JP2012044518A - Antenna element, antenna module, device for wiring management system provided with the same, and wiring management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for a wiring management system capable of being post-attached even to an existing wiring device, as well as reading information inside an IC tag for each connector with the connector being inserted into an adaptor.SOLUTION: An antenna module 120 in a wiring management system is configured to be capable of, at least, reading information inside an IC tag 260 in a non-contact manner attached to a connector of a distribution cable with the distribution cable being inserted into a wiring device 110. The antenna module 120 has at least one antenna element 122 arranged opposite to the IC tag 260 with the connector being inserted. The width of the antenna element 122 is larger than 0% and smaller than 70% in relation to the orthogonal length of the connector in the inserted direction of the distribution cable. Thus the antenna module 120 can be made compact so as to realize a wiring management system capable of being post-attached even to an existing wiring device with high density.

Description

  The present invention relates to an antenna element, an antenna module, a device for a wiring management system including the antenna element, and a wiring management system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wiring management system including a small antenna used for reading / writing wiring information. .

  In recent years, with the expansion of the Internet, networks such as a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN) are becoming widespread. Along with this, network devices such as routers and switching HUBs are required, and many wiring cables for connecting these network devices are also required. In particular, in a large-scale network system, the number of wiring cables becomes enormous, and therefore it is desired to prevent mistakes in wiring when adding or changing connection cables.

  Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2004-165089 (Patent Document 1) includes an adapter having an antenna and a memory attached to a connector of a wiring cable inserted into the adapter using the antenna in order to cope with such a problem. Disclosed is a wiring device capable of reading an ID stored in a functional unit in a non-contact manner.

  According to the wiring device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-165089 (Patent Document 1), an operator who performs wiring work by processing and displaying ID information read by an antenna using a data processing / display device. Efficiency and reliability can be improved.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-189774 (Patent Document 2) discloses information on a row and column adapter selection switch for selecting an adapter into which a work target connector is inserted and an IC tag attached to the connector in a non-contact manner. An antenna for reading is used in a wiring management system retrofitted to an existing high-density wiring board to support worker insertion / extraction based on the read IC tag information and wiring information stored in the database. The structure to perform is disclosed.

JP 2004-165089 A JP 2007-189774 A

  In the configuration of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-189774 (Patent Document 2), an existing wiring board can be retrofitted, but it is necessary to attach an adapter selection switch and an antenna to the wiring board. Extra space is required to install these additional equipment. However, in a wiring device such as a network device, while it is desired to reduce the size of the device body, there are cases where it is required to handle a large number of lines in one device. May not be attached.

  Furthermore, in the configuration of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-189774 (Patent Document 2), the adapter is selected by the operator pressing the selection switch, and the antenna for reading the IC tag information is provided for each adapter. Since the configuration is not arranged, there is a risk of erroneous selection of the selection switch by the operator and erroneous wiring of the connector.

  On the other hand, in the configuration of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-165089 (Patent Document 1), an antenna is provided for each adapter, and the ID information of the connector can be automatically read by inserting the connector into the adapter. However, it was originally based on the design of a wiring device having such a function, and was not configured to be retrofitted to an existing wiring device.

  Therefore, there is a wiring management system device that can read information in an IC tag for each connector while the connector is inserted into the adapter, and can be retrofitted even in existing wiring devices arranged at high density. It is desired.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to read information in an IC tag for each connector in a state in which the connector is inserted into an adapter, and to use existing wiring. It is to provide a device for a wiring management system that can be retrofitted in the device.

  The antenna element according to the present invention is arranged so as to face the IC tag attached to the connector in a state where the connector of the wiring cable is inserted into the wiring device, so that at least reading of information in the IC tag is non-contact It is configured to be able to do with. The antenna element is characterized by having a length greater than 0% and not more than 70% with respect to the length of the connector in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the wiring cable.

  Preferably, the antenna element has a length in the range of 40 to 60% with respect to the length in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the wiring cable.

  Preferably, the length of the antenna element in the insertion direction of the wiring cable is set to be shorter than the distance between the cover portion for protecting the connector and the wiring device when the connector is inserted into the wiring device.

  Preferably, the length of the antenna element in the direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the wiring cable is about 6 mm, and the length of the antenna element in the direction of insertion of the wiring cable is about 3 mm.

  The antenna module according to the present invention is provided adjacent to one of the antenna elements described above and the connector insertion port of the wiring device, and is lit in response to a signal from the wiring management device for managing the connection state of the wiring cable. And a display configured to change.

  Preferably, when the connector insertion slot corresponding to the display is a connector insertion slot into which the wiring cable is to be inserted / removed, the display is blinked in response to a signal from the wiring management device.

  Preferably, the indicator is turned on when the connector inserted into the connector insertion slot corresponding to the indicator matches the connector to be inserted, and does not match the connector to be inserted. In some cases, it is blinking.

