Information and communication device for explosion-proof areas with a charging device and a mobile information and communication device, as well as a method for electrical charging

Abstract

The invention relates to an information and communication device (10) for explosion-proof areas, comprising a charging device (12) and a mobile information and communication device (14), in particular a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, laptop or the like, wherein the information and communication device (14) can be electrically and mechanically coupled to the charging device (12) via a coupling unit (16) for charging an energy source (18), in particular a battery. It is proposed that the coupling unit (16) is configured to provide a charging current (Ic) after a mechanical and electrical coupling of the information and communication device (14) and the charging device (12) has been established, and to switch off a charging voltage (Uc) when the information and communication device (14) and the charging device (12) are disconnected. In secondary aspects, a corresponding charging device, a corresponding mobile information and communication device, and a corresponding electrical charging procedure in the Ex area are proposed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an information and communication device for explosion-proof areas, so-called ATEX zones, comprising a charging device and a mobile information and communication device. The mobile information and communication device can, in particular, be designed as a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, laptop, or the like. The mobile information and communication device can be electrically and mechanically coupled to the charging device via a coupling unit for charging a power source, in particular a battery. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Explosive substances, and potentially explosive dusts, are very frequently involved in industrial processes. These can be released due to process-related factors (e.g., through pressure relief valves) or due to accidents, making explosion protection essential. Explosion protection, or Ex protection, is legally enshrined in Europe through the ATEX Directive 2014 / 34 / EU. ATEX is a widely used synonym for the ATEX directives of the European Union and is derived from the French abbreviation for ATmospheres EXplosives (Explosive Atmospheres).

[0003] Explosion protection guidelines describe the requirements for devices to be considered explosion-proof and define permissible work areas in potentially explosive atmospheres, known as Ex zones. Manufacturers of explosion-proof equipment, such as information and communication devices like smartphones, tablets, notepads, and smartwatches, must label these devices uniformly and define the permissible application area using a device category. Users must classify their potentially explosive areas into Ex zones according to the type (D: dust, G: gas) and presence of explosive media. Since the introduction of the guidelines, only information and communication devices that comply with the ATEX directive may be placed on the market for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

[0004] In these ATEX zones, i.e., potentially explosive atmospheres, only electrical and electronic information and communication technology equipment, such as devices with intrinsic safety (Ex-i), may be used. Intrinsic safety is a technical characteristic of a device or system that, due to specific design principles, ensures that no unsafe condition arises, even in the event of a fault. Among other things, the current and voltage in these devices are limited to values ​​that prevent the ignition of explosive fuel-air mixtures by sparks, excessive heating, or pre-ignition. Intrinsic safety must be maintained during normal operation, e.g., when connecting and disconnecting accessories or chargers for information and communication technology, as well as in the event of a malfunction, e.g., a broken wire or a short circuit.

[0005] State-of-the-art technology in explosion-protected areas includes stationary information and communication devices such as input terminals, HMIs (Human Machine Interfaces), dashboards, fixed touch panels, etc. for system control, status information, or communication purposes. Mobile information and communication devices are also known, but these must be charged outside of the explosion-protected areas, i.e., in a safe environment.

[0006] A disadvantage of the state of the art is that there is currently no satisfactory solution for charging mobile information and communication devices in explosion-proof areas, so that continuous operation of mobile information and communication devices without taking them out of the explosion-proof area for charging is not possible.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an information and communication device for explosion-proof areas, comprising a charging device and a mobile information and communication device, which enables intrinsically safe electrical charging within an explosion-proof area.

[0008] This problem is solved by an information and communication device, a charging device, and a charging method according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to the invention, an information and communication device for explosion-protected areas, in particular ATEX zones, comprising a charging device and a mobile information and communication device, in particular a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, laptop or the like, wherein the information and communication device can be electrically and mechanically coupled to the charging device via a coupling unit for charging an energy source, in particular a battery.

[0010] It is proposed that the coupling unit be configured to provide a charging current Ic after establishing a mechanical and electrical coupling between the information and communication equipment and the charging equipment, and to switch off a charging voltage Uc when the information and communication equipment and the charging equipment are decoupled.

