communication equipment

Abstract

To provide a communication device capable of easily works for binding the communication device to a pipe for supplying resources or energy by a binding member.SOLUTION: A communication device 1 transmits information indicating measurement results of a measurement device 2 regarding resources or energy. The communication device 1 includes a first contact portion 21, a second contact portion 31, and a through hole 41. The first contact portion 21 includes a first contact surface 22 that contacts to a pipe P for supplying resources or energy. The second contact portion 31 protrudes in a specific direction with respect to the first contact portion 21. A binding member BA for binding the communication device 1 to the pipe P is inserted through a threshold hole 41. The first contact portion 21 includes a first magnet 21a for generating an adsorption force that adsorbs the pipe P. The second contact portion 31 includes a second contact surface 32 that contacts to the pipe P.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART There is known a communication device that acquires measured values ​​from a meter that measures the amount of gas, water, or electricity used, and transmits the acquired measured values ​​to a center (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The meter communication device of Patent Document 1 includes a vertical pipe mounting portion for mounting the meter communication device on a vertical pipe extending vertically, and a horizontal pipe mounting portion for mounting the meter communication device on a horizontal pipe extending horizontally. The meter communication device of Patent Document 1 can be mounted in an upright position on either a vertical pipe or a horizontal pipe. More specifically, the vertical pipe mounting portion has a band-passing hole. A cable tie is passed through the band-passing hole. The meter communication device of Patent Document 1 can be mounted on a vertical pipe using a cable tie. Similarly, the horizontal pipe mounting portion has a band-passing hole. The meter communication device of Patent Document 1 can be mounted on a horizontal pipe using a cable tie. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-80090 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, since the task of bundling a communication device to a pipe for supplying resources or energy using a bundling member such as a cable tie requires the use of both hands, the worker cannot support the communication device with his or her hands during the bundling task. Therefore, the bundling task is not easy. It is particularly difficult to bundle a communication device to a pipe in a narrow space.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a communication device that makes it easier to bind the communication device to a pipe for supplying resources or energy with a binding member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a communication device transmits information indicating measurement results of a measuring device relating to resources or energy. The communication device includes a first contact portion, a second contact portion, and a through hole. The first contact portion includes a first contact surface that contacts a pipe for supplying the resource or the energy. The second contact portion protrudes in a specific direction relative to the first contact portion. A binding member that binds the communication device to the pipe is inserted into the through hole. The first contact portion includes a first magnet that generates an attractive force to attract the communication device to the pipe. The second contact portion includes a second contact surface that contacts the pipe. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the communication device of the present invention, the task of binding the communication device to a pipe for supplying resources or energy with a binding member becomes easier. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a telemetry system including a communication device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a communication device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a top view showing a communication device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a front view showing a part of a communication device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a part of a communication device temporarily fixed to a gas pipe. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a top view showing the work of temporarily fixing the communication device to the horizontal pipe. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a portion of a communication device bound to a gas pipe by a binding member. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a top view showing a first modification of the communication device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a side view showing a part of a second modification of the communication device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a front view showing a part of a third modified example of the communication device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a front view showing a part of a fourth modified example of the communication device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a communication device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a part of a communication device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a part of a communication device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a part of a communication device temporarily fixed to a gas pipe. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a portion of a communication device bound to a gas pipe by a binding member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of a communication device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 17). However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Note that where explanations are repeated, they may be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and explanations will not be repeated.

[0011] [Embodiment 1] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 12. First, a communication device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a telemetry system SYS including a communication device 1 of this embodiment.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the telemetering system SYS includes a communication device 1, a meter 2, a center device 3, and a center-side network control device 4. For example, the telemetering system SYS may include a plurality of communication devices 1, a plurality of meters 2, the center device 3, and the center-side network control device 4. The telemetering system SYS collects information indicating the measurement results of the meter 2. The measurement results of the meter 2 indicate the measurement values ​​measured by the meter 2. The meter 2 is an example of a "measuring device." Hereinafter, the information indicating the measurement results of the meter 2 may be referred to as "measurement results."

[0013] The meter 2 is a measuring device related to resources or energy. The meter 2 measures, for example, gas, water, or electricity. The meter 2 is installed for each consumer, such as a private home, a company, or various facilities. That is, the meter 2 measures, for example, the amount of gas, water, or electricity used, and outputs a measurement value as the measurement result. The following description will be given taking as an example a case where the meter 2 is a gas meter that measures the amount of gas used.

