Mechanism capable of infinitely increasing expansion modules

By using the design of expansion interface and plug-in, locking mechanism and electrical connector in the terminal control module, infinite expansion of functional modules is achieved, solving the problem of insufficient expansion flexibility of modules in the prior art, and improving the flexibility and stability of the system.

CN120302571APending Publication Date: 2025-07-11BEIJING ACCUENERGY TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510456824.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-04-12
Publication Date
2025-07-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the prior art, the functional module expansion flexibility of the terminal control module is insufficient and unlimited expansion cannot be achieved, resulting in high user usage costs and limited application potential.

Method used

The expansion interface on the main structure is connected to the expansion module, through the plug-in and guide groove, combined with the locking mechanism and electrical connection, the stable connection and electrical communication of multiple expansion modules are achieved.

Benefits of technology

It realizes infinite expansion of functional modules, improves the flexibility and adaptability of the system, simplifies installation operations, enhances the stability and reliability of connections, and reduces the cost of use.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanism capable of infinitely increasing extension modules. The mechanism comprises a main body structure, the extension modules and function modules. An expansion interface is formed in one side of the main body structure, and the expansion module is connected with the main body structure through a connecting part and can be reliably fixed through a locking mechanism; the function module is installed on the expansion module and supports expansion of multiple functions. The connecting parts are matched with the guide grooves through plug connectors, accurate positioning is achieved through clamping blocks and fixing grooves, the locking mechanism comprises a locking piece, a limiting piece and a reset piece, and stable connection between the modules is ensured. In addition, electric connection between the modules is achieved through the electric connecting pieces, and function expansion is facilitated. The technical effects of flexible modular design, high expansibility, stable connection and convenient operation are achieved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of control module structure design, and particularly to a mechanism that can infinitely add expansion modules. Background Art

[0002] As a core component in industrial automation and intelligent devices, the terminal control module has developed rapidly in recent years. It plays a crucial role in data acquisition, instruction parsing, device driving, and system coordination, greatly improving the efficiency and intelligent level of industrial production. With the continuous progress of technology, the application scenarios of the terminal control module are becoming increasingly extensive, and its design and functions have gradually become the focus of the industry. However, due to the diverse functional requirements of different application scenarios, how to achieve modular design to meet diverse needs has become an important research direction.

[0003] In the prior art, in order to meet different functional requirements, a design method with preset interfaces is usually adopted. Specifically, a common means is to connect specific functional modules through fixed interfaces, but this method has poor flexibility and cannot adapt to the needs of multiple function combinations. Another means is to adopt a plug-and-play module design, and the rapid replacement of modules is achieved through standardized mechanical interfaces. However, such designs are often limited to limited function expansion and are difficult to meet the needs of infinite expansion. In addition, there are also solutions to implement specific functional modules through re-molding or customized development, but these methods are not only costly but also have a long development cycle and are difficult to quickly respond to market demands.

[0004] The above-mentioned prior art means generally have a common defect: when adding or replacing functional modules, they are often restricted by the number of interfaces or design, and flexible and infinite function expansion cannot be achieved. This limitation not only increases the user's usage cost but also restricts the application potential of the terminal control module in complex scenarios. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a solution that can break through the limitations of the prior art to achieve infinite expansion of functional modules, so as to better adapt to diverse needs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the above technical problems, this application provides a mechanism that can infinitely add expansion modules.

[0006] The mechanism that can infinitely add expansion modules provided by this application adopts the following technical solutions: A mechanism that can infinitely add expansion modules, comprising: A main body structure, with an expansion interface opened on one side of the main body structure; An expansion module, the expansion module is connected to the main structure through the expansion interface, and includes a connecting portion and a mounting portion, the connecting portion includes a connecting piece, and is fixedly connected to the expansion interface through the connecting piece, and a plurality of the expansion modules are connected through the connecting portion; The functional module is provided in plurality and includes a plurality of different types of functions and is fixedly mounted on the expansion module through the mounting portion.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the main structure is connected to the expansion module through the expansion interface, the expansion modules are connected to each other through the connection part, and the functional module is fixedly installed on the expansion module through the installation part. It can meet the module expansion of different functional requirements without redevelopment or mold opening, which reduces the use cost and improves the flexibility and adaptability of the system.