  In the antenna module according to the present invention, information in an IC tag attached to a connector corresponding to each of the plurality of distribution cables in a state where the plurality of distribution cables including the first and second distribution cables are inserted into the distribution apparatus. Of the first antenna element and the second antenna element. The first antenna element and the second antenna element are provided. Each of the first and second antenna elements has a length that is greater than 0% and less than or equal to 70% with respect to the length of the connector in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the wiring cable. The first connector of the first wiring cable and the second connector of the second wiring cable are inserted into the wiring device so that their lower surfaces face each other. The IC tag is attached to the lower surface of each of the first and second connectors at a position shifted in the same direction from the center in the width direction of the connector orthogonal to the insertion direction. The first and second antenna elements are arranged so that the first connector and the second antenna element face the IC tags of the first and second connectors, respectively, in a state where the first and second connectors are inserted into the wiring device. Between the two connectors.

  Preferably, each of the first and second antenna elements has a length in the range of 40 to 60% with respect to the length in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the wiring cable.

  Preferably, the length in the insertion direction of the wiring cable in each of the first and second antenna elements is set between the cover portion for protecting the connector and the wiring device when the connector is inserted in the wiring device. Shorter than distance.

  Preferably, the antenna module is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of connector insertion ports of the wiring device into which the plurality of wiring cables are inserted, and a signal from the wiring management device for managing the connection state of the plurality of wiring cables And a display configured to change the lighting state in response.

  Preferably, when the connector insertion slot corresponding to the display is a connector insertion slot into which the wiring cable is to be inserted / removed, the display is made to blink in response to a signal from the wiring management device.

  Preferably, the indicator is turned on when the connector inserted into the connector insertion slot corresponding to the indicator matches the connector to be inserted, and does not match the connector to be inserted. In some cases, it is blinking.

  An apparatus for a wiring management system according to the present invention is configured such that at least reading of information in an IC tag attached to a connector can be performed in a non-contact manner when the connector of the wiring cable is inserted into the wiring apparatus. And at least one antenna element arranged to face the tag, and a receiving unit configured to receive information read by the antenna element. The antenna element has a length that is greater than 0% and less than or equal to 70% with respect to the length of the connector in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the wiring cable.

  Preferably, the device for the wiring management system is provided adjacent to the connector insertion port of the wiring device, and changes the lighting state according to a signal from the wiring management device for managing the connection state of the wiring cable. The display further comprises:

  A wiring management system according to the present invention includes a wiring device for connecting a connector of a wiring cable, at least one antenna element, a receiving unit, and a wiring management device. The antenna element is configured so that at least reading of information in the IC tag attached to the connector can be performed in a non-contact manner in a state where the connector is inserted into the wiring device, and is arranged to face the IC tag. The receiving unit receives information read by the antenna element. The wiring management device stores the arrangement data of the connector on the wiring device in advance, and supports the insertion / extraction operation of the connector to / from the wiring device based on the connector information read by the receiving unit and the arrangement data. Generate a signal. The antenna element has a length that is greater than 0% and less than or equal to 70% with respect to the length of the connector in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the wiring cable.

  Preferably, the wiring device includes a connector insertion slot into which the connector is inserted. The wiring management system further includes a display provided corresponding to the connector insertion slot. The wiring management device changes the lighting state of the display corresponding to the connector insertion port to be inserted / extracted based on the instruction of the insertion / extraction work from the operator.

  Preferably, the wiring device includes a connector insertion slot into which the connector is inserted. The wiring management device inserts the inserted connector according to the instruction based on the arrangement data corresponding to the connector insertion slot instructed by the operator and the information from the IC tag of the connector inserted into the connector insertion slot. It is determined whether the connector is a power connector.

  Preferably, the wiring management system further includes a display provided corresponding to the connector insertion slot. The wiring management device changes the lighting state of the display device to a different state when the inserted connector matches the connector to be inserted and when the inserted connector does not match the connector to be inserted.

  Preferably, the wiring management device turns on the indicator when the inserted connector is a connector to be inserted, and blinks the indicator when the inserted connector is not the connector to be inserted.

  Preferably, the wiring management system further includes a display device for displaying a wiring state of the connector to the wiring device.

  According to the present invention, for a device for a wiring management system, information in an IC tag for each connector can be read in a state where the connector is inserted into an adapter, and can be retrofitted in an existing wiring device. It can be configured.

It is the schematic of the wiring management system according to this Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the wiring apparatus used for a wiring management system. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a wiring connector. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the adapter of a wiring connector, an IC tag, and an antenna. It is a figure for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of the antenna module in this Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the comparative example of arrangement | positioning of an antenna module. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of the antenna part in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other example of arrangement | positioning of the adapter of a wiring connector, IC tag, and an antenna. It is a figure which shows the 1st example about the structure of an antenna part and a receiving part. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example about the structure of an antenna part and a receiving part. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the structure of a wiring management apparatus. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the detail of the assistance control process performed with a wiring management system in the case of a connector insertion operation | work. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the detail of the assistance control process performed with a wiring management system in the case of a connector pull-out operation | work.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a wiring management system 100 according to the present embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 1, the wiring management system 100 includes wiring devices 110-1 to 110 -N (N is an integer greater than 1) and a wiring management device 300. In the present embodiment, a case where the wiring cable connected to the wiring device is a LAN cable will be described as an example. However, a wiring device for optical communication in which an optical cable is used as the wiring cable may be used. Furthermore, the wiring cable is not limited to transmitting signals, and may be a power line for supplying power, for example.