[0014] Meter 2 (gas meter) is installed in gas pipe P. Gas that is the object of measurement by meter 2 (gas meter) flows through gas pipe P. Note that the object of measurement by meter 2 (gas meter) may be LP gas (liquefied petroleum gas) or city gas. Meter 2 (gas meter) measures the amount of gas used by measuring the flow rate of gas flowing through gas pipe P.

[0015] The communication device 1 transmits the measurement results acquired from the meter 2. In this embodiment, the communication device 1 transmits the measurement results acquired from the meter 2 to the center-side network control device 4. The communication device 1 is installed for each meter 2. The communication device 1 is installed in, for example, a gas pipe P.

[0016] The communication device 1 may transmit the measurement results acquired from the meter 2 to the center-side network control device 4 via the parent device. In this case, the communication device 1 communicates with the parent device using, for example, specified low-power radio (specified low-power radio).

[0017] The communication device 1 is communicatively connected to the meter 2. In this embodiment, the communication device 1 is wired to the meter 2 via an electric wire CA. The electric wire CA includes a signal line and a ground line. The communication device 1 may be wirelessly connected to the meter 2. That is, the communication device 1 may perform wireless communication with the meter 2.

[0018] The communication device 1 performs wireless communication with a center-side network control device 4. For example, the communication device 1 and the center-side network control device 4 may be connected to a wide-area wireless network Ne such as a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) network, a FOMA (Freedom Of Mobile Multimedia Access) network, an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network, a 4G (Fourth Generation Mobile Communication System) network, or a 5G (Fifth Generation Mobile Communication System) network, and may perform wireless communication with each other via the wide-area wireless network Ne. Note that the communication device 1 and the center-side network control device 4 may be connected by wire.

[0019] The center device 3 is connected to the wide area wireless network Ne via a center side network control device 4. The center side network control device 4 controls communication between the communication device 1 and the center device 3 via the wide area wireless network Ne. The center device 3 collects information indicating the measurement results of the meter 2.

[0020] Specifically, when the communication device 1 transmits the measurement results to the center-side network control device 4 via the wide area wireless network Ne, the center-side network control device 4 transmits the measurement results received from the communication device 1 to the center device 3. The center device 3 stores the measurement results received from the center-side network control device 4 for each meter 2. In other words, the center device 3 stores the measurement results for each consumer. The center device 3 includes, for example, a database server.

[0021] Next, the communication device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication device 1 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the communication device 1 includes a housing 11, a control unit 91, a storage unit 92, a notification unit 93, an operation unit 94, a wireless communication unit 95, and a connection unit 96. The control unit 91, the storage unit 92, the notification unit 93, the operation unit 94, the wireless communication unit 95, and the connection unit 96 are housed in the housing 11.

[0022] The control unit 91 controls the storage unit 92, the notification unit 93, the operation unit 94, the wireless communication unit 95, and the connection unit 96. The control unit 91 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Controller Unit). Alternatively, the control unit 91 may include an integrated circuit such as a logic IC (Integrated Circuit) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0023] The storage unit 92 stores data and computer programs. The storage unit 92 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory. Specifically, the storage unit 92 may include at least one of a read-only memory (ROM) and a random-access memory (RAM). Alternatively, the storage unit 92 may include a non-volatile semiconductor memory to which data can be written and erased. For example, the storage unit 92 may include at least one of a flash memory, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

[0024] The operation unit 94 receives instructions for the communication device 1. The operation unit 94 includes, for example, a dip switch and a push switch. The dip switch receives, for example, an instruction to switch the operation mode of the communication device 1. The push switch causes the control unit 91 to execute, for example, the instruction received by the dip switch.

[0025] The notification unit 93 notifies various types of information related to the communication device 1. The notification unit 93 notifies various types of information to a worker performing installation or maintenance work on the communication device 1. For example, the notification unit 93 notifies the field strength of radio waves received by the communication device 1. Alternatively, the notification unit 93 may notify the field strength of radio waves transmitted by the communication device 1. The notification unit 93 includes, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

[0026] The wireless communication unit 95 performs wireless communication via a wide-area wireless network Ne (FIG. 1). The wireless communication unit 95 includes, for example, a wireless communication module that complies with the communication protocol of the wide-area wireless network Ne. The wireless communication unit 95 performs communication with the center-side network control device 4 (FIG. 1) by transmitting and receiving radio waves via an antenna (not shown).