[0008] Preferably, the connecting member includes a guide groove provided in the main structure, and a plug-in member provided on the expansion module, the plug-in member corresponds to the guide groove and is plugged into the guide groove to install the expansion module on the main structure.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the cooperation between the guide groove and the connector enables the expansion module to be quickly and accurately installed on the main structure, realizing modular connection, improving the convenience and reliability of the installation of the expansion module, and providing basic support for the subsequent addition of more expansion modules.

[0010] Preferably, a clamping block is provided at the end of the connector away from the expansion module, the guide groove defines a fixing groove corresponding to the clamping block, and when the expansion module is connected to the main structure, the clamping block is located in the fixing groove.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the cooperation between the clamping block and the fixing slot makes the connection between the expansion module and the main structure more stable, effectively preventing the expansion module from loosening or detaching during use, and improving the reliability of the overall structure. At the same time, this design simplifies the installation and removal process of the expansion module, and can achieve quick locking and unlocking without additional tools, which improves the convenience of operation.

[0012] Preferably, the connectors are arranged on both sides of the expansion module, and no less than two connectors are arranged on each side.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the connectors are arranged on both sides of the expansion module and there are no less than two connectors on each side, so that the connection between the expansion module and the main structure is more stable. This design can ensure that the connection part is evenly distributed when subjected to force, avoid the connection failure problem caused by single-point force, and thus improve the stability and reliability of the overall structure.

[0014] Preferably, the side of the guiding groove is connected to the outside, the fixing groove is arranged on the other side of the guiding groove, and the plug-in member is clamped on both sides of the main body structure.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the design that the side of the guiding groove is connected to the outside enables the plug-in member to be conveniently inserted from the outside and complete the clamping operation. At the same time, the disassembly speed is increased during disassembly, further improving the installation convenience. The fixing groove is arranged on the other side of the guiding groove, further ensuring the stability of the plug-in member and preventing it from loosening during use. The design that the plug-in member is clamped on both sides of the main body structure makes the force more uniform, enhances the connection stability, and thus effectively improves the reliability and safety of the connection between the expansion module and the main body structure.

[0016] Preferably, the expansion module further includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a locking member and a limiting member. The locking member includes a guiding hole opened on the expansion module and a locking rod. The axis of the guiding hole is parallel to the length direction of the guiding groove, including a first guiding hole close to the main body structure side and a second guiding hole opened on the other side of the expansion module. The locking rod is inserted into the guiding hole and moves in the direction towards or away from the main body structure. The locking member further includes a locking hole opened on the main body structure. The locking hole corresponds to the guiding hole. A locking block is arranged on the side of the locking rod close to the first guiding hole. A moving groove for the locking block to pass through is opened on the side of the locking hole. A cross slot is opened on the end face of the other end of the locking rod. When the locking rod moves towards the locking hole, it moves to the inside of the main body structure through the moving groove. After the locking block passes through the locking hole, it is rotated by a tool abutted against the cross slot, and the locking rod is locked in the locking hole. The limiting member includes a limiting plate arranged on the locking rod and a limiting ring arranged inside the expansion module on one side of the first guiding hole. The limiting ring is sleeved outside the locking rod, and its length is not less than the length of the locking block along the axis direction of the locking rod plus the thickness of the plane where the locking hole is located. The limiting plate is arranged as an annular plate. A limiting tube fixedly connected to the expansion module is arranged on the outside of the limiting plate on one side of the second guiding hole. The limiting ring limits the limiting plate. When the limiting plate moves towards the limiting ring and abuts against the limiting ring, the locking block is pushed into the locking hole. By rotating the locking rod, the expansion module is locked. A second moving groove is opened on the second guiding hole. The second moving groove is for the locking block on the next expansion module to move, and the second guiding hole locks the next expansion module.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solutions, the locking mechanism can achieve a firm connection between the expansion module and the main body structure, and at the same time support the continuous installation and locking of multiple expansion modules. The locking rod moves through the guiding hole and inserts into the locking hole on the main body structure. With the rotation of the locking block, the expansion module is firmly fixed on the main body structure, avoiding loosening caused by vibration or external force. The design of the limiting ring and the limiting plate ensures that the locking rod will not over-expand or contract during operation, effectively preventing locking failure. In addition, the second moving groove on the second guiding hole provides a locking space for the next expansion module, enabling multiple expansion modules to be connected in sequence to form a stable expansion chain, greatly improving the flexibility and expandability of the modular design.

