JP2003046417A - Communication device and communication system using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication device and communication system using the communication device that can easily secure a space for an installed place of the communication device without need for occupying a power receptacle terminal for the communication device. SOLUTION: A power line carrier modem 30 configured to be nearly the same shape as that of the power receptacle panel is directly connected to the power receptacle panel, and the enclosure of the power line carrier modem 30 is provided with respectively a couple of power receptacle terminals 31 to 34, power connection terminals 37 to 40, a network connection terminal 35, and an operation display lamp 36, a power line control means section 45 for data input/output to/from a personal computer, and a power line interface 46 for superimposing data on power on a power line so as to attain data communication between personal computers.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication device for constructing a communication network in a home or an office and a communication system using the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, for building a communication network at home, a communication device for transmitting and receiving data between information devices using a wireless medium, a telephone line, or a distribution line has been considered. An example is shown in FIG. Figure 2
In 0, 10 is a power outlet panel provided in a home (not shown).
0 is a pair of power outlet terminals 11, 12 and 13 and 14 connected to a distribution line in a home (not shown).
They are arranged in pairs.

The power plug 20 is provided with a pair of power connection terminals 21 and 22.
It is connected to a power line carrier modem 23 which is a communication device. The power line carrier modem 23 is provided with an interface connection terminal 24, and the interface connection terminal 2
Reference numeral 4 is connected to a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “personal computer”) 26, which is an information device, via an interface cable 25.

In such a structure, the power line carrier modem 23 performs transmission / reception operation by a control signal from the personal computer 26. For example, the transmission data from the personal computer 26 is modulated by the power line carrier modem 23 and connected to the power supply connection terminals 21 and 22 via the power supply connection terminals 21 and 22 of the power supply plug 20, for example, a pair of power outlet terminals. It is transmitted from 11, 12 (or 13, 14) by being superimposed on the commercial power source of the distribution line in the house.

The received signal received from the distribution line in the house is supplied from the pair of power outlet terminals 11, 12 (or 13, 14) to the power connection terminal 2 of the power plug 20.
The data is input to the power line carrier modem 23 via Nos. 1 and 22, is demodulated into received data by the power line carrier modem 23, and then sent to the personal computer 26 via the interface connection terminal 24 and the interface cable 25.

An example of such a power line carrier modem is described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-101491. In this modem, data from a personal computer is spread over a plurality of frequency bands by using a spread spectrum system. High-speed communication was carried out by transmitting it to the distribution line.

[0007]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, since the power line carrier modem is arranged between the power outlet panel and the personal computer, the place for arranging the modem is required. Further, it is necessary to insert and remove the power plug into and from the power outlet panel each time the power line carrier modem is used, and there is a problem that useless power is consumed if the power plug is left inserted in the power outlet panel. .

Further, when the power line carrier modem is used, since the power plug is inserted into the power outlet panel, any one of the above power outlet terminals is occupied for this power line carrier modem. For this reason, if there are a plurality of cases where it is desired to use the power outlet terminal, there is a problem in that the usage efficiency is deteriorated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and uses a communication device and a device for the communication device that do not occupy a power outlet terminal and can easily secure a space for a place where the communication device is arranged. The present invention aims to provide a communication system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a communication device capable of preventing wasteful power consumption and a communication system using the device.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, in a communication device for transmitting and receiving data between a plurality of information devices, a casing having substantially the same shape as a power outlet panel, and the casing. And a pair of power supply connection terminals connected to the power supply outlet terminals of the power supply outlet panel, at least one pair of power supply outlet terminals arranged in the housing, and ,
A data input / output unit that is connected to the information device and inputs / outputs data to / from the information device;
There is provided a communication device including a communication unit that transmits and receives the data between the information devices.

According to the present invention, a communication device having substantially the same shape as the power outlet panel can be provided even if the installation space is small.
By directly connecting to the power outlet panel, the communication device can be arranged, and the space for disposing the communication device can be easily secured.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the above invention, the communication device is provided with detection means for detecting use of the data input / output means, and power supply from a power supply line in accordance with a detection result of the detection means. It is characterized by further comprising a switch means for disconnecting.