[0027] The connection unit 96 has at least one port. An electric wire CA is connected to the connection unit 96. The connection unit 96 is wiredly connected to the meter 2 (gas meter) via the electric wire CA. The control unit 91 acquires measurement results from the meter 2 (gas meter) via the connection unit 96. The control unit 91 controls the wireless communication unit 95 to transmit the measurement results to the center-side network control device 4 (FIG. 1). As a result, the wireless communication unit 95 transmits the measurement results to the center-side network control device 4.

[0028] When the communication device 1 communicates with the master unit using specified low-power radio, the wireless communication unit 95 includes, for example, a communication module having an RF-LSI for 920 MHz band communication, and transmits the measurement results to the master unit.

[0029] Next, the communication device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the communication device 1 of this embodiment. Note that, in this specification, for ease of understanding, the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction are defined. In this embodiment, the side on which the front surface 13 of the housing main body 11a is located is the front side (front side) of the communication device 1, and the opposite side is the rear side (rear side) of the communication device 1. Also, the side on which the top surface 12 of the housing main body 11a is located is the upper side of the communication device 1, and the opposite side is the lower side of the communication device 1. Also, the right side when viewed from the rear side to the front is the right side of the communication device 1, and the left side when viewed from the rear side to the front is the left side of the communication device 1. In other words, the right side when viewed from the front side of the communication device 1 is the left side of the communication device 1, and the opposite side is the right side of the communication device 1. However, the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction are defined merely for convenience of description, and these definitions of directions are not intended to limit the orientation of the communication device of the present invention when used or assembled.

[0030] 3, the communication device 1 further includes two first contact portions 21 and a second contact portion 31. Specifically, the housing 11 includes a housing main body 11a, the two first contact portions 21, and the second contact portion 31.

[0031] The housing body 11a has a top surface 12, a front surface 13, and a left side surface 14a. The housing body 11a is made of, for example, synthetic resin. In this embodiment, the two first contact portions 21 are provided on the top surface 12 of the housing body 11a. Specifically, the two first contact portions 21 are fixed to the top surface 12 of the housing body 11a. The two first contact portions 21 may be fixed to the top surface 12 of the housing body 11a by, for example, an adhesive or by a fastening member such as a screw.

[0032] Each of the first contact portions 21 has a first contact surface 22. In this embodiment, the first contact portion 21 is plate-shaped, and the first contact surface 22 is the upper surface of the first contact portion 21. The first contact surface 22 comes into contact with a pipe for supplying resources or energy. The pipe for supplying resources is, for example, a gas pipe P, a water pipe, or an electrical conduit. An electrical conduit is a pipe in which electrical wires for supplying electricity are arranged. In this embodiment, the first contact surface 22 comes into contact with the gas pipe P.

[0033] Each of the first contact portions 21 includes a first magnet 21a that generates an attractive force to attract a pipe for supplying resources or energy. Specifically, the first magnet 21a generates an attractive force to attract a magnetic material. For example, the gas pipe P is a carbon steel pipe (SPG). Therefore, the first magnet 21a can be attracted to the gas pipe P. In this embodiment, the first contact portion 21 is made of the first magnet 21a. Therefore, the first contact surface 22 is the upper surface of the first magnet 21a. In this embodiment, the communication device 1 is temporarily fixed to the gas pipe P by the attractive force of the first magnet 21a.

[0034] The two first contact portions 21 face each other in the left-right direction. More specifically, the two first contact portions 21 are arranged apart in the left-right direction, forming a gap 23 between the two first contact portions 21. The upper surface of the gap 23 is open. In this embodiment, the gap 23 extends linearly in the front-rear direction. The gap 23 forms a linear groove together with the upper surface 12 of the housing main body 11a.

[0035] The second contact portion 31 protrudes in a specific direction relative to the first contact portion 21. In this embodiment, the second contact portion 31 is plate-shaped, disposed behind the first contact portion 21, and protrudes upward relative to the first contact portion 21. Specifically, the second contact portion 31 is provided on the upper surface 12 of the housing main body 11a and protrudes upward from the upper surface 12 of the housing main body 11a. The first contact portion 21 is disposed in front of the second contact portion 31. In this embodiment, the angle between the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 31 is 90° (a right angle). Note that the angle between the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 31 is not limited to 90°. The angle between the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 31 may be approximately 90°. For example, the angle between the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 31 may be 89° or more and 91° or less.

[0036] The second contact portion 31 may be fixed to the upper surface 12 of the housing main body 11a. For example, the second contact portion 31 may be fixed to the upper surface 12 of the housing main body 11a with an adhesive, or may be fixed with a fastening member such as a screw. Alternatively, the second contact portion 31 may be fixed to the rear surface of the first contact portion 21. For example, the second contact portion 31 may be fixed to the rear surface of the first contact portion 21 with an adhesive, or may be fixed with a fastening member such as a screw. The second contact portion 31 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin.

