JP4765946B2 - Combiner, power line carrier communication device, and power line carrier communication system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to power line carrier communication using a distribution line of a distribution system as a transmission medium.

  Currently, power line communication (hereinafter abbreviated as “PLC”) is being researched, developed, and put into practical use because an existing power line can be used as a transmission medium. This PLC is known not only using a power line laid in a building such as a dwelling unit, an apartment house, or an office building, but also using a distribution line of a distribution system that distributes power to these buildings.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a remote meter reading system that measures power consumption in each house or each tenant in an apartment house or building.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of the remote meter reading system disclosed in Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. In the remote meter reading system 1000 disclosed in this Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. 8, n transformers 1002 (1002-1 to 1002-n) are connected to a lead-in line 1001 of medium or high voltage, for example, 6600V. The distribution lines 1003 (1003-1 to 1003-n) are connected to each of the distribution lines 1003C, and the communication devices 1004C (1004C-11 to 1004C- on the handset side) that communicate the meter reading result of the integrated power amount with the PLC. 1i, 1004C-21 to 1004C-2j, 1004C-31... 1004C-41..., 1004C-n1..., 1004C-n1. The electric wire 1003-1) is connected to a communication device 1004P on the parent device side that communicates with each communication device 1004C on the child device side using the PLC and receives a meter reading result. And with respect to the distribution line 1003-1 to which the communication device 1004P of the main | base station side is connected, each remaining distribution line 1003-2-1003-n passes the carrier frequency component of PLC, and passage of a commercial frequency component Are connected via a detour communication path by inter-transformer signal couplers 1005 (1005-2, 1005-3, 1005-4,... 1005-n), respectively, to form a star connection (star connection). ing.

  The inter-transformer signal coupler 1005 includes four bank line capacitors 1006-1, 1006-2, 1006-3, 1006-4, one end of which is connected to two sets of distribution lines 1003 to be coupled, A coupling transformer 1007 having coils 1007-1 and 1007-2 connected between the other ends of the bank line capacitors 1006-1, 1006-2, 1006-3, and 1006-4 is provided. For this reason, signal attenuation is suppressed as compared with that via the transformer 1002 and the lead-in line 1001, and communication quality between the communication device 1004P on the parent device side and the communication device 1004C on the child device side is ensured.

The inter-transformer signal coupler 1005 includes a switch 1008 connected in series to the bank line capacitor 1006-1 and controlled to be opened and closed by the communication device 1004P on the parent device side. The communication device 1004P on the parent device side controls the switch 1008 (1008-2 to 1008-n) so that it is closed when the meter reading result is collected and opened when the meter reading result is not collected. When communication is performed with the PLC 1004C on the machine side using the PLC, the drop in impedance is suppressed by restricting the distribution lines 1003-2 to 1003-n connected to the distribution line 1003-1.
JP 2006-180021 A

  By the way, in the PLC, when the impedance of the PLC frequency band in the device connected to the power line (distribution line) serving as the transmission path of the communication signal is low, the PLC communication signal flows to such a device, and the destination communication device The reception intensity at is attenuated. For example, in the case of the remote meter reading system 1000 shown in FIG. 8, when the distribution line 1002-1 is connected to each distribution line 1002-2 to 1002-n to which the transformer 1002 is connected by the inter-transformer signal coupler 1005, Impedance is approximately one-fifth of the number of transformers 1002.

  For this reason, in patent document 1, the switch 1008 closed only when performing communication by PLC is provided, and the distribution lines 1003-2 to 1003-n connected to the distribution line 1003-1 are limited. Impedance reduction is suppressed.

  However, in order to perform such control, the communication device 1004P on the parent device side needs to store the correspondence relationship between the communication device 1004C on the child device side and the switch 1008 and perform such control. Therefore, there is an inconvenience that it is necessary to store the correspondence relationship between the communication device 1004C on the slave unit side and the switch 1008. In particular, when the number of the communication devices 1004C on the slave unit side and the number of the switches 1008 are increased, it takes a lot of trouble.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to eliminate the need for the above-mentioned trouble and to suppress a decrease in impedance even in a power distribution system to which a plurality of transformers are connected. It is to provide a coupler that can. It is providing the power line carrier communication device used in combination with such a coupler. And it is providing the power line carrier communication system using such a coupler.

  As a result of various studies, the present inventor has found that the above object is achieved by the present invention described below. That is, in one aspect according to the present invention, a distribution line to which a transformer is connected and a first power line carrier communication device that performs power line carrier communication is connected, and a power line carrier communication that is not connected to the distribution line. In a coupler that couples two power line carrier communication devices so as to enable power line carrier communication, the communication signal of the power line carrier communication received from the second power line carrier communication device is repeated and transmitted to the first power line carrier communication device, A repeat unit that repeats a power line carrier communication signal received from the first power line carrier communicator and transmits it to the second power line carrier communicator, and receives a power line carrier communication signal from the second power line carrier communicator. And when the communication signal of the power line carrier communication received from the first power line carrier communication device is repeated and transmitted to the second power line carrier communication device. Characterized in that it comprises a first switch unit for connecting the repeat unit with the power line communication device transported communicatively power line.

  According to this configuration, when receiving the communication signal of the power line carrier communication from the second power line carrier communication device, and repeating the communication signal of the power line carrier communication received from the first power line carrier communication device, the second power line carrier communication Since the second power line carrier communicator and the repeat unit are connected so that the power line carrier communication is possible when transmitting to the transmitter, the connection between the second power line carrier communicator and the repeat unit according to the transmission destination of the power line carrier communication signal There is no need to control. For this reason, the said trouble is unnecessary. Moreover, even if the second power line carrier communicator is connected to a plurality of couplers as a result of being connected to the plurality of couplers, the coupler is connected to the second power line carrier communicator. Since it is only connected so that power line carrier communication is possible, the impedance reduction seen from the coupler is only the impedance reduction of the two distribution lines connected to the own device and the second power line carrier communication device. Therefore, even in a power distribution system to which a plurality of transformers are connected, a decrease in impedance can be suppressed.

  And in the above-mentioned coupler, for transmitting / receiving a communication signal of power line carrier communication, a front connection terminal for connecting to the second power line carrier communication device or another coupler, and the front connection terminal Power line carrier communication is possible between the second power line carrier communicator and the repeat unit connected to and connected to the other coupler for transmitting / receiving a communication signal of power line carrier communication, and the second power line carrier communicator. A drive signal input terminal for connecting to the second power line carrier communicator or another coupler for receiving a drive signal for controlling the first switch unit to be connected; and the drive A drive signal sending terminal connected to the signal input terminal and connected to the other coupler; and the first switch unit is provided between the preceding connection terminal and the repeat unit. When the drive signal is input from the drive signal input terminal, the second power line carrier communication device and the repeat unit are connected so as to be capable of power line carrier communication according to the drive signal. To do.

  According to this structure, the coupler which can suppress the fall of an impedance is provided even if it is a power distribution system to which the some transformer was connected without the said effort.

  Further, in the above-described couplers, a driving signal amplifying unit that is disposed between the driving signal input terminal and the driving signal sending terminal and amplifies the driving signal input from the driving signal input terminal. Is further provided.

  According to this configuration, the drive signal input from the drive signal input terminal is amplified, and the amplified drive signal is output from the drive signal sending terminal. The transmission distance to the coupler can be further increased. Alternatively, it is possible to increase the number of other couplers in the subsequent stage connected in a daisy chain.

  Furthermore, in the above-described couplers, the ground of the communication signal of the power line carrier communication and the ground of the drive signal are made common.

  According to this configuration, since the ground of the communication signal for power line carrier communication and the ground of the driving signal are made common, the ground terminal for the front connection terminal and the ground terminal for the driving signal input terminal are made common, and the rear connection is made. The ground terminal for the drive terminal and the drive signal sending terminal are made common, and each one terminal is reduced. Therefore, when the coupler is connected to the second power line communication device, the coupler is connected to another coupler. Workability when connecting is improved.

  In these couplers, the front connection terminal and the rear connection terminal are connected in an insulating configuration, and the drive signal input terminal and the drive signal sending terminal are connected in an insulating configuration. It is characterized by that.

  According to this configuration, since it is an insulating configuration, when the coupler is connected to another coupler, power such as commercial power does not flow between the couplers, and safety during construction and operation is ensured. Improves.

  Further, in these couplers described above, when receiving a distribution line connection terminal for connecting the distribution line and a communication signal of power line carrier communication from the second power line carrier communication device, It further has a 2nd switch part which interrupts connection with the terminal for distribution line connection.

  According to this configuration, when the communication signal of the power line carrier communication is received from the second power line carrier communicator, the connection between the front-stage connection terminal and the distribution line connection terminal is interrupted. The decrease in impedance can also be eliminated.

