JP6539837B2 - Remote meter reading system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote meter reading system of power consumption using power line communication.

  In recent years, introduction of a remote meter reading system for collecting power consumption from a remote place has been promoted. When a remote meter reading system is introduced to an apartment complex such as a condominium, a next-generation power meter called a smart meter is installed in each door of the apartment house, and a meter reading of the power consumption is performed, for example, every 30 minutes. The meter reading data is transferred to the server of the power company by the communication function of the power meter.

  In a remote meter reading system using PLC (Power Line Communication), a power line modem is built in (or externally attached to) a power meter, and meter reading data is collected via the power line. Each power meter is provided with a handset of a power line modem (slave modem), and meter reading data from a large number of power meters is sent from the handset modem to a master of the power line modem (master modem), and from the master modem It is transferred to the server via WAN (Wide Area Network). In this system, since a power line to which a power meter is connected is used as a communication path, it is not necessary to newly install a communication line, which is very advantageous in terms of introduction cost.

  In order to improve the quality of communication between the master modem and the slave modem, for example, Patent Literature 1 discloses two master modems connected by inductive coupling to a neutral line (ground wire) of a low voltage distribution line. A power line communication system is disclosed that includes a slave modem connected in a capacitive coupling manner to either one of the ungrounded lines and the ground line. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a power line communication system having a configuration in which a signal line for bypassing a transformer, a distribution board, or a power meter is provided in consideration of a large signal loss in a power meter. Further, Patent Document 3 discloses a power line communication system in which a power line communication network is separated from each other by arranging a blocking filter on a switchboard or the like.

JP, 2013-118593, A Patent No. 4341894 JP, 2008-118658, A

  Many housing complexes have substation facilities in the site, and high voltage distribution lines are drawn into an electric room containing the transformation facilities, converted to commercial voltage in the electric room, and then distributed to each door in the building . Here, when the number of units in the housing complex is large, it is necessary to branch the low voltage distribution line into a plurality of systems. In the case of preparing a master unit modem for each distribution system, there is a problem that the line cost for connecting each master unit modem to the WAN increases. Further, the base station modem is expensive because it is multifunctional, and there is also a problem that the facility cost increases due to the increase in the number of base station modems installed.

  Therefore, in a power line network in which low voltage distribution lines are branched into plural, it is desirable to use one common master modem for the slave modems of each low voltage distribution line. In particular, when the base unit modem can not be installed in the electric room, the base unit modem is provided in one power meter connected to any one branch line, and the child unit modem is mounted in all other power meters. By doing this, it is desirable that the meter reading data of the power meter equipped with the handset modem be transferred to one master modem via the power line network and transferred to the center via the master modem.

  However, in large-scale apartment buildings such as high-rise apartments, the distance from the electrical room where the transformer is installed to the home of the demand house may be very long. Even in the case where a slave unit modem is installed, communication with a slave unit modem connected to a low voltage distribution line different from the master unit modem causes a problem that communication can not be performed due to signal attenuation. In order to cover signal attenuation, it is also possible to provide, for example, a repeater device for relaying signals in or near an electric room, but in that case installation costs (equipment costs, construction costs) and running costs increase, If the repeater device fails, there is a problem that communication with the subordinate handset modem becomes impossible.

  There is also a method of connecting the low voltage distribution line of the system in which the base unit modem is installed and the low voltage distribution line of another system with a bypass line dedicated to power line communication to communicate, but the low voltage distribution lines of each system are separate Generally, it is not easy because the construction for additionally installing the bypass line on a high floor separated from the electric room is large scale and expensive.

  Furthermore, when installing a repeater device or installing a bypass line, it is necessary to shut down when performing construction work, so the hurdles for obtaining approval from the management association etc. of collective housing are inevitably high. turn into.

  In addition, it is preferable that the base unit modem is installed in a place where the connection to the WAN is easy, and it is necessary that the quality of the power line communication be ensured even when the base unit modem is installed in such a place.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a remote meter reading system capable of improving the communication quality between power line modems connected to a power line network constituted by a plurality of low voltage distribution lines branched from the secondary side of a transformer. It is to do.

