Communication system using power source line

Abstract

This communication system using a power source line can perform, in communication between a control panel and a sensor control unit connected by the power source line, communication by dividing a time period into a power source supply period and a communication period. The present invention can prevent, in communication between a control panel and a sensor control unit, problems of communication signals being blocked or distorted in power source line-connected power communication by dividing a time period into a power source supply period and a communication period. The present invention can divide a time period into a power source supply period and a communication period, and thus can solve problems of excessive heat generation and greatly increased temperature-maintenance costs caused by continuously supplying a power source to a power source line.

Description

Communication system using power lines

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system, and more specifically, to a communication system using a power line that communicates between a control panel and a sensor control unit connected by a power line, wherein the time interval is divided into a power supply interval and a communication interval.

[0002] Power Line Communication (PLC) is a technology that transmits voice and data via high-frequency signals over power supply lines. PLC has been widely used in various fields due to its advantages of cost reduction and simplified facilities, as it eliminates the need to install separate communication lines in addition to the power supply lines.

[0003] This power line communication method can be applied to anti-freeze systems. Specifically, in an anti-freeze system, the control panel is connected to the sensor control unit via a power line, and the power line can be used as an intermediary 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 the sensor control unit installed at a remote location relative to the control panel in an anti-freeze system.

[0004] Since power lines are designed for power supply rather than data transmission, various problems arise, such as high-frequency noise unsuitable for communication and signal interference with other devices.

[0005] Therefore, there is an increasing demand for improved methods to solve the aforementioned problems when applying power line communication methods to freeze prevention systems.

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a communication system using a power line for communication between a control panel and a sensor control unit connected by a power line, wherein the time interval is divided into a power supply interval and a communication interval.

[0007] A communication system using a power line according to the features of the present invention for achieving the above objective is,

[0008] The apparatus includes a control panel, a power line connected to the control panel and receiving and transmitting power from the control panel, a sensor control unit connected to the control panel through the power line, generating temperature information and transmitting power to a heater unit, and a heater unit that receives power from the sensor control unit and generates heat, wherein the control panel

[0009] The sensor control unit comprises a power supply unit that supplies power to the sensor control unit, a first communication unit that communicates with the sensor control unit through the power line, a first switch unit that switches the connection between the power supply unit, the first communication unit, and the power line, and a first control unit that controls the first communication unit and the first switch unit, wherein the sensor control unit comprises a power transmission unit that transmits at least a portion of the power supplied from the power supply unit to the heater unit, a first power conversion unit that converts a portion of the power supplied from the power supply unit, a second communication unit that communicates with the first communication unit through the power line, a temperature sensor that generates the temperature information, a second switch unit that switches the connection between the power transmission unit, the first power conversion unit, the second communication unit, and the power line, a second control unit that receives the temperature information from the temperature sensor and controls the second communication unit and the second switch unit, and a capacitor that stores power and supplies power to the second communication unit and the second control unit, wherein the first control unit divides the time interval into a power supply interval and a communication interval, and In the power supply section, the first switch unit connects the power supply unit and the power line, and the power supply unit supplies power for driving the sensor control unit and the heater unit through the power line, and the second switch unit connects the power transmission unit and the first power conversion unit and the power line, and the power transmission unit transmits at least a portion of the power supplied from the power supply unit to the heater unit, and the second communication unit and the second control unit are driven by the power converted by the first power conversion unit, and in the communication section, the first switch unit connects the first communication unit and the power line, and the second switch unit connects the second communication unit and the power line, and the first communication unit and the second communication unit communicate through the power line.The second communication unit and the second control unit are driven by the capacitor, and the power supplied to the heater unit is cut off.

[0010] With the above-described configuration, the present invention performs communication between the control panel and the sensor control unit by dividing the time interval into a power supply interval and a communication interval, thereby having the effect of preventing problems in power line communication where the power line is connected, such as communication signals being blocked or distorted.

[0011] The present invention can solve the problem of excessive heat generation caused by continuously supplying power to the power line and the high cost of maintaining the temperature by dividing the time interval into a power supply interval and a communication interval.