[0011] In other words, a charging option for mobile information and communication devices in a potentially explosive atmosphere, a so-called ATEX zone, is proposed, in which the charging device only provides power when coupled. By switching off the supply voltage Uc or supply current Ic when the charging device and mobile information and communication device are uncoupled, and by performing both electrical and mechanical tests of the coupling state in the coupling unit, it is ensured that neither leakage currents nor short circuits can occur in the coupling unit, thus preventing any electrical hazards. This provides an intrinsically safe charging option for the mobile use of a mobile device, such as a tablet, smartphone, or similar device, in potentially explosive work areas.

[0012] In an advantageous further development of the aforementioned embodiment, the coupling unit can comprise at least one mechanical switching element and at least one electrical switching element, which are configured to switch the charging voltage Uc and the charging current Ic, wherein the mechanical switching element and the electrical switching element are preferably connected in series. By providing both a mechanical and an electrical switching element, it can be prevented that electrical energy is released in the coupling unit in the event of incomplete coupling. Furthermore, both mechanical and electrical coding are enabled, so that only information and communication devices compatible with or approved for the charging device can be charged.

[0013] A clamping unit, in particular a clamping lever and a clamping frame, can advantageously be provided in the charging device 12. In the charging state, the mobile information and communication device 14 can be mechanically clamped in the charging device 12, and a secure electrical connection can be ensured by the coupling unit. It is also advantageously conceivable for the clamping lever to be secured against unlocking by unauthorized persons by means of a security lock.

[0014] The electrical switching device can be of any design and may, for example, include querying a digitized code or similar security measures. The mechanical switching device is designed to detect a mechanical coupling state and may be of any design, for example, inductive, capacitive, or magnetic. In an advantageous embodiment, the mechanical switching device may comprise a touch switch, preferably located in the charging device, and the electrical switching device may comprise at least two galvanically connected contacts, preferably located in the information and communication device, such that a switching signal for providing charging voltage Uc and charging current Ic is routed in series via the touch switch and the two contacts.This embodiment provides a technically simple, durable and robust method of intrinsically safe voltage release in the coupling unit.

[0015] In an advantageous development, the contact connections of the coupling unit can be designed as spring contact pins, in particular pogo pins, and / or the charging device can comprise clamping means for mechanically clamping the information and communication device in the charging device to establish an electrical and mechanical connection through the coupling unit. Spring contact pins have proven to be an intrinsically safe, spark-suppressing, and durable contacting option that can be used without tools and without the cumbersome insertion of a plug to establish an electrical connection, even by persons wearing protective equipment such as protective gloves.

[0016] In an advantageous development, the charging device can comprise a charging current monitoring unit and a charging current switching unit, which are structurally separate and connected via a supply line. Dividing the charging device into an electrical power supply section by the charging current monitoring unit and a coupling section by the charging current switching unit makes it possible to integrate the charging current monitoring unit structurally separately, for example, into a control cabinet, and to integrate the charging current switching unit into a mechanical mounting frame of the charging device in a space-saving manner.

[0017] In an advantageous further development, the charging device can comprise the information and communication device, an energy unit that receives the energy source and is preferably interchangeably receptible in a basic module of the information and communication device, wherein at least one charging current monitoring device, one charging voltage monitoring device, and / or one charging temperature monitoring device is provided, which monitors the charging of the energy source by the charging device, wherein the charging current monitoring device, the charging voltage monitoring device, and / or the charging temperature monitoring device are preferably implemented redundantly, in particular with two or three redundancies. This embodiment makes it possible to monitor the critical parameters of a hazard in an explosion-proof area, namely excessive current, excessive voltage, or excessive temperature development, independently of one another.Overall power monitoring is provided, as is the prevention of sparks caused by overvoltage or leakage currents. Redundant design eliminates the risk of a monitoring device failing.

[0018] In an advantageous further development of the aforementioned embodiment, the charging device, including at least one charging current monitoring device, charging voltage monitoring device, and / or charging temperature monitoring device, can be arranged within the energy unit. The energy unit can be designed as a replaceable component, such as a battery pack, and integrated into the basic module, i.e., the housing of the mobile information and communication device. By integrating the monitoring devices into the energy unit, the monitoring devices can be tailored to the specific energy source, such as battery type, total capacity, specific charging operating temperature Tc, specific charging current Ic, and specific charging voltage Uc. Thus, different energy units with varying energy capacities can be provided for a single information and communication device.

