JP2727750B2 - Power and signal carrier - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a power and signal carrier device for carrying power and signals by light waves.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a conventional device for transmitting power and a signal as shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, 1 is a main circuit having power supply means, and 2 is an auxiliary circuit. Reference numeral 3 denotes a line that carries power and signals from the main circuit to the auxiliary circuit. The power supply means 101 supplies power to the first circuit 102 and also supplies power to the second circuit 201 of the auxiliary circuit 2 via the line 3. The signal of the first circuit 102 is transmitted to the second circuit 201 via the line 303.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, in the above-described configuration, the line may function as an antenna due to conductivity, and may transmit noise into the circuit. Also, if the track passes near water pipes or gas pipes, there is a possibility of electric leakage or explosion.

Furthermore, since the power line and the signal line are separately required, it is difficult to install the power line and the power line may directly adversely affect the signal line such as noise.

In addition, it is necessary to always prepare to supply power to the auxiliary circuit, which leads to power loss.

The present invention solves such a conventional problem, and when the power of the auxiliary circuit is reduced by using a light wave, the power is conveyed, and the signal is conveyed at other times, so that the safe and efficient power and signal are transmitted. Is possible.

Means for Solving the Problems To solve the above problems, a power and signal carrier device of the present invention comprises a main circuit, a power supply unit, a first modulation unit for modulating a signal to be transmitted, and the power supply unit. First driving means for inputting a signal of the first modulating means to generate a driving signal, first light emitting means for converting electricity into light by the first driving means, and a light wave from the auxiliary circuit. An auxiliary circuit, comprising first photoelectric conversion means for receiving a signal and converting the signal into an electric signal, and first demodulation means for demodulating a signal component from an output of the first photoelectric conversion means, wherein the auxiliary circuit operated by a signal of the main circuit is provided. A second photoelectric conversion means for receiving the lightwave from the main circuit and converting the lightwave into electric power; a third photoelectric conversion means for receiving the lightwave from the main circuit and converting the lightwave into an electric signal; and an output of the third photoelectric conversion means Second demodulation method for demodulating the signal component from Charging means for charging the output of the stage and the second photoelectric conversion means; comparing means for inspecting and comparing whether the voltage of the charging means is within a predetermined voltage range; and When the voltage is out of a predetermined voltage range, a second driving unit that generates a driving amount by a signal and a second light emitting unit that converts electricity into light by the second driving unit; A light-wave transmission unit that performs power transfer and signal transmission between the main circuit and the auxiliary circuit, wherein the main circuit receives a signal from a second light-emitting unit that indicates a state of a charging unit of the auxiliary circuit; The first modulation means and the first drive means determine whether to transmit power supply or signal transmission to the auxiliary circuit based on the signal of the demodulation means.
The output of the first light emitting means is adjusted.

Operation With the above configuration, the power and the signal are switched by the lightwave according to the power consumed in the auxiliary circuit, and transmitted between the circuits.

Embodiment Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the power transmission device, and the same parts as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the main circuit 1, reference numeral 102 denotes a first circuit, 103 denotes first light emitting means (for example, an LED or a semiconductor laser) for converting electric power or a signal into light, and 104 denotes driving means for driving the light emitting means 103. Reference numeral 105 denotes a modulating means for modulating a signal sent from the first circuit to a second circuit in the auxiliary circuit. Reference numeral 106 denotes first photoelectric conversion means for converting a light wave from the auxiliary circuit 2 into an electric signal. Reference numeral 107 denotes a first photoelectric conversion means for demodulating the output of the first photoelectric conversion means 106 into a signal transmitted by the second circuit 201. Demodulation means.

In the auxiliary circuit 2, 201 is a second circuit, 202 is second photoelectric conversion means for converting light waves into electric power, 203 is third photoelectric conversion means for converting light waves into electric signals, and 204 is the third photoelectric conversion means. This is a second demodulation means for demodulating the output of the photoelectric conversion means 203 into a signal sent by the first circuit 102. 205 is a charging unit for charging the electric power obtained by the second photoelectric conversion unit 202. 206 is comparison means for detecting and comparing whether the voltage of the charging means 205 is within a predetermined voltage range, and 207 is the output of the comparison means 206 so that the voltage of the charging means is out of the predetermined voltage range. The second driving means 208 generates a driving amount by a signal when the signal is present. Reference numeral 208 denotes a second light emitting means for converting a signal into light by the second driving means 207.

