JP7590941B2 - Power Line Communication System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention belongs to the field of power line communication systems. More specifically, it belongs to the field of power line communication systems that allow communication lines to be easily expanded.

At construction sites such as inside tunnels, there are areas where communication facilities have not yet been laid, but power lines have been laid, or areas where power wiring is planned to be laid. Even in such areas, it may be necessary to lay communication lines. In such cases, if power line communication is used to lay the communication lines, the power lines can be used as they are for the communication lines, making it easy to lay the communication circuits. This is particularly convenient at construction sites, as both laying and removing can be done easily and quickly.
As an example of the use of power line communication, a technology has been proposed for remotely controlling the on/off of power sources of home appliances (see Patent Document 1).

Patent Publication No. 2008-219957

However, power line communication has the drawback of being impractical because it is prone to interference between communication and power, and so has not been widely adopted in the real world until now.
However, even at construction sites without communication lines, such as tunnel construction, there is a demand to connect to the Internet and use IoT (Internet of Things). Until now, IT (Information Technology) at construction sites required complex, long meetings with experts from communication companies and costs. Since there are usually no computer or communication experts at construction sites, it was necessary to call experts during installation and when a problem occurred, which wasted time and money. In addition, network devices have electrically delicate parts, and in order to protect them from water and dust, it was necessary to create special boxes or the like for each site. However, by using the power line communication system according to the present invention, construction workers at the site can easily use the Internet in tunnels under construction, in a short time, and with a low budget. Furthermore, when installing, it is only necessary to transport the boxed PLC connection device to the construction site and connect it, and there is no need to consider dustproofing and waterproofing.

The present invention aims to provide a power line communication system that allows the use of the Internet and IoT even at construction sites where communication lines have not yet been installed. It also aims to enable on-site construction workers to easily, quickly, and at a low cost even when there are no experts on-site, and to use the Internet in places such as tunnels under construction where radio waves cannot reach. It also aims to eliminate the need to consider dustproofing and waterproofing during installation.

In order to solve the problems of the present invention, a power line communication system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes, for example, as shown in FIG.
The system includes a power line 1, a single type A PLC connection device 3A1 including a PLC adapter 3 that connects a first communication line C1 to the power line 1, and a plurality of type B PLC connection devices 3B1 to 3B3 including a PLC adapter 3 that connect a second communication line C2 to the power line 1;
The PLC connection device 3A of type A uses the first communication line C1 as a public communication line 8A that can use the Internet,
The type B PLC connection devices 3B1 to 3B3 use the second communication line C2 as a communication line such as a wireless LAN communication line 8B1, an LPWA line 8B2, or another IoT communication line 8B3 that cannot use the Internet;
A type A PLC connection device 3A1 including a connection device to a first communication line C1 and a type B PLC connection device 3B1 to 3B3 including a connection device to a second communication line C2 are all housed in a waterproof box 7;
By connecting the first communication line C1 and the second communication line C2 to the power line 1, communication between the first communication line C1 and the second communication line C2 and communication between the second communication lines C2 are possible.

By configuring it in this way, it is possible to provide a power line communication system that can use the Internet and IoT even at construction sites where communication lines are not yet installed.

Further, a power line communication system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the following components in the first aspect, as shown in FIG.
The type A PLC connection device 3A or the type B PLC connection devices 3B1 to 3B3 are provided with an outlet 9 for supplying power to an external device (machine tool such as a drill) 10 within or in parallel therewith.

This configuration makes it possible to supply power to machine tools such as drills at construction sites.

Further, a power line communication system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the power line communication system according to the first or second aspect, for example, as shown in FIG.
The power line 1 or the wiring 2 branching off from the power line 1 is passed through the scaffolding pipe 15.

When configured in this manner, the power line 1 or wiring 2 is protected from external damage by the scaffolding pipe.

The present invention provides a power line communication system that can use the Internet and IoT using the Internet, even at construction sites where communication lines are not yet installed.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of communication wiring of a power line communication system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a PLC connection device 3A in the first embodiment. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a PLC connection device 3B1 in the first embodiment. FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a PLC connection device 3B2 in the first embodiment. FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a PLC connection device 3B3 in the first embodiment. FIG. 3D is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a PLC connection device 3B4 in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a PLC connection device 3A in the second embodiment.

Below, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same symbols will be used for the same devices or parts to avoid duplicate explanations.