In order to solve the above problems, the remote meter reading system according to the present invention comprises first and second transformers that step down the voltage of the high voltage distribution line and convert it to a commercial voltage, and from the secondary side of the first transformer. Power line communication between a first low voltage distribution line extending, a second low voltage distribution line extending from the secondary side of the second transformer, and the first low voltage distribution line and the second low voltage distribution line A first power meter connected to a first lead-in line for drawing the first low-voltage distribution line into a first customer's home, and a bypass signal line installed as a communication path of A second power meter disposed downstream of the first low voltage distribution line and connected to a second lead-in line for drawing the first low voltage distribution line into a second demand home, and the second low voltage distribution line With a third power meter connected to a third A master modem installed in the second power meter and connected to the second drop line, and installed in the first power meter and connected to the first drop line, the first low voltage distribution line Installed in the first slave modem that performs power line communication with the master modem through the third power meter, and the third power meter, connected to the third lead-in, and the first and second low voltage distribution lines and the bypass A second slave modem performing power line communication with the master modem through a signal line, and at least one annular magnetic core, and the first low voltage distribution line is inserted through the hollow portion of the magnetic core And a signal conditioner installed as described above, wherein the first handset modem has a repeater function for relaying power line communication between the second handset modem and the base modem, the signal The regulator is the first low voltage distribution line Wherein disposed between the connection point of the first incoming line between the connection point of the second lead line, from said first handset modem flowing from said first incoming line downstream of the first low-voltage distribution lines PLC from the first slave unit modem flowing from the first lead-in line to the upstream side of the first low-voltage distribution line while suppressing the signal level of the PLC signal to such an extent that communication with the master unit modem can be secured. It is characterized in that the signal level of the signal is increased.

  According to the present invention, since the impedance of the first low-voltage distribution line downstream of the connection point of the first slave device modem having the repeater function is enhanced by the signal conditioner including the magnetic core, the first slave device Although the signal level of the PLC signal sent downstream from the modem through the signal conditioner is slightly lower than that in the case where no signal conditioner is provided, the first slave modem and the downstream master modem The signal level of the PLC signal sent to the upstream side from the connection point of the first handset unit is adjusted to a signal level sufficient to ensure communication, and the signal level to the downstream side is increased by the decrease in the signal level to the downstream side. Therefore, compared with the case where the signal conditioner is not provided, the level of the signal transmitted and received between the first handset modem and the second handset modem can be enhanced, and the low voltage distribution lines of different systems are mutually different. The quality of power line communication between the connected first slave modem and the second slave modem can be enhanced.

  In the present invention, the first drop line is the most upstream side of the first low voltage distribution line among a plurality of drop lines connected to the first low voltage distribution line including the first and second drop lines. It is preferable that it is connected. According to this configuration, the communication distance between the first slave modem connected to the first low voltage distribution line and the second modem connected to the second low voltage distribution line can be made as short as possible. The reliability of power line communication between the two can be improved.

  In the present invention, each of the first and second low voltage distribution lines includes a ground line, a first non-ground line, and a second current through which a phase opposite to that flowing through the first non-ground line flows. A single-phase three-wire distribution line having an ungrounded line, and one and the other of the pair of signal terminals of the master modem are respectively connected to the first and second ungrounded lines; Preferably, the signal conditioner includes at least one of a first magnetic core provided on the first ungrounded line and a second magnetic core provided on the second ungrounded line.

  In the present invention, each of the first and second low voltage distribution lines includes a ground line, a first non-ground line, and a second current through which a phase opposite to that flowing through the first non-ground line flows. A single-phase three-wire distribution line having an ungrounded line, and one and the other of the pair of signal terminals of the master modem are at least one of the first and second ungrounded lines and the ground line. It is also preferred that the signal conditioners have a third magnetic core provided on the ground line.

  In the present invention, each of the first and second low voltage distribution lines includes a ground line, a first non-ground line, and a second current through which a phase opposite to that flowing through the first non-ground line flows. A single-phase three-wire distribution line having an ungrounded line, and one and the other of the pair of signal terminals of the master modem are at least one of the first and second ungrounded lines and the ground line. And the signal conditioner may have a first magnetic core provided to the first ungrounded line and a second magnetic core provided to the second ungrounded line. Also preferred.

  A remote meter reading system according to the present invention comprises: a third low voltage distribution line extending in parallel with the first low voltage distribution line from the secondary side of the first transformer; and a third demand for the third low voltage distribution line A fourth power meter connected to a fourth lead-in wire leading to a home, and a fourth power meter installed in the fourth power meter, connected to the fourth lead-in wire, and the parent through the first and third low-voltage distribution lines It is preferable to further comprise a handset modem and a third handset modem that performs power line communication. According to this configuration, even when the master modem connected to the first low voltage distribution line can not communicate directly with the third slave modem, communication is performed via the first slave modem having the repeater function. can do.

  In the present invention, the bypass signal line is closer to the first low-voltage distribution line closer to the first transformer than the first power meter and closer to the second transformer than the third power meter. Preferably, it is installed between the second low voltage distribution line of In particular, it is preferable that the bypass signal line be provided in an electric room of a multi-family dwelling in which the first and second transformers are installed. According to this configuration, installation and maintenance of bypass signal lines for the first and second low voltage distribution lines can be facilitated.

