JP2014014182A - Communication system, sensor system and power monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication module etc. easily executable of ID registration.SOLUTION: A communication module 200 includes communication terminals 221 and 223, signal transmission control means 227, a processing unit 228 and a memory 229. The signal transmission control means 227 is switchable between a downlink signal passing state, in which a downlink signal SD input from the outside of a module to a former stage-side communication terminal 221 is passed through to a latter stage-side communication terminal 223, and a downlink signal inhibition state, in which the transmission of the downlink signal SD to the latter stage-side communication terminal 223 is inhibited. The downlink signal SD includes an ID registration instruction signal transmitted from a main unit 100. The memory 229 stores an ID allocated to the communication module 200. The processing unit 228 receives the ID registration instruction in the downlink signal inhibition state, and after receiving the ID registration instruction, controls the signal transmission control means 227 to change the downlink signal inhibition state to the downlink signal passing state.

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system, a sensor system, and a power monitoring system.

  Conventionally, the structure which provided the electric power measuring apparatus in the breaker is known (refer patent document 1), Furthermore, the system which monitors the electric power consumption using such a structure is known (patent document) 2). In the power monitoring system described in Patent Document 2, a sensor that detects a current of a branch breaker and a sensor unit that sends measurement current data are provided for each branch breaker. Further, in the power monitoring system described in Patent Document 2, data transmitted from a plurality of sensor units is collected by a measurement control unit.

JP 2009-103538 A JP 2008-89435 A

  According to Patent Literature 2, serial numbers are assigned to branch breakers and sensors in the above power monitoring system (see Paragraph 0026 of Patent Literature 2). However, there is no mention of how to assign serial numbers.

  As a technique for registering the serial number or identification information (hereinafter also referred to as “ID”) in the device, for example, use of a switch component such as a dip switch is conceivable. However, according to the switch component, the ID registration must be performed manually by the user and is complicated. For this reason, a simple system capable of automatically performing ID registration is desired.

  The request for automation of ID registration is not limited to the power monitoring system as described above, but also applies to various systems including a plurality of modules, for example.

  An object of this invention is to provide the communication system which can perform ID registration of a module simply. Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor system to which the communication system is applied, and to provide a power monitoring system to which the sensor system is applied.

  A communication system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a main unit and a plurality of communication modules connected to the main unit in a daisy chain, and each of the plurality of communication modules includes the main unit or a previous communication. A front-stage communication terminal used for daisy chain connection with a module, a rear-stage communication terminal used for daisy-chain connection with a rear-stage communication module, and a downstream signal input to the front-stage communication terminal from the outside of the module A signal transmission control means capable of switching between a downstream signal passing state to be passed to the side communication terminal and a downstream signal blocking state for preventing the downstream signal from being transmitted to the downstream communication terminal, and the downstream signal can be received The provided processing unit and the processing unit are provided so that they can be accessed. A memory for storing identification information (ID) assigned thereto, and the downstream signal includes an ID registration instruction signal transmitted from the main unit to execute the ID registration process, and the process The unit receives the ID registration instruction in the downlink signal blocking state, changes the downlink signal blocking state to the downlink signal passing state by controlling the signal transmission control means after receiving the ID registration instruction, Each of the communication modules transmits the ID registration request to the main unit, the main unit transmits the ID registration instruction in response to the ID registration request, and each of the plurality of communication modules includes: If the ID registration instruction is not received even if the ID registration request is issued a predetermined number of times, the downlink signal blocking is controlled by controlling the signal transmission control means. To change the state to the downlink signal passing state.

  Moreover, the sensor system which concerns on a 2nd aspect is a sensor system provided with the communication system which concerns on a 1st aspect, Comprising: It is provided with the some sensor module which each has the said some communication module.

  Moreover, the sensor system which concerns on a 3rd aspect is a sensor system which concerns on a 2nd aspect, Comprising: Each of these sensor modules has a mode setting means for switching an operation mode.

  The power monitoring system according to the fourth aspect is a power monitoring system including the sensor system according to the second or third aspect, and each of the plurality of sensor modules is a power supply system assigned to the power monitoring system. The power measurement module that measures the amount of power is configured.

  The communication system according to the fifth aspect is connected to the main unit, the first communication line connected to the main unit, the second communication line, the first communication line, and the second communication line. A downstream signal passing state in which a downstream signal transmitted from the main unit to the first communication line passes from the first communication line to the second communication line, and the downstream signal is transmitted to the second communication line. A signal transmission control means capable of switching between a downlink signal blocking state for blocking the transmission, a first processing unit connected to the first communication line, and the first processing unit being accessible, A first memory for storing identification information (ID) assigned to the first processing unit, a second processing unit connected to the second communication line, and the second processing unit are accessible. And a second memory for storing an ID assigned to the second processing unit, and the downlink signal is an ID registration instruction transmitted from the main unit to execute the ID registration process. The first processing unit receives the ID registration instruction in the downlink signal blocking state, and controls the signal transmission control means after receiving the ID registration instruction to set the downlink signal blocking state in the downlink signal blocking state. After changing to the signal passing state, the second processing unit receives the new ID registration instruction transmitted from the main unit after the change to the downlink signal passing state, and the first and second processing units Each transmits a registration request for the ID to the main unit, the main unit transmits the ID registration instruction in response to the ID registration request, and the first processing unit If even a D registration request to a predetermined number of times originating not received the ID registration instruction, the change control to the downlink signal blocking state the signal transmission control means to the downstream signal passing state.

  Moreover, the sensor system which concerns on a 6th aspect is a sensor system provided with the communication system which concerns on a 5th aspect, Comprising: The 1st sensor module which has the said 1st process part, and the 2nd which has the said 2nd process part And a sensor module.

  A sensor system according to a seventh aspect is the sensor system according to the sixth aspect, and each of the first and second sensor modules has mode setting means for switching an operation mode.

