TW201532399A - Power line ethernet adaptor and power line ethernet communication kit - Google Patents

Abstract

A power line ethernet adaptor capable of connecting with an external device is coupled to a power line of a building. The power line Ethernet adaptor comprises a signal transmission module and a housing. The signal transmission module is signally coupled with the power line and has a signal I/O port. The housing accommodates the signal transmission module and has a concave portion. The signal I/O port is exposed to the outside of the housing at the concave portion. The shape of the concave portion conforms to at least a portion of the shape of the external device. When the external device is connected with the power line Ethernet adaptor, the external device is fit within the concave portion and covers the signal I/O port.

Description

Power line network device and power line network communication set

The present invention relates to a power line network device and a power line network communication set, and particularly relates to a power line network device and a power line network communication set that can be used with an external device.

With the advancement of technology and the development of information, coupled with the widespread use of computers, smart phones, tablets and various smart mobile devices, the Internet has become a very important part of people's daily lives. In addition, because the network can receive and transmit messages quickly and in large numbers, people rely heavily on the Internet for social, entertainment, business, academic and other activities every day.

However, in a home or office, there may be multiple people at the same time, even people in different spaces (rooms or office cubicles) who want to use the Internet to deliver messages. However, if the network connection is made by the physical network route, the complicated wiring not only increases the difficulty of construction, but also causes problems such as increased cost and unsightlyness.

In order to solve the above problems, we have developed Power Line Communication (PLC) technology. The power line network uses the existing power line in the building as the backbone network for signal transmission.

In the prior art, when a user wants to add an electronic device to a power line network, it must be electrically connected between the electronic device and the power line network device by means of a network route or a plug (wire). However, in this way, the network route or the plug (wire) between the electronic device and the power line network device is liable to cause the user to be tripped.

Therefore, how to provide a power line network device and a power line network communication set, which does not need to adopt the method as described above, can achieve the function of adding an electronic device to a power line communication network, and has become one of the important issues today.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a power line network device and a power line network communication set, which can achieve the integration of an electronic device into a power line communication network without using the foregoing method.

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a power line network device connectable to an external device, coupled to a power line of a building. The power line network device includes a signal transmission module and a housing. The signal transmission module is connected to the power line signal and has a signal output input port. The housing accommodates the signal transmission module and has a recessed portion, and the signal output input port is disposed in the recessed portion and exposed outside the casing. The shape of the recessed portion conforms to the shape of at least a portion of the external device, and when the external device is connected to the power line network device, the external device is embedded in the recessed portion and covers the signal output input port.

In an embodiment of the invention, the shape of the recess conforms to the overall shape of the external device. When the external device is connected to the power line network device, the external device forms a substantially flat surface with the housing.

In an embodiment of the invention, the signal transmission module further includes a network communication unit and a processing unit. The network communication unit is connected to the power line and the signal output input port. The network communication unit converts an original signal from the signal output port into a power line communication data, and transmits it to the power line for transmission, or obtains power line communication data from the power line, converts it to the original signal, and sends it to the signal output input port. The processing unit is connected to the network communication unit and controls the network communication unit.

In an embodiment of the invention, the signal transmission module further includes a network port, a power circuit, and a transformer. The network port is connected to the network communication unit. The power circuit is connected to the power line and receives a power from the power line. The transformer is connected to the power circuit, the signal output input port, the network communication unit and the processing unit. The transformer transmits power from the power circuit to the signal output input port, the network communication unit, the power circuit, and the processing unit. The processing unit is connected to the power circuit and the signal output input port, and controls the power circuit and the signal output port.

In an embodiment of the invention, the signal transmission module further includes a power supply unit. The power supply unit is connected to the power line. The power supply unit receives power from the power line, And output a first working power.

In an embodiment of the invention, the power supply unit is a power outlet or a power switch.

In an embodiment of the invention, the housing further includes an engaging mechanism disposed on the recess.

In an embodiment of the invention, the signal output input 埠 is a universal serial bus transmission port.