  In the present invention, preferably, the master modem has a wireless network communication function and is installed at a height higher than the first slave modem. When the master modem is connected to the WAN through the wireless network communication function, installing the master modem as high as possible in the multifamily housing enables stable wireless communication with less radio interference. In many cases, since the downstream side of the first low-voltage distribution line is wired higher in the housing complex, it is possible to install the master modem downstream of the first low-voltage distribution line. It becomes possible to install the base unit modem at a high place.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a remote meter reading system capable of improving communication quality between power line modems connected to a power line network constituted by a plurality of low voltage distribution lines branched from the secondary side of a transformer. Can.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a remote meter reading system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the remote meter reading system 1A in detail. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the structure of the magnetic cores 15A and 15C. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a power line modem 8, (a) the parent machine modem 8A, (b) handset modem 8B is (c), respectively the handset modem 8B _R with repeater function It shows. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a remote meter reading system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a remote meter reading system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a remote meter reading system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a remote meter reading system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the remote meter reading system 1A branches from the secondary side of the transformer 5A and the first and second transformers 5A and 5B provided in the electric room 4 of the apartment house 3 such as an apartment. 1 low-voltage distribution lines 6A ₁ and 6A ₂ extending in parallel, 2 low-voltage distribution lines 6B ₁ 6B ₂ branched and extended in parallel from the secondary side of transformer 5B, and these low-voltage distribution lines 6A A plurality of power meters 7 (smart meters) connected to any _{one of 1} , 6A ₂ , 6B ₁ and 6B ₂ for measuring the power consumption of the customer home 9 and a power line modem 8 provided in each power meter 7 If a bypass signal line 17 connecting the low-voltage distribution lines 6B ₁ of the low-voltage distribution line 6A ₁ 2-1 system 1-1 system, the signal conditioning provided on the low-voltage distribution line 6A ₁ 1-1 system And a vessel 15. In FIG. 1, the numeral of the customer house 9 indicates the room number, and in particular, the third digit of the room number indicates the number of floors.

The transformers 5A and 5B are for stepping down the high voltage of 6600 V supplied from the high voltage distribution line 11 to a commercial voltage (100 V or 200 V). Each of low voltage distribution lines 6A ₁ , 6A ₂ , 6B ₁ , 6B ₂ is a single-phase three-line consisting of a ground line (white phase), a first ungrounded line (red phase) and a second ungrounded line (black phase). It is a distribution line of the formula. Power lines 6a and 6c connected to one end and the other end of the secondary side of transformer 5A or 5B are the first and second ungrounded lines (red phase, black phase), and two of transformer 5A or 5B The power line 6b connected to the middle point on the next side is a ground line (white phase). The voltage between power lines 6a and 6c is 200V, and the voltage between power lines 6a and 6b and between power lines 6b and 6c is 100V. Each of low voltage distribution lines 6A ₁ , 6A ₂ , 6B ₁ , 6B ₂ is drawn into customer house 9 by a branch line, and a power meter 7 is provided at the drawing position of the branch line. Furthermore, the branch line drawn into the customer home 9 is connected to a distribution board (not shown), and home appliances are connected to a plurality of in-home wirings extending from the distribution board.

Each power meter 7 incorporates a power line modem 8, and meter reading data of the customer home 9 is sent to a server (not shown) of the power company via the power line modem 8. There are two types of master unit modem 8A and handset modem 8B is a power line modem 8, the power meter 7 which incorporates a base unit modem 8A is common to the low-voltage distribution line _{6A 1, 6A 2, 6B 1} , 6B 2 1 It is only a stand. That is, parent device modem 8A is mounted on only one power meter 7 selected from all the power meters 7 in collective housing 3, and all power line modems 8 mounted on the remaining power meters 7 are children. Machine modem 8B.

In the present embodiment, the master unit modem 8A is a power meter 7 (the second power meter) in demand house 9 on the most downstream side of the low-voltage distribution line 6A ₁ (away from the transformer 5A) (801 Room No.) is set up. The reason why the base unit modem 8A is installed in this way is that when the public wireless communication network such as LTE is used as the WAN to which the base unit modem 8A is connected, the base unit modem 8A is installed on the highest floor of the apartment complex , And connection reliability with a public wireless communication network. In the present embodiment, the low voltage distribution lines 6A ₁ , 6A ₂ , 6B ₁ , 6B ₂ are wired from the ground floor of the collective housing 3 or the electric room 4 in the basement to the uppermost floor (eighth floor). The height is downstream of the wire. Therefore, by installing the base unit modem 8A most downstream of the low voltage distribution line, it can be installed at a high place of the apartment house 3, and stable wireless communication with less radio interference becomes possible.

Multiple slave modems 8B are composed of two types: ordinary slave modem 8B and slave modem with repeater function 8B _R , and slave modem with slave function 8B _R comprises master modem 8A and ordinary slave modem 8B. Plays a role in relaying power line communication between In the present embodiment, the slave unit modem 8B _R with repeater function, the most upstream side of the low-voltage distribution line 6A ₁ power meter 7 (the first power meter) demand house 9 (transformers 5A closer) (101 Room No.) It is installed inside.

