Communication device

Abstract

This communication device includes: a coupler connected to a cable to which a first communication device that performs communication on the basis of a wired communication method is connected; a communication circuit connected to the coupler; and an antenna that is connected to the coupler, emits a wired communication signal to a second communication device, and receives a wired communication signal from the second communication device. The coupler outputs, to the cable and the antenna, a wired communication signal outputted from the communication circuit; outputs, to the communication circuit and the cable, the wired communication signal received by the antenna; and outputs, to the communication circuit and the antenna, a wired communication signal received from the cable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a wattmeter that includes a power line communication circuit and a wireless communication circuit and can communicate using two communication methods, power line communication (PLC) and wireless communication.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the wattmeter of Patent Document 1 has a problem that it includes two circuits, a power line communication circuit and a wireless communication circuit, and thus is costly.

[0005] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure contribute to providing a communication device that can suppress the circuit scale and reduce the cost.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a coupler connected to a cable to which a first communication device that communicates based on a wired communication method is connected, a communication circuit connected to the coupler, and an antenna connected to the coupler that radiates a signal of the wired communication method to a second communication device and receives the signal of the wired communication method from the second communication device. The coupler outputs the signal of the wired communication method output from the communication circuit to the cable and the antenna, outputs the signal of the wired communication method received by the antenna to the communication circuit and the cable, and outputs the signal of the wired communication method received from the cable to the communication circuit and the antenna.

[0007] These general or specific aspects may be implemented in a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium, or may be implemented in any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication device can suppress the circuit scale and reduce the cost.

[0009] Further advantages and effects in an embodiment of the present disclosure will be apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or effects are provided by some embodiments and the features described in the specification and drawings, respectively, but not all are necessarily provided in order to obtain one or more identical features.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. However, a more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters and redundant descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0012] Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0013] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes communication devices 11 to 13. The communication device 11 includes a PLC unit 21, a coupler 22a, and an antenna 23. The communication device 13 includes a PLC unit 13a and an antenna 13c.

[0014] The PLC unit 21 of the communication device 11 and the PLC unit 13a of the communication device 13 perform communication based on PLC. The communication device 12 also includes a PLC unit (not shown) and performs communication based on PLC.

[0015] The communication device 11 and the communication device 12 are connected to the cable CA1. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication device 11 is connected to the cable CA1 via the coupler 22a of the communication device 11. Note that the cable CA1 may be a DC power line or an AC power line. Also, the cable CA1 may be a communication line.

[0016] As shown by the dotted arrow A1, the communication device 11 and the communication device 12 perform PLC via the coupler 22a of the communication device 11 and the cable CA1. That is, the communication device 11 and the communication device 12 perform wired PLC.

[0017] As shown by the dotted arrow A2, the communication device 11 and the communication device 13 perform PLC via the coupler 22a of the communication device 11, the antenna 23 of the communication device 11, and the antenna 13c of the communication device 13. That is, the communication device 11 and the communication device 13 perform wireless PLC.

[0018] The antenna 23 included in the communication device 11 is composed of a coil. The antenna 13c included in the communication device 13 is composed of a coil. The communication device 11 and the communication device 13 perform short-range wireless communication by magnetic field coupling via the coil, and the wireless communication distance is, for example, several centimeters to several tens of centimeters. Note that the coil configuration in the antenna 23 is based on N turns, where N is 1 or more.

[0019] As shown by the dotted arrow A3, the communication device 12 and the communication device 13 perform PLC via the cable CA1, the coupler 22a of the communication device 11, the antenna 23 of the communication device 11, and the antenna 13c of the communication device 13.

[0020] When the communication device 12 and the communication device 13 communicate, the communication device 11 can be regarded as a bridge device. That is, the communication device 11 can be regarded as a bridge device that bridges the PLC between the communication device 12, which is a wired communication device, and the communication device 13, which is a wireless communication device. Therefore, when it is desired to communicate between the communication device 12, which is a wired communication device, and the communication device 13, which is a wireless communication device, the communication device 12 may be connected to the communication device 11 via the cable CA1. Thereby, the communication device 12, which is a wired communication device, can perform wireless communication via the communication device 11.

[0021] As described above, the communication device 11 and the communication device 13 perform short-range wireless communication via a coil. That is, the communication device 11 and the communication device 13 directly transmit and receive PLC signals via the coil. In other words, the communication device 11 transmits the PLC signal to the communication device 13 without including a wireless circuit such as an up-converter. Also, the communication device 11 receives the PLC signal of the communication device 13 without including a wireless circuit such as a down-converter. For example, the communication devices 11 and 12 receive the PLC signal transmitted (radiated) by the communication device 13 (PLC unit 13a) via the antenna 13c via the antenna 23 and the coupler 22a. Also, the antenna 23 receives the PLC signal transmitted (radiated) by the communication device 13 (PLC unit 13a) via the antenna 13c, and outputs the received PLC signal to the PLC unit 21 and the cable CA1. In other words, the antenna 23 relays the PLC signal transmitted (radiated) by the communication device 13 (PLC unit 13a) via the antenna 13c to the PLC unit 21 and the cable CA1.

[0022] Also, the communication device 12 is connected to the antenna 23 of the communication device 11 via the cable CA1 and the coupler 22a of the communication device 11. Therefore, the communication device 12 and the communication device 13 directly transmit and receive PLC signals via the antenna 23 of the communication device 11 and the antenna 13c of the communication device 13 (via the coil). That is, the communication device 11 transmits (bridges) the PLC signal of the communication device 12 to the communication device 13 without including a wireless circuit such as an up-converter. Also, the communication device 11 receives the PLC signal of the communication device 13 without including a wireless circuit such as a down-converter, and transmits (bridges) it to the communication device 12.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a block configuration example of the communication device 11. In FIG. 2, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 2, the communication device 11 includes the PLC unit 21 shown in FIG. 1, the coupler 22a, and the antenna 23.

[0024] Figure 2 also shows the cable CA1 shown in Figure 1. The cable CA1 shown in Figure 2 is a DC power line that transmits direct current or direct voltage.

[0025] The PLC unit 21 is connected to the cable CA1 via the coupler 22a. The coupler 22a has capacitors C1 and C2 as shown in Figure 2. The capacitors C1 and C2 are coupling capacitors that block the inflow of DC power of the cable CA1 and transmit PLC signals. Note that the coupler 22a may have a connector for connecting to the cable CA1.

[0026] The PLC unit 21 includes a control unit 21a, an AFE unit 21b, a TX filter 21c, a TX driver 21d, an ATT 21e, an RX filter 21f, an LED switch 21g, a RAM 21h, a ROM 21i, a reset circuit 21j, an Ethernet (registered trademark) unit 21k, a LAN connector 21l, a crystal 21m, and a DC / DC 21n. Note that AFE is an abbreviation for Analog Front End. ATT is an abbreviation for Attenuator. RAM is an abbreviation for Random access memory. LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network. DC is an abbreviation for Direct Current. The PLC unit 21 may also be referred to as a PLC modem.

[0027] The control unit 21a controls the entire PLC unit 21. For example, the control unit 21a performs transmission processing, reception processing, and relay processing of PLC signals. More specifically, the control unit 21a performs physical layer processing, MAC layer processing, multi-hop processing, etc. of PLC signals based on the IEEE1901a standard. Note that IEEE is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. MAC is an abbreviation for Media Access Control.

[0028] The control unit 21a is composed of, for example, a CPU, a DSP, or an HD-PLC IC. Note that CPU is the abbreviation of Central Processing Unit. DSP is the abbreviation of Digital Signal Processor. HD-PLC IC is the abbreviation of High Definition-PLC Integrated Circuit.

[0029] The AFE 21b mediates signal processing between the control unit 21a and the analog circuits (TX filter 21c, TX driver 21d, ATT 21e, and RX filter 21f). For example, the AFE 21b converts the digital signal output from the control unit 21a into an analog signal and outputs it to the analog circuits. Also, the AFE 21b converts the analog signal output from the analog circuits into a digital signal and outputs it to the control unit 21a.

[0030] The TX filter 21c is, for example, a low-pass filter. The TX filter 21c blocks a frequency band of a PLC signal output from the AFE unit 21b that is equal to or higher than a predetermined value and outputs it to the TX driver 21d.

[0031] The TX driver 21d amplifies the PLC signal output from the TX filter 21c and outputs it to the coupler 22a.

[0032] The ATT 21e attenuates the PLC signal transmitted through the coupler 22a and outputs it to the RX filter 21f.

[0033] The RX filter 21f is, for example, a band-pass filter. The RX filter 21f blocks a frequency band of a PLC signal output from the ATT 21e that is equal to or lower than a predetermined value and a frequency band that is equal to or higher than the predetermined value and outputs it to the AFE unit 21b.