In an embodiment of the invention, the signal output input 埠 is a parallel bus transmission port.

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a power line network communication kit including a power line network device and an external device. The power line network device includes a signal transmission module and a housing. The signal transmission module is connected to the power line signal and has a signal output input port. The housing accommodates the signal transmission module and has a recessed portion, and the signal output input port is disposed in the recessed portion and exposed outside the casing. The shape of the recess conforms to the shape of at least a portion of the external device, and when the external device is connected to the power line network device, the external device is embedded in the recess and covers the signal output input port.

According to the power line network device and the power line network communication kit of the present invention, the housing has a recessed portion, and the shape of the recessed portion conforms to the shape of at least a portion of the external device, so that the signal output of the external device and the power line network device When the input port is connected, the external device can be embedded in the recess and cover the signal output input port. In this way, the connection between the external device and the power line network device does not have to be through the physical network route or the plug (wire). The external device can be arbitrarily inserted or removed according to the user's wishes. In this way, in addition to reducing the probability of the user being tripped by the physical network route or the plug (wire), and at the same time having an aesthetic function.

1‧‧‧Power Line Network System

10‧‧‧Architecture

100, 200‧‧‧ power line

101‧‧‧First space

102‧‧‧Other spaces

11‧‧‧Internet

15‧‧‧ router

2, 2a‧‧‧Power line network device

21, 21a‧‧‧ Signal Transmission Module

211‧‧‧ Signal output input埠

212‧‧‧Power supply unit

213‧‧‧Processing unit

214‧‧‧Network communication unit

215‧‧‧Power Circuit

216‧‧‧Transformer

217‧‧‧ Internet埠

22, 22a‧‧‧ shell

228‧‧‧Cordging mechanism

4‧‧‧External devices

41‧‧‧ Shell

42‧‧‧Signal connector

5‧‧‧load

K1, K2‧‧‧Power Line Network Communication Kit

O1‧‧‧ first opening

O2‧‧‧ second opening

O3‧‧‧ third opening

S‧‧‧ accommodating space

P‧‧‧Depression

1 is a schematic diagram of a power line network system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

2A is a front exploded view of a power line network communication set according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2B is a rear exploded view of the power line network communication set shown in FIG. 2A.

2C is a schematic diagram of the combination of the power line network communication set shown in FIG. 2A.

2D is a circuit diagram of an embodiment of the signal transmission module shown in FIG. 2A.

3A is a front exploded view of a power line network communication set according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of the combination of the power line network communication set shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a circuit diagram of an embodiment of the signal transmission module shown in FIG. 3A.

Hereinafter, a power line network device and a power line network communication set according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the related drawings, wherein like elements will be described with the same reference numerals.

1 is a schematic diagram of a power line network system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the power line network system 1 is installed in the building 10 in which the power line 100 is disposed. In the present embodiment, the building 10 has a plurality of spaces, wherein the first space 101 has a router 15 that is connected to the Internet 11 and receives network signals transmitted from the Internet 11. When the router 15 receives the network signal transmitted by the Internet 11, the network signal is modulated by the power line network device 2 to the power line 100 for transmission. The power line network device 2 in the other space 102 can receive and demodulate the network signal transmitted from the power line 100. In fact, the power line network device 2 can be applied with the external device 4. In detail, the external device 4 can be added to the power line network system 1 by using the power line network device 2. However, the detailed internal components and functions of the power line network device 2 in this embodiment will be described later.

2A is a front exploded view of a power line network communication set according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2B is a rear view exploded view of the power line network communication set shown in FIG. 2A, and FIG. 2C is a power line network shown in FIG. 2A. A schematic diagram of the combination of road communication sets. Referring to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C simultaneously, in the embodiment, the power line network communication kit K1 includes a power line network device 2 and an external device 4.

