WO2005093549A1

WO2005093549A1 - Explosion proof terminal device

Info

Publication number: WO2005093549A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/003886
Authority: WO
Inventors: Toshi Hasegawa
Original assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
Priority date: 2004-03-26
Filing date: 2005-03-07
Publication date: 2005-10-06
Also published as: JP2005276045A

Abstract

An explosion proof terminal device where non-explosion proof instrument is placed in a container which satisfies a pressure resistant explosion proof standard and a part of which container is a light transmittance surface. The placement of the non-explosion proof instrument is such that a display section of the non-explosion proof instrument is visible from the light transmittance surface. The explosion proof terminal device has operation means capable of transmitting a signal to the non-explosion proof instrument by being operated from the outside of the container. Thus, a portable device that is low cost, has high performance and excellent operability and portability, and capable of being used in a dangerous place can be realized.

Description

Specification

Explosion-proof terminal

Technical field

The present invention relates to an explosion-proof terminal device capable of efficiently performing operations such as operation, monitoring, inspection, and maintenance in an environment where an explosive atmosphere may be generated, such as a petrochemical factory. This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-091430 filed on Mar. 26, 2004, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background art

[0002] In recent years, in order to save labor in factories and plants, on-site work support systems that use mobile devices such as PDAs (Personal Digital Assistance) and IT technology have been introduced to improve on-site work efficiency. It has become so. Figure 5 shows the configuration of such a process control system.

In FIG. 5, a field control station (FCS) 51, a human machine interface station (HIS) 52, and a portable terminal server 531 are connected to a control communication bus 54. The FCS51 acquires the force of the sensor installed at the process site and the process amount, and controls the valve and other components. The operator controls and monitors the plant using HIS52.

[0004] The HIS 52, the portable terminal server 531 and the portable terminal communication control device 532 are connected to a communication bus 55 such as an Ethernet (registered trademark) bus. The FCS 51 wirelessly transmits data to the portable terminal 56 via the portable terminal server 531, the portable terminal communication control device 532, and the antenna 533, and receives data transmitted from the portable terminal 56.

[0005] The FCS51, HIS52, portable terminal server 531, portable terminal communication control device 532, and portable terminal 56 are installed in a non-hazardous area, and an explosion-proof standard compliant terminal 58 is installed in the dangerous area. The control signal and the like to be transmitted to the explosion-proof standard terminal 58 are transmitted after the electric signal is converted into the optical signal by the electric Z-optical converter 57.

[0006] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a hazardous area classification and a use range of an electric device. From the viewpoint of explosion protection, plants are classified into non-hazardous areas and hazardous areas. Hazardous location is a dangerous atmosphere Are classified into three types, two types, one type and zero type, according to the time and frequency at which they exist. These categories are defined by the safety officer of each factory or plant that produces or handles hazardous gases. In FIG. 6, 61 indicates the probability of the generation of a dangerous atmosphere and the ratio of the stagnation time, and 62 indicates the electrical equipment installed at each location.

[0007] As shown in FIG. 6, non-explosion-proof products can be used only in non-hazardous areas. In hazardous areas, only electrical equipment that has passed the type approval of the explosion-proof structure standard for electrical machinery and equipment specified by the Industrial Safety and Health Law can be used.

[0008] Explosion-proof structural standards include pressure-resistant explosion-proof, internal pressure explosion-proof, and intrinsically safe explosion-proof, each of which specifies technical requirements. In the case of mobile terminals, it is necessary to conform to the intrinsically safe explosion-proof standard that allows for a small and light-weight explosion-proof and internal-pressure explosion-proof, which is difficult to adopt. Intrinsically safe explosion-proof is an explosion-proof structural standard that controls the operating voltage and current of electrical circuits to essentially limit the level of electrical energy that ignites in hazardous locations.

[0009] In the United States and Europe, there are Divisionll and TypeN as standards conforming to two types of places where a dangerous atmosphere may be generated only at abnormal times. These standards require a certain level of explosion-proof performance only when the electrical equipment is in a normal state. Therefore, the mobile terminal can be adapted to these standards relatively easily. In fact, there are products that conform to these standards on general-purpose PDAs.