According to the present invention, since the switch of the communication device is turned on and the power is supplied only when the use of the data input / output means is detected, unnecessary power consumption except during use is prevented. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the above invention, the communication device further comprises display means for performing a display according to a detection result of the detection means.

According to the present invention, for example, when the data input / output means is in use, the display means displays a message indicating that the data is in use, and the operating state can be visually recognized.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the above invention, the switch means is turned on when the use of the data input / output means is detected by the detection means, and the switch means switches from the power supply line to the communication device. Power is supplied, and if the detection means does not detect the use of the data input / output means, the power supply line is turned off and the power supply from the power supply line to the communication device is cut off. The display is performed when the switch means is in an on state, and the display is not performed when the switch means is in an off state.

According to the present invention, the switch means is turned on and power is supplied to the communication device and the display means only while the data input / output means is in use, so that unnecessary power consumption other than during use is prevented. .

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the above invention, the communication device comprises a power line carrier modem, the communication means superimposes and transmits a data signal on a power source of the power source line, and further, from the power source. It is characterized in that the data signal is separated and received.

According to the present invention, by configuring the communication device with the power line carrier modem, it becomes possible to easily perform data transmission to the power line and data reception from the power line.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the above invention, the data input / output unit has a wireless transmission / reception unit, and the wireless transmission / reception unit inputs / outputs data by wireless communication with the information equipment. Characterize.

According to the present invention, it can be applied to the case where data communication with a personal computer which is an information device is performed by wireless communication.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the above invention, the communication device is a wireless communication device, and the communication means transmits and receives data by wireless communication between the information devices.

According to the present invention, the communication device can be configured by a wireless communication device, and can be applied to a case where data communication between information devices is performed by wireless communication.

According to claim 8 of the present invention, in the above invention, the communication device has at least two pairs of power supply connection terminals connected to the power supply outlet terminals of the power supply outlet panel, and each set of power supply connection terminals. It is characterized in that a change means for variably changing the distance is provided.

According to the present invention, the distance between the power supply connection terminals of each set can be changed, so that the power supply outlet panels of different sizes can be connected to this communication device.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in a communication system for transmitting a data signal input through the power outlet panel by superimposing it on the power source of the power line, the power outlet terminal of the power outlet panel connected to the power line. There is provided a communication system comprising at least one communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 directly connected to the communication device, and an information device connected to the communication device for transmitting and receiving a data signal.

According to the present invention, by using the communication device according to the present invention in a communication system for data transmission using a power line in a house or an office, for example, it is possible to prevent the power outlet terminal from occupying and to install it at a different place. Secures space and prevents unnecessary power consumption.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the communication device according to the eighth aspect is directly connected to a power outlet terminal of a power outlet panel connected to a power line, and is connected to the communication device to transmit and receive a data signal. A communication system including an information device is provided.

According to the present invention, for example, even when a communication system for data transmission using a power line is not constructed,
By connecting a communication device directly to a power outlet panel in a home or office, data transmission between information devices is possible.

In the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the above invention, the communication system is connected to the communication device and also to a telephone line, and a relay device for relaying data between the communication device and the telephone line. Is further provided.

According to the present invention, by connecting a relay device such as a dial-up router to the communication device,
Allows connection between communication equipment and telephone lines, especially the external Internet.

[0033]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of a communication device and a communication system using the same according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in the following drawings, for the convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals are given to the components having the same configurations.

(Embodiment 1) First, Embodiment 1 of the configuration of the communication device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings of FIGS. 1 to 7.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a first embodiment of the configuration of the communication device according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, a power line carrier modem 3 which is a communication device according to the first embodiment.
0, for example, a pair of power outlet terminals 31,
Two sets of 32, 33, and 34 are provided, and a network connection terminal 35 that constitutes a data input / output means and an operation indicator lamp 36 that constitutes a display means are provided below the two sets.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view showing the first embodiment of the configuration of the communication device according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, in the power line carrier modem 30, for example, the back face facing the front face is used. A pair of power supply connection terminals 37, 38 and 39,
Two sets of 40 are arranged. This power supply connection terminal 37, 3
8 and 39 and 40 are pluggably connected to the pair of power outlet terminals 11, 12 and 13 and 14 of the power outlet panel 10 shown in FIG. 20, for example.

