JPH04140031A - Power and signal carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To carry power and signal safely with high efficiency by an arrangement wherein power is carried using a light wave upon power drop in an auxiliary circuit and signals are carried during other time. CONSTITUTION:A light emitted from a first light emitting means 103 and transmitted through a light wave transmitting means 4 is converted into a power at a second photoelectric converting means 202. Thus converted power is fed to a charging means 205. When the charged amount of the charging means 205 reaches the minimum operating power for an auxiliary circuit 2, a comparing means 206 is turned ON to notify a second circuit 201 that charging operation must be resumed. Upon receiving the signal, the second circuit 201 provides a signal to a second driving means 207 thus driving a second light emission means 208. The light wave passes through the light wave transmitting means 4 and reaches a photoelectric converting means 106 where it is converted into an electric signal to actuate a first demodulating means 107. A first circuit 102 receives the demodulated signal and resumes power supply from a first driving means 104.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a power and signal transport device that transports power and signals by means of light waves. 2. Description of the Related Art A conventional power and signal conveying device is shown in FIG. 3cL. In FIG. 3, 1 is a main circuit having power supply means, and 2 is an auxiliary circuit. 3 is a line that carries power and signals from the main circuit to the auxiliary circuit. The power supply means 101 supplies power to the first circuit 102 and also to the second circuit 201 of the auxiliary circuit 2 via the line 3 . Further, the signal of the first circuit 102 is transmitted to the second circuit 201 via the line 303. Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, in the above configuration, since the line is conductive, it may act as an antenna and transmit noise into the circuit. Furthermore, if the lines run near water or gas pipes, there is a possibility of electrical leakage or explosion. Furthermore, separate power lines and signal lines are required, which makes installation difficult, and the power lines may directly affect the signal lines, such as noise. Furthermore, it is necessary to always be prepared to supply power to the auxiliary circuit, which leads to power loss. The present invention solves such conventional problems, and uses light waves to transport power when the power of the auxiliary circuit is low, and to transport signals at other times, thereby achieving safe and efficient power and signal transmission. The goal is to enable the transportation of Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems, the power and signal conveying device of the present invention includes a main circuit, an auxiliary circuit operated by a signal of the main circuit, and a power supply between the main circuit and the auxiliary circuit. The main circuit consists of a light wave transmission means for carrying and signal transmission, and the main circuit is
a first modulating means for modulating a signal to be transmitted; a first driving means for inputting signals from the power supplying means and the first modulating means to create a driving signal;
a first light emitting means that converts electricity into light by a driving means; a first photoelectric conversion means that receives a light wave signal from the auxiliary circuit and converts it into an electric signal; and a signal from the output of the first photoelectric conversion means. The auxiliary circuit includes a first demodulating means for demodulating the light waves from the main circuit, and a second photoelectric conversion means for receiving the light waves from the main circuit and converting them into electric power, and a second photoelectric conversion means for receiving the light waves from the main circuit and converting them into electrical signals. a third photoelectric conversion means; a second demodulation means for demodulating a signal from the output of the third photoelectric conversion means; a charging means for charging the output of the second photoelectric conversion means; and a terminal voltage of the charging means. a comparison means for inspecting and comparing the
The light emitting device is configured to include a second driving means for producing a driving amount based on a signal from the comparing means, and a second light emitting means for converting electricity into light by the second driving means. Effects With the above configuration, power and signals are switched between circuits using light waves according to the power in the auxiliary circuit and transmitted between the circuits. EXAMPLE Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the power transmission device, and the same parts as in FIG. 3 are given the same numbers. In the main circuit 1, 102 is a first circuit, and 103 is a first light emitting means (for example, an LE
D, semiconductor laser, etc.), 104 is a driving means for driving the light emitting means 103. Reference numeral 105 denotes a modulating means for modulating the signal sent from the first circuit to the second circuit in the auxiliary circuit. 106 is a first photoelectric conversion means that converts the light wave from the auxiliary circuit 2 into an electric signal, and 107 is a first photoelectric conversion means that demodulates the output of the first photoelectric conversion means 106 into the signal sent by the second circuit 201. This is demodulation means. In the auxiliary circuit 2, 201 is a second circuit, 202 is a second photoelectric conversion means that converts light waves into electric power, 203 is a third photoelectric conversion means that converts light waves into electric signals, and 204