  Moreover, the power monitoring system according to the eighth aspect is a power monitoring system including the sensor system according to the sixth or seventh aspect, and each of the first and second sensor modules is assigned to the power monitoring system. The power measurement module for measuring the power amount of the power supply system is configured.

  According to the first aspect, the processing unit receives the ID registration instruction in the downlink signal blocking state. That is, the downlink signal blocking state is set until the ID registration instruction is received. For this reason, ID registration processing can be automatically executed sequentially from the communication module close to the main unit by daisy chain connecting a plurality of communication modules to the main unit. Thereby, ID registration work by a user can be made unnecessary. Further, duplicate registration of IDs can be prevented. Therefore, a simple communication system can be constructed.

  Further, according to the first aspect, the selection of the communication module for executing the ID registration process depends on whether or not the ID registration instruction has arrived. It depends on whether there is a downstream signal blocking state. For this reason, such module selection is performed using a communication line (connected to the communication terminal of the communication module) for transmitting the ID registration instruction. That is, a dedicated line for module selection is not required. Therefore, the number of wires in the module and the wires in the communication system can be reduced. A small number of wires leads to a reduction in wiring space, so that the size of the communication module itself and the size of the communication system can be reduced.

  Further, according to the first aspect, as described above, it is possible to automatically and sequentially select the communication modules that execute the ID registration process from the side closer to the main unit. For this reason, the main unit does not need to individually specify a communication module for executing the registration process in the ID registration instruction. Therefore, the processing load on the main unit can be reduced.

  According to the first aspect, the ID registration requires an ID registration request from the communication module. Therefore, the main unit transmits an ID registration instruction without a request from the communication module, and ID registration is performed more reliably than a configuration in which the transmission of the ID registration instruction is terminated when there is no response from the communication module. be able to. This is because, for example, even if the ID registration instruction cannot be received due to a communication error or the like, the ID registration instruction can be acquired by transmitting the ID registration request again.

  In addition, according to the first aspect, for example, even when a communication module located in the middle of a daisy chain connection cannot receive an ID registration instruction, the communication module at a later stage can execute the ID registration process. Can be. Further, it is possible to avoid that one communication module occupies communication for ID registration.

  According to the 2nd aspect, the sensor system which has said various effect can be provided.

  According to the third aspect, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of types of sensor modules having different operation modes. For this reason, it can prevent installing the kind of sensor module incorrectly. Further, the operation mode can be set after the installation of the sensor module. Moreover, since installation work can be performed without worrying about the type of sensor module, good workability can be provided.

  According to the 4th aspect, the electric power monitoring system which has said various effect can be provided.

  According to the fifth aspect, the first processing unit receives the ID registration instruction in the downlink signal blocking state. That is, the downlink signal blocking state is set until the ID registration instruction is received. For this reason, the ID registration process can be automatically executed sequentially from the processing unit close to the main unit. Thereby, ID registration work by a user can be made unnecessary. Further, duplicate registration of IDs can be prevented. Therefore, a simple communication system can be constructed.

  Further, according to the fifth aspect, the selection of the processing unit for executing the ID registration process depends on whether or not the ID registration instruction has arrived, and the arrival position of the ID registration instruction passes the downstream signal between the processing units. It depends on whether it is in the state or in the downstream signal blocking state. For this reason, selection of such a processing unit is performed using a communication line for transmitting an ID registration instruction. That is, a dedicated line for selecting a processing unit is not required. Therefore, the number of wires in the communication system can be reduced. Since the number of wirings reduces the wiring space, the communication system can be downsized.

  Further, according to the fifth aspect, as described above, it is possible to automatically and sequentially select the processing unit that executes the ID registration process from the side closer to the main unit. For this reason, the main unit does not need to individually specify a processing unit for executing the registration process in the ID registration instruction. Therefore, the processing load on the main unit can be reduced.

  According to the 6th aspect, the effect similar to a 2nd aspect can be acquired.

  According to the 7th aspect, the effect similar to a 3rd aspect can be acquired.

  According to the 8th aspect, the effect similar to a 4th aspect can be acquired.

1 is a block diagram outlining a communication system according to a first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart outlining the operation of the communication system according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which outlines operation | movement of the communication system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which outlines the electric power monitoring system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which outlines the electric power monitoring main unit which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which outlines the electric power measurement module which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
<Configuration of communication system>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram outlining the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. A communication system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a main unit 100, a communication module 200, and a wiring 300. Although FIG. 1 illustrates two communication modules 200 and three communication lines 300, the number is not limited to these. In the following description, the two communication modules 200 may be distinguished by reference numerals 201 and 202, and the three communication lines 300 may be distinguished by reference numerals 301 to 303.

  In the communication system 1, the main unit 100 and a plurality of communication modules 200 are daisy chain connected. In the example of FIG. 1, the main unit 100 is connected to the communication module 201 via the communication line 301, the communication module 201 is connected to the communication module 202 via the communication line 302, and the communication module 202 is connected to the communication line 202. It is connected to a communication module 200 (not shown) via 303.

  The communication line 300 can be configured by a so-called communication cable. For easy understanding, communication lines in the communication system 1 are indicated by bold lines.

  In the above daisy chain connection form, the side closer to the main unit 100 is expressed as the front side or the upper side, and the side far from the main unit 100 is expressed as the rear side or the lower side. In the above daisy chain connection configuration, the communication module 201 closest to the main unit 100 may be referred to as the first stage or the first communication module 200 (or 201). Similarly, the communication module 202 may be referred to as a second stage or second communication module 200 (or 202).

  Under the above daisy chain connection form, the main unit 100 is configured to be able to communicate with each communication module 200 in both directions. Here, a signal transmitted from the main unit 100 toward the communication module 200 is referred to as a downstream signal SD, and conversely, a signal transmitted from the communication module 200 toward the main unit 100 is referred to as an upstream signal SU.

