Remote station apparatus

Abstract

To provide a remote station apparatus which facilitates laying of wiring and is capable of improving a degree of freedom of installation.SOLUTION: A remote station apparatus comprises: a transmission device capable of transmitting power and data via a communication cable; an interface unit group including a plurality of interface units each performing a communication interface operation with external equipment; an input / output device which inputs / outputs data between the transmission device and the interface unit group; and a splitter by which power is separated from the power and the data, which are transmitted by the transmission device, and supplied to power receiving equipment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a remote station device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a remote station panel in a central monitoring device is known as a device constituting a central monitoring system. The remote station panel is equipped with a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), which is an input / output device, and connects the I / O wiring to input and output signals from and to field devices, as well as performs transmission conversion to communicate with higher-level server devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-62620 A [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6143896 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6125030 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional remote station board has the following problems. A dedicated power supply needed to be supplied from a nearby distribution board to drive the devices inside the remote station panel and as interface power for the I / O wiring, and a wiring route needed to be secured for running the power lines. In addition, in order to make it easier to route the wiring, including the power lines, it is desirable to consolidate the devices inside the case and the RIO, so a relatively large case must be provided, which increases the strength of the case and the installation space required, which may limit the freedom of installation of the remote station board.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a remote station device that can facilitate wiring and improve the degree of freedom in installation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The remote station device of the embodiment includes a transmission device capable of transmitting power and data via a communication cable, an interface unit group having a plurality of interface units that perform communication interface operations with external devices, an input / output device that inputs and outputs data between the transmission device and the interface unit group, and a splitter that separates power from the power and data transmitted by the transmission device and supplies it to a receiving device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a remote monitoring system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration block diagram of the remote station device of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the external and internal configuration of a remote station device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of installation of the remote station device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration block diagram of a remote station device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a remote station device according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a remote monitoring system. The remote monitoring system 10 includes a server 11, a plurality of operator workstations 12-1 to 12-2, a plurality of building controllers 13-1 to 13-3, a plurality of remote station devices 14-1 to 14-6, a group of field equipment 15, a first transmission path 16, a plurality of second transmission paths 17-1 to 17-3, and a group of signal lines 18-1 to 18-6.

[0009] The server 11 controls the entire remote monitoring system 10 . Each of the operator workstations 12-1 to 12-2 provides various information to the operator, and controls the building controllers 13-1 to 13-3 according to the operator's instructions.

[0010] The building controllers 13-1 to 13-3 control the corresponding remote station devices among the remote station devices 14-1 to 14-6 under the control of the operator workstations.

[0011] More specifically, the building controller 13-1 controls the corresponding remote station devices 14-1 and 14-2. The building controller 13-2 controls the corresponding remote station devices 14-3 and 14-4. The building controller 13-3 controls the corresponding remote station devices 14-5 and 14-6.

[0012] The remote station devices 14-1 to 14-6 control the corresponding field devices constituting the field device group 15 via the corresponding signal line groups out of the signal line groups 18-1 to 18-6, and collect the control states. The field device group 15 is made up of a plurality of field devices.

[0013] [1] First embodiment FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration block diagram of the remote station device of the first embodiment. Since the remote station devices 14-1 to 14-6 have the same configuration, the remote station device 14-1 will be described as an example in FIG.

[0014] The remote station device 14-1 includes an input / output device 21, a PoE-compatible transmission device 22, a PoE splitter 23, a power converter 24, and a group of interface units 25. In the above configuration, the PoE-compatible transmission device 22 and the PoE splitter 23 configure a transmission unit 42.

[0015] The input / output device 21 constitutes the field equipment group 15 and outputs control signals, etc. to the field equipment 15X corresponding to the remote station device 14-1 via the signal line group 18-1, or receives detection signals, response data, etc. from the field equipment 15X via the signal line group 18-1.

[0016] The PoE-compatible transmission device 22 functions as a switching hub and is connected to the higher-level device, the building controller 13-1, via the second transmission path 17-1. Of the transmission signals (transmission data + power) from the building controller 13-1, it transmits transmission data to the input / output device 21 and transmits only power to the PoE splitter 23.

[0017] In this case, examples of the output destination of the control signal, control data, etc. include a controller of the field device 15X itself and an actuator (motor, solenoid, etc.) provided in the field device 15X.