[0034] The LED switch 21g is a switch equipped with an LED. The LED switch 21g outputs a signal according to a user operation to the control unit 21a.

[0035] A part of the program executed by the control unit 21a is stored in the RAM 21h. Also, various data used in the processing of the control unit 21a are temporarily stored in the RAM 21h. The RAM 21h is a memory that temporarily stores programs and data, and may be, for example, an SD (Synchronous Dynamic) RAM.

[0036] The program executed by the control unit 21a is stored in the ROM 21i. Also, various data used in the processing of the control unit 21a are stored in the ROM 21i. The ROM 21i is a memory that fixedly stores programs and data, and may be, for example, a flash memory.

[0037] The reset circuit 21j is a circuit that outputs a reset signal to the control unit 21a. The reset circuit 21j outputs a reset signal to the control unit 21a, for example, when an abnormality of the communication device 11 is detected or in response to a user operation.

[0038] The Ethernet unit 21k performs reception processing of an Ethernet signal received from an Ethernet cable connected to the LAN connector 21l and outputs it to the control unit 21a. Also, the Ethernet unit 21k converts a signal output from the control unit 21a into an Ethernet signal and outputs it to the LAN connector 21l.

[0039] The crystal 21m outputs a clock signal to the control unit 21a and the AFE unit 21b. The control unit 21a and the AFE unit 21b operate in synchronization with the clock signal of the crystal 21m.

[0040] The DC / DC 21n converts the DC voltage supplied from the cable CA1 into a DC voltage of a magnitude that drives the PLC unit 21. The DC / DC 21n supplies the voltage-converted DC voltage to each part of the PLC unit 21.

[0041] Antenna 23 is composed of a coil. Coupler 22a connects TX driver 21d and ATT21e to antenna 23. Also, coupler 22a connects TX driver 21d and ATT21e to cable CA1 via capacitors C1 and C2. Further, coupler 22a connects antenna 23 to cable CA1 via capacitors C1 and C2. The wiring distance between antenna 23 and PLC section 21 is shorter than the distance of cable CA1 connecting between communication device 11 and communication device 12.

[0042] The PLC signal transmitted from communication device 11 to communication device 13 is output from TX driver 21d to coupler 22a without passing through a wireless circuit such as an upconverter. The PLC signal output to coupler 22a is output to antenna 23 and transmitted to communication device 13.

[0043] The PLC signal transmitted from communication device 13 to communication device 11 is received by antenna 23. The PLC signal received by antenna 23 is output to ATT21e via coupler 22a without passing through a wireless circuit such as a downconverter.

[0044] The PLC signal transmitted from communication device 12 to communication device 13 is output to coupler 22a via cable CA1. The PLC signal output to coupler 22a is transmitted to communication device 13 via antenna 23 without passing through a wireless circuit such as an upconverter.

[0045] The PLC signal transmitted from communication device 13 to communication device 12 is received by antenna 23. The PLC signal received by antenna 23 is output to cable CA1 via coupler 22a without passing through a wireless circuit such as a downconverter and transmitted to communication device 12.

[0046] When the communication device 12 is connected to the cable CA1 to which the communication device 11 is connected, it is connected to the antenna 23 of the communication device 11 via the cable CA1 and the coupler 22a of the communication device 11. Therefore, it can be considered that the communication device 12 performs wireless PLC with the communication device 13 using the antenna 23 of the communication device 11.

[0047] Note that although it will be described in the third embodiment, the PLC unit 21 of the communication device 11 may relay-process (amplify) the PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 12 to the communication device 13. Also, the PLC unit 21 of the communication device 11 may relay-process the PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 13 to the communication device 12. Even when the communication device 11 relay-processes the PLC signal, a wireless circuit is unnecessary. Note that relay may be rephrased as multi-hop or retransmission. Note that the PLC unit 21, the coupler 22a, and the antenna of the communication device 11 may be separate bodies or may be built-in.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another block configuration example of the communication device 11. In FIG. 3, the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Hereinafter, the components different from those in FIG. 2 will be described.

[0049] The cable CA1 shown in FIG. 3 is an AC power line that transmits an alternating current or voltage. As shown in FIG. 3, the PLC unit 21 has an AC / DC 21o and a coupler 22b. AC is an abbreviation for alternating current.

[0050] The AC / DC 21o converts the alternating voltage supplied from the cable CA1 into a direct voltage of a magnitude that drives the PLC unit 21. The AC / DC 21o supplies the converted direct voltage to each part of the PLC unit 21.

[0051] The coupler 22b has a transformer T1. The transformer T1 AC-insulates the cable CA1 and the PLC unit 21. Also, the transformer T1 AC-insulates the cable CA1 and the antenna 23.

[0052] The coupler 22b connects the TX driver 21d and the ATT 21e to the antenna 23. The coupler 22b also connects the TX driver 21d and the ATT 21e to the cable CA1 via the transformer T1. The coupler 22b also connects the antenna 23 to the cable CA1 via the transformer T1.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another block configuration example of the communication device 11. In FIG. 4, the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Hereinafter, components different from those in FIG. 2 will be described.

[0054] The cable CA1 shown in FIG. 4 is a communication line that transmits a PLC signal. The cable CA1 is, for example, a twisted pair line, a coaxial line, or a parallel line. As shown in FIG. 4, the PLC unit 21 includes an AC / DC 21p and a coupler 22c.

[0055] The AC / DC 21p converts, for example, an AC voltage supplied from a household power supply (not shown) into a DC voltage of a magnitude that drives the PLC unit 21. The AC / DC 21p supplies the converted DC voltage to each part of the PLC unit 21.

[0056] Unlike the coupler 22a described in FIG. 2 and the coupler 22b described in FIG. 3, the coupler 22c does not have the capacitors C1, C2 and the transformer T1 necessary for insulating DC and AC. The coupler 22c directly connects each of the TX driver 21d, the ATT 21e, the antenna 23, and the cable CA1.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, the cable CA1 may be a communication line. In this case, the coupler 22c may not have elements such as capacitors and transformers. Hereinafter, when the couplers 22a to 22c are not distinguished, they may be simply referred to as the coupler 22.

[0058] The impedances of cable CA1, coupler 22, and antenna 23 will be described. The impedances of cable CA1, coupler 22, and antenna 23 are matched. For example, when cable CA1 is a 50 Ω coaxial line, the impedance of each of coupler 22 and antenna 23 is also set to 50 Ω.

[0059] Note that the impedance of antenna 23 may be made larger than the impedances of cable CA1 and coupler 22 respectively. Or, the impedance of antenna 23 may be made a high impedance. In this case, the PLC signal passing through coupler 22 and flowing into antenna 23 becomes smaller than the PLC signal flowing through cable CA1. Thereby, the communication distance of the PLC signal wirelessly transmitted from antenna 23 can be shortened and interference can be suppressed. Or, since the PLC signal flowing through cable CA1 becomes larger than that of antenna 23, it becomes possible to extend the communication distance using cable CA1.

[0060] As described above, communication device 11 includes a coupler 22 connected to cable CA1 to which communication device 12 that communicates based on PLC is connected, a PLC unit 21 connected to coupler 22, and an antenna 23 connected to coupler 22 that radiates a PLC signal to communication device 13 and receives a PLC signal from communication device 13. Coupler 22 outputs the PLC signal output from PLC unit 21 to cable CA1 and antenna 23, outputs the PLC signal received by antenna 23 to PLC unit 21 and cable CA1, and outputs the PLC signal received from cable CA1 to PLC unit 21 and antenna 23.

[0061] In this way, since the PLC unit 21 is connected to the antenna 23 that radiates and receives PLC signals via the coupler 22, the communication device 11 does not need to include a wireless circuit such as up-converting the PLC signal to be transmitted to the communication device 13, for example, or a wireless circuit such as down-converting the PLC signal received from the antenna 23. Also, since the communication device 12 connected to the communication device 11 via the cable CA1 is connected to the antenna 23 that radiates and receives PLC signals via the coupler 22 of the communication device 11, the communication device 11 does not need to include a wireless circuit such as up-converting the PLC signal that the communication device 12 transmits to the communication device 13 or a wireless circuit such as down-converting the PLC signal received from the antenna 23. The wireless circuit mentioned here refers to communication processing other than the communication method implemented by the PLC unit 21 (for example, up-conversion to the 2.4 GHz band, which is a frequency band not implemented by the PLC unit 21, and other communication methods optimal for that frequency: other communication methods such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth, and Zigbee). Therefore, the communication device 11 can suppress the circuit scale and reduce the cost.

[0062] (Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, a case where the communication system of the first embodiment is applied to a terminal charging system will be described.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a terminal charging system 30 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the terminal charging system 30 includes a master unit 31, chargers 32a to 32c, and terminals 33a to 33c. The terminals 33a to 33c are, for example, smartphones, tablet terminals, or mobile phones.

