JP2015070441A - Communication apparatus, circuit breaker including the same and distribution board - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication apparatus, a circuit breaker including the same and a distribution board capable of performing communication even when a main circuit breaker turns OFF.SOLUTION: A communication apparatus 20 includes: a communication unit 21 that performs communication with a smart meter 100 which is connected to the primary side of a main circuit breaker 12 in a distribution board 1 via a power line; and a connection line 27 for injecting a communication signal into a primary side power line 90 between the primary side of the main circuit breaker 12 and the secondary side of the smart meter 100. When the main circuit breaker 12 is ON, the communication unit 21 injects a communication signal into the secondary side of the main circuit breaker 12; and when the main circuit breaker 12 is OFF, the communication unit 21 injects a communication signal into the primary side power line 90 via the connection line 27.

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device for communicating with a watt-hour meter with a communication function, a wiring breaker including the communication device, and a distribution board.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a watt-hour meter (hereinafter referred to as “smart meter”) that is provided on the primary side of a distribution board for drawing indoors and has a communication function. Patent Document 1 discloses that power line carrier communication (PLC) via a power line may be performed between a smart meter and an indoor communication device.

JP2012-210132A

  When the communication device is connected to the secondary side of the main breaker, when the main breaker is turned off, the communication path between the smart meter and the communication device is physically blocked, and communication is impossible.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a communication device that enables communication even when the main breaker is turned off, a wiring breaker including the communication device, and a distribution board.

  A communication apparatus according to the present invention includes a communication unit that communicates with a watt hour meter connected to a primary side of a main breaker of a distribution board via a power line, a primary side of the main breaker, and a watt hour meter. A signal injection unit for injecting a communication signal into the primary power line between the secondary side and the secondary side. The communication unit injects a communication signal output from the communication unit into the power line on the secondary side of the main breaker when the main breaker is in an on state, and the signal injection unit when the main breaker is in an off state. A communication signal is injected into the primary power line via the line.

  The signal injection unit may be a connection line that physically connects the communication unit and the primary side of the main breaker.

  The signal injection unit may be a current transformer disposed in the vicinity of the primary power line.

  The signal injection unit may be a coil disposed in the vicinity of the primary power line.

  The communication device may include a blocking device on the connection line.

  When the secondary side voltage of the main circuit breaker does not satisfy a predetermined voltage condition, the communication device changes the communication signal transmission path from the path for injecting the communication signal to the secondary side power line of the main circuit breaker. There may be provided a switch unit for switching to a path for injecting a communication signal to the primary side power line via.

  A wiring breaker according to the present invention includes a main circuit breaker and any one of the communication devices described above.

  The distribution board according to the present invention includes any one of the communication devices described above or the wiring breaker described above.

  According to the present invention, when the main breaker is in the OFF state, the signal injection unit for injecting the communication signal into the primary power line between the primary side of the main breaker and the secondary side of the watt-hour meter with communication function A communication signal is injected into the primary power line via the. Therefore, even when the main breaker is in the off state, a communication path is secured and communication is possible.

The figure explaining the internal structure of the distribution board which accommodated the communication apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure explaining the internal structure of the distribution board which accommodated the communication apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. The figure explaining the internal structure of the distribution board which accommodated the communication apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention.

  Embodiments of a communication device according to the present invention, a wiring breaker including the communication device, and a distribution board will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a distribution board that houses a communication device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The distribution board 1 is a device that receives power from a system power supply via a power line and distributes the received power to a room or device in the house. As shown in FIG. 1, a smart meter 100 that measures power consumption in a house to which the distribution board 1 is connected is connected to a power line that supplies power to the distribution board 1. The smart meter 100 has a communication function in addition to the electric energy measurement function.

  In the distribution board 1, a wiring breaker 11, a plurality of branch breakers 14 provided for each room or device in the house, and a measurement unit 13 are attached to an internal storage space. The circuit breaker 11 includes a main breaker 12 and a communication device 20. The main breaker 12 has a system power supply connected to the primary side and a branch breaker 14 connected to the secondary side. The main breaker 12 is a device that cuts off the current path when the total current flowing in the house exceeds a predetermined value. The branch breaker 14 is a device that interrupts the current path when the current flowing in each room or device in the house exceeds a predetermined current value.

  The main breaker 12 and the branch breaker 14 are electrically connected to a conductive bar 16 disposed in the casing of the distribution board 1 to a connection terminal provided on the conductive bar 16. AC power drawn into the house from the system power supply is supplied to the conductive bar 16, and power is supplied to each branch breaker 14 via the conductive bar 16.

