Communication system using heating line

Abstract

This communication system using a heating line may perform communication by dividing a time section into a heating section and a communication section in communication between a control panel and a sensor unit connected by the heating line. The present invention enables communication to be performed by dividing a time section into a heating section and a communication section in communication between a control panel and a sensor unit, thereby preventing a problem that a communication signal is blocked or distorted in power communication in which a heating line is connected. The present invention enables communication to be performed by dividing a time section into a heating section and a communication section, thereby solving problems of excessive heating caused by continuous supply of power to the heating line and high temperature maintenance costs.

Description

Communication system using heating lines

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication control system, and more particularly, to a communication system using a heating line that divides a time period into a heating period and a communication period in communication between a control panel and a sensor unit connected by a heating line.

[0002] Power Line Communication (PLC) is a technology that transmits voice and data via power signals, using power lines as a medium. PLC technology eliminates the need for separate communication lines beyond the power supply, reducing costs and simplifying equipment. It has been widely used in various fields.

[0003] This power line communication method can be applied to freeze protection systems. Specifically, in freeze protection systems, the control panel supplies power to a heating line, which can be used as an intermediate line for power line communication. In particular, attempts are being made to apply the aforementioned power line communication method to enable communication between the control panel and a sensor unit installed remotely from the control panel.

[0004] However, applying power line communication to freeze protection systems presents various challenges, including signal interference with nearby devices and slow communication speeds. Therefore, there is a growing need for improved methods to address these issues when applying power line communication to freeze protection systems.

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a communication system using a heating line that divides a time period into a heating period and a communication period in communication between a control panel and a sensor unit connected by the heating line.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a communication system using a heating line according to the features of the present invention comprises a control panel, a heating line connected to the control panel, which receives power from the control panel and generates heat, and a sensor unit connected to the control panel through the heating line, wherein the control panel comprises a first power supply unit that supplies power to the heating line and the sensor unit, a second power supply unit that supplies power to the sensor unit, a first communication unit that communicates with the sensor unit through the heating line, a first switch unit that switches the connection between the first power supply unit, the second power supply unit, the first communication unit, and the heating line, and a first control unit that controls the first communication unit and the first switch unit, wherein the sensor unit comprises a first power conversion unit that converts power supplied from the first power supply unit, a second communication unit that communicates with the first communication unit through the heating line, a temperature sensor that generates temperature information, a second switch unit that switches the connection between the first power conversion unit, the second communication unit, and the heating line, and a temperature sensor that generates temperature information and a second switch unit that switches the connection between the first power conversion unit, the second communication unit, and the heating line, and the temperature sensor. A second control unit receiving information and controlling the second communication unit and the second switch unit, wherein the first control unit divides a time section into a heating section and a communication section, and in the heating section, the first switch unit connects between the first power supply unit and the heating line, and the heating line generates heat by power supplied from the first power supply unit, the second switch unit connects between the first power conversion unit and the heating line, the first power conversion unit converts the power supplied from the first power supply unit, and the temperature sensor is driven by the power converted by the first power conversion unit, and in the communication section, the first switch unit connects between the first communication unit and the second power supply unit and the heating line, and the second switch unit connects between the second communication unit and the heating line,The temperature sensor is driven by power supplied from the second power supply unit, and the first communication unit and the second communication unit communicate through the heating line.

[0007] By the above-described configuration, the present invention has the effect of preventing the problem of communication signals being blocked or distorted in power communication connected to a heating line by dividing the time period into a heating period and a communication period in communication between the control panel and the sensor unit.

[0008] The present invention can solve the problem of excessive heat generation and high temperature maintenance costs caused by continuously supplying power to a heating line by dividing the time period into a heating period and a communication period.

[0009] The present invention divides the time period into a heating period and a communication period in communication between a control panel and a sensor unit, and when DC-PLC communication is performed while the AC power supplied to the heating line for heating is temporarily cut off and the DC power is supplied to the heating line to continuously operate the sensor unit, the heating line is completely separated from the AC power line, unlike in the AC-PLC communication situation, so that DC-PLC communication can be performed.

[0010] This type of DC-PLC communication has the effect of greatly reducing the cost of technology implementation because there is no need for signal confusion and synchronization for communication.

