WO2021033608A1

WO2021033608A1 - Distribution board and power line communication system

Info

Publication number: WO2021033608A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/030692
Authority: WO
Inventors: 加藤　浩久
Original assignee: 日東工業株式会社
Priority date: 2019-08-20
Filing date: 2020-08-12
Publication date: 2021-02-25
Also published as: JP7350435B2; JP2021034793A

Abstract

The present invention is a distribution board 20: that includes a main breaker 21, a bus, and a plurality of branch breakers 22, with each of the plurality of branch breakers 22 being electrically connected to a secondary side of the main breaker 21 via the bus; and that is further provided with a PLC modem 23 electrically connected to the primary side of the main breaker 21, the PLC modem 23 receiving a signal via one of the plurality of branch breakers 22, amplifying the signal, and transmitting the amplified signal.

Description

Distribution board and power line communication system

The present invention relates to a distribution board and a power line communication system that use a power line for supplying power as a signal communication line.

A power line communication (PLC) system uses a power line for supplying power as a signal communication line. The power line communication system is used as an indoor communication system because it has less leakage electromagnetic waves. As this power line communication system, a dedicated communication device (PLC modem) as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-23076 (Patent Document 1) is used. In general, a PLC modem enables power line communication between a plurality of home appliances by being electrically connected to an electrical outlet for supplying electric power.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional power line communication system, and shows an electrical connection state of a distribution board 1, an outlet 5, a PLC modem 6, and a plurality of home electric appliances 7. The distribution board 1 includes a main breaker 2, a plurality of branch breakers 3, and a bus 8. In order to simplify the drawing, the number of branch breakers 3 is set to 3. Three outlets 5 are electrically connected to the secondary side of each branch breaker 3 via a power line 4. A PLC modem 6 and a plurality of home electric appliances 7 are electrically connected to each outlet 5. The arrow in FIG. 1 indicates a signal path when power line communication is performed from one PLC modem 6 to another PLC modem 6. The signal transmitted from the one PLC modem 6 reaches the one branch breaker 3 of the distribution board 1 from the one outlet 5 via the one power line 4. After that, the signal is received from the bus 8 of the distribution board 1 to the other PLC modem 6 via the other branch breaker 3 and the other power line 4.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-23576

However, the conventional power line communication system shown in FIG. 1 has a problem that the waveform of the signal transmitted from the PLC modem 6 is easily attenuated. The thickness of the arrow line in FIG. 1 represents the attenuation of the signal waveform. As a cause of the signal waveform attenuation, for example, the capacitor built in the home electric appliance 7 attenuates the waveform of the signal transmitted from the PLC modem 6. Further, since the power line 4 for home use has a small wire diameter and a large impedance, the waveform of the signal transmitted from the PLC modem 6 is attenuated. Further, in FIG. 1, the signal of one PLC modem 6 is branched by the branch breaker 3 and transmitted to another PLC modem 6 which is a communication target and a third PLC modem 6 which is not a communication target. As described above, the conventional power line communication system has a problem that the waveform of the signal is attenuated due to the influence of the home electric appliance 7, the wire diameter of the power line 4, the length of the signal path, and the like, and the communication speed is lowered. Therefore, when high communication quality is required in the building, there is no other way but to add a dedicated communication line.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and it is possible to restore the attenuation of the waveform of the signal and to significantly improve the quality of communication using the power line. An object of the present invention is to provide a switchboard and a power line communication system.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, the distribution board of the present invention includes a main breaker, a bus and a plurality of branch breakers, and each of the plurality of branch breakers of the main breaker via the bus. A distribution board electrically connected to the secondary side, which is electrically connected to the primary side of the main breaker or to the secondary side of the main breaker and the primary side of the plurality of branch breakers via the bus. A PLC modem connected to the circuit breaker is further provided, and the PLC modem is configured to amplify a received signal and transmit the signal via a power line.

(2) In order to achieve the above object, the first power line communication system of the present invention includes a plurality of distribution boards electrically connected via at least one power line, and the plurality of distribution boards of the plurality of distribution boards. Each includes a main breaker, a bus and a plurality of branch breakers, and each of the plurality of branch breakers is a power line communication system electrically connected to the secondary side of the main breaker via the bus. , Each of the plurality of distribution boards is electrically connected to the primary side of the main breaker or to the secondary side of the main breaker and the primary side of the plurality of branch breakers via the bus. The PLC modem is configured to amplify and transmit the received signal, and the signal transmitted from one of the PLC modems is received by the other PLC modem via the power line. It is characterized by that.

(3) Preferably, in the power line communication system of (2), the primary side of each of the main breakers of the plurality of distribution boards is connected in series by the power line.

(4) Preferably, in the power line communication system of the above (2) or (3), the PLC modem of any one of the distribution boards includes at least three of the distribution boards, and the other two of the distribution boards are used. It is configured to relay the transmission and reception of the signal between the PLC modems on the switchboard.

(5) Preferably, in the power line communication system according to any one of (2) to (4), the PLC modem of each of the plurality of distribution boards is electrically connected to the primary side of the main breaker. ..

(6) Preferably, in the power line communication system according to any one of (2) to (5), the PLC modem of each of the plurality of distribution boards uses any one of the plurality of branch breakers. The signal is received via.