FIG. 1 shows an outline of communication wiring of a power line communication system according to a first embodiment.
The power line 1 is, for example, a two-layer or three-layer AC wire. This power line 1 also functions as a communication line for power line communication. A device including a single type A PLC adapter (hereinafter referred to as PLC connection device 3A) and devices including multiple type B PLC adapters (hereinafter referred to as 3B1 to 3B3) are connected to this power line 1 via wiring 2. The power line 1 and wiring 2 function as power lines, but also function as communication lines. The type A PLC connection device 3A includes a PLC adapter 3 for communication over a power line, and the hub 6 includes a router for an Internet line that connects to a public communication line, i.e., the Internet. The type B PLC connection devices 3B1 to 3B3 are not connected to the Internet, but each includes a PLC adapter 3 for communication over a LAN over a power line, and the hub 6 includes a router that connects to an internal wireless LAN communication line 8B1, an LPWA line 8B2, other IoT communication lines 8B3, etc. PLC connection devices 3A, 3B1 to 3B3 are connected to one another via power line 1 and wiring 2, and function as a whole like "network devices connected to the hub of a LAN."

In other words, the Type A PLC connection device 3A can be connected to the Internet, and the Type B PLC connection devices 3B1 to 3B3 can be connected to an internal wireless LAN communication line 8B1, an LPWA line 8B2, and other IoT communication lines 8B3, respectively. By connecting these, it becomes possible to use the Internet and IoT at the construction site where this power line communication system is being constructed.
In addition, each PLC connection device has an external outlet internally or in parallel to it for connecting a machine tool 10 such as a drill, thereby enabling the supply of power necessary for work at the construction site.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the PLC connection device 3A1 in the first embodiment.
The PLC connection device 3A1 is a type A, and is connected to a public communication line 8A, making the Internet available. The power line 1 is connected to a PLC adapter 3 via a wire 2, a wire 2A from the PLC adapter 3 is connected to a hub 6, and a wire 2B from the hub 6 is connected to the public communication line 8A.
The wiring 2 is a communication line made of a power line as a branch of the power line 1, and this wiring 2 extends to the PLC adapter 3. In order to operate the PLC more normally, a surge filter 4 for removing surge currents caused by lightning and a noise filter 5 for removing various noises are inserted in the middle of the wiring 2. The "surge filter 4" suppresses strong spike-like electrical disturbances (caused by lightning, etc.) that suddenly appear in the power line, etc., and prevents electrical destruction of devices connected to the power line. The "noise filter 5" absorbs unnecessary electrical signal disturbances that occur constantly or frequently in the power line, etc. (such as noise generated by devices using motors such as drills), so that communication is not hindered. Note that if the noise filter 5 is built into the PLC adapter 3, it is not necessary to insert it.

Furthermore, the wiring 2A extending from the PLC adapter 3 to the hub 6 is usually a wired line, and the wiring 2B extending from the hub 6 to the opposite side of the PLC connection devices 3A, 3B1 to 3B4 is a wired line or a wireless line corresponding to the connected LAN or the like.
As public lines, for example, wireless lines provided by telecommunications companies, public Wi-Fi, LANs for field offices, etc. can be used.
In addition, the waterproof box 7 is usually made of resin, so that radio waves can pass through it. Therefore, it is possible to put all or part of the communication line (connection part) in the waterproof box 7.

FIG. 3A shows a schematic configuration of a PLC connection device 3B1 in the first embodiment.
The PLC connection device 3B1 is a type B, and is connected to a wireless LAN communication line 8B1, i.e., a LAN inside the construction site. The power line 1 is connected to the PLC adapter 3 via a wire 2, a wire 2A from the PLC adapter 3 is connected to a hub 6, and a wire 2B from the hub 6 is connected to a wireless LAN (internal LAN) communication line 8B1. This makes it possible to use, for example, an in-house LAN of a construction company through a VAN (virtual in-house network) or the like.

Here, a specific example of the wireless LAN communication line 8B1 when a type B1 PLC connection device 3B1 is used will be described.
(A) Construction site survey data acquisition system: Wireless LAN communication line 8B1 has a stereo camera as a sensor. The survey image of the stereo camera acquired at the construction site is transmitted to the head office via the public communication line 8A of the type A PLC connection device 3A, and the head office obtains accurate survey data based on the survey image and provides feedback on matters related to the survey (camera position, optical axis direction, exposure time, etc.) to the construction site. In addition, a laser range finder and a GPS (Global Positioning System) can be used as surveying aids, and lighting and illuminometers can also be used.

(B) Anti-theft system for materials at construction sites: The wireless LAN communication line 8B1 has a surveillance camera and a motion sensor as sensors. Material thefts often occur at construction sites. Surveillance cameras and motion sensors are installed at material storage areas, and if a person is captured on the surveillance camera in a material storage area where no one is supposed to be, or if the motion sensor detects a certain amount of heat, an alarm signal is sent to the site office, which sounds an alarm, and at the same time, an alarm signal is sent to the head office via the public communication line 8A of the Type A PLC connection device 3A, which also sounds an alarm.