[0019] In an advantageous further development of the two aforementioned embodiments, the basic module of the information and communication device can comprise a data processing unit, and the information and communication device can comprise a charging regulator unit electrically separate from the data processing unit. The charging regulator unit can be connected upstream of the at least one charging current monitoring device, charging voltage monitoring device, and / or charging temperature monitoring device, and the data processing unit can be connected downstream of the power source. In this embodiment, the basic module comprises, within a housing, a data processing unit with a display, a circuit board with peripherals, and, separately, a charging regulator unit that generates a charging current Ic and a charging voltage Uc from the supply voltage provided by the coupling unit.The charging current Ic and charging voltage Uc are not supplied to the data processing unit, but serve to charge the power source independently and separately, and are monitored by the aforementioned monitoring devices. The data processing unit can be powered by energy supplied by the power source, but is galvanically isolated from the energy supplied via the charging device through the coupling unit. This energy is supplied exclusively to the power source for charging via the charging control unit, after which the power source supplies the data processing unit. However, the charging current can also supply energy to the data processing unit via this path. This results in the further advantage that a connection between the power source and the data processing unit is not necessary.A discharge controller unit located between the battery pack and the data processing unit can monitor and regulate the combined energy input of the charging current Ic of the charging device and the discharge current Id of the energy source, thus preventing parallel energy input with potentially double or more than double the power. This is made possible by relocating the star point, where the charging current Ic and discharge current Id can converge, in the area of ​​the energy source.

[0020] In an advantageous further development of the aforementioned embodiment, the charging device can be arranged in the base module. In this embodiment, it is proposed to arrange at least the charging device, which is preferably electrically isolated from the data processing unit, in the housing of the base module. This allows the data processing unit, i.e., the CPU and the chipset of the information and communication device, to be supplied with the charging current Ic only indirectly via the power source. By integrating the charging device into the base module, rather than into a replaceable power unit, it can be adapted to the power requirements of the tablet, smartphone, or the like, and the power unit or power source can be designed cost-effectively and independently.

[0021] In an advantageous development of the aforementioned two embodiments, a discharge controller unit can be connected between the charging device and the data processing unit, which is configured to monitor at least a discharge current Id, a discharge voltage Ud and / or a discharge temperature Td. The discharge controller unit can be configured to monitor both an energy input into the data processing unit by the energy source and by the charging device. The discharge controller unit can preferably be designed to be redundant, in particular doubly or triple redundant. In this embodiment, the discharge controller unit can monitor the entire energy input from the energy source and from the energy provided by the charging device towards the data processing unit, thus enabling complete monitoring and control of energy consumption.Parallel supply by energy source and charging device is not possible, thus preventing an energy overshoot from the discharge current Id and charging current Ic in the area of ​​the energy source due to an upstream neutral point.

[0022] In a secondary aspect, the invention relates to a charging device for an information and communications device described above. It is proposed that the charging device be configured to provide a charging current Ic via the coupling unit, establishing a mechanical and electrical coupling to the information and communications device, and to switch off a charging voltage Uc upon decoupling of the information and communications device. In other words, the coupling unit is de-energized in the decoupled state, so that neither leakage currents nor sparking can occur, and no electrical hazard can arise from the charging device in the explosion-proof area.Monitoring both mechanical and electrical coupling prevents, for example, the supply of electrical energy to the coupling unit when a mechanical coupling is established without a parallel electrical coupling. For intrinsic safety, both a mechanically correct and an electrically conductive coupling to an information and communication device are necessary for energy supply. Furthermore, it is conceivable that additional safety measures, such as a mechanical lock or clamping lever and / or a locking mechanism, are provided for mechanical coupling. In addition, electrical coupling can be achieved through electrical coding, for example, via one or more contact loops with predefined contact connections, electronic coding, or similar methods.

[0023] In a related aspect, the invention relates to a mobile information and communication device for an information and communication device described above. It is proposed that the information and communication device be configured to provide a charging current Ic to the charging device via the coupling unit by establishing a mechanical and electrical coupling to the charging device, and, upon decoupling from the charging device, to cause the charging voltage Uc to be switched off by the charging device. In other words, when coupled, the mobile information and communication device establishes a mechanical coupling to the charging device via the coupling unit and switches on the power supply by the charging device.Mechanical coupling can be monitored via a mechanical switching device such as a touch switch, a proximity sensor, or the like, but can also be achieved purely mechanically, for example, through a positive locking mechanism of the coupling unit, a mechanical clamping or locking device such as a clamping lever, or similar. Electrical coupling can be achieved via a contact loop or electronic monitoring of the contact connections, but can also be possible via software-related measures such as querying a code or similar. Thus, it can be ensured, both mechanically and electronically, that a suitable and approved charging device can be coupled with the information and communication device for charging, and unwanted couplings of device pairs can be selectively prevented.