[0011] The present invention can obtain information (temperature, voltage, etc.) from a sensor unit through DC-PLC communication, and then determine whether to continuously supply heat to a heating line or to stop supplying heat.

[0012] The present invention can avoid causing any problems with the heating line by re-supplying AC power after acquiring sensor information, even when continuous heat supply to the heating line is required, since the communication time of the communication section is very short. Therefore, the present invention can solve the problems of excessive heat generation and high temperature maintenance costs caused by continuously supplying power to the heating line.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a drawing showing the configuration of a communication system using a heating line according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing mode switching between a control panel and a sensor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a state in which communication between a control panel and a sensor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is divided into a heating section and a communication section according to a time section.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the configuration of a control panel in a heating section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the configuration of a sensor unit in a heating section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the properties of a sensor unit in a first transition section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the configuration of a control panel in a communication section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing the configuration of a sensor unit in a communication section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Throughout the description of each drawing, similar reference numerals have been used to designate similar components.

[0022] Terms such as "first," "second," "A," and "B" may be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component could be referred to as the "second component," and similarly, the second component could also be referred to as the "first component." The term "and / or" includes any combination of multiple related items listed or any one of multiple related items listed.

[0023] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0024] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0026] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail. In order to facilitate an overall understanding in describing the present invention, identical reference numerals will be used for identical components in the drawings, and redundant descriptions of identical components will be omitted.

[0027] Hereinafter, a communication system using a heating line according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0028] Fig. 1 is a drawing showing the configuration of a communication system using a heating line according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] A communication system (100) using a heating line according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a control panel (110), a sensor unit (120), and a heating line (130).

[0030] The control panel (110) and the sensor unit (120) can be connected via a heating line (130). The control panel (110) can supply power to the sensor unit (120) and the heating line (130). The sensor unit (120) is connected to the control panel (110) via the heating line (130), receives power from the control panel (110), and can transmit and receive communication signals.

[0031] In some cases, a plurality of heating lines (130) and sensor units (120) may be connected to a single control panel (110). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the control panel (110) is connected to a plurality of heating lines (130), and each heating line (130) may be connected to two or more sensor units (120).

[0032] One heating line (130) is one circuit, and as illustrated in Fig. 1, it can be composed of six circuits, namely heating line 1, heating line 2, heating line 3, heating line 4, heating line 5, and heating line 6. The length of the heating line (130) can be formed to be approximately 100 m, but is not limited thereto, and can be formed to be 100 m or longer.

[0033] The number of heating lines (130) is exemplified as six as shown in Fig. 1, but may not be limited thereto.

[0034] In the present invention, the number of heating lines (130) and sensor units (120) connected to the control panel (110) is not limited. For convenience of explanation, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8, exemplifying one sensor unit (120) connected to one control panel (110).

[0035]

[0036] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a mode change between a control panel and a sensor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a state in which communication between a control panel and a sensor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is divided into a heating section and a communication section according to a time section.

[0037] In the connection between the control panel (110) and the sensor unit (120), the time interval can be divided into a heating interval and a communication interval. Specifically, the time interval can be further divided into a first switching interval between the heating interval and the communication interval. Additionally, the time interval can be further divided into a second switching interval between the communication interval and the heating interval.

[0038] Referring to Fig. 3, the connection between the control panel (110) and the sensor unit (120) is illustrated as being divided into a heating section, a first switching section, a communication section, and a second switching section. In a continuous time, these four sections may be repeated periodically or aperiodically.

[0039] The control panel (110) can divide a time interval into the multiple intervals described above. Specifically, the first control unit (114) included in the control panel (110) can determine whether to divide and switch the time intervals. If the first control unit (114) determines to divide and switch the time intervals, the sensor unit (120) can control operations based on this determination.

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the connection between the first switch unit (115) of the control panel (110) and the second switch unit (122) of the sensor unit (120) can be switched as the time intervals are divided and switched. Specifically, when the first control unit (114) determines to divide and switch the time intervals, the first control unit (114) can control the connection switching of the first switch unit (115), and the sensor unit (120) can control the connection switching of the second switch unit (122).