[0012] The present invention allows communication between a control panel and a sensor control unit to be performed by dividing the time interval into a power supply interval and a communication interval, temporarily cutting off the AC power supplied to the heater for heating, and supplying the DC power stored in the capacitor to the sensor control unit, and then transmitting a communication signal from the control panel to the sensor control unit through a power line.

[0013] The present invention allows for the use of RS-485 communication or PLC communication on a power-free line by switching the first switch of the control panel to cut off the supply of AC power for the use of the communication section.

[0014] In such RS-485 communication or PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) communication on power-free lines, signal interference cannot occur, and there is no need to perform actions such as synchronization for communication, which has the effect of significantly reducing technology implementation costs.

[0015] The present invention can determine whether to control the heater unit and the temperature sensor by performing RS-485 communication between the control panel and the sensor control unit or PLC communication on a line in a power-free state to acquire status information of the sensor control unit (including the temperature of the heater unit, the temperature of the temperature sensor, voltage, and current and power information supplied to the heater obtained in the heating section, etc.) and monitoring the trend of voltage drop in the capacitor unit.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a communication system using a power line according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the communication between a control panel and a sensor control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, divided into a power supply section and a communication section according to a time interval.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing mode switching between a control panel and a sensor control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control panel in a power supply section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a sensor control unit in a power supply section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a sensor control unit in a first switching section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control panel in a communication section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a sensor control unit in a communication section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the transition from the communication section to the power supply section as the voltage of the capacitor drops in the communication section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second power conversion unit added to a sensor control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components in the description of each drawing.

[0027] Terms such as first, second, A, B, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any of a plurality of related described items.

[0028] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0029] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0031] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. In order to facilitate an overall understanding of the present invention, the same reference numerals are used for identical components in the drawings, and redundant descriptions of identical components are omitted.

[0032] Hereinafter, a communication system using a power line according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a communication system using a power line according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] A communication system (100) using a power line according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a power line (101), a control panel (110), a sensor control unit (120), and a heater unit (130).

[0035] The control panel (110) and the sensor control unit (120) can be connected via a power line (101). The control panel (110) can supply power to the sensor control unit (120).

[0036] The sensor control unit (120) is connected to the control panel (110) by a power line (101), receives power from the control panel (110), and can transmit and receive communication signals.

[0037] In some cases, a plurality of power lines (101) and a sensor control unit (120) may be connected to a single control panel (110). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the control panel (110) connects a plurality of power lines (101), and each power line (101) connects one or more sensor control units (120).

[0038] Each sensor control unit (120) has a heater unit (130) connected to one side. The sensor control unit (120) receives power from the control panel (110) and can deliver power to the heater unit (130).

[0039] One power line (101) is a circuit and can be composed of power line 1, power line 2, power line 3, etc., as shown in FIG. 1. The length of the power line (101) can be formed up to approximately 100m, but is not limited thereto and can be formed to be 100m or longer.

[0040] In the present invention, the number of power lines (101) and sensor control units (120) connected to the control panel (110) is not limited. For convenience of explanation, in FIGS. 2 to 8 below, a specific embodiment of the present invention will be described by exemplifying that one sensor control unit (120) is connected to one control panel (110).

[0041]

[0042] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the communication between a control panel and a sensor control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, divided into a power supply section and a communication section according to a time interval.

[0043] In the connection between the control panel (110) and the sensor control unit (120), the time interval can be divided into a power supply interval and a communication interval.

[0044] In the power supply section, the control panel (110) supplies power to the sensor control unit (120). The power supply section may be divided into a heating section and a non-heating section depending on whether heating of the heater unit (130) is required.

[0045] When heating of the heater unit (130) is required (heating section), the sensor control unit (120) transmits at least a portion of the power supplied from the control panel (110) to the heater unit (130), causing the heater unit (130) to heat up. Additionally, the sensor control unit (120) can convert at least a portion of the power supplied from the control panel (110) and use it as its own operating power. During the heating section, the sensor control unit (120) can collect temperature information from the temperature sensor (128) while transmitting power to the heater unit (130).