(7) In order to achieve the above object, the second power line communication board of the present invention includes at least one master distribution board and a plurality of child distribution boards electrically connected via a plurality of power lines. Each of the master distribution board and the plurality of child distribution boards includes a main breaker, a bus and a plurality of branch breakers, and each of the plurality of branch breakers is a secondary of the main breaker via the bus. Electrically connected to the side, the primary side of the main breaker of the main distribution board is electrically connected to the power lead-in line, and the secondary side of at least one of the branch breakers of the main distribution board is via the power line. A power line communication system electrically connected to the primary side of at least one of the plurality of child distribution boards, wherein the master distribution board is connected to the main breaker via the bus. Further includes a parent PLC modem electrically connected to the secondary side of the plurality of branch breakers and to the primary side of the plurality of branch breakers, and each of the plurality of sub-distribution boards is electrically connected to the primary side of the main breaker. Further comprising a child PLC modem, the child PLC modem receives a signal via at least one of the plurality of branch breakers of the child distribution board, amplifies the signal, and transmits the signal via the power line. It is configured to transmit the signal, and the parent PLC modem is configured to receive the signal via the power line, amplify the signal, and transmit the signal.

(8) Preferably, in the power line communication system of (7), the signal including at least two child distribution boards and the parent PLC modem between the child PLC modems of the two child distribution boards. It is configured to relay the transmission and reception of.

According to the distribution board and the power line communication system of the present invention, the attenuation of the signal waveform can be restored, and the quality of communication using the power line can be significantly improved.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the conventional power line communication system. It is the schematic which shows the power line communication system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the signal path of LAN communication 1 in the same room. It is a flowchart which shows the signal path of LAN communication 2 in the same room. It is a flowchart which shows the signal path of LAN communication 3 in the same room. It is a flowchart which shows the signal path of LAN communication 1 between different rooms. It is a flowchart which shows the signal path of LAN communication 2 between different rooms. It is a flowchart which shows the LAN communication 3 signal path between different rooms. It is a flowchart which shows the signal path of LAN communication 4 between different rooms. It is a flowchart which shows the signal path of LAN communication 5 between different rooms. It is a flowchart which shows the signal path of WAN communication using a grandchild PLC modem. It is a flowchart which shows the signal path of WAN communication using a local controller. It is the schematic which shows the power line communication system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows an example of the usage mode of the power line communication system shown in FIG.

1. 1. First Embodiment First, a first embodiment of a power line communication system including a distribution board of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

1.1 Overview of the power line communication system As shown in FIG. 2, the power line communication system of the present embodiment includes a master distribution board 10 and three child distribution boards 20. The main distribution board 10 and the three child distribution boards 20 are installed, for example, in different rooms or different floors in the same building. The installation location of the main distribution board 10 and the three child distribution boards 20 is not particularly limited. For example, the power communication system of the present embodiment is applied to a general house. For example, the main distribution board 10 is installed in the living room L. The three child distribution boards 20 are installed in rooms R1, R2, and R3 other than the living room L, respectively. An outlet 5 is provided in each room R1, R2, and R3, and various home appliances 7 are installed. The living room L is also provided with an outlet (not shown), and various home appliances are installed.

The parent distribution board 10 includes a parent PLC modem 16, a broadband network gateway 17, and a local controller 18. The three child distribution boards 20 include a child PLC modem 23 and a local controller 24. An outlet plug-type grandchild PLC modem 25 is electrically connected to the outlet 5 of each room R1, R2, and R3. Here, the term "PLC modem" in the present invention broadly includes a configuration in which a carrier wave carrying a signal used for data communication can be superimposed on a power line and separated from the power line.

The parent PLC modem 16 communicates with the broadband network via the broadband network gateway 17. Further, the parent PLC modem 16 communicates with each child PLC modem 23 of the three child distribution boards 20 via the power line 14. Further, the parent PLC modem 16 communicates with a home electric appliance (not shown) installed in the living room L via the local controller 18.

As described above, the child PLC modem 23 communicates with the parent PLC modem 16 via the power line 14. Further, the child PLC modem 23 communicates with each child PLC modem 23 of the other two child distribution boards 20 via the power line 15. Further, the child PLC modem 23 communicates with the grandchild PLC modem 25 via the power line 4. In addition to this, the child PLC modem 23 communicates with the home electric appliance 7 installed in any of the rooms R1, R2, and R3 via the local controller 24.

1.2 Main distribution board The main distribution board 10 includes a main breaker 11, a bus 12, four branch breakers 13, a parent PLC modem 16 described above, a broadband network gateway 17 described above, and a local controller 18 described above. The primary side of the main breaker 11 is electrically connected to the power drop line. The electric power provided by the electric power company is supplied to the main distribution board 10 from the primary side of the main breaker 11 via the drop line.

The secondary side of the main breaker 11 is electrically connected to the bus 12. Four branch breakers 13 are electrically connected to the bus 12. The secondary side of one of the branch breakers 13 is electrically connected to the child distribution board 20 in the room R1 via the power line 14. The power line 14 is an electric wire having a large diameter for electrically connecting a plurality of distribution boards. The secondary side of each of the remaining three branch breakers 13 is electrically connected to the air conditioner 19 which consumes a large amount of power.

The parent PLC modem 16 is electrically connected to the secondary side of the main circuit breaker 11 and the primary side of the four branch breakers 13 via the bus 12. A broadband network gateway 17 and a local controller 18 are electrically connected to the parent PLC modem 16. The parent PLC modem 16 superimposes a high frequency signal (hereinafter, simply referred to as “signal”) such as data or information on the power line, and separates the signal from the power line. Further, the parent PLC modem 16 amplifies the received signal and transmits it. Further, the parent PLC modem 16 can also encrypt and transmit the signal. The encrypted signal is compounded by using a common key.

The broadband network gateway 17 relays between the parent PLC modem 16 and the broadband network. The parent PLC modem 16 enables a large-capacity Internet communication via the broadband network gateway 17.