[0010] However, in Japan, there is a demand for essentially suppressing the electric energy level even when an electric device fails. Therefore, components for the purpose of limiting voltage and current must be made redundant. As a result, the size and weight of the equipment have increased due to the increase in the circuit scale and the number of parts, which has resulted in higher product costs. Therefore, mobile terminals that conform to the intrinsically safe explosion-proof standard have spread to the market!

[0011] As a prior art document regarding explosion-proof measures using non-explosion-proof equipment, there is one disclosed in "JP-A-2000-05 9985".

[0012] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-059985 describes a simple explosion-proof system that performs explosion-proof measures using non-explosion-proof electrical equipment. However, the system is powered by electrical or non-hazardous location electrical It is configured to supply power to the power supply circuit of the container, and cannot be applied to non-explosion-proof portable terminals.

[0013] As described above, in order to comply with Japan's intrinsically safe explosion-proof standard, components that limit voltage and current must be made redundant, so the number of components increases and the circuit scale increases. Therefore, the size and weight of the device increase, and the product cost increases. As a result, mobile terminals that conform to the intrinsically safe explosion-proof standard have become widespread, and there have been problems.

[0014] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an explosion-proof portable terminal device that is inexpensive, has high functionality, is excellent in operability and portability, and can improve on-site work efficiency. Disclosure of the invention

[0015] In order to achieve such an object, the present invention provides a container which conforms to the explosion-proof structure standard and has a light-transmissive window at a part thereof, and a display portion of the container passing through the window from outside the container. As can be seen, the apparatus comprises a device arranged inside the container and an operating means capable of transmitting a signal to the device by operating the device from outside the container. An explosion-proof portable terminal can be easily configured.

[0016] In the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, the device may include CF or CF +, SD or SDIO, USB, RS232C, IEEE1394, IDE, PCM CIA, or an interface combining these. It had. The interface is easier.

[0017] Further, according to the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, a wireless communication unit built in the device or built in the container and connected to the device is provided, and the container has at least a part of an electromagnetic wave. Has a characteristic of transmitting light. Can communicate with the outside world.

[0018] Also, in the present invention according to the above-mentioned invention, the wireless communication unit may be an IEEE802.11a, an IEEE802.11b, an IEEE802.11g, an IEEE802.5.4, an IrDA, a UWB, or a weak Radio, or simple business radio, or wireless pager, PDC, PHS, GSM, CDMA, TDMA, or W-CDMA, or a combination of multiple functions It is. Existing wireless communication

Communication means can be applied.

[0019] In the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, the device uses a non-explosion-proof device. Commercially available equipment can be used.

Further, in the present invention according to the above-mentioned invention, the light-transmitting window is made of glass or a plastic material. Explosion-proof structure can be realized.

[0021] In the present invention, in the above-described invention, a hard synthetic resin is used as a material of the container. Containers can be easily manufactured.

[0022] Further, according to the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, the display unit is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an inorganic EL display, a plasma display, or a light emitting diode display, or a combination of these displays. Things. You can use an existing display.

[0023] Further, according to the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, the operating means has a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit which are built in the container and arranged so that an optical path of the operating unit passes through the outside of the container. A signal is transmitted to the device by blocking the optical path passing through the outside of the container. The operation means can be easily realized.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, a concave portion is formed in the container, a light transmitting surface is provided at a position facing a side surface of the concave portion, and the light emission is provided in close proximity to each of the light transmitting surfaces. And a light receiving unit.

The configuration is simplified.

[0025] Further, according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, there are provided two optical means capable of changing a direction of an optical path by approximately 90 degrees, and the optical path of the output light of the light emitting unit is changed by the optical means. And introduced inside the container. The configuration becomes simple.

[0026] The present invention is the above-mentioned invention, wherein the two optical means are integrated. The number of parts is reduced.

[0027] Further, in the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, a concave portion is formed in the container, and the two optical means are disposed to face each other on a side surface of the concave portion. Easy to configure The

[0028] In the present invention, in the above-described invention, a plurality of the optical paths are arranged so as to intersect with each other, and a plurality of different signals are input to the device by blocking the optical paths at the intersections. is there. Multiple signals can be input.

[0029] Further, according to the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, a display indicating a type of signal is arranged near the intersection. Easy to operate.

[0030] In the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, visible light or infrared light is used as output light of the light emitting section. It can be easily realized.