  The wiring devices 110-1 to 110-N are devices to which the wiring cable 200 is connected, such as a switching HUB or a network router.

  The wiring devices 110-1 to 110N are respectively provided with insertion ports (adapter) 140-1 to 140-N to which the wiring cable 200 is connected. In FIG. 1, each of the adapters 140-1 to 140N is composed of a plurality of adapters, but the number of adapters may be one.

  In the wiring devices 110-1 to 110-N, antenna modules 120-1 to 120-N are installed adjacent to the adapters 140-1 to 140-N, respectively. The antenna modules 120-1 to 120 -N are connected to the adapters of the wiring cables 200 connected to the adapters, and each connector stored in an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag (hereinafter also referred to as “IC tag”) is installed. A signal related to the ID information is read, and the read signal is transmitted to the receiving units 130-1 to 130-N via the connection lines 150-1 to 150-N, respectively. The information stored in the IC tag may include not only the connector ID information but also other management information. In the following description, these other management information will be referred to as ID information. And

  The receiving units 130-1 to 130 -N are connected to the wiring management device 300 via the connection cable 170. Receiving units 130-1 to 130-N demodulate signals related to ID information received from antenna modules 120-1 to 120-N, read the ID information, and transmit the ID information to wiring management device 300.

The wiring management device 300 includes a display unit 310 and an operation unit 320.
Detailed functions of the wiring management device 300 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. However, the outline of the function is based on the arrangement information of connectors to be connected to each adapter of the wiring device stored in advance and the actual adapter. Based on the ID information read from the IC tag of the connected connector, the management of the connection state of the wiring cable and the support of the insertion / extraction operation of the wiring cable to / from the wiring device are performed.

  The wiring management device 300 includes, for example, a personal computer and is not shown in FIG. 1, but stores the above-described arrangement information and processes the connector ID information received from the receiving units 130-1 to 130-N. And a control unit.

  In FIG. 1, a case where a plurality of wiring devices are provided is shown as an example, but a single wiring device may be used. In the following description, for ease of explanation, the wiring devices 110-1 to 110N, the antenna modules 120-1 to 120-N, the receiving units 130-1 to 130-N, the adapters 140-1 to 140N, and the connections Lines 150-1 to 150-N are collectively referred to as wiring device 110, antenna module 120, receiving unit 130, adapter 140, and connection line 150, respectively.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for illustrating wiring device 110 used in wiring management system 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a front view of the wiring device 110.

  Referring to FIG. 2, wiring device 110 includes a plurality of adapters 140 for inserting connectors of wiring cables. The adapters 140 are arranged in high density adjacent to each other in the lateral direction of the wiring device 110, for example, in two rows in the upper and lower directions so that many wiring cables can be connected while reducing the size of the wiring device 110.

  The antenna module 120 and the receiving unit 130 may be built in the wiring device from the manufacturing stage of the wiring device. However, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the antenna module 120 and the receiving unit 130 are retrofitted to the front panel of the wiring device 110. By adopting a structure that can be retrofitted in this way, the wiring management system of the present embodiment can be applied to an existing wiring device that does not include such an antenna module 120 and receiving unit 130. .

  The antenna module 120 is disposed between the upper adapter row and the lower adapter row in order to read information stored in an IC tag attached to the connector of the wiring cable.

  The receiving unit 130 is connected to the antenna module 120 via the connection line 150. The receiving unit 130 is arranged on the front panel of the wiring device 110 at a portion that does not interfere with the connected wiring cable. Note that the installation position of the receiving unit 130 is not limited to the front panel of the wiring device 110, and may be the upper surface, the lower surface, the side surface, or the back surface of the wiring device 110. Although it may be configured to be housed in a separate housing, particularly when installed in the wiring device 110 as a retrofit as shown in FIG. 2, the connection line 150 is shortened by placing it as close to the antenna module 120 as possible. This is preferable because it is possible.

  FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a connector portion of the wiring cable 200 connected to the adapter 140 of the wiring device 110.

  With reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the wiring cable 200 is provided with connectors 210 at both ends of the cable portion 230. In FIG. 3, for ease of explanation, the lower surface of the connector 210 is shown facing upward.

  A contact portion 250 is provided on the lower surface of the connector 210. Contact portion 250 is connected to a communication line included in cable portion 230 inside connector 210. When the connector 210 is inserted into the adapter 140, the contact part 250 contacts the contact of the wiring device 110 and transmits a signal. Further, the upper surface of the connector 210 has a claw portion 220 for preventing the connector 210 from dropping from the adapter 140.