This pair of power outlet terminals 31, 32
Are connected lines 41, 42 as shown in the block diagram of FIG.
Is electrically connected to the pair of power supply connection terminals 37 and 38 via. In addition, this pair of power outlet terminals 3
Similarly, 3 and 34 are electrically connected to the pair of power supply connection terminals 39 and 40 via the connection lines 43 and 44.

In the present invention, the power outlet terminals 31, 33 are connected to the power connecting terminals 37, 39, respectively, and the power outlet terminals 32, 34 and the power connecting terminal 3 are connected.
You may comprise so that 8 and 40 may be connected, respectively.

Further, the power line carrier modem 30 has a power line communication unit 45 and a power line interface 46 forming a communication means, a power supply 47, and a power switch 48 in addition to the above-mentioned components. The power line interface 46 and the power source 47 are connected to either of the power source connecting terminals 37, 38 or 39, 40, and the power line interface 46 and the power source 47 are connected to each other.
Then, for example, it is connected to the connection lines 43 and 44. As a result, the power supply 47 obtains power from the power supply connection terminals 39 and 40, and the data input / output from the network connection terminal 35 is modulated / demodulated by the power line communication unit 45 and transmitted / received from the power supply connection terminals 39/40. .

The power source 47 is a pair of power source connection terminals 39, 4
A commercial power source of 100 V supplied from 0 through the connection lines 43 and 44 is converted into a voltage required for operating the power line communication unit 45, for example, a DC voltage of 5 V and the power switch 48.
Is output to. Since the power line communication unit 45 has an existing configuration and is not a main part of the present invention,
Detailed explanation is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the power switch 48 has a switch plate 48a constituting a detecting means for detecting the connection of the personal computer, and operates in conjunction with the network connection terminal 35. , A limit switch, for example. Here, for example, when the RJ-45 connector 27 to which the above-mentioned interface cable 25 is connected is not inserted from the outside to the network connection terminal 35, the switch plate 48a is, as shown by the solid line portion in FIG. The power line communication unit 45 and the operation indicator lamp 36, which are in the network connection terminal 35 and are in the off state and connected to the power switch 48,
The power is not supplied from the power supply 47.

Due to this interruption of power supply, the power line communication section 4
5 stops the operation of transmitting and receiving the data signal, and the operation indicator lamp 3
Since 6 is turned off, the user can visually check the current operating state.

Further, RJ- is connected to the network connection terminal 35.
When the 45 connector 27 is inserted, the switch plate 48a
5 is pushed down below the network connection terminal 35 by the connector 27 to be turned on, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 5, and the power line communication section 45 and the operation indicator lamp 36 connected to the power switch 48 are connected to each other. Power is supplied from the power source 47.

As a result, the operation indicator lamp 36 lights up,
The user can confirm that the power line carrier modem 30 is in use, and the data signal input from the network connection terminal 35 via the connector 27 is subjected to modulation signal processing by the power line communication unit 45 and transmitted to the power line interface 46. To be done. The power line interface 46 is
This data signal is superimposed on the commercial power supply flowing through the connection lines 43 and 44 and output from the pair of power supply connection terminals 39 and 40.

On the contrary, for the commercial power supply on which the data signals input from the pair of power supply connection terminals 39 and 40 are superimposed,
The power line interface 46 separates and takes in the data signal, the power line communication unit 45 performs demodulation signal processing, and the data signal is transmitted from the network connection terminal 35 to the personal computer 26 via the connector 27.

As described above, in this embodiment, the power switch of the power line carrier modem is turned on and the power is supplied only when the RJ-45 connector is inserted into the network connection terminal, so that the power supply is not in use. It is possible to prevent unnecessary power consumption.

Further, in this embodiment, the operation indicator light is turned on when the power of the power line carrier modem is turned on and is turned off when the power is turned off. There is also an effect that it is possible to confirm the current operation state and easily recognize whether or not the power is off.

