signal conversion device

Abstract

To provide a signal conversion device that can improve convenience when wireless is implemented.SOLUTION: A signal conversion device 10 according to the present disclosure integrally includes a housing 161, an input unit 12 into which an electrical signal is input, a conversion unit 13 that converts the electrical signal input into the input unit 12 into a communication signal according to a communication protocol of wireless communication, and an output unit 14 that outputs, for wireless communication, the communication signal converted by the conversion unit 13. The input unit 12 is disposed on a first surface S1 of the housing 161, and the output unit 14 is disposed on a second surface S2 of the housing 161, which is opposite to the first surface S1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a signal conversion device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known technologies related to wireless communication. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector unit for a diversity receiver that can easily connect multiple antenna cables capable of simultaneously receiving multiple radio waves to a printed circuit board having an integrated circuit that constitutes a diversity receiver, and that can also reduce the size of the printed circuit board.

[0003] On the other hand, in various fields including the instrumentation field, signal conversion devices are known that receive electrical signals output from sensors and convert them into digital signals. In recent years, there has been a demand for wireless communication using such signal conversion devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3938720 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when wireless communication is performed using a conventional signal conversion device, it is necessary to prepare a separate wireless device with wireless input / output functions in addition to the signal conversion device with signal input functions, which reduces the convenience of realizing wireless communication.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a signal conversion device that can improve convenience when implementing wireless communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In some embodiments, a signal conversion device integrally comprises a housing, an input unit to which an electrical signal is input, a conversion unit that converts the electrical signal input to the input unit into a communication signal conforming to a communication protocol for wireless communication, and an output unit that outputs the communication signal converted by the conversion unit for wireless communication, wherein the input unit is located on a first surface of the housing and the output unit is located on a second surface of the housing opposite the first surface.

[0008] This improves convenience when implementing wireless communication. The signal conversion device has an input unit, a conversion unit, and an output unit integrated into one unit, eliminating the need for installation space in a control panel for both the signal conversion device and the wireless output device. The signal conversion device can accommodate wireless communication and other needs with only the same installation space as that of a conventional signal conversion device. Even when there is no additional installation space, existing systems can be made wireless simply by replacing the existing signal conversion device with a signal conversion device according to one embodiment. For example, the signal conversion device has the same size as an existing DIN-mounted signal conversion device standardized by the German Industrial Standard (DIN), and the input unit, conversion unit, and output unit are integrated into a housing, making it possible to implement wireless communication simply by replacing the existing signal conversion device.

[0009] In one embodiment of the signal conversion device, the output unit may include an antenna cable connector to which a cable connected to a wireless communication antenna is connected. This allows the distance between the wireless communication antenna and the input unit 12 to be increased by the length of the cable. By arranging the output unit including the antenna cable connector on the front of the signal conversion device, the cable's bending radius can be easily maintained, unlike when the output unit is arranged on the rear. More specifically, the front side of the signal conversion device inevitably provides space for the user to perform cable installation work, and the cable can be arranged with a large bending radius within this space. The signal conversion device can be easily installed in a limited space such as a control panel, and other devices can be arranged closely adjacent to it. By arranging the antenna cable connector for the wireless communication antenna on the front of the signal conversion device, devices can be arranged on a DIN rail without any gaps. The signal conversion device can achieve a packaging density comparable to that of existing signal conversion devices.

[0010] In one embodiment, the cable may be a coaxial cable, and the antenna cable connector may be a coaxial connector, so that the signal conversion device can stably output a communication signal from an output unit to a wireless communication antenna while receiving the noise shielding effect of the coaxial cable.

[0011] In one embodiment, the antenna cable connector and the housing may not be electrically connected to each other, thereby enabling the signal conversion device to electrically insulate the antenna cable connector and the housing from each other.

[0012] In one embodiment, the housing may be made of resin, thereby making it possible to reduce the weight of the housing.

[0013] In one embodiment, the signal conversion device further includes a mounting structure for mounting the signal conversion device to a control panel, and the input unit and the mounting structure may be disposed on the first surface. This makes it possible to arrange electric wires such as signal wires, which can have a smaller bending radius than coaxial cables, in areas where the space required for mounting the signal conversion device to a DIN rail or the like is narrow.