  The measurement unit 13 detects the voltage of the conductive bar 16 on the secondary side of the main breaker 12 and determines whether the main breaker 12 is on or off. The measurement unit 13 determines that the main breaker 12 is in the ON state when the detected voltage satisfies a predetermined voltage condition. The predetermined voltage condition is, for example, that the detected voltage is within a predetermined voltage range, or that the detected voltage is equal to or higher than the predetermined voltage. On the other hand, when the detected voltage does not satisfy the predetermined voltage condition, for example, when the detected voltage is 0 V or below the threshold, the measurement unit 13 indicates that the main breaker 12 is in the off state. judge. When it is determined that the main breaker 12 is in the off state, a signal indicating that the main breaker 12 is in the off state is output to the change-over switch 23 described later of the communication device 20.

  The communication device 20 is a device for communicating with the smart meter 100.

  The communication device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a switch 23, and a breaker 24.

  The communication unit 21 is a device that communicates with the smart meter 100 by PLC (Power Line Communication) (power line carrier communication). The communication unit 21 communicates with a home HEMS (HOME ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM) by the same method as the communication method for the smart meter 100 or a different method (specific low power wireless, WiFi, LAN, etc.) and is consumed in the home. Various information regarding the power to be generated may be acquired.

  The input / output terminal 21a of the communication unit 21 and the primary side terminal 12A of the main breaker 12 are connected through a switch 23, a breaker 24, and a connection line 27.

  The changeover switch 23 switches the connection destination of the input / output terminal 21 a of the communication unit 21 based on the signal received from the measurement unit 13. Specifically, when the change-over switch 23 does not receive a signal indicating that the main breaker 12 is off from the measurement unit 13, that is, when the main breaker 12 is on, the communication switch 21 and the branch breaker 14 secondary side is connected. As a result, the communication device 20 can communicate with the smart meter 100 via the switch 23, the connection line 17, the branch breaker 14, the conductive bar 16, the main breaker 12, and the primary power line 90.

  On the other hand, when the signal indicating that the main breaker 12 is in the OFF state is received from the measurement unit 13, the changeover switch 23 connects the communication unit 21 and the primary side of the main breaker 12 via the connection line 27. To do. Thereby, the communication apparatus 20 can communicate with the smart meter 100 via the breaker 24, the connection line 27, and the primary power line 90 without using the main breaker 12.

  The breaker 24 is turned off when a predetermined current or more flows from the primary side of the main breaker 12 to the communication unit 21 when the communication unit 21 fails. Thereby, the safety | security when failure, such as an electric leakage, generate | occur | produces in the communication unit 21 improves.

  In the present embodiment, a battery unit 30 is further provided so that power can be supplied to the communication unit 21 when the main breaker 12 is turned off.

  The battery unit 30 includes a battery 34 and an inverter 32. The inverter 32 converts the DC voltage output from the battery 34 into an AC voltage and outputs the AC voltage.

  The communication unit 21 includes a power receiving terminal 21 b for receiving power supply from the battery unit 30. The communication unit 20 operates by receiving power from the battery unit 30 when the main breaker 12 is in the off state.

  In the present embodiment, the main breaker 12 and the communication device 20 are configured as an integrated wiring breaker 11.

2. Summary As described above, the communication device 20 of the present embodiment includes the communication unit 21 that communicates with the smart meter 100 connected to the primary side of the main breaker 12 via the power line, and the primary of the main breaker 12. And a connection line 27 for injecting a communication signal into the primary power line 90 between the side and the secondary side of the smart meter 100. The communication unit 21 injects a communication signal to the secondary side of the main breaker 12 when the main breaker 12 is on, and the primary power line via the connection line 27 when the main breaker 12 is off. A communication signal is injected into 90.

  Thereby, when the main breaker 12 is in the OFF state, the connection line 27 for injecting a communication signal to the primary power line 90 between the primary side of the main breaker 12 and the secondary side of the smart meter 100 is used. A communication signal is injected into the primary power line 90. Therefore, even when the main breaker 12 is in the off state, a communication path between the smart meter 100 and the communication device 20 is secured and communication is possible.

  The signal injection unit is a connection line 27 that physically connects the communication unit 21 and the primary side of the main breaker 12. Thereby, the communication unit 21 and the primary side of the main breaker 12 can be easily connected.

  The communication device 20 includes a breaker 24 on the connection line 27. Thereby, when a current exceeding a predetermined value flows due to a failure of the communication unit 21 or the like, the breaker 24 trips (becomes an off state), so that safety is improved.

  The communication device 20 has a measurement unit 13 that measures the voltage on the secondary side of the main breaker 12, and a communication signal transmission path when the voltage measured by the measurement unit 13 is equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage. And a switch 23 for switching from a path for injecting communication signals to the power line on the secondary side to a path for injecting communication signals to the primary power line 90 via the connection line 27.

  Thereby, it is possible to inject a communication signal via the connection line 27 to the power line 90 on the primary side of the main breaker 12 with a simple configuration.

  The circuit breaker 11 according to this embodiment includes a main breaker 12 and a communication device 20. Thereby, the master breaker 12 and the communication device 20 are attached by attaching the wiring breaker 11. Therefore, the number of steps for mounting the parts on the distribution board 1 is reduced, and the productivity of the distribution board 1 is improved.