[0041]

[0042] Below, the configuration of the control panel (110) and sensor unit (120) in the heating section is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the configuration of a control panel in a heating section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Below, each configuration of the control panel (110) will be described first, and then the operation of the control panel (110) in the heating section will be described.

[0045] A control panel (110) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first communication unit (111), a first power supply unit (112), a second power supply unit (113), a first control unit (114), and a first switch unit (115).

[0046] The first communication unit (111) communicates with the sensor unit (120) through a heating line (130). The first communication unit (111) forms a communication interface that manages communication with the sensor unit (120).

[0047] The first power supply unit (112) supplies power to the sensor unit (120) and the heating line (130) in the heating section and the first switching section. The first power supply unit (112) may be an AC power supply unit that generates 220 V AC power under the control of the first control unit (114). The AC power generated by the first power supply unit (112) is used as a power source for the sensor unit (120) and the heating line (130).

[0048] The power supplied by the first power supply unit (112) can be used to drive a load that consumes a lot of power, such as the heat generated by the heating line (130). The sensor unit (120) can convert and use the power supplied by the first power supply unit (112). In some cases, the AC power can be any voltage that operates the heating line (130), not just 220 V.

[0049] The second power supply unit (113) can supply DC power to the sensor unit (120) in the communication section and the second switching section. The second power supply unit (113) can generate DC power by connecting to a separate DC power source. The second power supply unit (113) can generate DC power and transmit it to the sensor unit (120). The DC power can be used to supply power required for the control circuit, communication module, signal processing device, and battery backup device inside the sensor unit (120). A communication signal can be carried on the DC power source. The DC power source can be a power source corresponding to 5 VDC to 36 VDC.

[0050] As another embodiment, the second power supply unit (113) may be installed separately outside the control panel (110).

[0051] The heating line (130) can generate heat by receiving AC power from the first power supply unit (112), but can also generate heat by receiving DC power from the second power supply unit (113). However, the heating line (130) may be installed so that it is suitable for generating heat by receiving AC power from the first power supply unit (112). Therefore, the amount of heat generated per hour by the heating line (130) when receiving AC power from the first power supply unit (112) may be greater than the amount of heat generated per hour when receiving DC power from the second power supply unit (113).

[0052] The first control unit (114) can perform a function of controlling the first communication unit (111) and the first switch unit (115). The first control unit (114) can transmit a necessary control command to the sensor unit (120). For example, it can be a command for requesting information such as temperature and voltage detected by the second control unit (127) of the sensor unit (120).

[0053] The first control unit (114) controls the operation of the control panel (110), includes a microcontroller, an embedded system, etc., monitors the status information of the sensor unit (120), the sensing information of the temperature sensor (128), and switches the first switch unit (115) according to a preset logic to supply either AC power or DC power to the sensor unit (120) through the heating line (130).

[0054] The first switch unit (115) switches the connection between the first power supply unit (112), the second power supply unit (113), the first communication unit (111), and the heating line (130). The first switch unit (115) performs a function of switching to connect to one of the first communication unit (111), the first power supply unit (112), and the second power supply unit (113) according to the control of the first control unit (114).

[0055] Hereinafter, the operation of the control panel (110) in the heating section as illustrated in Fig. 4 will be described.

[0056] In the heating section, the first control unit (114) can control the first switch unit (115) to connect between the first power supply unit (112) and the heating line (130). Accordingly, in the heating section, the first power supply unit (112) can supply AC power to the heating line (130) and the sensor unit (120).

[0057]

[0058] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the configuration of a sensor unit in a heating section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Below, each configuration of the sensor unit (120) will be described first, and then the operation of the sensor unit (120) in the heating section will be described.

[0060] A sensor unit (120) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a second communication unit (121), a second switch unit (122), a first power conversion unit (123), a second power conversion unit (124), a zero crossing detector (125), a storage unit (126), a second control unit (127), a temperature sensor (128), and a third power conversion unit (129).

[0061] The second communication unit (121) communicates with the first communication unit (111) via a heating line (130). The second communication unit (121) can form a communication interface that manages communication with the control panel (110).

[0062] The second switch unit (122) can switch the connection between the first power conversion unit (123), the second communication unit (121), and the heating line (130). The second switch unit (122) is configured as a relay or a semiconductor switch and is connected to the heating line (130), and can control the power supply flow by switching and connecting the heating line (130) to the first power conversion unit (123) or the second power conversion unit (124) according to a control signal of the second control unit (127).

