JPS596432B2 - Meter reading device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a meter reading device that automatically and centrally reads meter readings from a large number of gas meters (hereinafter referred to as meter reading data) at a remote location. The present invention relates to a meter-reading device that is equipped with a meter-reading device and transmits a large amount of meter-reading data to a central location.

In recent years, meter reading devices have been developed that automatically read meter reading data from electricity, gas, water, etc. meters in remote locations. This is effective because terminal data can be collected and transmitted at close range.

By the way, there are various devices for automatic meter reading, one of which has a configuration as shown in FIG.

This device has a data collection unit 1 equipped with an automatic calling device in the center.
, terminal control devices 21, 2-2, . . . are installed on the terminal side, and these are connected by a telephone line 4 via an exchange 3. These terminal control devices 2-1, 2-2,...,
2-n each has n repeaters 5-1, 5-2,...
, 5-n are connected, and further repeaters 5-1, 5-2,
. . , 5n, n code transmitters 6-1, 6-, respectively.
2, . . . , 6-n are connected. 7-1 to 7-4
are four successive contact meters, these are the code transmitter 6-1
, 6-2, .

Therefore, subscriber numbers are assigned to the terminal control devices 2-1, 2-2, . - terminal control devices 2-1 (from terminal control devices 2-1, 2-2)
or 2-2,...) and repeater 5-1 (or 5-2
,...) and select meter 7-1 (or 7-2,...).
・) Conduct meter readings.

The method of operating the data collecting section 1 is performed in the order shown in FIG. First, when the data collecting section 1 transmits the subscriber number of the corresponding terminal control device, for example 2-1, the exchange 3 selects the telephone line 4 corresponding to the subscriber number and calls the terminal control device 2-1. Then, when the called terminal control device 2-1 responds, the exchange 3 captures this and transmits it to the data collection section 1. In this way, the data collection unit 1
After confirming the connection with the terminal control device 2-1, it sends DLE2, 7, and 7 signals to the terminal control device 2-1.

However, DLE is a data ring escape. The terminal control device 2-1 that received this signal returns its own address data to the data collection unit 1 on the central side, and the data collection unit 1 checks whether there is an erroneous connection and confirms that the connection is normal. When the call is made, the automatic calling device of the data collection unit 1 sends out signals DLE2, X1, and X2, which are row/column number signals for repeater selection. X1 is the row number of the repeaters 5-1, 5-2, . . . , and X2 is the column number. In this way, one of the n repeaters 5-1, 5-2, . . . is selected.

The selected repeater, for example 5-1, returns its own assigned address data to the data collection section 1, thereby causing the data collection section 1 to check for erroneous connections. Repeater 5
If the connection is normal to -1, a DLE1X1X2 signal is sent. X1 is the row number of the code transmitter and X2 is the column code. This means that the data collection unit 1 has selected the code transmitter, for example 6-1, located on the terminal side.
Here, the code transmitter 6-1 sends the address (2 digits) of the code transmitter 6-1 and data of each digit of the four meters 7-1 to 7-4 to the center side using the format shown in FIG. data collection unit 1.

In FIG. 3, STX is a start signal, ADR is an address signal, SP is a space signal, and ETX is an end signal. After collecting the meter reading data from the code transmitter 6-1, the data collection unit 1 carries out the above operations, and then selects the row/column numbers X1 and X.
2 and sequentially code transmitters 6-2, 6-3, . . . 6.
... n is selected and a large number of meters are read.

In addition, in the meter reading device shown in Fig. 1, the repeater 5-1.5
-2,... and code transmitters 6-1, 6-2,...
The power source of 6-n is the DLE2 sent from the data collection unit 1.
, X1, X2, DLE1, X1, X2.

