Handset for line testing

Abstract

To provide a transmitter-receiver for a line test with a simple configuration from which a cord causing restriction of a work range and hooking is excluded.SOLUTION: The portable telephone set has a transmission reception separation circuit 18 connecting at least a couple of connectors 12 for connection to a telephone line and a short range radio transmitter 14, the short range radio transmitter 14 and the transmission reception separation circuit 18 are contained in one housing and the short range radio transmitter 14 is configured to be connectable to a short range radio communication type earphone 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a line testing transmitter / receiver used for testing and monitoring telephone line connections during telephone line installation and maintenance, and between telephone lines and terminals. [Background technology]

[0002] In the construction and maintenance of telephone lines, and between telephone lines and terminals, conventionally, line testing transmitters and receivers have been used to test telephone line connections and monitor the presence or absence of noise, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. The line testing transmitter and receiver disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a holding section made up of a main case and a band, and a microphone, earphones, alligator clips, etc. that are wired to the main case with a cord; by clamping the telephone line to be tested with the alligator clip and operating a switch on the main case, a pulse is sent out, making it possible to communicate with the telephone exchange.

[0003] It is certainly possible to conduct tests using conventional line testing transmitters and receivers. However, conventional line testing transmitters and receivers have the following problems. The holding part, which is hooked around the worker's neck, and the alligator clip that clamps the telephone line are connected by a wire. The short length of the wire (approximately 1 meter) limits the work area during testing. Furthermore, when a worker works while wearing a harness (full harness), the cord or alligator clip can get caught on uneven surfaces in the harness and become dislodged. Furthermore, not only can the cord become dislodged, but when working at height, there is also a risk of the transmitter and receiver itself falling off due to the snagging. Furthermore, when the holding part is worn around the neck or head, hair can get caught in the connection between the main case and the band, which can have adverse effects on the human body. Furthermore, when wired connections are used with poorly weather-resistant cords, cracks can occur in the coating, and cord connection points are easily damaged by the cord load. If noise occurs due to a problem with the cord or connection, the user must rely on their experience to determine whether the noise generated during telephone line testing is due to a line problem or a problem with the handset. Furthermore, when making a direct call to the telephone exchange via a mobile phone, the user must remove and insert earphones, etc., each time, which is inefficient. Furthermore, when conventional BRESTs are applied to business phone circuits, the BRESTs themselves can break down, making checking business phone lines a hassle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 03-36247 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above problems by providing a line test transmitter / receiver that eliminates cords that limit the working range and can cause snagging, and that helps users judge test results. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the line testing transmitter / receiver of the present invention has at least a pair of connectors for connecting to a telephone line and a transmitter / receiver separation circuit connected to a short-range radio transmitter, the short-range radio transmitter and the transmitter / receiver separation circuit are contained in a single housing, and the short-range radio transmitter is configured to be connectable to a short-range wireless communication type earphone.

[0007] In addition, in the line testing transmitter / receiver having the above-mentioned features, the transmitter / receiver separation circuit may be provided with a notification means for visually confirming that the telephone line is energized. With this feature, it is possible to confirm the energization state of the telephone line without having to listen to a sound.

[0008] Furthermore, in the line testing transmitter / receiver having the above-mentioned characteristics, it is desirable that the transmitter / receiver separation circuit is provided with a connection terminal for connecting a cable in addition to the connector, so that testing can be performed not only using connectors such as clips but also via a cable (modular cord).

[0009] Furthermore, in a line testing transmitter / receiver having the above-described characteristics, the transmit / receive separation circuit can be provided with a circuit having resistors corresponding to specific line types and a selector switch that can switch the circuit according to the line type. With this feature, for example, a single line testing transmitter / receiver can be used to test business phone lines in addition to the normal line testing mode. By providing a circuit and selector switch suitable for business phone line verification testing, safe and reliable verification testing can be performed for each line type. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The line test transmitter / receiver having the above-mentioned features has a simple structure that eliminates the cord that limits the working range and causes snagging and breakdown of the line test transmitter / receiver, thereby expanding the working range and preventing the equipment from falling off due to snagging on the cord during work. In addition, it is possible to eliminate cracks in the cord and breakage of the cord connection points, which significantly reduces the frequency of transmitter / receiver breakdowns and prevents noise caused by the cord connection points. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the external configurations of a line testing transmitter / receiver according to an embodiment and a short-range wireless communication earphone. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration of a line test transmitter / receiver according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of a line testing transmitter / receiver according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, Fig. 1 shows the external configuration of a line testing transmitter / receiver according to an embodiment and a short-range wireless communication earphone, and Fig. 2 shows an example of the circuit configuration of the line testing transmitter / receiver according to an embodiment. The embodiments shown below are some of the preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention, and even if some of the configuration is changed, they can be considered as part of the present invention as long as they can fulfill their functions.