converts the output of the third photoelectric conversion means 203 to the first circuit 1
This is second demodulation means for demodulating the signal sent by No. 02. 2
05 is a charging means for charging the electric power obtained by the second photoelectric conversion means 202. Reference numeral 206 denotes a comparison means for detecting and comparing the electric power of the charging means 205. Reference numeral 207 denotes a second drive means for creating a drive amount based on the signal from the comparison means 206. Reference numeral 208 indicates a signal output from the second drive means 207. This is the second light emitting means that changes the 4 is the light of the first light emitting means 103 and the second light emitting means 2
08 to the second photoelectric conversion means 202, the third photoelectric conversion means 203, and the first photoelectric conversion means 106, respectively. A first gap 5 is provided between the main circuit 1 and the light wave transmission means 4, and a second gap 6 is similarly provided between the auxiliary circuit and the light wave transmission means 4. Next, the operation of the configuration of the present invention will be explained. Normally, the first circuit 102 in the main circuit 1 has a power supply means 1
Power is supplied directly from 01. The second in auxiliary circuit 2
The means for supplying power and transmitting signals to the circuit 201 will be explained. For example, if the auxiliary circuit 2 is located away from the main circuit 1 or installed in a place that cannot be accessed by human hands, the battery cannot be replaced and power must be supplied from the main circuit. Furthermore, if the tMi environment on the way is bad, it is difficult to send electrical signals. First, the means for supplying power to the second circuit 201 in the auxiliary circuit 2 will be explained. In the main circuit 1, the driving means 104 drives the first light emitting means 1.
03 to convert electricity into light. The light wave from the first light emitting means 103 enters the light wave transmission means 4 after propagating through the first gap 5 . The light propagated within the light wave transmission means 4 reaches the second photoelectric conversion means 202 within the auxiliary circuit 2 after passing through the second gap. The light wave guided to the second photoelectric conversion means is converted into electric power here. The converted power charges the charging means 205 (a capacitor or secondary battery with a large capacity), thereby making it possible to provide more stable power supply. When the amount of charge in the charging means 205 reaches a power sufficient to operate the second circuit (1 point in FIG. 2 (4)), the comparing means 206 turns on and notifies the second circuit 201 that charging may be terminated. . (Time t1 in FIG. 2) When the second circuit receives this signal, it sends a signal to the second driving means 207 to drive the second light emitting means 208. The light wave of the second light emitting means 20B passes through the light wave transmission means 4 and the first photoelectric conversion means 1 of the main circuit 1.
Reach 06. The light wave guided to the first light converting means 106 is converted into an electrical signal here. The output of the first photoelectric conversion means 106 is input to the first demodulation means 107 and demodulated into the signal sent by the second circuit 201. The first circuit 102 receives this demodulated signal, detects that the amount of charge in the auxiliary circuit 2 has become sufficient, and stops the supply of power by the first drive means 104. (Time t2 in Figure 2) In the drive circuit 2, the second circuit 201, etc. consumes power, and the amount of charge in the charging means 205 reaches the minimum value of power for operating the auxiliary circuit 2 (2 points in Figure 2 (4)). Then, the comparison means 206 turns on and informs the second circuit 201 that charging must be restarted. (Time t4 in FIG. 2) When the second circuit receives this signal, it sends a signal to the second driving means 207 to drive the second light emitting means 208. Second light emitting means 2
The light wave 08 passes through the light wave transmission means 4 and reaches the first photoelectric conversion means 106 of the main circuit 1. First photoelectric conversion means 106
The guided light waves are converted into electrical signals here. The output of the first photoelectric conversion means 106 is input to the first demodulation means 107 and demodulated into the signal sent by the second circuit 201. The first circuit 102 receives this demodulated signal and detects that the amount of charge in the auxiliary circuit 2 has become insufficient, and the first driving means 10
4 will resume power supply. (Time t5 in Figure 2) This operation is repeated thereafter. Next, a method of transmitting a signal to the second circuit 201 in the auxiliary circuit 2 will be explained. In the main circuit 1, the driving means 104 does not need to carry out power transfer from time t2 to time t4 in FIG. Therefore, this time period is used to transmit the signal to the auxiliary circuit. From the first circuit 102 to the second circuit 201 in the auxiliary circuit 2
A first modulating means 105 modulates a signal sent to

[3 hours] This light wave follows the same path as when transmitting power to the auxiliary circuit 2.