  Each communication module 200 may be configured to be capable of bidirectional communication with other communication modules 200. In this case, the downstream signal SD is a signal transmitted toward the communication module 200 on the subsequent stage, and the upstream signal SU is a signal transmitted toward the communication module 200 on the upstream stage.

Although communication using the I ² C bus method is illustrated here, other methods can also be used. In addition to communication using electrical signals, for example, optical communication can be used. Note that the I ² C bus communication line includes ^two bus lines, a serial data line (SDA) and a serial clock line (SCL), but in the drawing, only one bus line is used. It is shown in the figure.

<Configuration of main unit>
The main unit 100 exemplified here includes a communication terminal 111, communication lines 113 and 114, a buffer 115, a processing unit 116, and an external communication circuit 117.

  The communication terminal 111 is a terminal used for daisy chain connection with the communication module 200, and one end of the communication line 301 is connected thereto. Here, the case where the main unit 100 has the connector 112 for connecting the cable of the communication line 301 and the terminal of the connector 112 constitutes the communication terminal 111 is illustrated.

  The communication line 113 has one end connected to the communication terminal 111 and the other end connected to the buffer 115. One end of the communication line 114 is connected to the buffer 115. That is, the communication lines 113 and 114 are connected via the buffer 115. The communication lines 113 and 114 can be configured by electric wiring. The buffer 115 is a so-called bidirectional buffer here.

  The processing unit 116 performs various processes in the main unit 100. For example, the processing unit 116 can include a microcomputer (in other words, a microprocessor) and a memory.

  In this case, various processes are performed by the microcomputer executing processing steps (in other words, processing procedures) described in a program stored in advance in the memory. The memory includes, for example, one or more of ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and rewritable nonvolatile memory (EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), etc.). In addition to storing the program executed by the processing unit 116 as described above, the memory stores various information, data, and the like, and provides a work area for executing the program.

  According to such a configuration, the microcomputer functions as various units corresponding to one or a plurality of processing steps, or various functions corresponding to one or a plurality of processing steps are realized by the microcomputer. Note that some or all of the various means or functions implemented by the microcomputer can be implemented by hardware.

In addition, the processing unit 116 has a communication function for performing communication with the communication module 200. For example, the processing unit 116 includes a communication circuit responsible for communication between its own microcomputer and the communication module 200, and the communication function of the processing unit 116 is realized by the communication circuit and the microcomputer. The communication circuit of the processing unit 116 is connected to the communication line 114. Here, a circuit conforming to the I ² C bus system is exemplified as the communication circuit.

  The external communication circuit 117 is a circuit for the processing unit 116 to communicate with an external host device or the like. As external communication, a form using one or both of wired communication and wireless communication is conceivable.

<Configuration of communication module>
The communication module 200 exemplified here includes communication terminals 221 and 223, communication lines 225 and 226, a buffer 227, a processing unit 228, and a memory 229.

  The communication terminal 221 is a terminal used for daisy chain connection with the main unit 100 or the previous communication module 200. Another communication terminal 223 is a terminal used for daisy chain connection with the communication module 200 in the subsequent stage. In view of this point, the communication terminal 221 is also referred to as a pre-stage communication terminal 221 and the communication terminal 223 is also referred to as a post-stage communication terminal 223.

  According to the example of FIG. 1, in the first-stage communication module 201, the front-stage communication terminal 221 is connected to the other end of the communication line 301 connected to the main unit 100, and the rear-stage communication terminal 223 is connected to the second-stage communication terminal 221. One end of a communication line 302 connected to the eye communication module 202 is connected. In the second-stage communication module 202, the front-stage communication terminal 221 is connected to the other end of the communication line 302 connected to the first-stage communication module 201, and the rear-stage communication terminal 223 is a communication (not shown). One end of a communication line 303 connected to the module 200 is connected.

  Here, the communication module 200 has a connector 222 for connecting a cable of a communication line (corresponding to the communication line 301 or the communication line 302), and the terminal of the connector 222 constitutes the front-stage communication terminal 221. Illustrate. Further, the communication module 200 includes a connector 224 for connecting a cable of a communication line (corresponding to the communication line 302 or the communication line 303), and the terminal of the connector 224 constitutes the rear communication terminal 223. To do.

  The communication line 225 has one end connected to the upstream communication terminal 221 and the other end connected to the buffer 227. The communication line 226 has one end connected to the buffer 227 and the other end connected to the rear communication terminal 223. That is, the communication lines 225 and 226 are connected via the buffer 227. The communication lines 225 and 226 can be configured by electric wiring.

  Here, the buffer 227 is a so-called bidirectional buffer.

  In particular, the buffer 227 is a so-called three-state buffer. The three-state buffer has a configuration that not only outputs the input signal as it is, but also allows the output to be in a high impedance state. Switching between whether the input signal is output as it is or whether the output is in a high impedance state can be controlled by a control signal (also referred to as a gate signal). The buffer 227 is connected to the processing unit 228, and the control signal is supplied from the control unit 228.

  By setting the buffer 227 to a state in which the input signal is output as it is (so-called enable state), the signal can pass between the communication terminals 221 and 223 (hereinafter also referred to as a signal passing state). On the other hand, by setting the output of the buffer 227 to a high impedance state (so-called disabled state), a state in which a signal is prevented from being transmitted between the communication terminals 221 and 223 (hereinafter referred to as a signal blocking state). Also called). For this reason, in the exemplary communication module 200, the three-state buffer 227 constitutes a signal transmission control unit. The signal transmission control means may be configured by elements other than the three-state buffer.

  Here, the buffer 227 is a bidirectional buffer, and signals transmitted between the communication terminals 221 and 223 include a downstream signal SD and an upstream signal SU. Therefore, in the signal passing state, the downstream signal passing state in which the downstream signal SD is passed from the upstream communication terminal 221 to the downstream communication terminal 223, and the upstream signal SU is passed from the downstream communication terminal 223 to the upstream communication terminal 221. And an upstream signal passing state to be included.