[0046] If heating of the heater unit (130) is not required (non-heating section), the sensor control unit (120) does not supply power to the heater unit (130), and the heater unit (130) does not heat up. During the power supply section, while power is not supplied to the heater unit (130), the power supplied from the control panel (110) is used as the self-driving power for the sensor control unit (120). In the non-heating section, the sensor control unit (120) does not supply power to the heater unit (130) and can collect temperature information from the temperature sensor (128).

[0047] In the power supply section, the heating section and the non-heating section may not switch immediately. That is, to switch from the heating section to the non-heating section, one must first switch from the heating section (power supply section) to the communication section, and then switch to the non-heating section (power supply section). Conversely, to switch from the non-heating section to the heating section, one must first switch from the non-heating section (power supply section) to the communication section, and then switch to the heating section (power supply section).

[0048] In the communication section, the control panel (110) does not supply power to the sensor control unit (120) and only transmits communication signals. In the communication section, the sensor control unit (120) does not transmit power to the heater unit (130) and only performs communication with the control panel (110). Therefore, in the communication section, the heater unit (130) does not generate heat.

[0049] The first transition section may be the section between the power supply section and the communication section. Although the first transition section is exemplified as being distinct from the power supply section, it is not limited thereto and may be a section included in the power supply section.

[0050] The second transition section may be the section between the communication section and the power supply section. Although the second transition section is exemplified as being distinct from the communication section, it is not limited thereto and may be a section included in the communication section.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 2, the connection between the control panel (110) and the sensor control unit (120) is shown to be divided into a power supply section, a first switching section, a communication section, and a second switching section. Over a continuous period of time, these four sections may be repeated periodically or non-periodically.

[0052]

[0053] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing mode switching between a control panel and a sensor control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] The control panel (110) can divide the time interval into the aforementioned multiple intervals. Specifically, the control panel (110) can determine to divide and switch the time intervals.

[0055] When the control panel (100) decides to distinguish and switch time intervals, the sensor control unit (120) can control recognition and operation according to this decision.

[0056] As the control panel (110) distinguishes and switches time intervals, the connection mode of the first switch unit (114) and the second switch unit (122) can be changed. Specifically, the connection mode of the first switch unit (114) and the second switch unit (122) can be changed to a power supply interval connection mode or a communication interval connection mode.

[0057] The power supply section connection mode can be applied to the power supply section and the first switching section. The communication section connection mode can be applied to the communication section and the second switching section.

[0058]

[0059] Hereinafter, the configuration of the control panel (110) and the sensor control unit (120) in the power supply section will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5.

[0060] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control panel in a power supply section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Below, each component of the control panel (110) will be described first, and then the operation of the control panel (110) in the power supply section will be described.

[0062] A control panel (110) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first communication unit (111), a power supply unit (112), a first control unit (113), and a first switch unit (114).

[0063] The first communication unit (111) communicates with the sensor control unit (120) through the power line (101). The first communication unit (111) forms a communication interface that manages communication with the sensor control unit (120).

[0064] The power supply unit (112) supplies power to the sensor control unit (120) and the power line (101) in the power supply section and the first switching section. The power supply unit (112) may be an AC power supply unit that generates 220V AC power according to the control of the first control unit (113). The AC power generated by the power supply unit (112) can be used as a power source for the sensor control unit (120).

[0065] The power supplied by the power supply unit (112) can be used to drive loads that consume a lot of power, such as heat generation in the heater unit (130). The sensor control unit (120) can convert and use the power supplied by the power supply unit (112).

[0066] The first control unit (113) can perform the function of controlling the first communication unit (111) and the first switch unit (114). The first control unit (113) can transmit necessary control commands to the sensor control unit (120). For example, it may be the operation setting of the heater unit (130).

[0067] The first control unit (113) controls the operation of the control panel (110), includes a microcontroller, an embedded system, etc., monitors the status information of the sensor control unit (120) and the power-related sensing information of the temperature sensor (128), and can operate the first switch unit (114) according to a preset logic to connect the power supply unit (112), the first communication unit (111), and the power line (101).

