JP2008046049A - Current consumption detection control system, and ac outlet with as-i communication function - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To save wiring of a system which performs centralized surveillance of current consumption. <P>SOLUTION: An AC outlet 10 with AS-i communication function is pressure-connected to an AS-i cable 3 by a pressure connection pin 6, and its LSI 31 for AS-i communication can communicate with an AS-i master 32 via the AS-i cable 3. A male plug 2 is inserted into an existing AC outlet, an optional electric appliance is connected to a female plug 1, and the current consumption of the electric appliance is detected by a current detector 20. The detected current consumption is notified to the AS-i master 32 by the LSI 31 for AS-i communication. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a consumption current detection control system, an AC outlet with an AS-i communication function, and the like.

  In recent years, due to energy saving and saving boom, the review of electricity charges has become popular, and reducing contract amperes is one effective plan. However, if the contract ampere is lowered easily, the breaker may fall frequently. For this reason, it is necessary to measure the current consumption of each appliance in the home or office, each device in the factory, and the like. Alternatively, it may be possible to lower the overall current consumption by reconsidering the method of using the electrical appliance by specifying an electrical appliance with a large current consumption, or by switching to an energy saving type. In any case, there is a need for a system that measures current consumption in AC outlets (such as electrical appliances connected to the AC outlets) that exist in many buildings.

  In connection with such a background, first, Patent Document 1 describes a plug-type wattmeter that monitors and controls current consumption of electrical appliances. This plug type wattmeter is provided at each outlet of a general household and transmits the power usage data of each outlet through a power line with high frequency superimposed. This is monitored with a personal computer. The plug type power meter has a digital modulator for harmonically modulating the measured power signal, a switch for cutting off the circuit in response to a command from a personal computer, and the like.

  The prior art described in Patent Document 2 is a communication control device in which one end is a plug and the other end is an outlet, and the current is controlled by controlling the energization according to the use state of the electric equipment to realize power saving. Patent Document 2 describes that communication is performed with a load cutoff unit that switches between energization and cutoff of a load, and an external centralized controller or the like via a communication unit 81.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a current limiting adapter that prevents the current value from exceeding the allowable current of the breaker when an electrical device is used, and exceeds the allowable current by the input / output plug and the current limiting unit. It is disclosed that the current is interrupted and the power is turned ON / OFF by remote operation.

  Patent Document 4 discloses an adapter for an outlet that controls power supply to a predetermined load of the outlet. This adapter has an A / D converter and a switch that cuts off power to the outlet, and measured. It has a function of transmitting load current data to another outlet adapter (or receiving from another adapter).

  Patent Document 5 discloses that an analog input slave picks up an analog signal such as a current from an external device using an AS-i network and transmits it to the master side via an AS-i line.

Patent Document 6 describes that AS-i can be advantageously used in a communication link with a remote I / O.
Further, the invention of Patent Document 7 proposes an apparatus that provides a consumption current detection function and a network connection terminal in a power strip to notify the consumption current.

FIG. 10 shows a configuration block diagram of a conventional example.
In the configuration shown in the figure, a personal computer 101, a display 52, and the like are connected to a current detection / determination device 100. The current detection / determination device 100 detects current consumption of the personal computer 101, the display 102, etc. and converts it into digital data. Then, the current detection determination device 100 transmits this digital data to the terminal device 105 via the hub 103 and the network 104.
Utility Model Registration No. 3077768 JP 2001-333530 A JP-A-6-276676 JP-A-10-248164 JP 2004-133862 A JP 2001-177558 A JP 2004-101476 A

  In the invention of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to always install one or more block filters in each household. If this is constituted by a high-pass filter of a passive filter, it becomes a considerably large device, resulting in an increase in cost.

Further, in the invention of Patent Document 2, a transmitter, a receiver, an antenna, and the like for wireless communication are separately required.
In addition, when measuring the current consumption of monitored devices distributed and installed in many locations, one network cable is required for each current detection / determination device (each cable is connected to the hub 103, for example). A large number of cables need to be arranged, which increases the cost and the number of wiring steps.

  An object of the present invention is to reduce the number of wiring man-hours by basically using only one wiring by using AS-i technology in a system for centrally monitoring current consumption related to each AC outlet in a building. Cost reduction can be realized by integrating the current detection function and AS-i communication function into the outlet or the adapter connected to the AC outlet, and the current consumption can be cut off by detecting abnormal current consumption It is to provide a detection control system, an AC outlet with an AS-i communication function, and the like.