[0063] The first power conversion unit (123) performs the function of converting the power supplied from the first power supply unit (112) in the heating section and the first switching section. The first power conversion unit (123) is connected to the heating line (130) by the switching operation of the second switch unit (122) in the heating section and the first switching section, and can convert the AC power supplied from the control panel (110) into DC power. For example, the first power conversion unit (123) can receive AC power (such as 220 VAC) supplied from the first power supply unit (112) through the heating line (130) in the heating section and the first switching section and convert it into the required DC power.

[0064] The DC power converted by the first power conversion unit (123) can charge the storage unit (126) described below and drive the second control unit (127) and the second communication unit (121). The DC power converted by the first power conversion unit (123) can be further converted into voltage by the third power conversion unit (129) and applied to the second control unit (127) and the second communication unit (121). In some cases, the third power conversion unit (129) can be omitted.

[0065] The third power conversion unit (129) can convert the power converted by the first power conversion unit (123) and the second power conversion unit (124) and supply power to at least one of the second communication unit (121), the second control unit (127), and the temperature sensor (128).

[0066] The first power conversion unit (123) can supply power to the second control unit (127) so that it can operate stably, including a filter, a rectifier, a regulator, etc., to ensure a stable power supply.

[0067] The second power conversion unit (124) performs the function of converting the power supplied from the second power supply unit (113) in the communication section and the second conversion section.

[0068] The second power conversion unit (124) provides power conversion, includes a regulator function to maintain a stable output voltage, and converts the DC power supplied from the second power supply unit (113) to a certain level so as to supply power to a low-power electronic circuit, a second control unit (127), a second communication unit (121), a temperature sensor (128), etc.

[0069] The second power conversion unit (124) is connected to the heating line (130) by the switching operation of the second switch unit (122) in the communication section and the second conversion section, and can receive the DC power supplied from the second power supply unit (113) through the heating line (130) and convert it into the required DC power.

[0070] If necessary, the second power supply unit (113) can supply power of a higher voltage than the power for charging the storage unit (126) or driving the second control unit (127) and the second communication unit (121). This is because the heating line (130) through which the power supplied by the second power supply unit (113) is transmitted has a higher resistance than a normal power line. Accordingly, the second power conversion unit (124) can perform a conversion to lower the voltage of the DC power supplied from the second power supply unit (113). For example, the second power supply unit (113) can supply DC power of 5 V to 36 V, and the second power conversion unit (124) can convert it into a lower DC power, such as 1.5 V to 9 V.

[0071] The DC power converted by the second power conversion unit (124) can charge the storage unit (126) and drive the second control unit (127) and the second communication unit (121). If necessary, the DC power converted by the second power conversion unit (124) can be additionally converted in voltage and applied to the second control unit (127) and the second communication unit (121).

[0072] In some cases, if the second power supply unit (113) directly supplies direct current power suitable for driving the sensor unit (120), the second power conversion unit (124) may be omitted.

[0073] The zero crossing detector (125) may have an input terminal connected to the first power conversion unit (123) and an output terminal connected to the second control unit (127). The zero crossing detector (125) may analyze the ratio and frequency of the amount of power supplied from the AC voltage supplied from the control panel (110) through the second switch unit (122). The storage unit (126) may supply the charged voltage to the entire second control unit (127), the second communication unit (121), and the temperature sensor (128), thereby maintaining the power-on state of the corresponding configuration. The storage unit (126) may have a high energy density and a fast charge / discharge speed, and may represent a supercapacitor, which is a high-capacity capacitor. For example, the supercapacitor may be an electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) that stores energy by utilizing the electric double layer phenomenon.

[0074] The storage unit (126) can be charged by the power converted by the first power conversion unit (123) and the second power conversion unit (124). Specifically, the storage unit (126) can be charged by the power converted by the first power conversion unit (123) in the heating section, and can be charged by the power converted by the second power conversion unit (124) in the communication section.

