Assembly for transmitting information via a low-voltage power supply network

Arrangement for the transmission of information via a low voltage power supply network

Technical field

The invention relates to an arrangement for transmitting information via a low-voltage power supply network, comprising a first and a second data terminal, as well as a coupling device. State of the art

Electronic communication, ie the transfer of data in electronic form, is becoming increasingly important. Whether to provide a banking expert the latest stock information directly on his desk or already been controlled on the way back from the winter holidays the heater on at home. The generation and handling of data is usually done with data terminals, such as computers, which are for the purpose of power supply connected to the power grid.

A possible transport of such data is the power grid itself. Messages such as telephone calls, by fax, digital data, etc. via low voltage

to transfer power grids, is known. For this purpose, the

coded messages and a radio-frequency carrier signal in a known manner, eg. as impressed by frequency modulation. The modulated carrier signal from the respective

coupled channels in the low-voltage power supply, coupled by the recipient in the same way again and decoded.

Communication systems that use a power supply system in this way, z. B. in WO-A-95/29537 are described.

For coupling and decoupling of the messages respectively. the modulated carrier signal into or from the low-voltage power supply network be used couplers, which are in turn connected to the low-voltage power supply network.

Through various processes radio frequency interference can in low-voltage power supply systems arise which superimpose the carrier signal, be with decoupled and u. U. the quality of communication affect sensitive. This repetition of submissions are required, which results in a reduction of the data rate to be. to suppress such disturbances at the receiver, is often not possible only with considerable effort or schaitungstechnischem. The strongest noises often come from the vicinity of the Messaging beteiligton devices such as a provided for processing the received messages computer or reflections at the open ends of the line.

Such arrangements for data transmission via power supply networks therefore have several disadvantages. Firstly get noise unfiltered into the power grid and are superimposed on the modulated carrier signals, and on the other is respectively at each data terminal next to the device network connection. wherever data inserted into the power supply network or to be coupled out, an additional power supply for coupling device required.

Summary of the Invention

The object of the invention is to provide an arrangement of the aforementioned type which avoids the existing problems in the prior art and for their suitability for the transmission of messages is greatly improved and one for use in the inventive arrangement suitable coupling device.

The object is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the arrangement for transmitting messages via a low-voltage power supply network, a first and a second terminal between which the messages are transmitted, wherein the first data terminal is connected via at least one coupling device to the low-voltage power supply network. Each coupling device has for this purpose in addition to a network connection for connecting the coupling device on the low voltage power supply network and a device connector for connecting an electric power device to be supplied to the coupling device a combined data / power connector on. Via this data / power connector that this superimposed messages are transmitted simultaneously to the supply signal. By interposing a coupling device between the low voltage power supply network and to be connected to it at random as the first terminal is at each coupling device, a network access to inputs or decoupling of messages in the or from the low-voltage power supply network at your disposal and there are no additional power outlets for the needed by approved coupler

The first terminal preferably has a messaging port and a power connector on the power supply is configured such that the data terminal can be so in order to supply connected supply network with electrical energy to the low-voltage Stromversor- Connecting the Datenendgrates ans low-voltage power supply network is, however, not directly but it is connected via its network connection with the random connection of a first coupling device This in turn is connected via its network connection to the low voltage power supply network

The message connection of data terminal enables the sending of generated by the terminal messages and / or receiving the specific for this terminal messages With its messaging port the data terminal via a data connection to the data / power connector of the first or second coupling device is connected is also the most second coupling device connected through its network connection to the low voltage power supply network

In a preferred embodiment of the inventive arrangement, the first terminal is connected to its power supply as well as via the data connection with the same, namely the first Kuppelvorπchtung the grid connection of the data terminal to the random port and the message connection via the data connection to the data / power connector.

To bring the messages to be sent in a form suitable for transmission via the low-voltage power supply network form, is in the data link is preferably a transmitter / receiver device provided This has a messaging port and a data / power connector on. The messages connect the transmission / reception device is suitable for transmitting and receiving the messages, and is connected to the message port of the first data terminal. The data / power connector on the transmitter / receiver device is connected to the data / power connector of the first and possibly second coupling device, wherein the transmitting / receiving device on the one hand receives the energy supply signal supplied via its data / power connector and on the other hand also send a this layered, high-frequency Übertraguπgssignal or can receive.

Further, the transmission / reception device comprises means for generating the transmission signal from the received messages and means for generating the message from the received transmission signal.