  The AC outlet with AS-i communication function of the present invention includes a male plug connected to an AC outlet, a female plug connected to an arbitrary electrical appliance, a current detection device for detecting current consumption of the electrical appliance, and an AS-i cable. Connection means for physically connecting, and a communication processor for transmitting the current consumption detected by the current detection means to the AS-i master connected to the AS-i cable via the AS-i cable And have.

  Each AS-i communication function AC outlet with the above configuration is connected to each existing AC outlet and connected to a single cable (AS-i). A system that collects and manages currents in a batch can be constructed.

  In addition, for example, a switch that cuts off a current flowing from the male plug to the female plug is provided, and the current detection device is configured such that the current consumption exceeds the current limit value based on the detected current consumption and the current limit value. In such a case, the switch may be controlled to be OFF. The current limit value may be set by a setting device, or may be set by the AS-i master.

  Further, for example, a power supply circuit that generates the power supply of the current detection device and the drive power supply of the switch from a part of the power acquired from the AC outlet may be further included. This eliminates the need to provide these power cables.

  According to the consumption current detection control system and the AC outlet with AS-i communication function of the present invention, in the system that centrally monitors the consumption current related to each AC outlet in the building, the AS-i technology is basically used. The wiring man-hour can be reduced by requiring only one wiring, and the cost can be reduced by integrating the current detection function and the AS-i communication function into each AC outlet or an adapter connected to the AC outlet. Furthermore, abnormal current consumption can be detected to cut off the power supply.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIGS. 1A and 1B are external views of an AC outlet with an AS-i communication function used in the current consumption detection control system of this example. Since FIG. 1A is a side view and FIG. 1B is a front view, FIG. 1 will be described as FIG. 1 without dividing FIG. 1A and FIG. This also applies to FIG.

The AC outlet 10 with AS-i communication function shown in FIG. 1 has a female plug 1 (outlet), a male plug 2, a cable presser 4, a screw 5, and a pressure contact pin 6 in appearance.
When using the AC outlet 10 with the AS-i communication function, the male plug 2 is inserted into an arbitrary AC outlet in the building, and the male plug of an arbitrary electrical appliance is inserted into the female plug 1. That is, in this example, the AC outlet with AS-i communication function 10 is an adapter connected to an existing AC outlet. However, as will be described later, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the function of the AC outlet with AS-i communication function 10 may be provided in an existing AC outlet.

  The AC outlet with AS-i communication function 10 is connected to the AS-i cable 3 disposed in the building. First, the AS-i cable 3 is inserted into a place (concave portion) where the pressure contact pin 6 is located as shown in the drawing with the cable retainer 4 and the screw 5 loosened. When the screw 5 is tightened, the cable presser 4 pushes the AS-i cable 3 in the direction of the pressure contact pin 6, whereby the pressure contact pin 6 is inserted into the AS-i cable 3, and the pressure contact pin 6 and the AS-i. The core wire in the cable 3 is pressure-connected. In addition, the structure physically connected to the AS-i cable 3 is not limited to the press contact pin 6.

In addition, the said building is buildings, such as a house of a general household, a small store (for example, a supermarket or a convenience store), a factory, for example.
FIG. 2 shows a configuration diagram of the consumption current detection control system according to the first embodiment and the AC outlet 10 with the AS-i communication function.

In FIG. 2, the same components as those shown in FIG.
First, the female plug 1 and the male plug 2 shown in FIG. 1 are directly connected by a line 24 inside the AC outlet 10 with the AS-i communication function, as shown in FIG. The AC outlet with AS-i communication function 10 includes a current detection device 20 and an AS-i communication LSI 31. The current detection device 20 includes a current transformer 21, an A / D converter 22, and a microcomputer 23.

  A current transformer (current transformer) CT21 is provided in the vicinity of the line 24 as shown in the figure, and detects a current flowing through the line 24 (consumption current of the above-mentioned arbitrary electrical appliance) in a non-contact manner (similar to Patent Document 2 and the like). , Sensing, etc.) and outputting to the A / D converter 22. The A / D converter 22 performs analog / digital conversion on the current value (analog data) detected by the current transformer 21 and outputs the result to the microcomputer 23. The microcomputer 23 inputs this current value (digital data) and calculates the current consumption value for every unit time (several seconds to several tens of seconds, every minute, etc.), for example. -I is passed to the communication LSI 31.

  The AS-i communication LSI 31 and the AS-i master 32 are existing configurations that are also used in a general AS-i network. The AS-i communication LSI 31 and the AS-i master 32 are AS-i. Serial communication is performed via the cable 3. The AS-i communication LSI 31 transmits the consumption current data to the AS-i master 32 via the AS-i cable 3.