[0075] The storage unit (126) can temporarily supply the stored power to the second control unit (127) and the second communication unit (121) in a section where the connection between the first power conversion unit (123) and the second power conversion unit (124) and the second control unit (127) and the second communication unit (121) is disconnected during the process of switching between the heating section and the communication section. To this end, a voltage conversion unit that converts the voltage of the power supplied from the storage unit (126) to be suitable for driving the second control unit (127) and the second communication unit (121) may be added, as needed.

[0076] The temperature sensor (128) may be installed to measure temperatures at various locations. For example, the temperature sensor (128) may generate temperature information by measuring at least one of the outside temperature, the pipe temperature, and the temperature of the heating line (130). Specifically, the temperature sensor (128) may be connected to the second control unit (127) and provide information corresponding to the temperature information to the second control unit (127).

[0077] The second control unit (127) can perform a function of controlling the second communication unit (121) and the second switch unit (122). The second control unit (127) can transmit temperature information generated by the temperature sensor (128) to the control panel (110) via the second communication unit (121).

[0078] The third power conversion unit (129) can receive power from the first power conversion unit (123), the second power conversion unit (124), and the storage unit (126) and convert the voltage. As the third power conversion unit (129) additionally converts the power of the first power conversion unit (123), the second power conversion unit (124), and the storage unit (126), the second control unit (127) and the second communication unit (121) can receive power with a stable voltage.

[0079] The third power conversion unit (129) can convert the power supplied by the storage unit (126) while the second switch unit (122) is switched, and supply power to at least one of the second communication unit (121), the second control unit (127), and the temperature sensor (128).

[0080]

[0081] Hereinafter, the operation of the sensor unit (120) in the heating section as illustrated in Fig. 5 will be described.

[0082] In the heating section, the second control unit (127) can control the second switch unit (122) to connect between the first power conversion unit (123) and the heating line (130). Accordingly, the first power conversion unit (123) can convert the AC power supplied from the first power supply unit (112) into DC power. The second control unit (127) and the temperature sensor (128) can be driven by the DC power converted by the first power conversion unit (123).

[0083] The heating section is a power supply mode in which power supplied from the control panel (110) is transmitted to the heating line (130) and the sensor unit (120) to operate the heating line (130) and the sensor unit (120). In the heating section, only AC power is supplied from the control panel (110) to the sensor unit (120), and no communication is performed between the control panel (110) and the sensor unit (120).

[0084]

[0085] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the configuration of a sensor unit in a first transition section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Figure 6 shows the configuration of a sensor unit (120) that receives a zero crossing detection signal in the first transition section.

[0087] The first control unit (127) further divides the time interval into a first transition interval that switches from a heating interval to a communication interval.

[0088] In the first switching section, the first switch unit (115) maintains a connection between the first power supply unit (112) and the heating line (130). In the first switching section, the first power supply unit (112) supplies power having a predetermined protocol to the sensor unit (120). Here, the power having the predetermined protocol may be a power source whose predetermined supply power ratio changes over a specific period of time.

[0089] The first control unit (114) can switch the time period to the first switching period when the preset heating period's set time (e.g., 10 minutes, etc.) is completed. In the first switching period, the first control unit (114) controls the first power supply unit (112) to generate an AC protocol that sequentially changes the ratio of AC power supply power and transmits it to the sensor unit (120).

[0090] Here, the AC protocol is a communication protocol that sequentially transmits the power ratio of an AC signal, and the power ratio is predetermined. For example, the power ratio of an AC signal is transmitted by changing it from 100% -> 90% -> 100% -> 90%.

[0091] In the first switching section, the zero crossing detector (125) provides a pulse signal of the power supplied by the first power supply unit (112) to the second control unit (127), and the second control unit (127) can count the zero crossing of the power supplied by the first power supply unit (112) based on the received pulse signal.

[0092] In other words, the zero crossing detector (125) and the second control unit (127) may be used to count the number of zero crossing points of AC power received from the control panel (110) to determine the ratio of the supplied power or analyze the frequency.

[0093] The zero crossing detector (125) and the second control unit (127) detect the ratio conversion of the supplied power of the determined AC signal to determine whether it is an AC protocol.

[0094] To explain in more detail, the zero crossing detector (125) and the second control unit (127) detect the moment when an AC voltage of a certain period passes 0 V (zero crossing point), and by adding up the number of zero crossing points, can recognize whether the corresponding AC signal is an AC protocol.