The power line network device 2 includes a signal transmission module 21 and a housing 22. In this embodiment, the signal transmission module 21 can be a circuit board, as shown in FIG. 2A. However, the drawings are not intended to limit the invention. The signal transmission module 21 has a signal output input 211. Signal output input 埠211 and power line in the building Electrical connection (as shown in Figure 1) to exchange power line communication data with the power line. The detailed principles described above will be described in the following paragraphs.

In this embodiment, the signal output input port 211 can be a universal serial bus (USB) or a connection port for parallel bus transmission. Parallel bus transmission is also known as parallel bus transmission. Parallel bus transmission has the advantage of power saving compared to serial transmission.

In this embodiment, the back surface of the housing 22 has an accommodating space S, as shown in FIG. 2B, and the signal transmission module 21 can be accommodated in the accommodating space S. Referring to FIG. 2A, the front surface of the casing 22 has a recess P and a first opening O1. The first opening O1 is disposed relative to the position of the signal output input port 211. In this way, the signal output input port 211 can be exposed outside the casing 22 through the first opening O1 to facilitate subsequent applications.

In practice, the power line network device 2 can be used with the external device 4 for power line communication applications. In the present embodiment, the external device 4 has a housing 41 and a signal connector 42. The shape of the recess P conforms to the shape of at least a portion of the external device 4. Thus, when the external device 4 is electrically connected to the signal output port 211, a portion of the outer casing 41 of the external device 4 can be embedded in the recess P, as shown in FIG. 2C. The portion which is not embedded in the recessed portion P is convenient for the user to remove the external device 4 when necessary. However, in other embodiments, the shape of the recess P may conform to the shape of the entirety of the external device 4. Thus, the entire external device 4 can be embedded in the recess P, so that the outer casing 41 of the external device 4 and the housing 22 form a substantially flat surface. At this time, the external device 4 can be designed to be removed by pressing, pushing, or the like.

In this embodiment, the appearance and specifications of the signal connector 42 correspond to the signal output input port 211. When the external device 4 is inserted and connected to the signal output port 211 via the signal connector 42, the external device 4 can cover the signal output port 211, as shown in FIG. 2C.

2D is a circuit diagram of an embodiment of the signal transmission module shown in FIG. 2A. Referring to FIG. 2D, the signal transmission module 21 has a processing unit 213 and a network communication unit 214 in addition to a signal output port 211. In this embodiment, the network communication unit 214 is exemplified by a power line Ethernet circuit, and is mainly used for converting the received signal into power line communication data (packet) conforming to the power line communication specification. However, in other implementations, the network communication unit 214 may also be a power line Ethernet circuit in combination with other communication circuits.

The network communication unit 214 is connected to the power line 200 and the signal output port 211, respectively. The network communication unit 214 can convert the original signal from the signal output input 211 into power line communication data according to the communication protocol with the power line 200, and modulate it to the power line 200 for transmission. The modulation method can be, for example, but not limited to, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM). The above process can also be an inverse operation. That is, the network communication unit 214 can demodulate the power line communication data transmitted on the power line 200, convert it into an original signal, and send it to the signal output input port 211.

The processing unit 213 is connected to the network communication unit 214. The processing unit 213 can perform various control means on the network communication unit 214. For example, the modulation mode corresponding to the network communication unit 214 is selected. However, this is only an example. The invention is not limited thereto.

3A is a front exploded view of a power line network communication set according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3B is a combination diagram of the power line network communication set shown in FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3C is a signal transmission shown in FIG. 3A. A circuit diagram of one embodiment of a module. First, as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, in the power line network communication kit K2 of the embodiment, the signal transmission module 21a may be provided with a power supply unit 212. In the present embodiment, the power supply unit 212 is exemplified by a power outlet of the NEMA 1-15 specification. However, the power supply unit 212 may also be a power outlet of other specifications, or various power switches (for example, a push button switch or a knob switch).