Next, the shape of the power line carrier modem 30 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. Here, FIG. 6 is a perspective view for explaining the shape of the power line carrier modem shown in FIG. 2 in the side direction, and FIG.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view for explaining the shape of the power outlet panel 10 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 6, a1 is a power line carrier modem 3
0 is the horizontal width, a2 is also the vertical width, a3 is the length from the upper surface of the power line carrier modem 30 to the center line of the pair of power supply connection terminals 37 or 38, and a4 is the pair of power supply connection terminals 37 or 38 of the power line carrier modem 30. The lengths from the center line to the center line of the other pair of power supply connection terminals 39 or 40 are shown.

In FIG. 7, b1 is the width of the power outlet panel 10, b2 is the same width, and b3 is a pair of power outlet terminals 11 from the upper surface of the power outlet panel 10.
Alternatively, b4 indicates the length from the center line of the pair of power outlet terminals 11 or 12 to the center line of the other pair of power outlet terminals 13 or 14, respectively.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, the width a1 and the width a2 of the power line carrier modem 30 are set to be substantially the same as the width b1 and the width b2 of the power outlet panel 10, respectively. In addition, the length a indicating the position from the upper surface of the power supply connection terminal 37 or 38 of the power line carrier modem 30.
3 and the length a4 from the power connection terminal 37 or 38 to the power connection terminal 39 or 40 is the length b3 indicating the position from the upper surface of the power outlet terminal 11 or 12 of the power outlet panel 10 and the power outlet terminal 11 or 12. To the power outlet terminal 13 or 14 have a length substantially equal to the length b4.

As a result, the power line carrier modem of this embodiment has substantially the same shape as the power outlet panel, and the power connecting terminal can be inserted into the power outlet terminal of the power outlet panel. Therefore, in this embodiment, for example, furniture or the like is arranged around the power outlet panel, and even if the installation space for this modem is small, the modem can be placed by inserting this modem into a power outlet panel of almost the same shape. This makes it possible to easily secure a space for arranging the power line carrier modem.

Further, in this embodiment, the power outlet terminals 11 and 12 of the power outlet panel 10 are the same as those shown in FIG.
The power outlet terminals 31 and 3 are provided inside the power line carrier modem 30 via the power connecting terminals 37 and 38 shown in FIG.
2 are connected to each. Similarly, the power outlet terminals 13 and 14 of the power outlet panel 10 are connected to the power outlet terminals 33 and 34 inside the power line carrier modem 30 via the power connecting terminals 39 and 40 shown in FIG. 1, respectively.

Thus, in this embodiment, instead of the power outlet terminals 11 and 12 of the power outlet panel 10, the power outlet terminals 31 and 32 of the power line carrier modem 30 are replaced by the power outlet terminals 13 and 14 of the power outlet panel 10. Instead, the power outlet terminals 33 and 34 can be used inside the power line carrier modem 30, respectively. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the power line carrier modem 30 is used, the power line carrier modem does not occupy the power outlet terminal, the number of power outlet terminal pairs does not change, and the number of available electric devices is the same. It has the same effect.

Although the number of pairs of power outlet terminals is two in this embodiment, three or more pairs of outlet terminals may be used.
The same effect can be obtained by providing the power line carrier modem with the same number of power outlet terminal pairs.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, two pairs of power source connecting terminals 37, 38 and 3 are provided.
9, 40 are also two pairs of power outlet terminals 3
1, 32 and 33, 34, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this, and, for example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, only a pair of power supply connection terminals 37, 38 is provided, and the power line carrier modem 30 Even if the power supply connection terminal 37 is connected to the power supply outlet terminals 31 and 33 and the power supply connection terminal 38 is connected to the power supply outlet terminals 32 and 34, the same effect as the above embodiment can be obtained.

In the power line carrier modem 30 of the present invention, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 10 and 11, a groove 30a is provided on the rear surface of the housing of the power line carrier modem 30, and the groove 30 is formed.
The movable rail 30b is arranged on the side wall of a, and the power supply connection terminals 37 and 38 are attached to the movable member 30c. The groove 30 is formed so that the movable member 30c can slide up and down on the movable rail 30b in the drawing.
It is configured to be engaged with a. Further, the movable power supply connection terminals 37 and 38 and the fixed power supply outlet terminals 31 and 32 are connected to each other, for example, by interposing a conductive member.