That is, when the row number and column number of the repeater 5-1 transmitted from the data collection unit 1 and the setting number of the repeater number setting switches 5a and 5b are matched, the relay 5c is energized through the switches 5a and 5b. be done. Then, each code transmitter 6-1 to 6-20 corresponding to this setting number (n=20)
Row contact group 5c' and column contact group 5 inserted on the input side of
c'' and the contacts corresponding to the row and column numbers of the address contact group 5c''5 are closed, and the relay 51 is sent from the address transmitter 5d.
sends back address data. Finally, data collection section 1
When a call is made by sending DLE1, X1, and X2 signals to the code transmitter side, the corresponding code transmitter 6-1 (
or 6-2,...) is address A as shown in Figure 3.
Sends DR10′ and ADR10°, and further sends code transmitter 6
This is to transmit meter reading data of the meters 7-1 to 7-4 connected to the meter 7-1 to the data collection unit 1. by the way,
When the code transmitters 6-1 to 6-20 as described above are applied to, for example, an apartment complex, they are arranged as shown in FIG.

That is, each code transmitter 6-1, 6-2, . . . is connected to a repeater, for example, 5-1, and one code transmitter 6-1 (or 6-2, . meters 7-1 to 7-4 are 1
They are connected by 14 lines: a 0 output line and a 4-digit digit selection line. In this way, for each code transmitter,
One meter block consisting of four meters is connected. This arrangement is code transmitter V1.
~6-20 Minimize the connection between each meter and each meter in each meter block, and use meters with continuous contacts as each meter 7-1 to 7-4 in the meter block. This makes it possible to perform normal weighing even in the event of a power outage, without requiring a power source during weighing.

On the other hand, each of the meters 7-1 to 7-4 in the meter block includes a meter with a transmitting device in addition to the meter with a continuous contact, and in this case, the meter is constructed as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 6C, 8-1 to 8-4 are counters with encoders that measure the pulses sent from each meter 7-1 to 7-4, and then supply the output to code transmitters 6-1 and 6-20. It was designed to do so. In this method, in order to be able to perform measurements even during a power outage, it is necessary to pack up a storage battery or the like, which adds an encoder, a power supply, etc., and the cost increases accordingly. moreover,
Since a code transmitter 6-1, 6-2, . Another disadvantage is that the equipment is expensive.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and is designed to allow one code transmitter to read a plurality of meter blocks composed of a plurality of meters in an automatic meter reading device using a meter with a transmitter. For example, the present invention provides a meter reading device that is suitable for application to apartment complexes and the like, and that can be realized at low cost.

Hereinafter, a single embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First of all, the general configuration of this device is exactly the same as that shown in Figure 1, and the operation method with the central data collection unit 1 and the terminal side, as well as the format of data transmission on the terminal side, are as shown in Figures 2 and 3.
Proceed as shown in the figure.

Therefore, these 71 are given the same reference numerals, and some explanations thereof will be omitted. The feature of this device is that, as shown in FIG. A selector driven according to the row number and column number, for example, a board selector connected to a counter for each meter block, and a 20 configured to supply a power supply v to the board selector according to the row/column number. board selector relays 11-1 to 11-20,
Two of the three contacts of this relay are connected to the row number and column number transmission lines, and one end of the other contact is commonly connected to the power supply V, and the other end is connected to the board selector 12. -1.12-2 to 12-20.

Then, one code transmitter 6 transmits meter reading data from meters equipped with transmitting devices of a plurality of meter blocks (to be described later), for example, the product of the row and column numbers, to the center. In the same figure, 5a and 5b are number setting switches built into the respective repeaters 5-1, 5-2,... The difference is that

Therefore, if the row/column number of the repeater specified by the automatic calling device of the data collection unit 1 matches the set number, the relay
5c is energized, and the row contact group 5c', the column contact group 5C'r of the relay 5c, and the address contact group 5c'7 of the repeater are closed. Then, in response to the meter block selection row/column number signal specified by the automatic calling device of the data collection unit 1, the board selector corresponding to the specified number is transmitted through the line connected for each row/column number. Relay-1
1-1 (or 11-2, . . . ). Next, FIG. 8 shows counters 13-1 to 13-4 of a meter with transmitter for one code transmitter 6.
, 13-1 to 13-4, . . .
One counter is connected to one meter with transmitter (not shown). Therefore, 41 counters 13-1 to 13-4 are connected to the four meters with transmitting devices 15-1 to 15-4 constituting the meter block. Furthermore, 1 for each of the 4 counters 13-1 to 13-4.
Address data transmitting sections 14 are provided. The output sides of these counters 13-1 to 13-4 and the address data transmitter 14 are connected to the board selector 12-1.
(or 12-2,...) to this selector 1
2-1 (or 12-2, . . . ) is sent to the code transmitter 6 via the data bus line. Figure 9 shows a meter with transmitter 15-1
~15-4, 15-1~15-4,... is a diagram showing an installation state when applied to an apartment complex.