  Furthermore, in the above-described couplers, a drive signal generation unit that generates a drive signal for controlling the first switch unit so as to connect the second power line carrier communication device and the repeat unit so that power line carrier communication is possible. The first switch unit is capable of power line carrier communication between the second power line carrier communicator and the repeat unit according to the drive signal when the drive signal is input from the drive signal generator. It is characterized by connecting to.

  According to this structure, the coupler which can suppress the fall of an impedance is provided even if it is a power distribution system to which the some transformer was connected without the said effort.

  In the above-described couplers, the repeat unit includes a communication coupling unit that superimposes a communication signal for power line carrier communication on a power waveform and separates a communication signal for power line carrier communication from the power waveform, and the communication coupling unit. A power line carrier communication unit that decodes (demodulates) the separated communication signal of the power line carrier communication and converts it into decoded data, and encodes (modulates) the converted decoded data and reconverts it into a communication signal of the power line carrier communication; It is characterized by providing.

  According to this configuration, a so-called bit repeater and a buffered repeater are known as repeaters, but a coupler having a buffered repeater function is provided.

  And in another one aspect | mode which concerns on this invention, it is a power line carrier communication apparatus used in combination with the coupler in any one of these above-mentioned.

  According to this configuration, there is provided a power line carrier communicator that can be combined with a coupler that does not require the above-described trouble and that can suppress a decrease in impedance even in a power distribution system to which a plurality of transformers are connected. Is done.

  In the above power line carrier communication device, a distribution line connection terminal for connecting a distribution line, a coupler connection terminal for connecting the coupler, the second power line carrier communication device, and the repeat unit. And a drive signal generation unit for generating a drive signal for controlling the first switch unit so as to connect the power line carrier communication, and a drive signal output terminal for outputting the drive signal, The distribution line connection terminal and the coupler connection terminal are connected in an insulating configuration, and the drive signal generation unit and the drive signal output terminal are connected in an insulating configuration.

  According to this configuration, since it is an insulation configuration, when the power line carrier communication device is connected to the coupler, power such as commercial power does not flow between the power line carrier communication device and the coupler. And safety during operation is improved.

  And in other one mode concerning the present invention, the 1st power line carrier communication device which performs power line carrier communication connected to the distribution line to which the transformer is connected, and power line carrier communication which is not connected to the distribution line A power line carrier communication system comprising: a second power line carrier communication device to perform; and a coupler that couples the distribution line and the second power line carrier communication device so that power line carrier communication is possible. It is a coupler as described in above.

  According to this configuration, there is provided a power line carrier communication system provided with a coupler that does not require the above-described trouble and that can suppress a decrease in impedance even in a power distribution system to which a plurality of transformers are connected. .

  The coupler which concerns on this invention does not need the said effort, and can suppress the fall of an impedance even if it is a power distribution system to which the some transformer was connected. And according to this invention, the power line carrier communication apparatus used in combination with such a coupler is provided, and the power line carrier communication system using such a coupler is provided.

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the structure which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in each figure shows that it is the same structure, The description is abbreviate | omitted.
(First embodiment)
Drawing 1 is a figure showing the composition of the power line carrier communications system in an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the power line carrier communication device of the parent device in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the coupler according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the power line carrier communication device on the slave unit side in the embodiment.

  In the power line carrier communication system (hereinafter abbreviated as “PLC system”) according to the first embodiment, power line carrier communication (hereinafter abbreviated as “PLC”) connected to a distribution line to which a transformer is connected. )), A second PLC communicator for performing PLC not connected to the distribution line, the distribution line, and the second PLC communication. And a coupler that couples the power line carrier communication so that the power line carrier communication is possible, the coupler repeats a power line carrier communication signal received from the second PLC communicator and transmits it to the first PLC communicator, and A repeat unit that repeats the communication signal of the power line carrier communication received from the first PLC communicator and transmits the signal to the second PLC communicator; and the communication signal of the power line carrier communication from the second PLC communicator. Communication, and when the communication signal of the power line carrier communication received from the first PLC communicator is repeated and transmitted to the second PLC communicator, the second PLC communicator and the repeat unit can perform power line carrier communication. The 1st switch part connected to is provided.

  Such a PLC system can be applied to a system that collects data from one or more locations such as a remote meter reading system, a remote monitoring system, a remote control system, and a security system. For example, the PLC system S shown in FIG. is there. In FIG. 1, the PLC system S includes a PLC communication device P that functions as a parent device, a PLC communication device C that functions as one or more child devices, and a coupler R. PLC is performed using the electric wire as a transmission medium. For example, low-speed power line carrier communication using a frequency band of 10 kHz to 450 Hz and high-speed power line carrier communication using a frequency band of 2 MHz to 30 MHz are known as PLCs.

  The distribution system is configured by connecting a low-voltage distribution line M as a branch line to a medium-voltage or high-voltage (including extra high) distribution line L as a trunk line via a distribution transformer T. The distribution transformer T converts a medium voltage or a high voltage of the distribution line L into a low voltage of the distribution line M. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the distribution line L is a 6.6 kV high-voltage main line, the distribution lines M (M-1 to Mn) are a plurality of n, and the distribution transformer T (T −1 to T−n) are so-called columnar transformers, and the number is n according to the number of distribution lines M−1 to M−n. Examples of the low-voltage power distribution system include a single-phase two-wire system, a single-phase three-wire system, and a three-phase four-wire system. For example, in the single-phase three-wire system, the neutral point on the secondary side of the distribution transformer T is grounded and a neutral line is drawn out, and two voltage lines from both outsides on the secondary side of the distribution transformer T Is drawn out, and power is supplied to the load through these three wires. In this single-phase three-wire system, a 100V load is connected between a neutral line and a voltage line, and a 200V load is connected between both voltage lines. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the distribution line M shows a pair of voltage lines, and the neutral line is not shown. Here, in the single-phase three-wire system, the PLC may be performed between the voltage line and the neutral line, but in this case, whether the PLC is performed by [L1-N] or [L2-N] is performed in advance. It is necessary to negotiate. In the example shown in FIG. 1, since it is performed by [L1-L2], such prior arrangement is not required. In addition, although the distribution line M is comprised by the group of several, in this application document, one group of the plurality is called one.

  Each of the distribution lines M-1 to Mn is connected to one or a plurality of slave PLC communication devices C11 to Cnm. In the example shown in FIG. 1, PLC communication devices C11 to C1i of i child devices are connected to the distribution line M-1, and PLC communication devices C21 to C of j child devices are connected to the distribution line M-2. C2j is connected, PLC slave devices C31 to C3k of k slave units are connected to the distribution line M-3, and PLC slave devices Cn1 to Cnm of m slave units are connected to the distribution line M-n. It is connected. Then, any of the distribution lines M is connected to the PLC communication device P of the master unit, and each of the remaining distribution lines M except the distribution line M to which the PLC communication device P of the master unit is connected is 1 or The PLC communication device P of the parent device is connected via a plurality of couplers R. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the PLC communicator P of the master unit is connected to the distribution line M-1, connected to the distribution line M-2 via the coupler R-2, and connected to the distribution line M-3. Connected via two couplers R-2 and R-3 connected in a daisy chain, and (n-1) couplers R-2 and R- connected in a daisy chain to the distribution line M-3. 3,... Are connected via Rn. The number of couplers R is the number obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of distribution lines M to which the slave PLC communication device C is connected.

  In the present specification, when referring generically, it is indicated by a reference symbol without a suffix, and when referring to an individual configuration, it is indicated by a reference symbol with a suffix. Also, for convenience of explanation, in the plurality of couplers R connected in a daisy chain, the PLC communication device P side of the parent device is referred to as upstream, and the terminal side is referred to as downstream when viewed from the coupler R, and The other coupler R directly connected to the coupler R on the upstream side is called the other coupler R in the previous stage, and the other coupler R directly connected to the coupler R on the downstream side is called the other coupler R. It will be called another coupler R in the subsequent stage.

  The PLC communication devices P and C are communication devices that perform PLC using the distribution line M as a transmission medium. The slave PLC communicator C further includes a detection unit (not shown), and is configured to transmit data detected by the detection unit to the master PLC communicator P using the PLC. The PLC communication device P of the parent device is further configured to collect the data by the PLC from the PLC communication device C of the child device. The coupler R is configured to relay a PLC communication signal as a repeater between the PLC communication device P of the parent device and the PLC communication device C of the child device. The repeater replays and relays the received signal. The so-called bit repeater that electrically regenerates the received signal (waveform shaping and amplification) and sends it, and decodes (demodulates) the received signal and encodes it again (modulation). Then, there is a so-called buffered repeater to be sent out.