  In the signal blocking state, the downstream signal blocking state in which the downstream signal SD is prevented from being transmitted from the upstream communication terminal 221 to the downstream communication terminal 223, and the upstream signal SU is transmitted from the downstream communication terminal 223 to the upstream communication terminal. And an upstream signal blocking state for blocking transmission to 221.

  In the ID registration operation to be described later, it is only necessary that the downlink signal SD can be switched at least between the downlink signal passing state and the downlink signal blocking state.

  The processing unit 228 performs various processes in the communication module 200. The processing unit 228 can be configured to include, for example, a microcomputer (in other words, a microprocessor) and a memory.

  In this case, various processes are performed by the microcomputer executing processing steps (in other words, processing procedures) described in a program stored in advance in the memory. The memory includes, for example, one or more of a ROM, a RAM, and a rewritable nonvolatile memory (such as EPROM). In addition to storing the program executed by the processing unit 228 as described above, the memory stores various information, data, and the like, and provides a work area for executing the program.

  According to such a configuration, the microcomputer functions as various units corresponding to one or a plurality of processing steps, or various functions corresponding to one or a plurality of processing steps are realized by the microcomputer. Note that some or all of the various means or functions implemented by the microcomputer can be implemented by hardware.

The processing unit 228 has a communication function for performing communication with the main unit 100. For example, the processing unit 228 includes a communication circuit responsible for communication between its own microcomputer and the main unit 100, and the communication function of the processing unit 228 is realized by the communication circuit and the microcomputer. Here, a circuit conforming to the I ² C bus system is exemplified as the communication circuit.

  The communication circuit of the processing unit 228 is connected to the communication line 225. As a result, the processing unit 228 can receive the downlink signal SD and the uplink signal SU. In particular, the processing unit 228 is connected to a position upstream of the buffer 227 (in other words, upstream) in the communication line 225. For this reason, the processing unit 228 receives the downstream signal input to the upstream terminal 221 regardless of whether the buffer 227 located on the upstream side (in other words, the downstream side) is in a signal passing state or a signal blocking state. The signal SD can be received.

  Note that the communication circuit of the processing unit 228 may be configured to further enable bidirectional communication with another communication module 200.

  The memory 229 provides a storage area for storing a module ID (hereinafter also simply referred to as ID).

  Here, the module ID is identification information for identifying each communication module 200 from other communication modules 200 in the communication system 1. Each communication module 200 is assigned a unique module ID. The module ID may be referred to as a module address or the like.

  The memory 229 is provided so that the processing unit 228 can be accessed by the microcomputer of the processing unit 228, more specifically. The memory 229 can be constituted by a rewritable memory such as a RAM or an EPROM.

  Here, in order to make the explanation easy to understand, a case where a memory 229 for storing a module ID is provided separately from the memory in the processing unit 228 is illustrated. On the other hand, the memory 229 can be provided in the processing unit 228. For example, a partial storage area of the memory of the processing unit 228 may be used as the memory 229 for storing the module ID.

<Consideration on Configuration of Communication System 1>
Here, the configuration of the communication system 1 will be considered.

  In the above configuration, when the communication path from the communication terminal 111 of the main unit 100 to the buffer 227 of the first-stage communication module 201 is referred to as a first communication line 351, the first communication line 351 is a communication line. 301, and a first communication terminal 221 and a communication line 225 included in the first communication module 201.

  When the communication path from the buffer 227 of the first-stage communication module 201 to the buffer 227 of the second-stage communication module 202 is referred to as a second communication line 352, the second communication line 352 is A communication line 226 and a rear-stage communication terminal 223 included in the first-stage communication module 201, a communication line 302, and a front-stage communication terminal 221 and a communication line 225 included in the second-stage communication module 202. Has been.

  In this case, the first communication line 351 connects the main unit 100 and the buffer 227 included in the first-stage communication module 201. The buffer 227 is connected between the first communication line 351 and the second communication line 352, and switches between a signal passing state and a signal blocking state between the two communication lines 351 and 352.

  When the processing unit 228 and the memory 229 included in the first-stage communication module 201 are referred to as the first processing unit 228 and the first memory 229, the first processing unit 228 is connected to the first communication line 351. The first memory 229 is provided so that the first processing unit 228 can access it.

  Similarly, when the processing unit 228 and the memory 229 included in the second-stage communication module 202 are referred to as the second processing unit 228 and the second memory 229, the second processing unit 228 is connected to the second communication line 352. The second memory 229 is provided so that the second processing unit 228 can access it.

  Further, the module ID of the first-stage communication module 201 can also be regarded as an ID assigned to the processing unit 228 of the communication module 201. Similarly, the module ID of the second-stage communication module 202 can be regarded as an ID assigned to the processing unit 228 of the communication module 202.

  Here, the first and second communication modules 201 and 202 have been described as examples. However, the above description is not limited to the two communication modules 201 and 202. For example, the processing units 228 of the second and third communication modules 200 may be referred to as a first processing unit and a second processing unit. In this case, the first communication line to which the first processing unit is connected includes the two communication lines 351 and 352 and the buffer 227 of the first-stage communication module 201.

<Registration processing of module ID of communication module>
As described above, each communication module 200 is assigned a unique module ID. The module ID registration process will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 2 in addition to FIG.

  The module ID registration processing ST1 illustrated in FIG. 2 basically includes processing steps (hereinafter also simply referred to as steps) ST101 to ST103, ST201 to ST205.

  When the power is turned on, the main unit 100 and the communication module 200 are activated (steps ST101 and ST201). In the activation steps ST101 and ST201, the main unit 100 and the communication module 200 are in a reset state and perform initial settings. The initial settings include, for example, various operation checks and operation parameter settings.

  In particular, in the communication module 200, the buffer 227 enters a signal blocking state by executing the activation step ST201. For example, when the buffer 227 is configured to automatically enter a signal passing state after reset, the processing unit 228 controls the buffer 227 to a signal blocking state. Alternatively, for example, in the case of a configuration in which the buffer 227 automatically enters a signal blocking state after reset, no special control is necessary. Note that the communication module 200 enters a communication standby mode after the activation step ST201.