The transmission signal is, for example, formed in the transmitting / receiving device by the news, that the low-frequency communication signals are aufmoduiiert a high-frequency carrier signal. The carrier frequency, ie the frequency of the carrier signal lies considerably higher than the mains frequency of the low voltage power supply network. The generation and processing and preparation of the message signal is typically connected to the data terminal, the sending and receiving of course an encoding or further processing steps precede or follow.

The inventive arrangement is preferably located within a building or complex.

Hereinafter, the coupling device, as it can be used particularly in arrangements of the kind just described, illustrated in greater detail. She is compact, has a low weight, is therefore easy to integrate with other devices to use easily and quickly or remove, and thus provides a simple and cost-effective way of carrying out the invention. An inventive coupling device comprises in addition a network connection for connecting to the low voltage power supply network and a random port for connecting an electric power device to be supplied to the coupling device to a combined data / power connector. On data / power connector on the one hand for the purpose of energy supply another device can be connected and on the other hand, can use the data / power connector high frequency communication signals from or to this unit are transmitted to or from the Niederspaπnungs- power grid by being superimposed on the low-power signal.

The mains connection of the coupling device comprises at least two power contacts. These are used for connecting the coupling device to a low voltage power supply network with at least two conductors, where the term conductor both a neutral and a phase conductor, but not a ground conductor be subsumed. The coupling device can be connected to a low voltage power supply network with a neutral conductor and at least one phase conductor with their network connection so.

The random connection of the coupling device comprises the same amount of unit contacts as power contacts at the mains are present, ie one for the neutral conductor and at least one of the at least one phase conductor. Between one net each contact and a respective device contact a network connection is provided.

The data / power connector on the coupling device has at least two but not more than the same number of data / network contacts as power contacts at the mains connection are available. Between two different data / Netzkcntakt and one net each contact a data / power connection is provided.

Preferably, the coupling device has precisely two power contacts and thus exactly two device contacts. As already mentioned, produce most of the devices which are connected to the low voltage power supply network, high-frequency interference signals, which are superimposed on a high frequency transmission signal and can adversely affect the data transmission. The terminal is no exception. In order, however, the noise of the data terminal does not interfere with the transmission of its own messages, located in each network connection, ie. Between each network port and random access, a choke coil Filter these reactors out frequency signal components from the appropriate Head of transmitted signals and hold in this way high-frequency interference from the power supply remotely.

However, the inductors have another important advantage. They prevent parts of the radio frequency transmission signal via the random port of the coupling device to enter the terminal. They thus ensure that on the one hand no high frequency signals as a quasi noise on the power supply terminal in the terminal and on the other hand, the transmission signal with the smallest possible energy loss from the low-voltage power supply network for transmitting / receiving device or of the Seπde / reach transmission network receiving device into the low-voltage current supply.

the inventive coupling device is preferably used in low-voltage power grids at a grid frequency below 1 kHz. The frequency of the carrier signal, wherein the messages are modulated, is between 1 MHz and 60 MHz. To suppress in such conditions to the interference caused optimally, the inductors in the power conductor connections preferably depending on an inductance between 1 and 20 .mu.H .mu.H. The use of reactors is space-saving and avoids saturation effects.

In a preferred embodiment of the coupling device is adapted for connection to a low voltage power supply network with a protective conductor, a ground conductor beispielsweies. therefore your network connection has an earth conductor network contact and her Devices connecting a ground conductor devices contact. The ground conductor network contact is connected to the ground conductor devices Contact by a ground wire network connection.

, The coupling device as just described contacts and connections for on a ground conductor, is in a further embodiment of the invention preferably also the data / network connection of the coupling device with a contact for the earth conductor, that an earth conductor data / network contact equipped. In this case, the ground wire power contact with the earth conductor data / network contact data / network connection connected by a ground wire.

The mains connection of the coupling device is preferably a plug, ie designed as a plug with pins. It comprises a pin for each power contact and an additional pin for any existing ground wire power contact. This plug is designed and meets the applicable standards, that it can be plugged into a correspondingly designed and normalized power outlet of the low-voltage power supply network.

Thus, the coupling device can be used as simple as possible and handled her random connection is advantageously designed as a socket with sockets. It comprises a female contact for each device contact and an additional female contact for any existing grounding conductor devices Contact. This socket is configured and meets the appropriate standards that a correspondingly formed or normalized device plug an electric power device to be supplied can be inserted therein.