[0064] The master unit 31 includes the communication device 12 described in the first embodiment. The chargers 32a to 32c include the communication device 11 described in the first embodiment. The terminals 33a to 33c include the communication device 13 (not shown) described in the first embodiment. The communication device 12 of the master unit 31 and the communication devices 11 of the chargers 32a to 32c are connected via the cable CA1.

[0065] After the authentication process described later, the chargers 32a to 32c perform wireless charging on the terminals 33a to 33c placed on the chargers 32a to 32c. The chargers 32a to 32c perform wireless charging based on, for example, the Qi standard. Note that wireless charging may also be referred to as wireless power supply.

[0066] The communication device 12 of the master unit 31 performs PLC with the communication devices 13 mounted on the terminals 33a to 33c via the communication devices 11 mounted on the chargers 32a to 32c. The communication device 12 of the master unit 31 performs authentication processing of the terminals 33a to 33c by PLC with the communication devices 13 mounted on the terminals 33a to 33c.

[0067] The communication device 12 of the master unit 31 instructs the communication devices 11 of the chargers 32a to 32c to start charging the terminals 33a to 33c according to the authentication processing results of the terminals 33a to 33c. Thereby, for example, only the terminals 33a to 33c pre-registered in the master unit 31 are charged when placed on the chargers 32a to 32c.

[0068] Note that the number of chargers 32a to 32c is not limited to the example of FIG. 5. The number of chargers may be one or two, or may be four or more. Also, the authentication processing of the terminals 33a to 33c may be performed by a server (not shown) connected to the communication device 12 of the master unit 31.

[0069] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a block configuration example of the charger 32a and the terminal 33a. As shown in FIG. 6, the charger 32a includes a communication device 11, a control unit 32a-1, a power supply 32a-2, an inverter 32a-3, and a coil 32a-4.

[0070] The communication device 11 includes a PLC unit 21, a coupler 22, and an antenna 23. Since the PLC unit 21, the coupler 22, and the antenna 23 are the same as the PLC unit 21, the coupler 22, and the antenna 23 described in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0071] The control unit 32a-1 controls the entire charger 32a. The control unit 32a-1 is, for example, a CPU. The control unit 32a-1 realizes a predetermined function based on programs and data stored in a memory (not shown).

[0072] The control unit 32a-1 receives a charging start signal and a charging end signal transmitted from the master unit 31 via the communication device 11 and the cable CA1. In response to the charging start signal from the master unit 31, the control unit 32a-1 outputs a power supply signal to the power supply 32a-2. In response to the charging end signal from the master unit 31, the control unit 32a-1 outputs a power stop signal to the power supply 32a-2.

[0073] The power supply 32a-2 outputs power to the inverter 32a-3 in response to the power supply signal output from the control unit 32a-1. The power supply 32a-2 stops the power output to the inverter 32a-3 in response to the power stop signal output from the control unit 32a-1. When the cable CA1 is a DC power line or an AC power line, the power supply 32a-2 may be connected to the cable CA1. And the power supply 32a-2 may be supplied with power from the cable CA1.

[0074] The inverter 32a-3 converts the power output from the power supply 32a-2 into power of a predetermined frequency and outputs it to the coil 32a-4.

[0075] The coil 32a-4 transmits the power output from the inverter 32a-3 to the coil 33a-2 of the terminal 33a, for example, by electromagnetic induction.

[0076] The terminal 33a includes a communication device 13, a control unit 33a-1, a coil 33a-2, a bridge rectifier circuit 33a-3, and a battery 33a-4.

[0077] The communication device 13 includes a PLC unit 13a, a coupler 13b, and an antenna 13c. The PLC unit 13a, the coupler 13b, and the antenna 13c of the communication device 13 may be the same as the PLC unit 21, the coupler 22, and the antenna 23 described in the first embodiment. However, the coupler 13b of the communication device 13 is not connected to a cable. Note that in FIG. 1, the illustration of the coupler 13b is omitted.

[0078] The control unit 33a-1 controls the entire terminal 33a. The control unit 33a-1 is, for example, a CPU. The control unit 33a-1 realizes a predetermined function based on, for example, programs and data stored in a memory (not shown).

[0079] The control unit 33a-1 performs PLC with the communication device 12 of the master unit 31 via the communication device 13 of the terminal 33a, the communication device 11 of the charger 32a, and the cable CA1. For example, when the terminal 33a is placed on the charger 32a and PLC with the master unit 31 is started, the control unit 33a-1 transmits the authentication information of the terminal 33a to the master unit 31.

[0080] Note that when the master unit 31 determines that the terminal 33a is a pre-registered terminal based on the authentication information of the terminal 33a, the master unit 31 transmits a charging start signal to the charger 32a. Thereby, the charger 32a starts charging the terminal 33a.

[0081] Further, the control unit 33a-1 monitors the voltage of the battery 33a-4, and when it determines that the battery 33a-4 is fully charged, the control unit 33a-1 transmits a full charge signal to the master unit 31.

[0082] Note that when receiving the full charge signal from the terminal 33a, the master unit 31 transmits a charging end signal to the charger 32a. Thereby, the charger 32a ends charging the terminal 33a.

[0083] The coil 33a-2 receives the power transmitted from the charger 32a.

[0084] The bridge rectifier circuit 33a-3 rectifies the power received by the coil 33a-2. The bridge rectifier circuit 33a-3 outputs the rectified power to the battery 33a-4.

[0085] In FIG. 6, the block configurations of the charger 32a and the terminal 33a have been described. However, the chargers 32b, 32c and the terminals 33b, 33c also have the same block configurations as those in FIG. 6.

[0086] FIG. 7 is a top view of the antenna 23 of the communication device 11 and the coil 32a-4 of the charger 32a. The antenna 23 of the communication device 11 mounted on the charger 32a and the coil 32a-4 of the charger 32a are formed, for example, in the same plane. The antenna 23 of the communication device 11 is formed, for example, inside the coil 32a-4 of the charger 32a.

[0087] FIG. 8 is a top view of the antenna 13c of the communication device 13 and the coil 33a-2 of the terminal 33a. The antenna 13c of the communication device 13 mounted on the terminal 33a and the coil 33a-2 of the terminal 33a are formed, for example, in the same plane. The antenna 13c of the communication device 13 is formed, for example, inside the coil 33a-2 of the terminal 33a.

[0088] FIG. 9 is a top view of each antenna when the terminal 33a is placed on the charger 32a. The terminal 33a is preferably arranged on the charger 32a such that the coil 33a-2 of the terminal 33a is arranged inside the coil 32a-4 of the charger 32a. Thereby, a decrease in the magnetic field coupling amount between the coil 32a-4 and the coil 33a-2 is suppressed, and a decrease in the charging efficiency can be suppressed.

[0089] Also, the terminal 33a is preferably arranged on the charger 32a such that the antenna 13c of the communication device 13 mounted on the terminal 33a is arranged inside the antenna 23 of the communication device 11 mounted on the charger 32a. Thereby, a decrease in the magnetic field coupling amount between the antenna 23 of the communication device 11 and the antenna 13c of the communication device 13 is suppressed, and a decrease in the communication efficiency can be suppressed.

[0090] Note that the frequency used for power transmission is, for example, 100 kHz or more and 200 kHz or less. The frequency used for transmitting PLC signals is, for example, 2 MHz or more and 28 MHz or less.

[0091] As described above, the master unit 31 of the terminal charging system 30 includes the communication device 12 described in the first embodiment, the chargers 32a to 32c include the communication device 11 described in the first embodiment, and the terminals 33a to 33c include the communication device 13 described in the first embodiment. Then, the master unit 31 communicates with the terminals 33a to 33c via the cable CA1, the coupler 22, and the antenna 23, and performs authentication processing on the terminals 33a to 33c. In this way, since the chargers 32a to 32c include the communication device 11 described in the first embodiment, the circuit scale of the chargers 32a to 32c is suppressed, and the terminal charging system 30 can reduce costs.

[0092] (Third Embodiment) In the third embodiment, a case where the communication system of the first embodiment is applied to a mobility charging system will be described.

[0093] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a mobility charging system 40 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the mobility charging system 40 includes a station 41, a stand 42, an e-scooter 43, and a server 45.

[0094] The e-scooter 43 is leaned against a fixed position of the stand 42. When the e-scooter 43 is leaned against a fixed position of the stand 42, it is charged by a charger (not shown) provided in the stand 42. Hereinafter, the position where the e-scooter 43 of the stand 42 is leaned against will be referred to as the leaning position.

[0095] The station 41 includes the communication device 12 described in the first embodiment. The communication device 12 of the station 41 communicates with the server 45 via the base station 44 and the network 46.

