Switchgear

Abstract

To provide a switch gear capable of easily coping with a specification change and an additional request from a customer.SOLUTION: A switch gear according to an embodiment includes, for example, a case having an openable / closable door, a touch panel, and a control unit. The touch panel is provided on a surface of the case, receives at least one of an instruction to open / close the door, an instruction to lock the door, and an instruction to unlock the door from an outside of the case, and outputs a control signal. The control unit performs at least one of opening / closing the door, locking the door, and unlocking the door in response to the control signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a switch gear.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, supplies such as a touch panel, a door handle, an operation switch, a protective relay, and an indicator light are provided lamp are provided on the door of the housing of the switch gear. Holes for providing these supplies are formed in the door of the housing of the switch gear.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] During the manufacture of the switch gear, the specifications of the door of the housing are determined at an early stage. At the manufacturing stage, holes for providing supplies on the door of the housing are formed at an early stage. Therefore, it is difficult to respond to sudden specification changes and additional requests from customers at the manufacturing stage.

[0005] An example of the problem solved by the present invention is to obtain a switch gear that can easily respond to specification changes and additional requests from customers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The switch gear according to the embodiment includes, for example, a housing having an openable and closable door, a touch panel, and a control unit. The touch panel is provided on the surface of the housing and receives at least one of an opening / closing instruction for the door, a locking instruction for the door, and an unlocking instruction for the door from the outside of the housing and outputs a control signal. The control unit executes at least one of opening / closing the door, locking the door, and unlocking the door in response to the control signal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the switchgear of this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the switchgear of this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of the touch panel device of this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the touch panel device of this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (Embodiment) The switchgear 1 according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The configuration of the embodiment described below, as well as the operation and results (effects) brought about by said configuration, are merely examples and are not limited to the following description. In this specification, ordinal numbers are used only to distinguish parts and components and do not indicate order or priority.

[0009] Furthermore, in the following diagrams, for convenience, three mutually orthogonal directions are defined. The X direction is the direction along the front-to-back direction of the switchgear 1. The Y direction is the direction along the width direction of the switchgear 1, and can also be called the left-to-right direction. The Z direction is the direction along the height direction of the switchgear 1, and can also be called the up-and-down direction.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the switchgear 1 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the switchgear 1 comprises a housing 11 and a touch panel device 12.

[0011] The housing 11 is, for example, made of metal and has a rectangular box-like structure, housing circuit breakers, disconnectors, etc. The housing 11 also has a door 111 that closes the opening of the housing 11. In other words, the door 111 is part of the housing 11. The door 111 is attached to the housing 11 so as to be openable and closable by hinges or the like.

[0012] A handle 112 is provided on the door 111. The handle 112 is recessed from the surface of the door 111 toward the inside of the housing 11. As a result, the handle 112 does not protrude from the surface of the door 111. In this embodiment, a handle 112 is provided, but it is not necessary to provide one.

[0013] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the switchgear 1 of this embodiment, viewed from the height direction. As shown in Figure 2, the housing 11 includes a surveillance camera 113 and an electric lock 114. The surveillance camera 113 and the electric lock 114 are installed inside the housing 11. Note that the surveillance camera 113 is an example of a surveillance device.

[0014] The surveillance camera 113 is located at the top of the inside of the enclosure 11 and captures images of the inside of the enclosure 11 throughout the day. However, the installation location of the surveillance camera 113 is not limited to the top of the inside of the enclosure 11. The installation location of the surveillance camera 113 will be changed as appropriate according to the specifications of the switchgear 1 for each customer.

[0015] The electric lock 114 can lock and unlock the door 111 by electrical control. The electric lock 114 is located on the back side of the door 111 and is fixed with bolts or the like at a position that allows locking and unlocking at the boundary between the door 111 and the opening of the housing 11. The electric lock 114 has a projection 114a that can be freely extended by a signal from the touch panel device 12.

[0016] When power is supplied to the touch panel device 12, the projection 114a protrudes from the electric lock 114 and penetrates the door 111 and a hole opened in part of the housing 11. As a result, the electric lock 114 locks the housing 11 and the door 111. On the other hand, if power is not supplied to the touch panel device 12 due to a power outage or the like, the projection 114a is retracted into the electric lock 114 by a spring or the like built into the electric lock 114. As a result, the electric lock 114 unlocks the door 111 from the housing 11.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the touch panel device 12 is provided on the surface of the door 111. In other words, the touch panel device 12 is fitted and attached to an opening that opens from the surface of the door 111.