The local controller 18 has a configuration capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from home appliances (not shown) installed in the living room L by wireless or wired. Radio includes, for example, communication means such as Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth® and infrared. Wired includes, for example, a wired LAN using a metal cable or an optical fiber.

1.3 Child distribution board Each of the three child distribution boards 20 includes a main breaker 21, a plurality of branch breakers 22, a child PLC modem 23 described above, and a local controller 24 described above. As described above, the primary side of the main breaker 21 of the child distribution board 20 in the room R1 is electrically connected to the branch breaker 13 of the main distribution board 10 via the power line 14. The three sub-distribution boards 20 are transition-wired in the order of rooms R1, R2, and R3 by the power line 15. Crossover wiring refers to a wiring method in which a plurality of devices are connected in series in order. The power line 15 is an electric wire having a large diameter for electrically connecting a plurality of distribution boards. The electric power is supplied to the main breaker 21 of the sub-distribution board 20 in the room R1, and is supplied to the respective sub-distribution boards 20 in the rooms R2 and R3 via the power line 15 which is cross-wired.

Three or two branch breakers 22 are electrically connected to the secondary side of the main breaker 21. The secondary side of at least one of these branch breakers 22 is electrically connected to the outlet 5 via the power line 4. The power line 4 is a household wiring having a small wire diameter. The grandchild PLC modem 25 described above is electrically connected to the outlet 5.

The child PLC modem 23 is electrically connected to the primary side of the main breaker 21 of each child distribution board 20. A local controller 24 is electrically connected to the child PLC modem 23. The child PLC modem 23 has the same function as the parent PLC modem 11. That is, the child PLC modem 23 superimposes the signal on the power line and separates the signal from the power line. Further, the child PLC modem 23 amplifies the received signal. Further, the child PLC modem 16 can also encrypt and transmit the signal. The encrypted signal is compounded by using a common key.

The local controller 24 of each child distribution board 20 has the same function as the local controller 18 of the master distribution board 10. That is, the local controller 24 has a configuration capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the home electric appliance 7 installed in any of the rooms R1, R2, and R3 by wireless or wired. The home appliance 7 referred to here is, for example, a lighting device, a television, a refrigerator, a microwave oven, a smartphone, a smart speaker, various measuring devices, sensors such as a motion sensor and a temperature sensor, and a remote controller. The local controller 24 can also send and receive signals to and from the air conditioner 19.

1.4 Grandchild PLC Modem The grandchild PLC modem 25 includes, for example, a plug that is inserted into and removed from the outlet 5, and is electrically directly connected to the outlet 5. The grandchild PLC modem 25 is electrically connected to an IoT (Internet of Things) home appliance 7 such as a personal computer and a network audio player that can connect to the Internet, and other home appliances 7 that can perform power line communication. The grandchild PLC modem 25 superimposes the signal on the power line 4 and separates the signal from the power line 4.

Further, the grandchild PLC modem 25 can set the strength of the transmitted signal. When the signal strength is high, the attenuation of the signal waveform becomes relatively small, and the power line communication between the plurality of home appliances 7 becomes stable. On the other hand, when the signal strength is low, interference of signals transmitted from each of the plurality of home appliances 7 is reduced. The signal strength may be set according to the communication range of the grandchild PLC modem 25. For example, when communicating in the same room R1, the signal strength of the grandchild PLC modem 25 is set to be high. When communicating between different rooms R1, R2, and R3, the signal strength of the grandchild PLC modem 25 is set to be small. These settings reduce interference of multiple signals within a building.

1.5 Communication method by power line communication system The plurality of home appliances 7 installed in the rooms R1, R2, and R3 are connected to local area network (LAN) communication and wide area network (WAN) communication by the power line communication system of the present embodiment. It is possible to do. 3 to 10 are flowcharts showing eight signal paths in LAN communication. 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing two modes of signal paths in WAN communication. Hereinafter, the communication method using the power line communication system will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 12. Note that (L), (R1), (R2), and (R3) in FIGS. 3 to 12 indicate a room in which the main distribution board 10, the child distribution board 20, the home appliance 7, and the like are installed. Yes, it is used to explain the following communication methods.

1.5.1 LAN communication <LAN communication in the same room>
For example, a plurality of home appliances 7 installed in the same room R1 can perform LAN communication by the signal paths of the three modes shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.

<< First aspect >>
FIG. 3 shows a signal path of LAN communication using two grandchild PLC modems 25 installed in the same room R1.

In FIG. 3, the signal transmitted from the first home electric appliance 7 (R1) is received by the first grandchild PLC modem 25 (R1). The signal received by the first grandchild PLC modem 25 (R1) is received by the child distribution board 20 installed in the room R1 via the first power line 4 (R1). The signal received by the child distribution board 20 is passed through the first branch breaker 22 (R1), the second branch breaker 22 (R1), and the second power line 4 (R1), and the second grandchild PLC modem. It is transmitted to 25 (R1). The signal received by the second grandchild PLC modem 25 (R1) is transmitted to the second home electric appliance 7 (R1). The second home electric appliance 7 (R1) executes processing based on the received signal.

<< Second aspect >>
FIG. 4 shows LAN communication using two grandchild PLC modems 25 installed in the same room R1 and a signal path via the child PLC modem 23 of the child distribution board 20 installed in the room R1.