[0096] The communication device 12 of the station 41 wirelessly communicates with the base station 44 based on the standards of a mobile phone system such as 5G or LTE. Note that 5G is an abbreviation for 5th Generation, and LTE is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. The network 46 is, for example, the Internet.

[0097] The server 45 performs the authentication process of the e-scooter 43. As will be described later, when the authentication of the e-scooter 43 is successful by the server 45, charging is started. Also, the server 45 performs the settlement process according to the usage time of the e-scooter 43.

[0098] Note that the communication device 12 of the station 41 may be connected to the network 46 by wire and communicate with the server 45.

[0099] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a block configuration example of the mobility charging system 40. FIG. 11 shows block configuration examples of the station 41, the stand 42, and the e-scooter 43. In FIG. 11, the same components as those in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 11, the station 41 is connected to the cable CA1. A part of the cable CA1 is wired inside the stand 42. The cable CA1 is a DC power line or an AC power line in FIG. 11.

[0101] The stand 42 has a charger 50 and a mounting table 50a. The charger 50 is connected to the cable CA1 wired inside the stand 42. The e-scooter 43 is leaned against the mounting table 50a.

[0102] A block configuration example of the station 41 will be described. The station 41 has a power supply unit 51, a control unit 52, a memory 53, a display device 54, an input device 55, an external communication IF 56, a settlement reader 57, and the communication device 12 described in the first embodiment. Note that IF is an abbreviation for Interface.

[0103] The power supply unit 51 is connected to the cable CA1. The power supply unit 51 receives power from the cable CA1, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each part of the station 41.

[0104] The control unit 52 controls the entire station 41. The control unit 52 is, for example, a CPU. The control unit 32a-1 realizes a predetermined function based on the programs and data stored in the memory 53.

[0105] The display device 54 displays an image according to the control of the control unit 52. The input device 55 receives a user operation and outputs a signal corresponding to the user operation to the control unit 52. Note that the display device 54 and the input device 55 may be integrated, for example, a touch panel.

[0106] The external communication IF56 communicates with the server 45 via the base station 44 and the network 46.

[0107] The payment reader 57 reads information of a smartphone, a credit card, or a transportation IC card and outputs it to the control unit 52. The control unit 52 transmits the information read by the payment reader 57 to the server 45. Note that IC is an abbreviation for Integrated Circuit.

[0108] Note that the server 45 communicates with the control unit 52 of the station 41 and manages user information of users who use the e-scooter 43 and the usage time of the e-scooter 43, etc. The server 45 performs a payment process according to the usage time of the e-scooter 43 based on the information read by the payment reader 57 transmitted from the control unit 52, the user information managed by the server 45, and the usage time of the e-scooter 43 managed by the server 45, etc.

[0109] The communication device 12 of the station 41 is connected to the cable CA1. The communication device 12 performs PLC with the communication device 11 of the charger 50 via the cable CA1. Also, the communication device 12 performs PLC with the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 via the communication device 11 of the charger 50.

[0110] A block configuration example of the charger 50 of the stand 42 will be described. The charger 50 includes a control unit 61, a memory 62, a wireless power supply device 63, and the communication device 11 described in the first embodiment.

[0111] The control unit 61 controls the entire charger 50. The control unit 61 is, for example, a CPU. The control unit 61 realizes a predetermined function based on the programs and data stored in the memory 62.

[0112] The wireless power supply device 63 is connected to the cable CA1. The wireless power supply device 63 wirelessly transmits power to the e-scooter 43 propped on the mounting table 50a of the stand 42.

[0113] Note that the wireless power supply device 63 may have, for example, the power supply 32a-2, the inverter 32a-3, and the coil 32a-4 described in FIG. 6. However, the power supply 32a-2 of the wireless power supply device 63 is supplied with power from the cable CA1.

[0114] The communication device 11 is connected to the cable CA1 via a coupler 22 (see, for example, the coupler 22a in FIG. 2, the coupler 22b in FIG. 3, or the coupler 22 in FIG. 6). The communication device 11 performs PLC with the communication device 12 of the station 41 via the cable CA1. Also, the communication device 11 performs PLC with the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 via an antenna 23 (see, for example, the antenna 23 in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, or FIG. 6).

[0115] A block configuration example of the e-scooter 43 will be described. The e-scooter 43 includes a control unit 71, a memory 72, a wireless power receiving device 73, a battery 75, a motor 76, and the communication device 13 described in the first embodiment.

[0116] The control unit 71 controls the entire e-scooter 43. The control unit 71 is, for example, a CPU. The control unit 71 realizes a predetermined function based on the programs and data stored in the memory 72.

[0117] The wireless power receiving device 73 receives the power transmitted from the charger 50 of the stand 42. The wireless power receiving device 73 charges the battery 75 with the received power. Note that the wireless power receiving device 73 may have, for example, the coil 33a-2 and the bridge rectifier circuit 33a-3 described in FIG. 6.

[0118] The motor 76 rotates based on the power of the battery 75. The e-scooter 43 travels by the rotation of the motor 76.

[0119] The authentication process and charging of the e-scooter 43 will be described. In the mobility charging system 40, for example, the server 45 performs an authentication process so that e-scooters other than the e-scooter 43 provided in the rental service cannot be freely charged at the stand 42. That is, when the e-scooter 43 is placed on the stand 42, the mobility charging system 40 performs the authentication process of the e-scooter 43 and starts charging.

[0120] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the authentication process of the mobility charging system 40. The communication device 13 of the server 45 and the e-scooter 43 holds a certificate issued by the certification authority.

[0121] The communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 is activated, for example, in response to a user's operation (S1).

[0122] The communication device 11 of the stand 42 that has received the hello packet periodically transmitted from the communication device 12 of the station 41 which is the master transmits the hello packet periodically (S2). Note that the hello packet may be referred to as a hello message or a hello signal.

[0123] When the e-scooter 43 is leaned against the leaning position of the stand 42, the distance between the antenna 23 of the communication device 11 of the stand 42 and the antenna 13c of the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 becomes a distance at which the communication device 11 and the communication device 13 can communicate. That is, when the e-scooter 43 is leaned against the leaning position of the stand 42, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 receives the hello packet transmitted from the communication device 11 of the stand 42.

[0124] Based on the hello packet received in S2, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 selects the communication device of the master (S3). Here, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 selects the communication device 12 of the station 41.

[0125] After selecting the master in S3, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 transmits an authentication request to the communication device 12 of the station 41, which is the master, via the communication device 11 of the stand 42 (S4, S5). Note that the authentication request includes route information between the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 and the communication device 12 of the station 41.

[0126] When the communication device 12 of the station 41 receives the authentication request transmitted in S4, S5, it transmits the authentication request to the server 45 according to the IEEE802.1X authentication protocol (S6).

[0127] When the server 45 receives the authentication request transmitted in S6, it transmits the authentication result to the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 via the communication device 12 of the station 41 (S7). Here, it is assumed that the authentication is successful when the certificates held by the server 45 and the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 can be mutually verified. The server 45 transmits the authentication result indicating that the authentication is successful to the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 via the communication device 12 of the station 41. Note that when the authentication is successful, the authentication result includes a PMK (Pairwise Master Key).

[0128] When the communication device 12 of station 41 receives an authentication result of successful authentication, it registers the route information included in the authentication request transmitted at S4 and S5 in the storage device (S8).

[0129] When the communication device 12 of station 41 registers the route information at S8, based on the registered route information, it transmits a challenge request to the communication device 13 of e-scooter 43 via the communication device 11 of stand 42 (S9, S10). The communication device 12 of station 41 generates a PWK (Pairwise Key) using the PMK.

[0130] In response to receiving the challenge request transmitted at S9 and S10, the communication device 13 of e-scooter 43 transmits a challenge response to the communication device 12 of station 41 (S11, S12). Note that the communication device 13 of e-scooter 43 generates a PWK using the PMK included in the authentication result of IEEE802.1X and encrypts the challenge response.

[0131] The communication device 12 of station 41 decrypts the challenge response transmitted at S11 and S12 using the PWK. If the communication device 12 of station 41 can decrypt the challenge response transmitted at S11 and S12, it transmits an authentication response to the communication device 13 of e-scooter 43 via the communication device 11 of stand 42 (S13, S14).

[0132] Based on the authentication response transmitted at S13 and S14, the communication device of e-scooter 43 recognizes the completion of authentication (successful authentication) (S15).

[0133] Based on the authentication response transmitted at S13 and S14, the communication device 11 of stand 42 starts power supply (charging) to e-scooter 43 (S16).