[0037] The second contact portion 31 has a second contact surface 32. The second contact surface 32 may be connected to the first contact surface 22. In this embodiment, the second contact surface 32 is the front surface of the second contact portion 31 and is connected to the upper surface (first contact surface 22) of the first contact portion 21 (first magnet 21a). The second contact surface 32 contacts a pipe for supplying resources or energy. In this embodiment, the second contact surface 32 contacts a gas pipe P.

[0038] Next, the communication device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a top view showing the communication device 1 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the housing main body 11a further has a right side surface 14b and a rear surface 15. The second contact portion 31 further has a rear surface 33. In this embodiment, the second contact portion 31 is arranged so that the rear surface 15 of the housing main body 11a and the rear surface 33 of the second contact portion 31 are flush with each other.

[0039] Next, the second contact portion 31 will be further described with reference to Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, in this embodiment, the second contact portion 31 has a through hole 41 that penetrates the second contact portion 31. The through hole 41 communicates with the gap 23. A binding member BA (see Fig. 8) is inserted into the gap 23 and the through hole 41.

[0040] Next, the first contact portion 21 (first magnet 21a) will be described with reference to FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the first magnet 21a has a larger area as it approaches the second contact portion 31. Specifically, the width W1 of the first magnet 21a in the left-right direction increases as it approaches the second contact portion 31. In this embodiment, since the second contact portion 31 is provided with a through hole 41, the width W1 of the first magnet 21a in the left-right direction increases as it approaches the through hole 41. More specifically, the outer peripheral surface 24 of the first contact portion 21 is arc-shaped. The outer peripheral surface 24 refers to the portion of the side surface of the first contact portion 21 excluding the surface on the gap 23 side and the surface on the second contact portion 31 side. The width W2 in the front-rear direction of the top surface 12 of the housing main body 11a is, for example, 42 mm.

[0041] Next, the communication device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a front view showing a portion of the communication device 1 of this embodiment. As described with reference to FIG. 4, the width W1 in the left-right direction of the first magnet 21a increases as it approaches the second contact portion 31. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 5, the height H1 (thickness) of the first magnet 21a is constant. Therefore, the attractive force of the first magnet 21a increases as it approaches the second contact portion 31. Furthermore, the attractive force of the first magnet 21a increases as it approaches the through-hole 41 (FIG. 4). The height H2 of the second contact portion 31 is determined taking into account the diameter of the gas pipe P. The diameter of the gas pipe P is, for example, 24 mm or more and 30 mm or less. The height H2 of the second contact portion 31 is, for example, equal to or less than the width W2 in the front-rear direction of the upper surface 12 of the housing main body 11a (FIG. 4).

[0042] Next, the communication device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a side view showing a part of the communication device 1 temporarily fixed to a gas pipe P. In detail, Fig. 6 shows the communication device 1 temporarily fixed to a horizontal pipe P1 extending in the left-right direction.

[0043] 6, the communication device 1 is temporarily fixed to the horizontal pipe P1. When the communication device 1 is temporarily fixed to the horizontal pipe P1, the first contact surface 22 and the second contact surface 32 come into contact with the horizontal pipe P1.

[0044] Specifically, the first magnet 21a generates an attractive force F1 that attracts the horizontal pipe P1 (gas pipe P). Therefore, when an operator brings the horizontal pipe P1 into contact with the first contact surface 22, the attractive force F1 of the first magnet 21a can temporarily fix the communication device 1 to the horizontal pipe P1. The weight of the communication device 1 is, for example, 400 g.

[0045] 5, the attractive force of the first magnet 21a becomes stronger the closer it is to the second contact portion 31, so that the first magnet 21a generates a force F that attracts the horizontal pipe P1 to the end of the first magnet 21a on the second contact portion 31 side. Therefore, the first magnet 21a generates a force F2 that attracts the horizontal pipe P1 toward the second contact portion 31 side. This allows the second contact surface 32 to be in stable contact with the horizontal pipe P1. As a result, the horizontal pipe P1 contacts the first contact surface 22 and the second contact surface 32, so the position of the communication device 1 during provisional determination is stable.