This makes it possible to connect this power line carrier modem to the power outlet panel even if the power outlet panels have different lengths between the two sets of power outlet terminals. It is possible to easily secure a space for arranging the power line carrier modem without occupying an outlet terminal.

As shown in FIG. 12, the power line carrier modem 30 of the present invention is not connected to the power outlet panel 10, but for example, the power plug 53 and the power cord 5.
It is also possible to connect via an extension cable set composed of 4 and the table tap 55. In this case, the power plug 53 of the extension cable set is inserted into the power outlet panel 10 and the power line carrier modem 30
By connecting and using the table tap 55, the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

Further, in the first embodiment, the power switch is turned on / off by interlocking with the insertion / removal of the RJ-45 connector, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. Can be provided in the power line carrier modem 30. In this case, when the power line carrier modem 30 is used, the manual switch 56 is manually turned on and the operation indicator lamp 36 and the power line communication unit 4 are turned on.
5 is supplied with power, and when not in use, the manual switch 56 is turned off to disconnect this power supply. Also in this case, the same effect as that of the embodiment can be obtained.

Further, as a detecting means for detecting the data signal, a detecting circuit for detecting an electric state such as the voltage of the data signal from the personal computer side is provided, and the power switch of the power line carrier modem is turned on / off depending on the presence or absence of the data signal. It can also be configured to do so. Also in this case, the same effect as that of the embodiment can be obtained.

(Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 of the communication device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings of FIGS.

In the perspective views of FIGS. 14 and 15, the point different from the configuration of the first embodiment is that instead of the network connection terminal of the first embodiment, the antenna 5 is used as the data input / output means.
It has a wireless communication function with 0 attached. That is, the antenna 50 is held by the antenna holder 51 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction.
It is configured to move up and down in the figure while maintaining proper friction and electrical continuity. This antenna 50
By being pulled up, the radiation characteristics of radio waves to the space are improved.

The antenna holder 51 is fixed to the housing of the power line carrier modem 30.
0 is connected to the wireless transmission / reception unit 52 having the wireless communication function shown in FIG.

In FIG. 16, the radio transmitter / receiver 52 is connected to the power switch 48, and the power switch 4
By the switching operation of 8, for example, 5 from the power source 47
It receives a power supply of V and transmits / receives a data signal to / from a predetermined personal computer (not shown) via the antenna 50. The wireless transmission / reception unit 52 also inputs / outputs the transmitted / received data signal to / from the power line communication unit 45. The wireless transmission / reception unit 52 has an existing configuration and is not a main part of the present invention, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the power switch 48 is disposed below the antenna 50,
The switch plate 48a of the power switch 48 operates in conjunction with the vertical movement of the antenna 50. That is,
The switch plate 48a is urged to rise upward by a spring (not shown), for example. Power switch 48
Turns off when the switch plate 48a is pushed down by the lower portion 50a of the antenna 50, and the antenna 5
When the lower part 50a of 0 goes up and the switch plate 48a goes up accordingly, it is turned on.

Next, the operation of the power line carrier modem 30 will be described. The power supply 47 includes a pair of power supply connection terminals 39, 4
The commercial power source of 100 V supplied from 0 is converted into a voltage required for operating the wireless transmission / reception unit 52 and the power line communication unit 45, for example, a DC voltage of 5 V and output to the power switch 48.

As described above, the power switch 48 operates in conjunction with the vertical movement of the antenna 50, and when the antenna 50 is down, the power switch 48 is in the off state, and the operation indicator lamp 36 and the power line communication. Power is not supplied to the unit 45 and the wireless transmission / reception unit 52.

Due to this interruption of power supply, the power line communication unit 4
5 stops the transmission / reception operation of the data signal to / from the connection lines 43 and 44, the operation indicator 36 is turned off, and the wireless transmission / reception section 52 stops the transmission / reception of the data signal by wireless with the personal computer. Therefore, the user can visually check the current operating state.

When the antenna 50 is pulled up, the power switch 48 is turned on, and power is supplied to the operation indicator lamp 36, the power line communication section 45 and the wireless transmission / reception section 52. As a result, the operation indicator lamp 3
6 is turned on, the user can confirm that the power line carrier modem 30 is in use, and the data signal received via the antenna 50 is demodulated by the wireless transmission / reception unit 52 and sent to the power line communication unit 45.