[0068] The first switch unit (114) switches the connection between the power supply unit (112), the first communication unit (111), and the power line (101). The first switch unit (114) performs the function of switching to connect to one of the devices, either the first communication unit (111) or the power supply unit (112), according to the control of the first control unit (113).

[0069] Hereinafter, the operation of the control panel (110) in the power supply section will be described as shown in FIG. 4.

[0070] In the power supply section, the first control unit (113) can control the first switch unit (114) to operate in the power supply section connection mode. Accordingly, the first switch unit (114) can connect the power supply unit (112) and the power line (101). Accordingly, in the power supply section, the power supply unit (112) can supply AC power to the sensor control unit (120).

[0071]

[0072] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a sensor control unit in a power supply section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Below, each component of the sensor control unit (120) will be described first, and then the operation of the sensor control unit (120) in the power supply section will be described.

[0074] A sensor control 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 power transmission unit (124), a zero crossing detector (125), a capacitor (126), a second control unit (127), and a temperature sensor (128).

[0075] The second communication unit (121) communicates with the first communication unit (111) through the power line (101). The second communication unit (121) can form a communication interface that manages communication with the control panel (110).

[0076] The second switch unit (122) can switch the connection between the first power conversion unit (123), the second communication unit (121), and the power line (101). The second switch unit (122) is configured as a relay or a semiconductor switch and is connected to the power line (101), and can switch the connection between the power line (101) and the first power conversion unit (123), the power transmission unit (124), the second communication unit (121), and the power line (101) according to a control signal from the second control unit (127).

[0077] The first power conversion unit (123) performs the function of converting power supplied from the power supply unit (112) in the power supply section and the first switching section. The first power conversion unit (123) is connected to the power line (101) by the operation of the second switch unit (122) in the power supply section and the first switching section, and can convert AC power supplied from the control panel (110) into DC power. For example, the first power conversion unit (123) can receive AC power (220VAC, etc.) supplied from the power supply unit (112) in the power supply section and the first switching section through the power line (101) and convert it into necessary DC power, such as 5V DC power.

[0078] The first power conversion unit (123) can supply power to the second control unit (127) so that it can operate stably, including a filter, rectifier, regulator, etc., for stable power supply.

[0079] The power delivery unit (124) can deliver at least a portion of the power supplied from the power supply unit (112) to the heater unit (130). The power delivery unit (124) can deliver the power supplied from the power supply unit (112) to the heater unit (130) as is, without converting the power type (AC or DC) or voltage.

[0080] The zero-crossing detector (125) may have its input terminal connected to the first power conversion unit (123) and its output terminal connected to the second control unit (127). The zero-crossing detector (125) can 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).

[0081] The capacitor (126) is charged by receiving DC power from the first voltage converter (123), and supplies the charged voltage to the second communication unit (121) and the second control unit (127) to maintain the power-on state of the corresponding configuration. The capacitor (126) may be a supercapacitor, which is a high-capacity capacitor with high energy density and fast charging / discharging speed. For example, the supercapacitor may be an electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) that stores energy using the electric double layer phenomenon.

[0082] The storage unit (126) can be charged by the power converted by the first power conversion unit (123). Specifically, the storage unit (126) can be charged by the power converted by the first power conversion unit (123) during the power supply section.

[0083] The temperature sensor (128) may be installed to measure the temperature at various locations. For example, the temperature sensor (128) may generate temperature information by measuring at least one of the ambient 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) to provide information corresponding to the temperature information to the second control unit (127).

[0084] The second control unit (127) can perform the 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) through the second communication unit (121).

[0085] Hereinafter, the operation of the sensor control unit (120) in the power supply section will be described as shown in FIG. 5.

[0086] In the power supply section, the second control unit (127) can control the second switch unit (122) to operate in the power supply section connection mode. Accordingly, the second switch unit (122) can connect the first power conversion unit (123) and the power line (101). Accordingly, the first power conversion unit (123) can convert the AC power supplied from the power supply unit (112) into DC power. The second communication unit (122) and the second control unit (127) can be driven by the DC power converted by the first power conversion unit (123). Power can be applied to the temperature sensor (128) by the second control unit (127).