  Here, the PLC communication device P of the parent device corresponds to an example of the second PLC communication device, and the PLC communication device C of the child device corresponds to an example of the first PLC communication device.

  Such a PLC communication device P, a coupler R and a slave device PLC communication device C are configured as shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4, for example.

  The PLC communication device P of the parent device shown in FIG. 2 includes a parent device processing unit 11, a power line carrier communication unit (hereinafter abbreviated as "PLC communication unit") 12, a transmission amplification unit 13, and a communication coupling unit. 14, a power supply unit 15, a distribution line connection terminal 16, a coupler connection terminal 17, and a drive signal output terminal 18.

  The base unit processing unit 11 is a circuit that executes processing as a base unit according to the use of the PLC system S, and executes at least processing for collecting data from the PLC communication device C of the slave unit by the PLC. The base unit processing unit 11 is connected to the power supply unit 15 to receive supply of driving power, and is connected to the PLC communication unit 12 to perform PLC. The base unit processing unit 11 includes, for example, a microprocessor and its peripheral circuits.

  The PLC communication unit 12 is a circuit that encodes (modulates) data to be transmitted into a PLC communication signal and decodes (demodulates) the received PLC communication signal to extract data. In addition to the normal operation mode, the PLC communication device P of the parent device has a power saving operation mode in order to save power and reduce power consumption. The PLC communication unit 12 saves the normal operation mode and the power saving operation mode. It also has a function of outputting a switching signal for switching between the power operation modes. In the power saving operation mode, the drive is stopped, the drive level is lowered, for example, the drive speed is slow, or the function level is lowered, for example, some functions are omitted. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the transmission amplification unit 13 is configured to stop driving in the power saving operation mode, and the PLC communication unit 12 outputs a switching signal to the transmission amplification unit 13. For example, in the normal operation mode, the switching signal is a high (Hi) signal having a voltage value equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value. In the power saving operation mode, the switching signal is a low signal having a voltage value of approximately zero. It becomes. Such a PLC communication unit 12 can be configured with, for example, Renesas M16C / 6S.

  The transmission amplifying unit 13 has a normal operation mode and a power saving operation mode. In the normal operation mode, the PLC communication signal to be transmitted is amplified by a preset amplification factor, and in the power saving mode. This is a circuit for stopping driving. Switching between the normal operation mode and the power saving operation mode is controlled by the PLC communication unit 12 and executed by the switching signal. The transmission amplifier 13 includes, for example, an amplifier Amp1 that amplifies a PLC communication signal to be transmitted at a preset amplification factor, and a switch with a control terminal that turns on and off the supply of drive power for driving the amplifier Amp1. And SW1. The switch SW1 is configured to include, for example, a transistor or an electromagnetic relay, and a control terminal for controlling on / off thereof is connected to a terminal that outputs a switching signal in the PLC communication unit 12, and the switch SW1 is connected to the PLC communication. In response to the switching signal output from the unit 12, the power supplied from the power supply unit 15 as the driving power for the amplifier Amp1 is turned on and off. In this embodiment, the normal operation mode is turned on (closed) by a high signal switching signal, and the power saving operation mode is turned off (opened) by a low signal switching signal.

  The communication coupling unit 14 is a circuit that superimposes a PLC communication signal having a frequency higher than the commercial frequency on the power waveform of the commercial frequency and separates the PLC communication signal of the high frequency from the power waveform. The communication coupling unit 14 includes, for example, a transformer T1 including a coil L11 and a coil L12, and capacitors C11 and C12 provided at both ends of the coil L11. Capacitors C11 and C12 block a commercial frequency component and allow a PLC signal component having a frequency higher than the commercial frequency to pass therethrough. The transformer T1, for example, has a turns ratio of the coils L11 and L12 of 1: 1, and has a high impedance in the PLC frequency band.

  In order to remove high-frequency noise, the communication coupling unit 14 may be configured only with a capacitor as a high-pass filter that cuts off the component of the commercial frequency and passes the component of the PLC signal that is higher in frequency than the commercial frequency. Alternatively, it may be configured by a band-pass filter that cuts off the component of the commercial frequency and allows the component of the PLC signal having a frequency higher than the commercial frequency to pass. The same applies to communication coupling units 28, 29, and 44 described later.

  The power supply unit 15 generates DC power from the external commercial AC power fed from the distribution line M. For example, each of the circuits such as the base unit processing unit 11, the PLC communication unit 12, and the transmission amplification unit 13 is provided. In order to drive the circuit, the circuit supplies DC power.

  The distribution line connection terminal 16 is a terminal for connecting the PLC communicator P of the master unit to the distribution line M, and includes a pair of terminals 16-1 and 16-2 corresponding to the number of distribution lines M. Is done. When the distribution line M is connected to the distribution line connection terminal 16, the PLC communication device P of the parent device is supplied with commercial AC power from the distribution line M and is connected to the distribution line M. PLC communication signals are transmitted / received to / from the PLC communication device C of the slave unit. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the PLC communicator P of the master unit is connected to the distribution line M-1 via the distribution line connection terminal 16, and commercial AC power is fed from the distribution line M-1, and It is possible to communicate with PLC communication devices C-11 to C1i of a plurality of slave units using the electric wire M-1 as a transmission medium.

  The coupler connection terminal 17 is a terminal for connecting the PLC communication device P of the parent device to the coupler R in order to transmit and receive PLC communication signals, and a pair of terminals corresponding to the number of distribution lines M. 17-1 and 17-2. When the coupler R is connected to the coupler connection terminal 17, the PLC communication device P of the parent device relays the PLC communication signal by the coupler R, and the coupler R is connected to the coupler R as described later. PLC communication signals are transmitted / received to / from the slave PLC communicator C connected to the distribution line M to be connected.

  The drive signal output terminal 18 receives a drive signal for controlling a switch unit 26 (to be described later) in the coupler R so as to connect the PLC communicator P and the coupler R of the parent machine so that power line carrier communication is possible. It is a terminal for outputting from the PLC communicator of the machine to the coupler R, and is composed of a pair of terminals 18-1 and 18-2. The base unit processing unit 11 is configured to functionally include a drive signal generation unit that generates a drive signal, and the base unit processing unit 11 may be configured to generate the drive signal. Then, the PLC communication part 12 is comprised so that a drive signal may be produced | generated, and also the said switching signal is diverted. For this reason, the terminal that outputs the switching signal in the PLC communication unit 12 is connected to the control terminal of the switch SW in the transmission amplifying unit 13, and is connected to one terminal of the drive signal output terminal 18 for driving signal output. The other terminal of the terminal 18 is grounded.

  And the power supply part 15 is connected to the terminal 16 for distribution line connection, and produces | generates DC power from the commercial alternating current power fed from the distribution line M by this. The power supply unit 15 is connected to the base unit processing unit 11, the PLC communication unit 12, and the transmission amplification unit 13, respectively, thereby using the DC power as drive power, the base unit processing unit 11, the PLC communication unit 12, and the transmission amplification unit. 13 respectively.

  Transmission terminals for outputting PLC communication signals in the PLC communication unit 12 are connected to the distribution line connection terminal 16 and the coupler connection terminal 17 via the transmission amplification unit 13 and the communication coupling unit 14, respectively. More specifically, the pair of transmission terminals are respectively connected to the pair of input terminals of the amplifier Amp1 in the transmission amplification unit 13, and the pair of output terminals of the amplifier Amp1 are connected to the coil L12 in the transformer T1 of the communication coupling unit 14. Are connected to both ends of each. The coil L12 is electromagnetically coupled to the coil L11 in the transformer T1 of the communication coupling unit 14, and both ends of the coil L11 are connected to the pair of terminals 16-1 of the distribution line connection terminal 16 via capacitors C11 and C12, respectively. 16-2 and connected to a pair of terminals 17-1 and 17-2 of the coupler connecting terminal 17, respectively. For this reason, the pair of terminals 16-1 and 16-2 of the distribution line connecting terminal 16 are connected to the pair of terminals 17-1 and 17-2 of the coupler connecting terminal 17, respectively.

  A reception terminal to which a PLC communication signal is input in the PLC communication unit 12 is connected to the communication coupling unit 14. More specifically, the pair of reception terminals are connected to both ends of the coil L12 of the transformer T1 in the communication coupling unit 14.

  The coupler R shown in FIG. 3 includes a front connection terminal 21, a drive signal input terminal 22, a drive signal sending terminal 23, a rear connection terminal 24, a PLC communication unit 25, and a switch unit 26. A transmission amplifying unit 27, communication coupling units 28 and 29, a power supply unit 30, and a distribution line connecting terminal 31.