[0095] For example, the zero crossing detector (125) and the second control unit (127) count the number of zero crossing points of an AC signal of 220 V AC voltage, and when it is detected that the ratio of the supplied power changes from 100% -> 90% -> 100% -> 90%, it can be determined that the AC protocol is being transmitted. In other words, since the number of zero crossing points in a certain period changes, it is possible to recognize whether the AC signal is an AC protocol.

[0096] The zero crossing detector (125) and the second control unit (127) count the number of zero crossing points of the preset AC voltage, and when it detects that the ratio of the supplied power changes from 100% -> 90% -> 100% -> 90%, it can be determined that the AC protocol has been received.

[0097] When the zero crossing detector (125) determines that an AC protocol is being received, the second control unit (127) can detect information about this. When the second control unit (127) determines that an AC protocol has been received through the zero crossing detector (125), it can perform a transition from the heating section to the communication section.

[0098] The second control unit (127) can control the second switch unit (122) to switch from the heating section connection mode to the communication section connection mode in response to the control signal of the first switching section received from the zero crossing detector (125). In addition, the second control unit (127) can generate a first response signal for the first switching section and transmit it to the control panel (110) via the second communication unit (121).

[0099]

[0100] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the configuration of a control panel in a communication section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Fig. 7 shows the configuration of a control panel (110) indicating direct current power supply in a communication section.

[0102] The communication section is a communication mode in which a communication signal is loaded onto a DC power source from the control panel (110) and transmitted to the sensor unit (120) through a heating line (130).

[0103] The first control unit (114) controls the SSD (Solid State Relay) to change the ratio of the supplied power from 100% to 90% to 100% to 90% and notifies the second control unit (127) through the zero crossing detector (125), and after a certain period of time, controls the operation of the first switch unit (115) to connect the first communication unit (111) and the second power supply unit (113) and the heating line (130).

[0104] That is, the first control unit (114) can control the first switch unit (115) to switch from the connection mode of the heating section to the connection mode of the communication section after the first switching section.

[0105] The first control unit (114) controls the second power supply unit (113) to generate a DC power including a communication signal for a preset communication section for a preset time (e.g., 20 seconds, 30 seconds, etc.) and supply the DC power to the sensor unit (120) through the heating line (130).

[0106] In the present invention, the heating line (130) connecting the control panel (110) and the sensor unit (120) may have a higher resistance than a typical power line for the purpose of heating. Therefore, even if the purpose is not to heat the heating line (130) in the communication section, but rather to provide a signal for communication between the control panel (110) and the sensor unit (120), a voltage higher than a certain level must be applied. Accordingly, in the communication section, the second power supply unit (113) may apply a voltage higher than a certain level (e.g., a direct current power of 5 VDC to 36 VDC).

[0107]

[0108] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing the configuration of a sensor unit in a communication section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] Figure 8 shows the configuration of a sensor unit (120) that receives direct current power and a communication signal in a communication section.

[0110] When the second control unit (127) determines the first switching section by judging the predetermined protocol, it can control the second switch unit (122) to switch to the connection mode of the communication section. Accordingly, the second switch unit (122) can connect the second communication unit (121) and the heating line (130).

[0111] In the communication section, the second switch unit (122) can receive direct current power from the second power supply unit (113) and supply it to the second power conversion unit (124).

[0112] In the communication section, the second power conversion unit (124) can convert the DC power supplied from the second power supply unit (113) into low voltage DC power.

[0113] For example, the second power supply unit (113) can receive DC power of 5 V to 36 V through the heating line (130), and the second power conversion unit (124) can convert it into a lower DC power of 1.5 V to 9 V.

[0114] In the communication section, the second communication unit (121) can communicate with the first communication unit (111) through a heating line (130) to which direct current power supplied by the second power supply unit (113) is transmitted. Specifically, the second communication unit (121) can transmit information related to temperature and voltage measured by the temperature sensor (128) to the first communication unit (111) through the heating line (130). The second control unit (127), the second communication unit (121), and the temperature sensor (128) are driven by power converted by the second power conversion unit (124). In some cases, the power converted by the second power conversion unit (124) may be additionally converted into a voltage suitable for driving the second control unit (127), the second communication unit (121), and the temperature sensor (128).