[0087] The power supply section is a power supply mode in which power supplied from the control panel (110) is transmitted to the power line (101) and the sensor control unit (120) to operate the power line (101) and the sensor control unit (120). In the power supply section, AC power is supplied from the control panel (110) to the sensor control unit (120), but communication between the control panel (110) and the sensor control unit (120) is not performed.

[0088]

[0089] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a sensor control unit in a first switching section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] FIG. 6 shows the configuration of a sensor control unit (120) that receives a zero-crossing detection signal in the first transition section.

[0091] The first control unit (127) further divides the time interval into a first switching interval that switches from a power supply interval to a communication interval.

[0092] In the first switching section, the first switch unit (122) can maintain the power supply section connection mode. Accordingly, the first switch unit (122) can maintain the connection between the power supply unit (112) and the power line (101). In the first switching section, the power supply unit (112) supplies power having a predetermined protocol to the sensor control unit (120). Here, the power having a predetermined protocol may be a power in which the ratio of the predetermined supply power changes over a specific period of time.

[0093] The first control unit (113) can switch the time interval to the first switching interval when the set time of the pre-set power supply interval (e.g., 10 minutes) is completed. In the first switching interval, the first control unit (113) controls the power supply unit (112) to generate an AC protocol that sequentially changes the ratio of the AC power supply power and transmits it to the sensor control unit (120).

[0094] Here, the AC protocol is a communication protocol that sequentially transmits the ratio of the supply power of an AC signal, and the ratio of the supply power is predetermined. For example, it transmits by changing the ratio of the supply power of the AC signal from 100% -> 90% -> 100% -> 90%.

[0095] In the first switching section, the zero crossing detector (125) provides a pulse signal of the power supplied by the 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 power supply unit (112) based on the received pulse signal.

[0096] In other words, the zero crossing detector (125) and the second control unit (127) may be intended to determine the ratio of supplied power or analyze the frequency by counting the number of zero crossing points of the AC power received from the control panel (110).

[0097] The zero-crossing detector (125) and the second control unit (127) detect the ratio conversion of the power supplied by the determined AC signal and determine whether it is an AC protocol.

[0098] To explain in more detail, the zero crossing detector (125) and the second control unit (127) can detect the moment when the alternating current voltage of a certain period passes 0V (zero crossing point) and can recognize whether the alternating current signal is an AC protocol by summing the number of zero crossing points.

[0099] For example, the zero-crossing detector (125) and the second control unit (127) can count the number of zero-crossing points of an AC signal of 220V AC voltage, and if the ratio of the supplied power changes from 100% to 90% to 100% to 90%, they can determine that it is being transmitted via the AC protocol. That is, the zero-crossing detector (125) and the second control unit (127) can recognize whether the AC signal is an AC protocol because the number of zero-crossing points of a certain period changes.

[0100] The zero-crossing detector (125) and the second control unit (127) can determine that the AC protocol has been received by counting the number of zero-crossing points of the preset AC voltage and detecting that the ratio of the supply power changes from 100% to 90% to 100% to 90%.

[0101] When the zero-crossing detector (125) determines that an AC protocol is being received, the second control unit (127) can detect information regarding 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 power supply section to the communication section.

[0102] The second control unit (127) can control the second switch unit (122) to switch from the power supply 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). Additionally, the second control unit (127) can generate a first response signal for the first switching section and transmit it to the control panel (110) through the second communication unit (121).

[0103]

[0104] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control panel in a communication section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Figure 7 shows the configuration of a control panel (110) indicating a DC power supply in a communication section.

[0106] The communication section is a communication mode in which only the communication signal is transmitted from the control panel (110) to the sensor control unit (120) through the power line (101).

[0107] The first control unit (113) can control the operation of the first switch unit (114) to connect the first communication unit (111) and the power line (101) when it receives a first response signal corresponding to the control signal of the first switching section from the sensor control unit (120) or when a predetermined time has passed after the first switching section.