[0134] The multi-hop in the communication device 11 of the charger 50 will be described. As the charger 50 on the stand 42 moves away from the station 41, the PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 12 of the station 41 to the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 deteriorates. Also, as the charger 50 on the stand 42 moves away from the station 41, the PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 to the communication device 12 of the station 41 deteriorates.

[0135] Therefore, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 executes the relay process (retransmission process) of the PLC signal according to the PLC protocol. For example, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 executes the relay process of the PLC signal based on the signal strength of the PLC signal.

[0136] Figure 13 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of the relay process of the PLC signal. Assume that the control unit 71 of the e-scooter 43 transmits a data signal to the server 45.

[0137] The communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 converts the data signal to be transmitted to the server 45 into a PLC signal and transmits it to the communication device 11 of the stand 42 (charger 50) via the antenna 13c of the communication device 13 (S21).

[0138] The communication device 11 of the stand 42 receives the PLC signal transmitted in S21 via the antenna 23 of the communication device 11. The communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines whether to perform the relay process of the received PLC signal according to the PLC protocol. Here, the communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines to perform the relay process.

[0139] The communication device 11 of the stand 42 transmits the relay-processed (re-modulated) PLC signal to the communication device 12 of the station 41 via the cable CA1 (S22).

[0140] The communication device 12 of station 41 receives the PLC signal transmitted at S22. The communication device 12 of station 41 outputs a data signal based on the received PLC signal to the control unit 52. The control unit 52 of station 41 transmits the data signal output from the communication device 12 to the server 45 via the base station 44 and the network 46 (S23).

[0141] In this way, the PLC signal of the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 is relayed by the communication device 11 of the stand 42 and transmitted to the communication device 12 of station 41.

[0142] Assume that the server 45 transmits a data signal to the e-scooter 43. The server 45 transmits the data signal to station 41 via the network 46 and the base station 44 (S24).

[0143] The control unit 52 of station 41 receives the data signal transmitted at S24. The control unit 52 of station 41 outputs the received data signal to the communication device 12. The communication device 12 of station 41 converts the data signal output from the control unit 52 into a PLC signal and transmits it to the communication device 11 of the stand 42 via the cable CA1 (S25).

[0144] The communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines whether to perform relaying processing on the PLC signal transmitted at S25 according to the PLC protocol. Here, the communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines to perform relaying processing.

[0145] The communication device 11 of the stand 42 transmits the relayed (re-modulated) PLC signal to the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 via the antenna 23 of the communication device 11 (S26).

[0146] In this way, the PLC signal of the communication device 12 of station 41 is relayed by the communication device 11 of the stand 42 and transmitted to the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43.

[0147] Suppose the control unit 71 of the e-scooter 43 transmits a data signal to the server 45. The communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 converts the data signal to be transmitted to the server 45 into a PLC signal and transmits it to the communication device 11 of the stand 42 via the antenna 13c of the communication device 13 (S27).

[0148] The communication device 11 of the stand 42 receives the PLC signal transmitted in S27 via the antenna 23 of the communication device 11. The communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines whether to perform relay processing on the received PLC signal according to the PLC protocol. Here, the communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines not to perform relay processing. Therefore, the PLC signal received by the antenna 23 of the communication device 11 is not relayed by the PLC unit 21 of the communication device 11 and is output to the cable CA1 without passing through the communication device 11. That is, the PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 is directly transmitted to the communication device 12 of the station 41.

[0149] The communication device 12 of the station 41 receives the PLC signal transmitted in S27. The communication device 12 of the station 41 outputs a data signal based on the received PLC signal to the control unit 52. The control unit 52 of the station 41 transmits the data signal output from the communication device 12 to the server 45 via the base station 44 and the network 46 (S28).

[0150] In this way, the PLC signal of the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 is transmitted to the communication device 12 of the station 41 without being relayed by the communication device 11 of the stand 42.

[0151] Suppose the server 45 transmits a data signal to the e-scooter 43. The server 45 transmits the data signal to the station 41 via the network 46 and the base station 44 (S29).

[0152] The control unit 52 of station 41 receives the data signal transmitted in S29. The control unit 52 of station 41 outputs the received data signal to the communication device 12. The communication device 12 of station 41 converts the data signal output from the control unit 52 into a PLC signal and transmits it to the communication device 11 of stand 42 via cable CA1 (S30).

[0153] The communication device 11 of stand 42 receives the PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 12 of station 41. The communication device 11 of stand 42 determines whether to perform relay processing on the received PLC signal according to the PLC protocol. Here, the communication device 11 of stand 42 determines not to perform relay processing. Therefore, the PLC signal received by the communication device 11 is not relayed by the PLC unit 21 of the communication device 11 and is output to the antenna 23 of the communication device 11 without passing through the communication device 11. That is, the PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 12 of station 41 is directly transmitted to the communication device 13 of e-scooter 43.

[0154] In this way, the PLC signal of the communication device 12 of station 41 is transmitted to the communication device 13 of e-scooter 43 without being relayed by the communication device 11 of stand 42.

[0155] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of relay processing in the communication device 11 of stand 42. The communication device 11 of stand 42 receives the PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 12 of station 41 or the communication device 13 of e-scooter 43 (S41).

[0156] The communication device 11 of stand 42 determines whether the final destination of the PLC signal received in S41 is the communication device 11 (S42).

[0157] If the communication device 11 of stand 42 determines that the final destination of the PLC signal received in S41 is the communication device 11 (\"YES\" in S42), the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0158] On the other hand, when the communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines that the final destination of the PLC signal received in S41 is not the communication device 11 ( "NO" in S42), the communication device 11 determines whether it is the relay device (relay device) of the PLC signal received in S41 (S43).

[0159] When the communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines that it is not the relay device of the PLC signal ( "NO" in S43), the processing of the flowchart ends.

[0160] On the other hand, when the communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines that it is the relay device of the PLC signal ( "YES" in S43), it performs the relay processing of the PLC signal received in S41 according to the PLC protocol (S44). Whether to relay is learned in advance regularly before communication. Regarding whether to relay, for example, when the communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines during learning that relaying can transmit data to the communication device 12 in a shorter time, it determines to perform the relay processing of the PLC signal received in S41. Indicators for determination include the PHY speed required between communication devices.

[0161] When the communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines not to perform the relay processing of the PLC signal received in S41 ( "NO" in S44), the processing of the flowchart ends.

[0162] On the other hand, when the communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines to perform the relay processing of the PLC signal received in S41 ( "YES" in S44), it performs the relay processing of the PLC signal received in S41 (S45). For example, the communication device 11 of the stand 42 remodulates and transmits the PLC signal received in S41.

[0163] Other block configuration examples of the station 41, the stand 42, and the e - scooter 43 will be described.

[0164] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another block configuration example of the mobility charging system 40. FIG. 15 shows configuration examples of the station 41, the stand 42, and the e-scooter 43. In FIG. 15, the same components as those in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Hereinafter, parts different from those in FIG. 11 will be described.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 15, a PLC relay device 81 is connected to the cable CA1. The PLC relay device 81 relays the PLC signal flowing through the cable CA1. For example, the relay device 81 receives a signal transmitted from the communication device 12 of the station 41 to the communication device 11 of the stand 42 or the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43, remodulates it, and outputs it to the cable CA1. Further, the relay device 81 receives a signal transmitted from the communication device 11 of the stand 42 or the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 to the communication device 12 of the station 41, remodulates it, and outputs it to the cable CA1. Thus, a PLC relay device 81 for relaying the PLC signal may be connected to the cable CA1.

[0166] The position where the PLC relay device 81 is connected to the cable CA1 is not particularly limited. However, the PLC relay device 81 is connected to the cable CA1, for example, between a charger 50 disposed at a position close to the station 41 (left side) and a charger 50 disposed at a position away from the station 41 (right side) as shown in FIG. 15.

[0167] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another block configuration example of the mobility charging system 40. FIG. 16 shows block configuration examples of the station 41, the stand 42, and the e-scooter 43. In FIG. 16, the same components as those in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Hereinafter, parts different from those in FIG. 11 will be described.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 16, a charger 90 is connected to the cable CA1. The charger 90 has an antenna 91. The antenna 91 is constituted by a coil. The antenna 91 is connected to the cable CA1. Note that the antenna 91 may be connected to the cable CA1 via a coupler 22.

[0169] As shown in FIG. 16, the charger 90 may not include a PLC unit. In this case, the charger 90 shown in FIG. 16 cannot communicate with the station 41 and the e-scooter 43. Note that the station 41 and the e-scooter 43 can communicate via the antenna 91 of the charger 90.