[0115] In the communication section, the second communication unit (121) can be connected to both ends of the heating line (130) through communication terminals for power line communication, and can receive power converted by the second power conversion unit (124) through power terminals for power input. The second communication unit (121) can provide communication information received through the communication terminals connected to both ends of the heating line (130) for communication to the second control unit (127).

[0116] In the communication section, the heating line (130) may generate a small amount of heat by the direct current power supplied by the second power supply unit (113). The heating line (130) may generate heat per hour in the heating section at a higher heat generation rate than the heat generation rate per hour in the communication section.

[0117] In order for the communication section to start, the second switch unit (122) blocks the heating line (130) and the line of the first power conversion unit (123), and when switching to connect the heating line (130) and the line of the second power conversion unit (124), it may take a certain amount of time (e.g., 0.2 seconds).

[0118] Due to this, the second control unit (127) and the temperature sensor (128) may not be supplied with power through the heating line (130) for a certain period of time (e.g., 0.2 seconds) when the second switch unit (122) is switched.

[0119] In order to operate the second control unit (127), the second communication unit (121), and the temperature sensor (128) even when power is not supplied through the heating line (130), the storage unit (126) connected to the second control unit (127) can supply charged power to at least one or more of the second control unit (127), the second communication unit (121), and the temperature sensor (128) during the switching transition of the second switch unit (122), so that power can be supplied without interruption.

[0120] The first control unit (114) can further divide the time interval into a second transition interval that switches from a communication interval to a heating interval.

[0121] In the second switching section, the first switch unit (115) can connect between the first communication unit (111) and the second power supply unit (113) and the heating line (130).

[0122] The first communication unit (111) can transmit information according to a predetermined protocol to the sensor unit (120) under the control of the first control unit (114).

[0123] Specifically, when the preset communication is completed, the first control unit (114) can notify all sensor units (120) of the type of communication section by using a command using direct power line communication (DC-PLC, Direct Power Line Communication).

[0124]

[0125] A representative modulation method used in DC-PLC can be the OOK (On-Off Keying) method. OOK is one of the digital modulation methods that converts binary data (0 and 1) into the presence or absence of a signal and transmits it. For example, by specifying a sine wave signal such as 120kHz, 200kHz, or 500kHz, communication can be performed by encoding it as '1' when transmitting for a specific period of time, and '0' when not transmitting ('1' and '0' can be opposites).

[0126] When the second control unit (127) receives command information corresponding to the second switching section from the first control unit (114), after identifying the second switching section, it can control the second switch unit (122) to switch from the connection mode of the communication section to the connection mode of the heating section.

[0127] Specifically, when the second control unit (127) determines that a command has been received via the DC-PLC, it identifies a transition from a communication section to a heating section, and accordingly controls the switching operation of the second switch unit (122) to block the heating line (130) and the line of the second power conversion unit (124), and connect the heating line (130) and the line of the first power conversion unit (123).

[0128] When the first control unit (114) receives a second response signal from the sensor unit (120) through the first communication unit (111), it identifies a transition from the communication section to the heating section, and controls the first power supply unit (112) to supply 220 V AC power to the sensor unit (120) through the heating line (130) by switching the first switch unit (115) for a set time of the preset heating section. Thereafter, the order of the first switching section, the communication section, and the second switching section is repeated.

[0129] The technical features disclosed in each embodiment of the present invention are not limited to that embodiment, and, unless they are mutually incompatible, the technical features disclosed in each embodiment may be combined and applied to different embodiments.

[0130] Therefore, although each embodiment focuses on its own technical features, each technical feature can be applied in combination with each other as long as they are not mutually incompatible.