Next, the operation of the meter reading device of the present invention will be explained.

First, the automatic calling device of the central data collection unit 1 sends out a corresponding subscriber number in order to call a specific terminal control device, for example 2-1. As a result, the exchange 3 selects the telephone line 4 and calls the terminal control device 2-1. Here, when the called terminal control device 1 responds, the exchange 3 connects the terminal control device 2-1 and the data collection unit 1 o The automatic calling device of the data collection device 1 connects the terminal control device 2-1 After confirming that it is connected to 1, the DLE is sent to the terminal control device 2-1.
Send the signals 2, 7, 7 to the terminal control device 2-1.
Receives address data.

After confirming that the specific terminal control device 2-1 is connected normally in this way, the automatic calling device connects to the repeater 5-1.
, 5-2, . . . and sends signals DLE2 (data link escape), X1, and X3. However, X1:O
~3, X2: 0 to 4. At this time, when the row number X1 and column number X2 of this signal match the setting numbers of number setting switches 5a and 5b shown in FIG. 7, relay 5c is energized and contact groups 5♂, 5c'', 5c'' The contact 5 corresponding to the row/column number 1 is closed, and the address transmitter 5d of the selected repeater 5-1 (or 5-2,...) is closed.
The address data of the repeater 5-1 is sent back. Thereafter, the automatic calling device of the central data collection unit 1 transmits the 5-meter block selection row/column number signals DLE1, X1, and X2 for selecting the meter block to be read through the selected repeater 5-1. and send it to the terminal.

As a result, the port selector relay, for example 11-1, corresponding to the row number X1 and column number X2 is activated,
The relay contact is closed 4 to supply power to the code transmitter 6 as well. At this time, board selector 12-1 (eighth
Since the contacts of the relay 11-1 connected to the board (see figure) are also closed, the board selector 12-1 also starts operating. When power is supplied, the code transmitter 6 sends a meter reading data output command to all the counters connected via the scan bus line, encodes the data supplied via the data bus line, and sends the data to the central side. The state becomes ready for transmission. Therefore, the meter with transmitter 15-
1 to 15-4 are corresponding counters 13-1 to 13-, respectively.
4, and this counter 13-1 to 13-4
counts the measured values of the transmitter-equipped meters 15-1 to 15-4. When a meter reading data output command is supplied from the code transmitter 6 through the scan bus line, the counter 1
3-1 to 13-4 are sequentially scanned, and the contents are sent to the board selector 12-1 along with the address of the address transmitter 14.
and is sent to the code transmitter 6 via the data bus line. Therefore, the code transmitter 6 encodes these data and transmits the encoded data to the central data collection section 1. When the central side receives the data, it sends a signal for selecting the next meter block, drives the corresponding port selector relay 11-2, and operates the board selector 12-2.

In this way, on the central side, a large number of meter blocks, that is, meters with transmitting devices 15-1 to 15-4, 15-1 to 15-4, .
・Collect meter reading data. In addition, counter 13-1~
Reference numeral 13-4 has a structure in which measurement is performed by pulses from meters 15-1 to 15-4 with transmitting devices, and constant measurement is performed. With this device, even if a power outage compensation function is provided, only one location is required. In the above embodiment, one code transmitter 6 transmits meter reading data to the center, and an address transmitter 5d transmits address data of the repeaters 5-1 or 5-2, etc.) to the center. However, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, one address relay 6 may be added and the address transmitter 5d may be removed.

Further, the output sides of the row contact group 5c' and the column contact group 5c'5 of the code transmitter, which are closed by the relay 5c, are arranged in a matrix, and a board selector relay 11 is placed at the intersection.
-1 to 11-n may be connected.

Further, in the above embodiment, a relay is used as a switching element for operating the board selector of the selector, but a semiconductor switching element may also be used. As described in detail above, according to the present invention, in a meter reading device that performs automatic meter reading using a meter with a transmitter, n selectors provided on the input side of the code transmitter are connected to the central data collection unit. When the row/column number signals are supplied to the code transmitter through this driven selector, the code transmitter corresponds to each meter block. scans the counter of the meter with transmitter connected to each selector, inputs the meter reading data from the counter of the meter block connected to the selected selector, converts the code, and then sends the meter to the center. This is what is sent to the side.