[0018] Also, examples of the input source of the detection signal include sensors (temperature, pressure, magnetic field sensors, etc.), setting switches, etc. Examples of the input source of the response data include a controller of the field device 15X itself, etc.

[0019] The PoE splitter 23 supplies the power supplied by the transmission signal transmitted from the PoE-compatible transmission device 22 via the transmission line as driving power for the input / output device 21. The power converter 24 is connected to the distribution board 61, converts power supplied from an external power source such as a commercial power source, and supplies the converted power as interface power PS2 to the group of signal lines 18-1.

[0020] Next, an example of the external configuration and the internal configuration of the remote station device according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the external and internal configuration of a remote station device.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3A, the remote station device 14-1 is provided with a lid 31 for preventing the intrusion of dust, moisture, etc., and is provided with a lidded housing 32 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A ventilation opening 33 and a wire passage opening 34 are provided on one surface of the casing 32 with lid (the bottom surface in the example of FIG. 3(A)).

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3(B), this lidded housing 32 contains a power supply unit 41, a transmission unit 42, an input / output device 21, a plurality of interface units 43-1 to 43-5, a first wiring duct 44, and a second wiring duct 45. In the above configuration, the multiple interface units 43-1 to 43-5 configure an interface unit group 25.

[0023] In the first embodiment, the power supply unit 41 supplies power to the interface unit group 25 via the power converter 24 for the multiple interface units 43-1 to 43-5. As shown in FIG. 2, the transmission unit 42 includes the PoE-compatible transmission device 22 and the PoE splitter 23. The transmission unit 42 transmits and receives transmission data and supplies power.

[0024] The input / output device 21 receives driving power from the transmission unit 42 and performs transmission between the input / output device 21 and the transmission unit 42 .

[0025] The interface units 43-1 to 43-5 perform a communication interface operation for the field device 15X, which is an external device, under the control of the input / output device 21. Here, the communication interface operation refers to an operation of transmitting and receiving signals (data) according to a predetermined protocol when the electrical component unit 42 or the input / output device 21 communicates with an external device (more specifically, a controller of the external device, or a sensor, actuator, or the like provided in the external device), regardless of the type of the external device with which the communication is actually made.

[0026] The first wiring duct 44 mainly houses wiring for the transmission system. The second wiring duct 45 mainly accommodates wiring for power systems.

[0027] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of installation of the remote station device. The remote station devices 14-1 to 14-6 of the embodiment are easier to route power wiring and the like than the conventional remote station devices, so there is less need to configure the field devices 15 in a concentrated manner in one place. In other words, unlike the conventional technology, there is no need to consolidate a large number of devices (functions) in one remote station, so there is no need to provide a robust housing, and the system can be easily made lighter and smaller. Therefore, according to the remote station devices 14-1 to 14-6 of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4(A), it is possible to place them on a cable rack 50 for wiring. In addition, the housing can be made compact, and as shown in FIG. 4(B), it can also be placed inside a cable pit (a groove under the floor) 51 provided for the installation of power cables, telecommunications equipment, signal cables, etc.

[0028] Next, the operation of the remote station device of the first embodiment will be described.

[0029] The server 11 and the operator workstations 12-1 to 12-2 are capable of communicating with each other via a first transmission path 16. Under the control of the server 11, the operator workstations 12-1 to 12-2 provide various information to the operators and control the building controllers 13-1 to 13-3 in accordance with the instructions of the operators.

[0030] In this case, the building controller 13-1 controls the remote station device 14-1 under the control of the operator workstation 12-1 (or the operator workstation 12-2).

[0031] More specifically, the building controller 13-1 generates a transmission signal according to the control content based on a predetermined control program, and transmits the generated transmission signal to the PoE-compatible transmission device 22 of the remote station device 14-1 via the second transmission path 17-1. As a result, the PoE-compatible transmission device 22 transmits the transmission signal transmitted via the second transmission line 17-1 to the PoE splitter 23 and the input / output device 21 in parallel. The PoE splitter 23 serves as a power supply equipment (PSE) and supplies driving power PS1 to the input / output device 21 functioning as a power receiving device (PD).