[0131] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the attached drawings, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be defined not only by the claims of this specification but also by equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. Control panel; A heating line connected to the above control panel and receiving power from the control panel to generate heat; and It includes a sensor unit connected to the control panel through the above heating line, The above control panel, A first power supply unit that supplies power to the above heating line and the sensor unit; A second power supply unit that supplies power to the above sensor unit; A first communication unit that communicates with the sensor unit through the heating line; A first switching unit that switches the connection between the first power supply unit, the second power supply unit, the first communication unit, and the heating line; and Including a first control unit that controls the first communication unit and the first switch unit, The above sensor part, A first power conversion unit that converts power supplied from the first power supply unit; A second communication unit communicating with the first communication unit through the heating line; A temperature sensor that generates temperature information; A second switching unit that switches the connection between the first power conversion unit, the second communication unit, and the heating line; and A second control unit that receives the temperature information from the temperature sensor and controls the second communication unit and the second switch unit, The above first control unit divides the time section into a heating section and a communication section, In the above fever section, The first switch unit connects between the first power supply unit and the heating line, and the heating line generates heat by power supplied from the first power supply unit, the second switch unit connects between the first power conversion unit and the heating line, the first power conversion unit converts the power supplied from the first power supply unit, and the temperature sensor is driven by the power converted by the first power conversion unit. In the above communication section, The first switch unit connects between the first communication unit and the second power supply unit and the heating line, the second switch unit connects between the second communication unit and the heating line, the temperature sensor is driven by power supplied from the second power supply unit, and the first communication unit and the second communication unit communicate through the heating line. Communication system using a heating line.

2. In paragraph 1, In the above fever section, The first power supply unit supplies AC power to the heating line and the sensor unit, and the first power conversion unit converts the AC power into DC power and supplies it to the temperature sensor. Communication system using a heating line.

3. In paragraph 1, In the above communication section, The above second power supply unit supplies direct current power to the sensor unit. Communication system using a heating line.

4. In paragraph 3, The above sensor part, Further comprising a second power conversion unit that converts power supplied from the second power supply unit, In the above communication section, The second power conversion unit converts the power supplied from the second power supply unit, and the temperature sensor is driven by the power converted by the second power conversion unit. Communication system using a heating line.

5. In paragraph 4, The above second power conversion unit, Converting the DC power supplied from the second power supply unit into a low voltage DC power Communication system using a heating line.

6. In paragraph 3, In the above communication section, The above heating line generates heat by the above DC power supply, The above heating line has a heating amount per hour greater than the heating amount per hour generated in the heating section. Communication system using a heating line.

7. In paragraph 1, The above first control unit further divides the time section into a first transition section that switches from the heating section to the communication section, In the above first transition section, The first switch unit connects between the first power supply unit and the heating line, the first power supply unit supplies power having a predetermined protocol to the sensor unit, and the second control unit identifies the first switching section by identifying the predetermined protocol. Communication system using a heating line.

8. In paragraph 7, A power source having the above predetermined protocol is a power source having a predetermined ratio conversion of the supplied power for a specific period of time, The above sensor unit further includes a zero crossing detector that identifies a predetermined ratio change of the supplied power during the specific time. Communication system using a heating line.

9. In paragraph 8, The first control unit controls the first switch unit to switch from the connection mode of the heating section to the connection mode of the communication section after the first switching section, and After identifying the first switching section, the second control unit controls the second switch unit to switch from the connection mode of the heating section to the connection mode of the communication section. Communication system using a heating line.

10. In paragraph 1, The above sensor part further includes a storage part, The above storage unit supplies power to at least one of the second communication unit, the second control unit, and the temperature sensor while the second switch is switched. Communication system using a heating line.

11. In paragraph 1, The above first control unit further divides the time section into a second transition section that switches from the communication section to the heating section, In the above second transition section, The first switch unit connects the first communication unit and the second power supply unit and the heating line, the first communication unit transmits a signal having a predetermined protocol to the sensor unit, and the second control unit identifies the predetermined protocol to identify the second switching section. Communication system using a heating line.

12. In paragraph 11, The signal having the above predetermined protocol is a direct power line communication (DC-PLC) signal. Communication system using a heating line.

13. In paragraph 1, The above sensor part, A third power converter further comprising a power converter that converts the power converted by the first power converter and the second power converter and supplies power to at least one of the second communication unit, the second control unit, and the temperature sensor. Communication system using a heating line.

14. In paragraph 13, The above sensor part further includes a storage part, The third power conversion unit converts the power supplied by the storage unit while the second switch unit is switched, and supplies power to at least one of the second communication unit, the second control unit, and the temperature sensor. Communication system using a heating line.

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