[0018] The attachment position of the touch panel device 12 is set at a height that is easy for the operator to operate. In this embodiment, the touch panel device 12 is attached to the door 111, but it is not limited to this. For example, the touch panel device 12 may be attached to the side surface of the housing 11.

[0019] Normally, the touch panel device 12 is in a non-operable state and can only be operated by a specific operator. Methods for解除 the non-operable state of the touch panel device 12 include, for example, fingerprint authentication, vein authentication, face authentication, iris authentication, and voiceprint authentication.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the touch panel device 12 of this embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the touch panel device 12 of this embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the touch panel device 12 includes a sensor 121, a camera 122, a microphone 123, a plurality of buttons 124, a storage unit 125, a determination unit 126, a recording unit 127, a touch panel 128, and a control unit 129. The sensor 121 is an example of an authentication unit, the camera 122 is an example of a photographing unit, and further, the microphone 123 is an example of a sound collection unit.

[0021] The sensor 121 is a device that recognizes the fingerprint and vein of the operator of the touch panel device 12. The operator places their hand on the sensor 121 to recognize their fingerprint and vein. Thereby, the touch panel device 12 can perform fingerprint authentication and vein authentication. That is, the sensor 121 enables the operation of the touch panel device 12 through fingerprint authentication and vein authentication. The sensor 121 only needs to be capable of at least one of fingerprint authentication and vein authentication.

[0022] The camera 122 is a device that captures an image or video of an operator who operates the touch panel device 12. The camera 122 recognizes the face and iris of the operator from the captured image. Thereby, the touch panel device 12 can perform face authentication and iris authentication. That is, the camera 122 enables the operation of the touch panel device 12 through face authentication and iris authentication. Note that the camera 122 only needs to be capable of at least one of face authentication and iris authentication.

[0023] The microphone 123 is a device that recognizes the voice of the operator of the touch panel device 12. Thereby, the touch panel device 12 can perform voiceprint authentication. That is, the microphone 123 enables the operation of the touch panel device 12 through voiceprint authentication.

[0024] The touch panel device 12 may解除 the inoperable state of the touch panel device 12 using all of the above fingerprint authentication, vein authentication, face authentication, iris authentication, and voiceprint authentication, or may解除 the inoperable state of the touch panel device 12 by combining multiple authentications.

[0025] After completing the operation, the operator makes the touch panel device 12 inoperable again. The method of making the touch panel device 12 inoperable again is, for example, a method in which the state automatically switches to inoperable when the touch panel device 12 has not been operated for a certain period of time, a method of pressing a button to switch to the inoperable state, etc.

[0026] The plurality of buttons 124 are displayed on the touch panel 128 of the touch panel device 12. Each button 124 outputs a signal with a different instruction from the touch panel 128 and sends it to the control unit 129. The instructions sent by each button 124 to the control unit 129 are, for example, an instruction to open and close the door 111 of the housing 11, an instruction to lock the door 111 with the electric lock 114, an instruction to unlock the door 111 with the electric lock 114, an instruction to view the video inside the housing 11, an instruction to view the image or video of the operator captured by the camera 122, and an instruction to view the operation history of the operator, etc. Note that the number and layout of the buttons 124 may be changed as appropriate.

[0027] The memory unit 125 has pre-stored data on a specific person's fingerprints, veins, face, iris, and voiceprint. The memory unit 125 also stores emergency contact information and predetermined response procedures in case of a malfunction in the switchgear 1.

[0028] The determination unit 126 compares the fingerprint, vein, face, iris, and voiceprint data acquired from the sensor 121, camera 122, and microphone 123 with the fingerprint, vein, face, iris, and voiceprint data stored in the storage unit 125. If the acquired data matches the data stored in the storage unit 125, the unit makes the touch panel device 12 operable.

[0029] The recording unit 127 records the operation history when the operator operates the touch panel device 12, and images or videos of the operator taken by the camera 122.

[0030] The touch panel 128 includes a display screen on which images and videos are displayed. The touch panel 128 has, for example, light-transmitting glass, a transparent conductive film, and a film. The glass, the transparent conductive film, and the film are laminated. The touch panel 128 receives instructions from a plurality of buttons 124 displayed on the touch panel 128.

[0031] Specifically, the touch panel 128 receives instructions from multiple buttons 124 to open and close the door 111 of the housing 11, to lock the door 111 with the electric lock 114, to unlock the door 111 with the electric lock 114, to check the video inside the housing 11, to check the image or video of the operator taken by the camera 122, and to check the operator's operation history, and outputs control signals to the control unit 129. Note that the touch panel 128 only needs to be able to receive and output at least one of the following: an instruction to open and close the door 111, an instruction to lock the door 111, and an instruction to unlock the door 111.