[0013] [composition] The line test transmitter / receiver 10 according to this embodiment has a connector 12, a short-range wireless transmitter 14, and a transmission / reception separation circuit 18, and is capable of connection to an earphone 30 of a short-range wireless communication type.

[0014] The connector 12 may be a pair of clips for connection to the telephone line to be tested, and is connected to terminals (connector connection terminals 22b) provided on a transmission / reception separation circuit 18, the details of which will be described later. The short-range wireless transmitter 14 may be any device that enables short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and that enables transmission and reception of audio data to and from an earphone 30, the details of which will be described later, and input and output to and from the transmission / reception separation circuit 18. In this embodiment, a battery unit 16 is connected to the short-range wireless transmitter 14.

[0015] The battery unit 16 is a component for ensuring the operating power of the short-range wireless transmitter 14. The battery unit 16 according to the embodiment includes a battery 16a, a battery charging protection circuit 16b, an ON / OFF switch 16c, and a voltage boost circuit 16d. For example, the battery 16a is a lithium battery with a rated output of 3.7V, and the battery charging protection circuit 16b is a circuit for charging the battery 16a. The ON / OFF switch 16c is a component for controlling the ON / OFF of power supply to the connected short-range wireless transmitter 14. The voltage boost circuit 16d is a component for boosting the voltage of the current output from the battery 16a to 5V. The short-range wireless transmitter 14 and the battery unit 16 may be connected by any suitable means, as long as power can be supplied. Examples of such connections include USB terminals 14a and 16e (USB-A terminals).

[0016] The transmitter / receiver separation circuit 18 is basically composed of connection terminals for connecting to each device, a connection confirmation unit 20, and a mode switching unit 28. The connection terminals include a connection terminal for outputting audio data to the earphone 30 (hereinafter referred to as earphone terminal 22a), a terminal for connecting the connector 12 (hereinafter referred to as connector connection terminal 22b), and a connection terminal for connecting a mechanical cord (modular cord: not shown) (hereinafter referred to as modular jack 22c). Here, a capacitor 24 is arranged in series with the earphone terminal 22a, and a varistor 26 (variable resistor) is arranged in parallel with the earphone terminal 22a, and the audio input terminal of the short-range wireless transmitter is connected to it.

[0017] The connection confirmation unit 20 is a unit consisting of light-emitting diodes 20a and 20b, a switch 20c, and a resistor 20d, and is arranged in parallel with the connector connection terminal 22b and the modular jack 22c, as well as in parallel with the mode switching unit 28, which will be described in detail later. Even if the ON / OFF switch 16c is not turned ON, the connection confirmation unit 20 lights up the light-emitting diodes 20a and 20b (LEDs) as notification means when the connector 12 is connected to the telephone line to be tested or when a modular cord is inserted into a coupler and the line is normal, i.e., a current of 48V is flowing. When checking the connection, the switch 20c is turned ON. The notification means may be a sound or light.

[0018] The mode switching unit 28 is a unit for switching between test modes, etc., and the mode switching unit 28 according to this embodiment can switch between three test modes: call, monitor (MON), and business phone. The mode switching unit 28 includes a mode switching switch 28a, a call state switching switch 28b, and resistors 28c, 28d, and 28e. The mode switching switch 28a switches between terminal a as a base point and can select terminal b, terminal c, or terminal d. Terminal b and terminal c are connected in parallel via resistor 28c, and terminal d is connected in series to resistor 28d. Resistors 28c and 28d are arranged in parallel, and resistor 28d has a resistance value that is sufficiently larger than that of resistor 28c. For example, if resistor 28c has a resistance value of 500Ω, resistor 28d should have a resistance value of 4.7kΩ. With this configuration, in the business phone mode, even if the voltage of the current flowing is large, it is possible to prevent damage to the transmission / reception separation circuit.