  The PLC communication unit 25 is a circuit that decodes (demodulates) the PLC communication signal separated by the communication coupling unit 28 to extract data, and encodes (modulates) the extracted data to reconvert it into a PLC communication signal. is there. The coupler R also has a normal operation mode and a power saving operation mode, and the PLC communication unit 25 also has a function of outputting a switching signal for switching between the normal operation mode and the power saving operation mode. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the transmission amplification unit 27 is configured to stop driving in the power saving operation mode, and the PLC communication unit 25 outputs a switching signal to the transmission amplification unit 27.

  Similarly to the transmission amplification unit 13, the transmission amplification unit 27 has a normal operation mode and a power saving operation mode. In the normal operation mode, the communication signal of the PLC to be transmitted is set in advance. This circuit amplifies at a rate and stops driving in the power saving mode. Switching between the normal operation mode and the power saving operation mode is controlled by the PLC communication unit 25 and executed by the switching signal. The transmission amplifier 27 includes, for example, an amplifier Amp2 that amplifies a PLC communication signal to be transmitted at a preset amplification factor, and a switch with a control terminal that turns on and off the supply of drive power for driving the amplifier Amp2. And SW2. The switch SW2 is configured to include, for example, a transistor, an electromagnetic relay, and the like, and a control terminal that controls on / off of the switch SW2 is connected to a terminal that outputs a switching signal in the PLC communication unit 25. The switch SW2 is connected to the PLC SW2. In response to the switching signal output from the communication unit 25, the power supplied from the power supply unit 30 as the driving power for the amplifier Amp2 is turned on and off. In the present embodiment, the normal operation mode is turned on by a high signal switching signal, and the power saving operation mode is turned off by a low signal switching signal.

  Similar to the communication coupling unit 14, the communication coupling unit 28 superimposes a PLC communication signal having a frequency higher than the commercial frequency on the commercial frequency power waveform, and separates the PLC communication signal having the higher frequency from the power waveform. Circuit. The communication coupling unit 28 includes, for example, a transformer T2 including a coil L21 and a coil L22, and capacitors C21 and C22 provided at both ends of the coil L21. Capacitors C21 and C22 block the commercial frequency component and allow the PLC signal component having a frequency higher than the commercial frequency to pass therethrough. In the transformer T2, the turns ratio of the coils L21 and L22 is set to 1: 1, for example, and has a high impedance in the PLC frequency band.

  The communication coupling unit 29 is a circuit that separates a PLC communication signal having a frequency higher than the commercial frequency from the power waveform of the commercial frequency. The communication coupling unit 29 includes, for example, a transformer T3 including a coil L31 and a coil L32, capacitors C31 and C32 provided at both ends of the coil L31, and capacitors C33 and C34 provided at both ends of the coil L32. Is done. Capacitors C31 and C32; C33 and C34 cut off the component of the commercial frequency and pass the component of the PLC signal having a frequency higher than the commercial frequency. The transformer T3 has a winding ratio of, for example, 1: 1 of the coils L31 and L32, and has a high impedance in the frequency band of the PLC.

  Here, in this embodiment, an example of a repeat unit is configured by including the PLC communication unit 25 and the communication coupling unit 28, and an example of a repeat unit is configured by further including the transmission amplification unit 27 and the communication coupling unit 29. Has been.

  The power supply unit 30 generates direct-current power from external commercial AC power fed from the distribution line M. For example, these circuits are supplied to the circuits such as the PLC communication unit 25, the switch unit 26, and the transmission amplification unit 27. In order to drive, it is a circuit which supplies direct-current power. The power supply unit 30 may be connected to a later-stage connection terminal 21 described later, and may be configured to generate DC power from external commercial AC power fed from the previous-stage connection terminal 21.

  The front-stage connection terminal 21 is a terminal for connecting the coupler R to the PLC communicator P of the master unit or another coupler R of the front stage connected in a daisy chain in order to transmit and receive PLC communication signals. Yes, corresponding to the number of distribution lines M, it is composed of a pair of terminals 21-1 and 22-2.

  The rear connection terminal 24 is a terminal for connecting the coupler R to another coupler R in the rear stage connected in a daisy chain in order to transmit / receive PLC communication signals. Correspondingly, it is composed of a pair of terminals 24-1 and 24-2. For this reason, the pair of terminals 24-1 and 24-2 in the rear connection terminal 24 are connected to the pair of terminals 21-1 and 21-2 in the front connection terminal 21, respectively.

  The distribution line connection terminal 31 is a terminal for connecting the coupler R to the distribution line M, and includes a pair of terminals 31-1 and 3-2 corresponding to the number of the distribution lines M. When the distribution line M is connected to the distribution line connection terminal 31, the coupler R is supplied with commercial AC power from the distribution line M.

  Then, the front connection terminal 21 in the coupler R is connected to the coupler connection terminal 17 in the PLC communication device P of the master unit or the rear connection terminal 24 in the other coupler R in the front stage. By connecting the front-stage connection terminal 21 in the other coupler R in the rear stage to the rear-stage connection terminal 24 in the unit R, the PLC communication signal output from the PLC communication device P of the master unit is transmitted to the other stage. The communication signal of the PLC transmitted to the other coupler R and output from the slave PLC communicator C relayed by the other coupler R downstream is transmitted to the other coupler R in the preceding stage.

  The drive signal input terminal 22 is a terminal for inputting the drive signal output from the PLC communicator P of the master unit to the coupler R, and includes a pair of terminals 22-1 and 22-2.

  The drive signal sending terminal 23 outputs the drive signal output from the PLC communicator P of the master unit and input to the coupler R to the other coupler R in the subsequent stage connected to the coupler R in a daisy chain. And is composed of a pair of terminals 23-1 and 23-2. Therefore, the pair of terminals 23-1 and 23-2 in the drive signal sending terminal 23 are connected to the pair of terminals 22-1 and 22-2 in the drive signal input terminal 22, respectively.

  The driving signal input terminal 22 in the coupler R is connected to the driving signal output terminal 18 in the PLC communicator P of the master unit or the driving signal sending terminal 23 in the other coupler R in the preceding stage, and the coupling When the drive signal input terminal 22 in the other coupler R in the subsequent stage is connected to the drive signal sending terminal 23 in the coupler R, the signal is output from the PLC communicator P of the parent machine and input to the coupler R. The drive signal is output to the other coupler R at the subsequent stage.

  The switch unit 26 is connected to the distribution line M connected to the distribution line connection terminal 31 in the coupler R, the other coupler R in the front stage connected to the front connection terminal 21, and the rear connection terminal 24. This is a circuit for electrically disconnecting the other coupler R in the subsequent stage for a predetermined period when relaying a PLC communication signal. Therefore, the switch unit 26 has one terminal connected to the distribution line connection terminal 31 via the communication coupling unit 29 and the other terminal connected to the front-stage connection terminal 21 and the rear-stage connection terminal 24. More specifically, a pair of one terminals are connected to both ends of the coil L32 of the transformer T3 via capacitors C33 and C34 in the communication coupling unit 29, respectively. The coil L32 is electromagnetically coupled to the coil L31 of the transformer T3, and both ends of the coil L31 are connected to the pair of terminals 31-1 and 31-2 in the distribution line connection terminal 31 via capacitors C31 and C32, respectively. Is done. The switch unit 26 includes a switch SW3 with a control terminal such as a transistor or an electromagnetic relay, for example, and the control terminal for controlling on / off of the switch unit SW3 is switching in the drive signal input terminal 22 and the PLC communication unit 25. Connected to the terminal that outputs the signal.

  When the PLC communication signal received from the PLC communication device C of the slave unit is transmitted via the distribution line M connected to the distribution line connection terminal 31 and transmitted to the PLC communication device P of the master unit, Drive signal generation configured to generate a drive signal for controlling the switch unit 26 so as to connect the PLC communicator P and the coupler R so that power line carrier communication is possible. In this embodiment, the PLC communication unit 25 is configured to generate this drive signal, and the switching signal is also used.

  The switch unit 26 repeats the PLC communication signal received from the PLC communication device C of the child device when receiving the PLC communication signal from the PLC communication device P of the parent device, and sends it to the PLC communication device P of the parent device. It is turned on / off by the drive signal output from the PLC communication device P of the master unit input from the drive signal input terminal 22 and the switching signal (drive signal) output from the PLC communication unit 25 so as to be turned on when transmitting. Is controlled.

  And the power supply part 30 is connected to the terminal 31 for distribution line connection, and produces | generates direct-current power from the commercial alternating-current power electrically fed from the distribution line M by this. The power supply unit 30 is connected to the PLC communication unit 25, the switch unit 26, and the transmission amplification unit 27, respectively, thereby supplying DC power as drive power to the PLC communication unit 25, the switch unit 26, and the transmission amplification unit 27, respectively. To do.