In the power line communication section 45, the input data signal is modulated and superimposed on the 100V commercial power source of the connection lines 43 and 44 via the power line interface 46, and from the pair of power source connection terminals 39 and 40, for example, in the house. Send to the distribution line.

On the contrary, the modulated signal superimposed on the 100V commercial power source input from the pair of power source connection terminals 39 and 40 is:
The power line communication unit 45 via the power line interface 46
To the wireless transmission / reception section 52. The wireless transmission / reception unit 52 modulates the demodulated data signal into a wireless signal and transmits the wireless signal from the antenna 50 to the outside.

As described above, this embodiment has the same effect as that of the first embodiment, and since it is interlocked with the vertical movement of the antenna, only when the antenna is moved upward to use the power line carrier modem, The power switch is turned on to supply power, and when the power line carrier modem is not used by moving the antenna downward, the power switch is turned off to cut off the power supply. by this,
In this embodiment, unnecessary power consumption other than during use can be prevented.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the communication device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

In the block diagram of FIG. 17, a point different from the first embodiment is that a wireless LAN device 60 for wirelessly constructing a network is used instead of the power line carrier modem as the communication means of the home network. That is, the wireless LAN device 60 has the same power outlet terminals 31 to 34 as the configuration of the power line carrier modem 30, a network connection terminal 35, an operation indicator 36, power connection terminals 37 to 40, a power supply 47, and a power supply. The wireless LAN unit 61 includes a switch 48 and an antenna 50 and is connected to the power switch 48 and the antenna 50.

The wireless LAN section 61 converts the data signal input from the network connection terminal 35 into a wireless signal and radiates it from the antenna 50. On the contrary, the wireless LAN unit 61 converts the radio wave received from the antenna 50 into a data signal and outputs it to the network connection terminal 35. Since the wireless LAN unit 61 has an existing configuration and is not a main part of the present invention, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The power source 47 comprises a pair of power source connecting terminals 39, 4
100V commercial power supplied from 0 to the wireless LAN unit 6
1 is converted into a voltage necessary for 1 to operate, for example, a DC voltage of 5 V and output to the power switch 48.

The power switch 48 is the same as in the first embodiment.
It is arranged below the network connection terminal 35 and operates in conjunction with the network connection terminal 35. Here, for example, the RJ is externally connected to the network connection terminal 35.
When the −45 connector is not inserted, the power switch 48 is turned off, and the wireless LAN unit 61 and the operation indicator lamp 36 are not supplied with power from the power source 47.

When the RJ-45 connector is inserted into the network connection terminal 35 from the outside, the power switch 48 is turned on, and the wireless LAN section 61 and the operation indicator 36 are supplied with power from the power source 47. When supplied, the operation indicator lamp 36 lights up. The data signal input from the network connection terminal 35 is sent to the wireless LAN unit 61.
Is converted into a radio signal and radiated from the antenna 50.
On the contrary, the radio wave received from the antenna 50 is wireless L
The data is converted into a data signal in the AN section 61 and output to the network connection terminal 35.

As described above, in this embodiment, only when the RJ-45 connector is inserted in the network connection terminal, the power switch of the wireless LAN device is turned on and the power is supplied to operate the wireless LAN section. Therefore, unnecessary power consumption other than during use can be prevented.

Further, the size of the housing of the wireless LAN device 60 is set to be the same as the size of the housing of the power line carrier modem of the first embodiment, so that the wireless LAN device can be plugged into a power outlet panel having substantially the same shape. The wireless LAN device can be arranged, and the space for disposing the wireless LAN device can be easily secured.

Next, a communication system using the power line carrier modem or the wireless LAN device having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
And it demonstrates using the block diagram of FIG.

FIG. 18 is a schematic power distribution diagram showing an outline of power distribution in a general detached house. In this figure, 70 is a house, 71 is a power pole, 72 is a power transmission line bridged to the power pole 71, 73 is a watt hour meter to which the power transmission line 72 is connected,
74 is also a distribution board, 75 is a distribution line for the second floor of the house, 7
6 is a distribution line for the first floor, 10 is a distribution line 75 or 7
6 is a power outlet panel of each room connected to 6.