[0032] The input / output device 21 is driven by the driving power PS1, extracts transmission data from the transmission signal transmitted by the PoE-compatible transmission device 22, and analyzes the transmission data. Then, the input / output device 21 transmits the input data (control data, setting data, etc.) from the building controller 13-1 to the corresponding interface unit constituting the interface unit group 25 based on the analysis result of the transmitted data.

[0033] Then, the input data from the building controller 13-1 is transmitted to the field device 15X via the signal line group 18-1. The field device 15X is controlled or configured based on the transmitted input data, and outputs transmission data corresponding to the control state as necessary to the input / output device 21 via the signal line group 18-1 and the corresponding interface unit that constitutes the interface unit group 25.

[0034] The input / output device 21 transmits output data (measurement data, response data, etc.) from the interface units 43-1 to 43-5 constituting the interface unit group 25 to the building controller 13-1 via the PoE-compatible transmission device 22 and the second transmission path 17-1.

[0035] The building controller 13-1 that receives the transmitted data transmits output data (measurement data, response data, etc.) via the first transmission path 16 to the controlling operator workstation 12-1 (or operator workstation 12-2). As a result, the controlling operator workstation 12-1 (or operator workstation 12-2) inputs the control state based on the received transmission data to the control program, and notifies the operator of the control state. As a result, the controlling operator workstation 12-1 (or operator workstation 12-2) generates new transmission data based on the acquired control state and the operator's instructions, and continues control. As a result, the remote monitoring system 10 puts the field devices 15X constituting the field device group 15 into a desired control state.

[0036] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the remote station device can be made smaller and lighter, the wiring of the remote station device can be easily routed, and the freedom of installation can be improved, which in turn makes it easier to construct the remote monitoring system 10.

[0037] [2] Second embodiment FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration block diagram of a remote station device according to the second embodiment. In the following description, as in the first embodiment, the remote station device 14-1 will be described as an example in Fig. 5. In Fig. 5, the same parts as in Fig. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0038] The remote station device 14-1 includes an input / output device 21, a PoE-compatible transmission device 22A, a PoE splitter 23A, and an interface unit group 25. In the above configuration, the PoE-compatible transmission device 22A and the PoE splitter 23A configure a transmission unit 42A.

[0039] The input / output device 21 constitutes the field equipment group 15 and outputs control signals, etc. to the field equipment 15X corresponding to the remote station device 14-1 via the signal line group 18-1, or receives detection signals, response data, etc. from the field equipment 15X via the signal line group 18-1.

[0040] The PoE-compatible transmission device 22A receives a supply of driving power PS3 from the power supply unit 41 and functions as a switching hub. The PoE-compatible transmission device 22A is connected to the higher-level device, the building controller 13-1, via the second transmission path 17-1, transmits a transmission signal (transmission data) from the building controller 13-1 to the input / output device 21, and transmits the power supplied from the distribution board 61 to the PoE splitter 23A.

[0041] The PoE splitter 23A supplies the power supplied by the transmission signal transmitted from the PoE-compatible transmission device 22A via the transmission line to the signal line group 18-1 as interface power PS5.

[0042] Next, the operation of the remote station device of the second embodiment will be described.

[0043] The server 11 and the operator workstations 12-1 to 12-2 are capable of communicating with each other via a first transmission path 16. Under the control of the server 11, the operator workstations 12-1 to 12-2 provide various information to the operators and control the building controllers 13-1 to 13-3 in accordance with the instructions of the operators.

[0044] In the following, the operation of the system of the building controller 13-1 corresponding to the remote station device 14-1 will be mainly described. The building controller 13-1 generates a transmission signal according to the control content based on a predetermined control program, and transmits the generated transmission signal to the PoE-compatible transmission device 22A of the remote station device 14-1 via the second transmission path 17-1.

[0045] As a result, the PoE-compatible transmission device 22A transmits the transmission signal transmitted via the second transmission line 17-1 to the PoE splitter 23A and the input / output device 21 in parallel. The PoE splitter 23A supplies interface power PS5 to the signal line group 18-1 via the interface unit group 25 that functions as a power supply equipment (PSE) and a power receiving device (PD).