[0108] 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%, 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 power line (101).

[0109] That is, the first control unit (114) can control the first switch unit (115) to switch from the connection mode of the power supply section to the connection mode of the communication section after the first switching section. Accordingly, the first switch unit (114) can connect the first communication unit (111) and the power line (101).

[0110] The first control unit (114) can control the first communication unit (111) to generate a communication signal for a set time of a pre-set communication interval (e.g., 2 seconds, 5 seconds, etc.) and supply it to the sensor control unit (120) through the power line (101).

[0111] In the present invention, the power line (101) connecting the control panel (110) and the sensor control unit (120) in the communication section does not transmit power for driving the heater unit (130). Therefore, the power line (101) in the communication section does not transmit AC power for driving the heater unit (130), but only transmits signals for communication between the control panel (110) and the sensor control unit (120).

[0112]

[0113] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a sensor control unit in a communication section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] FIG. 8 shows the configuration of a sensor control unit (120) that receives only communication signals without receiving AC power in the communication section.

[0115] When the second control unit (127) determines a predetermined protocol and identifies the first switching section, it can control the second switch unit (122) to switch to a connection mode of the communication section. Accordingly, the second switch unit (122) can connect the second communication unit (121) and the power line (101). The first communication unit (111) and the second communication unit (121) can communicate by transmitting only the communication signal between the power line (101) without transmitting power.

[0116] In the communication section, the second switch unit (122) can receive a communication signal from the first communication unit (111).

[0117] In the communication section, the second communication unit (121) can communicate with the first communication unit (111) through the power line (101). Specifically, the second communication unit (121) can transmit information related to temperature and voltage measured by the temperature sensor (128), etc., to the first communication unit (111) through the power line (101).

[0118] The second communication unit (121) and the second control unit (127) can be driven by the capacitor (126), and the power supplied to the heater unit (130) is cut off.

[0119] In order for the communication section to begin, the second switch unit (122) disconnects the power line (101) and the line of the power conversion unit (123), and connects the power line (101) and the line of the second communication unit (121). The second switch unit (122) does not receive AC power from the power supply unit (112). Accordingly, power is not supplied to the heater unit (130) during the communication section, and the heater unit (130) stops heating.

[0120] Additionally, the second communication unit (121), the second control unit (127), and the temperature sensor (128) do not receive power from the power supply unit (112) through the power line (101) for a certain period of time. Here, the certain period of time may refer to time information (e.g., 2.2 seconds) obtained by summing the switching time of the second switch unit (122) (e.g., 0.2 seconds) and the maintenance time of the communication interval (e.g., 2 seconds).

[0121] In order for the second control unit (127), the second communication unit (121), and the temperature sensor (128) to operate even while power is not supplied from the control panel (110) through the power line (101), the capacitor (126) connected to the second control unit (127) can supply the charged power to the second control unit (127) and the second communication unit (121) during the switching time of the second switch unit (122) and the communication period, so that the power is supplied without interruption.

[0122] The first control unit (113) can further divide the time interval into a second switching interval that switches from a communication interval to a power supply interval.

[0123] In the second switching section, the first switch unit (114) can connect the first communication unit (111) and the power line (101).

[0124] The first communication unit (111) can transmit a signal having a predetermined protocol to the sensor control unit (120) under the control of the first control unit (113).

[0125] The second control unit (127) of the sensor control unit (120) can identify a second switching section by identifying a signal having a predetermined protocol.

[0126] The first control unit (113) can control the first communication unit (111) in a pre-set communication section to perform RS-485 communication between the sensor control unit (120) through the power line (101) or PLC communication in a power-free state line.

[0127] Specifically, the first control unit (113) can control the first communication unit (111) in a pre-set communication section to convert pre-set data into a communication message and transmit it to the sensor control unit (120) through the power line (101). Here, the communication message may include the temperature of the heater unit, the temperature of the temperature sensor, voltage, and current and power information supplied to the heater obtained in the heating section.