In FIG. 4, the signal transmitted from the first home electric appliance 7 (R1) is received by the first grandchild PLC modem 25 (R1). The signal received by the first grandchild PLC modem 25 (R1) is transmitted to the child distribution board 20 installed in the room R1 via the first power line 4 (R1). The signal received by the child distribution board 20 is transmitted to the child PLC modem 23 (R1) via the first branch breaker 22 (R1) and the main breaker 21 (R1). The child PLC modem 23 (R1) amplifies the received signal. The signal amplified by the child PLC modem 23 (R1) is passed through the main breaker 21 (R1), the second branch breaker 22 (R1) and the second power line 4 (R1), and the second grandchild PLC modem 25 It is transmitted to (R1). The signal received by the second grandchild PLC modem 25 (R1) is transmitted to the second home electric appliance 7 (R1). The second home electric appliance 7 (R1) executes processing based on the received signal.

In the signal path of LAN communication shown in FIG. 4, the waveform of the signal attenuated in the process of power line communication can be restored by the amplification function of the child PLC modem 23. That is, the signal transmitted from the first home electric appliance 7 passes through the first and second power lines 4 before being received by the second home electric appliance 7. Since the power line 4 for home use has a small wire diameter and a large impedance, the waveform of the passing signal is attenuated. The child PLC modem 23 restores the waveform of the attenuated signal by amplifying the signal that has passed through the first power line 4. As a result, the power line communication of the plurality of home appliances 7 installed in the same room R1 is stabilized.

<< Third aspect >>
FIG. 5 shows a signal path of LAN communication using the grandchild PLC modem 25 and the local controller 24 installed in the same room R1.

In FIG. 5, the signal transmitted from the first home electric appliance 7 (R1) is received by the first grandchild PLC modem 25 (R1). The signal received by the first grandchild PLC modem 25 (R1) is transmitted to the child distribution board 20 installed in the room R1 via the first power line 4 (R1). The signal received by the child distribution board 20 is transmitted to the child PLC modem 23 (R1) via the first branch breaker 22 (R1) and the main breaker 21 (R1). The child PLC modem 23 (R1) amplifies the received signal. The signal amplified by the child PLC modem 23 (R1) is transmitted to the second home electric appliance 7 (R1) via the local controller 24 (R1). The second home electric appliance 7 (R1) executes processing based on the received signal.

In the LAN communication signal path shown in FIG. 5, the local controller 24 enables communication with the second home electric appliance 7 that is not electrically connected to the grandchild PLC modem 25. Further, the signal amplified by the child PLC modem 23 is transmitted from the local controller 24 to the second home electric appliance 7 without passing through the second power line 4. As a result, the attenuation of the waveform of the signal received by the second home electric appliance 7 is further reduced.

<LAN communication between different rooms>
For example, a plurality of home appliances 7 installed in different rooms R1 and R3 can perform LAN communication by the signal paths of the five modes shown in FIGS. 6 to 10.

<< First aspect >>
FIG. 6 shows a signal path of LAN communication using the grandchild PLC modem 25 installed in the room R1 and the grandchild PLC modem 25 installed in the room R3.

In FIG. 6, the signal transmitted from the home appliance 7 (R1) installed in the room R1 is received by the grandchild PLC modem 25 (R1). The signal received by the grandchild PLC modem 25 (R1) is transmitted to the child distribution board 20 installed in the room R1 via the power line 4 (R1). The signal received by the child distribution board 20 in the room R1 is transmitted to the child PLC modem 23 (R1) via the branch breaker 22 (R1) and the main breaker 21 (R1). The child PLC modem 23 (R1) amplifies the received signal. The signal amplified by the child PLC modem 23 (R1) is transmitted to the child distribution board 20 installed in the room R3 via the two power lines 15 that are cross-wired.

The signal transmitted to the child distribution board 20 in the room R3 is received by the child PLC modem 23 (R3). The child PLC modem 23 (R3) amplifies the received signal. The signal amplified by the child PLC modem 23 (R3) is transmitted to the grandchild PLC modem 25 (R3) via the main breaker 21 (R3), the branch breaker 22 (R3) and the power line 4 (R3). The signal received by the grandchild PLC modem 25 (R3) is transmitted to the home electric appliance 7 (R3) installed in the room R3. The home electric appliance 7 (R3) executes a process based on the received signal.

In the signal path of LAN communication shown in FIG. 6, the signal transmitted from the home appliance 7 installed in the room R1 is a total of 2 by the two child PLC modems 23 before and after passing through the two power lines 15 that are cross-wired. Amplified times. As a result, the waveform of the signal attenuated in the process of power line communication is restored. Further, the power line 15 for a breaker used for power line communication has a large wire diameter and a small impedance. Therefore, the attenuation of the waveform of the signal passing through the two power lines 15 is reduced. Therefore, even when the signal path from the room R1 to the room R3 is long, the power line communication between the rooms R1 and R3 is stable.

<< Second aspect >>
FIG. 7 is LAN communication using the grandchild PLC modem 25 installed in the room R1 and the grandchild PLC modem 25 installed in the room R3, and shows the child PLC of the child distribution board 20 installed in the room R2. The signal path via the modem 23 is shown.

In FIG. 7, the signal transmitted from the home appliance 7 (R1) installed in the room R1 is received by the grandchild PLC modem 25 (R1). The signal received by the grandchild PLC modem 25 (R1) is transmitted to the child distribution board 20 installed in the room R1 via the power line 4 (R1). The signal received by the child distribution board 20 in the room R1 is transmitted to the child PLC modem 23 (R1) via the branch breaker 22 (R1) and the main breaker 21 (R1). The child PLC modem 23 (R1) amplifies the received signal. The signal amplified by the child PLC modem 23 (R1) is transmitted to the child distribution board 20 installed in the room R2 via the power line 15 that is cross-wired.

