Power measurement system and power measurement unit arrangement method

Abstract

To provide a power measurement system and the like capable of suppressing the influence of noise on power measurement.SOLUTION: A power measurement system 1 includes a plurality of first units (other-side extension units) that handle communication signals, and a main body unit 100 that transfers measurement data obtained by power measurement to the first units (other-side extension units) as communication signals. The plurality of first units (other-side extension units) are connected in series to the main body unit 100 by connection lines (other-side connection lines), and are arranged side by side so that first units (other-side extension units) with faster communication speeds between each of the plurality of first units (other-side extension units) and the main body unit 100 are arranged closer to the main body unit 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power measurement system and a power measurement unit arrangement method for measuring the amount of power in an AC circuit that is the measurement target, and more particularly to a power measurement system and a power measurement unit arrangement method that allow addition units to be added. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a demand for knowing the amount of power consumed in AC circuits at various locations in order to save energy, etc. To meet this demand, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an expansion unit for a multi-circuit watt-hour meter, which includes an expansion unit connector that connects to the main connector of the multi-circuit watt-hour meter, an expansion unit current measurement circuit that measures the current at the measurement point of the AC circuit that is the measurement target, and an expansion unit communication processing circuit that processes communication signals transmitted and received to and from the multi-circuit watt-hour meter via the expansion unit connector. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4179097 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the expansion unit of the multi-circuit watt-hour meter according to the related art, an expansion unit current measurement circuit that measures minute currents at measurement points in AC circuits and an expansion unit communication processing circuit that processes communication signals with the outside are mixed, and therefore the connection lines connecting these circuits also contain a mixture of multiple signals. Because the connection lines connected to the expansion unit communication processing circuit have a high communication speed, the connection lines can become a noise source, and the connection lines connected to the expansion unit current measurement circuit are affected by the noise, which can cause a problem of a decrease in the signal-to-noise ratio of the measurement signal transmitted to the connection lines connected to the expansion unit current measurement circuit.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a power measurement system and a power measurement unit arrangement method that can suppress the influence of noise on power measurement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A power measurement system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of first units that handle communication signals and a main unit that transfers measurement data obtained by power measurement to the first units as communication signals, and the first units are connected in series to the main unit by connecting lines and arranged in a row such that the first units with faster communication speeds between each of the plurality of first units and the main unit are positioned closer to the main unit.

[0007] Furthermore, a power measurement unit placement method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a power measurement unit placement method capable of performing power measurement, and includes placing a main unit that transfers measurement data obtained by power measurement to a plurality of first units as communication signals, connecting the plurality of first units in series to the main unit with connecting lines, and arranging the plurality of first units in a line so as to be closer to the main unit in order of the first unit having the fastest communication speed between each of the plurality of first units and the main unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the power measurement system and the like of the present disclosure, the influence of noise on power measurement can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a power measurement system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a power measurement system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is another block diagram showing a power measurement system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating yet another power measurement system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0011] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. Therefore, for example, the scales and the like do not necessarily match in each figure. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially the same configurations are assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] (Embodiment) <Configuration and Function> First, a power measurement system 1 and a power measurement unit arrangement method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a power measurement system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the power measurement system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the power measurement system 1 is mounted on a distribution board or panelboard installed in a facility such as an office building, a store, or a factory. The distribution board or panelboard can branch electricity received from a power receiving facility of a general electric utility into multiple indoor wirings and supply the electricity to each load via the branched indoor wirings. The loads are devices such as lighting equipment and air conditioning equipment. For example, the power measurement system 1 can acquire measurement data measured by power measurement devices installed at the distribution board or panelboard at the branch of multiple indoor wirings. The power measurement system 1 can display the acquired power on a terminal device or transfer it to an external device.

[0016] Such a power measurement system 1 includes a one-side extension unit, a second-side extension unit, and a main unit 100.

[0017] The other-side expansion unit is disposed on the other side of the main unit 100, and the one-side expansion unit is disposed on one side of the main unit 100. In other words, the main unit 100 is disposed between a plurality of other-side expansion units and a plurality of one-side expansion units. In the field of power measurement systems 1, the other-side expansion unit is sometimes called an expansion unit, and the one-side expansion unit is sometimes called an extension unit. The one-side expansion unit is an example of a second unit. The other-side expansion unit is an example of a first unit.

[0018] The main unit 100 can acquire measurement data of the measurement target obtained by power measurement from one of the expansion units and transfer the measurement data as a communication signal to at least one of the expansion units on the other side. The measurement data is data indicating, for example, voltage, current, power, etc.

[0019] The main unit 100 has an integrated circuit 101 such as an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), a first main connector part 103a, and a second main connector part 103b.