  Thereafter, the processing unit 116 of the main unit 100 outputs, via the communication terminal 111, a signal related to an instruction for causing the communication module 200 to execute a module ID registration process (hereinafter also referred to as an ID registration instruction) (step 1). ST102). The signal is a downstream signal SD. The ID registration instruction has, for example, a format having module ID data to be set.

  The ID registration instruction is received by communication module 200 (step ST202). More specifically, the processing unit 228 receives an ID registration instruction via the upstream communication terminal 221. Here, since all the communication modules 200 are in the signal blocking state immediately after activation, the ID registration instruction immediately after activation is transmitted only to the first-stage communication module 201.

  The communication module 201 that has received the ID registration instruction executes ID registration processing (step ST203). More specifically, the unique module ID is stored in the memory 229 in accordance with the received ID registration instruction.

  If the ID registration process is completed, the communication module 201 controls the buffer 227 to change the current signal blocking state to a signal passing state (step ST204).

  Thereafter, the communication module 201 reports to the main unit 100 that the ID registration process has been completed (step ST205). More specifically, when the processing unit 228 outputs a signal related to the ID registration completion report, the signal is transmitted to the main unit via the upstream communication terminal 221. Note that the signal is an uplink signal SU.

  When the main unit 100 receives the ID registration completion report (step ST103), the main unit 100 executes the ID registration instruction step ST102 again. The new ID registration instruction transmitted thereby is input to the front communication terminal 221 of the first communication module 201. Since the first-stage communication module 201 is already in a signal passing state, the ID registration instruction input to the front-stage communication terminal 221 is transmitted to the second-stage communication module 202 via the rear-stage communication terminal 223. The processing unit 228 of the first-stage communication module 201 receives the current ID registration instruction, but can be ignored because the ID registration has already been completed.

  After receiving the ID registration instruction (step ST202), the second-stage communication module 202 executes the above-described steps ST203 to ST205 in the same manner as the first-stage communication module 201. As a result, the module ID is registered in the second-stage communication module 202.

  The third and subsequent communication modules 200 operate in the same manner as the first and second communication modules 201 and 202, and register their module IDs.

  Here, the main unit 100 can determine that the ID registration has been completed, for example, by not receiving an ID registration completion report from the communication module 200 for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is set longer than the time taken from the transmission of the ID registration instruction to the reception of the ID registration completion report in response thereto.

  In addition, although the case where step ST204 for changing from the signal blocking state to the signal passing state is executed after the ID registration processing step ST203 is illustrated above, the state changing step ST204 is after the ID registration instruction receiving step ST202. It is feasible. For example, ID registration processing step ST203 may be executed after state changing step ST204. Alternatively, for example, the state change step ST204 may be executed after the ID registration completion report step ST205.

<Effect>
Processing unit 228 of communication module 200 receives the ID registration instruction in the downstream signal blocking state (see steps ST201 to ST202). That is, the downlink signal blocking state is set until the ID registration instruction is received. For this reason, in the communication system 1 having a configuration in which a plurality of communication modules 200 are daisy chain connected to the main unit 100, the ID registration process is automatically executed sequentially from the communication module 200 close to the main unit 100. It is possible.

  Thereby, ID registration work by a user can be made unnecessary. Further, duplicate registration of IDs can be prevented. Therefore, a simple communication system can be constructed.

  Further, the selection of the communication module 200 that executes the ID registration process depends on whether or not an ID registration instruction has reached the communication module 200. Further, the arrival position of the ID registration instruction depends on whether each communication module 200 is in the downlink signal passing state or the downlink signal blocking state. For this reason, such module selection is performed using the communication line 301 or the like for transmitting the ID registration instruction. That is, a dedicated line for module selection is not required.

  Therefore, the number of wires in the communication module 200 and the wires in the communication system 1 can be reduced. Since the small number of wirings reduces the wiring space, the communication module 200 and the communication system 1 can be downsized.

  Further, as described above, the communication module 200 that executes the ID registration process can be automatically selected sequentially from the side closer to the main unit 100. Therefore, the main unit 100 does not need to individually specify the communication module 200 that executes the registration process in the ID registration instruction. Therefore, the processing load on the main unit 100 can be reduced.

Second Embodiment
In the second embodiment, an ID registration process different from that in the first embodiment will be described. In addition, since the communication system 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment is common also in 2nd Embodiment, the above-mentioned description is used here.

  FIG. 3 shows a flowchart outlining module ID registration processing according to the second embodiment. The module ID registration process ST1B illustrated in FIG. 3 basically includes steps ST121 to ST125 and ST221 to ST227.

  The main unit 100 and the communication module 200 are activated (steps ST121 and ST122) in the same manner as the above-described steps ST101 and ST201 (see FIG. 2). In particular, in the communication module 200, the buffer 227 enters a signal blocking state by executing the activation step ST221. Note that the communication module 200 enters a communication standby mode after the activation step ST221.

  Thereafter, the processing unit 116 of the main unit 100 outputs a signal related to request reception for receiving a request from the communication module 200 via the communication terminal 111 (step ST122). The signal is a downstream signal.

  The request acceptance is received by the communication module 200 (step ST222). More specifically, the processing unit 228 receives the request reception via the upstream communication terminal 221. Here, since all the communication modules 200 are in a signal blocking state immediately after activation, the request acceptance immediately after activation is transmitted only to the first-stage communication module 201.

  In response to receiving the request acceptance, the first-stage communication module 201 transmits an ID registration request to the main unit 100 (step ST223). More specifically, when the processing unit 228 outputs a signal related to the ID registration request, the signal is output to the main unit via the upstream communication terminal 221. The signal is an upstream signal.

  The ID registration request is received by the main unit 100 (step ST123). More specifically, the processing unit 116 receives the ID registration request via the communication terminal 111.