[0170] In the mobility charging system 40 based on the block configuration example shown in FIG. 16, since each charger 90 does not have a communication device 11, it is difficult for the station 41 to notify each charger 90 that the authentication of the e-scooter 43 has been completed. However, the start of charging the e-scooter 43 does not have to be based on the above-described authentication process. That is, the station 41 and the e-scooter 43 do not execute the authentication process before the start of charging, and the e-scooter 43 can be charged simply by being parked at the stand 42 even if the scooter information is not registered in the server 45. Such a system is effective in a mobility charging system 40 based on the block configuration example shown in FIG. 16 where it is difficult for the station 41 to notify each charger 90 that the authentication of the e-scooter 43 has been completed because each charger 90 does not have a communication device 11. For example, it is installed in a place such as a factory site where the users of e-scooters are limited and the limited users can freely use e-scooters.

[0171] However, even in a system that does not perform the authentication process, the e-scooter 43 may transmit the data signal stored in the e-scooter 43 to the server 45. Here, the data signal is, for example, the ID information of the e-scooter 43, the remaining battery level, running information (running distance), GPS information, etc.

[0172] Also, the station 42 may have a mixture of the charger 50 and the charger 90. For example, the charger 90 may be arranged at a position close to the station 41 (left side), and the charger 50 may be arranged at a position away from the station 41 (right side).

[0173] As described above, the station 41 of the mobility charging system 40 includes the communication device 12 described in the first embodiment, the charger 50 includes the communication device 11 described in the first embodiment, and the e-scooter 43 includes the communication device 13 described in the first embodiment. Then, the station 41 communicates with the e-scooter 43 via the cable CA1, the coupler 22, and the antenna 23, and performs the authentication process of the e-scooter 43. In this way, since the charger 50 and the e-scooter 43 perform short-range wireless communication based on PLC communication via the antenna 13 (coil), the propagation distance of the signal radiated from the antenna 13 can be shortened, and interference of wireless communication can be suppressed. Therefore, the station 41 can appropriately perform the authentication process. Further, since the charger 50 includes the communication device 11 described in the first embodiment, the circuit scale of the charger 50 is suppressed, and the mobility charging system 40 can suppress the circuit scale and reduce the cost.

[0174] Note that in the above, it is assumed that the server 45 performs the authentication process of the e-scooter 43, but the communication device 12 of the station 41 may perform the authentication process of the e-scooter 43.

[0175] Also, the charger 50 shown in FIG. 11 may be connected to the cable CA1 in FIG. 16. That is, the charger 50 shown in FIG. 11 and the charger 90 shown in FIG. 16 may be mixed and connected to the cable CA1.

[0176] Also, the charging target of the mobility charging system 40 is not limited to the e-scooter 43. The charging target of the mobility charging system 40 may be, for example, an electric bicycle.

[0177] (Fourth Embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, the signal band of the PLC signal is changed between adjacent chargers.

[0178] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a mobility charging system 40 according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 17 shows block configuration examples of a station 41, a stand 42, and an e-scooter 43. In FIG. 17, the same components as those in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Hereinafter, parts different from FIG. 11 will be described.

[0179] As shown in FIG. 17, the station 41 has communication devices 12a and 12b. The communication device 12a performs PLC, for example, in signal band A. The communication device 12b performs PLC, for example, in signal band B.

[0180] The chargers 50-1, 50-2, 50-3, 50-4, …, 50-n of the stand 42 have a communication device 11 in the same manner as the charger 50 shown in FIG. 11. However, adjacent communication devices 11 of the chargers 50-1, 50-2, 50-3, 50-4, …, 50-n perform PLC in different signal bands.

[0181] For example, the communication devices 11 of the chargers 50-1, 50-3, …, 50-k (k is an odd number) perform PLC in signal band A. Therefore, the communication devices 11 of the chargers 50-1, 50-3, …, 50-k perform PLC with the communication device 12a of the station 41.

[0182] Also, the communication devices 11 of the chargers 50-2, 50-4, …, 50-l (l is an even number) perform PLC in signal band B. Therefore, the communication devices 11 of the chargers 50-2, 50-4, …, 50-l perform PLC with the communication device 12b of the station 41.

[0183] Note that the e-scooter 43 may be leaned against the stand 42 at a position corresponding to the chargers 50-1, 50-3, …, 50-k in signal band A, or may be leaned against the stand 42 at a position corresponding to the chargers 50-2, 50-4, …, 50-l in signal band B. Therefore, as will be described later, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 has a function of performing PLC in a plurality of signal bands.

[0184] Hereinafter, when not distinguishing between the communication devices 12a and 12b of the station 41, they are described as the communication device 12. When not distinguishing between the chargers 50-1, 50-2, 50-3, 50-4, …, 50-n, they are described as the charger 50.

[0185] Figures 18A to 18C are diagrams for explaining an example of the signal band of the PLC. In addition to the example of the signal band of the PLC, Figures 18A to 18C also show the frequency band of alternating current power and the frequency band of direct current power.

[0186] As shown in Figure 18A, the mobility charging system 40 may perform PLC using two signal bands A and B. As described in Figure 17, the station 41 includes two communication devices 12. The first communication device 12 may perform PLC in the signal band A. The second communication device 12 may perform PLC in the signal band B. And the communication device 11 of the charger 50 may perform PLC using different signal bands A and B adjacent to each other, as described in Figure 17.

[0187] As shown in Figure 18B, the mobility charging system 40 may perform PLC using three or more different signal bands. For example, as shown in Figure 18B, the mobility charging system 40 may perform PLC using four signal bands.

[0188] In the case of the example in Figure 18B, the station 41 has four communication devices 12. The first communication device 12 performs PLC in the signal band A. The second communication device 12 performs PLC in the signal band B. The third communication device 12 performs PLC in the signal band C. The fourth communication device 12 performs PLC in the signal band D.

[0189] In the case of the example of FIG. 18B, the communication device 11 of the charger 50-1 of the stand 42 performs PLC, for example, in the signal band A. The communication device 11 of the charger 50-2 of the stand 42 performs PLC, for example, in the signal band B. The communication device 11 of the charger 50-3 of the stand 42 performs PLC, for example, in the signal band C. The communication device 11 of the charger 50-4 of the stand 42 performs PLC, for example, in the signal band D. Similarly hereinafter, for the communication device 11 of the charger 50 of the stand 42, four signal bands are sequentially assigned, and PLC is performed in the assigned signal band.

[0190] As shown in FIG. 18C, the mobility charging system 40 may perform PLC using non-adjacent signal bands. For example, the mobility charging system 40 may divide a signal band of 2 MHz or more and 28 MHz or less into a plurality of signal bands, and perform PLC using non-adjacent signal bands among the divided signal bands. More specifically, the mobility charging system 40 may perform PLC using the signal bands A and C as shown in FIG. 18C among the four signal bands A to D shown in FIG. 18B.

[0191] When non-adjacent signal bands are used, the mobility charging system 40 can suppress interference of PLC signals. In addition, for the mobility charging system 40, filtering processing of PLC signals becomes easy, and for example, the configuration of the digital filtering processing performed by the TX filter and the RX filter 21f shown in FIG. 2, or the AFE unit 21b can be simplified or miniaturized.

[0192] The communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 will be described. As described above, the e-scooter 43 may be leaned against the stand 42 at a position corresponding to the charger 50 in the signal band A, or may be leaned against the stand 42 at a position corresponding to the charger 50 in the signal band B. Therefore, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 has a function of performing PLC in a plurality of signal bands, and determines (selects) a signal band (channel) to be used for PLC.

[0193] When the communication device 12 of the station 41 and the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 perform PLC, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 performs relay processing. Therefore, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 communicates with the communication device 12 of the station 41 in the signal band of the communication device 11 of the charger 50 corresponding to the position where the e-scooter 43 is parked at the stand 42.

[0194] For example, the charger 50-1 in FIG. 17 performs PLC in the signal band A. Therefore, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 parked at the position corresponding to the charger 50-1 in FIG. 17 performs PLC with the communication device 12a of the station 41 in the signal band A. Also, for example, the charger 50-2 in FIG. 17 performs PLC in the signal band B. Therefore, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 parked at the position corresponding to the charger 50-2 in FIG. 17 performs PLC with the communication device 12b of the station 41 in the signal band B.

[0195] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the channel setting operation of the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43. The communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 detects the power supply from the cable CA1 (S51). For example, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 detects the power supply from the cable CA1 based on the voltage output from the DC / DC 21n or the AC / DC 21o.

[0196] When the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 detects the power supply from the cable CA1, it sets the receiving channel of the PLC to the initial channel (S52) and receives two or more multi-hop halo packets (S53).

[0197] Note that the halo packet contains information on the number of multi-hops. When the relay processing is performed in the communication device of the PLC, the number of multi-hops is incremented by 1. Since the halo packet output from the communication device 12 of the station 41 is relayed by the communication device 11 of the charger 50 and transmitted to the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43, the number of multi-hops is at least 2 or more.