The signal transmitted to the child distribution board 20 in room R2 is received by the child PLC modem 23 (R2). The child PLC modem 23 (R2) amplifies the received signal. The signal amplified by the child PLC modem 23 (R2) is transmitted to the child distribution board 20 installed in the room R3 via the power line 15 that is cross-wired.

In the signal path of LAN communication shown in FIG. 7, the signal transmitted from the home appliance 7 installed in the room R1 has three child PLC modems before, during, and after passing through the two power lines 15 that are cross-wired. Amplifies a total of 3 times by 23. As a result, the waveform of the signal attenuated in the process of power line communication is better restored. Therefore, even when the signal path from the room R1 to the room R3 is longer, the power line communication between the rooms R1 and R3 is stable.

<< Third aspect >>
FIG. 8 shows LAN communication using the grandson PLC modem 25 installed in the room R1 and the grandchild PLC modem 25 installed in the room R3, and is the parent PLC of the master distribution board 10 installed in the living room L. The signal path via the modem 16 is shown.

In FIG. 8, the signal transmitted from the home appliance 7 (R1) installed in the room R1 is received by the grandchild PLC modem 25 (R1). The signal received by the grandchild PLC modem 25 (R1) is transmitted to the child distribution board 20 installed in the room R1 via the power line 4 (R1). The signal received by the child distribution board 20 in the room R1 is transmitted to the child PLC modem 23 (R1) via the branch breaker 22 (R1) and the main breaker 21 (R1). The child PLC modem 23 (R1) amplifies the received signal. The signal amplified by the child PLC modem 23 (R1) is transmitted to the main distribution board 10 installed in the living room L via the power line 14.

The signal transmitted to the main distribution board 10 of the living room L is received by the parent PLC modem 16 (L) via the branch breaker 13 (L). The parent PLC modem 16 (L) amplifies the received signal. The signal amplified by the parent PLC modem 16 (L) is transmitted to the child distribution board 20 installed in the room R3 via the branch breaker 13 (L), the power line 14, and the power line 15 that is cross-wired.

In the signal path of LAN communication shown in FIG. 8, the signal transmitted from the home appliance 7 installed in the room R1 passes through the two power lines 15 that are cross-wired before and after passing through the child PLC modem 23 and the living room of the room R1. It is amplified three times in total by the parent PLC modem 16 in room L and the child PLC modem 23 in room R3. As a result, the waveform of the signal attenuated in the process of power line communication is better restored. Therefore, even when the signal path from the room R1 to the room R3 is longer, the power line communication between the rooms R1 and R3 is stable.

In the signal path of LAN communication shown in FIG. 8, preferably, the signal transmitted from the parent PLC modem 16 of the living room L is passing through the two power lines 15 that are cross-wired, and the child PLC of the room R2 is used. It is preferable to amplify it by the modem 23. With such a signal path, the signal transmitted from the home appliance 7 installed in the room R1 is connected to one parent PLC modem 16 before, during, and after passing through the two power lines 15 that are cross-wired. It is amplified a total of four times by the three child PLC modems 23.

<< Fourth aspect >>
FIG. 9 shows a signal path of LAN communication using the grandchild PLC modem 25 installed in the room R1 and the local controller 24 installed in the room R3.

In FIG. 9, the signal transmitted from the home appliance 7 (R1) installed in the room R1 is received by the grandchild PLC modem 25 (R1). The signal received by the grandchild PLC modem 25 (R1) is transmitted to the child distribution board 20 installed in the room R1 via the power line 4 (R1). The signal received by the child distribution board 20 in the room R1 is transmitted to the child PLC modem 23 (R1) via the branch breaker 22 (R1) and the main breaker 21 (R1). The child PLC modem 23 (R1) amplifies the received signal. The signal amplified by the child PLC modem 23 (R1) is transmitted to the child distribution board 20 installed in the room R3 via the two power lines 15 that are cross-wired.

The signal transmitted to the child distribution board 20 in the room R3 is received by the child PLC modem 23 (R3). The child PLC modem 23 (R3) amplifies the received signal. The signal amplified by the child PLC modem 23 (R3) is transmitted to the home electric appliance 7 (R3) installed in the room R3 via the local controller 24 (R3). The home electric appliance 7 (R3) executes a process based on the received signal.

In the LAN communication signal path shown in FIG. 9, the local controller 24 installed in the room R3 enables communication with the home electric appliance 7 that is not electrically connected to the grandchild PLC modem 25 in the room R3. Further, the signal amplified by the child PLC modem 23 installed in the room R3 is transmitted from the local controller 24 to the home appliance 7 in the room R3 without passing through the household power line 4 having a small wire diameter. As a result, the attenuation of the waveform of the signal received by the home appliance 7 in the room R3 is further reduced.

<< Fifth aspect >>
FIG. 10 shows a signal path of LAN communication using the local controller 24 installed in the room R1 and the local controller 24 installed in the room R3.

In FIG. 10, the home appliance 7 (R1) installed in the room R1 transmits a signal to the local controller 24 (R1) of the child distribution board 20 in the same room R1. The signal received by the local controller 24 (R1) is transmitted to the child PLC modem 23 (R1). The child PLC modem 23 (R1) amplifies the received signal. The signal amplified by the child PLC modem 23 (R1) is transmitted to the child distribution board 20 installed in the room R3 via the two power lines 15 that are cross-wired.

In the signal path of LAN communication shown in FIG. 10, power line communication can be performed between a plurality of home appliances 7 installed in different rooms R1 and R3 without using a household power line 4 having a small wire diameter. As a result, the attenuation of the waveform of the signal received by the home appliance 7 in the room R3 is further reduced.