  When the connector 210 is inserted into the adapter 140, the claw portion 220 engages with the concave portion of the adapter 140, and the connector 210 is locked. When the connector 210 is removed from the adapter, the connector 210 can be pulled out of the adapter 140 by depressing the claw portion 220 downward and releasing the engagement between the claw portion 220 and the recess.

  Further, the wiring cable 200 is provided with a cover part 240 that is movable along the cable part 230 and protects the connector 210. The cover part 240 is disposed so as to cover the connector 210 after the connector 210 is inserted into the adapter 140, and the connector 210 is not intended by bending of the boundary part between the connector 210 and the cable part 230 or an erroneous operation of the claw part 220. Prevent falling out.

  An IC tag 260 in which ID information of the connector 210 is stored in advance is attached to the lower surface of the connector 210. The ID information stored in the IC tag 260 includes, for example, a wiring number assigned to the wiring cable 200 and a wiring device number to be connected.

  The size of the IC tag 260 is based on the width of the connector 210, that is, the length in the direction (X direction in FIG. 3) orthogonal to the insertion direction of the wiring cable 200 into the adapter 140 (Y direction in FIG. 3). The smaller one is adopted. Further, a connector having a width smaller than 1/2 of the width of the connector 210 is more preferable. The IC tag 260 is arranged so as to be shifted from the center in the width direction of the connector 210 in any predetermined direction in the width direction. In the example of FIG. 3, the IC tag is disposed along the right side with respect to the insertion direction (Y direction) of the connector 210.

  By adopting such an arrangement, when the connector 210 is inserted into the adapter 140 arranged up and down as shown in FIG. 4 in which a part of the adapter 140 and the antenna module 120 in FIG. 2 is enlarged, Since the IC tag of the upper connector and the IC tag of the lower connector can be prevented from overlapping in the vertical direction, erroneous reading of the ID information of the connector 210 can be prevented.

  Next, referring to FIG. 4, as described above, the antenna module 120 is installed between the upper adapter and the lower adapter. The antenna module 120 includes an antenna unit 121 including an antenna element 122 and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 123. The antenna unit 121 is provided corresponding to each adapter, and is disposed at a position facing the IC tag 260 when the connector 210 is inserted into the adapter 140. That is, in the adapter arrangement as in the present embodiment, each antenna unit is arranged in a zigzag shape along the longitudinal direction of the antenna module 120.

  The antenna element 122 is, for example, a loop antenna formed in a coil shape, and receives a signal related to ID information stored in the IC tag 260 using electromagnetic induction. As described above, since the IC tag 260 is arranged so as not to overlap in the vertical direction, the overlapping in the vertical direction can be reduced also for the antenna element 122 arranged facing the IC tag 260. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the information of the other (for example, the lower side) IC tag from being erroneously read by the one (for example, the upper side) antenna element.

  In addition, since the size of one antenna element is reduced to the same size as the IC tag, the power for generating an electromagnetic field in each antenna element can be reduced. This facilitates miniaturization of a drive circuit (not shown) for driving the antenna element. Furthermore, since the range and size of the electromagnetic field generated by reducing the electric power are reduced, the possibility of the influence on the surrounding equipment due to the generated electromagnetic field can be reduced. Note that the antenna element 122 may be used not only when reading ID information from the IC tag 260 but also when rewriting information in the IC tag 260.

  The LED 123 is driven based on a control signal from the wiring management device 300 (FIG. 1). The LED 123 indicates to the worker that the adapter 140 / connector 210 is a work target when inserting / removing the wiring cable 200, and whether the inserted or removed connector 210 is a connector to be inserted / removed. It is used to display the determination result.

  In the example in which a LAN cable is used as the wiring cable 200 as in the present embodiment, the width of the connector 210 is approximately 14 mm according to the standard. Therefore, the length of the antenna element 122 in the width direction of the connector 210 is preferably about 6 mm or less. Further, in the example of the wiring device 110 in the present embodiment, the distance between the upper adapter and the lower adapter is about 3 mm, and the width of the antenna module 120 is retrofitted to the existing wiring device as described above. Is preferably 3 mm or less. The dimensions of the antenna module 120 and the antenna element 121 are appropriately selected according to the wiring device to be attached. The antenna element 121 is designed to be in the range of greater than 0% and less than or equal to 70% with respect to the length of the connector 210 in the width direction. In a more preferred example, the antenna element 121 is designed to be in the range of 40% to 60% with respect to the length of the connector 210 in the width direction.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the antenna module 120 in the present embodiment, and shows the side of the wiring device 110 in a state in which the wiring cable is inserted into both the upper and lower adapters of the wiring device 110. The figure seen from is shown.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the upper connector and the lower connector are inserted into the adapter so that the lower surfaces thereof face each other, that is, the contact portions 250 face each other.