[0014] In one embodiment, the signal conversion device further includes an insertion slot for a recording medium on which setting information related to the wireless communication is recorded, and the output unit and the insertion slot may be located on the second surface. This allows the signal conversion device to insert and replace a recording medium such as a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card without removing the signal conversion device from a control panel or disconnecting wiring from the signal conversion device. This allows a user to easily replace the recording medium in the event of a malfunction or when changing lines.

[0015] The signal conversion device in one embodiment may further include a cover member that covers the insertion slot. This allows the signal conversion device to provide a covering function for the insertion slot. By providing the cover member for the insertion slot, the signal conversion device can hide the insertion slot from the user and make it less noticeable. By providing the cover member for the insertion slot, the signal conversion device can prevent the recording medium from falling out of the insertion slot. By providing the cover member for the insertion slot, the signal conversion device can prevent the recording medium inserted in the insertion slot from being damaged by a malicious third party.

[0016] In one embodiment, the cover member of the signal conversion device may be made of metal or resin. If the cover member of the signal conversion device is made of metal, the strength of the cover member is improved, thereby more significantly demonstrating the above-mentioned various protective effects for the recording medium inserted in the insertion slot. If the cover member of the signal conversion device is made of resin, the weight of the cover member can be reduced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a signal conversion device that can improve convenience when implementing wireless communication. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a general configuration of a wireless communication system including a signal conversion device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a functional block diagram showing a part of the configuration of the signal conversion device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the signal conversion device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a part of a cross section taken along the arrow line IV-IV in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a part of a cross section taken along the arrows VV in FIG. 3. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The background and problems of the prior art will now be described in more detail.

[0020] Signal converters are used in a variety of fields, such as instrumentation, environmental measurement, monitoring of distributed devices, status monitoring of consumables and factory equipment, disaster prevention monitoring of water levels and air pollution, and environmental monitoring in geothermal development, etc. Such signal converters convert electrical signals acquired from sensors into digital signals and output the digital signals to personal computers (PCs) or other devices that are connected to the signal converter by wire.

[0021] When wireless communication is performed using such a signal conversion device, a wireless output device having wireless output capability must be provided separately from the signal conversion device in the wireless communication system. An electrical signal output from a sensor is input to the signal conversion device and converted into a digital signal by the signal conversion device. The digital signal output from the signal conversion device is then input to the wireless output device and converted into a communication signal conforming to a wireless communication protocol. Wireless communication is performed by the wireless output device.

[0022] A communication signal transmitted from a wireless output device is received by a wireless receiving device installed at a location distant from the wireless output device. The wireless receiving device outputs the received communication signal as a digital signal to a PC or the like. The PC is communicatively connected to a network and transmits the digital signal obtained from the wireless receiving device to a centralized management server, a cloud system, or the like via the network as needed.

[0023] In the conventional wireless system described above, the signal converter is attached to a DIN rail installed in a control panel via a predetermined mounting structure, and the wireless output device is also installed, for example, in the control panel near the signal converter.

[0024] The conventional wireless system described above has the following problems.

[0025] For example, as mentioned above, signal converters that receive electrical signals from sensors and convert them into digital signals are often mounted on DIN rails and housed in control panels. To achieve wireless connectivity using such existing sensors, it was necessary to configure the signal converter, which has the function of inputting signals, and the wireless output device, which has the function of wireless output, as separate devices. This required installation space in the control panel to accommodate both the signal converter and the wireless output device.

[0026] It was not easy to add a new wireless output device to a signal converter in a control panel where the installation space for the device was limited. In addition, many existing wireless output devices required a wireless receiver installed in a location separate from the wireless output device, and separate space was required to install the wireless receiver in addition to the wireless output device.

[0027] In addition, as described above, the conventional wireless system has multiple devices such as a signal conversion device, a wireless output device, a wireless receiving device, and a PC, etc. In the conventional wireless system, it is also necessary to supply power to each of these multiple devices.

[0028] Meanwhile, there are various types of conventional wireless output devices.

[0029] For example, a wireless output device according to a first conventional example has an input section to which an analog signal is input, and an output section including an antenna cable connection connector that outputs a communication signal to an antenna via a coaxial cable or the like for wireless communication, on the front surface of the housing.