When base unit modem 8A is installed in power meter 7 connected most downstream of low voltage distribution line 6A ₁ in order to install base unit modem 8A as high as possible in apartment house 3, base unit modem 8A The signal transmission distance from each station to each handset modem on the low-voltage distribution line of another system becomes very long. However, when the slave unit modem 8B _R is provided at a position where it can communicate with the master unit modem 8A, the master unit modem 8A is connected to the other slave unit modem 8B via the repeater unit slave unit modem 8B _R and the power line because communication can be, it is possible to solve the problem by placing the base unit modem 8A on the most downstream side of the low-voltage distribution line 6A _1.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the remote meter reading system 1A in detail.

As shown in FIG. 2, the master unit modem 8A is connected to the drop cable 10 to draw the low-voltage distribution line 6A ₁ in demand house 9. The power line modems other than the master unit modem 8A are all slave modems 8B, and these are connected to _{one of} the low voltage distribution lines 6A ₁ , 6A ₂ , 6B ₁ , 6B ₂ through the lead-in line 10. Base unit modem 8A and a plurality of slave unit modem 8B constitutes a connection has been power line communication system with each other via a power line network constituted by low-voltage distribution line _{6A 1, 6A 2, 6B 1} , 6B 2. The meter reading data of the power meter 7 incorporating the slave modem 8B is sent from the slave modem 8B to the master modem 8A, and transferred from the master modem 8A to the server via the WAN (not shown).

In the present embodiment, the low voltage distribution line of system 1 includes low voltage distribution lines 6A ₁ and 6A ₂ of 1-1 system and 1-2 system branched from the main line, and the low voltage distribution line of 2 system is branched 2 It includes low voltage distribution lines 6B ₁ and 6B ₂ of 1 system and 2-2 system. However, the number of low voltage distribution lines and the number of branches are not particularly limited, and may be three or more, or three or more. Since the 1st and 2nd systems have different power systems (transformers), the power line networks are independent of each other.

The 1-1 low-voltage distribution line 6A ₁ (first low-voltage distribution line) is connected to the 2-1 low-voltage distribution line 6B ₁ (second low-voltage distribution line) via the bypass signal line 17 . The bypass signal line 17 is a communication path for power line communication installed between the 1-1 low-voltage distribution line 6A ₁ and the 2-1 low-voltage distribution line 6B ₁ and is constituted by 1 low-voltage distribution line It plays a role of connecting one power line network and the other power line network constituted by two low voltage distribution lines. 1-1 system of low-voltage distribution line 6A ₁ may be connected to the low-voltage distribution line 6B ₂ 2-2 system through a bypass signal line. That is, the bypass signal line 17 is one low voltage distribution line (preferably, the low voltage distribution line to which the parent machine modem 8A is connected) selected from a plurality of low voltage distribution lines of one system and a plurality of low voltage distribution lines of two systems. It should just be connected with one low voltage distribution line chosen from. Thus, the master unit modem 8A connected to the low-voltage distribution line 6A ₁ of the plurality of handset modem 8B and 1-1 system connected to low-voltage distribution lines _6B 1, 6B ₂ 2-1 system and 2-2 system Power line communication between the

  In the present embodiment, the connection of the 1-1 and 2-1 red phase power lines 6 a and the black phase power line 6 c are realized by a loop-like bypass signal line 17. By installing clamp couplers 18 (inductive couplers) on the red phase power line 6a and the black phase power line 6c respectively, and inserting the loop-like bypass signal line 17 in the correct direction with respect to each clamp type coupler 18, The red and black phases can be connected simultaneously.

  A clamp coupler 18 is used to connect the bypass signal line 17 and the power line. If it is attempted to directly connect two power lines with the bypass signal line 17 without using the clamp coupler 18, it is necessary to insert an isolation circuit for isolating 200 V AC on the bypass signal line 17. Becomes complicated. Further, since it is dangerous to carry out the connection work of the bypass signal line 17 in a live line state, it is necessary to take measures such as a power failure, and the restriction of the connection work is large. However, as in the present embodiment, an inductive coupling method is employed to connect the bypass signal line 17 and the power line, and the power lines of different systems are bypassed in a noncontact manner, so the configuration is very simple. Measures such as blackouts are also unnecessary. Therefore, it is possible to secure the safety of workers while shortening the construction period.

The bypass signal line 17 is provided in the electric chamber 4, clamping coupler 18 for connecting a bypass signal line 17 to the power line is attached to the low-voltage distribution line 6A _1, 6B ₁ branched from the trunk line. In many cases, a bus bar (metal plate wiring) is connected to the secondary side terminal of the transformer that handles a large current, and the transformers 5A and 5B are connected to the distribution device via the bus bar or short cables It is difficult to install the clamp type coupler 18 on the trunk line because it is connected to the distribution device via However, by installing the clamp coupler 18 on the low voltage distribution line branched from the main line, the connection of the bypass signal line 17 can be facilitated.