  Here, AS-i is an Actuator-Sensor-Interface, and the AS-i system is a well-known open wiring-saving network. In particular, each I / O module and various sensors / actuators in a PLC (programmable controller). Applied to the connecting part. In the AS-i system, for example, one master and many slaves are connected by a single cable. In the configuration of this example, the AS-i master 32 corresponds to this master, and the AC outlet 10 with the AS-i communication function corresponds to this slave.

  The AS-i master 32 of this example also has a function of collecting and storing each consumption current data from each AC outlet with AS-i communication function 10 via the AS-i cable 3 and displaying this data. May be. Alternatively, the data collection / display function may be executed by a personal computer (not shown) connected to the AS-i master 32. In addition, the AS-i master 32 or a personal computer (not shown) has a function of setting a current limit value, which will be described later, or determining ON / OFF of a switch to each AC outlet via the AS-i cable 3. May have. Of course, in order to realize these functions and processing, the AS-i master 32 or a personal computer (not shown) is provided with a storage unit such as a CPU and a memory, and an application program stored in advance in this storage unit is stored. These functions and processes are realized by the CPU reading and executing.

  The AS-i communication LSI 31 is connected to the press contact pin 6. Further, as shown in the figure, the AS-i master 32 is supplied with power from the AS-i power source 33 (the AS-i communication LSI 31 is also supplied with power: the AS-i cable is powered by a single cable. The two pins of the pressure contact pin 6 are connected to the power supply line and the signal line, respectively). Apart from this, the current detection device 20 is operated by being supplied with power from the DC 24V power source 34.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration diagram of the consumption current detection control system according to the second embodiment and the AC outlet 10 with the AS-i communication function. In FIG. 3, the same reference numerals are given to the substantially same components as those in FIG. 2, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The configuration of FIG. 3 differs from the configuration of FIG. 2 in that a switch 41 is provided on a line 24 connecting the female plug 1 and the male plug 2, and this switch 41 is turned on / off by the microcomputer 23 via a signal line 42. This is a point in which the OFF control is performed. Further, the AS-i master 32 transmits an arbitrary current limit value to the microcomputer 23 via the AS-i cable 3 and the AS-i communication LSI 31, and the microcomputer 23 detects that the current detection value is equal to or less than the current limit value. The switch 41 is ON / OFF controlled so that Alternatively, the AS-i master 32 may issue an ON / OFF instruction for the switch 41 based on the detected current value, and the microcomputer 23 may perform ON / OFF control of the switch 41 based on this instruction.

  FIG. 4 shows a configuration diagram of the consumption current detection control system according to the third embodiment and the AC outlet 10 with the AS-i communication function. In FIG. 4, the same reference numerals are given to the substantially same components as those in FIG. 3, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the second embodiment, the AS-i master 32 sets the current limit value, but in the third embodiment, the current limit value is set by the current limit value setter 51 shown in FIG. That is, a current limit value setting device 51 is provided in the AC outlet 10 with the AS-i communication function, and an operator or the like operates the current limit value setting device 51 to set a desired current limit value. It is stored in an internal memory (not shown). The subsequent steps are the same as in the second embodiment.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are external views of the AC outlet 10 with the AS-i communication function in the third embodiment. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
As shown in the front view of FIG. 5B, the illustrated outlet 10 is provided with the current limit value setting unit 51. The current limit value setter 51 is provided with a plurality of buttons as shown in the figure, and an operator manually operates these buttons to set a desired current limit value.

  FIG. 6 shows a configuration diagram of the consumption current detection control system according to the fourth embodiment and the AC outlet 10 with the AS-i communication function. In FIG. 6, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same components as those in FIG. 3, and the description thereof is omitted.

  2 to 5, the current detection device 20 is operated by being supplied with power from the DC 24V power source 34 via the auxiliary power cable 5. Although not described, the ON / OFF drive power source of the switch 41 in FIGS. 3 and 4 is also a DC 24V power source 34. In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the DC 24V power source 34 and the auxiliary power cable 35 are not necessary. Instead, in the configuration of FIG. 6, a power supply circuit 60 (regulator / rectifier) including a rectifier 61, a regulator IC 62, capacitors C1 and C2, and a resistor R is provided. This power supply circuit generates power (DC) for driving the current detection device 20 and the switch 41 from AC power supplied from an AC outlet, and has a well-known general configuration, so that it is particularly well-known. Not explained (rectified by the rectifier 61 (AC → DC) and stabilized by the regulator IC 62).