[0018] Preferably, the locking mechanism further includes a reset member, and the reset member includes a reset spring. One end of the reset spring abuts against the limiting plate, and the other end is sleeved outside the limiting ring and abuts against the inner side surface of the expansion module.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solutions, the setting of the reset spring enables the locking rod to automatically reset after disassembly, ensuring that both ends of the locking rod are flush with the two side surfaces of the expansion module, which is convenient for operation during the next installation. At the same time, the design of the reset spring simplifies the reassembly process of the locking mechanism, improves work efficiency and reduces operation complexity.

[0020] Preferably, the limiting member further includes limiting strips arranged circumferentially on the limiting plate and limiting grooves opened on the inner side of the limiting tube. Four limiting strips are evenly arranged along the circumferential direction of the limiting plate, and four corresponding limiting grooves are opened.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solutions, the setting of the limiting strips and the limiting grooves effectively prevents the locking rod from rotating or falling off after being locked, improving the stability of the locking mechanism. Four limiting strips are evenly arranged along the circumferential direction of the limiting plate and cooperate with the limiting grooves correspondingly opened on the inner side of the limiting tube to restrict the circumferential movement of the locking rod, ensuring that the locking rod will not rotate due to external force during the locked state; further improving the reliability of the connection between the expansion module and the main body structure and avoiding connection failure problems caused by loosening of the locking rod.

[0022] Preferably, it further includes an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes a circuit board arranged inside the expansion module and communication holes opened on the expansion module and / or the main body structure. The circuit board is electrically connected to the main body structure through the communication holes; One side of the installation part is provided with an electrical plugging point electrically connected to the circuit board, and the functional module is electrically connected to the main body structure through the installation part.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, by arranging a circuit board inside the expansion module and electrically connecting it to the main structure through a communication hole, the stable transmission of signals and power is ensured, supporting the normal operation of multiple functional modules. The electrical plug-in points on the installation part are electrically connected to the circuit board, further ensuring the electrical connectivity between the functional module and the main structure, and improving the reliability of the overall mechanism. Without additional wiring, the installation and maintenance processes are simplified, and the integration and expandability of the system are improved.

[0024] In summary, the present application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. Through the design of the expansion interface on the main structure and the connection part of the expansion module, the flexible connection of multiple expansion modules is realized, and the functional modules can be infinitely increased according to actual needs, solving the problems of limited interface quantity and insufficient flexibility of function expansion in the prior art; 2. The cooperation of the plug-in part and the guide groove and the design of the clamping block and the fixing groove ensure the stability and reliability of the connection between the expansion module and the main structure, while simplifying the installation operation and improving the module assembly efficiency; 3. The setting of the locking mechanism further enhances the firmness of the connection of the expansion module. Through the cooperation of the locking rod, the locking hole and the limiting structure, not only the reliable locking between the modules is realized, but also the cascading locking of multiple expansion modules is supported, meeting the use requirements in complex scenarios. Description of the Drawings

[0025] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of an apparatus of the present application that can infinitely increase expansion modules.

[0026] Figure 2 It is an exploded view of an apparatus of the present application that can infinitely increase expansion modules.

[0027] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the expansion module.

[0028] Figure 4 It is an exploded view of the expansion module.