In the present embodiment, the slave unit modem 8B _R with repeater function, the power meter 7 demand house 9 on the most upstream side of the low-voltage distribution line 6A ₁ 1-1 system (transformers 5A closer) (101 Room No.) (No. 1) installed in the power meter). The reason for installing the repeater-equipped slave modem 8B _R in this way is to make the distance from the repeater-capable slave modem 8B _R to each slave modem 8B on the low-voltage distribution line of the second system as close as possible. Of the plurality of power meters 7 on the low-voltage distribution line 6A- ₁ of the 1-1 system, by providing the slave modem with a repeater function 8B _R in the power meter 7 located closest to the transformer 5A, that is, the most upstream. The signal transmission distance between the slave modems with repeater function 8B _R and each slave modem 8B can be shortened.

Than the connection point CP (the signal injection point) of the drop cable 10 of the repeater function handset modem 8B _R is connected to the first downstream low-voltage distribution line 6A _1, for example, first and second magnetic cores 15A, 15C A signal conditioner 15 is provided. The first magnetic core 15A is provided on the power line 6a which is a first non-grounding line, and the second magnetic core 15C is provided on the power line 6c which is a second non-grounding line. This is a pair of signal terminals in the base unit modem 8A is tailored to the power line 6a of the low-voltage distribution line 6A _1, are respectively connected to 6c has a configuration for superimposing a PLC signal.

Installation position of the signal conditioner 15, it is preferred over the signal injection point of the slave unit modem 8B on low-voltage distribution line 6A ₁ closest 1-1 based on the repeater function handset modem 8B _R is the upstream side. That is, the installation position of the signal conditioner 15, a connection point of the repeater function handset modem 8B _R, demand house 9 (101, Room) using power meter 7 the repeater function handset modem 8B _R is installed Preferably, it is between the connection point of the slave modem 8B provided in the power meter 7 of the next house (room 201). The effect can be enhanced by providing the signal conditioner 15 as close as possible to the connection point of the repeater-equipped slave modem 8B _R.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the structure of the magnetic cores 15A and 15C.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the magnetic cores 15A and 15C are so-called two-split toroidal cores, and a first core formed by dividing a plane including a central axis (Y axis) of a cylindrical shape (annular shape) It is comprised by the part 16a and the 2nd core part 16b, and has the through-hole 16c which can penetrate an electric power line in the Y-axis direction. The material of the magnetic core is not particularly limited, but is preferably made of a magnetic material such as ferrite. The first core portion 16a and the second core portion 16b are accommodated in a resin case (not shown) or the like and fixed in a cylindrical shape.

The first and second magnetic cores 15A and 15C may be the same as the clamp coupler 18 described above. That is, it is possible to use the same product as the clamp type coupler 18 as the first and second magnetic cores 15A and 15C. According to this, it is possible to reduce the cost of the entire system by unifying parts.

Only the power line 6a is inserted through the first magnetic core 15A, and only the power line 6c is inserted through the hollow portion of the second magnetic core 15C. Thus, the installation of the magnetic core on the power line is very simple. Since the first and second magnetic cores 15A and 15C have high impedance to the frequency of the PLC signal, when the first and second magnetic cores 15A and 15C are installed at the positions shown in the figure, the downstream side is more than the installation position since the impedance of the low-voltage distribution line 6A ₁ increases, PLC signal flowing downstream is suppressed from the signal injection point repeater function handset modem 8B _R, you are possible to strongly PLC signals flowing back to the upstream side . As a result, the slave unit modem 8B (third slave unit modem) in the power meter 7 (fourth power meter) on the low voltage distribution line 6A ₂ (third low voltage distribution line) of the same system is, of course, a bypass signal even now PLC signal reaches the power meter 7 on the low-voltage distribution lines 6B ₁ of another system via line 17 (third power meter) of the handset modem 8B (second handset modem), repeater It is possible to improve the communication quality between the function-equipped handset modem 8B _R and the handset modem 8B.

Then, if it is possible to perform power line communication between the slave device modem 8B _R provided in the power meter 7 in room 101 and the master device modem 8A provided in the power meter 7 in room 801, the master device modem 8A is a repeater function handset modem 8B _R can communicate all of the slave unit modem 8B and the power line on the 2-1 system and low-voltage distribution lines _6B 1 2-2 system, 6B ₂ via. If only the 2-1 system and the most downstream slave unit modem 8B and the power line communication over the low-voltage distribution lines _6B 1, 6B ₂ 2-2 based repeater function handset modem 8B _R in room 101 of the power meter in 7 If you can not, it is sufficient to add more handset modem 8B _R with repeater halfway. As described above, by properly arranging the repeater function-equipped slave modem 8B _R , it is possible to realize automatic meter reading with a single master modem 8A even for a large-scale collective housing.