The second opening O2 is provided in the position of the housing 22a corresponding to the power supply unit 212, so that the power supply unit 212 can be exposed through the second opening O2, as shown in FIG. 3B. The power supply unit 212 is allowed to be connected to an external load 5 (Fig. 3C). For example, when the power supply unit 212 is a power outlet, the load 5 connected thereto may be a general electronic device such as a computer. If the power supply unit 212 is a power switch, the load 5 connected thereto may be a general power device, such as a lamp.

In addition, the signal transmission module 21a may further be provided with a network port 217 as shown in FIG. 3A. The network port 217 can be an RJ-45 or other various network interfaces. The housing 22a is provided with a third opening O3 at a position corresponding to the network port 217, so that the network port 217 can be exposed outside the casing 22a through the third opening O3, as shown in FIG. 3B.

In the embodiment, the housing 22a is further provided with a locking mechanism 228 at the position of the recess P. Thereby, when the external device 4 is connected to the signal output input port 211, the engaging mechanism 228 It can be used to fix the external device 4 to prevent the external device 4 from coming loose. However, the present invention does not limit the material and structure of the engaging mechanism 228, and the position thereof is not limited to the drawing. In other implementations, the snap mechanism 228 can also be located at the periphery of the first opening O1.

Next, please refer to FIG. 3C, and at the same time, FIG. 3A. In this embodiment, the signal transmission module 21a has a power output circuit 211, a processing unit 213, and a network communication unit 214, and has a power circuit 215, a transformer 216, and a network. 217. The same components as those of the foregoing embodiment (signal transmission module 21, FIG. 2D) have the same connection relationship and functions. Please refer to the foregoing content, and details are not described herein again. The latter section will be described in detail specifically for power circuit 215, transformer 216, and network port 217.

In this embodiment, the network port 217 is electrically connected to the network communication unit 214. Other electronic devices (for example, personal desktop computers) can be electrically connected to the network 217 via a network route. In this way, other electronic devices can join the power line communication network through the network communication unit 214 in the power line network device 2a. The power circuit 215 is connected to the power line 200 and is mainly used to receive the power from the power line 200.

The transformer 216 is electrically connected to the power circuit 215, the signal output port 211, the network communication unit 214, and the processing unit 213, so as to transform the power from the power circuit 215 into an appropriate power source and provide the above. These units. In general, transformers typically include transformer, rectification, filtering, and voltage regulation processes. The content is not disclosed herein, and is not intended to limit the invention. In addition, in the present embodiment, the transformer 216 can further feedback the transformed and converted power to the power circuit 215 to obtain a power source required for operation.

In some implementations, the signal transmission module 21a further includes a power supply unit 212 electrically connected to the power circuit 215 to receive power from the power line 200 through the power circuit 215, thereby outputting the first working power to the external The load of 5. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 212 can be implemented in the form of a socket or a switch as described above, and details are not described herein again.

Generally speaking, during the construction process, the holes of the socket device or the switch device are usually reserved in the future. In fact, the aforementioned power line network devices 2, 2a can be installed in the holes by appropriate appearance and size design to form a wall embedded in the building. condition. In this way, the volume occupied by the user can be saved, and at the same time, the functions of aesthetics and safety concerns can be reduced.

In summary, due to the power line network device and the power line network communication kit of the present invention, the housing has a recessed portion, and the shape of the recessed portion conforms to the shape of at least a portion of the external device, so that the external device and the power line network When the signal output input of the circuit device is connected, the external device can be embedded in the recess and cover the signal output input port. In this way, the connection between the external device and the power line network device does not have to be through the physical network route or the plug (wire). The external device can be arbitrarily inserted or removed according to the user's wishes. In this way, in addition to reducing the probability of the user being tripped by the physical network route or the plug (wire), and at the same time having an aesthetic function.

The present invention has been described in detail above, but the above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the equivalent changes and modifications made by the scope of the present application should remain within the scope of the patent of the present invention.