[0198] The communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 stores the reception quality of the hello packet received in S53 in the RAM 21h (S54). The reception quality may be, for example, CINR, the speed of the PHY signal of the PLC, or the magnitude of the power of the PHY signal of the PLC. Note that CINR is an abbreviation for Carrier power to Interference power plus Noise Ration. PHY is an abbreviation for physical.

[0199] When the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 stores the reception quality of the hello packet in the RAM 21h, it changes the reception channel of the PLC (S55).

[0200] The communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 determines whether all channels of the PLC have been selected (S56).

[0201] If the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 has not selected all channels of the PLC (\"NO\" in S56), the process proceeds to S53. That is, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 receives the hello packet on the reception channel changed in S55.

[0202] On the other hand, when the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 has selected all channels of the PLC (\"YES\" in S56), it fixes the reception channel of the PLC to the channel of the hello packet with the best reception quality among the reception qualities of the hello packets stored in the RAM 21h (S57).

[0203] As described above, the mobility charging system 40 changes the signal band of the PLC signal in adjacent chargers 50. Thereby, interference in the wireless communication between the charger 50 of the mobility charging system 40 and the e-scooter 43 is suppressed. Here, although power supply is detected and the process proceeds to the reception channel selection operation, it is sufficient to know that the device is in a charging state at the charging stand even without detecting power supply. For example, the process may proceed to the channel selection operation after the user presses a charging mode button (or return button).

[0204] (Fifth Embodiment) In the fifth embodiment, a case where there are a plurality of single-phase two-wire cables will be described.

[0205] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the mobility charging system 40 according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 20 shows a block configuration example of the station 41, the stand 42, and the e-scooter 43. In FIG. 20, the same components as those in FIG. 17 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Hereinafter, parts different from FIG. 17 will be described.

[0206] As shown in FIG. 20, the mobility charging system 40 includes a single-phase two-wire cable CA1a and a single-phase two-wire cable CA1b. The power supply unit 51 of the communication device 12 of the station 41 supplies power to the cables CA1a and CA1b.

[0207] In the cables CA1a and CA1b, PLC in different signal bands is performed. For example, in the cable CA1a, PLC in the signal band A is performed. In the cable CA1b, PLC in the signal band B is performed.

[0208] Therefore, the communication device 12a of the station 41 that performs PLC in the signal band A is connected to the cable CA1a. The communication device 12b of the station 41 that performs PLC in the signal band B is connected to the cable CA1b.

[0209] Also, the communication devices 11 of the chargers 50-1, 50-3, …, 50-k that perform PLC in the signal band A are connected to the cable CA1a. The communication devices 11 of the chargers 50-2, 50-4, …, 50-l that perform PLC in the signal band B are connected to the cable CA1b.

[0210] Similar to the description in the fourth embodiment, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 may be leaned against the stand 42 at a position corresponding to the charger 50 in the signal band A, or may be leaned against the stand 42 at a position corresponding to the charger 50 in the signal band B. Therefore, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 shown in FIG. 20 has a function of performing PLC in a plurality of signal bands and determines a channel used for PLC, similar to the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 in the fourth embodiment.

[0211] As described above, the charger 50 of the mobility charging system 40 is connected to single-phase two-wire cables CA1a and CA1b with different signal bands of PLC signals between adjacent ones. Thereby, interference of the wireless communication between the charger 50 of the mobility charging system 40 and the e-scooter 43 is suppressed.

[0212] In the example of FIG. 20, the case where there are two single-phase two-wire cables has been described, but the number of cables may be three or more. For example, the mobility charging system 40 may have four cables. Each of the four cables may be used for PLC in different signal bands. For example, the first cable may be used for PLC in the signal band A. The second cable may be used for PLC in the signal band B. The third cable may be used for PLC in the signal band C. The fourth cable may be used for PLC in the signal band D.

[0213] Also, when there are a plurality of single-phase two-wires and PLC in different signal bands is performed in each cable, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 does not have to relay-process the PLC signals transmitted and received between the communication device 12 of the station 41 and the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43. However, when the PLC signal leaks from the cable and interferes (superimposes) with other cables, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 may perform relay processing of the PLC signal.

[0214] In addition, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 may relay-process the PLC signal transmitted to the communication device 11 of another charger 50. For example, the communication device 13 of the charger 50-4 that performs PLC in the signal band B shown in FIG. 20 may relay-process the PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 12b of the station 41 that performs PLC in the signal band B to the communication device 13 of the charger 50-n that performs PLC in the signal band B.

[0215] (Sixth Embodiment) In the sixth embodiment, the case where the cable is three-phase three-wire will be described.

[0216] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the mobility charging system 40 according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 21 shows block configuration examples of the station 41, the stand 42, and the e-scooter 43. In FIG. 21, the same components as those in FIG. 17 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Hereinafter, the parts different from those in FIG. 17 will be described.

[0217] As shown in FIG. 21, the mobility charging system 40 has three-phase three-wire cables CA1a to CA1c. The cable CA1a is a cable of the U phase. The cable CA1b is a cable of the V phase. The cable CA1c is a cable of the W phase. The power supply unit 51 of the station 41 supplies three-phase power to the three-phase three-wire cables CA1a to CA1c.

[0218] The station 41 has communication devices 12a, 12b, and 12c. The communication devices 12a, 12b, and 12c are each connected to the cables CA1a to CA1c of different phases and perform PLC in different signal bands.

[0219] For example, the communication device 12a is connected to the U-phase - V-phase cables CA1a and CA1b and performs PLC in the signal band A. The communication device 12b is connected to the V-phase - W-phase cables CA1b and CA1c and performs PLC in the signal band B. The communication device 12c is connected to the U-phase - W-phase cables CA1a and CA1c and performs PLC in the signal band C.

[0220] The chargers 50-1, 50-2, 50-3, 50-4, …, 50-n of the stand 42 have the communication device 11 as also described in FIG. 17. The adjacent communication devices 11 of the chargers 50-1, 50-2, 50-3, 50-4, …, 50-n are connected to the cables CA1a to CA1c of different phases and perform PLC in different signal bands.

[0221] For example, the communication device 11 of the charger 50-1 is connected to the U-phase - V-phase cables CA1a, CA1b and performs PLC in the signal band A. The communication device 11 of the charger 50-2 is connected to the V-phase - W-phase cables CA1b, CA1c and performs PLC in the signal band B. The communication device 11 of the charger 50-3 is connected to the U-phase - W-phase cables CA1a, CA1c and performs PLC in the signal band C. The communication device 11 of the charger 50-4 is connected to the U-phase - V-phase cables CA1a, CA1b and performs PLC in the signal band A.

[0222] The communication device 11 of the charger 50 performs PLC with the communication device 12 of the station 41 connected to the cables CA1a to CA1c of the same phase. For example, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 connected to the U-phase - V-phase cables CA1a, CA1b performs PLC with the communication device 12a of the station 41. The communication device 11 of the charger 50 connected to the V-phase - W-phase cables CA1b, CA1c performs PLC with the communication device 12b of the station 41. The communication device 11 of the charger 50 connected to the U-phase - W-phase cables CA1a, CA1c performs PLC with the communication device 12c of the station 41.

[0223] The communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43, similar to the description given in the fourth embodiment, may be leaned against the stand 42 at a position corresponding to the charger 50 in the signal band A or may be leaned against the stand 42 at a position corresponding to the charger 50 in the signal band B. Therefore, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 shown in FIG. 21 has the function of performing PLC in a plurality of signal bands and determines the channel used for PLC, similar to the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 in the fourth embodiment.

[0224] As described above, the charger 50 of the mobility charging system 40 is connected to three-phase three-wire cables CA1a to CA1c with different signal bands of PLC signals adjacent to each other. Thereby, interference in the wireless communication between the charger 50 of the mobility charging system 40 and the e-scooter 43 is suppressed.

[0225] In addition, when PLC with different signal bands is performed between different phases, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 may not relay the PLC signals transmitted and received between the communication device 12 of the station 41 and the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, in the U-phase - V-phase cables CA1a, CA1b, PLC of one signal band A is performed, in the V-phase - W-phase cables CA1b, CA1c, PLC of one signal band B is performed, and in the U-phase - W-phase cables CA1a, CA1c, PLC of one signal band C is performed. In this case, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 may not relay the PLC signals. However, when the PLC signals leak from the cables and interfere (superimpose) with other cables, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 may perform relay processing of the PLC signals.

[0226] Also, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 may relay the PLC signals transmitted to the communication device 11 of other chargers 50. For example, the communication device 13 of the charger 50-3 that performs PLC in the signal band C shown in FIG. 21 may relay the PLC signals transmitted from the communication device 12c of the station 41 that performs PLC in the signal band C to the communication device 13 of the charger 50-n that performs PLC in the signal band C.