[0020] The first main body connector portion 103a is arranged on one side of the main unit 100 and can be connected to a one-side expansion unit. The second main body connector portion 103b is arranged on the other side of the main unit 100 and can be connected to a other-side expansion unit. The integrated circuit 101 can acquire measurement data of the measurement target from the one-side expansion unit and transfer the measurement data to the other-side expansion unit. The integrated circuit 101 can also acquire data from the one-side expansion unit and transfer the data to the other-side expansion unit.

[0021] The one-side expansion unit is a unit that can acquire signals from a measurement system. Some one-side expansion units handle minute signals that are lower than the signal level handled by the other-side expansion unit. The one-side expansion unit transfers the acquired minute signals to the main unit 100 as measurement data. The other-side expansion unit handles signals with a signal level of about several volts.

[0022] The other-side expansion unit is a unit capable of data transfer, image drawing processing, etc. The other-side expansion unit handles high-speed signals that are internally processed faster than the signals handled by the one-side expansion unit. High-speed signals are signals with large amounts of data, such as data signals transferred within the power measurement system 1, data signals for communication with external devices, and data signals for displaying measurement data on the display unit 112. The other-side expansion unit handles high-speed signals that operate internally at a clock frequency of several MHz or more. Meanwhile, the one-side expansion unit handles signals that operate internally at a clock frequency ranging from several hundred Hz to several hundred kHz.

[0023] In this embodiment, the power measurement system 1 includes a plurality of one-side extension units, a plurality of other-side extension units, and a main unit 100.

[0024] The multiple one-side expansion units are arranged on one side of the main unit 100. Among the multiple one-side expansion units, the one-side expansion unit that handles minute signals between each of the multiple one-side expansion units and the main unit 100 is arranged adjacent to the main unit 100, and the other one-side expansion units are arranged in a line, moving further away from the main unit 100, starting with the one-side expansion unit that handles minute signals. In other words, among the multiple one-side expansion units, the one-side expansion unit that handles minute signals is arranged in a position closest to the main unit 100.

[0025] The connection lines on one side include a third connection line 43 for a voltage signal for performing power measurement, and a fourth connection line 44 for a signal for transferring measurement data obtained by performing power measurement.

[0026] The multiple one-side expansion units may include a first one-side expansion unit having a power measurement function and a second one-side expansion unit that handles a higher signal level than the first one-side expansion unit. In this case, the main unit 100, the first one-side expansion unit, and the second one-side expansion unit may be arranged in this order and connected in series by the third connection line 43 and the fourth connection line 44. The first one-side expansion unit is an example of a first measurement system expansion unit. The second one-side expansion unit is an example of a second measurement system expansion unit.

[0027] Of the multiple one-side expansion units, the first one-side expansion unit closest to the main unit 100 is connected in series with the main unit 100 via the third connection line 43 and can acquire a voltage signal from the main unit 100. The first one-side expansion unit measures power using the voltage signal, acquires measurement data, and transfers the acquired measurement data to the main unit 100 via the fourth connection line 44.

[0028] The third connection line 43 is susceptible to noise if the noise source is nearby. For this reason, it is considered preferable to make the length of the third connection line 43 as short as possible. Therefore, it is preferable to suppress the influence of noise on the third connection line 43 by arranging the first one-side extension unit that performs power measurement adjacent to the main unit 100.

[0029] Specifically, each of the multiple one-side expansion units has a first connector portion arranged on the main unit 100 side and a second connector portion arranged on the opposite side from the main unit 100 side. By arranging the one-side expansion unit on one side of the main unit 100, the first connector portion of the one-side expansion unit can be connected to the first main body connector portion 103a arranged on one side of the main unit 100. Furthermore, in the first one-side expansion unit and the second one-side expansion unit that are adjacent to each other among the multiple one-side expansion units, the second connector portion of the first one-side expansion unit can be connected to the first connector portion of the second one-side expansion unit. Therefore, in each of the multiple one-side expansion units, the second connector portion is arranged on the opposite side of the first connector portion.

[0030] The multiple one-side expansion units are, for example, a pulse output unit 10, a pulse input unit 40, an analog unit 20, and a power measurement unit 30. Specifically, the first one-side expansion unit is, for example, the power measurement unit 30. The second one-side expansion units are, for example, the pulse output unit 10, the pulse input unit 40, and the analog unit 20. Among these exemplary units, the pulse output unit 10, the pulse input unit 40, the analog unit 20, and the power measurement unit 30, the power measurement unit 30 handles minute signals. If small signals are handled in the internal processing of the unit, the one-side connection lines are more susceptible to noise. Therefore, to suppress the influence of noise on the one-side connection lines, such units are arranged near the main unit 100. In FIG. 2, the power measurement unit 30 is an example of a first one-side expansion unit, and the analog unit 20 is an example of a second one-side expansion unit. Note that the multiple one-side expansion units include other known units.