and is guided to the third photoelectric conversion means 203 where it is converted into an electrical signal. The second demodulation means 204 manually demodulates the output of the third photoelectric conversion means 203 into the signal sent by the first circuit 102 . The second circuit 201 operates upon receiving this demodulated signal. In this way, the driving means 104 temporally switches between power conveyance and signal conveyance, so that the light emitting means 103 and the first
The heat generation of the photoelectric conversion means 202 can be suppressed, and electric power and signals can be efficiently transported while preventing shortening of the life of the light emitting means 103 and the photoelectric conversion means 202 due to heat. For example, the light emitting means 103 is an LED, the first photoelectric conversion means 2
When using solar cells for 02, L when transmitting power.
The current flowing through the ED is increased to emit light with high brightness. When transmitting a signal, the blinking of the LED is the second photoelectric conversion means 203
The brightness may be low as long as it can be discriminated. Further, when the power consumption of the auxiliary circuit 2 is small, there is no need to carry out power transfer frequently, and power is transferred according to the operating state within the auxiliary circuit. In this way, by changing the amount of drive to the light emitting means 103, the heat generation of the light emitting means 103 can be suppressed. In addition, by providing condensing means 402403 on both end faces of the light wave transmission means 4, transmission efficiency can be increased. When electric power and signals are transmitted as described above, it is safe even if the light wave transmission means 4 passes near water pipes or gas pipes without the possibility of electrical leakage or explosion. Furthermore, light wave transmission means 4
Even if the circuit absorbs moisture and the moisture is transferred to the main circuit 1 or the auxiliary circuit 2 due to capillary phenomenon, the first gap and the second gap prevent moisture from entering the circuit and causing a malfunction. . Furthermore, since the line is non-conductive, there is no possibility that the antenna will be connected to the opposite side and that noise will be transmitted into the circuit. In addition, the lines can carry power and signals, making installation easier. Furthermore, the power line does not directly affect the signal line with noise or other negative effects, and the reliability is improved. If the minimum charge amount [(1 point in Fig. 2 (a) (4)) is determined with some margin, when electric power is transferred from the light emitting means 103 by light waves, the power is transferred from the first circuit 102 to the second circuit. When it becomes necessary to send a signal to 201, priority can be given to conveying the signal. (Although charging is in progress at this time, the amount of charge in the charging means 205 is sufficient to operate the auxiliary circuit 2.) Also, in FIG. While power is being supplied (from time t5 to time t8), the second light emitting means 208 in the auxiliary circuit 2 and the first photoelectric conversion means 106 in the main circuit 1 can perform signal transmission using their functions. can. That is, at 17 hours from t6 in FIG. 2('b), the second circuit 20
If the second light emitting means 208 is modulated and driven with a signal of 1, the first circuit 102
can receive a signal from the second circuit 201. In this way, bidirectional signal transmission can be made possible. At this time, the system of the first light emitting means and the second photoelectric conversion means 202, the system of the third photoelectric conversion means 203, the system of the second light emitting means 203 and the first photoelectric conversion means wavelength). Effects of the Invention As described above, the power and signal transfer device of the present invention includes a main circuit, an auxiliary circuit operated by signals from the main circuit, and a light wave for carrying power and signal between the main circuit and the auxiliary circuit. The main circuit includes a power supply means, a first modulation means for modulating the signal to be transmitted, and a drive signal is generated by inputting signals from the power supply means and the first modulation means. a first driving means; a first light emitting means for converting electricity into light by the first driving means; a first photoelectric conversion means for receiving a light wave signal from the auxiliary circuit and converting it into an electric signal; The auxiliary circuit includes a first demodulating means for demodulating a signal from the output of the first photoelectric converting means, and the auxiliary circuit includes a second photoelectric converting means for receiving a light wave from the main circuit