The symbols P and M shown in the figure merely indicate that the output of the power supply circuit 60 is input to the current detection device 20 as shown.
FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b) show processing flowcharts (part 1) and (part 2) of the microcomputer 23 in the second embodiment.

First, the process flowchart (part 1) shown in FIG.
In the illustrated process, first, it is assumed that the AS-i master 32 transmits an arbitrary current limit value B to the AS-i communication LSI 31 via the AS-i cable 3.

  When the microcomputer 23 receives the current value A output from the A / D converter 22 (step S11), the microcomputer 23 reads the current limit value B from the AS-i communication LSI 31 (step S12). Compare B. If A> B (step S13, YES), that is, if the current consumption value exceeds the current limit value, the switch 41 is turned off (step S15). On the other hand, if A ≦ B (step S13, NO), the switch 41 remains on (step S14).

  Finally, the current value A received in step S11 is written into the AS-i communication LSI 31 (in order to notify the AS-i master 32) (step S16), and the process returns to step S11. Note that when the switch 41 is turned off, the AS-i master 32 may be notified to that effect. The same applies to other processes.

First, the processing flowchart (part 2) shown in FIG. 7B will be described.
The process shown in the figure is a process in the form of “the AS-i master 32 issues an ON / OFF instruction for the switch 41”. Therefore, the AS-i master 32 transmits an arbitrary circuit cutoff signal C to the AS-i communication LSI 31 via the AS-i cable 3. The signal C is an ON instruction or an OFF instruction for the switch 41. The AS-i master 32 stores the current limit value B, and determines whether it is an ON instruction or an OFF instruction by comparing with the current consumption value, as in the process of FIG. The current consumption value is notified to the AS-i master 32 by the process of step S24 described later.

  When the microcomputer 23 receives the current value A output from the A / D converter 22 (step S21), the microcomputer 23 reads the circuit cutoff signal C from the AS-i communication LSI 31 (step S22) and follows the circuit cutoff signal C. The switch 41 is subjected to ON control or OFF control (step S23). Finally, the current value A received in step S21 is written into the AS-i communication LSI 31 (in order to notify the AS-i master 32) (step S24), and the process returns to step S21.

  When receiving the current value A from the AS-i communication LSI 31, the AS-i master 32 determines whether the switch 41 should be ON-controlled or OFF-controlled, and based on the determination result, the AS-i master 32 outputs the circuit cutoff signal C. The data is transmitted to the AS-i communication LSI 31. The microcomputer 23 performs ON / OFF control of the switch 41 in accordance with the circuit cutoff signal C in the next process of FIG.

FIG. 8 shows a process flowchart of the microcomputer 23 in the third embodiment.
In the illustrated process, when the microcomputer 23 receives the current value A output from the A / D converter 22 (step S31), the microcomputer 23 reads the set current limit value B from the current limit value setter 51 (step S32). ), A and B are compared. If A> B (step S33, YES), that is, if the current consumption value exceeds the current limit value, the switch 41 is turned off (step S35). On the other hand, if A ≦ B (step S33, NO), the switch 41 remains ON (step S34).

  Finally, the current value A received in step S31 is written into the AS-i communication LSI 31 (in order to notify the AS-i master 32) (step S36), and the process returns to step S31. In order to notify the AS-i master 32 of the current limit value B set in the current limit value setter 51, this current limit value B may also be written to the AS-i communication LSI 31 (step). S37).

  7 (a), (b) and FIG. 8 are executed by the arithmetic processing unit in the microcomputer 23 reading and executing a predetermined application program stored in advance in the memory built in the microcomputer 23. It is realized by doing.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show another embodiment.
For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the AC outlet 10 with AS-i communication function is provided with a display unit 71, and the microcomputer 23 displays the current value A acquired from the A / D converter 22 by the display unit 71. It is good also as a structure displayed on. Of course, the current value A may be notified to the AS-i master 32 even in this case. As a result, the user / worker can not only centrally monitor the power consumption status of each place in the building in the AS-i master 32 but also know the power consumption status directly at each location in the building.

  Moreover, as already stated, the function of the AC outlet 10 with the AS-i communication function may be applied to an existing outlet (a rosette type outlet attached to the wall surface) (in this case, the male plug 2 is not necessary, Connected directly to the power line). According to this modification, for example, as shown in FIG. 9B, the AS-i cable 3 is arranged in a wall or the like. In particular, when the product of the present invention is applied to a general household, although only one AS-i cable is required for wiring, it is very unsightly because it is arranged indoors. Because it is arranged (because it can be hidden behind the rosette), it does not touch people's eyes, so this problem is solved.