Further, according to the signal path of the LAN communication shown in FIG. 10, even if the main breaker 21 and the branch breaker 22 of the sub-distribution board 20 installed in the rooms R1, R2, and R3 are cut off, the cross-wired 2 Power line communication can be performed between a plurality of home appliances 7 installed in different rooms R1 and R3 via one power line 15. That is, the child PLC modem 23 and the local controller 24 of the child distribution board 20 are electrically connected to the primary side of the main breaker 21. As a result, even if the main breaker 21 and the branch breaker 22 are cut off, the signal path of the power line communication between the plurality of home appliances 7 installed in the different rooms R1 and R3 is not cut off.

1.5.2 WAN communication For example, a plurality of home appliances 7 installed in rooms R1, R2, and R3 can perform WAN communication (Internet communication) by two signal paths shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Is.

<First aspect>
FIG. 11 shows a signal path of WAN communication using the grandchild PLC modem 25 installed in the room R1.

In FIG. 11, the signal transmitted from the home appliance 7 (R1) installed in the room R1 is received by the grandchild PLC modem 25 (R1). The signal received by the grandchild PLC modem 25 (R1) is transmitted to the child distribution board 20 installed in the room R1 via the power line 4 (R1). The signal received by the child distribution board 20 in the room R1 is transmitted to the child PLC modem 23 (R1) via the branch breaker 22 (R1) and the main breaker 21 (R1). The child PLC modem 23 (R1) amplifies the received signal. The signal amplified by the child PLC modem 23 (R1) is transmitted to the main distribution board 10 installed in the living room L via the power line 14.

The signal transmitted to the main distribution board 10 of the living room L is received by the parent PLC modem 16 (L) via the branch breaker 13 (L). The parent PLC modem 16 (L) amplifies the received signal. The signal amplified by the parent PLC modem 16 (L) is transmitted to the broadband network gateway 17 (L). The broadband network gateway 17 (L) converts the received signal into a protocol. The protocol-converted signal is transmitted to an Internet line such as an optical line.

<Second aspect>
FIG. 12 shows a signal path of WAN communication using the local controller 24 of the child distribution board 20 installed in the room R1.

In FIG. 12, the home appliance 7 (R1) installed in the room R1 transmits a signal to the local controller 24 (R1) of the child distribution board 20 in the same room R1. The signal received by the local controller 24 (R1) is transmitted to the child PLC modem 23 (R1). The child PLC modem 23 (R1) amplifies the received signal. The signal amplified by the child PLC modem 23 (R1) is transmitted to the main distribution board 10 installed in the living room L via the power line 14.

2. 2. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the power line communication system including the distribution board of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the power line communication system shown in FIG. 13, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 13, in the power line communication system of the second embodiment, the configuration of the child distribution board 20 installed in each of the rooms R1, R2, and R3 is different from that of the first embodiment described above. That is, the blocking filter 30 is electrically connected between the main breaker 21 and the branch breaker 22 of the child distribution board 20. The blocking filter 30 has a function of blocking high frequencies exceeding a predetermined value. For example, the blocking filter 30 passes a current of 50 Hz or 60 Hz, which is a Japanese commercial power frequency, and blocks a high frequency signal exceeding 50 Hz or 60 Hz.

Here, various home appliances 7 are electrically connected to the outlets 5 installed in each of the rooms R1, R2, and R3. These home appliances 7 generate high frequency noise. The high-frequency noise is transmitted to the child PLC modem 23 of the child distribution board 20 installed in each of the rooms R1, R2, and R3 through the

power lines

4 and 15. The blocking filter 30 prevents the high frequency noise generated from the home appliance 7 from being transmitted to the child PLC modem 23. As a result, deterioration of signals transmitted and received between different rooms R1, R2, and R3 is prevented, and the communication quality of power line communication is improved.

In the power line communication system of the present embodiment, the power line communication cannot be performed between the grandchild PLC modem 25 and the child PLC modem 23 installed in the same room R1, R2 or R3. This is because the signal (high frequency signal) transmitted / received between the grandchild PLC modem 25 and the child PLC modem 23 is blocked by the blocking filter 30. Therefore, in the power line communication system of the present embodiment, LAN communication and WAN communication are performed by the signal paths described below.

For example, a plurality of home appliances 7 installed in the same room R1 perform LAN communication by the signal path shown in FIG. 3 using two grandchild PLC modems 25 installed in the room R1. The same applies to rooms R2 and R3.

For example, the plurality of home appliances 7 installed in different rooms R1 and R3 use the local controller 24 installed in the room R1 and the local controller 24 installed in the room R3 according to the signal path shown in FIG. Perform LAN communication. The same applies to other combinations of rooms R1, R2, and R3.

For example, the plurality of home appliances 7 installed in the room R1 perform WAN communication by the signal path shown in FIG. 12 using the local controller 24 installed in the same room R1. The same applies to rooms R2 and R3.

3. 3. Usage of the power line communication system Next, the usage of the power line communication system of the present embodiment will be specifically described.

3.1 Use for caring for the elderly or the sick The power line communication system of the present embodiment can be used for caring for the elderly or the sick in the general housing shown in FIG.

At least two of the rooms R1, R2, and R3 shown in FIG. 2 are used as living rooms for each of the caregiver and the care recipient (elderly or sick person, etc.). For example, room R1 is used as a living room for a caregiver. Room R3 is used as a living room for the care recipient.

In the care recipient's room R3, as a plurality of home appliances 7, for example, various sensors for measuring vital information (for example, body temperature, blood pressure, pulse, SpO2, etc.) of the care recipient, and the state of the care recipient are displayed. A camera for monitoring, a microphone for contacting the care recipient, a speaker, and a transmitter for a call signal will be installed. These home appliances 7 are electrically connected to the grandchild PLC modem 25 installed in the room R3, the branch breaker 22 of the child distribution board 20, or the local controller 24.