[0024] In a related aspect, the invention relates to a method for electrically charging a mobile information and communication device by means of a charging device of an information and communication device as described above for explosion-proof areas, in particular ATEX zones. It is proposed that when the mobile information and communication device is coupled to the charging device, a charging current Ic is provided, and when the mobile information and communication device is disconnected from the charging device, a charging voltage Uc is switched off.By releasing electrical energy in a coupling unit between the charging device and the information and communication device, intrinsically safe operation in potentially explosive atmospheres is possible, allowing mobile information and communication devices to be charged without removal from these areas and, for example, without the need for complex disinfection and cleaning. Dual monitoring of the mechanically safe and electrically conductive connection eliminates the possibility of electrical hazards.

[0025] In an advantageous further development of the charging method, the charging current Ic, the charging voltage Uc, and / or the charging temperature Tc can be monitored in the mobile information and communication device. Internal monitoring of the essential charging parameters Ic, Uc, and Tc increases the intrinsic safety of the charging process and prevents power accumulation that could lead to hazards. Preferably, the monitoring is implemented multiple times, particularly two or three times, enabling charging under optimal conditions and preventing impermissible energy input.

[0026] In a further advantageous development of the charging process, the charging control of the energy source in the mobile information and communication device can be electrically separated from the data processing unit. This allows the neutral point for the merging of the charging current Ic of the charging device and the discharge current Id of the energy source to be relocated before energy is input to the data processing unit. This allows the discharge control unit to monitor the current overall and prevent impermissible energy overshoot. The electrical separation of the charging control from the data processing unit makes it possible to comply with higher safety standards and, if necessary, to enable charging via conventional methods outside of potentially explosive atmospheres.

[0027] In an advantageous development of the charging method, a discharge control system for supplying the data processing unit from the energy source can be included, which monitors both the energy input from the energy source and the charging device into the data processing unit. Building on the above embodiment, the discharge control system can, in particular, prevent electrical hazards caused by a dual supply from the energy source and the charging device, and increases intrinsic safety in the charging method by allowing the total power consumption of the data processing unit to be monitored and controlled in an intrinsically safe manner. DRAWINGS

[0028] Further advantages become apparent from the accompanying drawing description. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawing, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0029] They show: Fig. 1 schematically a block diagram of a first embodiment of an information and communication device; Fig. 2 a block diagram of an embodiment of a charging device; Fig. 3 a block diagram of an embodiment of a mobile information and communication device; Fig. 4 a block diagram of another embodiment of a mobile information and communication device.

[0030] In the figures, similar elements are numbered with the same reference symbols. The figures merely show examples and are not to be understood as limiting.

[0031] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of an information and communication device 10 as a block diagram. This information and communication device 10 comprises a charging device 12 and a mobile information and communication device 14, which can be electrically and mechanically connected via a coupling unit 16 for charging purposes, and optionally also for a data connection with a network or a computer, preferably via a USB interface. Fig. 1 represents a coupling state of charging device 12 and mobile information and communication device 14.

[0032] The charging device 16 comprises a charging current monitoring unit 32 for providing and monitoring a maximum charging current and a charging current switching unit 34 for providing a charging current Ic and switching off a charging voltage Uc by means of a mechanical switching means 20 and an electrical switching means 22 of the coupling unit 16. In the coupling state of the charging device 12 and the mobile information and communication device 14 by means of the coupling unit, the mechanical switching means 20 is actuated and a contact loop of the electrical switching means 22 in the coupling unit 16 is closed.

[0033] The mobile information and communication device 14 has a coupling part of the coupling unit 22, which can, for example, comprise a counterpart of the mechanical switching means 20 and a contact loop of the electrical switching means 22.

[0034] A charging current Ic can be supplied to a charging controller unit 48, which regulates a charging current of an internal energy source 18 via a charging current path 60. Downstream of the charging current path 60 are a charging current monitoring device 40, which monitors a maximum permissible current and, if necessary, switches off the charging current Ic; a charging voltage monitoring device 42, which monitors a permissible charging voltage Uc and, if necessary, switches off the charging current Ic; and a charging temperature monitoring device 44, which monitors a permissible charging temperature Tc and, if necessary, switches off the charging current Ic. The charging current monitoring device 40 can be located in the charging current path 60 or directly upstream of the energy source 18. The energy source 18 can comprise one or more rechargeable energy cells, typically battery cells, and can be either replaceable or permanently integrated into the mobile information and communication device 14.In this case, it may be advantageous to provide a separate charging current monitoring device 40 for each energy cell.