[0031] The power measurement unit 30 has, for example, an integrated circuit 31 such as an MCU or MPU, a measurement section 32, a first connector section 33a arranged on the main unit 100 side, and a second connector section 33b arranged on the opposite side of the main unit 100 side.

[0032] The first connector 33a of the power measurement unit 30 can be connected directly or via a cable to the first main body connector 103a arranged on the main unit 100, and can also be connected directly or via a cable to the first main body connector 103a arranged on one side of the main unit 100. That is, a minute voltage signal for power measurement can be acquired from the main unit 100 via the third connection line 43, and measurement data obtained by power measurement can be transferred to the main unit 100 via the fourth connection line 44. The power measurement unit 30 is also connected in series with the main unit 100 via the fourth connection line 44, and can transfer signals for communication between another extension unit on one side and the main unit 100. The first connector 33a, the second connector 33b, and the first main body connector 103a may be BtoB connectors. The measurement unit 32 acquires a voltage signal from the main unit 100, and calculates power from the voltage signal from the main unit 100 and a current signal measured by a CT (Current Transformer) connected to one of the expansion units. The integrated circuit 31 transfers measurement data indicating the voltage, current, power, etc. measured by the measurement unit 32 to the main unit 100 via the first connector 33a and the fourth connection line 44. In this embodiment, since multiple one-side expansion units are disposed between the power measurement unit 30 and the main unit 100, the power measurement unit 30 transfers the measurement data to the main unit 100 via the multiple one-side expansion units. In this embodiment, the pulse output unit 10, the pulse input unit 40, and the analog unit 20 do not need the small voltage signal transmitted from the main unit 100.

[0033] The power measurement unit 30 is disposed adjacent to the main unit 100, that is, it is disposed closest among the multiple one-side extension units, so that the length of the one-side connection line can be made as short as possible.

[0034] The analog unit 20 has, for example, an integrated circuit 21 such as an MCU or MPU, an analog input section 22, a first connector section 23a arranged on the main unit 100 side, and a second connector section 23b arranged on the opposite side from the main unit 100 side.

[0035] The first connector 23a of the analog unit 20 can be connected directly or via a cable to the second connector of the one-side extension unit arranged on the main unit 100 side, and can be connected directly or via a cable to the first main unit connector 103a arranged on one side of the main unit 100. In other words, the analog unit 20 is connected in series with the other one-side extension unit and the main unit 100 via the fourth connection line 44. Note that, from the viewpoint of noise influence, the third connection line 43 between the analog unit 20 and the power measurement unit 30 may be disconnected.

[0036] The analog input unit 22 can output an analog signal input from an external device to the integrated circuit 21. The integrated circuit 21 digitizes the analog signal input from the external device and transfers the digitalized data to the main unit 100 via the first connector 23a and the fourth connection line 44.

[0037] The pulse input unit 40 has, for example, an integrated circuit such as an MCU or MPU, an input section, a first connector section 43a arranged on the main unit 100 side, and a second connector section 43b arranged on the opposite side from the main unit 100 side.

[0038] The first connector 43a of the pulse input unit 40 can be connected directly or via a cable to the second connector of the one-side expansion unit arranged on the main unit 100 side, and can be connected directly or via a cable to the first main unit connector 103a arranged on one side of the main unit 100. In other words, the pulse input unit 40 is connected in series with the other one-side expansion unit and the main unit 100 via a fourth connection line 44. Note that, from the viewpoint of the influence of noise, the third connection line 43 between the pulse input unit 40 and the power measurement unit 30 may be disconnected. Note that the pulse input unit 40 may be connected in series with the other one-side expansion unit and the main unit 100 via the third connection line 43.

[0039] A pulse signal is input to the input section from an external device. The integrated circuit converts the pulse signal input to the input section into an integrated power value or the like, and transfers the converted value to the main unit 100 via the first connector section 43a.

[0040] The pulse output unit 10 has, for example, an integrated circuit 11 such as an MCU or MPU, a pulse output section 12, a first connector section 13a arranged on the main unit 100 side, and a second connector section 13b arranged on the opposite side from the main unit 100 side.

[0041] The first connector portion 13a of the pulse output unit 10 can be connected directly or via a cable to the second connector portion of the one-side expansion unit arranged on the main unit 100 side, and can be connected directly or via a cable to the first main unit connector portion 103a arranged on one side of the main unit 100. That is, the pulse output unit 10 is connected in series with the other one-side expansion unit and the main unit 100 via the fourth connection line 44. Note that, from the viewpoint of the influence of noise, the third connection line 43 between the pulse output unit 10 and the power measurement unit 30 may be disconnected. Note that the pulse output unit 10 may be connected in series with the other one-side expansion unit and the main unit 100 via the third connection line 43.