  A transmission terminal that outputs a PLC communication signal in the PLC communication unit 25 is connected to the distribution line connection terminal 31 via the transmission amplification unit 27 and the communication coupling unit 28. More specifically, the pair of transmission terminals are respectively connected to the pair of input terminals of the amplifier Amp2 in the transmission amplification unit 27, and the pair of output terminals of the amplifier Amp2 are connected to the coil L21 in the transformer T2 of the communication coupling unit 28. Are connected to both ends of each. The coil L21 is electromagnetically coupled to the coil L21 in the transformer T2 of the communication coupling unit 28, and both ends of the coil L21 are connected to a pair of terminals 31-1 of the distribution line connection terminal 31 via capacitors C21 and C22, respectively. 31-2 are respectively connected. As a result, the communication coupling unit 28 is connected to the communication coupling unit 29 at the coil L21 side of the transformer T2 in the communication coupling unit 28 and the coil L31 side of the transformer T3 in the communication coupling unit 29. More specifically, both ends of the coil L21 of the transformer T2 in the communication coupling unit 28 are connected to both ends of the coil L31 of the transformer T3 in the communication coupling unit 29 via capacitors C21 and C22 and capacitors C31 and C32, respectively.

  A reception terminal to which a PLC communication signal is input in the PLC communication unit 25 is connected to the communication coupling unit 28. More specifically, the pair of reception terminals are connected to both ends of the coil L22 of the transformer T2 in the communication coupling unit 28.

  4 includes a slave unit processing unit 41, a PLC communication unit 42, a transmission amplification unit 43, a communication coupling unit 44, a power supply unit 45, and a distribution line connection. And a terminal 46.

  The slave unit processing unit 41 is a circuit that executes processing as a slave unit in accordance with the use of the PLC system S, and at least responds to a request from the PLC communication device P of the master unit, and the detection unit (not shown) The process which transmits the data detected by (1) to the PLC communicator P of the parent device by the PLC is executed. The subunit | mobile_unit processing part 41 is connected to the power supply part 45 in order to receive supply of drive electric power, and is connected to the PLC communication part 42 in order to perform PLC. The subunit | mobile_unit process part 41 is provided with a microprocessor and its peripheral circuit, for example.

  The detection unit (not shown) has a function according to the application to which the PLC system S is applied. For example, in the case where the PLC system S is a remote meter reading system that measures the power consumption of each dwelling unit, the detection unit is a watt hour meter that measures the power consumption. In addition, for example, when the PLC system S is a security system for watching each dwelling unit, the detection unit detects an intrusion detection sensor that detects an intrusion into the dwelling unit from the outside, or a fire detection sensor that detects a fire according to the object to be monitored. Etc., and one or a plurality of sensors.

  The PLC communication unit 42 is a circuit that encodes (modulates) data to be transmitted into a PLC communication signal, decodes (demodulates) the received PLC communication signal, and extracts data. It also has a function of outputting a switching signal for switching between the power operation modes. The PLC communication unit 42 outputs the switching signal to the transmission amplification unit 43. The PLC communication unit 42 is the same as the PLC communication unit 12 except that the switching signal is not diverted to the drive signal.

  The transmission amplifying unit 43 is the same as the transmission amplifying unit 13, and has a normal operation mode and a power saving operation mode that are switched and controlled by the PLC communication unit 42. In the normal operation mode, the PLC to be transmitted Is a circuit that amplifies the communication signal at a preset amplification factor and stops driving in the power saving mode. The transmission amplifier 43 includes, for example, an amplifier Amp3 corresponding to the amplifier Amp1 and a switch SW4 corresponding to the switch SW1.

  The communication coupling unit 44 is the same as the communication coupling unit 14, superimposes a PLC communication signal having a frequency higher than the commercial frequency on the commercial frequency power waveform, and separates the high frequency PLC communication signal from the power waveform. It is a circuit to do. The communication coupling unit 44 includes, for example, a transformer T4 including a coil L41 and a coil L42 corresponding to the transformer T4, and capacitors C41 and C42 provided at both ends of the coil L41 corresponding to the capacitors C11 and C12. Is done.

  The power supply unit 45 is the same as the power supply unit 15 and generates DC power from external commercial AC power fed from the distribution line M. For example, the slave unit processing unit 41, the PLC communication unit 42, and the transmission amplification unit 43. This circuit supplies DC power to each circuit such as for driving these circuits.

  The distribution line connection terminal 46 is the same as the distribution connection terminal 16 and is a terminal for connecting the PLC communication device C of the slave unit to the distribution line M. A pair of the distribution line connection terminals 46 corresponds to the number of distribution lines M. It comprises terminals 46-1 and 46-2. When the distribution line M is connected to the distribution line connection terminal 46, the PLC communication device C of the slave unit is supplied with commercial AC power from the distribution line M, and the PLC of the master unit is connected to the distribution line M. When the communication device P is connected, the PLC communication signal is directly transmitted to and received from the PLC communication device P of the parent device. When the coupler R is connected to the distribution line M, the PLC of the parent device is transmitted. It is relayed by the communication device P and the coupler R to indirectly transmit and receive PLC communication signals.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

  In the PLC system S of the present embodiment, for example, the PLC communication device P of the parent device and the PLC communication device C of the child device communicate with each other by PLC using a polling method. In order to collect data sequentially from the slave PLC communicators C11 to Cnm by polling, the master PLC communicator P firstly grants a transmission right and stores information indicating that data is requested. A communication signal (request signal) addressed to the PLC communication device C11 is transmitted.

  More specifically, in the PLC communication device P of the parent device, the PLC communication unit 12 generates a request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11 of the child device in accordance with the control of the parent device processing unit 11. The PLC communication unit 12 outputs a high signal switching signal to the switch SW1 of the transmission amplifier 13, and outputs the generated request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11 to the amplifier Amp1 of the transmission amplifier 13. The high signal switching signal is output to the coupler R-2 via the drive signal output terminal 18 as a drive signal.

  When the high signal switching signal is input, the switch SW1 is turned on, the driving power is supplied from the power supply unit 15 to the amplifier Amp1, and the transmission amplifying unit 13 is switched from the power saving operation mode to the normal operation mode. The request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11 input to the amplifier Amp1 is amplified by the amplifier Amp1 and output to the communication coupling unit 14. The request signal addressed to the PLC communicator C11 is superimposed on the commercial power waveform by the communication coupling unit 14 and is output to the distribution line M-1 via the distribution line connection terminal 16 and also via the coupler connection terminal 17. And output to the coupler R-2. When the output of the request signal addressed to the PLC communicator C11 is completed, the PLC communication unit 12 switches the switching signal from the high signal to the low signal, outputs the low signal switching signal to the switch SW1 of the transmission amplifying unit 13, and The signal is output to the coupler R-2 via the drive signal output terminal 18.

  The request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11 input to the distribution line M-1 transmits the distribution line M-1 and is received by the PLC communication device C11. More specifically, the request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11 that has transmitted the distribution line M-1 is input to the communication coupling unit 44 via the distribution line connection terminal 46 of the PLC communication device C11. The communication coupling unit 44 separates the PLC communication signal (request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11) superimposed on the commercial power waveform from the commercial power waveform, and performs the PLC communication on the separated request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11. To the unit 42. The PLC communication unit 42 decodes (demodulates) the request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11 and outputs it to the slave unit processing unit 41. Thus, the request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11 is received by the PLC communication device C11. Note that the PLC communication devices C12 to Cnm discard the request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11 in the slave units other than the PLC communication device C11 that has received the request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11.

  When the request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11 is received, the slave device processing unit 41 of the PLC communication device C11 of the slave device receives a communication signal (data return signal) containing data detected by the own device according to the request signal. Generate. The generated data reply signal is received by the PLC communication device P of the parent device through the reverse route to the reception route of the request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11 described above, and data is collected by the PLC communication device P of the parent device. Is done.

  On the other hand, in the coupler R-1, when a high signal drive signal is input from the drive signal input terminal 22, the switch SW3 of the switch unit 26 is turned on by the high signal drive signal. As a result, the PLC communicator P of the master unit and the communication coupling units 29 and 28 and the PLC communication unit 25 in the coupler R-2 are connected so as to be able to carry power line communication. For this reason, the request signal addressed to the PLC communication device 11 input from the upstream connection terminal 21 is received by the PLC communication unit 25 of the coupler R-2. More specifically, the request signal addressed to the PLC communication device 11 input from the front connection terminal 21 is input to the communication coupling unit 28 via the switch unit 26 and the communication coupling unit 29. The communication coupling unit 28 separates the PLC communication signal (request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11) superimposed on the commercial power waveform from the commercial power waveform, and performs the PLC communication on the separated request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11. To the unit 25. The PLC communication unit 25 decodes (demodulates) a request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11. Thus, the request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11 is received by the coupler R-2.