As is clear from the above description, the present invention has the following effects. In the present invention, a non-explosion-proof device is arranged in a container that conforms to the standard of the explosion-proof structure, and a signal is input to the non-explosion-proof device by using operation means that can be operated from the outside.

[0032] A terminal device having a simple structure, an inexpensive and explosion-proof structure with excellent operability can be manufactured, so that patrols and inspections can be made in hazardous areas such as chemical factories where flammable atmospheres exist. In addition, there is an effect that it is possible to improve the efficiency of maintenance work on site such as maintenance.

[0033] In addition, a commercially-available general-purpose device can be used as the device to be disposed inside the container, and thus there is an effect that a terminal using the latest technology can be manufactured quickly and at low cost. Therefore, it is possible to easily and continuously provide an explosion-proof terminal device for supporting on-site work with excellent maintainability.

Further, by arranging the wireless communication unit in the container, it is possible to easily perform communication with a process control system or the like. Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing one embodiment of an operation means.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the operation means.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a process control system. [FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a dangerous place.

Explanation of symbols

1 container

11 Electromagnetic wave transmitting surface

12 Light transmitting surface

13 Light transmission surface

21 Non-explosion-proof equipment

22 IZF circuit

23 Additional functions

24 Operation input detector

241 Light emitting unit

242 Receiver

25 Operation unit

3 Shielding member

4 Optical path member Best mode for carrying out the invention

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. For example, the components of these embodiments may be appropriately combined.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing one embodiment of an explosion-proof terminal device according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a container. The container 1 is made of a hard synthetic resin and constitutes a pressure-resistant explosion-proof container. 11 is one side of this container 1. This surface 11 is made to transmit electromagnetic waves.

[0039] Reference numeral 12 denotes a light transmitting surface formed on a part of the container 1, and 13 denotes the same light transmitting surface. The light transmitting surface 12 transmits visible light, and the light transmitting surface 13 transmits visible light or infrared light. Reference numeral 21 denotes a non-explosion-proof device arranged in the container 1 and has a display unit. The non-explosion-proof device 21 is disposed at a position where the display unit faces the light transmitting surface 12. Light transmission surface 13 is flameproof It has mechanical strength that satisfies the manufacturing standards and predetermined antistatic properties. The light transmitting surface 13 is made of glass, plastic material or the like.

[0040] Reference numeral 24 denotes an operation input detection unit disposed in the container 1, and one surface is disposed at a position facing the light transmitting surface 13. Reference numeral 23 denotes an additional function unit, which adds the function of the non-explosion-proof device 21. Reference numeral 22 denotes an IZF circuit, which controls an interface between the non-explosion-proof device 21 and the operation input detection unit 24 and the additional function unit 23. Reference numeral 25 denotes an operation unit, which is provided outside the container 1 and is arranged so as to face the light transmitting surface 13.

Next, each part of this embodiment will be described in detail. Vessel 1 is made of lightweight and highly portable material, and satisfies the requirements of the following explosion-proof construction standards. That is, it must have a thermally stable material and structure.

Even if an explosion occurs in the container, the structure must be such that the flame does not escape to the outside. The container itself may be damaged by the explosion in the container or the impact of the container falling, and the electric circuit inside the container may be exposed, and the electric energy may become a source of ignition and not apply to the dangerous atmosphere outside! The structure has sufficient strength and durability.

[0042] The non-explosion-proof equipment 21 is a PDA, a tablet PC, a digital camera, a video camera, a mobile phone, or the like, and has the following functional units.

A display output unit that outputs a display to the operator.

An operation input unit for acquiring an operation signal from an operator.

A processing unit that processes information from the operation input unit and transmits the information to the display output unit and wireless communication unit.

A wireless communication unit that transmits and receives information using electromagnetic waves as a medium.

Standard interface for data transfer and control by connecting to external peripherals. This standard interface is used for CF (Compact Flash) or CF + (Compact Flash Plus), SD (Secure Digital) or SDIO (Secure Digital Input Output), or USB ( It has a communication interface circuit such as Universal Serial Bus), RS232C, IEEE1394, IDE, PCMCIA, or an interface combining these.

The IZF circuit 22 is connected to the standard interface of the non-explosion-proof It has a function unit for executing control and a connection unit for charging the built-in battery of the non-explosion-proof device 21 with external power.