[0042] The integrated circuit 11 converts the acquired measurement data into a pulse signal. The pulse output unit 12 converts the measurement data measured by the power measurement unit 30 into pulses and outputs the pulses to an external device.

[0043] The multiple other-side expansion units are arranged on the other side of the main unit 100. The multiple other-side expansion units are arranged side by side, moving farther from the main unit 100, in order of increasing communication speed between each of the multiple other-side expansion units and the main unit 100. In other words, the multiple other-side expansion units are arranged in series with the main unit 100 via the other-side connecting lines, so that the other-side expansion units that handle higher communication speeds of high-speed signals are arranged closer to the main unit 100.

[0044] The other side connection lines include a first connection line 41 for high-speed communication and a second connection line 42 for low-speed communication slower than the first connection line 41.

[0045] The multiple other-side expansion units include a first other-side expansion unit and a second other-side expansion unit that handles high-speed signals at a slower communication speed than the first other-side expansion unit. In this case, the second other-side expansion unit, the first other-side expansion unit, and the main unit 100 are arranged in this order and connected in series by a first connection line 41 and a second connection line 42. The first other-side expansion unit is an example of a first communication system expansion unit. The second other-side expansion unit is an example of a second communication system expansion unit.

[0046] Of the multiple other-side expansion units, the first other-side expansion unit closest to the main unit 100 is connected in series to the main unit 100 via a first connection line 41, and communicates at high speed with the main unit 100. For example, the first connection line 41 is capable of transferring large amounts of data, and data stored in the main unit 100 is transferred to the first other-side expansion unit. The first other-side expansion unit saves the data transferred from the main unit 100 on a memory card or the like.

[0047] When transferring a large amount of data, noise occurs between the first other-side expansion unit and the main unit 100. For this reason, it is considered preferable to make the first connection line 41 as short as possible. Therefore, in the first other-side expansion unit adjacent to the main unit 100, the first connection line 41 is cut off so that communication cannot occur over the first connection line 41 between the first other-side expansion unit and the second other-side expansion unit. By cutting off the first connection line 41 between the first other-side expansion unit and the second other-side expansion unit, noise generation from the first connection line 41 during large-volume data transfer is suppressed.

[0048] Furthermore, the multiple other-side expansion units are connected in series to the main unit 100 via second connection lines 42, but because the second connection lines 42 are for low-speed communication, they are less susceptible to noise than the first connection lines 41. For this reason, the multiple other-side expansion units do not interrupt the second connection lines 42 even during data transfer.

[0049] Specifically, each of the multiple other-side expansion units has a third connector portion arranged on the main unit 100 side and a fourth connector portion arranged on the opposite side from the main unit 100 side. By arranging the other-side expansion unit on the other side of the main unit 100, the third connector portion arranged on the main unit 100 side can be connected to the second main body connector portion 103b arranged on the other side of the main unit 100. Furthermore, in adjacent first other-side expansion unit and second other-side expansion unit, the fourth connector portion of the first other-side expansion unit can be connected to the third connector portion of the second other-side expansion unit. Therefore, in each of the multiple other-side expansion units, a fourth connector portion is arranged on the opposite side of the third connector portion. The fourth connector portion is, for example, a feed terminal.

[0050] The multiple other-side expansion units are, for example, a display unit 110, a reader / writer unit 120, and an Ethernet-compatible unit 130. Specifically, the first other-side expansion unit and the second other-side expansion unit are, for example, a display unit 110, a reader / writer unit 120, and an Ethernet-compatible unit 130. In FIG. 2, the reader / writer unit 120 is an example of the first other-side expansion unit, and the Ethernet-compatible unit 130 is an example of the second other-side expansion unit. The multiple other-side expansion units include other known units.

[0051] In these exemplary units, high-speed communication is performed between the reader / writer unit 120 and the main unit 100, so the first connection line 41 connecting the reader / writer unit 120 and the main unit 100 becomes a noise source.

[0052] For this reason, the reader / writer unit 120 is placed at the position closest to the main unit 100. The reader / writer unit 120 is an example of a first other-side extension unit. Any other unit that becomes a noise source due to data transfer can also be the first other-side extension unit.

[0053] The display unit 110 has, for example, an integrated circuit 111 such as an MCU or MPU, a display unit 112, a third connector unit 113a arranged on the main unit 100 side, and a fourth connector unit 113b arranged on the opposite side from the main unit 100 side.