  And each cover part 240 is installed in order to protect a connector. At this time, the gap between the end surface of the cover part 240 on the wiring device 110 side and the wiring device 110 is short, and is about 3 mm in the present embodiment, for example. Therefore, in order to install the antenna module 120 in an existing wiring device as a retrofit, it is preferable that the antenna module 120 be dimensioned to be installed in the gap. In the present embodiment, the length of the antenna module 120 in the connector insertion direction is, for example, Designed to be 3 mm. Further, the IC tag 260 attached to the connector 210 needs to be sized so as to enter this gap.

  FIG. 6 shows a comparative example when the IC tag 260A is attached to the upper surface of the connector 210, that is, the side where the claw portion 220 is present. In this case, as compared with the case of FIG. 5, the restrictions on the dimensions for mounting the IC tag and the antenna module are relaxed. However, in order to prevent interference with the claw portion 220, the antenna portion 121A needs to protrude further from the surface of the wiring device 110. With such a configuration, there is a possibility that interference between the cover part 240 and the antenna part 121 </ b> A may occur, and furthermore, it may be difficult to operate the claw part 220 when the connector 210 is pulled out. In addition, since the distance between the antenna unit 121A and the IC tag 260A is larger than that in FIG. 5, it is necessary to relatively increase the electric power that generates an electromagnetic field for reading / writing the IC tag. There is a possibility of influence. Therefore, the antenna module reduced in size as shown in FIG. 5 can be prevented so as to prevent interference with each part of the wiring cable and hindrance to the operation at the time of insertion / extraction, and read / write with smaller power. It is preferable to adopt a configuration that is arranged between the upper and lower connectors.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the antenna unit 121 provided in the antenna module 120.

  Referring to FIG. 7, antenna unit 121 includes an antenna element 122, an LED 123, and a drive circuit 124. The drive circuit 124 may be configured to be provided in the receiving unit 130 in FIG.

  The antenna element 122 may be formed by winding a copper wire in a coil shape, but it is preferable to form the antenna portion 121 in advance as a printed pattern on the substrate as shown in FIG. 7 because the antenna portion 121 can be made thinner.

  The drive circuit 124 transmits a signal related to the ID information of the connector received by the antenna element 122 to the receiving unit 130 and changes the lighting state of the LED 123 according to the signal from the wiring management device 300.

  The drive circuit 124 exchanges signals with the receiving unit 130, and is connected to the receiving unit 130 via a channel switching unit provided in the antenna module 120, as will be described later with reference to FIG. Further, by incorporating the channel switching function in the drive circuit 124, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 10, a plurality of antenna units 121 in the antenna module 120 can be bus-connected. As a result, the number of wires in the antenna module can be reduced, and the antenna module 120 can be further reduced in size.

  Note that although an example of a configuration in which the antenna unit 121 includes the LED 123 has been described in FIG. 7, the LED 123 is not necessarily included in the antenna unit 121 in which the antenna element 122 is included. FIG. 8 shows another example of the configuration of the antenna module. However, as shown in FIG. 8, the LED 123 may be arranged separately from the antenna module 120 </ b> A including the antenna element 122. In FIG. 8, the LED 123 is included in the LED module 120 </ b> B, and the LED module 120 </ b> B is disposed on the claw portion side of the adapter 140.

  Next, details of the configuration of the antenna module 120, the receiving unit 130, and the wiring management device 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11.

  FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram for explaining details of the configurations of the antenna unit 121 and the receiving unit 130 in the antenna module 120. Each functional block in FIG. 9 is realized by hardware or software processing.

  Referring to FIGS. 1 and 9, reception unit 130 includes a communication unit 131, a signal output unit 132, an LED drive unit 133, a demodulation unit 134, and a buffer 135.

  As described with reference to FIG. 1, the communication unit 131 is connected to the wiring management device 300 through the connection cable 170, and exchanges signals with the wiring management device 300. The communication unit 131 outputs a signal received from the wiring management device 300 to the signal output unit 132 and the LED driving unit 133. In addition, the communication unit 131 receives the ID information of the connector of the wiring cable 200 from the demodulation unit 134 and transmits the reception information to the wiring management device 300.

  The signal output unit 132 outputs, to the channel switching unit 129 of the antenna module 120, a selection signal indicating which ID information about which connector is read based on the signal from the wiring management device 300 received via the communication unit 131. To do. Specifically, in the wiring work support control described later, a signal for reading the ID information of the connector connected to the adapter input by the operator is output. In addition, in order to display the connection status in the wiring management device 300, a periodic signal that sequentially reads out the status (that is, the ID information of the connected connector) for all the adapters every predetermined time is output. To do. In this case, if the ID information cannot be read, it is determined that the connector is not connected.

  The LED drive unit 133 changes the lighting state of the LED corresponding to the designated adapter in the antenna module 120 based on the signal from the wiring management device 300 received via the communication unit 131.

  The demodulator 134 receives a signal including a signal related to the ID information of the connector from the antenna module 120. The demodulator 134 demodulates and analyzes the received signal to identify connector ID information. The demodulator 134 temporarily stores the identified ID information in the buffer 135 as necessary, and outputs the ID information to the communication unit 131.

  The antenna module 120 further includes a channel switching unit 129 in addition to the antenna unit 121.