[0030] In the wireless output device according to the first example of the related art, analog signals and wireless communication signals are mixed in close proximity to each other, which means that unless wiring is done correctly by an expert with knowledge of signal interference, it could lead to problems such as a decrease in communication quality and noise contamination of analog signals.

[0031] For example, the wireless output device according to the second example of the related art has an insertion slot for inserting a SIM card on the back side of the front cover of the housing, and a wiring interface on the front side of the housing. The SIM insertion slot is located on the back side of the front cover of the housing, and the SIM card can be inserted by removing the front cover of the housing by unscrewing it.

[0032] When using such wireless output devices for cellular communications, it is common to use a SIM card provided by a communications carrier. When starting to use cellular communications, the SIM card must be inserted into the SIM slot of the wireless output device. In addition, when using the device overseas, SIM cards differ from country to country, so a structure that allows the SIM card to be replaced is required.

[0033] On the other hand, wireless output devices with cellular communication functions generally have a cover on the SIM slot secured with screws, etc. The reason for this is that once a SIM card is inserted, it is usually used for the duration of the contract, so this prevents the SIM card from naturally coming out due to gravity, vibration, etc., which could cause poor contact.

[0034] Therefore, when inserting or replacing a SIM card, the user must unscrew the cover of the wireless data output device to expose the SIM card slot. Depending on the installation mode of the wireless data output device, this can be difficult to do unless the wireless data output device is removed from its installation location due to other devices and wiring adjacent to the wireless data output device.

[0035] For example, a wireless output device according to a third example of the related art has an output section on the rear surface of a housing, the output section including an antenna cable connector that outputs a communication signal to an antenna via a coaxial cable, etc. When such an antenna cable connector is attached to the rear surface or side surface of a housing, the bend radius of the coaxial cable connected to the antenna cable connector is larger than that of electric wires such as signal lines and power lines, which often limits the placement of the wireless output device.

[0036] In order to solve the above problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a signal conversion device that can improve convenience when implementing wireless communication. Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be mainly described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a wireless communication system 1 including a signal conversion device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The schematic configuration of the wireless communication system 1 will be mainly described with reference to FIG.

[0038] In addition to the signal conversion device 10, the wireless communication system 1 includes a sensor 20 that outputs an electrical signal to the signal conversion device 10, a power source 30 that supplies power to the signal conversion device 10, and a wireless network 40 to which the signal conversion device 10 is communicatively connected. In this disclosure, an "electrical signal" includes, for example, an analog signal. The signal conversion device 10 is communicatively connected to the wireless network 40, converts the acquired electrical signal into a communication signal, and transmits the communication signal to a centralized management server, a cloud system, or the like via the wireless network 40.

[0039] The sensor 20 includes any sensor that performs measurement processing on a physical quantity to be measured and outputs the measurement value as an electrical signal. In this disclosure, the "physical quantity" includes, for example, the temperature, pressure, flow rate, and pH of fluids, including gases and liquids, generated in the plant equipment where the sensor 20 is located, as well as the corrosion level and vibration level of the plant equipment. Without being limited thereto, the physical quantity may also include state parameters, including temperature and pressure, associated with actuators, including valves, motors, and relays.

[0040] In this disclosure, the term "plant facility" includes, for example, industrial plants such as chemical plants, as well as plants that manage and control wellheads including gas fields and oil fields, and their surrounding areas. In addition, the plant facility may include plants that manage and control power generation such as hydroelectric, thermal, and nuclear power, plants that manage and control energy generation such as solar and wind power, and plants that manage and control water supply and sewage systems, dams, etc.

[0041] The signal conversion device 10 can be used in various fields, such as instrumentation, environmental measurement, monitoring of distributed devices, status monitoring of consumables and factory equipment, disaster prevention monitoring of water levels and air pollution, and environmental monitoring in geothermal development. The signal conversion device 10 operates by receiving power from a power source 30. The signal conversion device 10 receives as input an electrical signal output from a sensor 20. The signal conversion device 10 converts the electrical signal acquired from the sensor 20 into a communication signal conforming to a wireless communication protocol, and transmits the signal to a wireless network 40.

[0042] Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a part of the configuration of the signal conversion device 10 of Fig. 1. With reference to Fig. 2, a part of the configuration of the signal conversion device 10 will be mainly described.