[0029] Description of reference numerals: 1, main structure; 11, expansion interface; 2, expansion module; 21, connecting part; 211, connecting piece; 2111, guide groove; 21111, fixing groove; 2112, plug-in part; 21121, clamping block; 22, installation part; 23, locking mechanism; 231, locking piece; 2311, guide hole; 23111, first guide hole; 23112, second guide hole; 231121, second moving groove; 2312, locking rod; 23121, locking block; 23122, flat groove; 2313, locking hole; 23131, moving groove; 232, limiting piece; 2321, limiting plate; 2322, limiting ring; 2323, limiting tube; 233, reset piece; 2331, reset spring; 3, functional module; 4, electrical connecting piece; 41, circuit board; 42, communication hole. Detailed implementation manners

[0030] The following further elaborates on this application Figures 1-4 in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0031] The embodiment of this application discloses a mechanism that can infinitely increase expansion modules. Referring to Figure 1 , the mechanism that can infinitely increase expansion module 2 includes main structure 1, expansion module 2 and functional module 3. Among them, main structure 1 and expansion module 2 cooperate with each other through connecting part 21, expansion modules 2 are connected to each other through connecting part 21, and functional module 3 is installed on expansion module 2, realizing flexible expansion of the modules and improving the expandability of the overall structure.

[0032] Referring to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , specifically, expansion module 2 includes connecting part 21 and installation part 22. Connecting piece 211 in connecting part 21 is composed of plug-in part 2112 and clamping block 21121. Plug-in part 2112 can be rectangular or circular column, and clamping block 21121 is arranged at its end.

[0033] Referring to Figure 2 , on one side of main structure 1, expansion interface 11 is opened, and expansion interface 11 includes guide groove 2111 and fixing groove 21111. Guide groove 2111 can be a long strip-shaped groove for guiding the sliding of plug-in part 2112, and fixing groove 21111 is arranged on one side of guide groove 2111 for fixing clamping block 21121. The cooperation relationship between guide groove 2111 and fixing groove 21111 ensures the stable installation of expansion module 2.

[0034] Referring to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , installation part 22 is mainly used for installing functional module 3. A clamping groove is arranged on the upper side of installation part 22, and a buckle connected to the clamping groove is arranged on functional module 3. The buckle structure can adopt elastic plastic material, which is convenient for quick installation and disassembly.

[0035] The locking mechanism 23 includes a locking member 231 and a limiting member 232. The guiding hole 2311 in the locking member 231 consists of a first guiding hole 23111 and a second guiding hole 23112. The first guiding hole 23111 is close to the main body structure 1, and the second guiding hole 23112 is located on the other side of the expansion module 2. A second moving groove 23131 is formed in the second guiding hole 23112 for the locking block 23121 on the next expansion module 2 to move. The second guiding hole 23112 locks the next expansion module 2.

[0036] The axis of the guiding hole 2311 is parallel to the length direction of the guiding groove 2111 to ensure that the locking rod 2312 can move along a predetermined direction. The locking rod 2312 can be made of high-strength steel and its surface is hardened to improve wear resistance and fatigue resistance. The locking block 23121 is arranged on the side of the locking rod 2312 close to the first guiding hole 23111 and is locked after entering the locking hole 2313 through the moving groove 23131. The moving groove 23131 is formed on the side surface of the locking hole 2313 to facilitate the movement of the locking block 23121. A flat groove 23122 is formed on the end surface of the locking rod 2312 to facilitate using a tool to rotate the locking rod 2312 to achieve the locking function.

[0037] The limiting member 232 includes a limiting plate 2321, a limiting ring 2322 and a limiting tube 2323. The limiting plate 2321 is arranged as an annular plate, and the outer side is fixedly connected to the expansion module 2 through the limiting tube 2323. The limiting ring 2322 is sleeved on the outer side of the locking rod 2312 to limit the limiting plate 2321. For example, the limiting plate 2321 can be made of aluminum alloy, which is light and has high strength. The limiting ring 2322 can be made of stainless steel to ensure the reliability of the limitation. The limiting tube 2323 can be made of plastic to reduce weight and cost. The cooperation relationship between the limiting plate 2321 and the limiting ring 2322 ensures the precise position of the locking rod 2312 and avoids excessive movement.