[0054] The third connector 113a of the display unit 110 can be connected directly or via a cable to the fourth connector of the other-side add-on unit arranged on the main unit 100 side, and can be connected directly or via a cable to the second main unit connector 103b arranged on the other side of the main unit 100. The display unit 110 may be connected in series with the main unit 100 via the first connection line 41 and the second connection line 42. For example, the display unit 110 may acquire large amounts of data from the main unit 100 via the first connection line 41 or the second connection line 42. The display unit 110 may also block the first connection line 41 so as not to be connected to an adjacent other-side add-on unit. The third connector 113a, the fourth connector 113b, and the second main unit connector 103b may be BtoB connectors.

[0055] The integrated circuit 111 performs a drawing process to display the measurement data transferred from one of the extension units via the main unit 100 on the display unit 112. The display unit 112 displays the measurement data input to the third connector unit 113a.

[0056] The reader / writer unit 120 has, for example, an integrated circuit 121 such as an MCU or MPU, a card insertion port 122, a third connector portion 123a arranged on the main unit 100 side, and a fourth connector portion 123b arranged on the opposite side from the main unit 100 side.

[0057] The third connector 123a of the reader / writer unit 120 can be connected directly or via a cable to the fourth connector of the other-side extension unit arranged on the main unit 100 side, and can be connected directly or via a cable to the second main unit connector 103b arranged on the other side of the main unit 100. The reader / writer unit 120 may be connected in series to the main unit 100 via the first connection line 41 and the second connection line 42. For example, the reader / writer unit 120 may acquire large amounts of data from the main unit 100 via the first connection line 41. The reader / writer unit 120 may also have the first connection line 41 cut off so as not to be connected to an adjacent other-side extension unit.

[0058] A semiconductor memory such as an SD (Secure Digital) card or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory is connected to the card insertion slot 122. The integrated circuit 121 can write measurement data to a memory card connected to the card insertion slot 122 and read data from the memory card. When data is read from the memory card, the integrated circuit 121 may transfer the data from the memory card to the adjacent main unit 100 via the third connector portion 123a.

[0059] The Ethernet-compatible unit 130 has a wired communication function and includes, for example, an integrated circuit 131 such as an MCU or MPU, an Ethernet connector 132, a third connector part 133a arranged on the main unit 100 side, and a fourth connector part 133b arranged on the opposite side from the main unit 100 side.

[0060] The third connector portion 133a of the Ethernet-compatible unit 130 can be connected directly or via a cable to the fourth connector portion of the other-side expansion unit arranged on the main unit 100 side, and can be connected directly or via a cable to the second main unit connector portion 103b arranged on the other side of the main unit 100.

[0061] The Ethernet-compatible unit 130 may be connected in series to the main unit 100 via the first connection line 41 and the second connection line 42. For example, the Ethernet-compatible unit 130 may acquire large amounts of data from the main unit 100 via the first connection line 41 or the second connection line 42. The Ethernet-compatible unit 130 may also have the first connection line 41 cut off so as not to be connected to the adjacent extension unit on the other side.

[0062] A LAN (Local Area Network) connector provided on a LAN cable is connected to the Ethernet connector 132. The integrated circuit 131 can transfer data acquired via the Ethernet connector 132 to the adjacent other-side extension unit via the third connector portion 133a and the second connection line 42, or the fourth connector portion 133b and the second connection line 42, and can also transfer measurement data to an external device via the Ethernet connector 132.

[0063] For example, FIG. 2 illustrates, as an example of multiple one-side extension units, a power measurement unit 30, an analog unit 20, and a pulse output unit 10 arranged in order from the main unit 100 toward one side. In this case, among the power measurement unit 30, the analog unit 20, and the pulse output unit 10, only the power measurement unit 30 handles minute signals. Therefore, in FIG. 2, the power measurement unit 30 is arranged close to the main unit 100 to prevent the third connection line 43 from being affected by noise. The main unit 100, the power measurement unit 30, the analog unit 20, and the pulse output unit 10 are connected in series in this order by a fourth connection line 44. The main unit 100 and the power measurement unit 30 are connected in series in this order by the third connection line 43, and the third connection line 43 between the power measurement unit 30 and the analog unit 20 may be interrupted.

[0064] As an example of multiple other-side extension units, a reader / writer unit 120 and an Ethernet-compatible unit 130 are illustrated, which are arranged in order along a direction away from the main unit 100 toward the other side. In FIG. 2, the units that handle large amounts of data are arranged closer to the main unit 100. The main unit 100, the reader / writer unit 120, and the Ethernet-compatible unit 130 are connected in series in this order by a second connection line 42. The main unit 100 and the reader / writer unit 120 are connected in series by a first connection line 41 so as to be arranged in this order, and the first connection line 41 between the reader / writer unit 120 and the Ethernet-compatible unit 130 is disconnected.