[0043] The signal conversion device 10 integrally includes a control unit 11, an input unit 12, a conversion unit 13, an output unit 14, and a storage unit 15.

[0044] The control unit 11 includes one or more processors. In one embodiment, the "processor" may be, but is not limited to, a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The control unit 11 is communicably connected to each component of the signal conversion device 10 and controls the operation of the entire signal conversion device 10.

[0045] The input unit 12 includes any input interface. For example, the input unit 12 includes any connector to which an electric wire such as a signal line through which an electric signal output from the sensor 20 flows is connected. An electric signal is input to the input unit 12. For example, the input unit 12 receives the electric signal output from the sensor 20 and flowing through the electric wire such as a signal line.

[0046] The conversion unit 13 includes any conversion module that converts the electrical signal input to the input unit 12 into a communication signal that complies with a communication protocol for wireless communication. In this disclosure, "wireless communication" includes, for example, cellular communication for enabling the signal conversion device 10 to connect to a wireless network 40 for communication. "Communication protocol" includes, for example, a protocol that complies with such cellular communication. "Communication signal" includes, for example, a digital signal.

[0047] The output unit 14 includes any output interface. For example, the output unit 14 includes any antenna cable connector to which a cable connected to a wireless communication antenna is connected. In this disclosure, a "cable" refers to, for example, a coaxial cable. An "antenna cable connector" refers to, for example, a coaxial connector. Coaxial connectors include connectors based on types such as SMA, SMB, QMA, MCX, 4.3 / 10, and N. The output unit 14 outputs the communication signal converted by the conversion unit 13 for wireless communication. The communication signal output from the output unit 14 reaches an antenna via a coaxial cable and is transmitted from the antenna for wireless communication. The signal conversion device 10 is directly connected to, for example, a cellular communication network via the output unit 14 so as to be able to communicate with the network. In other words, the signal conversion device 10 does not require a separate wireless transmission device as in the conventional wireless communication system 1.

[0048] The storage unit 15 includes any storage module, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a read-only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). The storage unit 15 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 15 is not limited to being built into the signal conversion device 10, and may include an external storage module connected via a digital input / output port such as a universal serial bus (USB).

[0049] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the signal conversion device 10 of Fig. 2. In addition to the components shown in Fig. 2, the signal conversion device 10 has a housing 161, an attachment structure 162, an insertion port 163, a cover member 164, a USB connector 165, a push switch 166, and an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) 167.

[0050] The housing 161 is made of any material and forms the outer shape of the signal conversion device 10. For example, the housing 161 is made of resin. The antenna cable connector included in the output unit 14 and the housing 161 are not electrically connected to each other. The housing 161 has a first surface S1 that forms the back surface and a second surface S2 that forms the front surface opposite the back surface.

[0051] The housing 161 accommodates some of the components of the signal conversion device 10 and holds other components on its surface so that they can be attached. More specifically, the housing 161 houses and holds the control unit 11, conversion unit 13, storage unit 15, and a circuit board 168 (described later) inside the housing 161. The housing 161 holds the input unit 12 on the first surface S1 side. The housing 161 holds the output unit 14 on the second surface S2 side. In addition, the housing 161 has an attachment structure 162 on the first surface S1 side. The housing 161 holds an insertion port 163, a cover member 164, a USB connector 165, a push switch 166, and an LED 167 on the second surface S2 side. The housing 161 is formed to have the same outer shape and size as conventional signal conversion devices that do not have the conversion unit 13 and are not directly made wireless.

[0052] The mounting structure 162 includes any structure for mounting the signal conversion device 10 to a control panel. For example, the mounting structure 162 includes a structure that is compatible with a DIN rail installed in the control panel. The signal conversion device 10 is mounted to any location, such as inside the control panel, by the mounting structure 162. For example, the signal conversion device 10 is installed in the control panel by being attached to a DIN rail via the mounting structure 162.

[0053] The insertion slot 163 receives insertion of a recording medium on which setting information related to wireless communication is recorded. In the present disclosure, the "recording medium" includes, for example, a SIM card. The conversion unit 13 converts the electrical signal into a communication signal using the setting information. The insertion slot 163 is an addition to a conventional signal conversion device that does not have the conversion unit 13 and is not directly wireless. The insertion slot 163 is located at the bottom of the second surface S2 near a side edge of the second surface S2.