  As described above, the PLC communication unit 12 in the PLC communication device P of the parent device switches the switching signal (driving signal) from the high signal to the low signal when the output of the request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11 is completed. The driving signal of the high signal input from the signal input terminal 21 is switched from the high signal to the low signal when the coupler R-2 finishes receiving the request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11. For this reason, when the output of the request signal addressed to the PLC communicator C11 is completed, the switch SW3 of the switch unit 26 is turned off and the communication coupling units 29 and 28 and the PLCs in the PLC communicator P of the master unit and the coupler R-2 The connection with the communication unit 25 is interrupted.

  When the reception of the request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11 is completed, the PLC communication unit 25 encodes (demodulates) the decoded request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11 and reconverts it into a PLC communication signal. The converted request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11 is amplified by the transmission amplifying unit 27, superimposed on the commercial power waveform by the communication coupling unit 28, and sent to the distribution line M-2 via the distribution line connection terminal 31. Is output.

  The request signal and drive signal addressed to the PLC communicator C11 input to the coupler R-2 are respectively output from the rear connection terminal 24 and the drive signal sending terminal 23, and then output to the rear coupler R-3. . When the high-level drive signal is input from the drive signal input terminal 22 and the request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11 is input from the front-stage connection terminal 21, the subsequent-stage coupler R-3 receives the above-described coupler R. Operates in the same way as -2. As a result, the request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C11 is received by the subsequent coupler R-3.

  In this way, the request signal addressed to the PLC communicator C11 is sequentially received by the coupler R, and the communication couplers 29 and 28 and the PLC communication in the master PLC communicator P and the coupler R-2 are only received. The unit 25 (repeat unit) is connected so that power line carrier communication is possible.

  With this operation, when the master PLC communicator P collects data from the slave PLC communicators C11 to C1i, it generates and transmits a request signal addressed to the slave PLC communicator C21. The request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C21 is relayed by the coupler R-2 and received by the PLC communication device C21. The PLC communicator C21 that has received the request signal addressed to the PLC communicator C21 generates a data return signal corresponding to the request signal and outputs it to the distribution line M-2.

  The data return signal output to the distribution line M-2 is transmitted through the distribution line M-2 and received by the coupler R-2. More specifically, the data return signal transmitted through the distribution line M-2 is input to the communication coupling unit 28 via the distribution line connection terminal 31 of the coupler R-2. The communication coupling unit 28 separates the PLC communication signal (data return signal) superimposed on the commercial power waveform from the commercial power waveform, and outputs the separated data return signal to the PLC communication unit 25. The PLC communication unit 25 decodes (demodulates) the data return signal. In this way, the data return signal is received by the coupler R-2.

  When the reception of the data return signal is completed, the PLC communication unit 25 encodes (demodulates) the decoded data return signal and reconverts it into a PLC communication signal. The converted data return signal is amplified by the transmission amplifier 27, superimposed on the commercial power waveform by the communication coupling unit 28, and connected to the upstream connection terminal 21 and the subsequent stage via the communication coupling unit 29 and the switch unit 26. To the terminal 24 for use. In this case, the switch unit 26 is turned on by a switching signal switched from a low signal to a high signal of the PLC communication unit 25.

  Since the switch unit 26 is turned off in the subsequent-stage coupler R-3, the data return signal output to the subsequent-stage connection terminal 24 is not received by the subsequent-stage coupler R-3. On the other hand, the data return signal output to the upstream connection terminal is received by the PLC communication device P of the parent device, and the data is collected by the PLC communication device P of the parent device.

  Since it operates in this manner, even if the PLC communicator P of the master unit is connected to a plurality of couplers R, as a result, even if it is connected to a plurality of distribution lines M to which a distribution transformer T is connected, Since the coupler R is only connected to the PLC communication device P of the parent device so as to be able to carry the power line, the decrease in impedance viewed from the coupler R is connected to the PLC communication device P of the own device and the parent device. Only the impedance of the two distribution lines M is lowered. Therefore, even in a power distribution system to which a plurality of power distribution transformers T are connected, a decrease in impedance can be suppressed.

  With this operation, when the master PLC communicator P collects data from the slave PLC communicators C21 to C2j, it generates and transmits a request signal addressed to the slave PLC communicator C31. The request signal addressed to the PLC communication device C31 is input to the coupler R-3 via the front-stage connection terminal 21 and the rear-stage connection terminal 24 in the coupler R-2, and is relayed by the coupler R-3 to be transmitted to the PLC. Received by communicator C31. The PLC communicator C31 that has received the request signal addressed to the PLC communicator C31 generates a data return signal corresponding to the request signal and outputs it to the distribution line M-3. The data return signal output to the distribution line M-3 is transmitted through the distribution line M-3 and received by the coupler R-3. The coupler R-3 operates in the same manner as the coupler R-2 described above, and relays the data return signal from the PLC communication device C31 and outputs it to the upstream connection terminal 21. The data return signal output from the front-stage connection terminal 21 of the coupler R-3 is transmitted to the PLC communication device P of the master unit via the rear-stage connection terminal 24 and the front-stage connection terminal 21 in the coupler R-2. The data is received and collected by the PLC communication device P of the parent device.

  Such operation is repeated, and the PLC communication device P of the parent device sequentially collects data from the PLC communication devices C11 to Cnm of the child devices by polling.

Next, another embodiment will be described.
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a coupler in the second embodiment. In FIG. 5, the coupler Ra in the second embodiment is generally configured in the same manner as the coupler R in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and is connected from the front-stage connection terminal 22 to the rear-stage connection terminal 23. A drive signal amplifying unit 51 is further provided that amplifies the drive signal input from the front-stage connection terminal 22 with a preset amplification factor.

  In the coupler Rb having such a configuration, the drive signal input from the front stage connection terminal 22 is amplified by the drive signal amplifier 51, and the amplified drive signal is output from the rear stage connection terminal 23. Alternatively, the attenuated drive signal input from the front connection terminal 22 is amplified by the drive signal amplifying unit 51 to compensate for transmission loss. For this reason, the transmission distance between the coupler Rb and the other coupler R can be increased. In addition, it is possible to increase the number of other subsequent couplers R that can be daisy chain connected to the coupler Rb.

  In the PLC system S, such a coupler Rb may be daisy chain connected to the PLC communicator P of the parent machine, but such a coupler Rb may be disposed at a necessary place. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a coupler Rb-3 is provided instead of the coupler R-3.

Next, another embodiment will be described.
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the power line carrier communication device of the parent device in the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a coupler according to the third embodiment.

  In FIG. 6, the PLC communication device Pc of the parent device in the third embodiment is configured in the same manner as the PLC communication device P of the parent device in the first embodiment shown in FIG. The ground and the ground of the drive signal are made common, and the distribution line connection terminal 16 and the coupler connection terminal 17 are connected in an insulating configuration, and switching in the PLC communication unit 12 which is an example of the drive signal generation unit A terminal for outputting a signal (drive signal) and the drive signal output terminal 18c are connected in an insulating configuration.

  More specifically, first, between the distribution line connection terminal 16 and the coupler connection terminal 17, the component of the commercial frequency is cut off and the component of the PLC signal having a frequency higher than the commercial frequency is passed. A first insulating part 61 is provided. The first insulating unit 61 includes, for example, a transformer T5 including a coil L51 and a coil L52, and capacitors C51 and C52 provided at both ends of the coil L52. Both ends of the coil L52 are connected to the pair of terminals 16-1 and 16-2 of the distribution line connection terminal 16 through capacitors C51 and C52, respectively, and further through the capacitors C11 and C12 of the communication coupling unit 14, respectively. It is connected to both ends of the coil L11 of the transformer T1. The pair of terminals 16-1 and 16-2 of the distribution line connection terminal 16 are also connected to the power supply unit 15 in the same manner as the PLC communicator P of the master unit shown in FIG. Capacitors C51 and C52 block a commercial frequency component and allow a PLC signal component having a frequency higher than the commercial frequency to pass therethrough. The transformer T5 has a turns ratio of the coils L51 and L52 of, for example, 1: 1, and has a high impedance in the frequency band of the PLC.

  And between the terminal which outputs the drive signal in the PLC communication part 12, and the drive signal output terminal 18c, the 2nd insulation part 62 provided with a photocoupler etc. is provided, for example. The photocoupler includes a light emitting diode D1 serving as an input circuit and a phototransistor Tr1 serving as a light receiving element serving as an output circuit. The phototransistor Tr1 is disposed at a position where light emission from the light emitting diode D1 can be received. This is a circuit that electrically insulates and transmits signals by light.