[0065] 2 to 4, the units to be combined are not limited to those shown in Fig. 2 to 4, and the position of the extension unit on the other side may be changed in accordance with the noise transmitted from the first connection line 41, and the position of the extension unit on one side may also be changed in accordance with the noise. Also, the number of each unit is not limited to three, and may be two or less, or four or more.

[0066] The number of pins in the connector section may be set so that the one-side extension units that handle small signals at low signal levels are arranged in order from the main unit 100 to one side.

[0067] For example, the pins of the first connector portion and the second connector portion of each of the multiple one-side expansion units may be different. The number of pins between the second connector portion of the first one-side expansion unit and the first connector portion of the second one-side expansion unit may be set to be fewer than the number of pins between the first main body connector portion 103a and the first connector portion of the first one-side expansion unit, so that the main unit 100 and the second one-side expansion unit cannot be connected. In other words, the number of pins may be reduced as the one-side expansion unit handles weaker signals with higher signal levels.

[0068] As a result, among the multiple one-side extension units, the one-side extension units that handle smaller signals at higher signal levels can be placed at positions farther away from the main unit 100.

[0069] The number of pins in the connector section may be set so that the other-side extension units with higher inter-unit communication speeds are arranged in order from the main unit 100 to the other side.

[0070] For example, the pins of the first connector portion and the second connector portion of each of the multiple other-side expansion units may be different. The number of pins between the second connector portion of the first other-side expansion unit and the first connector portion of the second other-side expansion unit may be greater than the number of pins between the second main body connector portion 103b and the first connector portion of the first other-side expansion unit, so that the main unit 100 and the second other-side expansion unit cannot be connected. In other words, the number of pins may be greater for other-side expansion units with slower communication speeds between units.

[0071] As a result, among the multiple other-side extension units, the lower the communication speed between the units that the other-side extension units handle, the farther they can be placed from the main unit 100.

[0072] <Action and effect> Next, the effects of the power measurement system 1 and the power measurement unit arrangement method according to this embodiment will be described.

[0073] As described above, the power measurement system 1 of this embodiment comprises a plurality of first units (other-side expansion units) that handle communication signals, and a main unit 100 that transfers measurement data obtained by power measurement to the first units (other-side expansion units) as communication signals, and the plurality of first units (other-side expansion units) are connected in series to the main unit 100 by connection lines (other-side connection lines), and are arranged in a row so that the first units (other-side expansion units) with faster communication speeds between each of the plurality of first units (other-side expansion units) and the main unit 100 are arranged closer to the main unit 100.

[0074] This allows the other-side expansion unit, which has a high communication speed, to be located near the main unit 100, thereby shortening the length of the other-side connection line between the main unit 100 and the other-side expansion unit. Because the other-side connection line is set short, noise emitted from the other-side connection line can be minimized even when high-speed communication is performed between the main unit 100 and the other-side expansion unit. This makes it possible to suppress the influence of noise on the connection point connecting the one-side expansion unit and the main unit 100.

[0075] Therefore, according to this power measurement system 1, it is possible to suppress the influence of noise on power measurement.

[0076] Furthermore, in the power measurement system 1 of technology 2 relating to this embodiment, the multiple first units (other-side expansion units) include a first communication system expansion unit (first other-side expansion unit) and a second communication system expansion unit (second other-side expansion unit) having a communication speed slower than that of the first communication system expansion unit (first other-side expansion unit), and the second communication system expansion unit (second other-side expansion unit), the first communication system expansion unit (first other-side expansion unit), and the main unit 100 are arranged in this order and connected in series by connecting lines (other-side connecting lines), and the connecting lines (other-side connecting lines) include a first connecting line 41 for high-speed communication and a second connecting line 42 for low-speed communication slower than the first connecting line 41, and the first connecting line 41 connecting the first communication system expansion unit (first other-side expansion unit) and the second communication system expansion unit (second other-side expansion unit) is blocked, which is the power measurement system 1 described in technology 1.

[0077] This allows the length of the first connection line 41 connecting the main unit 100 and the first other-side expansion unit to be as short as possible. Because the first connection line 41 for high-speed communication is set to be short, noise emitted from the other-side connection line can be reduced even when high-speed communication is performed between the main unit 100 and the other-side expansion unit. This makes it possible to suppress the influence of noise on the connection point connecting the one-side expansion unit and the main unit 100.

[0078] Furthermore, the power measurement system 1 of technology 3 relating to this embodiment further includes a plurality of second units (one-side expansion units) connected in series to the main unit 100, the plurality of second units (one-side expansion units) being connected in series with the main unit 100 by a third connection line 43, and acquiring a voltage signal for power measurement from the main unit 100, the plurality of second units (one-side expansion units) including a first measurement system expansion unit (first one-side expansion unit) having a power measurement function and a second measurement system expansion unit (second one-side expansion unit) having a function different from that of the first measurement system expansion unit (first one-side expansion unit), and the power measurement system 1 described in technology 1 or 2 is arranged in this order of the main unit 100, the first measurement system expansion unit (first one-side expansion unit), and the second measurement system expansion unit (second one-side expansion unit) and are connected in series by the third connection line 43.