[0054] The cover member 164 is a metal or resin member that covers the insertion opening 163. The cover member 164 may be formed from the same material as a label that carries product information and the like and that is attached to the lower part of the second surface S2 of the housing 161, to the left of the insertion opening 163, for example.

[0055] USB connector 165 is used only during the manufacture of signal conversion device 10. For example, USB connector 165 is used by the manufacturer during the manufacture of signal conversion device 10 when writing software for operating signal conversion device 10 into storage unit 15. When a user actually uses signal conversion device 10, USB connector 165 is not used and is covered with, for example, a cover made of the same material as the label.

[0056] Push switch 166 includes any switch that switches the power on and off of signal conversion device 10. LED 167 lights up, for example, when the power is on and signal conversion device 10 is operating, and goes out when the power is off and signal conversion device 10 is not operating. LED 167 is used to notify the user of signal conversion device 10 of the operating state of signal conversion device 10.

[0057] In the signal conversion device 10, the input unit 12 is disposed on a first surface S1 of a housing 161. The mounting structure 162 is disposed on the first surface S1 together with the input unit 12. The output unit 14 is disposed on a second surface S2 of the housing 161 opposite the first surface S1. The insertion port 163 is disposed on the second surface S2 together with the output unit 14. In addition to the output unit 14 and the insertion port 163, a cover member 164, a USB connector 165, a push switch 166, and an LED 167 are also attached to the second surface S2.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a part of a cross section taken along the arrow line IV-IV in FIG.

[0059] In the signal conversion device 10, the push switch 166 and the LED 167 are arranged adjacent to each other on the second surface S2. A circuit board 168 on which the push switch 166 and the LED 167 are mounted is housed inside the housing 161. The push switch 166 and the LED 167 are surface-mounted components on the circuit board 168. The push switch 166 and the LED 167 are mounted on both sides of the circuit board 168, respectively.

[0060] The push switch 166 is formed in a long-nose shape. That is, the footprint of the push switch 166 on the circuit board 168 is far away from the second surface S2 of the housing 161 and is located further inside the housing 161 than the footprint of the LED 167. Only the tip of the push switch 166 is exposed to the outside of the housing 161 from the second surface S2. The edge of the opening of the second surface S2 where the tip of the push switch 166 is located is formed as a C-plane. Substantially the entire push switch 166 is housed inside the housing 161. Only the tip of the LED 167 is exposed to the outside of the housing 161 from the second surface S2. Substantially the entire LED 167 is housed inside the housing 161.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a part of a cross section taken along the arrows VV in FIG.

[0062] In the signal conversion device 10, the USB connector 165 is disposed on the second surface S2 directly below the push switch 166 and the LED 167. The USB connector 165 is mounted on a circuit board 168. The USB connector 165 is a surface-mounted component on the circuit board 168. The USB connector 165 is mounted so as to be oriented vertically relative to the circuit board 168. That is, the USB connector 165 is mounted on the circuit board 168 with the surface with the smallest external area of ​​the USB connector 165 serving as the mounting surface.

[0063] Only the tip of the USB connector 165 is exposed from the second surface S2 to the outside of the housing 161. The tip of the USB connector 165 fits into an opening formed in the second surface S2 of the housing 161. Almost the entire USB connector 165 is housed inside the housing 161.

[0064] The signal converter 10 according to the embodiment described above can improve the convenience of implementing wireless communication. The signal converter 10 has the input unit 12, the conversion unit 13, and the output unit 14 integrated into one unit, eliminating the need for additional installation space in a control panel for both the signal converter and the wireless output unit. The signal converter 10 can accommodate wireless communication and other needs with only the same installation space as a conventional signal converter. Even when additional installation space is unavailable, existing systems can be wirelessized simply by replacing the existing signal converter with the signal converter 10. For example, the signal converter 10 has the same size as an existing DIN-mounted signal converter, and the input unit 12, the conversion unit 13, and the output unit 14 are integrated into the housing 161, allowing wireless communication to be achieved simply by replacing the existing signal converter.