[0046] Next, the communication device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a top view showing the work of temporarily fixing the communication device 1 to the horizontal pipe P1. As shown in the upper view of FIG. 7, the worker first brings the first contact surface 22 into contact with the horizontal pipe P1. Specifically, the horizontal pipe P1 and the first contact surface 22 come into line contact. More specifically, the first contact surface 22 comes into line contact with a portion below the central axis C of the horizontal pipe P1. As a result, the first magnet 21a is attracted to the horizontal pipe P1.

[0047] As described with reference to FIG. 4, the width W1 of the first magnet 21a in the left-right direction increases toward the second contact portion 31. The attractive force of the first magnet 21a to the gas pipe P increases as the area of ​​the contact region TA between the horizontal pipe P1 and the first contact surface 22 increases, and therefore increases toward the second contact portion 31. Therefore, the first magnet 21a generates a force F3 that moves the communication device 1 so as to increase the area of ​​the contact region TA. In other words, a force that attracts the second contact portion 31 toward the horizontal pipe P1 is generated. In this embodiment, the direction of the force F3 is forward. The worker moves the communication device 1 in accordance with the force F3. As a result, the second contact surface 32 comes into contact with the horizontal pipe P1, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 7.

[0048] As described above with reference to FIG. 7, according to this embodiment, a force (force F3) is generated that attracts the second contact portion 31 to the horizontal pipe P1. Therefore, the worker can move the communication device 1 in accordance with the force F3. This allows the worker to easily bring the second contact surface 32 into contact with the horizontal pipe P1. As a result, the work of temporarily fixing the communication device 1 to the horizontal pipe P1 (gas pipe P) becomes easier.

[0049] Although the horizontal pipe P1 and the first contact surface 22 are in line contact, in FIG. 7, the width of the contact area TA in the front-rear direction is drawn wider than it actually is to make it easier to understand.

[0050] Next, the communication device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a side view showing a part of the communication device 1 bound to a gas pipe P by a binding member BA.

[0051] 8, the communication device 1 is temporarily fixed to the horizontal pipe P1, and then bound to the horizontal pipe P1 by a binding member BA. Specifically, the binding member BA is inserted through the gap 23 and the through-hole 41 to bind the communication device 1 to the horizontal pipe P1. The binding member BA is, for example, a binding band such as an insulation lock (a resin belt with a locking function).

[0052] In this embodiment, the through hole 41 is provided at a position where the second contact portion 31 can be bound to the horizontal pipe P1 (gas pipe P) by the binding member BA. Specifically, the through hole 41 is formed in the second contact portion 31. Therefore, the second contact portion 31 can be bound to the horizontal pipe P1 (gas pipe P) by using the binding member BA.

[0053] 1 to 8, the first embodiment of the present invention has been described above. According to this embodiment, the communication device 1 can be temporarily fixed to the gas pipe P before the communication device 1 is fastened to the gas pipe P using the bundling member BA. Therefore, in a state in which the communication device 1 is temporarily fixed to the gas pipe P, the communication device 1 can be fastened to the gas pipe P using the bundling member BA. This facilitates the task of fastening the communication device 1 to the gas pipe P using the bundling member BA.

[0054] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the communication device 1 can be temporarily fixed to the gas pipe P, so the binding member BA is less likely to loosen when binding the communication device 1 to the gas pipe P. As a result, the gap between the communication device 1 and the gas pipe P can be minimized. Therefore, the position of the communication device 1 is less likely to shift. Furthermore, the posture of the communication device 1 is stable.

[0055] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the worker can temporarily fix the communication device 1 to the gas pipe P by bringing the gas pipe P into contact with the first contact surface 22. Therefore, the communication device 1 can be easily temporarily fixed.

[0056] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the field strength of the radio waves received by the communication device 1 can be measured while the communication device 1 is temporarily fixed to the gas pipe P. Therefore, the field strength can be measured at the actual installation position of the communication device 1. Therefore, the field strength can be determined more accurately.

[0057] In addition, according to this embodiment, a gap (gap 23) that communicates with the through hole 41 is provided between the two first contact portions 21, making it easier to bind the communication device 1 to the gas pipe P using the binding member BA.

[0058] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first magnet 21a is disposed in a position close to the through-hole 41, and therefore the gas pipe P can be disposed in a position close to the through-hole 41. This makes it easier to bind the communication device 1 to the gas pipe P using the binding member BA.

[0059] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the through hole 41 is located on the back side of the first magnet 21a, the force F (FIG. 6) that attracts the horizontal pipe P1 to the end of the first magnet 21a on the second contact portion 31 side attracts the horizontal pipe P1 toward the through hole 41. Therefore, since the gas pipe P is positioned closer to the through hole 41, it becomes easier to bind the communication device 1 to the gas pipe P using the binding member BA.