4 is the light of the first light emitting means 103 and the second light emitting means 208
Are transmitted to the second photoelectric conversion unit 202, the third photoelectric conversion unit 203, and the first photoelectric conversion unit 106, respectively. The main circuit 1 and the lightwave transmission means 4
And a second gap 6 between the lightwave transmission means 4 and the auxiliary circuit.

 Next, the operation of the configuration of the present invention will be described.

Normally, the first circuit 102 in the main circuit 1
Supplies electricity directly from The means for supplying power to the second circuit 201 in the auxiliary circuit 2 and transmitting signals will be described.

For example, if the auxiliary circuit 2 is separated from the main circuit 1 or installed in a place where no one can access it, the battery cannot be replaced and the power must be supplied from the main circuit. Further, it is difficult to send signals electrically if the electromagnetic environment on the way is poor.

First, means for supplying power to the second circuit 201 in the auxiliary circuit 2 will be described.

In the main circuit 1, the first light emitting means 103 is driven by the driving means 104.
To convert electricity into light.

The light wave from the first light emitting means 103 enters the light wave transmitting means 4 after propagating through the first gap 5. The light that has propagated in the lightwave transmission means 4 reaches the second photoelectric conversion means 202 in the auxiliary circuit 2 after passing through the second gap.

The light wave guided to the second photoelectric conversion means is converted into electric power here. The converted power is charged into the charging means 205 (capacitor or secondary battery having a large capacity), thereby enabling more stable power supply.

When the amount of charge of the charging means 205 reaches the electric power enough to operate the second circuit (1 point in FIG. 2 (4)), the comparing means 206 is turned on to notify the second circuit 201 that charging may be terminated. . (Time t1 in FIG. 2) When the second circuit receives this signal, it outputs a signal to the second driving means 207 to drive the second light emitting means 208. The light wave of the second light emitting means 208 is the light wave transmitting means 4
And reaches the first photoelectric conversion means 106 of the main circuit 1. The light wave guided to the first photoelectric conversion means 106 is converted into an electric signal here. The output of the first photoelectric conversion means 106 is input to the first demodulation means 107 and demodulated into a signal sent by the second circuit 201. The first circuit 102 receives the demodulated signal, detects that the auxiliary circuit 2 has been charged sufficiently, and stops the supply of power by the first drive unit 104. (Time t2 in FIG. 2) In the driving circuit 2, the second circuit 201 and the like consume power, and the charging amount of the charging means 205 becomes the lowest value of the power for operating the auxiliary circuit 2 (two points in FIG. 2 (4)). The comparison means 206 turns on and the charging must be resumed.
Notify 201. (Time t4 in FIG. 2) When the second circuit receives this signal, it outputs a signal to the second driving means 207 to drive the second light emitting means 208. The light wave of the second light emitting means 208 passes through the light wave transmitting means 4 and reaches the first photoelectric conversion means 106 of the main circuit 1. The light wave guided to the first photoelectric conversion means 106 is converted into an electric signal here. The output of the first photoelectric conversion means 106 is input to the first demodulation means 107 and demodulated into a signal sent by the second circuit 201. The first circuit 102 receives the demodulated signal, detects that the amount of charge of the auxiliary circuit 2 is insufficient, and restarts the supply of power by the first driving unit 104.
(FIG. 2, time t5) This operation is repeated thereafter.

Next, a method of transmitting a signal to the second circuit 201 in the auxiliary circuit 2 will be described.

In the main circuit 1, the driving means 104 is t
There is no need to carry power for up to 4 hours. Therefore, a signal is transmitted to the auxiliary circuit using this time zone.