  Then, in response to the reception of the ID registration request, the main unit 100 issues an ID registration instruction in the same manner as in step ST102 described above (step ST124).

  The ID registration instruction is received by the communication module 200 as in step ST202 described above (step ST224). Here, since all the communication modules 200 are in a signal blocking state immediately after activation, the ID registration instruction immediately after activation is transmitted only to the first-stage communication module 201 that has transmitted the ID registration request.

  After that, the communication module 201 executes ID registration processing (step ST225), changes the signal blocking state to the signal passing state (step ST226), and reports the ID registration completion report in the same manner as the above-described steps ST203 to ST205. It performs (step ST227). The completion report of the ID registration is received by the main unit 100 as in step ST103 described above (step ST125).

  Thereafter, the main unit 100 executes the request reception step ST122 again. The request reception is input to the front communication terminal 221 of the first communication module 201. Since the first-stage communication module 201 is already in a signal passing state, the request acceptance input to the front-stage communication terminal 221 is transmitted to the second-stage communication module 202 via the rear-stage communication terminal 223. At this time, the processing unit 228 of the communication module 201 at the first stage receives the current request registration, but may be ignored because the ID registration has already been completed.

  After receiving the request acceptance (step ST222), the second-stage communication module 202 executes the above-described steps ST223 to ST227 in the same manner as the first-stage communication module 201. At this time, the main unit 100 also executes the above steps ST123 to ST125 in the same manner as the processing for the first-stage communication module 201. As a result, the module ID is registered in the second-stage communication module 202.

  The third and subsequent communication modules 200 operate in the same manner as the first and second communication modules 201 and 202, and register their module IDs.

  In addition, although the case where step ST226 for changing from the signal blocking state to the signal passing state is executed after the ID registration processing step ST225 is illustrated above, the state changing step ST226 is performed after the reception step ST224 of the ID registration instruction. It is feasible. For example, the ID registration processing step ST225 may be executed after the state change step ST226. Alternatively, for example, the state change step ST226 may be executed after the ID registration completion report step ST227.

  Here, the communication module 200 controls the buffer 227 to block the signal when the ID registration request is not received even if the ID registration request is transmitted a predetermined number of times (set once or a plurality of times in advance). It is preferable to change the state to a signal passing state. According to this, for example, even when the communication module 200 located in the middle of the daisy chain connection cannot receive the ID registration instruction due to a communication error or the like, the communication module 200 at the later stage can execute the ID registration process. It can be in a state. In addition, it is possible to avoid that one communication module 200 occupies communication for ID registration.

  According to the ID registration process ST1B, an ID registration request from the communication module 200 is required for ID registration. For this reason, the main unit 100 transmits an ID registration instruction without a request from the communication module 200, and the ID is more reliably compared with a configuration in which the transmission of the ID registration instruction is terminated when there is no response from the communication module 200. You can register. This is because, for example, even if the ID registration instruction cannot be received due to a communication error or the like, the communication module 200 can acquire the ID registration instruction by transmitting the ID registration request again.

  Here, the main unit 100 can determine that the ID registration has been completed, for example, by not receiving an ID registration completion report from the communication module 200 for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is set longer than the time taken from the transmission of the ID registration instruction to the reception of the ID registration completion report in response thereto.

  Based on the above determination, the main unit 100 can also end the transmission of request acceptance. On the other hand, it is preferable that the main unit 100 continues intermittent transmission of request reception. This is because an ID registration opportunity can be given again to the communication module 200 that has not received an ID registration instruction due to a communication error or the like and has not yet completed ID registration as described above. In addition, since various requests can be received from the communication module 200 even during normal operation after ID registration, various processes and operations can be realized.

<Third Embodiment>
In the third embodiment, a sensor system to which the communication system 1 is applied will be described. Here, a power monitoring system is illustrated as an example of the sensor system. FIG. 4 is a block diagram outlining the power monitoring system 2 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates a state where the power monitoring system 2 is attached to the distribution board 500. First, the distribution board 500 will be described.

<Configuration of distribution board>
Here, the distribution board 500 illustrates a single-phase three-wire system. The distribution board 500 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a main breaker 510, a main line 520, four branch lines 530, and four branch breakers 540. In the following description, the four branch lines 530 may be distinguished by reference numerals 531 to 534, and the four branch breakers 540 may be distinguished by reference numerals 541 to 544. The number of these elements 510, 520, 530, and 540 is not limited to the example here.

  The main breaker 510 has a primary side (ie, power supply side) terminal connected to, for example, a lead-in line, and a secondary side (ie, load side) terminal connected to the main line 520. The main line 520 includes three main electric wires, more specifically, a neutral line 520a and voltage lines 520b and 520c. The two voltage lines 520b and 520c are electric wires that supply voltages having phases opposite to each other (here, 100V is exemplified) with respect to the voltage of the neutral line 520a. Therefore, the neutral line 520a and the voltage line 520b constitute a first 100V supply system, the neutral line 520a and the voltage line 520c constitute a second 100V supply system, and the voltage lines 520b and 520c form 200V. A supply system is configured. For example, a 100V supply system is a power supply system that can supply a voltage of 100V.

  The branch lines 531 and 532 are branched from the first 100V supply system, the branch line 533 is branched from the 200V supply system, and the branch line 534 is branched from the second 100V supply system. A branch breaker 541 is inserted in the middle of the branch line 531, and similarly, branch breakers 542 to 544 are inserted in the middle of the branch lines 532 to 534, respectively. Each branch line 530 includes two branch wires 530a and 530b.

<Configuration of power monitoring system>
Next, the power monitoring system 2 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the power monitoring system 2 includes a power monitoring main unit 600, four power measurement modules 700, and four cables 800. In the following description, the four power measurement modules 700 may be distinguished by reference numerals 701 to 704. In addition, the number of these elements 600, 700, and 800 is not limited to the illustration here.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the power monitoring main unit 600 and the power measurement modules 701 to 704 are daisy chain connected via a cable 800. In the example of FIG. 4, the first-stage power measurement module 701 is provided for the branch line 531, and similarly, the second to fourth-stage power measurement modules 702 to 704 are connected to the branch lines 532 to 534, respectively. It is provided for each.