  The distribution board 1 includes a circuit breaker 11 including the main breaker 12 and the communication device 20 of the present embodiment. Thus, the main breaker 12 and the communication device 20 are attached by attaching the wiring breaker 11 in the distribution board 1. Therefore, the number of steps for mounting the parts on the distribution board 1 is reduced, and the productivity of the distribution board 1 is improved.

  In addition, the distribution board 1 may be provided with the main trunk breaker 12 and the communication device 20 which are not separated from the wiring breaker 11.

  In the present embodiment, the measurement unit 13 is provided separately from the communication device 20, but the measurement unit 13 may be included in the communication device 20.

(Embodiment 2)
A communication apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a distribution board that accommodates a communication device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of a signal injection unit that injects a communication signal into the power line 90 on the primary side of the main breaker 12.

  That is, in the communication device 20 </ b> B of the present embodiment, the signal injection unit is configured by a current transformer (CT) 25 that is disposed near the primary power line 90 of the main breaker 12 and connected to one end of the connection line 27. . When the main breaker 12 is in the OFF state, the communication unit 21 injects a communication signal in a contactless manner to the primary power line 90 of the main breaker 12 via the connection line 27 and the current transformer 25.

  According to the present embodiment, as described in the first embodiment, even when the main breaker 12 is in the off state, a communication path between the smart meter 100 and the communication device 20B is secured and communication is possible. Become. Further, according to the present embodiment, since the current transformer 25 that is smaller than the breaker 24 is used, the communication device 20B can be downsized.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the current transformer (CT) 25 that can inject a communication signal in a non-contact manner is used as a signal injection unit to the primary side of the main breaker 12, so that the communication unit 21 can prevent a failure such as a leakage. Even if it happens, the primary side of the main breaker 12 is not affected, and safety is ensured.

(Embodiment 3)
A communication apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a distribution board that accommodates a communication device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This embodiment is different from Embodiments 1 and 2 in the configuration of a signal injection unit that injects a communication signal into the power line 90 on the primary side of the main breaker 12.

  That is, in the communication device 20 </ b> C of the present embodiment, the signal injection unit is configured by the coil 26 that is disposed near the primary power line 90 of the main breaker 12 and connected to one end of the connection line 27. When the main breaker 12 is in the OFF state, the communication unit 21 injects a communication signal in a contactless manner to the primary power line 90 of the main breaker 12 via the connection line 27 and the coil 26.

  According to the present embodiment, as described in the first embodiment, even when the main breaker 12 is in the off state, a communication path between the smart meter 100 and the communication device 20C is secured and communication is possible. Become. Moreover, according to this embodiment, since the coil 26 smaller than the breaker 24 is used, the communication apparatus 20C can be reduced in size.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the coil 26 capable of injecting a communication signal in a non-contact manner is used as a signal injection unit to the primary side of the main breaker 12, even when the communication unit 21 has a fault such as a leakage The primary side of the main breaker 12 is not affected and safety is ensured.

1 Distribution Board 11 Wiring Breaker 12 Main Breaker 12A Primary Side Terminal 13 Measuring Unit 14 Branch Breaker 16 Conductive Bar 20, 20B, 20C Communication Device 21 Communication Unit 21a Input / Output Terminal 21b Receiving Terminal 22 Photocoupler 23 Switch 24 Breaker 25 Current Transformer 26 Coil 27 Connection line 30 Battery unit 32 Inverter 34 Battery 90 Primary power line 100 Smart meter (electric energy meter with communication function)

Claims (8)

A communication unit that communicates with the watt hour meter connected to the primary side of the main breaker of the distribution board via the power line;
A signal injection unit for injecting a communication signal output from the communication unit to a primary power line between a primary side of the main breaker and a secondary side of the watt-hour meter;
The communication unit is
When the main breaker is in the on state, the communication signal is injected into the power line on the secondary side of the main breaker,
When the main breaker is in an off state, the communication signal is injected into the primary power line through the signal injection unit.
Communication device. The signal injection unit is a connection line that physically connects the communication unit and a primary side of the main breaker.
The communication apparatus according to claim 1. The signal injection unit is a current transformer disposed in the vicinity of the primary power line.
The communication apparatus according to claim 1. The signal injection unit is a coil disposed in the vicinity of the primary power line.
The communication apparatus according to claim 1. A disconnecting device is provided on the connecting line;
The communication apparatus according to claim 2. When the secondary side voltage of the main breaker does not satisfy a predetermined voltage condition, the signal injection unit is configured to pass the communication signal transmission path from the path for injecting the communication signal to the secondary side power line of the main breaker. A switch unit for switching to a path for injecting the communication signal to the primary power line via
The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5. With the main breaker,
The circuit breaker provided with the communication apparatus of any one of the said Claims 1-6.   A distribution board comprising the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or the wiring breaker according to claim 7.

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