[0032] The touch panel 128 automatically displays emergency contact information and predetermined response procedures stored in the memory unit 125 when an abnormality occurs in the switchgear 1. Furthermore, the touch panel 128 can display the operation history of the touch panel device 12 recorded in the recording unit 127, as well as images or videos of the operator captured by the camera 122. Note that emergency contact information and predetermined response procedures can also be displayed on the touch panel 128 even when no abnormality has occurred in the switchgear 1.

[0033] The control unit 129 controls the electric lock 114 in response to control signals output from the touch panel 128 via a plurality of buttons 124. Furthermore, the control unit 129 opens and closes the door 111, locks the door 111, unlocks the door 111, checks the video inside the housing 11, checks the image or video of the operator captured by the camera 122, and checks the operator's operation history in response to control signals output from the touch panel 128 via each button 124. Note that the control unit 129 only needs to be able to perform at least one of the following actions: opening and closing the door 111, locking the door 111, and unlocking the door 111.

[0034] In this embodiment, the control unit 129 controls the electric lock 114 to close the door 111 while power is supplied to the touch panel device 12. For example, when the operator presses the button 124 on the touch panel device 12 to open or close the door 111, the signal transmitted from the control unit 129 to the electric lock 114 is stopped, and the projection 114a of the electric lock 114 is retracted inside the electric lock 114 by a spring or the like. This allows the door 111 to be opened. However, the signal from the control unit 129 to the electric lock 114 may be controlled by, for example, the button 124 on the touch panel device 12, regardless of whether power is supplied to the touch panel device 12.

[0035] In this embodiment, the touch panel device 12 is assumed to be operated by an operator on-site. However, this is not the only option; for example, the control unit 129 of the touch panel device 12 may be made capable of transmitting signals from an external device, allowing the operator to operate the touch panel device 12 remotely.

[0036] As described above, a touch panel device 12 is attached to the door 111 of the housing 11 of the switchgear 1. On the other hand, in conventional switchgears, a handle, operation buttons, and indicator lights were attached to the surface of the housing door.

[0037] During the manufacturing of switchgear, the specifications of the enclosure door are determined at an early stage. Furthermore, holes for the handle, operating buttons, and indicator lights are drilled in the enclosure door at an early stage of manufacturing.

[0038] Conventional switchgear 1 made it difficult to respond to sudden specification changes and additional requests from customers during the manufacturing stage. On the other hand, in the switchgear 1 of this embodiment, the touch panel device 12 has the functions of a handle, operation buttons, and indicator lights. In other words, in the switchgear 1 of this embodiment, it is only necessary to make a hole in the door 111 of the housing 11 for mounting the touch panel device 12. Therefore, the switchgear 1 can easily respond to sudden specification changes and additional requests from customers during the manufacturing stage.

[0039] Furthermore, in conventional switchgears, the handle, operation buttons, and indicator lights protruded from the surface of the housing door. In contrast, in this embodiment, only the touch panel device 12 protrudes from the surface of the door 111 of the housing 11. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the switchgear 1 from malfunctioning due to the operator coming into contact with the handle, operation buttons, and indicator lights protruding from the housing 11.

[0040] Furthermore, with conventional switchgear, the specifications of the enclosure door differed for each customer, resulting in the creation of multiple door drawings for each customer and an increase in the number of drawings. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the door 111 of the enclosure 11 only requires a hole to be drilled for mounting the touch panel device 12. Therefore, the structure is simplified compared to conventional enclosures. Consequently, it becomes possible to reduce the number of drawings required to create the enclosure 11.

[0041] The touch panel device 12 is in an inoperable state due to, for example, fingerprint authentication, vein authentication, facial authentication, iris authentication, and voiceprint authentication. When an operator operates the touch panel device 12, the operator causes the touch panel device 12 to acquire data (fingerprint, vein, facial image, iris image, voice) from the sensor 121, camera 122, and microphone 123 to obtain all of the authentication data set above.

[0042] The data acquired from the sensor 121, camera 122, and microphone 123 is sent to the determination unit 126 along with data on a specific person (fingerprint, vein pattern, facial image, iris image, voice) that is pre-stored in the memory unit 125.

[0043] The determination unit 126 compares the data acquired by the sensor 121, camera 122, and microphone 123 with the data stored in the memory unit 125. Only if they match, the operator can operate the touch panel device 12. This enhances the security of the switchgear 1.