[0065] In addition, the wireless communication system 1 using the signal conversion device 10 does not need to supply power to each of the multiple devices as in conventional wireless systems, and only needs to supply power to the signal conversion device 10 in the same manner as power is supplied to conventional signal conversion devices. That is, the power supply 30 supplies power to the control unit 11, conversion unit 13, memory unit 15, LED 167, circuit board 168, etc. in one signal conversion device 10.

[0066] In the signal conversion device 10, the input unit 12 and the output unit 14 are arranged on opposite sides of the housing 161, thereby suppressing noise problems caused by the wiring path. More specifically, the signal conversion device 10 separates the output unit 14, which includes an antenna cable connector, from the input unit 12, thereby ensuring a distance between the communication signal for wireless communication and the electrical signal as an input analog signal. The signal conversion device 10 can suppress interference between these signals. As a result, the signal conversion device 10 can suppress problems such as a decrease in communication quality and noise contamination of analog signals. This allows the signal conversion device 10 to improve convenience when implementing wireless communication.

[0067] The signal converter 10 includes an antenna cable connector on the output unit 14 to which a cable connected to a wireless communication antenna is connected, thereby increasing the distance between the wireless communication antenna and the input unit 12 by the length of the cable. By locating the output unit 14, including the antenna cable connector, on the front of the signal converter 10, the signal converter 10 can easily maintain the bending radius of the cable, unlike when the output unit 14 is located on the rear. More specifically, the front side of the signal converter 10 inevitably provides space for the user to perform cable installation work, and the cable can be placed with a large bending radius within this space. The signal converter 10 can be easily installed in a limited space, such as inside a control panel, and other devices can be placed closely adjacent to it. By locating the antenna cable connector for the wireless communication antenna on the front of the signal converter 10, devices can be placed on a DIN rail without any gaps. The signal converter 10 can achieve a packaging density comparable to that of existing signal converters.

[0068] The signal conversion device 10 uses a coaxial cable as the cable and a coaxial connector as the antenna cable connection connector, so that the communication signal can be stably output from the output unit 14 to the wireless communication antenna while receiving the noise shielding effect of the coaxial cable.

[0069] In the signal conversion device 10, the antenna cable connector and the housing 161 are not electrically connected to each other, so that the antenna cable connector and the housing 161 can be electrically insulated from each other.

[0070] In the signal conversion device 10, the housing 161 is made of resin, which allows the housing 161 to be made lighter.

[0071] In the signal conversion device 10, the input section 12 and the mounting structure 162 are arranged on the first surface S1, which makes it possible to arrange electrical wires such as signal lines that can have a smaller bending radius than coaxial cables in areas where the space becomes narrow when mounting to a DIN rail or the like.

[0072] The signal conversion device 10 has the insertion slot 163 located on the front surface of the housing 161, which allows the insertion and replacement of a recording medium such as a SIM card without removing the signal conversion device 10 from the control panel or disconnecting the wiring from the signal conversion device 10. This allows the user to easily replace the recording medium in the event of a malfunction or when changing the line.

[0073] In the signal conversion device 10, the cover member 164 is made of the same material as the label, so that the cover member 164 can be easily removed during the above-described work. Therefore, the signal conversion device 10 can maintain the ease of work described above.

[0074] The signal conversion device 10 can provide a cover function for the insertion port 163 by further including a cover member 164 that covers the insertion port 163. By providing the cover member 164 for the insertion port 163, the signal conversion device 10 can hide the insertion port 163 from the user and make it less noticeable. By providing the cover member 164 for the insertion port 163, the signal conversion device 10 can prevent the recording medium from falling out of the insertion port 163. By providing the cover member 164 for the insertion port 163, the signal conversion device 10 can prevent the recording medium inserted in the insertion port 163 from being damaged by a malicious third party.

[0075] When the cover member 164 of the signal conversion device 10 is made of metal, the strength of the cover member 164 is improved, and the various protective effects described above for the recording medium inserted in the insertion slot 163 are more pronounced. When the cover member 164 of the signal conversion device 10 is made of resin, the weight of the cover member 164 can be reduced.