[0128] The second communication unit (121) can receive a communication message from the first communication unit (111) and transmit it to the second control unit (127). The second control unit (127) can receive the communication message and perform RS-485 communication between the first communication unit (111) and the second communication unit (121) or PLC communication on a line in a power-free state.

[0129] The second control unit (127) can receive feedback status information from the heater unit (130) or the temperature sensor (128) and transmit it to the control panel (110) through the second communication unit (121).

[0130] If the received communication message includes a mode switching signal, the second control unit (127) can identify the transition from the communication section to the power supply section and control the second switch unit (122) to switch from the connection mode of the power supply section to the connection mode of the communication section.

[0131] Specifically, when the second control unit (127) determines that it has received a mode switching signal in a communication message, it identifies the transition from the communication section to the power supply section and generates a second response signal, which can then be transmitted to the control panel (110) via the second communication unit (121). Subsequently, by command from the control panel (110), the second control unit (127) can control the operation of the second switch unit (122) to disconnect the power line (101) and the line of the second communication unit (121), and connect the power line (101) and the line of the first power conversion unit (123).

[0132] When the first control unit (113) receives a second response signal from the sensor control unit (120) through the first communication unit (111), it identifies a transition from the communication section to the power supply section and controls the power supply unit (112) to generate AC power for a set time of the pre-set power supply section and supply it to the sensor control unit (120) through the power line (101).

[0133]

[0134] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the transition from the communication section to the power supply section as the voltage of the capacitor drops in the communication section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] In the communication section, the capacitor (126) supplies the charged power to the second control unit (127) and the second communication unit (121) for a certain period of time (e.g., 2.2 seconds).

[0136] When the second control unit (127) detects that the output voltage of the capacitor unit (126) is below a predetermined level, it can transmit information about the abnormality of the capacitor unit to the first communication unit (111) through the second communication unit (121).

[0137] For example, the second control unit (127) can set the output voltage of the capacitor unit (126) to a preset operating voltage (e.g., 3.5V), and when it drops to a preset level (e.g., 3.2V), it can generate abnormal information and transmit the abnormal information of the capacitor unit to the first communication unit (111) through the second communication unit (121).

[0138] When the first control unit (113) receives abnormal information, it can control the first switch unit (114) to switch from the connection mode of the power supply section to the connection mode of the communication section. That is, the first control unit (113) can supply the AC power of the power supply unit (110) to the sensor control unit (120).

[0139] When the second control unit (127) transmits abnormal information, it can control the second switch unit (122) to switch from the connection mode of the power supply section to the connection mode of the communication section. That is, the second switch unit (122) can connect the power line (101) and the line of the power conversion unit (123), and disconnect the power line (101) and the line of the second communication unit (121). Accordingly, the capacitor unit (126) recharges the power.

[0140]

[0141] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second power conversion unit added to a sensor control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0142] The sensor control unit (120) may further include a second power conversion unit (129) that converts the power converted by the first power conversion unit (123) in the power supply section and converts the power supplied by the capacitor unit (126) in the communication section and supplies it to the second communication unit (121) and the second control unit (127).

[0143] The DC power converted by the first power conversion unit (123) can be further converted in voltage by the second power conversion unit (129) and applied to the second control unit (127) and the second communication unit (121).

[0144] The second power conversion unit (129) can convert the voltage by receiving power from the first power conversion unit (123) and the capacitor (126). As the second power conversion unit (129) further converts the power of the first power conversion unit (123) and the capacitor (126), the second control unit (127) and the second communication unit (121) can receive power of a stable voltage.

[0145] The technical features disclosed in each embodiment of the present invention are not limited to that embodiment only, and as long as they are not mutually incompatible, the technical features disclosed in each embodiment may be combined and applied to different embodiments.

[0146] Therefore, in each embodiment, the technical features are described primarily, but as long as the technical features are not mutually incompatible, they may be combined and applied together.