[0035] The energy source 18 is connected via a discharge current path 62 as a supply current path to a data processing unit 46, for example, an electronic part of a smartphone, tablet with motherboard, screen, peripherals, etc., in order to supply them with energy. Discharge controller unit 50 is connected in the discharge current path 62, which regulates a discharge current Id and also causes the discharge current Id to be switched off if the discharge current Id, discharge voltage Ud, and / or discharge temperature Td are excessive or insufficient.

[0036] As in Fig. Figure 2, schematically depicted as a block diagram, illustrates this embodiment of a charging device 12, comprising a charging current monitoring unit 32, a charging current switching unit 34, and a socket part of the coupling unit 16. The charging device 12 is connected to a power supply network via a supply line 54, which supplies the charging current monitoring unit 32 with energy. The charging current monitoring unit 32 converts the mains supply into a DC voltage, for example 9V, compatible with charging an internal energy source of the mobile information and communication device 14. Optionally, an additional power supply unit may be connected upstream of the supply line 54, which reduces a mains AC voltage to a low voltage of, for example, 12V or 24V AC or DC. The charging current monitoring unit 32 includes at least one limiting fuse F1, which limits the maximum charging current to intrinsically safe values, e.g.,The unit can monitor and limit the current up to 2 A. It may also include a thermal fuse T1 to prevent overheating. USB data lines (not shown) can also be routed through the charging current monitoring unit 32 and, if necessary, limited to intrinsically safe values ​​of, for example, 70 mA to 80 mA by additional limiting fuses.

[0037] The charging current monitoring unit 32 can be contained in a common housing of the charging device 12 together with the charging current switching unit 34, or can be structurally separate from the latter, e.g., arranged separately in a DIN rail housing in a control cabinet and connected to the charging current switching unit 34 via a supply line 52. The supply line 52 can include both the supply voltage and data lines, such as USB data lines.

[0038] The downstream charging current switching unit 34 is structurally arranged together with a coupling part of the coupling unit 16, usually in a common housing of the charging device 12. The housing can have a clamping frame or fixing means for mechanically receiving and fixing a mobile information and communication device 14.

[0039] The charging current switching unit 34 interacts electrically and mechanically with the coupling element of the coupling unit 16 to enable a charging current Ic when a mobile information and communication device 14 is connected, or to disconnect a charging voltage Uc when the mobile information and communication device 14 is disconnected. Firstly, the coupling element of the coupling unit 16, located on the side of the charging device 12 and preferably designed as spring-loaded contact pins, in particular pogo pins, comprises a mechanical switching element 20a, which can, for example, be designed as a mechanical switch 24a. However, the mechanical switching element 20a can also be designed as an optical, inductive, magnetic, or capacitive proximity switching element 20a, or as a comparable switching element 20 that can detect the physical presence of a mobile information and communication device 12.In addition, the coupling part comprises two charging-device-side parts of the electrical switching means as charging-device-side parts of a connected contact connection as soon as a mobile information and communication device 12 is coupled to the coupling unit 16. These can be designed as two spring contacts. If a mobile information and communication device 12 is coupled to the charging device 14 via the coupling unit 16, a supply voltage potential is applied to a switching contact of the mechanical switching means 20a via the two contact pins of the electrical switching means 22a.In the coupled state, the switching contact of the mechanical switching device 20a is closed, so that the supply potential is applied to two or three charging device switching devices S11, S12, S13 connected in series, for example in the form of switching transistors or relays, and these switch to enable a charging current Ic at the spring contact pins of the coupling part. This requires that a contact loop of the information and communication direction-side part 26b of the connected contact connections is present in the mobile information and communication device 12. When the mobile information and communication device 12 is removed, the charging voltage Uc in the coupling unit 16 is switched off both by opening the switching contact of the mechanical switching device 20a and by removing the contact loop between the electrical switching devices 22a.This ensures that a charging current Ic is only provided at the coupling unit 16 when the mobile information and communication device 12 is inserted and correctly configured. The series connection of the charging device switching elements S11, S12, and S13 further increases the redundancy and intrinsic safety of the charging device 12.