[0060] In addition, in this embodiment, the angle between the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 31 is approximately 90°, so the gas pipe P can be brought into stable contact with the first contact surface 22 and the second contact surface 32.

[0061] In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral surface 24 of the first magnet 21a is arc-shaped, but the shape of the outer peripheral surface 24 of the first magnet 21a is not limited to an arc-shaped shape. The shape of the outer peripheral surface 24 of the first magnet 21a may be any shape that increases the width W1 of the first magnet 21a in the left-right direction as it approaches the second contact portion 31.

[0062] 9 is a top view showing a first modification of the communication device 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the first magnet 21a may have, for example, a triangular shape in a plan view. Because the first magnet 21a has a triangular shape, the width W1 in the left-right direction of the first magnet 21a increases as it approaches the second contact portion 31.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the width W1 in the left-right direction of the first magnet 21a increases as it approaches the second contact portion 31, but the width W1 in the left-right direction of the first magnet 21a may be constant.

[0064] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the first contact portion 21 is the first magnet 21a, but the first contact portion 21 is not limited to a configuration consisting of only the first magnet 21a. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a portion of Modification 2 of the communication device 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the first contact portion 21 may have the first magnet 21a and a housing portion 25 that houses the first magnet 21a. In this case, the upper surface of the housing portion 25 is the first contact surface 22. The housing portion 25 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin. For example, the housing portion 25 may be integral with the second contact portion 31.

[0065] In addition, in this embodiment, the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 31 are arranged on the top surface 12 of the housing body 11a, but the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 31 may be arranged on another surface of the housing body 11a. For example, the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 31 may be arranged on the left side surface 14a, the right side surface 14b, or the back surface 15 of the housing body 11a.

[0066] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the first magnet 21a is disposed on the upper surface 12 of the housing body 11a, but the first magnet 21a may also be disposed inside the housing body 11a. FIG. 11 is a front view showing a portion of Modification 3 of the communication device 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the first magnet 21a may also be disposed directly below the upper surface 12 of the housing body 11a. In this case, the first contact portion 21 includes the first magnet 21a and the upper surface 12 of the housing body 11a, and the upper surface 12 of the housing body 11a is the first contact surface 22.

[0067] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the through hole 41 is provided in the second contact portion 31, but the through hole 41 may also be provided in the housing main body 11a. FIG. 12 is a front view showing a portion of a fourth modified example of the communication device 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the through hole 41 may be formed in the upper part of the housing main body 11a. In the modified example shown in FIG. 12, two first magnets 21a are disposed inside the housing main body 11a, and the through hole 41 passes between the two first magnets 21a.

[0068] [Embodiment 2] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 17. However, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of the same aspects as in the first embodiment will be omitted. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the second contact portion 31 includes a second magnet 31a.

[0069] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the communication device 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, in this embodiment, the second contact portion 31 includes a second magnet 31a that generates an attractive force to attract the gas pipe P. More specifically, the second magnet 31a generates an attractive force to attract a magnetic material. In this embodiment, the second contact portion 31 is made of the second magnet 31a. Therefore, the second contact surface 32 is the front surface of the second magnet 31a. In this embodiment, the communication device 1 is temporarily fixed to the gas pipe P by the attractive force of the first magnet 21a and the attractive force of the second magnet 31a.

[0070] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 13 , the communication device 1 of this embodiment further includes a coupling portion 51. The coupling portion 51 couples the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 31. More specifically, the coupling portion 51 is disposed behind the first contact portion 21. The coupling portion 51 may be fixed to the upper surface 12 of the housing main body 11a. For example, the second contact portion 31 may be fixed to the upper surface 12 of the housing main body 11a with an adhesive or with a fastening member such as a screw. Alternatively, the coupling portion 51 may be fixed to the rear surface of the first contact portion 21. For example, the coupling portion 51 may be fixed to the rear surface of the first contact portion 21 with an adhesive or with a fastening member such as a screw. The coupling portion 51 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin.

[0071] The second contact portion 31 is plate-shaped, fixed to the upper end surface of the connecting portion 51, and protrudes upward from the upper end surface of the connecting portion 51. For example, the second contact portion 31 may be fixed to the upper end surface of the connecting portion 51 with an adhesive, or may be fixed with a fastening member such as a screw.