2‧‧‧Power line network device

21‧‧‧Signal transmission module

211‧‧‧ Signal output input埠

22‧‧‧ housing

4‧‧‧External devices

41‧‧‧ Shell

42‧‧‧Signal connector

K1‧‧‧Power Line Network Communication Kit

O1‧‧‧ first opening

P‧‧‧Depression

Claims (18)

A power line network device that can be connected to an external device, coupled to a power line of a building, the power line network device comprising: a signal transmission module connected to the power line signal and having a signal output input port; and a shell The signal transmission module has a recessed portion, and the signal output input is disposed on the recessed portion and exposed outside the housing, wherein the recessed portion has a shape conforming to a shape of at least a portion of the external device, and When the external device is connected to the power line network device, the external device is embedded in the recess and covers the signal output input port. The power line network device of claim 1, wherein the recessed portion has a shape conforming to the overall shape of the external device, and when the external device is connected to the power line network device, the external device forms a A substantially flat surface. The power line network device of claim 1, wherein the signal transmission module further comprises: a network communication unit, connected to the power line and the signal output port, to input an original from the signal output port The signal is converted into a power line communication data and transmitted to the power line for transmission, or the power line communication data is obtained from the power line, converted into the original signal, sent to the signal output input port; and a processing unit and the network The communication unit is connected, and the network communication unit is controlled. The power line network device of claim 3, wherein the signal transmission module further comprises: a network port connected to the network communication unit; a power circuit connected to the power line and receiving the power line from the power line And a transformer connected to the power circuit, the signal output port, the network communication unit, and the processing unit, and transmitting the power from the power circuit to the signal output port, the network communication unit The power circuit and the processing unit, wherein the processing unit is connected to the power circuit and the signal output port, and controls the power circuit and the signal output port. The power line network device of claim 1, wherein the signal transmission module further comprises: a power supply unit connected to the power line, the power supply unit receiving the power line The power and output a first working power supply. The power line network device of claim 5, wherein the power supply unit is a power outlet or a power switch. The power line network device of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises: a latching mechanism disposed in the recess. The power line network device of claim 1, wherein the signal output input port is a universal serial bus transmission port. The power line network device of claim 1, wherein the signal output input port is a parallel bus bar transmission port. A power line network communication kit includes: a power line network device coupled to a power line of a building, the power line network device comprising: a signal transmission module coupled to the power line signal and having a signal output input And a housing accommodating the signal transmission module and having a recessed portion, the signal output input is disposed on the recessed portion and exposed outside the housing; and an external device having a shape conforming to the external device At least a portion of the shape, and when the external device is connected to the power line network device, the external device is embedded in the recess and covers the signal output input port. The power line network communication kit of claim 10, wherein the shape of the recess conforms to the overall shape of the external device, and when the external device is connected to the power line network device, the external device and the housing A substantially flat surface is formed. The power line network communication kit of claim 10, wherein the signal transmission module further comprises: a network communication unit connected to the power line and the signal output input port, and the output signal from the signal input port Converting an original signal into a power line communication data, transmitting it to the power line, or obtaining the power line communication data from the power line, converting the original signal to the signal output input port; and processing a unit Network communication unit is connected and controls the network communication unit means. The power line network communication kit of claim 10, wherein the signal transmission module further comprises: a network port connected to the network communication unit; a power circuit connected to the power line, receiving from the a power of the power line; and a transformer coupled to the power circuit, the signal output port, the network communication unit, and the processing unit to transmit the power from the power circuit to the signal output port, the network The communication unit, the power circuit and the processing unit, wherein the processing unit is connected to the power circuit and the signal output port, and controls the power circuit and the signal output port. The power line network communication kit of claim 10, wherein the signal transmission module further comprises: a power supply unit connected to the power line, the power supply unit receives power from the power line, and outputs a first A working power supply. The power line network communication kit of claim 14, wherein the power supply unit is a power socket or a power switch. The power line network communication kit of claim 10, wherein the housing further comprises: a latching mechanism disposed in the recess. The power line network communication set as described in claim 10, wherein the signal output input port is a universal serial bus transmission port. The power line network communication set as described in claim 10, wherein the signal output input port is a parallel bus transmission port.