[0147] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and the attached drawings, and various modifications and variations may be possible from the perspective of those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Accordingly, 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 power line connected to the above control panel and receiving and transmitting power from the above control panel; A sensor control unit connected to the control panel via the power line, generating temperature information, and transmitting power to the heater unit; and It includes a heater unit that generates heat by receiving power from the sensor control unit above, and The above control panel is, A power supply unit that supplies power to the above-mentioned sensor control unit; A first communication unit that communicates with the sensor control unit through the power line above; A first switch unit for switching the connection between the power supply unit, the first communication unit, and the power line; and It includes a first control unit that controls the first communication unit and the first switch unit, and The above sensor control unit is, A power transmission unit that transmits at least a portion of the power supplied from the above power supply unit to the above heater unit; A first power conversion unit that converts a portion of the power supplied from the above power supply unit; A second communication unit that communicates with the first communication unit through the power line above; A temperature sensor that generates the above temperature information; A second switch unit that switches the connection between the power transmission unit, the first power conversion unit, the second communication unit, and the power line; A second control unit that receives temperature information from the temperature sensor and controls the second communication unit and the second switch unit; and It includes a capacitor that stores power and supplies power to the second communication unit and the second control unit, The first control unit above divides the time interval into a power supply interval and a communication interval, and In the above power supply section, The first switch unit connects the power supply unit and the power line, and the power supply unit supplies power for driving the sensor control unit and the heater unit through the power line, and the second switch unit connects the power transmission unit and the first power conversion unit and the power line, and the power transmission unit transmits at least a portion of the power supplied from the power supply unit to the heater unit, and the second communication unit and the second control unit are driven by the power converted by the first power conversion unit. In the above communication section, The first switch unit connects the first communication unit and the power line, the second switch unit connects the second communication unit and the power line, the first communication unit and the second communication unit communicate through the power line, the second communication unit and the second control unit are driven by the capacitor, and the power supplied to the heater unit is cut off. A communication system using power lines.

2. In Paragraph 1, In the above power supply section, The first power supply unit supplies AC power to the sensor control unit through the power line, and the power transmission unit supplies at least a portion of the supplied AC power to the heater unit. A communication system using power lines.

3. In Paragraph 1, In the above power supply section, The first power supply unit supplies AC power to the sensor control unit through the power line, and the first power converter converts the AC power into DC power and supplies it to the second communication unit and the second control unit. A communication system using power lines.

4. In Paragraph 1, In the above power supply section, The above capacitor receives DC power from the above first power converter and is charged. A communication system using power lines.

5. In Paragraph 1, In the above communication section, The above power line does not transmit power, but only transmits communication signals between the first communication unit and the second communication unit. A communication system using power lines.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above sensor control unit is, The apparatus further includes a second power converter that converts the power converted by the first power converter in the power supply section and converts the power supplied by the capacitor in the communication section and supplies it to the second communication section and the second control section. A communication system using power lines.

7. In Paragraph 1, The first control unit further divides the time interval into a first switching interval that switches from the power supply interval to the communication interval, and In the above first transition section, The first switch unit connects the power supply unit and the power line, the power supply unit supplies power having a predetermined protocol to the sensor control unit, and the second control unit identifies the predetermined protocol to identify the first switching section. A communication system using power lines.

8. In Paragraph 7, The power source having the above-mentioned predetermined protocol is a power source having a predetermined frequency conversion for a specific period of time, and The sensor control unit further includes a zero-crossing detector that identifies a predetermined frequency conversion during the specific time period. A communication system using power lines.

9. In Paragraph 8, The first control unit controls the first switch unit to switch from the connection mode of the power supply 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 power supply section to the connection mode of the communication section. A communication system using power lines.

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

11. In Paragraph 1, In the above communication section, When the second control unit detects that the output voltage of the capacitor is below a predetermined level, it transmits information regarding the abnormality of the capacitor to the first communication unit through the second communication unit. A communication system using power lines.

12. In Paragraph 11, When the first control unit receives the abnormal information, it controls the first switch unit to switch from the connection mode of the power supply section to the connection mode of the communication section, and When the second control unit transmits the abnormal information, it controls the second switch unit to switch from the connection mode of the power supply section to the connection mode of the communication section. A communication system using power lines.

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