Modular mini-switch with rotating tops for network and expansion modules

Abstract

Mini-switch for decentralized network installations, especially for modular installation systems, comprehensive a) a device body (1) containing electronic network components, b) a connection module (2) arranged on the device body (1), and c) at least one upper part module attachable to the connecting module (2), characterized in that the upper parts consist of at least two technology modules (3), (4). d) wherein the upper parts (3), (4) can be mechanically and / or electrically connected to the connection module (2) via connection interfaces (5), and e) wherein the top parts (3), (4) can be positioned in different orientations relative to the connection module (2) so that the connections of the mini-switch can be adapted to different installation situations.

Description

1. Summary

[0001] This utility model application relates to the field of network technology and in particular to a mini-switch for decentralized network structures, such as those used in FTTO (Fiber-to-the-Office) installations. The invention is based on the objective of providing a mini-switch whose upper module can be flexibly positioned and replaced, thus enabling adaptation to different installation situations and improving port accessibility even in confined spaces. 2. Description

[0002] The mini-switch is specifically designed for use in M45 installation environments – a widely adopted standard for modular building technology, particularly in modern office and FTTO installations. Thanks to its compact, modular design, the mini-switch integrates seamlessly into: • M45 wall frame • M45 surface-mounted or flush-mounted housing • M45 device inserts in skirting trunking • M45 table connection panels install.

[0003] The dimensions of the top part are optimized so that the switch can be used as a double module (45 x 90 mm) - perfectly suited for European installation systems. 1.1 State of the art

[0004] Mini switches are frequently used in workspaces or distributed network nodes to provide local network connections. Common designs of these devices typically have fixed port groups and rigid housing tops. When installed in confined spaces, such as cable ducts, under-desk areas, or vertical shafts, this can lead to limited accessibility of the network ports and make installation more difficult.

[0005] No mini-switch is known from the current state of the art that has a modular, multi-part top section which can be flexibly positioned in different orientations and allows adaptation to a wide variety of spatial conditions. 1.2 Description of the invention - Task

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of providing a mini-switch whose upper modules can be flexibly positioned and replaced, so that adaptation to different installation situations is possible and the accessibility of the ports is improved even in confined spaces. - Solution

[0007] The task is solved by a mini-switch with the features of the protection claims.

[0008] The mini-switch includes: • a device body (1), • a connection module (2) arranged between the device body (1) and the upper part, • at least one upper module, consisting of a first upper part (3) and a second upper part (4), • and several connection interfaces (5) via which the upper parts (3), (4) can be mechanically and / or electrically connected to the connection module (2).

[0009] The upper parts (3), (4) can be used individually or as a coupled unit and can be positioned in different orientations relative to the connecting module (2), including horizontally, vertically, facing forwards or laterally.

[0010] Furthermore, the connection interfaces (5) can be designed to accommodate additional functional or expansion modules, including electronic or radio-based modules such as WiFi, Bluetooth, LoRa, or other industrial IoT communication modules. This enables modular expandability of the system without altering the basic structure of the mini-switch. 1.3 Advantages of the invention

[0011] The invention enables: • a flexible mounting orientation of the upper parts (3), (4), • improved port accessibility in tight installation environments, • Modular expandability through independent or coupled top sections, • simplified maintenance and interchangeability of the modules, • High adaptability to FTTO and other decentralized network installations. • the possibility to integrate additional technology modules - for example WLAN, Bluetooth, LoRa or other IoT communication modules - by replacing the top parts, without having to change the device body (1) or the connection module (2). 3.2 Character description Fig. 1 - Overall view of the assembled device Fig. Figure 1 shows the fully assembled device. The device body (1) forms the base unit, with the connection module (2) positioned on its front. The upper modules, top section (3) and top section (4), are mounted on the device body and contain the visible network connections. In this configuration, the network ports face in the standard mounting direction. Fig. 2 - Exploded view and orientation of the connection surfaces Fig. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the device. The upper parts (3) and (4) have been lifted from the device body (1) so that the connection interfaces (5) are visible. The illustration shows that the upper parts (3) and (4) can be connected to the device body independently of each other. Fig. 3 - Rotatable orientation of the tops Fig. Figure 3 shows the top parts (3) and (4) rotating above the device body (1). The arrows indicate that both top parts can be rotated 90° before assembly. This rotation changes the orientation of the network ports on the top parts: depending on the orientation, the ports can face forward, to the side, or upward. The connection interfaces (5) are arranged to support both rotation positions. Fig. 4 - Device in alternative 90° mounting position Fig.Figure 4 shows the device after the top sections (3) and (4) have been mounted in a rotated position. Here, both top sections have been rotated 90° relative to their standard orientation, so that the network connections now point in an alternative direction. The device body (1) and the connection module (2) remain unchanged, while only the top sections have been mounted in the altered orientation. The result is a modular device configuration with variable connection direction. 3.3 Technical description of the drawing