(C) System for grasping the positions of construction vehicles and the status of work: The wireless LAN communication line 8B1 has a GPS and a surveillance camera as sensors. The positions of bulldozers, asphalt finishers, dump trucks, etc. moving around the construction site are obtained as position data from the GPS installed on these vehicles, and as video data from surveillance cameras installed in various places with good views, and are transmitted to the head office via the public communication line 8A of the Type A PLC connection device 3A. The head office uses this position data and video data to monitor the vehicles and provide feedback instructions to the construction site regarding matters related to vehicle operation.

(D) Construction site personnel health management system: The wireless LAN 8B1 has a thermometer and a pulse sensor as sensors. At the construction site, each worker wears a thermometer and a pulse sensor on the body or inside of his helmet to measure his body temperature and pulse. The body temperature and pulse measurement data is sent to the local office and at the same time sent to the head office via the public communication line 8A of the type A PLC connection device 3A. The local office and head office constantly keep track of the body temperature and pulse measurement data of each worker, compare it with the standard body temperature and pulse data of each worker at the head office, and use software to determine any abnormalities in body temperature or pulse. If an abnormality is detected, an alarm sounds at the local office and head office.

(E) System for monitoring the work of workers at a construction site (and also for understanding personnel placement): The wireless LAN communication line 8B1 has multiple surveillance cameras as sensors. In addition, a microphone is distributed to each worker. Multiple surveillance cameras are placed so that each location on the construction site (ideally all locations) can be viewed from multiple directions. This makes it possible to monitor the personnel and their work at each location on the construction site. The images from each surveillance camera are transmitted to the head office via the public communication line 8A of the Type A PLC connection device 3A. The head office identifies and records the workers, task items, and progress from the camera images. Then, instructions are given to the workers via microphone as necessary. For example, if a worker is not in a designated location, the microphone instructs them to take up their position. An alarm may also be used.

(F) Construction site communication environment improvement system: Wireless LAN communication line 8B1 has an IP phone on each personal computer. The IP phone communicates data using Internet Protocol, is converted to voice on each personal computer, and is used as a telephone. This allows telephone contact over wireless LAN communication line 8B1. Workers at the construction site can be taught how to make calls on IP phones at the construction site, which makes work at the construction site smoother. There are teaching materials and a teacher at the head office, and when workers at the construction site access the head office via the public communication line 8A of PLC connection device 3A, they can receive a lecture on using IP phones via the IP phone. As a supplement, an IP phone manual can be placed at the construction site.

(G) System for workers to contact the outside: Wireless LAN communication line 8B1 has IP telephones for each personal computer. In the event of an accident at the factory site, for example, it is possible to quickly contact the outside by telephone. Therefore, it can also be used as (F) system for improving the communication environment at the construction site.

(H) Work procedure manual viewing system: Wireless LAN 8 communication line B1 has a personal computer. When a worker at the construction site accesses the head office from the personal computer via the public communication line 8A of the PLC connection device 3A, the worker can view the work procedure manual website. By referring to the work procedure manual, the worker at the construction site can continue work without interruption.

(I) Work report creation system: The wireless LAN communication line 8B1 has a personal computer. When a worker at the construction site accesses the head office from the personal computer via the public communication line 8A of the PLC connection device 3A, he or she can access the work report site. On the work report site, the work report format and report examples are presented, and the work report can be completed and recorded.

(J) Concrete quality control system: Wireless LAN communication line 8B1 has a personal computer, visible light camera, thermometer, hygrometer, microphone, speaker, etc. A worker at the construction site accesses the head office from the personal computer via the public communication line 8A of the PLC connection device 3A and transmits the captured images and temperature/humidity data to the head office. An experienced person can then view the observed images of the concrete at the work site and the temperature/humidity data, and give advice to the worker through the speaker, and can also make a call.

(K) Construction site environmental monitoring system: The wireless LAN communication line 8B1 has a WBGT (wet bulb globe temperature) measuring device, and can monitor WBGT, temperature, and humidity. It also has measuring devices for noise, soil pollution, and air pollution in the environment surrounding the construction site, and can monitor noise, soil pollution, and air pollution. It also has measuring devices for soil moisture and water flow rate, and can monitor moisture and water flow rate. When this measurement data is sent to the head office via the public communication line 8A of the PLC connection device 3A, the head office can obtain information to protect the health of workers and information to prevent construction-related accidents, consider measures, and convey instructions to the construction site.