[0038] The reset member 233 includes a reset spring 2331. One end of the reset spring 2331 abuts against the limiting plate 2321, and the other end is sleeved on the outer side of the limiting ring 2322 and abuts against the inner side surface of the expansion module 2. The reset spring 2331 can be made of music wire, which has good elasticity and durability. The function of the reset spring 2331 is to automatically reset the locking rod 2312 to the initial position when the expansion module 2 is disassembled, facilitating the next use.

[0039] The limiting strip and the limiting groove are used to prevent the locking rod 2312 from rotating and falling off. Four limiting strips are evenly arranged along the circumferential direction of the limiting plate 2321, and the corresponding limiting grooves are formed on the inner side of the limiting tube 2323. For example, the limiting strip can be made of high-strength steel and its surface is quenched to improve wear resistance. The limiting groove can be made of plastic material to reduce weight and cost. The matching relationship between the limiting strip and the limiting groove ensures the stability and reliability of the locking rod 2312.

[0040] Referring to Figure 3 , the electrical connector 4 includes a circuit board 41 and a communication hole 42. The circuit board 41 is arranged inside the expansion module 2 and is electrically connected to the main body structure 1 through the communication hole 42. For example, the circuit board 41 can be made of FR-4 material, which has good insulation and heat resistance. The communication hole 42 can be made of copper material and its surface is gold-plated to improve conductivity and oxidation resistance. The electrical plug-in point is arranged on one side of the installation part 22 and is electrically connected to the circuit board 41 for realizing the electrical connection of the functional module 3.

[0041] The implementation principle of the mechanism capable of infinitely increasing the expansion module 2 in the embodiment of the present application is as follows: Through the cooperation between the expansion interface 11 on the main body structure 1 and the connection part 21 of the expansion module 2, the installation and expansion of the expansion module 2 are realized. The plug-in part 2112 and the clamping block 21121 in the connection part 21 ensure the stability and reliability of the expansion module 2. The locking mechanism 23 further enhances the connection strength of the expansion module 2 and prevents accidental detachment. The electrical connector 4 realizes the electrical connection between the expansion module 2 and the main body structure 1 to ensure the normal operation of the functional module 3. The overall structure is reasonably designed, easy to operate, can meet the demand of infinitely expanding the functional module 3, and significantly improves the flexibility and adaptability of the terminal control module.

[0042] The above are all the preferred embodiments of the present application. Without restricting the protection scope of the present application accordingly, therefore: All equivalent changes made according to the structure, shape, and principle of the present application shall be covered within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An institution that can infinitely increase expansion modules, characterized in that: Including: A main body structure (1), on one side of which an expansion interface (11) is provided; An expansion module (2), which is connected to the main body structure (1) through the expansion interface (11), includes a connection part (21) and an installation part (22). The connection part (21) includes a connecting piece (211) and is fixedly connected to the expansion interface through the connecting piece (211). Multiple expansion modules (2) are connected through the connection part (21); Function modules (3), a plurality of which are provided, including various different types of functions, and are fixedly installed on the expansion module (2) through the installation part (22).

2. The mechanism according to claim 1 for infinitely increasing expansion modules (2), characterized in that: The connecting piece (211) includes a guide groove (2111) provided on the main body structure (1) and a plug-in piece (2112) provided on the expansion module (2). The plug-in piece (2112) corresponds to the guide groove (2111) and is inserted into the guide groove (2111) to install the expansion module (2) on the main body structure (1).

3. The mechanism for infinitely increasing expansion modules (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that: A clamping block (21121) is provided at the end of the plug-in piece (2112) away from the expansion module (2). A fixing groove (21111) corresponding to the clamping block (21121) is provided in the guide groove (2111). When the expansion module (2) is connected to the main body structure (1), the clamping block (21121) is located in the fixing groove (21111).