[0044] In this embodiment, the touch panel device 12 was described as having a configuration comprising a sensor 121, a camera 122, a microphone 123, a plurality of buttons 124, a storage unit 125, a determination unit 126, a recording unit 127, a touch panel 128, and a control unit 129. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the sensor 121, camera 122, microphone 123, plurality of buttons 124, storage unit 125, determination unit 126, recording unit 127, touch panel 128, and control unit 129 may each be provided separately. For example, only the touch panel 128 may be provided on the surface of the door 111.

[0045] The operator operates the switchgear 1 by pressing one of several buttons 124 displayed on the touch panel 128 of the touch panel device 12. For example, if the operator presses one of the buttons 124 on the touch panel device 12 that has the function of opening and closing the door 111 of the housing 11, the control unit 129 controls the projection 114a of the electric lock 114 to retract into the electric lock 114. As a result, the operator can open the door 111 by operating the button 124.

[0046] At this time, the camera 122 captures an image or video of the operator operating the touch panel device 12, and the operation history of the touch panel device 12 is recorded in the recording unit 127. For example, if the operator presses button 124, which has a function to check the image or video of the operator and the operation history captured by the camera 122, the image or video of the operator and the operation history recorded in the recording unit 127 are displayed on the touch panel 128. As a result, if the switchgear 1 malfunctions, the operator can investigate the cause of the malfunction by checking the operator's actions and operation history immediately before the malfunction.

[0047] For example, if the operator presses button 124, which has a function to check the video inside the enclosure 11, the touch panel device 12 displays the video from the surveillance camera 113 installed inside the enclosure 11 on the touch panel 128. This makes it possible for the operator to check the situation inside the enclosure 11 without opening the door 111 of the enclosure 11.

[0048] Furthermore, if power is not supplied to the touch panel device 12 due to a power outage or the like, the signal transmitted from the control unit 129 to the electric lock 114 will be interrupted. When the projection 114a stops receiving signals from the control unit 129, it is retracted into the electric lock 114 by a spring or the like. This allows the operator to open the door 111 even when the touch panel device 12 is inoperable.

[0049] Furthermore, if the switchgear 1 malfunctions or otherwise fails to operate properly, the memory unit 125 displays pre-stored emergency contact information and predetermined response procedures on the touch panel 128. This allows the operator to respond quickly in the event of a malfunction in the switchgear 1.

[0050] As described above, the switchgear 1 comprises a housing 11, a touch panel 128, and a control unit 129. The housing 11 has an openable and closable door 111. The touch panel 128 is provided on the surface of the housing 11 and receives at least one of the following from outside the housing 11: an instruction to open or close the door 111, an instruction to lock the door 111, and an instruction to unlock the door 111, and outputs a control signal. The control unit 129 responds to the control signal and performs at least one of the following: opening or closing the door 111, locking the door 111, or unlocking the door 111.

[0051] The operator controls the switchgear 1 using a touch panel 128 located on the surface of the housing 11. For example, the operator presses a button 124 displayed on the touch panel 128, which outputs a control signal from the touch panel 128 to the control unit 129. The control unit 129 opens, closes, locks, and unlocks the door 111 of the housing 11 in accordance with the control signal output from the touch panel 128.

[0052] As a result, the switchgear 1 does not need to have a handle or operating buttons on the housing 11 for opening and closing the door 111. Therefore, the switchgear 1 does not need to have holes drilled in the housing 11 for a handle or operating buttons, making it easy to respond to sudden specification changes or additional requests from customers.

[0053] Furthermore, only the touch panel 128 protrudes from the surface of the housing 11. This prevents, for example, the operator from accidentally contacting the handle or operation buttons protruding from the housing 11, which could cause the switchgear 1 to malfunction.

[0054] Furthermore, the switchgear 1 has a touch panel 128 on the surface of the housing 11. This simplifies the structure of the switchgear 1 compared to conventional housings, reducing the number of drawings required to create the housing 11.