Therefore, in this meter reading device, one selector connected to each meter block is connected to a code transmitter so that meter reading data can be selectively read for each meter block, so one code transmitter can be used. The meter reading data of a large number of meters equipped with transmitting devices can be read, and since the number of code transmitters can be significantly reduced compared to the number of meters, it can be realized at low cost.
In addition, a desired selector is selectively driven by the row/column number signal for meter block selection from the center, and the counter of the meter with the transmitting device is connected to the code transmitter and the data collection section through the selector. This makes control very easy. In addition, since meter reading data from multiple meter blocks can be read with a single code transmitter, it is not only suitable for use in places where a large number of meters are required, such as apartment complexes, but also for existing installations. Even centralized meter reading devices that use meters with transmitting devices are compatible with this device so that they can be easily changed.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the meter reading device, Figure 2 is a diagram explaining how to operate the device, Figure 3 is a format diagram when transmitting meter reading data to the center, and Figure 4 is a conventional code. A configuration diagram for selecting a transmitter, Figure 5 is a diagram showing the conventional installation state of a code transmitter and a meter with continuous contacts when applied to an apartment complex, etc., and Figure 6 is another conventional example. Figures 7 and 8, which illustrate the installation state of a code transmitter and a meter with continuous output contacts (including a counter with an encoder), are for explaining the meter reading device according to the present invention.
Fig. 7 is a block diagram for calling one code transmitter, Fig. 8
The figure is a block diagram for reading the contents of a counter connected to a code transmitter, Figure 9 is a diagram showing the installation state of a meter with transmitter when applied to an apartment complex, etc., and Figure 10 is a relay FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example for sending address data of a device to the center. 1... Data collection section, 2-1 to 2-N...
...Terminal control device, 3... Exchanger, 5-1 to 5
-N...Relay, 5a, 5b...Relay number setting switch, 5c...Relay -5♂
・・・・・・Row contact group, 5c! A...Column contact group,
5c''5i... Address transmitter relay 5 of the repeater
d...Address transmission section of repeater, 6...
- Code transmitter, 7-1 to 7-4...Meter with transmitter, 11-1 to 11-20...Relay for board selector 12-1 to 12-20... ...Board selector, 13-1 to 13-4...Counter, 14...Address transmitter, 15-1 to 15-
4...Meter with transmitter.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1 A meter with a transmitting device that composes a meter block every predetermined number and is written on the terminal side and transmits a pulse train of meter reading data, a counter that measures the pulse train transmitted from this meter, and a meter located in the center. Means for sending a row/column number signal for repeater selection and a row/column number signal for meter block selection, meter reading of a meter with a transmitting device from the counter in the meter block to be read selected by these signals; A data collection section having a means for collecting data, and a plurality of data collection sections connected to this data collection section, receiving the row/column number signal for meter block selection from the data collection section, and receiving the row/column number signal for meter block selection. Means for transmitting signals and data using the respective corresponding lines as closed circuits, receiving the repeater selection row/column number signal, and the data collecting unit with its own row/column number set in advance, respectively. a switch driving section that drives a row switch and a column switch connected to the line to a closed state when the repeater selection row/column number signals from the data collection section and the meter block match; A repeater that relays between the lines, and a line that corresponds to its own row number and a line that corresponds to its own column number among the lines that transmit the meter block selection row and column number signals relayed by this repeater. When the connected line matches the row/column number signal for meter block selection from the data collection unit, the same number of selection numbers as the meter blocks to be driven and the drive of this selector are connected between the line and the line. It is connected to the line of the row/column number for meter block selection via the switch that is closed by the switch, and when a meter block selection agent/column number signal is supplied, it issues a command to the counter to output meter reading data in response to this signal. , a code transmitter that converts the code of meter reading data and transmits it to the data collection unit;
a scan canvas line that connects the code transmitter and each counter of a plurality of meter blocks to supply the output command; and a data bus line, and a data path line that connects a plurality of the board selectors and the code transmitter.