[0079] This allows the length of the third connection line 43 connecting the main unit 100 and the first one-side extension unit to be as short as possible. Since the third connection line 43 is set to be short, the influence of noise on the third connection line 43 can be minimized.

[0080] Furthermore, in the power measurement system 1 of technology 4 relating to this embodiment, the multiple second units (one-side expansion units) are multiple one-side expansion units arranged on one side of the main unit 100, and the multiple first units (other-side expansion units) are multiple other-side expansion units arranged on the other side of the main unit 100, which is the power measurement system 1 described in technology 3.

[0081] This allows the multiple one-side expansion units and the multiple other-side expansion units to be arranged apart from the main unit 100, so that the multiple other-side expansion units, which are noise sources, can be placed as far away as possible from the multiple one-side expansion units. Therefore, units that are susceptible to noise can be placed far away, and the effect of noise on the third connection line 43 can be minimized.

[0082] Furthermore, in the power measurement system 1 of technology 5 relating to this embodiment, the first measurement system expansion unit (first one-side expansion unit) and the second measurement system expansion unit (second one-side expansion unit) have first connector parts 13a, 23a, 33a arranged on the main unit 100 side and second connector parts 13b, 23b, 33b arranged on the opposite side from the main unit 100 side, and the first connector parts 13a, 23a, 33a of the second measurement system expansion unit (second one-side expansion unit) are connectable to the second connector parts 13b, 23b, 33b of the first measurement system expansion unit (first one-side expansion unit), which is the power measurement system 1 described in technology 3 or 4.

[0083] This allows the first one-side extension unit and the second one-side extension unit to be arranged side by side on one side of the main unit 100. This allows units that are susceptible to noise to be arranged far away, and also makes it possible to minimize the effect of noise on the third connection line 43.

[0084] Furthermore, in the power measurement system 1 of technology 6 relating to this embodiment, the first communication system expansion unit (first other-side expansion unit) and the second communication system expansion unit (second other-side expansion unit) have third connector parts 113a, 123a, 133a arranged on the main unit 100 side and fourth connector parts 113b, 123b, 133b arranged on the opposite side from the main unit 100 side, and the third connector parts 113a, 123a, 133a of the second communication system expansion unit (second other-side expansion unit) are connectable to the fourth connector parts 113b, 123b, 133b of the first communication system expansion unit (first other-side expansion unit), which is the power measurement system 1 described in technology 2.

[0085] This allows the first other-side extension unit and the second other-side extension unit to be arranged side by side on the other side of the main unit 100. Since the units can be arranged away from noise sources, they can be separated from units that are susceptible to noise and the influence of noise on the third connection line 43 can be minimized.

[0086] Furthermore, the power measurement unit placement method of technique 7 relating to this embodiment is a power measurement unit placement method capable of performing power measurement, and includes placing a main unit 100 that transfers measurement data obtained by power measurement to a plurality of first units (other-side expansion units) as communication signals, connecting the plurality of first units (other-side expansion units) in series to the main unit 100 with connection lines, and arranging the plurality of first units (other-side expansion units) in a line so as to be closer to the main unit 100, starting with the first unit (other-side expansion unit) having the fastest communication speed between each of the plurality of first units (other-side expansion units) and the main unit 100.

[0087] This power measurement unit arrangement method also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0088] (others) While the power measurement system and the like according to the present disclosure have been described above based on the above-mentioned embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as the modifications do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art may also be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0089] For example, in the above-described power measurement system, the other-side extension unit may further include a wireless unit. For example, the wireless unit may have a wireless communication function and include, for example, an integrated circuit such as an MCU or MPU, an antenna unit, a wireless communication unit, and a third connector unit arranged on the main unit 100 side. The third connector unit of the wireless unit may be connected directly or via a cable to a fourth connector unit of the other-side extension unit arranged on the main unit 100 side, and may be connected directly or via a cable to a second main unit connector unit 103b arranged on the other side of the main unit 100. The wireless unit may be connected in series with the main unit 100 via the first connection line 41 and the second connection line 42. For example, the wireless unit may acquire large amounts of data from the main unit 100 via the first connection line 41 or the second connection line 42. The wireless unit may also have a fourth connector unit, in which case the first connection line 41 may be disconnected to prevent connection to adjacent other-side extension units. The antenna unit is capable of wireless communication with an external device. The wireless communication unit may process data received by the antenna unit and output the data to the integrated circuit, or process measurement data to be transferred by the antenna unit and output the data to the antenna unit. The integrated circuit may transfer data acquired via the antenna unit or the like to an adjacent other-side extension unit via the third connector unit and the second connection line 42, or may transfer measurement data to an external device via the antenna unit.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above-described power measurement system, the internal processing speed of the units increases in the order of display unit 110, reader / writer unit 120, Ethernet-compatible unit 130, and wireless unit. The faster the internal processing speed of a unit, the more likely it is to generate noise, becoming a noise source. For this reason, the third other-side extension unit, i.e., the wireless unit, may be placed at the farthest position from main unit 100 among the multiple other-side extension units. In order to reduce the impact of noise on the one-side extension units as much as possible, the antenna unit of the third other-side extension unit may be placed on the opposite side from main unit 100.