[0072] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 51 protrudes upward from the upper surface 12 of the housing body 11a, and the upper end surface of the connecting portion 51 is positioned higher than the upper surface (first contact surface 22) of the first contact portion 21. In addition, the front surface 52 of the connecting portion 51 is arc-shaped in side view, and is connected to the upper surface (first contact surface 22) of the first contact portion 21 and the front surface (second contact surface 32) of the second contact portion 31.

[0073] In this embodiment, the first magnet 21a has a rectangular shape in a plan view, and therefore the width W1 of the first magnet 21a in the left-right direction is constant.

[0074] Next, the communication device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15. Fig. 14 is a side view showing a part of the communication device 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 15 is a front view showing a part of the communication device 1 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14, the coupling portion 51 has a through hole 41. The through hole 41 communicates with the gap 23 (see Fig. 15) in the same way as the communication device 1 of embodiment 1.

[0075] Next, the first magnet 21a will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. As shown in FIG. 14, in this embodiment, the height H1 (thickness) of the first magnet 21a varies. Specifically, the height H1 (thickness) of the first magnet 21a increases the closer it is to the connecting portion 51. That is, the closer the first magnet 21a is to the second contact portion 31, the thicker it is. In this embodiment, because the connecting portion 51 is provided with the through hole 41, the height H1 (thickness) of the first magnet 21a increases the closer it is to the through hole 41. Therefore, the attractive force of the first magnet 21a increases the closer it is to the second contact portion 31. Furthermore, the attractive force of the first magnet 21a increases the closer it is to the through hole 41.

[0076] Next, the communication device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a side view showing a part of the communication device 1 temporarily fixed to a gas pipe P. In detail, Fig. 16 shows the communication device 1 temporarily fixed to a horizontal pipe P1.

[0077] 16, the communication device 1 is temporarily fixed to the horizontal pipe P1. When the communication device 1 is temporarily fixed to the horizontal pipe P1, the first contact surface 22 and the second contact surface 32 come into contact with the horizontal pipe P1.

[0078] Specifically, the first magnet 21a and the second magnet 31a generate attractive forces F11 and F12 that attract the horizontal pipe P1 (gas pipe P). Therefore, the position and posture of the communication device 1 during the provisional determination are stabilized.

[0079] 14 and 15, the attractive force of the first magnet 21a becomes stronger the closer it is to the through hole 41, and therefore the first magnet 21a generates a force F10 that attracts the horizontal pipe P1 toward the through hole 41. Therefore, the gas pipe P is positioned closer to the through hole 41, which makes it easier to bind the communication device 1 to the gas pipe P using the binding member BA (FIG. 17).

[0080] Next, the communication device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a side view showing a part of the communication device 1 bound to a gas pipe P by a binding member BA.

[0081] 17, the communication device 1 is temporarily fixed to the horizontal pipe P1, and then bound to the horizontal pipe P1 by a binding member BA. Specifically, the binding member BA is inserted through the gap 23 and the through-hole 41 to bind the communication device 1 to the horizontal pipe P1. The binding member BA is, for example, a cable tie such as an insulation lock.

[0082] In this embodiment, the through hole 41 is provided at a position where the second contact portion 31 can be bound to the horizontal pipe P1 (gas pipe P) by the binding member BA. Specifically, the through hole 41 is formed in the connecting portion 51, and the second contact portion 31 is connected to the upper end surface of the connecting portion 51. Therefore, the second contact portion 31 can be bound to the horizontal pipe P1 (gas pipe P) by using the binding member BA.

[0083] 13 to 17, the second embodiment of the present invention has been described above. According to the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the communication device 1 can be temporarily fixed to the gas pipe P before being bound to the gas pipe P using the binding member BA. Therefore, in a state in which the communication device 1 is temporarily fixed to the gas pipe P, the communication device 1 can be bound to the gas pipe P using the binding member BA. This facilitates the task of binding the communication device 1 to the gas pipe P with the binding member BA.

[0084] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the communication device 1 can be temporarily fixed to the gas pipe P, so that the binding member BA is less likely to loosen when binding the communication device 1 to the gas pipe P. As a result, the gap between the communication device 1 and the gas pipe P can be minimized. Therefore, the position of the communication device 1 is less likely to shift. Furthermore, the posture of the communication device 1 is stable.

[0085] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the worker can temporarily fix the communication device 1 to the gas pipe P by bringing the gas pipe P into contact with the first contact surface 22 and the second contact surface 32. Therefore, the communication device 1 can be easily temporarily fixed.

[0086] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the field strength of the radio waves received by the communication device 1 can be measured in a state in which the communication device 1 is temporarily fixed to the gas pipe P. Therefore, the field strength can be measured at the actual installation position of the communication device 1. Therefore, the field strength can be determined more accurately.