  The drive signal output terminal 18c is composed of one terminal. And the terminal which outputs the drive signal in the PLC communication part 12 is earth | grounded via the light emitting diode D1. That is, the anode of the light emitting diode D1 is connected to a terminal that outputs a drive signal in the PLC communication unit 12, and the cathode thereof is grounded. The collector of the phototransistor Tr1 is connected to the drive signal output terminal 18c, and its emitter is grounded. Furthermore, the terminal on the ground side of the coupler connecting terminal 17, for example, the terminal 17-2 is grounded. Thus, the ground of the PLC communication signal and the ground of the drive signal are shared by grounding the cathode of the light emitting diode D1, the emitter of the phototransistor Tr1, and the terminal 17-2 on the ground side of the coupler connection terminal 17. To be.

  In the PLC communicator Pc having such a configuration, the ground of the PLC communication signal and the ground of the drive signal are made common, so that the ground terminal of the coupler connection terminal 17 and the drive signal output terminal 18c are common. Therefore, the number of terminals is reduced to one and simplified to three, so that the workability when the couplers R and Ra are connected to the PLC communication device Pc is improved.

  In addition, the distribution line connection terminal 16 and the coupler connection terminal 17 are connected in an insulating configuration, and the terminal for outputting a drive signal in the PLC communication unit 12 and the drive signal output terminal 18c are connected in an insulating configuration. Therefore, when the PLC communicator Pc is connected to the couplers R and Ra, the commercial power supplied from the distribution line connection terminal 16 does not flow between the PLC communicator Pc and the couplers R and Ra. Safety during operation and operation is improved.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 7, the coupler Rc in the third embodiment is configured in the same manner as the coupler R in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and the ground of the PLC communication signal and the ground of the drive signal The front connection terminal 21 and the rear connection terminal 24 are connected in an insulating configuration, the drive signal terminal 22c and the dynamic drive signal sending terminal 23c are connected in an insulating configuration, and When receiving a PLC communication signal from the PLC communicator Pc of the machine, the apparatus further includes a switch unit 75 for cutting off the connection between the upstream connection terminal 21 and the distribution line connection terminal 31, and the communication coupling unit 29 is excluded. It is.

  More specifically, first, a component of a PLC signal having a frequency higher than the commercial frequency is passed between the front-stage connection terminal 21 and the rear-stage connection terminal 24 while blocking a commercial frequency component. One insulating portion 73 is provided. The first insulating portion 73 includes, for example, a transformer T6 including a coil L61 and a coil L62, and capacitors C61 and C62 provided at both ends of the coil L61. Both ends of the coil L61 in the transformer T6 are connected to the pair of terminals 21-1 and 21-2 of the front connection terminal 21 via capacitors C61 and C62, respectively, and both ends of the coil L62 in the transformer T6 are connected to the rear stage, respectively. The terminal 24 is connected to a pair of terminals 24-1 and 24-2. Capacitors C61 and C62 block the component of the commercial frequency and pass the component of the PLC signal having a frequency higher than the commercial frequency. The transformer T6 has a winding ratio of, for example, 1: 1 of the coils L61 and L62, and has high impedance in the PLC frequency band.

  A second insulating portion 72 including, for example, a photocoupler is provided between the drive signal input terminal 22c and the drive signal sending terminal 23c. The photocoupler includes a light emitting diode D2 and a phototransistor Tr2, and is configured similarly to the photocoupler of the second insulating unit 62.

  The drive signal input terminal 22c is composed of one terminal. The drive signal sending terminal 23c is also composed of one terminal. The drive signal input terminal 22c is connected to the light emitting diode D2 via the inverter 71, and the light emitting diode D2 is grounded. That is, the anode of the light emitting diode D2 is connected to the output of the inverter 71, and its cathode is grounded. The collector of the phototransistor Tr1 is connected to the drive signal sending terminal 23c, and its emitter is grounded. Furthermore, the terminal on the ground side of the rear connection terminal 24, for example, the terminal 24-2, is grounded. Thus, the ground of the PLC communication signal and the ground of the drive signal are made common by grounding the cathode of the light emitting diode D2, the emitter of the phototransistor Tr2, and the terminal 24-2 on the ground side of the post-connection terminal 24. Is done.

  The inverter 71 is a circuit that inverts and outputs an input signal, and outputs a high signal when a low signal is input, and outputs a low signal when a high signal is input. When a high drive signal is output from the PLC communication unit 12 in the PLC communication device Pc of the parent device, the light emitting diode D1 of the second insulating unit 62 emits light, and the phototransistor Tr1 is turned on. Therefore, a drive signal is output as a low signal from the drive signal output terminal 18c, and a drive signal of a low signal is input to the drive signal input terminal 22c of the coupler Rc. In order to invert the drive signal of the low signal input to the drive signal input terminal 22c and output it to the light emitting diode D2 of the second insulating section 72 and the switch section 74 and the switch section 75 described later as a high signal drive signal. The inverter 71 is provided.

  The pair of terminals 21-1 and 21-2 of the front connection terminal 21 is connected to the switch unit 74 instead of the switch unit 26 shown in FIG. 3 and further connected to the communication coupling unit 28 via the switch unit 75. Has been.

  The switch unit 74 has the same function as that of the switch unit 26, and the distribution line M connected to the distribution line connection terminal 31 in the coupler Rc and another coupler in the previous stage connected to the front connection terminal 21. This is a circuit for electrically disconnecting R and another coupler R connected to the subsequent stage connection terminal 24 when relaying a PLC communication signal. For this reason, the switch unit 74 has one terminal connected to the distribution line connecting terminal 31 via the switch unit 75 and the communication coupling unit 28, and the other terminal connected via the front connection terminal 21 and the first insulating unit 73. Are connected to the rear connection terminals 24, respectively. More specifically, the pair of one terminals of the switch unit 74 are connected to the pair of one terminals of the switch unit 75, respectively, and the pair of other terminals of the switch unit 74 are the pair of terminals 21-of the front-stage connection terminal 21. 1, 21-2, respectively. A ground line is grounded between the switch unit 74 and the switch unit 75. The switch unit 74 is turned on / off by the drive signal input from the drive signal input terminal 22c and output from the PLC communication device Pc of the master unit and the switching signal output from the PLC communication unit 25 according to the first embodiment. Control is performed in the same manner as in FIG. As described above, the drive signal input to the drive signal input terminal 22 c is input to the switch unit 74 via the inverter 71. The switch unit 74 includes a switch SW4 with a control terminal such as a transistor or an electromagnetic relay, for example, and the control terminal is connected to the drive signal input terminal 22c and a terminal for outputting a switching signal in the PLC communication unit 25. The Here, since the ground of the PLC communication signal and the ground of the drive signal are made common, the switch unit 74 is configured to turn on and off the voltage line with the switch SW4.

  The switch unit 75 is a circuit that electrically disconnects the upstream connection terminal 21 and the distribution line connection terminal 31 when receiving a PLC communication signal from the PLC communication device Pc of the parent device. Therefore, the switch unit 75 has one terminal connected to the upstream connection terminal 21 via the switch unit 74 and the other terminal connected to the distribution line connection terminal 31 via the communication coupling unit 28. More specifically, the pair of one terminals of the switch unit 75 are connected to both ends of the coil L21 of the transformer T2 in the communication coupling unit 28, respectively. The coil L21 is electromagnetically coupled to the coil L22 of the transformer T2, and both ends of the coil L22 are connected to the pair of terminals 31-1 and 31-2 in the distribution line connection terminal 31 via capacitors C21 and C22, respectively. Is done. The switch unit 75 is controlled to be turned on and off by the drive signal output from the PLC communication device Pc of the parent device input from the drive signal input terminal 22c, and receives a PLC communication signal from the PLC communication device Pc of the parent device. Is turned off (opened), and is turned on (closed) except when a PLC communication signal is received from the PLC communication device Pc of the parent device. As a result, the connection between the front-stage connection terminal 21 and the distribution line connection terminal 31 is cut off only when a PLC communication signal is received from the PLC communication device Pc of the parent device, and in the remaining case, these are connected. . As described above, the drive signal input to the drive signal input terminal 22 c is input to the switch unit 75 via the inverter 71. The switch unit 75 includes a switch SW5 with a control terminal such as a transistor or an electromagnetic relay. The control terminal is connected to the drive signal input terminal 22c via the inverter 71, and the drive power is supplied from the power supply unit 30. Is supplied. Here, since the ground of the PLC communication signal and the ground of the drive signal are shared, the switch unit 75 is configured to turn on and off the voltage line with the switch SW5.