[0091] In the above-described power measurement system, all or part of the components of each unit may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or semiconductor memory.

[0092] The division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and multiple functional blocks may be realized as a single functional block, one functional block may be divided into multiple blocks, or some functions may be moved to another functional block.Furthermore, the functions of multiple functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0093] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by making various modifications to the above embodiments that a person skilled in the art would think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments within the scope that does not deviate from the intent of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1. Power measurement system 10 Pulse output unit (one-side expansion unit, 1st one-side expansion unit, 2nd one-side expansion unit) 13a, 23a, 33a, 43a First connector part 13b, 23b, 33b, 43b Second connector part 20 Analog units (one-side expansion unit, first one-side expansion unit, second one-side expansion unit) 30 Power measurement units (one-side expansion unit, first one-side expansion unit, second one-side expansion unit) 40 Pulse input unit (one-side expansion unit, 1st one-side expansion unit, 2nd one-side expansion unit) 41 First connecting line (connecting line) 42 Second connecting line (connecting line) 43 Third connecting line (connecting line) 44 4th connecting line (connecting line) 100 Main unit 110 Display unit (other-side expansion unit, 1st other-side expansion unit, 2nd other-side expansion unit) 113a, 123a, 133a Third connector part 113b, 123b, 133b 4th connector part 120 Reader / Writer Unit (Other Side Expansion Unit, 1st Other Side Expansion Unit, 2nd Other Side Expansion Unit) 130 Ethernet compatible units (other-side expansion unit, 1st other-side expansion unit, 2nd other-side expansion unit, 3rd other-side expansion unit)

Claims

1. a plurality of first units for handling communication signals; a main unit that transfers measurement data obtained by power measurement to the first unit as a communication signal; The plurality of first units include: connected in series to the main unit by a connection line, The first units are arranged side by side such that the first units having a higher communication speed between them and the main unit are closer to the main unit. Power measurement system.

2. the plurality of first units include a first communication system extension unit and a second communication system extension unit having a communication speed slower than that of the first communication system extension unit, the second communication system extension unit, the first communication system extension unit, and the main unit are arranged in this order and connected in series by the connection line; the connection lines include a first connection line for high-speed communication and a second connection line for low-speed communication slower than the first connection line, The first connection line connecting the first communication system extension unit and the second communication system extension unit is cut off. The power measurement system according to claim 1 .

3. The device further includes a plurality of second units connected in series to the main unit, a plurality of the second units are connected in series to the main unit by a third connection line, and a voltage signal for performing power measurement is acquired from the main unit; the plurality of second units include a first measurement system extension unit having a power measurement function and a second measurement system extension unit having a function different from that of the first measurement system extension unit; The main unit, the first measurement system expansion unit, and the second measurement system expansion unit are arranged in this order and connected in series by the third connection line. The power measurement system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the second units are one-side extension units arranged on one side of the main unit, The first units are second-side add-on units arranged on the second side of the main unit. The power measurement system according to claim 3 .

5. the first measurement system extension unit and the second measurement system extension unit each have a first connector portion disposed on the main unit side and a second connector portion disposed on the opposite side to the main unit side, The first connector portion of the second measurement system expansion unit is connectable to the second connector portion of the first measurement system expansion unit. The power measurement system according to claim 3 .

6. the first communication system expansion unit and the second communication system expansion unit each have a third connector portion disposed on the main unit side and a fourth connector portion disposed on the opposite side from the main unit side, The third connector portion of the second communication system expansion unit is connectable to the fourth connector portion of the first communication system expansion unit. The power measurement system according to claim 2 .

7. A power measurement unit arrangement method capable of performing power measurement, comprising: disposing a main unit that transfers measurement data obtained by power measurement to a plurality of first units as a communication signal; a plurality of the first units are connected in series to the main unit by connection lines; and arranging the first units in a row so as to be closer to the main unit in descending order of the communication speed between each of the first units and the main unit. Power measurement unit placement method.

Images