[0019] Call state changeover switch 28b is a switch for setting the device to a call state (handset lifted) during testing, and is turned OFF when Call terminal b or business phone terminal d is selected in mode changeover switch 28a, and is turned ON when MON terminal c is selected. Resistor 28e is provided between resistors 28c and 28d, which are connected to each terminal, and Call confirmation switch 28b, and is arranged in parallel with earphone terminal 22a described above.

[0020] In the line testing transmitter / receiver 10 having such a basic configuration, the above-mentioned short-range radio transmitter 14, battery unit 16, and transmitter / receiver separation circuit 18 are housed in a single housing, and the pair of clips that make up the connector 12 are extended to the outside of the housing, and the modular jack 22c is also positioned so that it can be connected from outside the housing.

[0021] The earphone 30 wirelessly connected to the line testing transmitter / receiver 10 may be any type that can be wirelessly connected to the short-range wireless transmitter 14. Preferably, the earphone 30 is a type that can be connected by wireless communication with the short-range wireless transmitter 14 and simultaneously connected by wireless communication with a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, that is, it is a type that can be connected by so-called 2-way connection.

[0022] [Actions and Effects] The line testing transmitter / receiver 10 configured as described above is used as follows: The line testing transmitter / receiver 10 according to this embodiment can perform both line testing using a clip connection (a so-called "test lead") and line testing using a modular cord (a so-called "cord"). Regardless of the method used to perform the test, first, the battery unit 16 is turned on and a wireless communication connection (pairing) is established between the short-range wireless transmitter 14 and the earphone 30.

[0023] [Check with test leads] (Call line check) The mode selector switch 28a of the line test transmitter / receiver 10 is set to the MON terminal c (monitor), and the clip of the connector 12 is clamped to a terminal block of a switchboard or a connection terminal box. At this time, the call status selector switch 28b is turned ON, and if the telephone line is energized and the power required for analog calls is being supplied, the light-emitting diode 20a or the light-emitting diode 20b serving as a check lamp lights up. Here, only one of the light-emitting diodes 20a and 20b lights up depending on the connection configuration of the connector 12. That is, when the connector 12 shown in the upper part of FIG. 2 is connected to the positive terminal and the connector 12 shown in the lower part of FIG. 2 is connected to the negative terminal, the light-emitting diode 20b lights up. On the other hand, when the connector 12 shown in the lower part of FIG. 2 is connected to the positive terminal and the connector 12 shown in the upper part of FIG. 2 is connected to the negative terminal, the light-emitting diode 20a lights up.

[0024] Next, the mode selector switch 28a of the line test transmitter / receiver 10 is switched to the call terminal b (call), and sound is confirmed through the earphone 30. At this time, the call state selector switch 28b is turned OFF. If an electronic beep is heard from the earphone 30, this indicates that the telephone line is connected. Note that if the telephone line connection is poor, noise may be introduced. In addition, an incoming call test can be performed by calling the number of the telephone line being tested from a mobile terminal. At this time, the light-emitting diode 20a or light-emitting diode 20b serving as a check lamp flashes in time with the incoming call sound.

[0025] (Business phone line check) After switching the mode selector switch 28a in the line test transmitter / receiver 10 to business phone terminal d (business phone), the terminal block of the switchboard or connection terminal box is clamped with the clip of the connector 12. At this time, the call state selector switch 28b is turned OFF.

[0026] Next, check the sound when power is turned on using the earphone 30. If you hear a beep from the earphone 30, it means that the telephone line is connected. Other operations are the same as the line check for "Call" described above.

[0027] (Check the core and wiring) If the telephone being used is a regular telephone, switch the mode selector switch 28a to the Call terminal b, and if it is a business phone, switch it to the business phone terminal d, and connect a test buzzer (not shown) to the distribution board or connection terminal box. Next, clip the terminal block of the distribution board or connection terminal box to be checked for comparison. When the buzzer switch is turned on in this state, if the terminal block being clipped is the target terminal block, a buzzer sound will be heard from the earphone 30.