[0055] In this embodiment, the housing 11 also has an electric lock 114 that can lock and unlock the door 111. The control unit 129 controls the electric lock 114 in response to a control signal. The operator locks and unlocks the electric lock 114 by pressing a button 124 displayed on the touch panel 128 to output a control signal to the control unit 129. For example, if the touch panel 128 malfunctions or the control power supply fails, the electric lock 114 will no longer receive signals from the control unit 129. If the electric lock 114 cannot receive signals from the control unit 129, the projection 114a is retracted inside the electric lock 114 by a spring or the like built into the electric lock 114. This allows the operator to open and close the door 111 of the housing 11 even when the touch panel 128 is inoperable.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the switchgear 1 further includes a sensor 121 capable of at least one of fingerprint authentication and vein authentication. The sensor 121 enables operation of the touch panel 128 by at least one of fingerprint authentication and vein authentication. The touch panel 128 is configured so that only specific individuals can operate it. When operating the touch panel 128, the operator reads their fingerprint and vein pattern from their finger into the sensor 121. The touch panel device 12 becomes operable only if the read fingerprint or vein data matches pre-registered data. As a result, the switchgear 1 can enhance security through fingerprint authentication and vein authentication.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the switchgear 1 further includes a camera 122 capable of at least one of facial recognition and iris recognition. The camera 122 enables operation of the touch panel device 12 by at least one of facial recognition and iris recognition. The touch panel 128 is configured so that only specific individuals can operate it. When operating the touch panel 128, the operator causes the camera 122 to capture images of their face and iris. The touch panel 128 becomes operable only if the captured face or iris matches pre-registered data. As a result, the switchgear 1 can enhance security through facial recognition and iris recognition.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the switchgear 1 further includes a microphone 123 capable of voiceprint authentication. The microphone 123 enables operation of the touch panel device 12 through voiceprint authentication. The touch panel 128 is configured so that only specific individuals can operate it. When operating the touch panel device 12, the operator records their voice into the microphone 123. The touch panel 128 becomes operable only if the recorded voice of the operator matches a pre-registered voice. In this way, the switchgear 1 can enhance security through voiceprint authentication.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the housing 11 has a surveillance camera 113 capable of taking pictures of the inside. This allows the operator to check the inside of the housing 11 without having to open the door 111 of the housing 11.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the switchgear 1 further includes a recording unit 127. The camera 122 is capable of capturing images or videos of the operator operating the touch panel 128. The recording unit 127 records the operation history of the touch panel 128 and the images or videos of the operator captured by the camera 122. When the operator operates the switchgear 1 with the touch panel 128, the camera 122 captures images of the operator operating the touch panel 128. At this time, the recording unit 127 records the images or videos of the operator captured by the camera 122 and the operation history of the operator when they operated the touch panel 128. This allows, for example, if the switchgear 1 malfunctions, the operator to investigate the cause of the malfunction by checking the actions of the operator who was operating it immediately before and the operation history.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 129 is capable of transmitting signals from an external device. This allows the operator to monitor the status of the switchgear 1 from a location away from the site.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the touch panel device 12 can automatically display emergency contact information and predetermined response procedures in the event of an abnormality. This enables the operator to respond quickly when an abnormality occurs in the switchgear 1.

[0063] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The above embodiments are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1 Switchgear 11 cabinets 111 Door 113 Surveillance cameras (surveillance devices) 114 Electric Lock 121 Sensor (Authentication Unit) 122 Camera (Photography Department) 123 Microphone (sound collection unit) 127 Records Department 128 Touch Panel 129 Control Unit

Claims

1. A housing having an openable and closable door with a single hole on its surface, A touch panel provided on the surface of the housing, which receives at least one of the following from outside the housing: an instruction to open or close the door, an instruction to lock the door, and an instruction to unlock the door, and outputs a control signal. A control unit that, in response to the control signal, performs at least one of the following actions: opening and closing the door, locking the door, and unlocking the door. Equipped with, The aforementioned hole is for the touch panel. Switchgear.

2. The enclosure has an electric lock that can lock and unlock the door, and the control unit controls the electric lock in response to the control signal. The switchgear according to claim 1.

3. It further has an authentication unit capable of at least one of fingerprint authentication and vein authentication, The authentication unit enables operation of the touch panel by at least one of the fingerprint authentication and the vein authentication. A switchgear according to claim 1 or 2.

4. It further has a camera unit capable of at least one of facial recognition and iris recognition, The imaging unit enables operation of the touch panel by at least one of the facial recognition and the iris recognition. A switchgear according to claim 1 or 2.

5. It further includes a sound collection unit capable of voiceprint authentication, The sound collection unit enables operation of the touch panel through voiceprint authentication. A switchgear according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The aforementioned housing has a camera capable of taking pictures of the inside. A switchgear according to claim 1 or 2.

7. It also has a recording section, The aforementioned shooting unit is capable of capturing images or videos of the operator operating the touch panel. The recording unit records the operation history of the touch panel and images or videos of the operator captured by the shooting unit. The switchgear according to claim 4.

8. The control unit is capable of transmitting signals from an external device. The switchgear according to claim 6.

9. The aforementioned touch panel is capable of automatically displaying emergency contact information and predetermined response procedures in the event of an abnormality. The switchgear according to claim 2.

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