The operation input detection unit 24 receives the output of the operation unit 25 via the light transmitting surface 13. This received signal is input to the non-explosion-proof device 21 via the IZF circuit 22. That is, the non-explosion-proof device 21 is operated by the operation unit 25.

[0045] The additional function unit 23 processes data input from the non-explosion-proof device 21 via the IZF circuit 22 to implement a desired function. In addition, by connecting to the IZF circuit 22 with a standard interface such as CF, SD, USB, etc., the structure is such that a CF memory card, CF wireless LAN card, etc. can be used.

Further, a detachable structure capable of easily changing, expanding or adding functions is adopted. Examples of the caro function include: Bluetooth (registered trademark), wireless communication such as PHS, ZigBee, USB, camera, GPS, RFID, TV tuner, radio, pedometer (registered trademark), tilt sensor, vibration meter, etc. Accelerometers and temperature sensors.

In this embodiment, a non-explosion-proof device 21, an I / F circuit 22, an additional function unit 23, and an operation input detection unit 24 are housed in a container 1 made in accordance with the flameproof structure standard. The display is made visible through the light transmitting surface 12. In addition, the operation input detection unit 24, the operation unit 25, and the light transmitting surface 13 enable the external force of the container 1 to give an operation input.

This operation input is input to the non-explosion-proof device 21 via the IZF circuit 22. The non-explosion-proof device 21 executes a desired calculation process based on the operation input, displays the result on its own display unit, and outputs the result to the outside by a built-in wireless device. This wireless signal is output from the electromagnetic wave transmission surface 11 to the outside.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the operation input detection unit 24 and the operation unit 25. The same elements as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 2, a concave portion is provided in a part of the container 1, and a light transmitting surface 13 is provided to face the side surface of the concave portion. The operation unit 25 is located at the bottom of the concave portion, and a button is displayed. The operation input detection unit 24 is disposed inside the container 1 so as to surround the recess.

[0050] Reference numeral 241 denotes a light emitting unit, and 242 denotes a light receiving unit, the light emitting surface and the light receiving surface of which face the light transmitting surface 13. As shown in FIG. That is, the output light of the light emitting unit 241 is transmitted through the two light transmitting surfaces 13 and is input to the light receiving unit. When the shielding member 3 such as a finger is placed on the operation unit 25, this optical path is blocked, and the output light of the light emitting unit 241 does not reach the light receiving unit 242, so that the placement of the shielding member 3 can be detected.

By arranging a plurality of light emitting units 241 and light receiving units 242 in parallel, it is possible to respond to a plurality of inputs. Further, if the light-emitting unit 241 and the light-receiving unit 242 are arranged on the four side surfaces of the recess so that the optical paths cross each other, it is possible to cope with more inputs. In these cases, the value of the operation input can be changed depending on the position of the shielding member.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the present invention. The same elements as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. The left side of FIG. 3 is a front view, the center is a front internal configuration diagram, and the right side is a side sectional view. A non-explosion-proof device 21 is housed in the front of the main body, and its display unit can be seen through the light transmitting surface 12.

[0053] The operation unit 25 is provided outside the container 1, and an external force of the container 1 can also provide an operation input. The IZF circuit 22 is located at the bottom of the non-explosion-proof device 21 and is connected to the standard IZF of the non-explosion-proof device 21.

The additional function unit 23 includes a wireless communication, a camera, and a GPS, and is connected to a standard IZF of the non-explosion-proof device 21 through the IZF circuit 22. The additional function unit 23 has a structure in which a non-contact type identification tag reading device and the like can be easily mounted.

The wireless communication function provided in the additional function unit 23 includes an IEEE802.Ua, an IEEE802.11b, an IEEE802.11g, an IEEE802.15.4 or a Bluetooth (registered trademark), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), UWB (Ultra Wide Band ultra-wide band wireless), weak radio wave or simple business wireless, or wireless pager or PDC (Personal Digital Cellular) or PHS (Personal Handyphone System) ) Or GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) or CDMA (= Code Division Mutiple Acces s = code division multiplexing) or TDMA (= Time Division Multiple Access s = time division multiple access) or W -CDMA (= Wideband Code Division Multiple Access = Wide Code Division Multiple Access) or a combination of multiple functions Have.