In this way it is ensured that any device that can be connected with a matching devices plug directly to the low voltage power supply network, and indirectly can be connected via a coupling device to it. The device power plug is simply pulled out from the wall outlet and plugged into the socket of the device connection of the dome device. The coupling device is then simply plugged with her trained as a plug power supply in this power outlet. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the power supply and the connection devices are housed in a common housing and the data / power connector is at the end of a lead-out from this housing data / power cable. The veins of this data / power cable are connected in the housing with the corresponding contacts of the mains connection and form the data / power connections and the earth conductor data / network connection, if the data / power connector also having a ground conductor data / network contact. The data / power connector can be designed as plug or socket, or it is connected directly to the corresponding terminals and the attached device. It should be noted that it is technically possible to realize the data / power connector as connectors, but that it is not useful and even prohibited, depending on legal requirements in terms of safety, to train power connections as contact pins of a plug when in not inserted state may be live.

In order when inserting the coupling device into a power outlet on the one hand and a device power plug on the other hand low in the socket of the device connection possible lateral forces, ie forces acting transversely to the direction of insertion of the coupling device in the low-voltage power supply system cause, in the power supply and the random port for example, are in a line arranged. The two lines, which are formed by the extension of a contact pin or the corresponding female contact, consequently are not only parallel, but they are superimposed even, are therefore virtually identical.

The data / power cable of the data / power connection is as laterally out with this arrangement of networks and devices connecting from the housing.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the data / power connector is also designed as outlet sockets. It comprises a female contact for each data / power contact and an additional female contact for any existing grounding conductor data / network contact. This socket is configured and meets the appropriate standards, since; s a correspondingly formed or standardized devices plug an electric power device to be supplied can be inserted therein.

To realize such a coupling device formed compact and handy, it is preferably used in a rigid housing. This has suitable openings for the plug of the mains supply, for the outlet of the device connection and for the outlet of the data / power connector. The openings are arranged and the housing is designed such that the coupling device to with their network connection into a power outlet of the low voltage power supply network, the device plug a to be supplied with power adapter into the DC terminal of the coupling device and simultaneously the device power cord of another, with current supplying device can be plugged into the data / power connector of the coupling device. Between the openings so there is enough space, so that the plugs or sockets are not mutually get in the way.

From the following detailed description and the totality of the claims other advantageous embodiments and feature combinations of the invention follow.

Brief Description of Drawings

The drawings used to explain the exemplary embodiment:

. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the inventive coupling device;

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an inventive arrangement for

Transmission of messages; FIG. 3 is a schemati cal representation of a coupling device with two

Dome outlets and

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of an integrated in a modem

Attachment

In principle, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

WAYS OF CARRYING OUT OF THE INVENTION

1 shows an inventive coupling device 1 is shown schematically It has a power connector on one end, a dome plug 3 which is designed to be plugged into an electrical outlet of the respective low voltage power supply network. At the opposite end of the coupling device 1 is a random port a dome outlet 4 formed, which is compatible with the dome plug 3 and thus physically corresponds to a power outlet. D h that any device that possessing a random power plug, which is designed for connecting the appliance to the respective power grid, can also be connected by plugging the devices power plug into the dome socket 4 of the coupling device 1 dome plug 3 and dome outlet 4 are in the same housed housing 2

The dome plug 3 has three pins, an earth-pin 3 1, a neutral-pin 3.2 and a phase conductor contact pin 3.3. The dome socket 4 has a ground conductor female contact 4 1, a neutral conductor female contact 4 2 and a phase conductor contact socket 4.3. is ever a wire connection 5.1, 5.2 or between the ground conductor contact pin 3.1 and the earth conductor female contact 4 1, between the neutral conductor contact pin 3 2 and the neutral-contact socket 4.2 and between the phase conductor contact pin 3.3 and the phase conductor contact socket 4 3 5.3. In the two conductor connections 5.2 and 5.3 per egt a choke coil 6.1 or 6.2. The coupling device 1 has in addition to a data / power connector 7 with a ground-contact terminal 7.1, a neutral contact terminal 7.2 and a phase conductor contact Connection 7.3. The data / power connector is at the end of a guided out of the housing 2 data / power cable 9 between the ground wire pin 3.1 and the ground conductor contact Connection 7.1, between the main neutral contact pin 3.2 and the neutral contact terminal 7.2 and between the phase conductor contact pin 3.3 and the phase conductor-contact terminal is 7.3 per a wire connection 8.1, 8.2 or 8.3.