  More specifically, the power measurement module 701 is attached to the branch wire 530a on the primary side of the branch breaker 541. Similarly, the power measurement modules 702 to 704 are respectively connected to the branch wire 530a on the primary side of the branch breakers 542 to 544. It is attached. In addition, you may attach the power measurement module 700 to the other branch electric wire 530b.

<Configuration of power monitoring main unit>
The power monitoring main unit 600 collects information on the amount of power measured by each power measurement module 700. Further, the power monitoring main unit 600 exchanges information with an external host device as necessary.

  FIG. 5 shows a block diagram outlining the power monitoring main unit 600. As shown in FIG. 5, the power monitoring main unit 600 includes the main unit 100 of the communication system 1 (see FIG. 1) described above. The power monitoring main unit 600 illustrated in FIG. 5 further includes a voltage value signal generation unit 601 and a signal terminal 602.

  The voltage value signal generation unit 601 measures a voltage value at a predetermined location and outputs a signal related to the measurement result (referred to as a voltage value signal). The voltage value signal is used for power value calculation in each power measurement module 700, as will be described later. 4 and 5, the voltage value signal generation unit 601 is connected to the main electric wires 520a and 520b of the first 100V supply system, and measures the voltage between the two electric wires 520a and 520b. Here, the voltage value signal only needs to have content indicating that the voltage value acquired by the voltage value signal generation unit 601 is 100V, and the signal itself does not need to be a voltage of 100V.

  Note that the voltage value signal generation unit 601 may be connected to the second 100V supply system or the 200V supply system. Alternatively, the voltage value signal generation unit 601 can be connected to any one of the branch lines 541 to 544.

  The signal terminal 602 is a terminal for outputting the voltage value signal to the outside of the power monitoring main unit 600. FIG. 5 illustrates a case where the power monitoring main unit 600 has a connector 603 for connecting the cable 800 and the terminal of the connector 603 constitutes the signal terminal 602.

  In the example of FIG. 5, the communication terminal 111 according to the communication system 1 is assigned to the other terminal of the connector 603. Here, it is assumed that the cable 800 includes the signal line for the voltage value signal and the communication line according to the communication system 1.

<Configuration of power measurement module>
The power measurement module 700 is provided for a predetermined power supply system, and measures the amount of power used by the assigned power supply system. In addition, the power measurement module 700 transmits information on the measurement result to the power monitoring main module 600.

  A block diagram outlining the power measurement module 700 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the power measurement module 700 includes the communication module 200 of the communication system 1 (see FIG. 1) described above. The power measurement module 700 illustrated in FIG. 6 further includes a current measurement unit 721, a power amount calculation unit 722, signal terminals 723 and 725, and a mode setting unit 730.

  The current measuring unit 721 is constituted by, for example, a CT sensor, and here, measures the current flowing through the branch wire 520a and outputs the measurement result to the power amount calculating unit 722.

  The signal terminal 723 is a terminal for receiving the voltage value signal sent from the power monitoring main unit 600. The signal terminal 725 is a terminal for outputting the received voltage value signal to the outside of the power measurement module 700. For this reason, the voltage value signal is input to the power measurement module 700 from the power monitoring main unit 600 or the power measurement module 700 in the previous stage via the signal terminal 723 on the front stage side, and then transmitted to the power measurement module 700 through the signal terminal 725 on the rear stage side. To the stage power measurement module 700.

  In the example of FIG. 6, the power measurement module 700 has a connector 724 for connecting the front-side cable 800, and the terminal of the connector 724 constitutes the front-side signal terminal 723. In the example of FIG. 6, the power measurement module 700 has a connector 726 for connecting the cable 800 on the rear stage side, and the terminal of the connector 726 forms a signal terminal 725 on the rear stage side.

  In the example of FIG. 6, the communication terminals 211 and 223 related to the communication system 1 are assigned to the other terminals of the connectors 724 and 726, respectively.

  The voltage value signal sent from the power monitoring main unit 600 is transmitted from the front-stage signal terminal 723 to the rear-stage signal terminal 725 as described above, and is supplied to the power amount calculation unit 722.

  The electric energy calculation unit 722 calculates the electric energy using the voltage value (100 V in this case) represented by the voltage value signal and the current value measured by the current measurement unit 721. For example, the amount of power is calculated by multiplying the voltage value represented by the voltage value signal by the current value measured by the current measuring unit 721.

  The mode setting means 730 sets a distinction between whether the power measurement module 700 is provided in the 100V supply system or whether it is provided in the 200V supply system. The mode setting unit 730 is connected to the processing unit 228.

  The mode setting unit 730 can be configured by a toggle switch, for example. In this case, each time the toggle switch is operated, the processing unit 228 switches its operation mode between the operation mode for the 100V supply system and the operation mode for the 200V supply system.

  Alternatively, the mode setting means 730 can be configured by a magnetic sensor, for example. In this case, each time the magnet is brought close to the power measurement module 700 and detected by the magnetic sensor, the processing unit 228 switches the operation mode. Sensors other than magnetic sensors can also be used.

  The processing unit 228 appropriately corrects the calculated power amount acquired from the power amount calculating unit 722 according to the operation mode set by the mode setting unit 730.

  Here, the voltage value signal is a signal indicating that the voltage value is 100V. For this reason, regarding the power measurement modules 701, 702, and 704 of the 100V supply system, the power amount calculated by the power amount calculation unit 722 reflects the power amount of the power supply system that is the measurement target. On the other hand, regarding the power measurement module 703 of the 200V supply system, some correction is necessary for the calculation result.