[0055] As described above, by making each part housed inside the container 1 independently detachable, it is possible to combine necessary expansion functions according to the use of the operator. In addition, by adopting the standard specifications for the shape of the connector for connecting the I / F circuit 22 and the non-explosion-proof device 21 and the communication protocol, even if the non-explosion-proof device 21 is changed, it can be mounted without changing the design. become.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the configuration of the operation unit 25, the light transmitting surface 13, and the operation input detection unit 24.

The same elements as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 4 denotes a glass optical path member. The output light of the light emitting section 241 enters this optical path member 4, is bent at 90 degrees on the surface 41, exits from the surface 42, re-enters from the surface 43, is bent at 90 degrees on the surface 44, and receives light. Part 242 is incident.

By placing the shielding member 3 between the surfaces 42 and 43, an operation input can be obtained. By doing so, the number of mounted components can be reduced as compared with the embodiment of FIG.

[0058] Although 21 is a non-explosion-proof device having no explosion-proof property, it may be an explosion-proof device. Industrial applicability

[0059] In the explosion-proof terminal device of the present invention, a non-explosion-proof device is arranged in a container that conforms to the explosion-proof structure standard, an operation means capable of operating external force is provided, and signals are input to the non-explosion-proof device. As a result, it is possible to manufacture a terminal device with a simple structure, an inexpensive explosion-proof structure that is inexpensive and has excellent operability. It is possible to improve the efficiency of maintenance work on site such as inspection and maintenance.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A container that conforms to the explosion-proof structure standard and has a light-transmitting window in part,

A device disposed inside the container so that the display unit can be seen through the window with the external force of the container;

Operating means capable of transmitting a signal to the device by operating the outside of the container;

An explosion-proof terminal device comprising:

[2] The device according to claim 1, wherein the device has an interface of CF or CF +, SD or SDIO, USB, RS232C, IEEE1394, IDE, PCMCIA, or a combination thereof. Explosion-proof terminal equipment.

[3] A wireless communication unit built in the device or built in the container and connected to the device, wherein at least a part of the container has a property of transmitting electromagnetic waves. The explosion-proof terminal device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

[4] The wireless communication unit is an IEEE802.11a or an IEEE802.11b or an IEEE802.11g or an IEEE802.15.4 or an IrDA, a UWB, or a weak radio wave, a simple business radio, or a wireless pager. 4. The explosion-proof terminal according to claim 3, wherein the terminal has a function of one or a PDC system, a PHS, a GSM system, a CDMA system, a TDMA system, a W-CDMA system, or a combination of a plurality thereof. apparatus.

[5] The explosion-proof terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device is a non-explosion-proof device.

6. The explosion-proof terminal device according to claim 5, wherein the light-transmitting window is made of glass or a plastic material. 7. The explosion-proof terminal device according to claim 1, wherein a material of the container is a hard synthetic resin.

[8] The display unit according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an inorganic EL display, a plasma display, or a light emitting diode display, or ヽ is a combination of these displays. The explosion-proof terminal device according to claim 7.

[9] The operating means has a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit which are built in the container and whose optical paths are arranged to pass through the outside of the container, and block the optical path passing through the outside of the container. 9. The explosion-proof terminal device according to claim 1, wherein a signal is transmitted to the device.

[10] A concave portion is formed in the container, a light transmitting surface is provided at a position opposing the side surface of the concave portion, and the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are arranged close to each of the light transmitting surfaces. 10. The explosion-proof terminal device according to claim 9, wherein:

[11] Two optical means capable of changing the direction of the optical path by approximately 90 degrees are provided, and the optical means guides the optical path of the output light of the light emitting unit to the outside of the container, and the inside of the container. 10. The explosion-proof terminal device according to claim 9, wherein the terminal device is introduced into a terminal.

12. The explosion-proof terminal device according to claim 11, wherein the two optical means are integrated. 13. The explosion-proof terminal device according to claim 11, wherein a concave portion is formed in the container, and the two optical means are arranged to face each other on a side surface of the concave portion. 14. The device according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of said optical paths are arranged so as to cross each other, and a plurality of different signals are input to said device by blocking the optical paths at these intersections. An explosion-proof terminal device according to any one of the above.

15. The explosion-proof terminal device according to claim 14, wherein a display indicating a type of a signal is arranged near the intersection.

16. The explosion-proof terminal device according to claim 15, wherein the output light of the light emitting unit is one of visible light and infrared light.