[0012] The figures show the structure of the mini-switch with a modular top and an underlying device body. - Device body (1) The device body forms the main housing of the device and contains the electronic functional components as well as the power and data processing units. It is designed as a supporting structure for the modules arranged above it. - Connection module (2) A connection module (2) is arranged between the device body (1) and the upper section modules (3) and (4), which enables the mechanical fastening and the electrical or signal-related coupling of the upper section. The connection module serves as an interface between the base housing and the upper section segments. - Top section (3) The top section (3) represents a first network module, which is arranged on the connection module as part of the modular top section structure. It includes network ports and display elements and is adjustable with regard to its orientation relative to the device body. - Top part (4) Top part (4) corresponds to a second port module that is coupled to top part (3) and is also connected to the device body via the connection module. Top part (4) can be aligned together with or independently of top part (3). - Connection interfaces (5) Several high-speed connection interfaces (5) are located on the upper side of the upper module, through which the mechanical and / or electrical connection between the upper segments (3), (4) and the connection module (2) is established. The connection interfaces (5) can be designed as plug connections, snap-fit ​​elements, guide structures or dovetail-type positive locking mechanisms. Furthermore, the connection interfaces (5) can be designed to accommodate additional functional or expansion modules, including electronic or radio-based modules such as WiFi, Bluetooth, LoRa, or other industrial IoT communication modules. This enables modular expandability of the system without altering the basic structure of the mini-switch. The illustrated arrangement shows that the upper modules (3, 4) can be attached to the connecting module (2) via the connection interfaces (5), with the design allowing for variable orientation of the modules. The modular design permits horizontal or vertical orientation as well as forward or sideways positioning of the upper parts, depending on the installation situation of the device.

Claims

[1] Mini-switch for decentralized network installations, especially for modular installation systems, comprising a) a device body (1) containing electronic network components, b) a connection module (2) arranged on the device body (1), and c) at least one upper module that can be attached to the connecting module (2), characterized by , that the upper parts consist of at least two technology modules (3), (4). d) wherein the upper parts (3), (4) can be mechanically and / or electrically connected to the connection module (2) via connection interfaces (5), and e) wherein the top parts (3), (4) can be positioned in different orientations relative to the connection module (2) so that the connections of the mini-switch can be adapted to different installation situations. [2] Mini-switch according to claim 1 characterized by, that the upper parts (3), (4) can be arranged individually or as a coupled unit on the connecting module (2). [3] Mini-switch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the upper parts (3), (4) are rotatable relative to the connecting module (2) by a predetermined angle, in particular by about 90°. [4] Mini-switch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the upper parts (3), (4) can be mounted in a horizontal or vertical orientation. [5] Mini-switch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the upper parts (3), (4) can be aligned so that their connections are directed forward, to the side or upward. [6] Mini-switch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connection interfaces (5) are designed as plug connections, snap connections, guide structures or positive locking connecting elements. [7] Mini-switch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connection interfaces (5) enable electrical signal transmission between the upper parts (3), (4) and the device body (1). [8] Mini-switch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the upper parts (3), (4) have multiple connections and display elements. [9] Mini-switch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connection interfaces (5) are designed to accommodate additional functional modules, in particular communication modules such as network modules • Network modules • WLAN modules • Bluetooth modules • LoRa modules • or other wireless or wired communication modules. [10] Mini-switch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the mini-switch is designed for installation in modular building technology installation systems, especially in • M45 mounting frame • Parapet channels • Table connection panels • or flush-mounted or surface-mounted installation housings.

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