  In view of this point, the following processing can be considered as the correction processing by the processing unit 228. That is, any processing unit 228 of the power measurement modules 701 to 704 is configured to multiply the calculated power amount acquired from the power amount calculation unit 722 by a predetermined coefficient, and the coefficient is switched between the 100V supply system and the 200V supply system. Configure as follows.

  More specifically, in the power measurement modules 701, 702, and 704 of the 100V supply system, the processing unit 228 sets the coefficient to “1”, and in the power measurement module 703 of the 200V supply system, the processing unit 228 sets the coefficient to “ Set to 2 ”. According to this, the electric energy of a 200V supply system can be obtained appropriately.

  Alternatively, only the power measurement module 703 of the 200 V supply system may be configured to perform correction processing for doubling the calculated power amount acquired from the power amount calculation unit 722.

  Note that, by providing the power monitoring main unit 600 with the module ID of the power measuring module 703 of the 200V supply system in advance, the power measuring module 703 performs the above correction calculation based on an instruction from the power monitoring main unit 600. It is also possible to configure as described above. According to this, it is not necessary to provide the mode setting means 730, and the size can be reduced.

  The processing unit 228 transmits the power amount acquired as described above to the power monitoring main unit 600 using the configuration of the communication system 1 (see FIG. 1).

  According to the power monitoring system 2, it is possible to enjoy various effects produced by the communication system 1.

  Further, by adopting the mode setting means 730, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of types of power measurement modules 700 having different operation modes. For this reason, it can prevent installing the kind of electric power measurement module 700 accidentally. The operation mode can be set after the power measurement module 700 is installed. Further, since the installation work can be performed without worrying about the type of the power measurement module 700, good workability can be provided.

  The power monitoring system 2 is only an example of a sensor system to which the communication system 1 is applied. That is, various sensor systems can be provided by configuring a sensor module by combining various sensors with the communication module 200 instead of the current measurement unit 721 exemplified above.

1 Communication System 2 Power Monitoring System (Sensor System)
100 main unit 200 to 202 communication module 221 front-stage communication terminal 223 rear-stage communication terminal 227 buffer (signal transmission control means)
228 processing unit 229 memory 351 first communication line 352 second communication line 600 power monitoring main unit 700 to 704 power measurement module (sensor module)
730 Mode setting means SD Downstream signal ST1, ST1B ID registration processing

Claims (8)

The main unit,
A plurality of communication modules daisy chain connected to the main unit;
Each of the plurality of communication modules is
A pre-stage side communication terminal used for daisy chain connection with the main unit or the pre-stage communication module;
A rear communication terminal used for daisy chain connection with a communication module at the rear stage;
A downstream signal passing state in which a downstream signal input from the outside of the module to the upstream communication terminal is passed to the downstream communication terminal, and a downstream signal blocking state in which the downstream signal is prevented from being transmitted to the downstream communication terminal. A signal transmission control means capable of switching between,
A processing unit provided to receive the downlink signal;
The processing unit is provided so as to be accessible, and includes a memory for storing identification information (ID) assigned to the communication module,
The downstream signal includes an ID registration instruction signal transmitted from the main unit to execute the ID registration process,
The processing unit receives the ID registration instruction in the downlink signal blocking state, changes the downlink signal blocking state to the downlink signal passing state by controlling the signal transmission control means after receiving the ID registration instruction,
Each of the plurality of communication modules transmits a registration request for the ID to the main unit,
The main unit transmits the ID registration instruction in response to the ID registration request,
If each of the plurality of communication modules fails to receive the ID registration instruction even if the ID registration request is transmitted a predetermined number of times, the communication module controls the signal transmission control means to set the downlink signal blocking state to the downlink signal blocking state. A communication system for changing to a signal passing state. A sensor system comprising the communication system according to claim 1,
A plurality of sensor modules each having the plurality of communication modules;
Sensor system. The sensor system according to claim 2,
Each of the plurality of sensor modules is a sensor system having mode setting means for switching an operation mode. A power monitoring system comprising the sensor system according to claim 2 or 3,
Each of the plurality of sensor modules is a power monitoring system that constitutes a power measurement module that measures the amount of power of a power supply system assigned to each of the plurality of sensor modules. The main unit,
A first communication line connected to the main unit;
A second communication line;
Downlink signal that is connected to the first communication line and the second communication line and that passes a downlink signal transmitted from the main unit to the first communication line from the first communication line to the second communication line. Signal transmission control means capable of switching between a passing state and a downlink signal blocking state for blocking transmission of the downlink signal to the second communication line;
A first processing unit connected to the first communication line;
A first memory for storing the identification information (ID) assigned to the first processing unit, wherein the first processing unit is accessible;
A second processing unit connected to the second communication line;
The second processing unit is provided so as to be accessible, and includes a second memory for storing an ID assigned to the second processing unit,
The downstream signal includes an ID registration instruction signal transmitted from the main unit to execute the ID registration process,
The first processing unit receives the ID registration instruction in the downlink signal blocking state, and changes the downlink signal blocking state to the downlink signal passing state by controlling the signal transmission control means after receiving the ID registration instruction. And
The second processing unit receives the new ID registration instruction transmitted from the main unit after the change to the downlink signal passing state,
Each of the first and second processing units sends a registration request for the ID to the main unit,
The main unit transmits the ID registration instruction in response to the ID registration request,
If the first processing unit fails to receive the ID registration instruction even if the ID registration request is transmitted a predetermined number of times, the first processing unit controls the signal transmission control unit to pass the downlink signal blocking state through the downlink signal passing state. A communication system that changes to a state. A sensor system comprising the communication system according to claim 5,
A first sensor module having the first processing unit;
A sensor system comprising: a second sensor module having the second processing unit. The sensor system according to claim 6,
Each of the first and second sensor modules has a mode setting means for switching an operation mode. A power monitoring system comprising the sensor system according to claim 6 or 7,
Each of the first and second sensor modules is a power monitoring system that constitutes a power measurement module that measures the amount of power of a power supply system assigned to each of the first and second sensor modules.

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