Electric power supplied from an electric power company (not shown) is supplied to a house 70 through a power transmission line 72 bridged to a utility pole 71.
Is distributed to the power outlet panel 10 in each room via the power distribution lines 75 and 76 on the second and first floors. In reality, a kitchen or the like that consumes a large amount of power is configured to be directly supplied with electricity from the distribution board 74, but in this embodiment, the description is simplified for the sake of clarity.

FIG. 19 is a system configuration diagram in the case where a communication system according to the present invention is arranged in the power distribution system shown in FIG. 18 to construct a communication system. In FIG. 19, in this system, a power line carrier modem 30 utilizing an indoor distribution line is used as a communication means of an indoor home network device, and a telephone line 77 can be used to connect to an external Internet service provider. ing.

Here, 78 is a protector for pulling in a telephone line, 79 is a dial-up router for communicating with an external Internet service provider through a telephone line to connect the Internet and a home network, and 30 is provided with a network connection terminal. A power line carrier modem, 26 is a personal computer having a network connection interface, and 80 is a personal computer having a wireless connection interface. The power line carrier modem 30 is the power outlet panel 1 shown in FIG.
They are connected to 0 and are operating.

In the figure on the second floor for performing wireless data communication with the personal computer 80, the communication device on the right side is the power line carrier modem shown in the second embodiment, and the other communication devices connected to the personal computer 26 are It may be the power line carrier modem shown in the first embodiment or the wireless LAN device shown in the third embodiment.

In such a configuration, the dial-up router 79, which is a data relay device, is connected to the telephone line 77 via the protector 78, and is connected to the Internet service provider via the telephone line 77. The dial-up router 79 is connected to the power line carrier modem 30 on the first floor and can communicate with the power line carrier modem 30 in each room via the distribution line 76, the distribution board 74, and the distribution line 75.

Here, for example, when the personal computer 26 on the first floor accesses the Internet, it is connected to the dial-up router 79 through the route of the network cable 62, the power line carrier modem 30, the distribution line 76, and the power line carrier modem 30. It is connected to the outside Internet via the dial-up router 79.

Similarly, when the personal computer 26 or 80 on the second floor accesses the Internet, the network cable 62 (only in the case of the personal computer 26), the power line carrier modem 30, the distribution line 75, the distribution board 74, the distribution line 76. ,
In the route of the power line carrier modem 30, the dial-up router 7
9 is connected to the outside Internet via the dial-up router 79.

Further, for example, when the personal computer 26 on the first floor and the personal computer 80 on the second floor communicate with each other, the network cable 62, the power line carrier modem 30, the distribution line 76, the distribution board 74, the distribution line 75, and the power line carrier modem 30. On the route of 1
The personal computer 26 on the first floor and the personal computer 80 on the second floor are connected to enable communication.

Some of the power line carrier modems 30 on the first floor are not connected to a personal computer, but in this case, power is not supplied to the power line communication unit and the operation indicator lamp in the modem 30. Then, the power switch is turned off and the power supply is cut off.

As described above, in the communication system according to the present invention, the power line carrier modem having substantially the same size as the power outlet panel and having the same or more power outlet terminals as the power outlet terminals of the power outlet panel is provided. Since it can be connected to a personal computer and communication by a personal computer is made possible, it is possible to easily secure a space for arranging the power line carrier modem without occupying a power outlet terminal for the power line carrier modem.

Further, in this communication system, when the personal computer is not connected, the power line carrier modem turns off the power supply by the power switch, so that wasteful power consumption can be prevented.

The present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0096]

As described above, according to the present invention, a communication device having substantially the same shape as that of the power outlet panel and having a power outlet terminal and a power connection terminal is connected to the power outlet panel to provide information equipment. Since data communication can be performed between the communication devices, it is possible to easily secure a space for disposing the communication devices without occupying a power outlet terminal for the communication devices.

Further, according to the present invention, the use of the data input / output means is detected, and when the data input / output means is not used, the power supply from the power supply line is cut off by the switch means, so that wasteful power consumption can be prevented.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a first embodiment of the configuration of a power line carrier modem according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is likewise a perspective view in a side direction.