[0028] [Check by machine string] (Call line check) The modular cord is connected to a modular jack 22c (for example, one on a wall) to which the telephone line under test is connected. At this time, if the telephone line is energized and the power required for analog calls is being supplied, the light-emitting diode 20a or light-emitting diode 20b serving as a check lamp will light up.

[0029] Next, switch the mode selector switch 28a on the line test transmitter / receiver 10 to the Call terminal b (call) and check the sound through the earphone 30. At this time, if you hear a "beep" sound from the earphone 30, it means that the telephone line is connected. Note that if the telephone line connection is poor, noise may be introduced. In addition, an incoming call test can also be performed by calling the number of the telephone line being tested using a mobile terminal.

[0030] (Business phone line check) After switching the mode selector switch 28a in the line test transmitter / receiver 10 to the business phone terminal d (business phone), the modular cord is connected to the modular jack 22c to which the telephone line under test is connected. When the telephone line is energized, the light-emitting diode 20a or light-emitting diode 20b serving as a check lamp lights up.

[0031] Next, check the sound when power is turned on using the earphone 30. If you hear a beep from the earphone 30, it means that the telephone line is connected. Other operations are the same as the line check for "Call" described above.

[0032] (Check the core and wiring) If the phone being used is a regular phone, switch the selection terminal of mode selector switch 28a to Call terminal b. If the phone is a business phone, switch it to Business phone terminal d and plug the buzzer into a modular jack. Next, insert the modular cord into another modular jack in the house. When the buzzer switch is turned on in this state, if the modular cord is connected to the corresponding modular jack, a buzzer sound will be heard from earphone 30.

[0033] With the line test transmitter / receiver 10 used in this way, the earphone 30 is connected via wireless communication, so the working range is not easily limited (the working range, which was previously about 1 meter, is expanded to about 10 meters). Also, because the earphone 30 is connected via wireless communication, noise caused by the cord connection is eliminated, making it easier to determine whether the line is connected.

[0034] Furthermore, since there is no longer a long cord, the cord will no longer get caught on harnesses or other items during work. Also, by connecting the line testing transmitter / receiver 10 and earphone 30 via short-range wireless communication, test results can be checked even when the user is far from the line testing site. Furthermore, if the earphone 30, which is wirelessly connected to the line testing transmitter / receiver 10, is a 2-way type, it can also be simultaneously connected to a mobile device such as a smartphone. Therefore, when a call comes in to the mobile device, the user can talk without removing the earphone. This brings about a revolution in the maintenance work procedures themselves, resulting in reduced work time and improved work efficiency. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 10...................Transmitter / receiver for line testing, 12...................Connecting device, 14...................Short-range radio transmitter, 14a...................USB terminal, 16...................Battery unit, 16a...................Battery body, 16b...................Battery charging protection circuit, 16c...................ON / OFF switch, 16d...................Boost circuit, 16e...................USB terminal, 18...................Transmitting / receiving separation circuit, 20...................Connection confirmation unit, 20a, 20b...................Light-emitting diode, 20c...................Switch, 20d...................Resistor, 22a...................Earphone terminal, 22b...................Connecting device connection terminal, 22c...................Modular jack, 24...................Capacitor, 26...................Varistor, 28...................Mode switching unit, 28a...................Mode switching switch, 28b...................Call status switching switch, 28c, 28d, 28e...................Resistor, 30...................Earphone.

Claims

1. a pair of connectors for connecting to at least a telephone line and a transmission / reception separation circuit connected to a short-range wireless transmitter, the short-range wireless transmitter and the transmission / reception separation circuit being accommodated in a single housing; The short-range wireless transmitter is connectable to a short-range wireless communication earphone.

2. 2. The line test transmitter / receiver according to claim 1, wherein said transmission / reception separation circuit is provided with a notification means for visually confirming that said telephone line is energized.

3. 3. A transmitter / receiver for line testing according to claim 1, wherein said transmitter / receiver separation circuit is provided with a connection terminal for connecting a cable in addition to said connector.

4. 3. The line testing transmitter / receiver according to claim 1, wherein the transmission / reception separation circuit comprises a circuit having a resistor corresponding to a specific line type and a changeover switch capable of switching the circuit according to the line type.

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