Further, the outlet is not limited to a general power line outlet (2 pins), and may be a power outlet (3 pins), for example.
According to the above-described consumption current detection control system, AC outlet with AS-i communication function, etc., in the system that centrally monitors the consumption current related to each AC outlet in the building, wiring is basically performed by using AS-i technology. The wiring man-hour can be reduced by using only one. Further, by integrating the current detection function and the AS-i communication function into each AC outlet or an adapter connected to the AC outlet, the cost can be reduced, and the current consumption of each electrical appliance can be easily measured. In addition, to reduce the contract power, it becomes possible to know which device should be energy-saving. If the contract power can be reduced, the electricity bill can be saved.

  Furthermore, abnormal current consumption can be detected to cut off the power supply. Further, the AS-i cable can be concealed so as not to be touched by human eyes, so that it can sufficiently cope with ordinary homes and the like. In addition, if each system is leveled based on the current consumption data of the AC outlets (electrical appliances connected to the AC outlets) measured and collected at each place, an effect that the optimum electrical system design can be easily performed can be obtained.

It is an external view of AC outlet with an AS-i communication function, (a) is a side view, (b) is a front view. 1 is a configuration diagram of a consumption current detection control system and an AC outlet with an AS-i communication function according to a first embodiment. FIG. It is a block diagram of the consumption current detection control system by 2nd Example, and AC outlet with an AS-i communication function. It is a block diagram of the consumption current detection control system by 3rd Example, and AC outlet with an AS-i communication function. It is an external view of AC outlet 10 with an AS-i communication function in a 3rd Example, (a) is a side view, (b) is a front view. It is a block diagram of the consumption current detection control system by 4th Example, and AC outlet with an AS-i communication function. (A), (b) is the process flowchart figure of the microcomputer in the 2nd example (the 1) and (the 2). It is a process flowchart figure of the microcomputer in a 3rd Example. It is a figure which shows another Example. It is a block diagram of a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

1 Female plug (outlet)
2 Male plug 3 AS-i cable 4 Cable retainer 5 Screw 6 Pressure contact pin 10 AC outlet with AS-i communication function 20 Current detection device 21 Current transformer 22 A / D converter 23 Microcomputer 24 Line 31 AS-i communication LSI
32 AS-i master 33 AS-i power supply 34 24 VDC power supply 41 Switch 42 Signal line 51 Current limit value setting device 60 Power supply circuit 61 Rectifier 62 Regulator IC

Claims (7)

A male plug that connects to an AC outlet;
A female plug to connect to any electrical appliance;
A current detection device for detecting current consumption of the electrical appliance;
Connection means for physically connecting to the AS-i cable;
A communication processor for transmitting the consumption current detected by the current detection means to the AS-i master connected to the AS-i cable via the AS-i cable;
An AC outlet with an AS-i communication function. Provide a switch that cuts off the current flowing from the male plug to the female plug,
2. The AS according to claim 1, wherein the current detection device performs OFF control of the switch when the current consumption exceeds the current limit value based on the detected current consumption and the current limit value. -AC outlet with i communication function. A current limit value setter;
3. The AC outlet with AS-i communication function according to claim 2, wherein the current limit value is set by the current limit value setter. The current limit value is transmitted from the AS-i master to the communication processor via the AS-i cable.
3. The AC outlet with AS-i communication function according to claim 2, wherein the current detection means performs ON / OFF control of the switch using a current limit value received by the communication processor.   2. The AC outlet with AS-i communication function according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply circuit that generates a power source of the current detection device and a driving power source of the switch from a part of the power acquired from the AC outlet. . An AS-i master connected to the AS-i cable;
A male plug connected to an AC outlet, a female plug connected to an arbitrary electrical appliance, a current detection device for detecting current consumption of the electrical appliance, a connection means physically connected to the AS-i cable, and the current detection An AC outlet with an AS-i communication function having a communication processor for transmitting the current consumption detected by the means to the AS-i master via the AS-i cable;
A current consumption detection control system comprising: A female plug to connect to any electrical appliance;
A current detection device for detecting current consumption of the electrical appliance;
Connection means for physically connecting to the AS-i cable;
A communication processor for transmitting the consumption current detected by the current detection means to the AS-i master connected to the AS-i cable via the AS-i cable;
An AC outlet with an AS-i communication function.