[0040] In Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are two further embodiments of a mobile information and communication device in the form of block diagrams 14.

[0041] Fig. Figure 3 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a mobile information and communication device 14, in which the power source 18 and the data processing unit 46 are integrated in a common housing. The information and communication-side part of the coupling unit 16b comprises a contact loop of the connected contact connections 26b of the electrical switching device 20b and a touch switch part 24b of the mechanical switching device 20b. The supply lines + / - are fed to a charging regulator unit 48, which simultaneously defines a ground connection GND. The charging current Ic is switched via a charging current path 60 by a charging current switching device 56 of the information and communication direction to the power source 18. A charging current monitoring device 40, preferably in the form of an overcurrent fuse, is arranged in the power source 18.The charging current path 60 is monitored for exceedance or undershooting of the charging voltage Uc by a charging voltage monitoring device 42 and for charging temperature T by a charging temperature monitoring device 44. If a temperature deviation occurs, particularly in the event of overheating or exceedance or undershooting of a charging voltage value, the charging current switching device 56 switches off the charging current. If an impermissible charging current is exceeded, the charging current monitoring device 40 is triggered.

[0042] On the discharge side, i.e., the supply voltage side of a data processing unit 46, which may include, for example, a processor board, display, input devices, and peripherals, a discharge control unit 50 is arranged next to a discharge current overcurrent fuse F2. This discharge control unit 50 can interrupt the discharge current or the supply voltage via a discharge current switching device 58 for the information and communication direction. The discharge control unit 50 can monitor the discharge current Id, discharge voltage Du, and discharge temperature or operating temperature Td, and trigger the discharge current switching device 58 in the event of a fault.

[0043] Preferably, the safety-relevant components such as charging current monitoring device 40, charging voltage monitoring device 42, charging temperature monitoring device 44, charging current switching device 56, discharging current switching device 58, and / or discharge control unit 50 are designed multiple times, in particular with two or three redundancies.

[0044] The Fig. 4 shows similarly to Fig. 3 another embodiment of a mobile information and communication device 14. In essence, the structure corresponds to that in Fig. 4 mobile information and communication device shown 14 of the Fig.3. A significant change is that a replaceable energy unit 38 is provided in the housing of the mobile information and communications device 14, which is embodied as a base module 36. The charging controller unit 48 is arranged in the base module 36 of the information and communications device 14, and the other safety-relevant components such as the charging current monitoring means 40, charging voltage monitoring means 42, charging temperature monitoring means 44, charging current switching means 56 (not shown), discharging current switching means 58 (not shown), and discharging controller unit 50 are arranged together with the energy source 18 in the replaceable energy unit 38 in the base module 36. In this respect, the energy unit 38 is designed to be intrinsically safe, thus avoiding major modifications to the hardware of the mobile information and communications device 14 compared to standard devices.

[0045] USB data lines looped through the charging device 12 can be limited in current and voltage to intrinsically safe values ​​by a "classic" barrier (fuses, Zener diodes). The power supply is also limited within the charging device 12. This circuit component can be housed, for example, in an EX-specified housing (so-called d or e housing).

[0046] Connection elements of the coupling unit and other connections such as cable glands should be IP-protected. The IP protection class indicates the suitability of electrical equipment for various environmental conditions, as well as the protection of people against potential hazards during use. In the explosion-protected area under consideration, the IP protection class should preferably be at least IP64, i.e., dustproof and protected against splashing water from all directions.

[0047] The charging device 12 can be configured as a docking station and can include exposed pogo pins in the coupling unit 16, which are limited to safe values ​​or de-energized. Without an information and communication device 12, such as a tablet, inserted in the docking station of the charging device 12, the supply voltage Uc in the coupling unit 16 is disabled. The intrinsically safe data lines for gas and dust can be looped through the charging device 12 and the coupling unit 16.

[0048] The information and communications device 12 can have exposed contact surfaces as a coupling part of the coupling unit 16. When contacted, the coupling unit 16 can be sealed to IP64 standards. For example, a contact bridge 26b in the information and communications device 12, guided through external pogo contacts, and a mechanical touch switch 24 in the locking mechanism of the coupling unit 16 to the charging device 14 can switch the charging voltage Uc. An IP64 seal and isolation are advantageous because the supply line is intrinsically safe for gas but not for dust. The circuit is only activated for the charging current Ic when, for example, a clamping lever of the charging device 14 is in an end position.