Thanks to the limitation on Reactors - on capacity will be omitted - may be a coupling device are made not only cheap but also very compact. In particular, a large overall length, which has been greatly increase the risk of discontinuing the intermediate stucco or damage or tearing out a wall outlet because of the larger size lever allfällig incident forces, are avoided.

Of course, can be designed as socket with contact socket or pin header with pins and the data / power connector of the coupling device 1, but the embodiments are further to be considered the front for safety and legal requirements.

In Figure 2 is a schematic arrangement for transmission of messages - it can involve phone calls, by fax, digital data to act any audio or video signals or else - a low-voltage power supply network 1 1, preferably within a public or private building or building complex is represented. The low-voltage power supply network 1 1 has a plurality of electrical outlets 12.1 to 12.5 to. In the electrical outlets 12.1 to 12.5 to be inserted with their respective Kuppelπetzstecker Attachment 1.1 to 1.5. For clarity, all plugs and associated sockets are drawn as if the plug were not plugged into the socket. (This applies to all characters.) The messages are transferred between the two computers 13.1 and 13.2, which are connected by plugging its power plug 14.1 and 14.2 in the dome outlet of Kuppeivorrichtungen 1.1 or 1.2 to the low voltage power supply network 1 1 via the low-voltage power supply network 1. 1 In this case, a far higher than the mains frequency carrier frequency that is preferably between 1 MHz and 60 MHz, preferably at least 10 MHz is used.

On the same low-voltage power supply network 1 1 is by plugging the respective mains plug 14.3, 14.4 and 14.5 in the cupola of the dome outlets devices 1.3, 1.4, respectively. 1.5 additional power consumers connected: A fax machine 15, a television 16 and a tape recorder 17. It is to be noted that the power plug 14.5 of the tape recorder 17 is bipolar, ie having only one neutral conductor and a phase conductor, but no ground wire. Such devices can of course also be connected through an inventive coupling device to the low-voltage power supply network 1 first

In consumers (whether on or off) or in the line segments between consumers and electrical outlets or Kuppeivorrichtungen disorders with high-frequency components are generated.

To be able to transmit the 13.1 or 13.2 generated by the computers messages, both connected via a corresponding signal connection 18.1 and 18.2, each with a modem 19.1 and 19.2. The modem 19.1, 19.2 in turn each have a data / power connector. When Modem 19.2 this is designed as a data modem plug 20. When it is realized by 19.1 terminals, which are located inside the modem. The coupling device 1.1 is implemented according to FIG 1. Your data / power contacts are at the end of the data / power cable 9 and are connected directly to the corresponding terminal contacts of the data / power connector of the modem 19.1.

The data / power connector on the Kuppeivorrichtungen 2.1 to 5.1 is implemented as a socket into which a trained for connection to low-voltage Stronr'ersorgungsnetz 1 1 Power cord can be plugged. The data plug 20 is thus realized as a plug which can be inserted into any mains socket 1/12 to 5/12 of the low-voltage power supply network 1, the first It is plugged into the socket configured as data / power connector on the coupling device 1.2. The data / power connector on the modem 19.1, 1 2 is this one part to the power line and simultaneously for receiving or sending mail transmitted over the low voltage power supply network 1 1 News.

Would a modem 19.1 or 19 2 achieve substantially without attenuation generated in the consumer and in the cables radio frequency interference, they could not be suppressed there only with circuitry very complex measures or. This was disturbing to receive messages, where they overlap, delicate.

For this reason, the devices that are used as sources of Stόrsignalen, especially those that are in the mentioned exchange messages preferred range of between 1 MHz and 60 MHz in question each have a inventive coupling device 1.1 to 1.5 on the low-voltage power supply network is 1 1 connected. The outgoing from said devices high-frequency interference signals are virtually completely suppressed by the choke coils in the Kuppeivorrichtungen 1.1 to 1.5, so they do not interfere with the message received by the modems 19 1 and 19. 2

By using the inventive Kuppeivorrichtungen 1.3 to 1.5 for connecting further Nutzgerate also is each an additional network access for connecting a modem for data transfer of charge. It was as the set 16 are equipped to retrieve web pages with another modem, which could be connected to the data / power output of the coupling device 1.4.