In the caregiver's room R1, a home appliance 7 capable of receiving and processing vital information, an image signal, an audio signal, and a call signal transmitted from the home appliance 7 of the care recipient is installed. Such a home appliance 7 is, for example, a personal computer or a smartphone. The personal computer or smartphone is electrically connected to the grandchild PLC modem 25 or the local controller 24 of the child distribution board 20 installed in the room R1.

The home appliance 7 installed in the caregiver's room R1 and the home appliance 7 installed in the care recipient's room R3 perform LAN communication by any of the signal paths shown in FIGS. 6 to 10. The caregiver in the room R1 can manage the health condition of the care recipient in the room R3 and talk with the care recipient by using the display, microphone and speaker of the personal computer or smartphone.

The plurality of home appliances 7 installed in the care recipient's room R3 can perform power line communication not only with the room R1 but also with the plurality of home appliances 7 installed in the room R2 and the living room L. .. Therefore, it is possible to share the information of the care recipient in the room R3 in all the rooms of the rooms R1 and R2 and the living room L.

3.2 Use as a notification device The power line communication system of the present embodiment can be used as a notification device for notifying residents of an abnormality that has occurred in a general house shown in FIG.

A plurality of types of sensors (home appliances 7) are installed in the living room L, rooms R1, R2, R3 of a general house shown in FIG. 2 and other places in the general house. The plurality of types of sensors are, for example, a motion sensor, a fire alarm, a transmitter of a call signal used by the care recipient described above, and the like. On the other hand, the parent PLC modem 16 of the master distribution board 10 installed in the living room L and the child PLC modems 23 installed in each of the rooms R1, R2, and R3 have a function of selecting received signals.

A signal for notifying a highly urgent abnormality, for example, a detection signal of a fire alarm, is received by the parent PLC modem 16 and all the child PLC modems 23, and is received in each of the living room L and the rooms R1, R2, and R3. It is transmitted to the installed home appliance 7. As a result, the residents of all rooms are notified of the outbreak of fire.

A signal for notifying a less urgent abnormality, for example, a detection signal of a motion sensor, is received by the parent PLC modem 16 and all the child PLC modems 23, but only the parent PLC modem 16 is in the living room L. A detection signal is transmitted to the installed home appliance 7. As a result, only the residents in the living room L are notified of the visit of the person.

A signal for notifying a specific resident of an abnormality, for example, a call signal of a transmitter used by a care recipient, is received by the parent PLC modem 16 and all child PLC modems 23, but the caregiver's room R1 Only the child PLC modem 23 installed in the same room R1 transmits a call signal to the home appliance 7 installed in the same room R1. As a result, only the caregiver in the room R1 is notified of the call from the care recipient.

3.3 Application to apartment buildings, etc. The power line communication system of this embodiment can be applied to a building manager room and a plurality of dwelling units of an apartment building shown in FIG. it can.

The apartment house shown in FIG. 14 includes one manager's room M and four dwelling units D1, D2, D3, and D4. A main distribution board 10 is installed in the manager's room M. Each of the dwelling units D1 and D2 has three rooms R1, R2, and R3. Each of the dwelling units D3 and D4 has two rooms R1 and R2. A child distribution board 20 is installed in each of the rooms R1, R2, and R3.

The three sub-distribution boards 20 installed in each of the dwelling units D1 and D2 are cross-wired by two power lines 15. One of the three child distribution boards 20 that are cross-wired is electrically connected to the branch breaker 13 of the main distribution board 10 installed in the manager's room M by one power line 14. On the other hand, the two child distribution boards 20 installed in each of the dwelling units D3 and D4 are cross-wired by one power line 15. One of the two child distribution boards 20 that are cross-wired is electrically connected to the branch breaker 13 of the main distribution board 10 installed in the manager's room M by one power line 14.

For example, a plurality of home appliances 7 installed in the same room R1 of one dwelling unit D1 perform LAN communication by one child distribution board 20 installed in the room R1. Further, the plurality of home appliances 7 installed in different rooms R1, R2, and R3 of one dwelling unit D1 perform LAN communication by the three sub-distribution boards 20 installed in the rooms R1, R2, and R3. The same applies to the dwelling units D2, D3, and D4.

For example, the main distribution board 10 installed in the manager's room M and the plurality of child distribution boards 20 installed in the dwelling units D1, D2, D3, and D4 cannot perform power line communication via the power line 14. You may do so. For example, the child distribution board 20 is provided with a function of selecting the received signal so that the signal is not transmitted from the child distribution board 20 to the master distribution board 10. By limiting the power line communication between the main distribution board 10 and the child distribution board 20, it is possible to improve the information security in the LAN communication of the dwelling units D1, D2, D3, and D4.

Contrary to the above, the master distribution board 10 installed in the manager's room M and the child distribution boards 20 installed in the dwelling units D1, D2, D3, and D4 perform power line communication via the power line 14. May be possible. By enabling power line communication between the main distribution board 10 and the child distribution board 20, it is possible to collectively manage the information of the dwelling units D1, D2, D3, and D4 in the manager's room M. For example, the power consumption of the dwelling units D1, D2, D3, and D4 can be collectively managed by the measuring device installed in the manager's room M.