[0049] Within the information and communication device 12 itself, the charging voltage Uc can be supplied to a completely separate charging regulator unit 48, which is intrinsically isolated by barriers. The explosion protection is not primarily located in the charging regulator unit 48, but is provided, for example, by dual or triple charging voltage monitoring using a charging voltage monitoring device 42 in the energy unit 38, the so-called battery pack. Here, the charging voltage Uc is monitored and, in the event of overvoltage, the charging current switching device 56 disconnects the system accordingly.

[0050] Battery cell(s) of the energy source 18 can be monitored for overvoltage, undervoltage and temperature by a cell monitoring device (not shown), preferably also redundantly designed multiple times, in particular designed two or three times, wherein a charging voltage monitoring device 42 and a charging temperature monitoring device 44 can be provided.

[0051] The charging current Ic itself is functionally at a predetermined value, preferably 1.5A.

[0052] In terms of explosion protection, the charging current Ic is limited to a predeterminable value, preferably 3.4 A, by a charging current fuse as the charging current monitoring device 40. A charging current monitoring level can be set above the average power consumption of the mobile information and communication device 14, thus ensuring continuous operation. It is irrelevant whether the charging current Ic flows into the energy source 18 or whether the charging current Ic is required to operate the mobile information and communication device 14.

[0053] By means of a downstream power limitation in the direction of the data processing unit 48 by means of a discharge regulator unit 50 and / or the fuse F2 with, for example, 2.5A, it can be ensured that no additional supply paths are created by the charging current Ic, which could lead to increased heating in the data processing unit 46 in the event of a fault during charging.

[0054] The design according to the invention also ensures that charging current, overcharging (final charging voltage), deep discharge protection and charging temperature are monitored three times.

[0055] This allows charging operations to be carried out in an intrinsically safe manner in explosion-proof areas.

[0056] In addition, the mobile information and communications device 14 can be charged conventionally via a USB-C port outside of an explosion-proof area. For this purpose, a standard and separate charging controller of the data processing unit 48 can provide conventional charging control. List of reference symbols 10 Information and communication device 12 Charging device 14 mobile information and communication devices 16 Coupling unit 16a Charging device-side part of the coupling unit 16b Information and communication direction part of the coupling unit 18 Energy source 20 mechanical switching device 20a Charging device-side part of the mechanical switching means 20b Information and communication direction part of the mechanical switching device 22 electrical switching device 22a Charging device-side part of the electrical switching means 22b Information and communication direction side part of the electrical switching device 24 touch switches 24a Charging device side part of the touch switch 24b Information and communication direction side part of the touch switch 26 galvanically connected contact connections 26a Charging device side part of the connected contact connections 26b Information and communication direction part of the connected contact connections 28 Switching signal 30 clamping devices 32 Charging current monitoring unit 34 Charging current switching unit 36 Basic Module 38 energy units 40 charging current monitoring devices 42 Charging voltage monitoring devices 44 Charging temperature monitoring devices 46 Data processing unit 48 Charge controller unit 50 discharge controller unit 52 supply line 54 Supply line 56 Charging current switching devices of the information and communication direction 58 Discharge current switching devices of the information and communication direction 60 Charging current path 62 Discharge current path / supply current path Ic charging current Uc charging voltage Tc charging temperature Id discharge current Ud discharge voltage Td discharge temperature F1 charging current overcurrent protection T1 charger temperature sensor F2 discharge current overcurrent protection S1, S11, S12, S13 Charging device switching means