[0076] The signal conversion device 10 has a housing 161 that is formed to have the same external shape and size as a conventional signal conversion device that does not have the conversion unit 13 and is not directly made wireless, so that the original installation location can be used as is when replacing the conventional signal conversion device with the signal conversion device 10. In addition, the mold for manufacturing the housing 161 can be made the same, which reduces the cost associated with manufacturing the signal conversion device 10.

[0077] In the signal conversion device 10, the push switch 166 and the LED 167 are mounted on both sides of the circuit board 168, respectively, so that the interface can be concentrated on the front of the housing 161, which is frequently accessed by the user, while the limited mounting space on the circuit board 168 can be effectively utilized.

[0078] In signal conversion device 10, push switch 166 is formed in a long-nose shape, which makes it possible to suppress interference between components mounted on circuit board 168. Signal conversion device 10 makes it possible to concentrate interfaces on the front surface of housing 161 while effectively utilizing the limited mounting space on circuit board 168.

[0079] Signal conversion device 10 is able to reduce the mounting area on circuit board 168 by mounting USB connector 165 vertically relative to circuit board 168. This allows signal conversion device 10 to mount more circuit components on circuit board 168, thereby improving the mounting density.

[0080] In signal conversion device 10, the tip of USB connector 165 fits into an opening formed in second surface S2 of housing 161, so that even when signal conversion device 10 is mounted vertically relative to circuit board 168, the attachment strength of USB connector 165 to circuit board 168 and housing 161 can be improved. As a result, even when an external force is applied to USB connector 165, signal conversion device 10 can receive the external force with housing 161, thereby preventing damage to USB connector 165.

[0081] The signal conversion device 10 has the insertion port 163 located at the bottom of the second surface S2 near the side edge of the second surface S2, which makes it possible to display labels at the bottom of the second surface S2 as with conventional products, while also enabling a layout that concentrates the interface at the front.

[0082] In the signal conversion device 10, the edge of the opening of the second surface S2 where the tip of the push switch 166 is located is formed as a C-surface, which can improve the operability of the push switch 166 by the user. This makes it easier for the user to press the push switch 166.

[0083] In the signal conversion device 10, the USB connector 165 is used only during manufacturing and is otherwise covered with a cover or the like, thereby enabling differentiation of the interface used during manufacturing. The signal conversion device 10 allows the manufacturer to easily access the USB connector 165 during manufacturing, while preventing the user from misusing the USB connector 165 when the signal conversion device 10 is actually being used.

[0084] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms other than the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the foregoing description is illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the disclosure is defined not by the foregoing description but by the appended claims. All modifications within the range of equivalents of any modifications are intended to be embraced therein.

[0085] For example, the shape, size, arrangement, orientation, and number of each of the components described above are not limited to those described above and illustrated in the drawings, and may be arbitrarily configured as long as the function can be realized.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the electrical signal has been described as including, for example, an analog signal, but is not limited to this. The electrical signal may also include a digital signal. For example, the digital signal may include an on or off signal output from a valve, a motor, a relay, etc. The electrical signal has been described as being output from the sensor 20, but is not limited to this. The electrical signal may be output from any output source.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the wireless communication is described as including cellular communication, but is not limited to this. The wireless communication may include, for example, any communication that allows the signal conversion device 10 to be communicatively connected to the wireless network 40.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the output unit 14 is described as including an antenna cable connector to which a cable connected to a wireless communication antenna is connected, but is not limited to this. The output unit 14 does not have to include such an antenna cable connector. In this case, the wireless communication antenna may be directly attached to the housing 161.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the cable is a coaxial cable and the antenna cable connector is a coaxial connector, but the present invention is not limited to this. The cable may be any other cable than a coaxial cable, and the antenna cable connector may also be any other connector compatible with the cable.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the antenna cable connector and the housing 161 are not electrically connected to each other, but this is not limiting. The antenna cable connector and the housing 161 may be electrically connected to each other. For example, in the signal conversion device 10, the housing 161 may be made of metal, and the antenna cable connector and the housing 161 may be grounded to each other, similar to a normal coaxial connector.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the housing 161 is described as being made of resin, but the present invention is not limited to this and the housing 161 may be made of metal.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the input unit 12 and the mounting structure 162 are described as being arranged on the first surface S1, but this is not limiting. The mounting structure 162 may be arranged on any surface of the housing 161 other than the first surface S1.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the mounting structure 162 has been described as including a structure compatible with a DIN rail installed in a control panel, but is not limited to this. The mounting structure 162 may include any structure that allows the signal conversion device 10 to be mounted to any installation object by, for example, screwing, fitting, or engagement. For example, the mounting structure 162 may include a screw-fastening structure, a wall-hanging structure, or the like instead of or in addition to a structure compatible with a DIN rail.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the output unit 14 and the insertion slot 163 are described as being arranged on the second surface S2, but this is not limiting. The insertion slot 163 may be arranged on any other surface of the housing 161 other than the second surface S2.