A signal sent from the first circuit 102 to the second circuit 201 in the auxiliary circuit 2 is modulated by the first modulation means 105, and the signal is converted to the first signal.
The light is converted into light by the first light emitting means 103 via the driving means 104. In this case, since the power is not conveyed, the luminance of the light emitting means, that is, the output need not be large. Therefore, the output of the first light emitting means 103 during signal transmission may be small. (Time t3 in FIG. 2) This light wave follows the same route as that during power transfer, reaches the auxiliary circuit 2, and is guided to the third photoelectric conversion means 203, where it is converted into an electric signal. The output of the third photoelectric conversion means 203 is input to the second demodulation means 204 and demodulated into a signal sent by the first circuit 102. The second circuit 201 operates upon receiving the demodulated signal.

As described above, the driving means 104 switches the power transport and the signal transport in a timely manner, so that the heat generation of the light emitting means 103 and the first photoelectric conversion means 202 can be suppressed. The life of the means 202 due to heat can be prevented from being shortened, and power and signals can be transferred.

For example, in the case where an LED is used for the light emitting means 103 and a solar cell is used for the first photoelectric conversion means 202, when power is transferred, the current flowing through the LED is increased to emit light with high luminance. When transmitting a signal, the brightness may be low because it is only necessary that the blinking of the LED can be determined by the second photoelectric conversion means 203.

Further, when the power consumption of the auxiliary circuit 2 is small, it is not necessary to carry out the power transfer frequently, and the power is transferred according to the operation state in the auxiliary circuit.

As described above, by changing the driving amount of the light emitting unit 103, heat generation of the light emitting unit 103 can be suppressed.

Further, if the light condensing means 402 and 403 are provided on both end faces of the light wave transmitting means 4, the transmission efficiency can be improved.

When the electric power and the signal are conveyed as described above, there is no possibility of electric leakage or explosion even when the light wave transmission means 4 passes near a water pipe or a gas pipe, so that it is safe. Furthermore, even if the light wave transmission means 4 absorbs moisture and the moisture is transmitted to the main circuit 1 or the auxiliary circuit 2 by the capillary phenomenon, the first gap and the second gap cause the moisture to enter the circuit and cause a failure. It does not occur.

Further, since the line is non-conductive, it acts as an antenna and does not transmit noise into the circuit. One more track
The book can carry power and signals, making installation easier.

Further, the reliability is improved without the power line directly affecting the signal line such as noise.

If the minimum value of the amount of charge (1 point in FIG. 2 (a) (4)) is determined with a margin, when power is conveyed from the light emitting means 103 by light waves, the first circuit 102 and the second circuit When it becomes necessary to send a signal to 201, the priority can be given to carrying the signal. (At this time, although charging is in progress, charging means 205
Has an amount of charge sufficient to operate the auxiliary circuit 2. In FIG. 2B, while power is being supplied from the main circuit 1 to the auxiliary circuit 2 (time from t5 to t8), the second light emitting means 208 in the auxiliary circuit 2 and the first light emitting means 208 in the main circuit 1 The photoelectric conversion means 106 can perform signal transmission using its function. That is, from time t6 to time t7 in FIG.
If the second light emitting means 208 is subjected to modulation driving or the like by the signal of the second circuit 201, the first circuit 1 is transmitted via the first photoelectric conversion means 106.
02 can receive a signal from the second circuit 201.
In this way, bidirectional signal transmission can be made possible.

At this time, the first light emitting unit, the second photoelectric conversion unit 202, the system of the third photoelectric conversion unit 203, and the system of the second light emitting unit 203 and the first photoelectric conversion unit 106 are distinguishable light waves (for example, different light waves). Wavelength).