  Channel switching unit 129 receives a selection signal from signal output unit 132. The channel switching unit 129 reads ID information from the antenna unit designated by this selection signal. Further, the channel switching unit 129 receives a drive signal from the LED drive unit 133 and changes the lighting state of the LED 123 in the corresponding antenna unit 121 according to the drive signal.

  The antenna unit 121 includes a matching circuit 126, an output amplifier 127, and a reception amplifier 128 in addition to the antenna element 122 and the LED 123.

  The antenna element 122 is equivalently configured to include a coil and a capacitor connected in parallel as shown in FIG. The antenna element 122 generates an electromagnetic wave by power supplied to the circuit, and supplies power to the IC tag by electromagnetic induction. The IC tag uses the power supplied from the antenna element 122 to analyze the command signal superimposed on the electromagnetic wave, and outputs ID information stored in advance via the electromagnetic wave to the antenna element 122 in response thereto. The antenna element 122 receives a signal on which ID information from the IC tag is superimposed.

  The matching circuit 126 is a circuit for matching the impedance between the antenna element 122 and a drive circuit including the output amplifier 127, the reception amplifier 128, and the channel switching unit 129.

  The output amplifier 127 amplifies the signal from the channel switching unit 129 and outputs it to the antenna element 122 via the matching circuit 126.

  The reception amplifier 128 amplifies the signal received from the antenna element 122 via the matching circuit 126 and outputs the amplified signal to the channel switching unit 129. The reception amplifier 128 may be included in the channel switching unit 129.

  Note that, as described in FIG. 4, by reducing the size of the antenna portion, the power for driving the antenna element can be reduced, so that the output amplifier 127 in FIG. 9 can be omitted. It may be. Further, the coil in the matching circuit 126 may be omitted by sharing the inductor in the matching circuit with the coil of the antenna element.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of a circuit of the antenna module 120 including the antenna unit 121B simplified in this way. The antenna unit 121B in FIG. 10 has a configuration in which the coil of the matching circuit 126 and the output amplifier 127 in FIG. 9 are omitted. Further, when the antenna unit 121B includes the channel switching unit 129, each antenna unit can be connected by bus, and wiring in the antenna module 120 can be reduced. In this way, by further downsizing the antenna unit, the antenna module can be mounted in a limited space in the existing wiring device.

  FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram for explaining the configuration of the wiring management apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment. The wiring management device 300 includes a control unit 330 in addition to the display unit 310 and the operation unit 320 shown in FIG. The control unit 330 includes a communication unit 331, an LED control unit 332, a database 333, a determination unit 334, and a display control unit 335.

  Referring to FIGS. 1 and 11, communication unit 331 is connected to each receiving unit 130 by connection cable 170 as described in FIG. 1, and exchanges signals with receiving unit 130. The communication unit 331 receives an LED display command from the LED control unit 332 and transmits the display command to the receiving unit 130. In addition, the communication unit 331 receives the connector ID information from the reception unit 130 and outputs the received ID information to the determination unit 334.

  The LED control unit 332 receives position information of the work target adapter 140 input from the operation unit 320 by the operator when performing wiring work. The LED control unit 332 collates the input position information with the arrangement data stored in the database 333 in advance. The LED control unit 332 generates a display command for changing the lighting state of the LED corresponding to the work target adapter 140 and outputs the display command to the communication unit 331 in order to provide guidance to the worker regarding the work position. .

  In addition, the LED control unit 332 receives a determination signal indicating the determination result of the connector connection state from the determination unit 334. Then, the LED control unit 332 generates a display command for changing the lighting state of the LED in order to notify the operator whether or not the executed wiring work is correct according to the determination signal.

  The determination unit 334 receives the received connector ID information from the communication unit 331. The determination unit 334 compares the ID information with the arrangement data in the database 333, and determines whether the connector 210 is connected to the wiring device 110 according to predetermined arrangement data. Then, a determination signal indicating the determination result is output to the LED control unit 332 and the display control unit 335.

  The display control unit 335 generates a display signal based on the determination signal from the determination unit 334, and displays the connection state of the connector and the quality of the wiring work on the display unit 310.

  Next, with reference to flowcharts of FIGS. 12 and 13, support control for wiring cable insertion / removal work executed in the wiring management system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 shows a flowchart when the connector is inserted into the wiring device, and FIG. 13 shows a flowchart when the connector is pulled out from the wiring device.

With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 12, the case of the connector insertion work will be described first.
In step (hereinafter, step is abbreviated as S) 100, the operator inputs position data of the adapter 140 into which the connector 210 to be inserted is to be inserted from the operation unit 320 of the wiring management device 300.

  In S110, the wiring management device 300 blinks the LED corresponding to the adapter into which the connector 210 is to be inserted, based on the input position data, and provides the worker with a work target position guidance.

  In S120, the worker performs an actual insertion operation of connector 210 in accordance with the guidance display of the LED.