On the other hand, a blocking filter is also known as an apparatus for attenuating a signal on a power line. However, the blocking filter is a device for sufficiently attenuating (substantially blocking) the signal so as not to be transmitted to other systems or neighboring homes, and is separated from each other, for example, near the distribution board for the purpose of closing the home network. It is installed at the boundary of the two power line networks that you want. On the other hand, the signal conditioner 15 according to the present embodiment is installed in the same network, and is opposite to the installation position of the signal conditioner 15 as viewed from the signal injection point rather than attenuating the signal. aims at signal to possible distant place network is easily transmitted spread, also because of the minimum necessary without greater signal attenuation, handset modem 8B _R with repeater function is downstream from the signal conditioner 15 It is possible to communicate with the base unit modem 8A installed in the unit without any problem, and its use purpose, installation location and operation effect are different from the blocking filter.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the power line modem 8. (a) is a master modem 8A, (b) is a usual slave modem 8B, (c) is a slave modem with repeater function 8B _R Respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the base unit modem 8A includes a control unit 21, a meter interface unit 22 connected to the metering unit of the power meter 7, and a PLC interface unit connected to the power line constituting the power line network. And a WAN interface unit 24 connected to the WAN.

  The control unit 21 has a power line communication control function of performing power line network control and power line communication control through the PLC interface unit 23, a function of collecting meter reading data from a slave modem, and a function of transmitting collected meter reading data to a server of a power company. It has a metering control function that performs meter communication control through the meter interface unit 22 and a WAN control function through the WAN interface unit 24, and controls the entire modem in an integrated manner. Although not particularly limited, the WAN is preferably a public wireless communication network including a mobile telephone line such as 3G and LTE, a public wireless LAN, and the like. Therefore, the WAN interface unit 24 has a wireless network communication function.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the slave modem 8B includes a control unit 21, a meter interface unit 22 connected to the metering unit of the power meter 7, and a PLC interface unit connected to the power line constituting the power line network. It has 23 and. That is, it is different from the master modem 8A in that the function of collecting meter reading data from the slave modem, the function of transmitting the collected meter reading data to the server of the power company, and the WAN interface unit 24 are omitted. Is substantially the same as the master modem 8A.

As shown in FIG. 4 (c), the slave unit modem 8B _R with repeater function is to control unit 21 of the conventional handset modem 8B described above with a repeater function 21a. When the PLC signal addressed to the predetermined slave unit modem 8B transmitted from the master unit modem 8A is received, the repeater function 21a of the slave unit modem 8B _R with repeater function retransmits this PLC signal at a predetermined output level Therefore, the destination slave modem 8B can reliably receive the PLC signal from the master modem 8A. Conversely, when the PLC signal addressed to the master modem 8A transmitted from the slave modem 8B is received, the repeater function 21a of the slave modem with repeater function 8B _R retransmits this PLC signal with a predetermined output. Thus, the destination master modem 8A can reliably receive the PLC signal from the slave modem 8B.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the master device modem 8A includes the meter interface unit 22, the meter data can be transferred by being incorporated in the power meter 7 as the slave device modem 8B. In this case, meter reading data input through the meter interface unit 22 is transferred to the server side through the WAN interface unit 24. This point is different from the operation of the slave modem 8B in which the meter reading data input through the meter interface unit 22 is sent out from the PLC interface unit 23 onto the power line.

As described above, in the remote meter reading system 1A according to the present embodiment, since the magnetic cores 15A and 15C enhance the impedance on the downstream side of the connection point of the slave function modem 8B _R with the repeater function, the child with the repeater function the signal level of the PLC signal sent out from the connection point of the machine modem 8B _R to 1-1 based low upstream of the distribution line 6A ₁ of can be increased. Therefore, while securing the power line communication between the master modem 8A and the slave modem 8B on the same low voltage distribution line, the quality of the power line communication between the slave modem 8B connected to the low voltage distribution line of another system is improved. be able to.