  A transmission terminal that outputs a PLC communication signal in the PLC communication unit 25 is connected between the switch unit 74 and the switch unit 75 via the transmission amplification unit 27. More specifically, the pair of transmission terminals are respectively connected to the pair of input terminals of the amplifier Amp2 in the transmission amplification unit 27, and the pair of output terminals of the amplifier Amp2 are connected to one terminal (switch unit 75) of the switch unit 74. One terminal of each). A reception terminal to which a PLC communication signal is input in the PLC communication unit 25 is also connected between the switch unit 74 and the switch unit 75 via the transmission amplification unit 27. More specifically, the pair of receiving terminals are respectively connected to one terminal of the switch unit 74 (one terminal of the switch unit 75).

  In the coupler Rc having such a configuration, the ground of the PLC communication signal and the ground of the drive signal are made common, so that the ground terminals of the front-stage connection terminal 21 and the drive signal input terminal 22c are made common. At the same time, the ground terminals of the rear connection terminal 24 and the drive signal sending terminal 23c are shared, and the number of terminals is reduced by one to three, that is, a total of six. Workability when connecting to the PLC communication device Pc of the parent device or connecting another coupler Rc to the coupler Rc is improved.

  Further, since the front-stage connection terminal 21 and the rear-stage connection terminal 24 are connected in an insulating configuration, and the drive signal input terminal 22c and the drive signal sending terminal 23c are connected in an insulating configuration, the coupler When Rc is connected to another coupler Rc, power such as commercial power does not flow between the couplers Rc and Rc, and safety during construction and operation is improved.

  Furthermore, when the PLC communication signal is received from the PLC communication device Pc of the parent device, the connection between the upstream connection terminal 21 and the distribution line connection terminal 31 is interrupted by the switch unit 75, so that the PLC communication of the parent device is performed. For the container Pc, the drop in impedance of the distribution line M connected to the distribution line connection terminal 31 is removed, and the impedance is further improved.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the couplers R and Rb include the power supply unit 30, and the power supply unit 30 receives power from the distribution line M connected to the distribution line connection terminal 31, and is coupled. Although the operation power of each circuit in the devices R and Rb is generated, the operation power of each circuit may be supplied from the PLC communication device P of the parent device. With this configuration, the power supply unit 30 can be omitted, and the coupling portions R and Rb can be reduced in size and cost.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the couplers R, Rb, and Rc are connected to the couplers R, Rb, and Rc with communication signals received from the PLC communicators P and Pc of the master unit. The communication signals received from the PLC communication devices P and Pc of the parent device are connected to the couplers R, Rb, and Rc only when addressed to the PLC communication device C of the child device connected to the distribution line M. It may be configured to output to the distribution line M. In this case, the PLC communication unit 25 of the couplers R, Rb, and Rc sets the communication address in the PLC communicator C of the slave unit connected to the distribution line M connected to the couplers R, Rb, and Rc. When a PLC communication signal is received from the PLC communication devices P and Pc of the master unit, the destination address in the header of the received communication signal is analyzed, and the destination address matches the stored communication address. In some cases, the received communication signal is configured to be repeated. By being configured in this way, the repetition of communication signals that do not need to be repeated is stopped, the power consumption of the couplers R, Rb, and Rc is further suppressed, and the communication traffic of the distribution line M can be reduced.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the switching signal is a high signal in the normal operation mode and a low signal in the power saving operation mode, but the normal operation mode and the power saving operation mode are mutually switched. It may be a pulse signal that is output each time it is switched. When receiving the switching signal pulse signal during driving in the normal operation mode, the transmission amplifying units 13, 27, 43 are switched to the power saving operation mode, and receive the switching signal pulse signal during driving in the power saving operation mode. Then, the mode is switched to the normal operation mode.

  In order to express the present invention, the present invention has been properly and fully described through the embodiments with reference to the drawings. However, those skilled in the art can easily change and / or improve the above-described embodiments. It should be recognized that this is possible. Accordingly, unless the modifications or improvements implemented by those skilled in the art are at a level that departs from the scope of the claims recited in the claims, the modifications or improvements are not limited to the scope of the claims. To be construed as inclusive.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the power line carrier communication system in embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the power line carrier communication apparatus of the main | base station in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the coupler in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the power line carrier communication apparatus by the side of the subunit | mobile_unit in embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the coupler in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the power line carrier communication apparatus of the main | base station in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the coupler in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the remote meter-reading system in background art.

Explanation of symbols

S power line carrier communication system P, Pc, C power line carrier communication device R, Rb, Rc coupler L, M distribution line T distribution transformer 12, 25, 42 power line carrier communication unit 14, 28, 29, 44 communication coupling unit 16, 31, 46 Distribution line connection terminal 17 Coupler connection terminal 18, 18c Drive signal output terminal 21 Front stage connection terminal 22 Drive signal input terminal 23 Drive signal feed terminal 24 Rear stage connection terminal 26, 74, 75 Switch part 51 Drive signal amplification part 61,73 1st insulation part 62,72 2nd insulation part 71 Inverter

Claims (11)

A power line carrier communication includes a distribution line to which a first power line carrier communication device that performs power line carrier communication is connected while a transformer is connected, and a second power line carrier communication device that performs power line carrier communication that is not connected to the distribution line. In a coupler that couples possible,
The power line carrier communication signal received from the second power line carrier communication device is repeated and transmitted to the first power line carrier communication device, and the power line carrier communication signal received from the first power line carrier communication device is repeated. And a repeat unit for transmitting to the second power line carrier communication device,
When receiving a power line carrier communication signal from the second power line carrier communicator, and repeating the power line carrier communication signal received from the first power line carrier communicator and transmitting it to the second power line carrier communicator And a first switch unit that connects the second power line carrier communicator and the repeat unit so that power line carrier communication is possible. A front-stage connection terminal for transmitting / receiving a communication signal of power line carrier communication and connecting to the second power line carrier communication device or another coupler;
Connected to the front-stage connection terminal, for transmitting and receiving communication signals of power line carrier communication and for connecting to the other coupler, a rear-stage connection terminal;
For receiving a drive signal for controlling the first switch unit so as to connect the second power line carrier communicator and the repeat unit so that power line carrier communication is possible, the second power line carrier communicator or A drive signal input terminal for connection to another coupler;
A drive signal sending terminal connected to the drive signal input terminal and connected to the other coupler;
The first switch unit is disposed between the preceding-stage connection terminal and the repeat unit, and when the drive signal is input from the drive signal input terminal, the second switch unit corresponds to the second drive signal. The power line carrier communication device and the repeat unit are connected so as to be capable of power line carrier communication. A drive signal amplifying unit that is disposed between the drive signal input terminal and the drive signal sending terminal and that amplifies the drive signal input from the drive signal input terminal. Item 3. The coupler according to Item 2. The coupler according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a ground for the communication signal of the power line carrier communication and a ground for the drive signal are shared. The front-stage connection terminal and the rear-stage connection terminal are connected in an insulating configuration,
The coupler according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the drive signal input terminal and the drive signal sending terminal are connected in an insulating configuration. A distribution line connection terminal for connecting the distribution line;
When receiving a communication signal of power line carrier communication from the second power line carrier communicator, further comprising a second switch unit that cuts off the connection between the front connection terminal and the distribution line connection terminal. The coupler according to any one of claims 2 to 5. A drive signal generation unit that generates a drive signal for controlling the first switch unit so as to connect the second power line carrier communication device and the repeat unit so as to enable power line carrier communication;
When the drive signal is input from the drive signal generation unit, the first switch unit connects the second power line carrier communication device and the repeat unit so as to enable power line carrier communication according to the drive signal. The coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The repeat part is
A communication coupling unit for superimposing a power line carrier communication signal on a power waveform and separating a power line carrier communication signal from the power waveform;
A power line carrier communication unit that decodes and converts the communication signal of the power line carrier communication separated by the communication coupling unit into decode data, and encodes the converted decode data and reconverts it into a communication signal of the power line carrier communication; The coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that:   A power line carrier communication device used in combination with the coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A distribution line connection terminal for connecting the distribution line;
A coupler connection terminal for connecting the coupler;
A drive signal generation unit that generates a drive signal for controlling the first switch unit so as to connect the second power line carrier communication device and the repeat unit so as to enable power line carrier communication;
A drive signal output terminal for outputting the drive signal;
The distribution line connection terminal and the coupler connection terminal are connected in an insulating configuration,
The power line carrier communication device according to claim 9, wherein the drive signal generation unit and the drive signal output terminal are connected in an insulating configuration. A first power line carrier communication device that performs power line carrier communication connected to a distribution line to which a transformer is connected; a second power line carrier communication device that performs power line carrier communication that is not connected to the distribution line; and the distribution line. A power line carrier communication system comprising: a coupler that couples the second power line carrier communication device to the power line carrier communication;
The power line carrier communication system, wherein the coupler is the coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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