  When the connector 210 is inserted, the wiring management apparatus 300 acquires ID information of the connector from the IC tag 260 attached to the newly inserted connector 210 in S130.

  In S140, wiring management device 300 determines whether or not the acquired ID information matches the data stored in advance in wiring management device 300. That is, whether the connector is inserted into the correct adapter (ie, not inserted into the wrong adapter) and whether the connector inserted into the correct adapter is the correct connector (ie, incorrect connector) Is not inserted).

  If the data match (YES in S140), wiring management device 300 determines that the correct connector is inserted into the correct adapter, and advances to S150, and wiring management device 300 causes the LED to blink from the blinking state. Turn on the light. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S160.

  On the other hand, if the data do not match (NO in S140), wiring management apparatus 300 determines that the connector is not inserted into the correct adapter or the wrong connector is inserted into the adapter, and the process proceeds to S155. Then, the LED corresponding to the adapter at the work target position is blinked (that is, the blinking state is continued). When a connector is inserted in the wrong adapter, the LED of the wrong adapter in which the connector is inserted is also blinked. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S160.

  In S <b> 160, the wiring management device 300 displays a connector connection state and an alarm for notifying the operator of that in the case of incorrect wiring on the display unit 310.

Next, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 13, the case of the connector pulling operation will be described.
In S200, the operator inputs position data of adapter 140 into which connector 210 to be pulled out is inserted from operation unit 320 of wiring management device 300.

  In S210, the wiring management device 300 flashes the LED corresponding to the adapter in which the connector 210 to be pulled out is inserted based on the input position data, and gives the operator guidance on the work target position.

  Then, in S220, the worker performs an actual pulling out operation of the connector 210 in accordance with the LED guidance display.

  In S230, the wiring management device 300 determines whether or not the ID information acquired from the extracted connector matches the data of the extraction target connector stored in the wiring management device 300 in advance.

  If the data match (YES in S230), wiring management device 300 determines that the correct connector has been pulled out, proceeds to S240, and turns off the LED corresponding to the adapter that was the pulling target. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S250.

  If the data does not match (NO in S230), wiring management apparatus 300 determines that the wrong connector has been pulled out, holds the LED corresponding to the adapter to be pulled out in a blinking state, and incorrectly connects the connector. The LED corresponding to the extracted adapter is set in a blinking state. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S250.

  In S250, the wiring management device 300 displays the connector connection state on the display unit 310 and an alarm for notifying the operator of this in case of incorrect wiring.

  In addition, when the connector is not inserted into the adapter that should not be inserted into the connector (normal state), the LED corresponding to the adapter is turned off.

  By performing control according to this process, it is possible to give a visual indication of the work position to the operator and alert the operator at the time of incorrect wiring during connector insertion / extraction work. Work can be done.

  In FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, guidance and notification of incorrect wiring are performed in each of the lighting / flashing / extinguishing states of the LED. Instead of or in addition to this, by changing the color of the LED You may make it notify to an operator. In addition to visual notifications, auditory notifications such as buzzers, chimes, and voice alarms may be performed.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  100 wiring management system, 110, 110-1 to 110-N wiring device, 120, 120A, 120-1 to 120-N antenna module, 120B LED module, 121, 121A, 121B antenna unit, 122 antenna element, 123 LED, 124 driving circuit, 125, 150, 150-1 to 150-N connection line, 126 matching circuit, 127 output amplifier, 135 buffer, 128 receiving amplifier, 129 channel switching unit, 130, 130-1 to 130-N receiving unit, 131 communication unit, 132 signal output unit, 133 LED driving unit, 134 demodulating unit, 140, 140-1 to 140-N adapter, 170 connection cable, 200 wiring cable, 210 connector, 220 claw unit, 230 cable unit, 240 cover Part, 25 0 contact part, 260, 260A IC tag, 300 wiring management device, 310 display part, 320 operation part, 330 control part, 331 communication part, 332 LED control part, 333 database, 334 determination part, 335 display control part.

Claims (21)