  In addition, since the configuration of the signal conditioner 15 is simple (passive element), it is highly reliable and can be installed without interruption. It is easy to get approval for installation, and it is possible to keep the cost and the cost low.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a remote meter reading system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the feature of this remote meter reading system 1B is that the signal conditioner 15 is constituted only by the first magnetic core 15A, and the second magnetic core 15C is not provided. The signal conditioner 15 is upstream of the connection point of the master modem 8A as compared with the signal conditioner 15 in the first embodiment configured of both the first and second magnetic cores 15A and 15C. effect of increasing the signal level of the PLC signal sent out is a little smaller, the attenuation of PLC signals flowing from the signal injection point in the base unit modem 8A downstream of the low-voltage distribution line 6A ₁ conversely also small. Thus, for example, when the length of the low-voltage distribution line 6A ₁ from the electric chamber 4 to the master unit modem 8A is not so long, the transmission path conditions are better in the second embodiment than the first embodiment It is advantageous.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a remote meter reading system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, features of the remote meter reading system. 1C, a bypass signal line 17 by connecting with the white-phase power line 6b, base unit modem 8A and handset modem 8B is the ground line of low-voltage distribution line 6A ₁ The configuration is such that a PLC signal is superimposed on a certain power line 6b, and accordingly, the signal conditioner 15 also has a magnetic core 15B installed on the power line 6b. More specifically, one of a pair of signal terminals of master modem 8A is connected to power line 6b, and the other is connected to both power lines 6a and 6c. This makes it possible to configure a first signal transmission loop using the pair of power lines 6a and 6b and a second signal transmission loop using another pair of power lines 6c and 6b. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the structure of the magnetic core 15B is the same as that of the magnetic cores 15A and 15C shown in FIG.

Remote meter reading system 1C according to this embodiment also, the impedance of the downstream side from the connection point of the repeater function handset modem 8B _R is increased by the magnetic core 15B, the connection point of the repeater function handset modem 8B _R the signal level of the PLC signal delivered to the 1-1 system upstream of the low-voltage distribution line 6A ₁ from can be increased. Thus, handset modem 8B connected to the low-voltage distribution line 6A ₂ of low-voltage distribution line 6A ₁ the same system, of course, another system of low-voltage distribution lines 6B _1, 6B ₂ to a connected slave unit modem 8B (second The quality of power line communication between the slave modem and the master modem 8A can be improved. Of course, since the suppressing attenuation of signals to a necessary minimum, it is possible also communicate with the base unit modem 8A and handset modem 8B which is connected downstream of the low-voltage distribution line 6A _1.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a remote meter reading system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the feature of this remote meter reading system 1D is a combination of the first embodiment and the third embodiment. That is, while the bypass signal line 17 is connected by the white phase power line 6b, the signal conditioner 15 is configured by the first magnetic core 15A and the second magnetic core 15C as in the first embodiment. Further, in the power line modem 8 (the master modem 8A and the slave modem 8B), as in the third embodiment, one of the pair of signal terminals is connected to the power line 6b, and the other is both the power lines 6a and 6c. It is connected to the. Thus, a first signal transmission loop using power lines 6a and 6b and a second signal transmission loop using power lines 6c and 6b are configured.

  In the third embodiment, the second magnetic core 15B acts on both the signal flowing in the first signal transmission loop and the signal flowing in the second signal transmission loop. One magnetic core 15A acts on the PLC signal flowing in the first signal transmission loop, and the second magnetic core 15C acts on the PLC signal flowing in the second signal transmission loop. According to the above configuration, the same effects as those of the third embodiment can be obtained.

  Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is needless to say that they are included in the scope.

For example, in the above embodiment, the power line network is configured by the low voltage distribution lines 6A ₁ , 6A ₂ , 6B ₁ and 6B ₂ branched into two from the secondary side of the two transformers respectively. The number of low voltage distribution lines and the number of branches of low voltage distribution lines are not particularly limited.

Also, repeater function handset modem 8B in the above embodiments _R is being installed in the power meter 7 demand house 9 Room 101 located in the first most upstream side of the low-voltage distribution line 6A _1, the present invention Is not limited to such a configuration, and any power meter 7 may be used as long as it is within the power meter 7 of the customer house 9 near the upstream. Therefore, for example, the configuration may be such that the master device modem 8A is installed in the power meter 7 of the room 201 or the room 301.

Further, in the above embodiment, the bypass signal line 17 does not necessarily have to be provided in the electric chamber 4, and the first transformer 5A side of the power meter 7 (the first power meter) of the 101st chamber is not provided. 1 the low-voltage distribution line 6A _1, only needs to be installed between the 103 room No. power meter 7 (third power meter) second low-voltage distribution lines 6B ₁ of the second transformer 5B side from .

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although 2 division | segmentation type toroidal core is used as magnetic core 15A, 15B, 15C, this invention is not limited to this, A flexible magnetic sheet is wound around a power wire, It is also good.

  In the first embodiment, the magnetic cores 15A and 15C are provided on the power lines 6a and 6c, but no magnetic core is provided on the power line 6b. In the third embodiment, the magnetic core 15B is provided on the power line 6b. Although the configuration is such that the magnetic cores are not provided on the power lines 6a and 6c, the magnetic cores may be uniformly provided on each of the power lines 6a, 6b and 6c in the first and third embodiments. In this way, the signal conditioner can be easily installed without regard to the connection form of the power line modem with the power line.