FIG. 3B shows a schematic configuration of the PLC connection device 3B2 in the first embodiment.
The PLC connection device 3B2 is a type B and is connected to a wireless LAN 8B1, i.e., an LPWA line. The power line 1 is connected to the PLC adapter 3 via a wire 2, a wire 2A from the PLC adapter 3 is connected to a hub 6, and a wire 2B from the hub 6 is connected to the LPWA line 8B2. This makes it possible to build and use, for example, a wide-area development network that may be low-speed but that manages a wide area through communication.
The examples (A) to (K) can also be applied to the LPWA line 8B2 when the PLC connection device 3B2 is used.

FIG. 3C shows a schematic configuration of a PLC connection device 3B3 in the first embodiment.
The PLC connection device 3B3 is type B and is connected to another IoT communication line 8B3. The power line 1 is connected to the PLC adapter 3 via a wire 2, a wire 2A from the PLC adapter 3 is connected to the hub 6, and a wire 2B from the hub 6 is connected to another IoT communication line 8B3 that connects IoT devices. This makes it possible to use, for example, IoT devices for monitoring a construction site.
The examples (A) to (K) can be similarly applied to other IoT communication lines 8B3 when PLC connection device 3B3 is used.

FIG. 3D shows a schematic configuration of the PLC connection device 3B4 in the first embodiment.
The PLC connection device 3B4 is a type B and is connected to a NEW communication line (5G related) 8B4. The power line 1 is connected to the PLC adapter 3 via a wiring 2, a wiring 2A from the PLC adapter 3 is connected to the hub 6, and a wiring 2B from the hub 6 is connected to the NEW communication line (5G related) 8B4.
Examples (A) to (K) can also be applied to the NEW communication line (5G related) 8B4 when the PLC connection device 3B4 is used.

4 shows a schematic configuration of a PLC connection device 3A in Example 2. In contrast to Example 1, the power line 1 or the wiring 2 branched off from the power line 1 is covered with a scaffolding pipe 11 used at construction sites. That is, the power line 1 or the wiring 2 branched off from the power line 1 is passed through the scaffolding pipe 11 and used as a communication line. This makes it possible to utilize the power line as a communication line without installing a new communication line. In addition, since the power line 1 and the wiring 2 are covered with the scaffolding pipe 11, they are protected from failures such as disconnection.
The same devices as those in the first embodiment can be applied to the PLC connection devices 3B1 to 3B4 of type B in the second embodiment, and the examples (A) to (K) can also be applied to the second embodiment.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the embodiment is not limited to the above example, and it is clear that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, a different insulating pipe may be used instead of the scaffolding pipe, and other IoT devices such as an IoT for on-site monitoring or an IoT for parts inspection may be connected. In addition, the public communication line communication device (connection section), the wireless LAN access point, etc. may be outside the waterproof box, or may be in a waterproof box separate from the PLC adapter. In addition, a smartphone may be used instead of the personal computers in (H) to (K).

The present invention can be used to ensure data communications for IoT devices at civil engineering construction sites and other locations where radio waves cannot reach.

1 Power line 2, 2A, 2B Wiring 3 PLC adapter 3A, 3B1 to 3B4 PLC connection device 4 Surge filter 5 Noise filter 6 Hub 7 Waterproof box 8A Public communication line (8A0 is the connection communication device)
8B1 Wireless LAN (8B10 is its access point)
8B2 LPWA (8B20 is the connecting communication device)
8B3 IoT (8B30 is the connecting communication device)
8B4 NEW communication line (5G related) (8B40 is the connecting communication device)
9 External outlet 10 External equipment (machining equipment such as drills)
11 Scaffolding pipe C1 First communication line C2 Second communication line

Claims (3)

a power line, a single type A PLC connection device including a PLC adapter for connecting a first communication line to the power line, and a plurality of type B PLC connection devices including a PLC adapter for connecting a second communication line to the power line;
The type A PLC connection device has the first communication line being a public communication line via which the Internet can be used,
The type B PLC connection device sets the second communication line as a communication line such as a wireless LAN communication line, an LPWA line, or another IoT communication line that does not allow use of the Internet;
housing the type A PLC connection device including the connection device to the first communication line and the type B PLC connection device including the connection device to the second communication line in a waterproof box;
connecting the first communication line and the second communication line to the power line, thereby enabling communication between the first communication line and the second communication line and communication between the second communication lines;
Power line communication system.
a power outlet for supplying power to a machine tool such as a drill, within or in parallel with said type A PLC connection device or said type B PLC connection device;
2. The power line communication system according to claim 1.
Passing the power line or a wiring branched from the power line through a scaffolding pipe;
3. The power line communication system according to claim 1 or 2.

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