[0046] The input / output device 21 is driven by the driving power PS4, extracts transmission data from the transmission signal transmitted by the PoE-compatible transmission device 22A, and analyzes the transmission data. Then, the input / output device 21 transmits the input data (control data, setting data, etc.) from the building controller 13-1 to the corresponding interface unit constituting the interface unit group 25 based on the analysis result of the transmitted data.

[0047] Then, the input data from the building controller 13-1 is transmitted to the field device 15X via the signal line group 18-1. The field device 15X is controlled or configured based on the transmitted input data, and outputs transmission data corresponding to the control state as necessary to the input / output device 21 via the signal line group 18-1 and the corresponding interface unit that constitutes the interface unit group 25.

[0048] The input / output device 21 transmits output data (measurement data, response data, etc.) from the interface units 43-1 to 43-5 constituting the interface unit group 25 to the building controller 13-1 via the PoE-compatible transmission device 22A and the second transmission path 17-1.

[0049] The building controller 13-1 that receives the transmitted data transmits output data (measurement data, response data, etc.) via the first transmission path 16 to the controlling operator workstation 12-1 (or operator workstation 12-2).

[0050] As a result, the controlling operator workstation 12-1 (or operator workstation 12-2) inputs the control state based on the received transmission data to the control program, and notifies the operator of the control state.

[0051] As a result, the controlling operator workstation 12-1 (or operator workstation 12-2) generates new transmission data based on the acquired control state and the operator's instructions, and continues control. As a result, the remote monitoring system 10 puts the field devices 15X constituting the field device group 15 into a desired control state.

[0052] As described above, the second embodiment also makes it possible to reduce the size and weight of the remote station device, facilitates routing of wiring for the remote station device, and improves the freedom of installation (placement), thereby making it easier to construct the remote monitoring system 10.

[0053] [3] Third embodiment FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a remote station device according to the third embodiment. In the following description, as in the above-described embodiments, the remote station device 14-1 will be taken as an example in Fig. 6. In Fig. 6, the same parts as those in Fig. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0054] The remote station device 14-1 includes an input / output device 21, a PoE-compatible transmission device 22, a PoE splitter 23B, and an interface unit group 25. In the above configuration, the PoE-compatible transmission device 22 and the PoE splitter 23B configure a transmission unit 42B.

[0055] The input / output device 21 constitutes the field equipment group 15 and outputs control signals, etc. to the field equipment 15X corresponding to the remote station device 14-1 via the signal line group 18-1, or receives detection signals, response data, etc. from the field equipment 15X via the signal line group 18-1.

[0056] The PoE-compatible transmission device 22 functions as a switching hub, using the power supplied as a transmission signal from the building controller 13-1 as driving power. The PoE-compatible transmission device 22 is connected to the building controller 13-1, which is a higher-level device, via the second transmission path 17-1, transmits a transmission signal (transmission data) from the building controller 13-1 to the input / output device 21, and transmits power to the PoE splitter 23B.

[0057] The PoE splitter 23B supplies the power supplied by the transmission signal transmitted from the PoE-compatible transmission device 22 via the transmission line as drive power PS6 for the input / output device 21, and also supplies it as interface power PS7 to the signal line group 18-1.

[0058] Next, the operation of the remote station device of the second embodiment will be described.

[0059] The server 11 and the operator workstations 12-1 to 12-2 are capable of communicating with each other via a first transmission path 16. Under the control of the server 11, the operator workstations 12-1 to 12-2 provide various information to the operators and control the building controllers 13-1 to 13-3 in accordance with the instructions of the operators.

[0060] In the following, the operation of the system of the building controller 13-1 corresponding to the remote station device 14-1 will be mainly described. The building controller 13-1 generates a transmission signal according to the control content based on a predetermined control program, and transmits the generated transmission signal to the PoE-compatible transmission device 22A of the remote station device 14-1 via the second transmission path 17-1.

[0061] As a result, the PoE-compatible transmission device 22 transmits the transmission signal transmitted via the second transmission line 17-1 to the PoE splitter 23B and the input / output device 21 in parallel.

[0062] The PoE splitter 23B supplies drive power PS6 to the input / output device 21 functioning as a first power receiving device (PD) as a power supply equipment (PSE). Furthermore, the PoE splitter 23B supplies the drive power PS6 to the signal line group 18-1 as interface power PS5 via the interface unit group 25 functioning as a second power receiving device (PD) as a power supply equipment (PSE).