For example, power line communication may be performed between a plurality of child distribution boards 20 installed in the dwelling units D1, D2, D3, and D4 via the master distribution board 10. For example, when members of the same household live in dwelling units D1 and D2, it is convenient if power line communication can be performed between a plurality of sub-distribution boards 20 installed in dwelling units D1 and D2. In this case, the main distribution board 10 installed in the manager's room M and the plurality of child distribution boards 20 installed in the dwelling units D1 and D2 should be able to perform power line communication via the power line 14. Just do it.

In this way, performing power line communication between the plurality of child distribution boards 20 installed in the dwelling units D1, D2, D3, and D4 via the master distribution board 10 is one parent among the plurality of dwelling units. It means sharing the PLC modem 16. That is, the signal transmitted / received between the plurality of child distribution boards 20 installed in the plurality of dwelling units is amplified by the parent PLC modem 16 of the master distribution board 10. As a result, power line communication between a plurality of dwelling units is stable and communication quality is improved.

Note that the power line communication system of the present embodiment can be applied not only to the above-mentioned apartments but also to office buildings, for example. By the power line communication system of the present embodiment, it is possible to perform the same power line communication as described above between a plurality of office devices installed on a plurality of floors or a plurality of rooms constituting an office building.

4. Technical effects of the power line communication system of the present embodiment The power line communication system of the present embodiment described above has the following technical effects.

The waveform of the signal transmitted from the home appliance 7 is attenuated by the wire diameters of the

power lines

4, 14 and 15, the length of the signal path, the influence of the home appliance 7, and the like. According to the power line communication system of the present embodiment, the waveform of the attenuated signal is restored by the amplification mechanism of one or more child PLC modems 23 and / or the parent PLC modem 16. As a result, the power line communication between the plurality of home appliances 7 is stabilized, and the communication quality is improved.

In the power line communication system of the present embodiment, the child PLC modem 23 is electrically connected to the primary side of the main breaker 21 of the child distribution board 20, and the local controller 24 is electrically connected to the secondary side of the child PLC modem 23. It is configured to be connected to. As a result, even when the main breaker 21 and the branch breaker 22 of the child distribution board 20 are cut off, it is possible to perform power line communication using the two local controllers 24. In this case, power line communication can be performed using the

power lines

14 and 15 for the distribution board with a large wire diameter without using the power line 4 for home use having a small wire diameter. As a result, the attenuation of the signal waveform is further reduced.

1 Distribution board (conventional technology)
2 Main circuit breaker 3 Branch breaker 4 Power line 5 Outlet 6 PLC modem 7 Home appliances 8 Busbar 10 Main distribution board (invention)
11 Main circuit breaker 12 Bus bar 13 Branch breaker 14 Power line 15 Power line 16 Parent PLC modem 17 Broadband network gateway 18 Local controller 19 Air conditioner 20 Child distribution board (invention)
21 Main circuit breaker 22 Branch breaker 23 Child PLC modem 24 Local controller 25 Grandchild PLC modem 30 Blocking filter

Claims

A distribution board including a main breaker, a bus, and a plurality of branch breakers, each of which is electrically connected to the secondary side of the main breaker via the bus.
A PLC modem electrically connected to the primary side of the main breaker or to the secondary side of the main breaker and the primary side of the plurality of branch breakers via the bus is further provided, and the PLC modem receives. A distribution board characterized in that it is configured to amplify a signal and transmit the signal via a power line.
A plurality of distribution boards electrically connected via at least one power line are included, and each of the plurality of distribution boards includes a main breaker, a bus, and a plurality of branch breakers, and each of the plurality of branch breakers. Is a power line communication system electrically connected to the secondary side of the main breaker via the bus.
A PLC modem in which each of the plurality of distribution boards is electrically connected to the primary side of the main breaker or the secondary side of the main breaker and the primary side of the plurality of branch breakers via the bus. Further provided, the PLC modem is configured to amplify and transmit the received signal.
A power line communication system, wherein the signal transmitted from one PLC modem is received by another PLC modem via the power line.
The power line communication system according to claim 2, wherein the primary side of each of the main breakers of the plurality of distribution boards is connected in series by the power line.
The PLC modem of any one of the distribution boards, including at least three of the distribution boards, is configured to relay transmission and reception of the signal between the PLC modems of the other two distribution boards. The power line communication system according to claim 2 or 3.
The power line communication system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the PLC modem of each of the plurality of distribution boards is electrically connected to the primary side of the main breaker.
The power line communication system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the PLC modem of each of the plurality of distribution boards receives the signal via any one of the plurality of branch breakers. ..
It includes at least one master distribution board and a plurality of child distribution boards electrically connected via a plurality of power lines, and each of the master distribution board and the plurality of child distribution boards has a main breaker, a bus, and a bus. A plurality of branch breakers are included, each of the plurality of branch breakers is electrically connected to the secondary side of the main breaker via the bus, and the primary side of the main breaker of the main distribution board is of electric power. Electrically connected to the drop line, the secondary side of at least one branch breaker of the master distribution board is placed on the primary side of at least one of the plurality of child distribution boards via the power line. An electrically connected power line communication board
The master distribution board further comprises a parent PLC modem electrically connected to the secondary side of the main breaker and the primary side of the plurality of branch breakers via the bus.
Each of the plurality of child distribution boards further comprises a child PLC modem electrically connected to the primary side of the main breaker.
The child PLC modem is configured to receive a signal via at least one of the plurality of branch breakers of the child distribution board, amplify the signal, and transmit the signal via the power line. Being done
A power line communication system, wherein the parent PLC modem is configured to receive the signal via the power line, amplify the signal, and transmit the signal.
7. The seventh aspect of claim 7, wherein the parent PLC modem comprises at least two child distribution boards and is configured to relay transmission and reception of the signal between the child PLC modems of the two child distribution boards. Power line communication system.