In a state where the connector of the wiring cable is inserted into the wiring device, it is arranged so as to face the IC tag attached to the connector so that at least reading of information in the IC tag can be performed without contact. In the configured antenna element,
The antenna element according to claim 1, wherein the antenna element has a length greater than 0% and not more than 70% with respect to a length of the connector in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the wiring cable.   The antenna element according to claim 1, wherein the antenna element has a length in a range of 40 to 60% with respect to a length in a direction orthogonal to an insertion direction of the wiring cable.   The length of the antenna element in the insertion direction of the wiring cable is set to be shorter than the distance between the cover portion for protecting the connector and the wiring device when the connector is inserted into the wiring device. The antenna element according to claim 1 or 2.   The antenna element according to claim 1, wherein a length of the antenna element in a direction orthogonal to an insertion direction of the wiring cable is about 6 mm, and a length of the antenna element in an insertion direction of the wiring cable is about 3 mm. . The antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A display provided adjacent to the connector insertion port of the wiring device and configured to change a lighting state in response to a signal from a wiring management device for managing a connection state of the wiring cable; , Antenna module.   The said indicator is made to blink according to the signal from the said wiring management apparatus, when the said connector insertion port corresponding to the said display is a connector insertion port of the insertion / extraction object of the said wiring cable. 5. The antenna module according to 5.   The indicator is turned on when the connector inserted into the connector insertion slot corresponding to the indicator matches the connector to be inserted, and matches the connector to be inserted. The antenna module according to claim 5, wherein the antenna module is blinked if not. In a state where a plurality of distribution cables including the first and second distribution cables are inserted into the distribution apparatus, at least reading of information in the IC tag attached to the connector corresponding to each of the plurality of distribution cables is non-contact An antenna module configured to be able to
Comprising first and second antenna elements;
Each of the first and second antenna elements has a length that is greater than 0% and less than or equal to 70% with respect to the length of the connector in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the wiring cable;
The first connector of the first wiring cable and the second connector of the second wiring cable are inserted into the wiring device such that their lower surfaces face each other,
The IC tag is attached to the lower surface of each of the first and second connectors at a position shifted in the same direction from the center in the width direction of the connector orthogonal to the insertion direction,
The first and second antenna elements are arranged to face the IC tags of the first and second connectors, respectively, in a state where the first and second connectors are inserted into the wiring device. An antenna module disposed between a first connector and the second connector.   9. The antenna module according to claim 8, wherein each of the first and second antenna elements has a length within a range of 40 to 60% with respect to a length in a direction orthogonal to an insertion direction of the wiring cable. .   The length in the insertion direction of the wiring cable in each of the first and second antenna elements is such that a cover portion for protecting the connector and the wiring device in a state where the connector is inserted into the wiring device. The antenna module according to claim 8, wherein the antenna module is shorter than a distance between the antenna modules.   According to the signal from the wiring management device for managing the connection state of the plurality of wiring cables, provided corresponding to each of the plurality of connector insertion ports of the wiring device into which the plurality of wiring cables are inserted, The antenna module according to claim 8, further comprising a display configured to change a lighting state.   The said indicator is made to blink according to the signal from the said wiring management apparatus, when the said connector insertion port corresponding to the said display is a connector insertion port of the insertion / extraction object of the said wiring cable. The antenna module according to 11.   The indicator is turned on when the connector inserted into the connector insertion slot corresponding to the indicator matches the connector to be inserted, and matches the connector to be inserted. The antenna module according to claim 11, wherein the antenna module is blinked if not. In a state where the connector of the wiring cable is inserted into the wiring device, it is configured such that at least reading of information in the IC tag attached to the connector can be performed in a non-contact manner, and is arranged to face the IC tag. At least one antenna element;
A receiver configured to receive information read by the antenna element;
The wireless device for a wiring management system, wherein the antenna element has a length that is greater than 0% and less than or equal to 70% with respect to the length of the connector in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the wiring cable.   The display device further includes a display provided adjacent to the connector insertion port of the wiring device and configured to change a lighting state in response to a signal from a wiring management device for managing a connection state of the wiring cable. A wireless device for a wiring management system according to claim 14. A wiring device for connecting the connector of the wiring cable;
In a state where the connector is inserted into the wiring device, at least reading of information in an IC tag attached to the connector can be performed in a non-contact manner, and at least disposed so as to face the IC tag One antenna element;
A receiver configured to receive information read by the antenna element;
The arrangement data of the connector to the wiring device is stored in advance, and the connector insertion / removal operation to the wiring device is supported based on the information on the connector read by the receiving unit and the arrangement data. A wiring management device for generating a signal for
The said antenna element is a wiring management system which has a length larger than 0% and 70% or less with respect to the length of the said connector of the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the said wiring cable. The wiring device includes a connector insertion slot into which the connector is inserted,
The wiring management system includes:
It further comprises a display provided corresponding to the connector insertion port,
The said wiring management apparatus is a wiring management system of Claim 16 which changes the lighting state of the said indicator corresponding to the connector insertion port of the insertion / extraction object based on the instruction | indication of the said insertion / extraction operation | movement from an operator. The wiring device includes a connector insertion slot into which the connector is inserted,
The wiring management device is configured to determine whether the inserted connector is based on arrangement data corresponding to the connector insertion slot instructed by an operator and information from an IC tag of the connector inserted into the connector insertion slot. The wiring management system according to claim 16, wherein it is determined whether or not the connector is to be inserted according to an instruction. It further comprises a display provided corresponding to the connector insertion port,
In the wiring management device, the lighting state of the display device is different between a case where the inserted connector matches the connector to be inserted and a case where the inserted connector does not match the connector to be inserted. The wiring management system according to claim 18, wherein the wiring management system is changed to a state.   The wiring management device turns on the indicator when the inserted connector is the connector to be inserted, and turns on the indicator when the inserted connector is not the connector to be inserted. The wiring management system according to claim 19, wherein the wiring management system is blinked.   21. The wiring management system according to claim 16, further comprising a display device for displaying a wiring state of the connector to the wiring device.

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