[0095] In the above embodiment, only one insertion slot 163 is provided for the housing 161, but this is not limiting. A plurality of insertion slots 163 may be provided for the housing 161.

[0096] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below as examples, however, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples. [Appendix 1] The housing and an input unit to which an electrical signal is input; a conversion unit that converts the electrical signal input to the input unit into a communication signal that complies with a communication protocol for wireless communication; an output unit that outputs the communication signal converted by the conversion unit for wireless communication; Integrates The input unit is disposed on a first surface of the housing, and the output unit is disposed on a second surface of the housing opposite to the first surface. Signal conversion device. [Appendix 2] 2. A signal conversion device according to claim 1, the output unit includes an antenna cable connector to which a cable connected to a wireless communication antenna is connected; Signal conversion device. [Appendix 3] 3. A signal conversion device according to claim 2, the cable is a coaxial cable; The antenna cable connector is a coaxial connector. Signal conversion device. [Appendix 4] 4. A signal conversion device according to claim 2 or 3, The antenna cable connector and the housing are not electrically connected to each other. Signal conversion device. [Appendix 5] 5. A signal conversion device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, The housing is formed from resin. Signal conversion device. [Appendix 6] 6. A signal conversion device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, Further, a mounting structure for mounting the signal conversion device on a control panel is provided, the input portion and the mounting structure are disposed on the first surface, Signal conversion device. [Appendix 7] 7. A signal conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an insertion slot for a recording medium on which setting information relating to the wireless communication is recorded, the output section and the insertion port are disposed on the second surface. Signal conversion device. [Appendix 8] 8. The signal conversion device according to claim 7, Further provided is a cover member for covering the insertion opening. Signal conversion device. [Appendix 9] 9. The signal conversion device according to claim 8, The cover member is made of metal or resin. Signal conversion device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1. Wireless communication systems 10 Signal conversion device 11 Control section 12 Input section 13 Conversion unit 14 Output section 15 Storage section 161 Case 162 Mounting structure 163 Insertion port 164 Cover member 165 USB connector 166 Push Switch 167 LED 168 Circuit Board 20 sensors 30 power supply 40 Wireless Network

Claims

1. The housing and an input unit to which an electrical signal is input; a conversion unit that converts the electrical signal input to the input unit into a communication signal that complies with a communication protocol for wireless communication; an output unit that outputs the communication signal converted by the conversion unit for wireless communication; A signal conversion device integrally comprising: Further, a mounting structure for mounting the signal conversion device on a control panel is provided, the input section and the mounting structure are disposed on a first surface of the housing, and the output section is disposed on a second surface of the housing opposite to the first surface. Signal conversion device.

2. 2. The signal conversion device according to claim 1, the output unit includes an antenna cable connector to which a cable connected to a wireless communication antenna is connected; Signal conversion device.

3. 3. The signal conversion device according to claim 2, the cable is a coaxial cable; The antenna cable connector is a coaxial connector. Signal conversion device.

4. 4. The signal conversion device according to claim 2 or 3, The antenna cable connector and the housing are not electrically connected to each other. Signal conversion device.

5. 4. A signal conversion device according to claim 1, The housing is formed from resin. Signal conversion device.

6. 4. A signal conversion device according to claim 1, further comprising an insertion slot for a recording medium on which setting information relating to the wireless communication is recorded, the output portion and the insertion port are disposed on the second surface. Signal conversion device.

7. 7. The signal conversion device according to claim 6, Further provided is a cover member for covering the insertion opening. Signal conversion device.

8. 8. The signal conversion device according to claim 7, The cover member is made of metal or resin. Signal conversion device.

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