and converting it into electric power, and a second photoelectric converting means for receiving the light wave from the main circuit and converting it into electric power. a third photoelectric conversion means that receives a light wave and converts it into an electric signal, a second demodulation means that demodulates a signal from the output of the third photoelectric conversion means, and an output of the second photoelectric conversion means that is charged. a charging means, a comparing means for inspecting and comparing terminal voltages of the charging means, a second driving means for producing a driving amount based on a signal from the comparing means, and a second driving means for converting electricity into light by the second driving means. The first driving means switches between power transmission and signal transmission, thereby suppressing the heat generation of the first light emitting means and the first photoelectric conversion means, thereby reducing the lifespan due to heat. It can carry power and signals without degradation. Further, when the power consumption of the auxiliary circuit 2 is small, there is no need to carry out power transfer frequently, and the power is transferred according to the operational status within the auxiliary circuit, so that the power transfer efficiency is improved. Further, while power is being supplied from the main circuit to the auxiliary circuit, the second light emitting means in the auxiliary circuit and the first photoelectric conversion means in the main circuit can perform signal transmission using their functions. That is, it is possible to carry out power transport and bidirectional signal transmission using one light wave transmission means. Further, even if the light wave transmission means passes near water pipes or gas pipes, there is no possibility of electrical leakage or explosion, and it is safe. Even if the light wave transmission means absorbs moisture and the moisture is transmitted to the main circuit or auxiliary circuit due to capillary phenomenon, there is no possibility that moisture will enter the circuit and cause a failure because it has the first gap and the second gap. There is no Also, since the line is non-conductive, it acts as an antenna and does not transmit noise into the circuit. Furthermore, it is possible to carry power and signals with a single line, making it easy to install. Furthermore, reliability is improved because the power line does not directly affect the signal line with noise or other adverse effects.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a power transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 2a and 2b are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the same device, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a conventional power and signal transfer device. 1... King circuit, 2... Auxiliary circuit, 4.
...Light wave transmission means, 5...First gap, 6
...Second gap, 101...Power supply means, 103...First light emitting means, 106...
...First photoelectric conversion means, 202...Second
photoelectric conversion means, 203... third photoelectric conversion means, 205... charging means, 208...
Second light emitting means, 403, 404... Light collecting means. Name of agent: Patent attorney Akira Okaji, 2 people Figure, ＜71hatrtz Otsu3t4tS Figure (b)

Claims (1)

[Claims] a main circuit and an auxiliary circuit operated by a signal from the main circuit;
The main circuit includes a light wave transmission means for carrying power and signal transmission between the main circuit and the auxiliary circuit, and the main circuit includes a power supply means, a first modulation means for modulating the signal to be transmitted, and a first driving means for inputting the signal of the first modulating means and producing a driving signal; a first light emitting means for converting electricity into light by the first driving means; The first part receives light wave signals and converts them into electrical signals.
and a first demodulation means that demodulates a signal from the output of the first photoelectric conversion means, and the auxiliary circuit includes a second photoelectric conversion means that receives light waves from the main circuit and converts them into electric power. a third photoelectric conversion means that receives a light wave from the main circuit and converts it into an electrical signal; a second demodulation means that demodulates a signal from an output of the third photoelectric conversion means; and the second photoelectric conversion means. a charging means for charging the output of the means; a comparison means for inspecting and comparing terminal voltages of the charging means; a second drive means for producing a driving amount based on a signal from the comparison means; and a second drive means for generating electricity by the second drive means. and a second light emitting means for converting into light.