schedule
41e Exchange history table
41f Parameter setting storage unit
42 Agent Department
42a UPS driver
42b OS control unit
42c User Registration Department
42d Battery replacement notice section
43 OS
44 network

Claims (6)

An uninterruptible power supply that supplies power uninterruptibly based on a built-in battery,
A communication means for communicating via a transmission path with a service center that manages the exchange of the battery;
Transmitting means for transmitting information useful for specifying the replacement time of the battery to the service center via the communication means;
After obtaining the use start date of the uninterruptible power supply from the user, see write set a program for monitoring the operating state of the uninterruptible power supply to the uninterruptible power supply, via the communication means, the use Installation means for transmitting the start date to the service center as user registration information ;
A function realized by the program, and detecting means for detecting that the replacement time of the battery is approaching based on the use start date;
A battery replacement notice that is a function realized by the program and that notifies the service center via the communication means when the detection means detects that the time for battery replacement is approaching. Reporting means,
The detection means includes
A temperature measuring unit for measuring the temperature of the battery at regular intervals;
A time measuring unit that measures elapsed time so that the exchange time comes earlier as the measured temperature is higher;
A determination unit that determines that the replacement time is approaching when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined constant value;
An uninterruptible power supply. The detection means includes
A schedule storage unit that stores in advance information for specifying a period of time that has passed from the start date of use;
A timekeeping section showing the current date and time,
And a determination unit configured to determine that the replacement time is approaching when a current date and time indicated by the timing unit coincides with a time specified by information stored in the schedule storage unit. The uninterruptible power supply according to 1. The determination unit subtracts a value corresponding to the temperature from a preset value corresponding to the replacement time held in advance, and the replacement time approaches when the elapsed time reaches the preset value after the subtraction. Judge that
The uninterruptible power supply according to claim 1. A system that facilitates replacement of the battery built into the uninterruptible power supply,
Consists of an uninterruptible power supply connected via a communication network, a center communication device and a manager communication device,
The center communication device is installed in a service center that manages the replacement of the battery,
The administrator communication device is a communication device used by an administrator who manages the uninterruptible power supply,
The uninterruptible power supply is
A communication means for communicating via a transmission path with a service center that manages the exchange of the battery;
Information to help to identify the replacement time of the battery, and transmission means via said communication means, to the communication device for the center,
After obtaining the use start date of the uninterruptible power supply from the user, a program for monitoring the operation state of the uninterruptible power supply is incorporated in the uninterruptible power supply, and the use start date is set via the communication means. Installation means for transmitting to the service center as user registration information;
Detecting means for detecting that the replacement time of the battery is approaching based on the use start date;
When it is detected by the detection means that the battery replacement time is approaching, a battery replacement advance notice means for notifying the service center to that effect via the communication means,
The detection means includes
A temperature measuring unit for measuring the temperature of the battery at regular intervals;
A time measuring unit that measures elapsed time so that the exchange time comes earlier as the measured temperature is higher;
A determination unit that determines that the replacement time is approaching when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined constant value;
The center communication device includes a manager notification unit that generates a message for promoting the replacement of the battery based on information transmitted from the uninterruptible power supply and transmits the message to the manager communication device. A battery replacement promotion system characterized by that. The uninterruptible power supply further includes
When the center communication device receives the notification from the uninterruptible power supply, the center communication device sends a document describing the cost required for replacing the battery to the manager communication device together with the notification. With means,
The battery replacement promotion system according to claim 4 . A program for controlling an uninterruptible power supply that supplies power uninterrupted based on a built-in battery,
A program for causing a computer included in the uninterruptible power supply to function as means included in the uninterruptible power supply according to claim 1 .

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