Claims

[1] Information and communication device (10) for explosion-protected areas, comprising a charging device (12) and a mobile information and communication device (14), in particular a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, laptop or the like, wherein the information and communication device (14) can be electrically and mechanically coupled to the charging device (12) via a coupling unit (16) for charging an energy source (18), in particular a battery, characterized by that the coupling unit (16) is designed to provide a charging current (Ic) after establishing a mechanical and electrical coupling of the information and communication device (14) and the charging device (12) and to switch off a charging voltage (Uc) when the information and communication device (14) and the charging device (12) are uncoupled. [2] Information and communication device (10) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the charging device (12) comprises a clamping unit, in particular a clamping lever and a clamping frame, wherein in the charging state the mobile information and communication device (14) can be mechanically clamped in the charging device (12). [3] Information and communication device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by in that the coupling unit (16) comprises at least one mechanical switching means (20) and at least one electrical switching means (22) which are designed to switch the charging voltage (Uc) and the charging current (Ic), wherein preferably the mechanical switching means (20) and the electrical switching means (22) are connected in series. [4] Information and communication device (10) according to claim 3, characterized byin that the mechanical switching means (20) comprises a touch switch (25), which is preferably arranged in the charging device (12), and the electrical switching means (22) comprises at least two galvanically interconnected contact connections (26), which are preferably arranged in the information and communication device (14), so that a switching signal (28) for providing charging voltage (Uc) and charging current (Ic) is conducted in series via the touch switch (24) and the two contact connections (26). [5] Information and communication device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the contact connections (26) of the coupling unit (16) are designed as spring contact pins, in particular pogo pins, and / or the charging device (12) comprises clamping means (30) for mechanically clamping the information and communication device (14) in the charging device (12) for establishing an electrical and mechanical connection by the coupling unit (16). [6] Information and communication device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the charging device (12) comprises a charging current monitoring unit (32) and a charging current switching unit (34) which are structurally separate and connected via a supply line (52). [7] Information and communication device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the information and communication device (14) comprises an energy unit (38) which accommodates the energy source (18) and can preferably be exchangeably accommodated in a basic module (36) of the information and communication device (14), wherein at least one charging current monitoring means (40), one charging voltage monitoring means (42) and / or one charging temperature monitoring means (44) is provided, which monitors charging of the energy source (18) by the charging device (12), wherein preferably the charging current monitoring means (40), the charging voltage monitoring means (42) and / or the charging temperature monitoring means (44) are designed to be redundant, in particular doubly or triple redundant. [8] Information and communication device (10) according to claim 7, characterized by that the at least one charging current monitoring means (40), charging voltage monitoring means (42) and / or charging temperature monitoring means (44) is arranged in the energy unit (38). [9] Information and communication device (10) according to one of the preceding claims 7 or 8, characterized by in that the basic module (36) of the information and communication device (14) comprises a data processing unit (46), and the information and communication device (14) comprises a charging controller unit (48) which is electrically separated from the data processing unit (46), wherein the charging controller unit (48) is connected upstream of the at least one charging current monitoring means (40), charging voltage monitoring means (42) and / or charging temperature monitoring means (44), and the data processing unit (46) is connected downstream of the energy source (18). [10] Information and communication device (10) according to claim 9, characterized by that the charging regulator unit (48) is arranged in the basic module (36). [11] Information and communication device (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized byin that a discharge controller unit (50) is connected between the energy source (18) and the data processing unit (46), which discharge controller unit is configured to monitor at least one discharge current (Id), one discharge voltage (Ud) and / or one discharge temperature (Td), wherein the discharge controller unit (50) is configured to monitor both an energy input by the energy source (18) and by the charging device (12) into the data processing unit (46), wherein the discharge controller unit (50) is preferably designed to be redundant, in particular doubly or triple redundant. [12] Charging device (12) for an information and communication device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the charging device (12) is designed to provide a charging current (Ic) via the coupling unit (16) by establishing a mechanical and electrical coupling to the information and communication device (14) and to switch off a charging voltage (Uc) when the information and communication device (14) is uncoupled. [13] Mobile information and communication device (14) for an information and communication device (10) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterized by that the information and communication device (14) is set up to provide a charging current (Ic) through the charging device (12) via the coupling unit (16) by establishing a mechanical and electrical coupling to the charging device (12) and to switch off the charging voltage (Uc) by the charging device (12) when it is uncoupled from the charging device (12). [14] Method for electrically charging a mobile information and communication device (14) by a charging device (12) of an information and communication device (10) for explosion-protected areas according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterized by that when the mobile information and communication device (14) is coupled to the charging device (12), a charging current (Ic) is provided, and when the mobile information and communication device (14) is uncoupled from the charging device (12), a charging voltage (Uc) is switched off. [15] Method according to claim 14, characterized by that the charging current (Ic), the charging voltage (Uc) and / or the charging temperature (Tc) are monitored in the mobile information and communication device (14). [16] Method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized bythat in the mobile information and communication device (14) a charging control of the energy source (18) is carried out electrically separately from the data processing unit (46). [17] Method according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized by that a discharge control for supplying the data processing unit (46) by the energy source (18) comprises, which monitors both an energy input by the energy source (18) and by the charging device (12) into the data processing unit (46).

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