FIG. 3 is likewise a block diagram showing a functional configuration.

FIG. 4 is similar to the front perspective view shown in FIG.
It is a perspective view showing the state where a -45 connector was inserted.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the communication device showing a network connection terminal and a power switch.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view for explaining the shape of the power line carrier modem shown in FIG. 2 in the side direction.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view for explaining the shape of the power outlet panel shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a power line carrier modem for explaining a first modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is likewise a perspective view of the power line carrier modem in the side direction.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a power line carrier modem for explaining a second modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is also a side perspective view of the power line carrier modem.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a connection state of a power line carrier modem for explaining a third modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a power line carrier modem for explaining a fourth modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view showing a second embodiment of the configuration of the power line carrier modem according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is likewise a perspective view in the side direction.

FIG. 16 is likewise a block diagram showing a functional configuration.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the configuration of the power line carrier modem according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a schematic power distribution diagram showing an outline of power distribution in a general detached house.

19 is a system configuration diagram in the case where a communication device according to the present invention is arranged in the power distribution system shown in FIG. 18 to construct a communication system.

FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration of a conventional communication device.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 power outlet panel 11-14, 31-34 Power outlet terminals 20,53 Power plug 21, 22, 37-40 Power supply connection terminals 23 Power line carrier modem 24 Interface connection terminal 25 interface cable 26,80 PC 27 connectors 30 power line carrier modem 30a groove 30b movable rail 30c movable member 35 Network connection terminal 36 Operation indicator 41-44 connection line 45 Power line communication unit 46 power line interface 47 power 48 power switch 48a switch plate 50 antenna 52 Wireless transceiver 56 Manual switch 60 wireless LAN equipment 61 Wireless LAN section 62 network cable 70 houses 72 power lines 75,76 distribution line 77 telephone lines 78 protector 79 dial-up router

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. In a communication device for transmitting and receiving data between a plurality of information devices, a casing having substantially the same shape as that of a power outlet panel, disposed in the casing, and connected to a power outlet terminal of the power outlet panel. At least one pair of power supply connection terminals, at least one pair of power outlet terminals provided in the housing, and the information equipment provided in the housing and connected to the information equipment And a data input / output unit for inputting / outputting data, and a communication unit arranged in the housing for transmitting / receiving the data between the information devices. 2. The communication device further comprises detection means for detecting use of the data input / output means, and switch means for cutting off power supply from a power supply line in accordance with a detection result of the detection means. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is a communication device. 3. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the communication device further includes a display unit that displays according to a detection result of the detection unit. 4. The switch means is turned on when the use of the data input / output means is detected by the detection means, and causes the power supply line to supply power to the communication device. If the use of the data input / output means is not detected in, the power supply from the power supply line to the communication device is cut off, and the display means displays when the switch means is in the on state. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the display is not performed when the switch means is in the off state. 5. The communication device comprises a power line carrier modem, and the communication means superimposes and transmits a data signal on a power source of the power source line, and separates and receives the data signal from the power source. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is a communication device. 6. The data input / output unit has a wireless transmission / reception unit, and the wireless transmission / reception unit inputs / outputs data by wireless communication with the information device.
5) The communication device according to any one of 5 to 5; 7. The communication device comprises a wireless communication device, and the communication means transmits and receives data between information devices by wireless communication. Communication equipment. 8. The communication device has at least two pairs of power supply connection terminals connected to the power supply outlet terminals of the power supply outlet panel, and changing means for variably changing a distance between the power supply connection terminals of each pair. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: 9. In a communication system in which a data signal input via a power outlet panel is superimposed on a power source of a power line and transmitted, the data signal is directly connected to a power outlet terminal of the power outlet panel connected to the power line. A communication system comprising: at least one communication device according to items 1 to 7; and an information device that is connected to the communication device and transmits and receives a data signal. 10. The communication device according to claim 8, which is directly connected to a power outlet terminal of a power outlet panel which is connected to a power line, and an information device which is connected to the communication device and transmits and receives a data signal. A communication system characterized by the above. 11. The communication system further comprises a relay device that is connected to the communication device and also to a telephone line, and relays data between the communication device and the telephone line. Item 9. The communication system according to Item 9 or 10.