1A, 1B, 1C, 1D Remote Metering System 3 Apartment House 4 Electric Room 5A Transformer (First Transformer)
5B transformer (second transformer)
6A ₁ low voltage distribution line (first low voltage distribution line)
6A ₂ low voltage distribution line (third low voltage distribution line)
6B ₁ low voltage distribution line (second low voltage distribution line)
6B ₂ low voltage distribution line 6a power line (first ungrounded line)
6b Power line (ground line)
6c Power line (second non-grounded line)
7 Power meter (smart meter)
8 power line modem 8A master unit modem 8B handset modem 8B _R repeater function handset modem 9 demand house 10 drop cable 11 high-voltage distribution line 15 signal conditioners 15A magnetic core 15B the magnetic core 15C magnetic core 16a first core portion 16b second core 16 c through hole 17 bypass signal line 18 clamp type coupler 21 control unit 21 a repeater function 22 meter interface unit 23 PLC interface unit 24 WAN interface unit

Claims (9)

First and second transformers which step down the voltage of the high voltage distribution line and convert it to a commercial voltage;
A first low voltage distribution line extending from the secondary side of the first transformer;
A second low voltage distribution line extending from the secondary side of the second transformer;
A bypass signal line installed as a communication path of power line communication between the first low voltage distribution line and the second low voltage distribution line;
A first power meter connected to a first service line for drawing the first low voltage distribution line into a first consumer home;
A second power meter disposed downstream of the first low voltage distribution line with respect to the first power line, and connected to a second power line for drawing the first low voltage distribution line into a second demand home; ,
A third power meter connected to a third service line for drawing the second low voltage distribution line into a third consumer home;
A master modem installed in the second power meter and connected to the second lead-in wire;
A first slave modem installed in the first power meter, connected to the first drop line, and performing power line communication with the master modem through the first low voltage distribution line;
A second slave modem installed in the third power meter, connected to the third service lead, and performing power line communication with the master modem through the first and second low voltage distribution lines and the bypass signal line When,
At least one comprises a magnetic core of annular shape, and a the installed signal conditioner as the first low-voltage distribution line is passed through a phase in the hollow portion of said magnetic core,
The first handset modem has a repeater function for relaying power line communication between the second handset modem and the base modem.
The signal conditioner is disposed between a connection point of the first lead-in on the first low-voltage distribution line and a connection point of the second lead-in, and the first low-voltage distribution from the first lead-in. Of the first low voltage distribution line from the first lead-in, while suppressing the signal level of the PLC signal from the first slave unit modem flowing downstream of the electric wire to such an extent that communication with the master unit modem can be secured. A remote meter reading system characterized in that the signal level of the PLC signal from the first slave unit modem flowing upstream is strengthened .   The first drop line is connected to the most upstream side of the first low voltage distribution line among a plurality of drop lines connected to the first low voltage distribution line including the first and second drop lines The remote meter reading system according to claim 1. Each of the first and second low voltage distribution lines is a ground line, a first ungrounded line, and a second ungrounded line through which current in reverse phase to the current flowing through the first ungrounded line flows Single-phase three-wire distribution line with
One and the other of the pair of signal terminals of the master modem are respectively connected to the first and second ungrounded lines,
The said signal conditioner is at least one of the 1st magnetic core provided in the said 1st ungrounded line, and the 2nd magnetic core provided in the said 2nd ungrounded line. Remote meter reading system. Each of the first and second low voltage distribution lines is a ground line, a first ungrounded line, and a second ungrounded line through which current in reverse phase to the current flowing through the first ungrounded line flows Single-phase three-wire distribution line with
One and the other of the pair of signal terminals of the master modem are respectively connected to at least one of the first and second ungrounded lines and the ground line.
The remote meter reading system according to claim 1, wherein the signal conditioner has a third magnetic core provided on the ground line. Each of the first and second low voltage distribution lines is a ground line, a first ungrounded line, and a second ungrounded line through which current in reverse phase to the current flowing through the first ungrounded line flows And one or the other of the pair of signal terminals of the master modem is connected to at least one of the first and second ungrounded lines and the ground line, respectively. Yes,
The said signal conditioner has a 1st magnetic core provided in the said 1st non-grounding wire, and a 2nd magnetic core provided in the said 2nd non-grounding wire of Claim 1 or 2 Remote meter reading system. A third low voltage distribution line extending in parallel with the first low voltage distribution line from a secondary side of the first transformer;
A fourth power meter connected to a fourth service line for drawing the third low voltage distribution line to a fourth customer's home;
A third slave modem installed in the fourth power meter, connected to the fourth lead-in wire, and performing power line communication with the master modem through the first and third low voltage distribution lines The remote meter reading system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The bypass signal line, said first power and low-voltage distribution line the first of the first transformer side of the meter, the third said than the power meter of the second transformer side of the second The remote meter reading system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is installed between the low voltage distribution line of   The remote meter reading system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bypass signal line is provided in an electric room of a housing complex in which the first and second transformers are installed.   The remote meter reading system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the master unit modem has a wireless network communication function and is installed at a height higher than the first slave unit modem.