Effect of the Invention As described above, in the power and signal carrier device of the present invention, the main circuit includes a power supply unit and a first circuit for modulating a signal to be transmitted.
Modulation means, and a first drive means for receiving a signal from the power supply means and the signal from the first modulation means to produce a drive signal;
A first light-emitting means for converting electricity into light by the first driving means, a first photoelectric conversion means for receiving a lightwave signal from the auxiliary circuit and converting the lightwave signal into an electric signal, and a first photoelectric conversion means. A first demodulating means for demodulating a signal component from an output, and an auxiliary circuit operated by a signal of the main circuit includes a second photoelectric conversion means for receiving a light wave from the main circuit and converting the light wave into electric power, and The third photoelectric conversion means for receiving the lightwave of the second and converting it into an electric signal, the second demodulation means for demodulating a signal component from the output of the third photoelectric conversion means, and charging the output of the second photoelectric conversion means. Charging means, comparing means for inspecting and comparing whether or not the voltage of the charging means is within a predetermined voltage range, and when the voltage of the charging means is out of the predetermined voltage range at the output of the means. Driving amount is made by signal A second light emitting means for converting electricity into light by the second driving means, and a light wave transmitting means for carrying out power transfer and signal transmission between the main circuit and the auxiliary circuit. And the main circuit transmits either power supply to the auxiliary circuit or signal transmission by a signal from the first demodulation unit that receives a signal from the second light emitting unit that indicates a state of the charging unit of the auxiliary circuit. The first drive means switches the power transmission and the signal transmission to perform the first light emission by adjusting the output of the first modulation means, the first drive means, and the first light emission means. It is possible to suppress heat generation of the means and the first photoelectric conversion means, to prevent a reduction in life due to heat, and to convey power and signals.

When the power consumption of the auxiliary circuit 2 is small, it is not necessary to carry out the power transfer frequently, and the power is transferred according to the operation state in the auxiliary circuit, so that the power transfer efficiency is improved.

Further, while power is supplied from the main circuit to the auxiliary circuit, the second light emitting means in the auxiliary circuit and the first photoelectric conversion means in the main circuit can perform signal transmission using the functions. That is, power transmission and bidirectional signal transmission can be performed using one lightwave transmission unit.

Also, even if the light wave transmission means passes near the water pipe or the gas pipe, there is no possibility of electric leakage or explosion, so that it is safe. Even if the light wave transmission means absorbs moisture and the moisture is transmitted to the main circuit or the auxiliary circuit by the capillary phenomenon, moisture does not enter the circuit and cause a failure because the first gap and the second gap are provided. .

Further, since the line is non-conductive, it acts as an antenna and does not transmit noise into the circuit. One more track
The book can carry power and signals, making installation easier.

Further, the reliability is improved without the power line directly affecting the signal line such as noise.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a power transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 2a and 2b are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the device, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a conventional power and signal transfer device. 1 ... main circuit, 2 ... auxiliary circuit, 4 ... light wave transmission means,
5 1st gap, 6 2nd gap, 101 ... power supply means, 103 ... 1st light emitting means, 106 ... 1st photoelectric conversion means, 202 ... 2nd photoelectric conversion Means 203... Third photoelectric conversion means 205... Charging means 208... Second light emitting means 403 and 404.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yukio Nagaoka 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. In-company (56) References JP-A-55-63525 (JP, A) JP-A-60-109340 (JP, A)

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A main circuit comprising: a power supply unit; a first modulation unit for modulating a signal to be transmitted; and a first unit for inputting a signal of the power supply unit and the signal of the first modulation unit to generate a drive signal.
A first light emitting means for converting electricity into light by the first driving means, a first photoelectric conversion means for receiving a lightwave signal from the auxiliary circuit and converting the lightwave signal into an electric signal, and A first demodulating means for demodulating a signal component from an output of the photoelectric conversion means, and an auxiliary circuit operated by a signal of the main circuit receives a light wave from the main circuit and converts the light wave into electric power And third photoelectric conversion means for receiving a light wave from the main circuit and converting the light wave into an electric signal, second demodulation means for demodulating a signal component from an output of the third photoelectric conversion means, and the second photoelectric conversion means Charging means for charging the output of
Comparing means for inspecting and comparing whether the terminal voltage of the charging means is within a predetermined voltage range, and a signal when the terminal voltage of the charging means is out of the predetermined voltage range at the output of the comparing means. And a second light emitting unit for converting electricity into light by the second driving unit, and performs power transfer and signal transmission between the main circuit and the auxiliary circuit. The main circuit has a lightwave transmission unit for performing power supply or signal transmission to the auxiliary circuit by a signal of the first demodulation unit that receives a signal from the second light emitting unit that indicates a state of the charging unit of the auxiliary circuit. A power and signal carrier device configured to determine which one to transmit and adjust the outputs of the first modulating means, the first driving means, and the first light emitting means.