4. The mechanism for infinitely increasing the expansion module (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The plug-in pieces (2112) are provided on both sides of the expansion module (2), and not less than two are provided on each side.

5. The mechanism for infinitely increasing expansion modules (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The side of the guide groove is communicated with the outside, the fixing groove (21111) is provided on the other side of the guide groove, and the plug-in pieces (2112) are clamped on both sides of the main body structure (1).

6. The mechanism according to claim 1 that can infinitely increase the expansion module (2), characterized in that: The expansion module (2) further includes a locking mechanism (23), which includes a locking piece (231) and a limiting piece (232). The locking piece (231) includes a guide hole (2311) and a locking rod (2312) provided on the expansion module (2). The axis of the guide hole (2311) is parallel to the length direction of the guide groove (2111), including a first guide hole (23111) on the side close to the main body structure (1) and a second guide hole (23112) provided on the other side of the expansion module (2). The locking rod (2312) is inserted into the guide hole (2311) and moves in the direction towards or away from the main body structure (1); The locking member (231) further includes a locking hole (2313) formed in the main body structure (1). The locking hole (2313) corresponds to the guiding hole (2311). A locking block (23121) is provided on one side of the locking rod (2312) close to the first guiding hole (23111). A moving groove (23131) for the locking block (23121) to pass through is formed on the side surface of the locking hole (2313). A slotted hole (23122) is formed on the end surface of the other end of the locking rod (2312). The locking rod (2312) moves towards the locking hole (2313) and moves to the inner side of the main body structure (1) through the moving groove (23131). After the locking block (23121) passes through the locking hole (2313), it is rotated by a tool abutted on the slotted hole (23122), and the locking rod (2312) is locked in the locking hole (2313). The limiting member (232) includes a limiting plate (2321) provided on the locking rod (2312) and a limiting ring (2322) provided inside the expansion module (2) on one side of the first guiding hole (23111). The limiting ring (2322) is sleeved outside the locking rod (2312), and its length is not less than the length of the locking block (23121) along the axial direction of the locking rod (2312) plus the thickness of the plane where the locking hole (2313) is located. The limiting plate (2321) is arranged as an annular plate. A limiting tube (2323) fixedly connected to the expansion module (2) is provided on one side of the outer side of the limiting plate (2321) close to the second guiding hole (23112). The limiting ring (2322) limits the limiting plate (2321). When the limiting plate (2321) moves towards the limiting ring (2322) and abuts against the limiting ring (2322), the locking block (23121) is pushed into the locking hole (2313). By rotating the locking rod (2312), the expansion module (2) is locked. A second moving groove (23131) is formed on the second guiding hole (23112). The second moving groove (23131) is for the locking block (23121) on the next expansion module (2) to move, and the second guiding hole (23112) locks the next expansion module (2).

7. The mechanism for infinitely adding expansion modules (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The locking mechanism (23) further includes a reset member (233). The reset member (233) includes a reset spring (2331). One end of the reset spring (2331) abuts against the limiting plate (2321), and the other end is sleeved outside the limiting ring (2322) and abuts against the inner side surface of the expansion module (2).

8. The mechanism for infinitely adding expansion modules (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The limiting member (232) further includes limiting strips arranged on the circumference of the limiting plate (2321) and limiting grooves formed on the inner side of the limiting tube (2323). Four limiting strips are evenly arranged along the circumference of the limiting plate (2321), and four corresponding limiting grooves are formed.

9. The mechanism for infinitely adding expansion modules (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that: It further includes an electrical connector (4), the electrical connector (4) includes a circuit board (41) disposed inside the expansion module (2), and a communication hole (42) opened on the expansion module and / or the main body structure (1), and the circuit board (41) is electrically connected to the main body structure (1) through the communication hole (42); One side of the installation part (22) is provided with an electrical connection point electrically connected to the circuit board (41), and the functional module (3) is electrically connected to the main body structure (1) through the installation part (22).