Further, the inductors have the Kuppeivorrichtungen 1.1 to 1.5 the advantage that they modulated the high-frequency carrier signal of the following computers 13.1 or 13.2 Keep away. To st: eht αie entire signal power for transmission via the low-voltage power supply network.

The Kuppeivorrichtungen 1.1 to 1.5 also have the effect of the cable between the power plug and the equipment, which is primarily an unfavorable length represents an open line termination and even when the device can cause harmful interference, virtually decouple for higher frequency signals. This reflection can be prevented and the sum of the noise on the low-voltage power supply network 1 1 further and may be very substantially reduced.

By reducing the interference, the data transfer rate can be increased considerably. In addition, the strength of Trägersignais can be reduced so that legal restrictions on the overall level of high-frequency signals on the low-voltage power supply network 1 1 can be much more easily met.

In the invention, various modifications of the clutch apparatus 1 are possible. So it can be for example formed as a distributor with several dome outlets and / or more data / power connections.

In Figure 3, a coupling device is shown, for example 1.6, which has a dome plug 3, a data / power connector 7 and two dome outlets 4a and 4b. The dome plug (3) and the two dome outlets 4a and 4b are housed in a common housing 2 and the data / power connector is located again at the end of a guided out of the housing 2 data / power cable 9. The contact sockets of the dome plug 4a and 4b are analogous to the Attachment of figure 1 connected to the contact pins of the coupling power plug. 3 Filtering out the introduced via the two coupling sockets 4a and 4b disturbances is carried out for both dome outlets 4a and 4b together by the two choke coils 6.1 and 6.2. It would also be possible to provide 4a and 4b each with its own choke coils for each existing coupling socket. Similar to the data / power connector to a coupling device and the network ports must be performed as in a housing integrated plugs or sockets not mandatory. For example it is possible that a connection is provided as a plug or socket on the end of a respective connecting cable, the wires themselves to the respective contacts of the coupling device are connected or that a connection not designed as a plug or socket, but firmly with the corresponding connectors on the connected counterpart. Here too, however, the above statements regarding technical feasibility and legal requirements to be considered.

Figure. 4 shows as a coupling device, which is partially integrated into a modem 19.3. The Kuppelπetzstecker 3 is located at the end of a respective connecting cable 21 which is led directly into the modem 19.3. The data / power contacts of the data / power connection are directly connected to the corresponding contacts of the transmitting / receiving part 22 of the modem 19.3. This further includes a signal terminal 23.1. The dome outlet 4 forms over a conventional modem an additional output of this modem 19.3. At the dome outlet 4 turn any, equipped with an appropriate power plug power consumers can be connected. Shown is a computer 13.3, its plug 14.6 is at the end of a power cord and is plugged into the dome socket 4 and for transmitting messages to or from the modem 19.3 has a signal connection 23.2, which is connected to the signal connector 23.1 modem 19.3. The filtering of the generated high-frequency interference by the computer 13.3 is effected by means of the choke coils 6.1 and 6.2 of the coupling device, which are located in the modem 19.3.

Instead of the coupling device or parts of it in a modem or for example to integrate a computer, of course, the modem or other transmitting / receiving device and other data processing modules can be integrated into the housing of the coupling device. Finally, the coupling device may be formed as an extension cable, wherein the coupling plug on the one hand and the coupling socket or a plurality of dome outlets are on the other hand arranged in two connected by a cable housing parts, wherein the data / power connection may be provided in any housing part. The inductors are then distributed in one of the two housing parts or between the two, but always placed such that the inductors the or the data / power connections and the dome plug are not between.

The illustrated and described in Figure 1 one-piece design is, however, due to their particularly compact design and - preferably simplicity and clarity of their deployment - particularly when the coupling device is inserted in each case directly into the power outlet.

Of course, the invention is also applicable analogously to low-voltage power supply networks of other standards, for example with three phase conductors or a low-voltage power supply network without ground wire.

In summary, it should be noted that the invention allows to transmit information via a low-voltage power supply network, high-frequency interference, which are produced by any electricity consumers, are kept away from the power supply by a coupling device is inserted between each power consumers and the low voltage power supply network that mentioned the interference by inductors suppressed. In addition, the invention enables, on and to use the same power outlet on the one hand for receiving the data from the low-voltage power supply network and on the other hand at the same time for the power supply of those devices with which the transmitted or processed messages to be transmitted.