[0087] Furthermore, according to embodiment 2, as in embodiment 1, a gap (gap 23) communicating with the through hole 41 is provided between the two first contact portions 21, thereby facilitating the task of binding the communication device 1 to the gas pipe P using the binding member BA.

[0088] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the first magnet 21a and the second magnet 31a are disposed in positions close to the through-hole 41, and therefore the gas pipe P can be disposed in a position close to the through-hole 41. This makes it easier to bind the communication device 1 to the gas pipe P using the binding member BA.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the through hole 41 is located on the back side of the first magnet 21a, and therefore the force F10 (FIG. 16) that attracts the horizontal pipe P1 to the end of the first magnet 21a on the second contact portion 31 side attracts the horizontal pipe P1 toward the through hole 41. Therefore, the gas pipe P is positioned closer to the through hole 41, which makes it easier to bind the communication device 1 to the gas pipe P using the binding member BA.

[0090] Furthermore, according to embodiment 2, as in embodiment 1, the angle between the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 31 is approximately 90°, so that the gas pipe P can be stably brought into contact with the first contact surface 22 and the second contact surface 32.

[0091] In this embodiment, the width W1 of the first magnet 21a in the left-right direction is constant, but the width W1 of the first magnet 21a in the left-right direction may vary. Specifically, the width W1 of the first magnet 21a in the left-right direction may increase as it approaches the second contact portion 31, as described in the first embodiment.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the height H1 of the first magnet 21a increases as it approaches the second contact portion 31, but the height H1 of the first magnet 21a may be constant.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second contact portion 31 is the second magnet 31a, but the second contact portion 31 is not limited to a configuration consisting of only the second magnet 31a. The second contact portion 31 may have the second magnet 31a and a housing portion that houses the second magnet 31a. In this case, the front surface of the housing portion is the second contact surface 32. The housing portion of the second contact portion 31 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin. For example, the housing portion 25, the connecting portion 51, and the housing portion of the second contact portion 31 described with reference to FIG. 10 may be integrated.

[0094] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 17). However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the components disclosed in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, some of the components shown in one embodiment may be added to the components of another embodiment, or some of the components shown in one embodiment may be deleted from the embodiment.

[0095] The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the configuration of each component shown in the above embodiment is merely an example and is not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present invention.

[0096] For example, in the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 17, the communication device 1 has two first contact portions 21, but the communication device 1 may have one first contact portion 21, or may have three or more first contact portions 21.

[0097] Furthermore, in the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 17, the communication device 1 includes one second contact portion 31, but the communication device 1 may include two or more second contact portions 31.

[0098] Furthermore, in the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 17, in a configuration in which two first contact portions 21 are arranged on the upper surface 12 of the housing main body 11a, a gap 23 is formed between the two first contact portions 21, but the gap 23 may be omitted.

[0099] 1 to 17, the communication device 1 is attached to a horizontal pipe P1, but the communication device 1 may also be attached to a vertical pipe extending in the up-down direction. For example, the communication device 1 can be temporarily fixed to the vertical pipe by arranging the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 31 on the left side surface 14a, the right side surface 14b, or the back surface 15 of the housing main body 11a. [Industrial Applicability]

[0100] The present invention is useful for communication devices and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1: Communication equipment 2: Meter 21: 1st contact part 21a: First magnet 22: 1st contact surface 31:Second contact part 31a: 2nd magnet 32:Second contact surface 41:Through hole BA: Binding material P: Gas pipe P1: Horizontal piping

Claims

1. A communication device that transmits information indicating a measurement result of a metering device relating to resources or energy, a first contact portion including a first contact surface that contacts a pipe for supplying the resource or the energy; a second contact portion that protrudes in a specific direction relative to the first contact portion; a through hole through which a binding member for binding the communication device to the pipe is inserted; Equipped with the first contact portion includes a first magnet that generates an attractive force to attract the tube; The second contact portion includes a second contact surface that contacts the tube.

2. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the through hole is provided at a position where the second contact portion is fastened to the pipe by the fastening member.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first magnet generates a force that attracts the tube toward the second contact portion.

4. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the first magnet generates a force that attracts the tube toward the through-hole.

5. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the second contact portion includes a second magnet that generates an attractive force to attract the second contact portion to the pipe.

6. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein an angle between the first contact portion and the second contact portion is approximately 90°.

7. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the first magnet has a larger area as it is closer to the second contact portion.

8. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the first magnet has a thickness that increases toward the second contact portion.

Images