[0063] The input / output device 21 is driven by the driving power PS6, extracts transmission data from the transmission signal transmitted by the PoE-compatible transmission device 22, and analyzes the transmission data. Then, the input / output device 21 transmits the input data (control data, setting data, etc.) from the building controller 13-1 to the corresponding interface units constituting the interface unit group 25 based on the analysis result of the transmitted data.

[0064] The interface unit group 25 is driven by the driving power PS7, and the corresponding interface units constituting the interface unit group 25 transmit input data from the building controller 13-1 to the field device 15X via the signal line group 18-1.

[0065] The field device 15X is controlled or configured based on the transmitted input data, and outputs transmission data corresponding to the control state as necessary to the input / output device 21 via the signal line group 18-1 and the corresponding interface unit that constitutes the interface unit group 25.

[0066] The input / output device 21 transmits output data (measurement data, response data, etc.) from the interface units 43-1 to 43-5 constituting the interface unit group 25 to the building controller 13-1 via the PoE-compatible transmission device 22 and the second transmission path 17-1.

[0067] The building controller 13-1 that receives the transmitted data transmits output data (measurement data, response data, etc.) via the first transmission path 16 to the controlling operator workstation 12-1 (or operator workstation 12-2).

[0068] As a result, the controlling operator workstation 12-1 (or operator workstation 12-2) inputs the control state based on the received transmission data to the control program, and notifies the operator of the control state.

[0069] As a result, the controlling operator workstation 12-1 (or operator workstation 12-2) generates new transmission data based on the acquired control state and the operator's instructions, and continues control. As a result, the remote monitoring system 10 puts the field devices 15X constituting the field device group 15 into a desired control state.

[0070] As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is not necessary to lay out the power supply wiring, the remote station device can be made smaller and lighter, and since it is only necessary to install the transmission line (install the network cable), it is easy to lay out the wiring of the remote station device, and it is possible to improve the degree of freedom of installation (layout). In turn, it is easy to build the remote monitoring system 10.

[0071] In the above explanation, a PoE-compatible transmission device is used as the transmission device, and a PoE splitter is used as the splitter. However, the present invention is not limited to devices compatible with the PoE standard (including the PoE+ standard and the PoE++ standard), and can be applied to remote station devices using transmission devices and splitters compatible with standards that can transmit power and data via communication cables, and ultimately to remote monitoring systems.

[0072] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 10. Remote Monitoring System 11 Server 12 Operator Workstations 13 Building Controller 14 Remote station device 15 Field equipment group 15X field equipment 16 First Transmission Line 17 Second Transmission Line 18 Signal Lines 21 Input / Output Devices 22, 22A PoE compatible transmission device 23, 23A, 23B PoE Splitter 24 Power Converter 25 Interface Units 31 Lid 32 Enclosure with lid 33 Ventilation vent 34 Wire Entrance 41 Power supply unit 42, 42A, 42B transmission unit 43 Interface Unit 44 1 Wiring duct 44 First wiring duct 45 Second wiring duct

Claims

1. A transmission device capable of transmitting power and data via a communication cable; an interface unit group having a plurality of interface units that perform a communication interface operation with an external device; an input / output device that inputs and outputs data between the transmission device and the interface unit group; a splitter that separates power from the power and data transmitted by the transmission device and supplies the power to a power receiving device; A remote station device comprising:

2. The splitter supplies the separated power as driving power for the input / output device functioning as the power receiving device.

2. The remote station device of claim 1.

3. the splitter supplies the separated power as driving power for the interface units that function as the power receiving devices constituting the interface unit group; 2. The remote station device of claim 1.

4. the splitter supplies the separated power as driving power for the input / output device functioning as the power receiving device and as driving power for the interface units functioning as the power receiving devices constituting the interface unit group.

2. The remote station device of claim 1.

5. the transmission device separates the power from the power and the data transmitted through the communication cable and uses the separated power as its own driving power; 2. The remote station device of claim 1.

6. The transmission device is configured as a PoE-compatible transmission device, The splitter is configured as a PoE splitter.

2. The remote station device of claim 1.

Images