[0227] Also, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 may automatically determine the channel for performing PLC. In this case, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 is set to receive hello packets with a predetermined number of hops. The communication device 11 of the charger 50 receives hello packets with a predetermined number of hops and performs channel determination for PLC based on the reception quality of the received hello packets.

[0228] For example, assume that the communication devices 11 of the chargers 50-1 and 50-2 in FIG. 21 do not relay-process PLC signals. Assume that the communication device 11 of the charger 50-3 relay-processes the PLC signals in the signal band C transmitted from the communication device 12c of the station 41 to the communication device 13 of the charger 50-n.

[0229] In this case, the PLC signals in the signal band C received by the communication device 11 of the charger 50-4 adjacent to the charger 50-3 may have greater power than the PLC signals in the signal band A. In this case, the communication device 13 of the charger 50-4 may erroneously select the signal band C instead of the signal band A for channel selection.

[0230] Therefore, the communication device 11 of the charger 50-4 is preset to receive a hello packet with a hop count of 1. Thereby, the communication device 11 of the charger 50-4 does not compare the hello packet with a hop count of 2 in the signal band A relayed by the communication device 11 of the charger 50-3, and performs channel determination based on the reception quality of the hello packets in the signal bands A to C at the hop count of 1. Thereby, the communication device 11 of the charger 50-4 is suppressed from making an incorrect channel selection. Alternatively, incorrect channel selection is suppressed by comparing hello packets with the same hop count.

[0231] (Seventh Embodiment) In the seventh embodiment, an example will be described in which a plurality of PLC networks are connected via a communication device that performs wireless communication according to the present disclosure to form one PLC network.

[0232] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a PLC network 100 according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 22 shows a facility 101 and a mobility 102. The facility 101 is, for example, a power supply facility that supplies power to the mobility 102. The mobility 102 is, for example, a vehicle or a ship. The vehicle is, for example, an e-scooter, an electric bicycle, or an automobile.

[0233] As shown in FIG. 22, the facility 101 includes communication devices 111 to 113, a wireless power supply device 114, and cables CA11a and CA11b.

[0234] The communication device 111 includes a coupler 111a and an antenna 111b. The communication device 111 is, for example, the communication device 11 described in the first embodiment, and the coupler 111a and the antenna 111b correspond to the coupler 22 and the antenna 23 described in the first embodiment.

[0235] The communication devices 112 and 113 are, for example, the communication device 12 described in the first embodiment.

[0236] The wireless power supply device 114 supplies power to the mobility 102. The wireless power supply device 114 includes, for example, the power supply 32a-2, the inverter 32a-3, and the coil 32a-4 described in FIG. 6.

[0237] The communication device 111 and the communication device 112 are connected via the coupler 111a and the cable CA11a. The communication device 112 and the communication device 113 are connected via the cable CA11b. The communication devices 111, 112, and 113 perform PLC to form a PLC network NW1.

[0238] As shown in FIG. 22, the mobility 102 includes communication devices 121 to 123, a wireless power receiving device 124, a battery 125, and cables CA12a and CA12b.

[0239] The communication device 121 includes a coupler 121a and an antenna 121b. The communication device 121 is, for example, the communication device 11 described in the first embodiment, and the coupler 121a and the antenna 121b correspond to the coupler 22 and the antenna 23 described in the first embodiment.

[0240] The communication devices 122 and 123 are, for example, the communication device 12 described in the first embodiment.

[0241] The wireless power receiving device 124 receives power supplied from the facility 101. The wireless power receiving device 124 has, for example, the coil 33a-2 and the bridge rectifier circuit 33a-3 described in FIG. 6. The wireless power receiving device 124 receives power transmitted from the wireless power feeding device 114 and charges the battery 125.

[0242] The communication device 121 and the communication device 122 are connected via the coupler 121a and the cable CA12a. The communication device 122 and the communication device 123 are connected via the cable CA12b. The communication devices 121, 122, 123 perform PLC and form a PLC network NW2.

[0243] The cable CA11a of the facility 101 and the cable CA12a of the mobility 102 are connected via the coupler 111a and the antenna 111b of the communication device 111 and the coupler 121a and the antenna 112b of the communication device 121. That is, the PLC network NW1 and the PLC network NW2 are connected by wireless communication of the communication devices 111, 121. That is, the communication devices 111, 121 bridge the PLC network NW1 and the PLC network NW2 via the coils (antennas 111b, 121b) to form one PLC network NW3.

[0244] As described above, the communication devices 111, 121 can bridge a plurality of PLC networks NW1, NW2 to form one PLC network NW3.

[0245] Note that the mobility 102 may be a terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a mobile phone.

[0246] In the above-described embodiments, the notation “··· section” used for each component may be replaced with other notations such as “··· circuitry”, “··· assembly”, “··· device”, “··· unit”, or “··· module”. Also, the station described above may be referred to as a control device, for example. The charger having the communication device 11 may be referred to as an electronic device (first electronic device), for example. The terminal and the e-scooter that receive the power transmitted from the charger may be referred to as electronic machines (second electronic devices), for example. The mobility charging system may be referred to as an authentication system. The charger 90 having the antenna 91 may be referred to as an electronic device (third electronic device), for example.

[0247] As described above, the embodiments have been explained with reference to the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can come up with various modification examples or correction examples within the scope described in the claims. Such modification examples or correction examples are also understood to belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure. Also, within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure, the components in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined.

[0248] The present disclosure can be realized by software, hardware, or software in cooperation with hardware. Each functional block used in the description of the above embodiments is realized as an LSI which is an integrated circuit, partially or entirely, and each process described in the above embodiments may be controlled partially or entirely by one LSI or a combination of LSIs. The LSI may be composed of individual chips, or may be composed of one chip so as to include a part or all of the functional blocks. The LSI may be provided with data input and output. Depending on the degree of integration, the LSI may also be referred to as an IC, a system LSI, a super LSI, or an ultra LSI.

[0249] The method of integrating circuits is not limited to LSIs, and it may also be realized by dedicated circuits, general-purpose processors, or dedicated processors. Further, after manufacturing the LSI, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connection and setting of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used. The present disclosure may be realized as digital processing or analog processing.

[0250] Furthermore, if a technology for integrating circuits that replaces LSIs appears due to the progress of semiconductor technology or another derived technology, naturally, the integration of functional blocks may be performed using that technology. The application of biotechnology and the like are possible as examples.

[0251] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 139,667, filed on January 20, 2021, and the entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 139,667 is incorporated herein by reference.

Industrial Applicability

[0252] The present disclosure can be applied to a system for authenticating and charging electronic devices.

Explanation of Signs

[0253] 1 Communication system 11, 12, 12a to 12c, 13, 111 to 113, 121 to 123 Communication devices 21 PLC unit 22, 22a to 22c, 111a, 121a Couplers 23, 13c, 121b Antennas 30 Terminal charging system 31 Master device 32a to 32c, 50 - 1, 50 - 2, 50 - 3, 50 - 4, …, 50 - n Chargers 33a to 33c Terminals 40 Mobility charging system 41 Station 42 Stand 43 e - scooter 45 Server CA1, CA1a to CA1c cables

Claims

1. A coupler connected to a cable to which a first communication device that communicates based on a wired communication method is connected, A communication circuit connected to the coupler, An antenna connected to the coupler, radiating a signal of the wired communication method to a second communication device and receiving a signal of the wired communication method from the second communication device, A housing storing the coupler, the communication circuit, and the antenna, And having, The coupler, Outputs a signal of the wired communication method output from the communication circuit to the cable and the antenna, Outputs a signal of the wired communication method received by the antenna to the communication circuit and the cable, Outputs a signal of the wired communication method received from the cable to the communication circuit and the antenna, A communication device.

2. The antenna is a coil, The communication device according to claim 1.

3. The communication circuit performs relay processing on signals transmitted from the first communication device to the second communication device and signals transmitted from the second communication device to the first communication device according to the protocol of the wired communication method, The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Further having a power supply circuit that receives power from the cable and supplies power to the communication circuit, The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The coupler has a capacitor that blocks the inflow of the DC power to the communication circuit and the antenna when the power is DC power, The communication device according to claim 4.

6. The coupler has a transformer that electrically insulates the cable from the communication circuit and the antenna when the power is AC power, The communication device according to claim 4.

7. The cable is a twisted pair wire, a coaxial wire, or a parallel wire, The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. Further having a power supply circuit connected to a power line different from the cable and supplying power to the communication device, The communication device according to claim 7.

9. The wiring distance between the communication circuit and the antenna connected via the coupler is shorter than the distance of the cable connecting the communication device and the first communication device, The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The wired communication method is PLC (Power Line Communication), The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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